Mahindra Holidays opens a new resort in Sikkim

Gangtok,Nov28 : Club Mahindra Royal Demazong Resort at Gangtok marks the company’s first foray into the East. With the addition of Club Mahindra Royal Demazong the total resort count for Club Mahindra moves up to 26. The resorts are located in various picturesque destinations in India and abroad, says release of the company. Mahindra Holidays is among India’s leading leisure hospitality providers. The flagship brand Club Mahindra is India’s No: 1 holiday brand (according to Nielsen Winning Brands Model Research). The company’s expansion into new destinations has widened its tourism destination foot print in India, thanks to the large membership base, currently servicing over one lakh members. The 32 room Club Mahindra Royal Demazong Resort is situated between Gangtok Town and the sacred Tsomgo Lake. Every room offers magnificent views of the legendary Chola mountain range. Like all Mahindra Holidays Resorts, Royal Demazong too promises to keep the holidaying families entertained and engaged by offering day long activities for adults and children at the Holiday Activity Centre. The Orchid Restaurant serves delectable local cuisine as well as oft requested favourites.
According to Mr. Ramesh Ramanathan, Managing Director, Mahindra Holidays Resorts India Limited, “Family holidays are increasingly becoming about discovering new destinations. At Club Mahindra we are constantly expanding the destination bouquet, to ensure that our members experience unique and memorable holidays. Picturesque Gangtok has long been a part of our destination strategy and with Royal Demazong we have found the resort that is ideally suited to our cusotmers requirements. We are delighted to open our 26th resort in Gangtok.”

State Bank of Sikkim fraud Swindlers Handed Over to West Bengal Police

Gangtok, Nov. 28: Two men, arrested for trying to swindle a nationalised bank out of crores of rupees, were brought from Sikkim to Birpara today and remanded in 10 days’ police custody by the additional chief judicial magistrate.

Amit Das of Barasat in North 24-Parganas and Subrata Banerjee of Cossipore, Calcutta, had been arrested by Sikkim police in Gangtok while trying to pull off a scam in another bank there.

In a complaint filed with Birpara police on October 28, the manager of the Central Bank of India’s Birpara branch, Pradeep Sarkar, said Das had opened an account in his branch. “On October 16, Sarkar received a phone call from his counterpart in the Burrabazar branch in Calcutta that Das had produced a letter of credit issued by the Birpara branch and wanted to withdraw Rs 48.7 lakh. He, however, fled the scene when the accounts were being verified,” said the assistant public prosecutor, Samir Majumdar.

“On November 21, Sarkar received another call from the Central Bank India’s branch in Vadodara saying Das had produced another letter of credit issued by his branch and wanted to withdraw Rs 1.27 crore. The branch was told not to make any payment, but the duo disappeared,” said the public prosecutor.

Sources in the Birpara police station said police intelligence had come to know about the arrests and asked the Sikkim police to hand them over.

A letter of credit is issued by a bank to its customer against his/her assets, a police officer explained. “Scamsters use these banking instruments to withdraw large sums of money. However, it is most likely that the letter of credit is fake,” added the officer.

Pradeep Dutta, the subdivisional police officer of Alipurduar, said more about the duo would be revealed after interrogation.

Supreme Court for ban on multiple draw of Sikkim lottery

New Delhi, Nov 27 (PTI) The Supreme Court today sought response of the Sikkim Government on a PIL which alleged that the State was organising "illegal" online lotteries in Maharashtra and West Bengal which was ruining the lives of thousands of people.

A bench of Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan, Justices B S Chauhan and K S Radhakrishnan, while passing the direction, posted the matter for further hearing to December 14.

The petition filed by Bibhas Karmkar who appeared in person alleged that the online lottery draws was being conducted by the state governments every 15 minutes and bumper draws every day.

He pointed out that under Section 4H of the Central Lottery Act, there can be only weekly draws and bumper draws can be conducted only six times in a year.

Bhoj Raj starts campaign against Pawan Chamling from Namchi

Gangtok, November 27: Where is area MLA of Upper Burtuk? Whether he will turn-up in the foundation laid programme of Mahakhim on November 27 at Ranka… the people’s speculation will remain unanswered.

The reliable source said that P S Tamang’s whereabout is still a question mark and confirmed that he’ll not present in the said official programme of the foundation laid stone of Mahakhim, the religious temple of Rai community in Ranka Rai Goan, 15 kilometers away from Gangtok.
After long speculation of sitting MLA of Upper Burtuk, P S Tamang hibernation after the assembly election in May last, might have turn in an official programme in his area, will clearly shows that he is leading the dissidence within the party and its party culture.
It is said that the people who are chasing him have not found where he is?
The party sources said that on the eve of foundation stone laying at Ranka, chief minister will hand over all the political and other charges to the government Chief Whip Ugen Bhutia besides his home constituency Tumin-Lingee.
The common people and party supporters are opposing the party’s imposing candidates from outside the constituency saying that the imposed candidates has hamper the development and other socio-political development has been pushed in the back foot from last 10 years.
On the other side, the disgruntle leader Bhoj Raj Rai today campaigned openly in Namchi Bazaar for creation of alternative to ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) under the leadership of P S Tamang.
He had met founder members of the SDF party in Namchi and advocates to alternative political outfit in the state.
However, founder members of SDF, (whose name are not disclosed on their request) said that both the disgruntled leaders are in SDF party. Party has not taken any disciplinary actions against the duo, will remain the members of the SDF party has nothing wrong to talk openly with them.
(Via Himalayan Mirror)

Shillong Students in Gangtok for Study Tour

GANGTOK, November 26: A group of 55 college students from Saint Edmund’s College, Shillong headed by three lecturers is in Gangtok to study various NGO activities in the State as part of their project work in first year graduation in social works.

Today the group visited the Sikkim Government Residential Complex at Syari to study the various community initiatives that have been taken up. One successful initiative has been the solving of the parking problem in which car owners contribute Rs 150 each for the services of a care-taker who ensures the security and safety of the vehicles.

These care-takers are also involved in neighbourhood watch in which they report any unsocial activities to the police beat patrol that visits the locality at 11pm every night. The other initiative which the Shillong group studied was the Syari Litter Free Zone and the management of garbage through door to door collection. All these initiatives have led to employment of local youths.
Rajesh Verma of the Syari Employees Welfare Association and Onex Lepcha, a local youth social worker showed the group around and spelt out the future planned initiatives like setting up of a paper recycling unit in the locality. It was also explained that there was a potential for creating 500 jobs of parking attendants and caretakers in the State if this model can be replicated. Car owners would not mind paying a hundred rupees a month for their vehicles parked unattended on the road side, the visiting group was informed.
The students felt that this initiative could be adopted in Shillong which, they said was also plagued with parking and garbage problems.

Yangang residents want immediate steps to curb bear menace

GANGTOK, November 27: Fearing bear attack, the residents of Yangang, South Sikkim has demanded strict vigilance by the Forest Department in controlling the bear havoc.
The concern from the residents comes after an attack to one of the residents John Rai (19) in the evening of November 25. John, who was working as a labourer at a construction site was mauled by the bear while he was on his way home.

“It has been two days since the patient is admitted in ICU at Central Referral Hospital, Tadong and no officials from the Forest Department have turned up,” said CL Gurung, the former Panchayat president of Yangang.
According to the local residents, the animal, which they had spotted a week back in the locality, had killed several cattle in the area making their life miserable

Sikkim’s ‘organic farming’ highlighted in Bio Fach India 2009

GANGTOK, November 27: The State Agriculture Minister Dawcho Lepcha cited Sikkim’s ‘organic farming’ initiative during the international organic trade fair held in Mumbai from November 18 to 20.
Addressing the event held under the banner of ‘Bio Fach India 2009’, which was attended by Minister for State, Agriculture, Chairman Bio Fach, president ICCOA and delegates from different countries across the world, Mr. Lepcha said that Sikkim was putting concerted efforts towards organic farming. He said, the State, which was declared ‘Organic State’ in 2003 was presently in transition period and envisages becoming fully organic five years from now by 2015.
“Following the landmark decision, a total ban on subsidy transport and handling subsidy including commission to retail agents) in case of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides as a first small step was affected immediately to discourage farmers from resorting to such unsustainable options,” he said.
The Sikkim minister further informed that a number of organic initiatives have been launched with the noteworthy ones being setting up of a centre of excellence of organic farming, awareness programmes on the benefits of organic farming, demonstration programmes, adoption of bio-villages in pilot areas and initiation of the processes of internal control system and organic certification, etc.
“Morarka foundation and HARC are two major service providers along with local MEVEDIR facilitating the process of certification of the farms in the state and so far, a little more than 6000 ha are presently covered in the first phase,” Mr. Lepcha said adding that the target coverage to achieve was 60,000 ha or more by the end of 2015”.

HIV/AIDS count reach 157 in Sikkim

GANGTOK, November 27: As the whole world joins hand in observing the World AIDS Day with the vow of preventing the ailment on December 1, the toll of HIV/AIDS patients in Sikkim has reached 157.
The year 2009 alone recorded 26 HIV/AIDS cases in Sikkim, which authorities reveal is less than it was recorded last year. The Sikkim State Aids Control Society had recorded the highest number of cases in 2008, which numbered to 46. However, no cases of HIV positive were recorded in 1996.
The latest SSACS statistics reveals that 102 males and 55 females are infected with HIV.
According to the statistics, East District dominates the numbers with 91 male and 51 female cases while the West District records the least number with 1 male and 1 female case.
No female with HIV/AIDS have been detected in North District except for 2 male cases.
The data further reveals that 47 persons aged between 30-39 years are victims of HIV/AIDS, 2 below the age of 10, 1 case between 11-19 years, 31 cases aged between 20-29, 17 cases between 40-49years and 4 above 50 years.
“132 HIV/AIDS patients are infected through sexual mode while 11 are through injecting drug, 3 from infected parent to child, 5 from infected blood transfusion and 6 cases are still waiting for the finding of it’s mode of transmission,” sources said.
As a step towards spreading awareness to the people, there are integrated counselling and testing centers in Sikkim including one mobile van ICTC which are also providing facility to prevent parent to child transmission, said Namgyal T. Sherpa, SSACS Project Director.
He added that the AIDS Day celebration would be low key in the Capital this year with few rallies and awareness programmes. “This time we have got less fund allocation from the National AIDS Control Organization so there would be no major events related with World AIDS Day,” the project director said.

FIREBALL 2009 @ 13000 FT.

Army hold fire power demo at 13, 000 ft
GANGTOK, November 27: An impressive show of fire power demonstration was conducted by the Indian Army at Sikkim Ranges near Tsomgo Lake above 13, 000 ft, five kilometres below the Indo-China border today.
The show was followed by equipment display which showcased modern inventory of Army equipment including artillery guns, infantry weapons, engineering, communication and logistic equipment. Tactical mobility during battlefield was demonstrated by Angile Cheetah Helicopters.
Codenamed Exercise Fireball, the targets were engaged by precision and heavy fire power of artillery and infantry weapons amid applause by a huge presence of people comprising of students from colleges and school along with civilians.
The event was graced by Speaker, Sikkim Legislative Assembly KT Gyaltsen, State Tourism Minister Bhim Dhungel, State HRD Minister N K Pradhan , Senior Civil Dignitaries and Army officers including General Officer Commanding, 33 Crops Lieutenant General DS Sidhu and General Officer Commentating, 17 Mountain Division Major General RS Chopra.
“Conducting these kinds of mega events reaffirms the faith of common people towards Armed Forces who are always prepared to defend the frontiers of the nation against any kind of aggression,” said Army officials

Sikkim Empowering Women with Employability and Personality Skills

Gangtok,nov27: With a theme of “Empowering Women with Employability and Personality Skills”, Nehru Yuva Kendra (NYK), East District, will organize a month long Youth Leadership and Personality Development Programme for 30 women from Non Government Organization (NGO) and Self Help Group (SHG). They will be given free residential training, said Mr. Puran Chettri, District Youth Coordinator, NYK, Gangtok, in a press conference on November 25. The training will begin from December 2, he informed.
He said, “It’s a pilot project in the entire country and 50 districts of the country are selected including Gangtok in east district of Sikkim. Objective of the programme is to raise awareness and consciousness level of women. Micro finance and leadership will be discussed during the programme. Managerial and co-opperative skill to the participants will be provided and life skill education will be given, self employment and technical knowledge in different fields will be provided to the participants during the training to make women an effective force of SHG movement in the state”.
This training is first of its kind in not only the state but in the whole country, Mr. Chettri said.
The training will be divided into three capsules, life skill and basic health keeping, micro finance and its utility, and vocational training. Experts from National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Indian Council for Agriculture and Research (ICAR), Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), will be resource persons for the training at Holistic Medicinal Promotion and Allied Education Training Centre, Manbir Colony, Burtuk, Gangtok, he said. After training participants will be provided financial aid from KVIC, he added.

Sikkim Snap Shock

Via VOICEOFSIKKIM

The Vehicle of IPR Minister Miss Neeru Sewa and Minister of Road and Bridge Mrs Tilu Gurung at Dengzong Cinema Hall- Pic by Citizen Reporter/VoS

Alternative road to Sikkim approved

GANGTOK, November 26: A proposal for an alternate highway from Chalsa to Gangtok, via Khonya more-Lhaldhaka-Tode-Rachella-Aritar-Rangpo-Ranipol along with a link to Menla has been approved by Government ‘in-principle’ on November 28, 2008 at an estimated of Rs. 183 lakh for preparation of detail project report (DPR) by Border Road Organisation has also been sanctioned by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in May, 2009.
The Minister of State in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways RPN Singh said this in response to a question posed by Sikkim MP, Rajya Sabha OT Lepcha.
In his reply, Mr. Singh said, since the proposal is at DPR stage, it is too early to indicate the date by which the proposed alternate highway would be completed.
Earlier, the Sikkim MP had sought to know whether an alternative Highway for Sikkim apart from NH-31A has been approved previously and if so the details of its route and progress made in this regard and its completion

25 new buses to hit the roads of Gangtok soon

GANGTOK, November 25: After the much-awaited plan of the Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT) department to procure new buses under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) plan, the SNT General Manager, LM Pradhan today said the first batch of 25 new buses is expected to hit the Capital roads before the end of this year.
The total estimated cost of buying the 25 buses have been Rs. 3 crores out of which Rs 30 lakhs will be borne by the State Government while the remaining 90 percent of the amount will be provided under the JNNURM scheme. It has also been learnt that Gangtok is one out of 63 cities in India which have been identified under JNNURM scheme.
“The issue pertaining to this has already been discussed in the Cabinet meeting and the money has been sanctioned,” Mr. Pradhan told media persons.
The 24-seater buses, it is informed are expected to ply in an around the periphery of the Capital and its adjoining areas connecting Setipul, Jali Power House, Marchak, Central School, Penlong, Luing and other areas.
The SNT GM informed there are already five city runners (buses) in the Capital operating from different areas and the new 25 buses added will eventually help the local passengers and office goers thus solving the problem of transportation during peak tourist seasons

Another Bear Attack @Sikkim construction site

NAMCHI, November 26: A 19-year-old man working at the construction site at Rabong Buddha Park was mauled by the Himalayan Black Bear this afternoon, grievously injuring him.
John Rai, a resident from Mirik who sustained injuries on his left calf and wounds all over his body was referred to STNM Hospital, Gangtok.
This was the first bear attack in the sub-division even as the locals alerted of the sightings of two bears recently.
A team of forest officials consisting of DFO (Wildlife), Passang Dorjee Bhutia, ACF (Wildlife) Madan K Koirala, BO (Territorial), Anup Bhaniya, BO (Wildlife) Suman Basnet, BO (Wildlife) Dorjee Ongmu Bhutia surveyed the area but could not trace the animal.
Prior to the attack, forest officials had been surveying the area following reports of the wild animal eating at least five pigs from Borong-Ralong area, said forest officials. It may be mentioned here that a forest officials had last year tranquilised a black bear at the same locality.
Even at the time of filing this report, the forest officials along with members from eco development committee, joint forest management committee, Panchayats and locals have been coming through the locality. Cages have also been put at certain places around Rabong, forest officials said over the phone.

130 FT TALL CHENREZIG STATUE @ SANGA CHOELING MONASTERY,SIKKIM

GYALSHING, November 26: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today called upon all the people to uphold peace and religious harmony in the State.
Mr. Chamling said this while laying the foundation stone of 130 ft tall statue of Chenrezig, the Lord Buddhist Lord of Compassion to be built near Sanghachoeling monastery in Pelling, West Sikkim.
The Chief Minister, who was accompanied by the MLAs of West District during the ceremony said, this statue to be built with a fund of Rs. 113 crores would be one of the tallest structures in the world.
“We want Sikkim to grow as one of the pilgrimage tourist destinations and I am hopeful that the statue would attract more numbers of international devotees,” the CM said in his brief address.
He said, the vision of the SDF government is to promote and preserve religious and communal harmony in Sikkim and that he added would be possible once the people realize their roles and responsibilities towards the State.
Mr. Chamling also announced that the world’s tallest statue of Buddha Shakyamuni would be built in the years to come after the establishing of ITI and several training centres in the District. More religious institutions such as Church, monasteries, temples, Mangkhims, etc will also be built, he said while announcing that a meditation centre would be constructed in West Sikkim to promote Buddhist literature and culture.
At the same time, the CM on seeing the road conditions of West Sikkim assured for its immediate renovation.
Later in the evening, the Chief Minister also inaugurated the newly built tunnel of NHPC at Reshi, West Sikkim

Sikkim Old settlers seek cut off year for tax exemption

Gangtok,Nov26 : The Sikkim Nationalist Peoples Party (SNPP) on Wednesday urged the Sikkim government to announce a cut off year for migrants in the state to avail the benefit of income tax exemption.

While about 73,000 migrant Nepalese who obtained Indian citizenship in 1990s were eligible for the exemption, a huge chunk of population living in the state for several decades were denied the benefit for lack of required documents, SNPP chief Coordinator, D N Kazi told reporters here.
The state government should immediately convene an all party meeting to evolve a consensus on the cut off year for the entitlement of the exemption, he said.

Kazi urged the state government to ensure that no other central taxes, like wealth tax, be levied upon the Sikkimese people who enjoyed a special status under Article 371(F) of the Constitution.
The Centre has extended income tax exemption to the indigenous Nepalese, Lepcha and Bhutia people on the criteria of identification laid down by state government.

Sikkim records 16457 cases of Child Labours

Gangtok,Nov26: Sikkim records 16457 cases of child labour in the state.This data complies with 2001 census conducted by the Registrar General of India which also says that number of working childrens in the country is 1.26 crores.
This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour & Employment Harish Rawat in a written replyto the RajyaSabha yesterday.
It was further informed that the census conducted by the Registrar General of India is only authentic source of information on the number of working childrens.

'Indian Idol' Prashant Tamang to act in Nepali movie Gurkha Paltan

Kathmandu, Nov 26 (IANS) He started his career as a cop and in 2007 shot to fame when he won the popular music contest ‘Indian Idol’. Now Prashant Tamang has hit the headlines once again by ‘joining’ the British Gurkhas and ‘tying the knot’.
The 26-year-old from Darjeeling has been camping in Nepal, from where his ancestors hailed, to kickstart a new career in acting with the Nepali film ‘Gurkha Paltan’ (The Gurkha Brigade).
Prashant, who became a youth icon in Nepal after winning the third edition of the music reality show against formidable odds, is shooting for the movie in picturesque Palpa district in central Nepal - it is known for its hand-woven cloth and the valiant Gurkha warriors who make their way to the British and Indian armies.
Nepali singer Narayan Rayamajhi is making his debut as a director with ‘Gurkha Paltan’, the tale of young Nepali men being forced to join foreign armies for want of opportunities in their own country and the hardship and privation they undergo.
While casting for his film, Rayamajhi was looking for actors who would have an army background and he found Prashant - with his police career, he was perfect for the role.
Prashant plays Nirman, the fatherless boy who is compelled to join the British Army to take care of his mother and sister.
Prashant, who lost his father at the age of eight and joined the West Bengal Police when he was 18 to fend for his mother and sister, was moved by the story that he says could be his own life story.
From Mumbai, India’s film and finance capital, he has moved to Phulbari in Palpa, a village that every year sends dozens of its sons to try their luck in the British Army.
One of the recent sequences that he shot includes the return of Nirman to his village on leave when he gets married to a girl from the village, played by Nepali actress Ranjita Gurung.
The wiry Prashant, with his trademark beaming smile, looks dashing in the traditional attire of a Nepali groom - a long checked tunic made of the famed Palpa cloth and a matching cap with traditional garlands of grass and red strings around his neck.

The Nepal film industry is watching the making of ‘Gurkha Paltan’ keenly.
Prior to this, Prashant was expected to make his debut with a biopic by debutant Nepali director Dinesh Raj Sharma, but the project is yet to go on floors.
Rayamajhi and Sunil Thapa, the veteran bad man of the Nepali film industry, say they are happy with Prasant’s acting skills.
If ‘Gurkha Paltan’ enjoys reasonable success, Prashant would have a new career in showbiz in the Nepali film industry.

Nepali films are also watched by the diaspora in Mumbai, Darjeeling, Sikkim, Hong Kong, London and the Middle East.

QuikQuip

via sikkimexpress

Geological survey proposed along NH 31-A before laying railway tracks

GANGTOK, November 25: The Chief Secretary TT Dorji has advised for joint survey to be taken up by Border Roads Organisation, Indian Railways and State Line Departments along the National Highway 31-A before laying the first railway line so that geological anomalies are ensured.
This step, it is learnt has been necessitated as the alignment of the railway line is proposed above the existing NH 31-A where double laning is being taken up.
The Chief Secretary’s direction came in the 19th meeting of the railway project held on November 19 here at the State Capital, which was also attended by secretaries of SNT, power, forest, land revenue, director of mines and geology, District Collector East, representatives from BRO, Army, chief engineer roads and bridges and other senior government officials.
During the meet, a detailed presentation for the first phase of the project up to Rangpo and second phase till Gangtok was made by the Deputy Chief engineer (Construction) S. Prabhu of North East Frontier Railways. It is also been learnt that the double laning of NH 31-A is even likely to begin form 2010 and work would be completely initiated by the BRO.
Mr. Dorji also advised the officials to be very careful on works particularly at Teesta valley area, which is very difficult spot with steep gradient and that the disposal of soil should be carefully looked upon.
Further, the CS suggested that related infrastructure for defence purpose should be incorporated along with the dumping area of mud to be specified and the local names not to be changed.
“For the stations at Rangpo and near Gangtok, a joint survey should be carried out expeditiously so that the required land could be earmarked on priority,” he suggested.
Officials from the State Transport Department, the nodal department of the project said that preliminary survey for the second phase connecting Rangpo to Gangtok have been completed till Bhusuk via Kopibari. “Looking at the distance covered, the Railway authorities have initially proposed to terminate the same till Chota Singtam near Saramsa Garden, officials said.
On the other hand, the State Government has urged the Railways to avail rail connectivity till Nathu-La border considering the defence presence.
The final survey of the railway, it is informed is likely to complete by December and the works of laying of lines from Sevoke to Rangpo will commence soon in a war footing process. Some changes are also expected in the projects until the final report is prepared, it is learnt.
Interestingly, the longest railway tunnel in Sikkim is likely to be of 4.6 km

Geyzing Road accident claims five lives

GYALSHING, November 25: Five persons from two families and a driver died on the spot while two others were injured when a Mahindra Savari they were travelling in skidded off the road at 8 Mile, near Gyalshing Bazaar in West Sikkim.
The incident took place at around 10:30 pm yesterday, when the vehicle bearing registration number SK: 04/1124 carrying eight persons including the driver was travelling from Singtam to Uttarey.
Harka Bahadur Shanker, Lok Nath Lamichaney, Tara Devi Lamichaney, Puspa Maya Gadaily and driver Bir Bahadur Shanker died on the spot.
The injured persons - Arjun Kumar Gadaily and Jiwan Kumari Biswakarma were rushed to STNM Hospital, Gangtok.
Surprisingly, only a 3-year-old Bibek Gadaily, son of the deceased Puspa Maya Gadaily survived without any injuries.
It is informed that a family from Singtam and their cousins were shifting their belongings to a new house in Uttarey, 20 km away from Gyalshing.

AAI announces Health centre @ Pakyong Airport site

Pakyong,Nov25 : “Kalyanmayee”, a Women Welfare Organization of Airport Authority of India (AAI) in association with State Government of Sikkim is going to lay foundation of Kalyanmayee Pakyong Health Centre sponsored by Airport Authority of India near Primary Health Centre, Pakyong, followed by a free medical check-up camp in association with Sikkim Manipal Central Referral Hospital, Tadong at Community Hall Pakyong on 29th November 2009.
The program is scheduled to start from 9 am. Doctors of different department such as gynecology, medicine, psychiatry and other departments of CRH will attend the camp. People of Pakyong and its surroundings are welcome and get benefits from the free medical camp, informed Mr. GD Gupta, General Manager of Airport Authority of India

TIE award bagged by Sikkim entrepreneurs

Gangtok,Nov25 : Four entrepreneurs from the state have received “Emerging and Budding Entrepreneurship Award” from The Indus Entrepreneurship (TIE) in its summit meeting at Kolkata on November 20. Dr. Arjun Adhikari, veterinary and acquacare specialist, Mr. Mani Kumar Pradhan, Managing Director, Sikkim Motor Training Engineering Institute (SMTEI), Mr. Ugen Chopel, Film Maker and Hotelier, Mr. Mohan Pradhan, Florist are the proud entrepreneurs of Sikkim Entrepreneurship Association (SEA) who became first from the state to receive this award.
Mr. Pradhan and Dr. Adhikari told media at Press Club of Sikkim on Tuesday that the award has opened door for every hard working youth of Sikkim to enter the world of self employment and that Sikkim is now exposed to the outer world.
Dr. Adhikari shared his experience of the summit. He said, “We got opportunity to meet people like Sandeep Dipchandani, proprietor of Naukri.Com.” Mr. PD Rai, MP, Lok Sabha, from Sikkim was also present in the summit.
Criteria for this award were generation of local employment, role model for youths, innovation and creativity and revenue generation for the government, which were fulfilled by the four entrepreneurs of Sikkim, Dr. Adhikari said. He said, raw material and market are not enough, hand on knowledge is needed. There are many sectors which Sikkim can explore, he added.
“We are getting full support from the government”, he said, adding, “Awareness and motivation among the youths is the key factor which we want to grow in our youths”. He further said, it is time to think globally - how to go global. He thanked the state government, especially Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling, for IT exemption in the state

Sikkim Government Transfers

 

• The Governor is pleased to promote the following members of the Sikkim State Agriculture Service as Deputy Director, in the scale of Rs. 9000-300-13800 in an officiating capacity with immediate effect:-

         1.Shri Kamal Giri , Horticulture Dev. Officer, BAC Timi Tarku.
         2.Shri Harish Moktan, Agriculture Dev. Officer, BAC, Rhenock

•  The Governor is pleased to order the following with immediate effect-
  1.Mrs. Devika R. Gurung, Deputy Director, Tourism Department, Gangtok is hereby Transferred and posted as Deputy Director, Tourism Department, Mangan, North District.
  2.Mr. P. T. Pulger, Deputy Director, Tourism Department, Gangtok is hereby Transferred and posted as Deputy Director, Rangpo, Tourist Information Centre
  
• Shri Tseten Tashi Bhutia, General Manager (O) – II, State Bank of Sikkim , Gangtok who was transferred on deputation as Officer on Special Duty, State Trading Corporation of Sikkim vide Office Order No. 423/G/DOP dated 27/7/2009 is hereby repatriated to the State Bank of Sikkim, Gangtok with immediate effect
  
•  The Governor is pleased to order the following with immediate effect:-
  
  
  1.Shri Karma Tshering Bhutia, OSD, Food Security and Agriculture Development Department is posted as Principal Director (NRM), Food Security and Agriculture Development Department.
  2.Shri S.K. Sinha, who was recently promoted as Principal Director, Food Security and Agriculture Development Department, is posted as Principal Director, Food Security and Agriculture Development Department.
  3.Shri K.K. Singh, who was recently promoted as Principal Director, is posted as Principal Director, Horticulture Cash Crops Development Department.
  4.Shri Phetook Tshering Bhutia, Director NRM shall hold additional charge of Nodal Officer, Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojna.
  5.Shri D.K. Rai, who was recently promoted as Director, is posted as Director, Horticulture Cash Crops Development Department. He shall hold additional charge of Mission Director, TMNE, NBM and NMMAP,
  6.Shri Topchen Lepcha, who was recently promoted as Director is posted as Director, Food Security and Agriculture Development Department. He shall hold the additional charge of Nodal Officer, Macro Management, ATMA and KVK.
  7.Shri Achung Lachungpa, who was recently promoted as Director is posted as Director, Food Security and Agriculture Development Department. He shall hold the additional charge of RKVY.
  8.Shri B.M. Subba, Additional Director (S/W), Food Security and Agriculture Development Department is transferred and posted as Additional Director, Organic Farming and IPM, Food Security and Agriculture Development Department.
  9.Shri G.P. Chauhan, Additional Director (S/W), Horticulture Cash Crops Development Department is transferred and posted as Additional Director, Spices and IPM, Horticulture Cash Crops Development Department
  
  
  

Sikkim Festivals : Feast for the eyes

Sikkim’s buddhist festivals are worth seeing!!
THOUGH a small chunk of Sikkim’s population consists of Tibetans, many a Tibetan festival is celebrated across the state round the year. Saga Dawa, also known as the Triple Blessed Festival, is considered the holiest Buddhist festival. On this day, Lord Buddha was born, achieved enlightenment and attained nirvana; and these three important events are celebrated during Saga Dawa.
The festival falls on a full moon in the fourth month of the Buddhist lunar calendar, which is between the end of May and the beginning of June in the Gregorian calendar.
Lhabab Dhuechen is a festival that symbolises the descent of the Buddha from heaven after visiting his mother. “Dhuechen” means festival while “Lha” means heaven and “bab” means descent. Legend goes that Queen Maya, mother of Lord Buddha, did not live long after his birth and took rebirth in Trayastrimsa or the heaven of the 30 Gods. After attaining enlightenment (Bodhi), Lord Buddha through spiritual powers came to know about the whereabouts of his mother and at the age of 41 ascended to heaven along with thousands of his followers. Lord Buddha stayed in heaven for three months during which he delivered sermons to his mother and other celestial beings. Lord Buddha had left behind on earth one of his disciples, Maudgalyayana, as his representative. This disciple and other devotees of the Lord could not bear the long detachment and longed to hear his preaching. Maugalyayana, who possessed miraculous powers, was asked to go up to heaven to beseech the Lord to return to earth. The gods were not willing to let Lord Buddha return but Maugalyana suggested that as the earthly beings did not have the powers to visit heaven, the celestial being could rather come to the earth to attend his preaching. Lord Buddha finally acceded and descended to earth at a place called Sankasya by means of a triple-ladder that was fabricated especially for the occasion by Viswakarma, the God of Tools.
Drukpa Tsheshi is another festival that is observed by Buddhists to commemorate the event when the Buddha delivered his sermons to his five disciples at Sarnath for the first time. This festival celebrates the Buddha’s first preaching of the four Noble Truths. The first is the Noble Truth of Suffering, the second the Noble Truth of the Origin of Suffering, Karma and Delusion and their causes; the third the Noble Truth of the Cessation of Suffering or the Attainment of Nirvana; and the fourth being the Truth of the Eight Ways Leading to Nirvana. The day falls on the fourth day (Teshi) of the sixth Tibetan month (Drukpa), which is around the end of July and the beginning of August. In Gangtok, Drupka Tsheshi is marked by prayers at the Deer Park and at a secluded place called Muguthang in extreme north Sikkim. The festival is felicitated with a Yak race.
Phang Lhabsol is a unique festival of Sikkim. The third Chogyal of Sikkim, Chakdor Namgyal, made this festival popular. In this festival, the snowy range of Kanchenjungha is worshipped for its unifying powers. The festival also marks the signing of the treaty of blood-brotherhood between the Lepchas and Bhutias by Khye Bumsa and Tetong Tek when, it is said, the local deities were invoked to witness the occasion. On this day, the guardian deity is portrayed by masked dances. The dancer, dressed as a red-faced deity with a crown of five skulls, rides a snow lion. To boost the mood of the spectators, clowns called Atchars play antics during the Chaams dance. This festival is held on the 15th day of the seventh month which is around the end of August.
Losoong marks the end of the harvest season and also the end of the 10th month of the Tibetan Year. Taking a cue from a good harvest and praying for even better prospects for the next crop, the festival is marked by Chaam dancing at the monasteries at Tsu-La-Khang, Phodong and Rumtek. The dances symbolise the exorcising of evil spirits and the welcoming of the good spirits of the new year. It is best observed in the countryside. Archery competitions and festivities mark the occasion. Men become gods during the dances and don attire with mystical symbols.

The Tibetan New AYear festival, Losar, is equally shared by the Sikkimese. People come out on the roads and join in the Yak Dance with yells to usher in the new year. They wear their best brocades, sing and greet each other with warm hugs. Picnickers are seen having a time out in groups in the lovely vales.
Sikkim’s Tibetan festivals are worth seeing, even if this means getting there from miles away.

‘Anti-Incumbency’ wave sweeping across Sikkim Democratic Party

PS Tamang a ‘Dark Horse’ within the SDF party

Gangtok, November 25: In continuance to the waves of dissidence within the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) making rounds, a close aide to Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling has himself coded that the turbulence is actually being felt within the party ranks. On condition of anonymity, the party senior mentor today held Chamling’s ‘Dictatorial’ style of functioning responsible for the quandary.

Bouncing back on Chamling, he said “Power makes people corrupt, but absolute power corrupts absolutely” following which Chamling has surfaced as “Superlatively corrupt”. Relying high on his political career since the first Chief Minster LD Kazi’s regime, the veteran politician calculated that an absolute majority in the state assembly has always proved inauspicious in Sikkim ’s power game. Citing instances on how the late Kazi and even the Bhandari regime tumbled after having secured all 32 seats, he said that the same adversity would soon creep into the SDF.

During an exclusive interview with this publication, the senior party man further said that Chamling has gradually failed to live up to the expectations of the common people. “Even those who staked their lives to oust Bhandari and establish Chamling during the 1994 elections are today either hammered or fatally attacked”. He further rapped Chamling for the failure of his government to nab the culprits, following which similar disruptive elements are enjoying free hand in the state. To top it off, he further said that Chamling failed to convince numerous government employees who were either assured promotions or pay revision as per the recommendations of the fourth pay commission formed by Chamling himself. “After having failed to do so, the financial crisis has stalled all developmental works in the state” he said.

Interestingly, the senior leader has pointed out that a strong “Anti- Incumbency factor’ is being experienced within the SDF, that too after the elections that ended just six months back. He further attributed this factor to be the root cause of dissidence within the party.

Commenting on the party’s present state of affairs, the political veteran said “Chamling has now lost his forts, a change is obviously expected”. When asked about PS Tamang’s fortune in the Sikkimese political arena, he tagged the dissident Tamang as a ‘Dark Horse’ of the SDF. “He still has a long way to go, and is Chamling’s only substitute” he said. He further assumed that Tamang being the most popular figures in the SDF could go beyond popular expectations and could change the realms of power in Sikkim
Himalayan Mirror Bureau

Dimapur XI beats United Sikkim in Royal Gold Cup

Kohima,November 25 : Dimapur District XI cruised into the semi-finals of the ongoing Royal Gold Cup handing out a 2-0 defeat to United Sikkim Sporting Club in the last quarter-final match played here today. Dimapur District XI has sets up a semi-final clash with Veteran Sporting Club, Phek who were awarded a walk-over after Citizen Club Manipur failed to show up for the quarter-final match.
Dominating the first half, Dimapur took an early lead through Akum Ao, who converted off a spot-kick awarded for a hand-ball committed by rival defender Lakpam Sherpa inside the D-Box in the 12th minute. The Dimapur boys extended their lead when Rabi sent home the second goal in the 25th minute. A golden opportunity for Sikkim to narrow the lead was missed by Gyanendra Karki in the 30th minute and Sikkim failed to convert even as it dominated the second half. The match saw Pushpa Gurung of Sikkim and Das and Rabi of Dimapur being yellow-carded for foul play.
Meanwhile, Wednesday’ first semi-final match between New Market XI and defending champions, Nagaland Police promises to be a truly exciting match as both appear to be evenly-matched. Expectations are that the winner of the match will lift the trophy.

Sikkim celebrates 84th birthday of Satya Sai Baba

Gangtok,Nov24 : 84th Birthday of Sri Sai Baba was celebrated by Sri Sai Sangathan of North District & Gangtok in Sarva Dharma Kendra, Balwakhani on Monday, November 23, the day on which Sai Baba’s birthday is celebrated every year in many countries of the world.
About 400 people of Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist and Christian communities with 20 Mondalis participated in a rally from Chorten Monastry, Deorali, to Balwakhani. Dorjee Namgyal, MLA (Gangtok Constituency) was also present.
It is said this programme is organized to spread the wisdom of ‘Universal Peace & Environment Conservation’. The day’s programme started with ‘Rudra Mahayagya’ with a large public participation, which was followed by talks of Dr. Sonam Gyatso Bhutia, chief advisor of the organisation, Passang Sherpa, organization president of East District, who impart message of “non interference in one another’s religion and ‘protection of environment”.
Religious leaders spoke of the “message of God” and prayed for all.

Technology Week 2009 @ ICAR,Gangtok

Gangtok,Nov24 : Krishi Vigyan Kendra, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Sikkim Centre, Ranipool, has organized Technology Week 2009, on the theme “Farmers’ empowerment and livelihood improvement through technology based support” at Ranipool, from November 23 to 29.
The inaugural programme of the Technology Week 2009 on November 23 started in the morning with felicitation of Chief Guest Mr. Bhim Dungel, Mininster for Forest, Environment, Science & Technology, Govt. of Sikkim, and other dignitaries. The Chief Guest inaugurated the programme by lightening lamp. Dr. H. Rahman, Joint Director, ICAR Sikkim Centre, in his welcome address highlighted the activities of ICAR and the agenda for Technology Week by the KVK.
Sustainable livelihood in hills could be achieved by focusing on the improvement of livelihood option of household and harnessing local mountain resources which are compatible with the mountainous agro-climatic condition. Though more than 65 per cent of the total population of the state depends entirely on agriculture, rarely they generate surplus income after meeting their daily requirements. Improved farm technologies are hardly reached to the farming community. Due to non availability of suitable local resource based technology, most of the farmers are still practising the traditional farming methods, thereby putting their livelihood condition at stake.
The Technology week aims to provide awareness among the farming community of the East Sikkim through Crop Seminar followed by farmer-scientist interaction to provide a common platform where farmers get the opportunity to share their experiences, express their problems and get instant solutions in consultation with researchers, developmental experts, implementing agencies (state line departments), bankers, marketing agencies, cooperatives and other stakeholders.
A quiz competition was held on the day for the farmers to get exposed and clarified on some of the common questions related to various fields. The winners were awarded with inputs/ demonstration kits sponsored by different organizations along with certificates, it is informed.
An agricultural exhibition is arranged by different organizations to showcase the various activities, which provide an opportunity to the farmers to enrich their knowledge through varied exposure to different modern technologies/products in the field of agriculture and allied fields relevant to agro-ecological situation of the region.
More than 150 farmers from different villages of East Sikkim district are participating in the programme who are selected from the village level SHG/ Farmers’ Club / Farmers’ Interest Group (FIG) of the district. (With KVK input)
On the occasion, Chief Guest and other dignitaries released the 1st edition of KVK Newsletter, eight number of technical folders and one Technology Bulletin under Technology Mission-I in the cause of the farming communities as well as other stakeholders. Chief Guest also distributed technology kits to selected farmers, inaugurated the farmers exhibition and visited stalls in the exhibition, the release informed.

Multiple RTI officials mockery of RTI Act in Sikkim - BJP

Gangtok,Nov24:The BJP today accused the Pawan Kumar Chamling government for gross violation of the provisions of the Right to Information Act (RTI) by way of appointment of multiple officials in each department.
The information seekers under RTI have been made to run from pillar to post to elicit replies to their specific queries as there were too many officials assigned for the job in each government department, the BJP Sikkim unit vice president Padam Bahadur Chettri told reporters here.

For instance, the Building and Housing department has as many as 18 officials assigned with the task of handling RTI queries, he said quoting to the reply of his question under the Act seeking the details of the government buildings constructed by the said department.

Not only that his query was returned unanswered, but the Building and Housing department returned his application saying that the query should have been addressed to the specific officials as there were 18 of them assigned to respond to RTI queries.

Stating that there should not be more than one official with each department assigned for the purpose of furnishing replies under the RTI Act, Chettri urged the Chief Information commissioner to ensure that the government departments in Sikkim stuck to the rules of the Act which was enacted to ensure transparency in the government.

Tata Nano hits roads in Gangtok

GANGTOK, November 24: A Gangtok resident has become the first person in Sikkim to own the most awaited car of the century - the Tata Nano.
Suresh Cintury received the keys of Sky Blue Nano LX of Base model from Bajla Motors, the Tata motor dealers in the Capital.
An excited Suresh while talking with  said, “This is indeed a very proud moment for me and my family. It is a matter of immense happiness to be the first customer of the Nano in Sikkim.”
Mr. Cintury, who had won the pick and draw contest a week back on lucky book had to spend Rs. 1.40 lakh to get the car of his dreams.

Sikkim Legislators makes it to the first day of computer training

GANGTOK, November 24: Even as the majority of the Sikkim Legislators failed to attend the first day of the weeklong exclusive computer training, a few of them who made it today expressed the importance of learning fundamentals of computers in the 21st century.
Speaker, Sikkim Legislative Assembly KT Gyaltsen, who inaugurated the programme said, in the era of 21st century the knowledge of information technology is necessary. “I am sure the week long training will make the members of the Legislative Assembly sound on the basic knowledge of computer,” the Speaker added.
The State HRD Minister NK Pradhan on his part informed his counterparts that learning computers would be useful for them to monitor developmental activities in their respective constituencies. They could feed the relevant information in the computers.
The weeklong training is being organised by the department of information technology in coordination with the Assembly Legislators at SLA, Gangtok.
The Legislators, it is informed would be given hands on training on Computer Fundamental, Microsoft Word and Internet concept. This training programme is a sequel to the two days e-Governance Leadership Meet that was organized for the Sikkim Legislators at National Institute for Smart Governance, Hyderabad.

SHRP dissolves Central Executive Committee

We support Gorkhaland statehood demand: AD Subba
GANGTOK, November 24: The Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad (SHRP) Party chief Dr. AD Subba yesterday announced that an adhoc Central Action Plan Committee of the party has been formed after dissolving the Central Committee.
Addressing the first press conference held here yesterday after its dismal performance in the last general election, Dr. Subba said, the adhoc committee has top ten groups in which five members are there.
The adhoc body consists of Chopel Bhutia, Laden Lepcha, Gopal Chettri, MB Rai, Gyalpo Tamang, LM Subba, Nindey Sherpa, KB Gurung, Bhim Shila Rai, AT Bhutia, OP Bista, PT Lepcha, Bhim Keysi, Laxmi Subba, TT Bhutia, Tara Shesthra, Sumitra Rai, TB Thatal, Bishnu Pradhan, SR Subba and SP Sharma.
Dr. Subba also expressed support for the demand of separate statehood of Gorkhaland. He pointed out that the people of Darjeeling Hills were fighting for their motherland and nothing else.
At the same time, the SHRP leader lambasted on the SDF government for keeping mum over the Gorkhaland issue. He further requested the political leaders of Darjeeling not to fight with each other but to unite and fight together for Gorkhaland.
SHRP president further said that the party will be holding weekly press conferences.
Tara Shesthra, Bhim Keysi, PT Lepcha and Bishnu Pradhan were also present in the conference

Mysterious object in Rabong sky leaves residents puzzled

GANGTOK, November 24: The unusual sound experienced in the skies of Rabongla this afternoon sent shivers down the spine of local residents and irked many others.
The local people of Rabongla in South Sikkim today reported of having seen some unnatural object flying in the sky followed by some noise this afternoon. “At first, we heard a noise and later we observed an object flying in the sky leaving back the white fumes,” said Karma Rinzing, one of the local residents informed.Worried over what might happen, the local people immediately informed the incident to the police.
Later talking to media, the DC, South AK Singh said, although the team headed by SDPO was immediately deputed to find out on the incident no traces could be made. The DC doubted that that the people may have sighted the army MIG fighter plane which he added might have changed its course. At the same time, the DC has urged the people not to panic.
He further informed that the police team is still in the process of finding the traces if it happens to be any unidentified objects

Heart-shaped oranges in Seoul ,South Korea

Two women hold up heart-shaped oranges that are on sale at a department store in Seoul, South Korea from November ,2009.

Nepali grandfather is world's oldest to scale Mt Everest

KATHMANDU — A Nepalese climber who scaled Everest aged 76 has finally been named by Guinness World Records as the oldest man to do so, following a lengthy battle for recognition.

Min Bahadur Sherchan, now 78, reached the summit of the world's highest peak in May 2008, but later discovered he had lost out on the record because he failed to provide the necessary evidence of his achievement.

Instead, Guinness World Records awarded the accolade to Yuichiro Miura, a Japanese climber one year Sherchan's junior who had climbed Mount Everest in the same month.

"I am delighted to finally be recognised as the oldest man to climb Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world," Sherchan told AFP Monday.

"A younger climber was declared the record-holder last year, even though I had made the ascent in 2008. I did not know then that I had to put together the claim myself, I thought the authorities would do it for me."

Sherchan, who was to receive his Guinness certificate at a formal government ceremony later Monday, said that when he discovered his mistake he resubmitted his claim with all the necessary proof.

He told AFP he had little trouble conquering the 8,848-metre (29,028-foot) peak, which has been climbed more than 3,000 times since Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay first reached the top in 1953.

"I was delighted and overwhelmed when I reached the top, but I knew from the start that I would be able to do it," he said. "I did not really have much trouble with the ascent."

Sherchan summitted Everest on May 25, 2008 -- a day before his Japanese rival -- and his name will now be included in next year's edition of the Guinness Book of World Records.

AFP

Sikkim CM to lay foundation stone of Chenrezig statue on Nov 25

GYALSHING, November 23: MLA Yangthang PL Subba yesterday said that the foundation stone of a statue of Lord Chenrezig would be laid by Chief Minister Pawan Chamling on November 25.
He informed this during a meeting of SDF Yuksom Constituency level held at Chongrang, Tashiding in West Sikkim, where all senior party leaders of the District were present.
In his address, Mr. Subba stressed on making his constituency best in every field and also to work hard at it for the success.
Former minster SB Subedi, who graced the meeting as the chief guest thanked the people of Chongrang for bringing the party in front once again and promised that the party will carry on with the welfare and developmental works for the people of the State.
MLA Gyalshing-Bernyak and deputy speaker MB Dahal on his part briefed the schemes introduced by the government. While talking about women empowerment in Sikkim, the deputy speaker said that the SDF party was doing a lot in giving maximum facility to the women of Sikkim. Mr. Dahal also mentioned about the exemption of IT.
Chairman, STDC NK Subba informed that such meetings will be convened in all parts of District and at the same time stressed on taking the responsibility of the party by every individual in making Sikkim a dream state.
Others present in the meeting were Ministers RB Subba and Dawcho Lepcha, Chairperson Chandra Maya Subba and other party office holders.

Sikkim to have highest mini-hydro power station in India

GANGTOK, November 23: Sikkim would soon acquire the distinction of having a hydro power station at an altitude of around 13,000 ft, the highest in the entire country.
The work on this proposed mini-hydel power project in Thangu in North Sikkim would start soon with active intervention from the State department of science & technology, said the department’s advisor Mr. GJ Samadhanam.
Mr. Samadhanam who was in Gangtok on Friday, said that the proposed mini-hydel project which is sponsored by his department had earlier been entrusted to a local NGO. However, the NGO could not complete the project in the scheduled time due to some unavoidable reasons and the resulting delay has resulted in cost escalation, he said.
After a meeting on Friday with the State chief secretary and officials from power department along with science & technology departments, Samadhanam said that it was decided during the meeting that the project will be handed over to the power department while the local NGO too would remain involved in undertaking non-technical and other jobs.
Samadhanam said that a fresh DPR will be submitted by the department soon and the Rs. 5 crore worth project is expected to be completed in the next two years.

Investigations still on SBS fraud attempt, says Crime officials

GANGTOK, November 23: Overruling the speculations of high hand involvement in the recent case of multi-crore scam, the Criminal Investigation Division wing of Sikkim Police today gave a clean chit to State Bank of Sikkim for not having any idea on the whole economic ordeal.
Addressing a press conference here at Police Head quarter on Friday, the Senior Superintendent of Police, Crime Branch ST Bhutia said, although the investigation is still on, there has been no substantiation of any bank employees or any other high profile people of Sikkim involved in the case.
It may be recalled here that the CID wing of Sikkim police had arrested three persons including one local in an attempt to fraud State Bank of Sikkim amounting to rupees Rs. 80 crores.
After a thorough investigation, the CID team has found that one of the alleged arrested in the money laundering case, Gautam Das is still wanted at Birpara Police station for the similar charge. The documents confiscated by the CID team from one of the hotels in the Capital where the culprits were staying reveal that a similar proposal had been put at Central Bank of India, Birpara Branch and also at Punjab Sindh Bank, Asansol amounting to Rs 100 crores and Rs. 97 crores respectively in the name of Godraise International Ltd.
The team has also found three fake stamps of the forged company from the hotel room.
The CID super informed the master mind behind the whole economic offence Gautam Das had opened an account with the fake name Amit Das in the said banks.
After the investigation it was learnt that the money launders were able to withdraw Rs 7 lakhs from Punjab Sindh Bank but could not make any transactions from CBI, Birpara.
The fled money launders then made SBS a soft target using the same modus operandi. Four persons Sunil Rai, Subroto Banerjee, Gautam Das and Sudip Malik have been arrested under sections 420/423, 120 B and 5(1) 34 of the Indian Penal Code for fraud and submission of forged documents.
“We are still interrogating the arrested four persons and are hopeful that they will spill more beans on the case,” Mr. Bhutia told reporters.

Army XI pips Titanium to win Sikkim Chief Ministers Cup

Namchi,Nov23: Army XI Red became champion of the 5th All India Chief Minister’s Gold Cup Football Tournament 2009 with a remarkable victory of 6-3 against Titanium Kerala at Bhaichung Stadium here on Sunday, November 22.
Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling, chief guest on the occasion, awarded the winning team an attractive trophy, cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh and the runner up team a trophy and a cash prize of Rs.50 thousand. Chief Minister also added some cash to the winning team of Army XI Red. Mahesh Rai, Captain of Army XI, was adjudged the Most Promising Player of the tournament and given a cash award and a trophy sponsored by the Seven Hills Resort, Namchi. Though the match was decided finally through tie breaker, the full time match of 90 minutes was the most entertaining football in the history of South Sikkim. The well set team of Army XI played a bit slow in the beginning and Kerala dominated the match from the beginning. They made several attacks during the first half while Army played a defensive game.
Finding a opportunity at the injury time of the first half, Abdul Hameed (7) of Kerala netted a beautiful goal at 48th minute and gave his team the lead of 1-0 in the half time. Kerala continued their domination during the second half. When Army players were trying their best to come back in the match, another goal was scored by Kerala. Cleetus (15) of Kerala converted a pass into a beautiful goal at the 80th minute making the score 2-0 in favour of Kerala.
But the players of Army XI did not lose their heart and played attacking game at the end. They fully dominated the match at the final hour. While defending one of the attacks of Army , Kerala made a fault inside their D-area for which the referee gave a penalty and Lalming Sanga (7) of Army changed the score to 2-1 at 89th minute. Before 30 seconds of the final whistle the beautiful goal from Sudhir Mishra (9) of Army proved the miracle for those witnessing the final match of the tourney. With this goal the score became 2-2 needed tie breaker which resulted in the final score 6-3 making Army XI Red winner of the prestigious tournament. At the final match, Chief Minister was accompanied by his cabinet colleagues and officials of different government departments. A cultural show was presented on the occasion by Namchi Public School and New Light Academy, Namchi.

Dr. Doma Bhutia Speaks On Human Rights and Rights of Women

GANGTOK, NOVEMBER 22: A two day long convention on Students for Human Rights and Rights of Women started here in the Capital from today which will be discussing several social, environmental and human rights related issues.
Organized by Human Rights Law Network (HRLN), Sikkim, students from several learning institutions along with the NGO representatives are participating in the workshop.
Dr. Doma Bhutia, the Legal consultant of HRLN, in her key note address said that the convention aims at engaging the new generation and young activists in the protection and promotion of Human Rights.
She said that student leaders and activists will further broaden the human rights movement by spreading progressive human rights jurisprudential ideas and be the torch bearers of the movement.
The first half of the convention had interesting discussions on the effects of globalization, liberalization and privatization during which the senior advocate from Mumbai High Court Gayatri Singh shared her expertise on the issue.
Ms Singh said that the exploitation of the workers and violation of the laws have become rampant in the name of globalization and privatization.
“The entry of the foreign multi national companies have ruined the economic stability the country which needs to be addressed more seriously,” she said.
Environmental activist Dawa Lepcha, speaking on the topic of land acquisition issues, said that land acquisition in Sikkim is not carried out according to the Land Acquisition Act. He added that 56 houses of Dzongu have been waiting for the rehabilitation facilities.
Mayalmit Lepcha of Affected citizen of Teesta on her part said many people in Dzongu lost their land in the name of development, because of proper knowledge of Land Acquisition Act.
Anand Sharma, an HRLN advocate from Himchal Pradesh, speaking elaborately on the topic of Land Acquisition Act 1894 said, the issue and disputes of land acquisition has been a major problem in India. He stressed on the point that the Land Acquisition Act should be made clear to the people by organizing various awareness camps.
The second half of the session witnessed a discussion on Right to Education, industrial disputes and labour protection, right to food and work and the implementation of NREGA in Sikkim. The speakers were Dr Doma Bhutia, Gyatri Singh, Anju Talukdar, Yasodha Rai and Rachhita Rai.
The issues such as criminal law, right to information act 2000, sexual harassment at work place, human trafficking are the key issues to be discussed on November 21.

SIKKIM CM CHAMLING INTERACTS WITH UNEMPLOYED YOUTH

“BE DYNAMIC, VISIONARY AND SELF-EMPLOYED”

GANGTOK, November 22: In perhaps the first ever face to face interaction with the youth of Sikkim, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today asked support from the youth in making Sikkim a true ‘Indrakhill’.
More than 5,000 youth from South District today attended the youth meeting held at the Indoor gymnasium hall here in the Capital.
In his four hour long speech, the Chief Minister reminded the youth of Sikkim their duties, roles and responsibilities towards the State. “Have trust on me and I will ensure your full protection,” he said.

Stating that it was high time that the youth of Sikkim come out of their stereotype mentality, the Chief Minister said that he aspired the youth of Sikkim to be the best citizens of India with high levels of sincerity, hard work and talent.
Talking about success, the Chief Minister placed his own example. “Look at me and learn. I had to struggle for 30 years in my political career to reach to this position. Nothing comes easily. One has to have the right vision and convection to be successful. Hard work and sincerity actually pays off in the end,” he said.
Regretting the fact that despite tremendous efforts from the State Government in creating opportunities for the youth, Mr. Chamling said that it was sad that the youth had failed to make good use of the opportunities provided to them.
“My government has put in its best to tackle the problems of unemployment in the State by introducing several self employed schemes and possibilities. It is for you all to grab the opportunities and give the right direction to your lives,” he said.
The Chief Minister announced the setting up of National Institute of Technology (NIT) at Rabongla, South Sikkim for which the government is acquiring 300 acres of land.
Making a slew of announcements, Mr. Chamling said that the State Government is sourcing for more than 500 acres of land in all the Districts to set up various training institutes through which the unemployed youth can be skilfully trained. Talking about the livelihood schools, the Chief Minister said that the each constituency in the State will have a livelihood school in which youth would be imparted various profession trainings. A special board will be set up to supervise and monitor the activities and functioning of the livelihood schools

Tibetan Sisters duo designers brings Tibetan fashion designs to Gangtok

Gangtok,Nov22 :The Tibet Festival recently held in Gangtok introduced Sikkimese people to Tibetan line of designer wear by Sisters duo Tshering Chokyi and Tshering Dickey who hails from Himachal Pradesh.

Tshering Chokyi after completing her Graduation and Diploma in Fashion Design, Tsering Choekyi worked as a Fashion designer with Revolution, a pioneer in regular and plus sized fashion in India and V & M, an export house which caters to the European market. Venturing into this abandoned and undiscovered line of Tibetan Fashion sounded quite a risk in the beginning, but they always believed in the saying, Invention is 1% Inspiration and 99% Perspiration. And it is this belief of their which gave birth to Gaari Designs.

Tsering Dickey is an alumni of Delhi University who always believes that success is the good fortune that comes from aspiration, desperation, perspiration and inspiration. It is her courage, faith, endurance and a dogged determination to surmount all obstacles that gave Gaari Designs its niche in the market.

They are coming to Gangtok in December in collobarationwith Abacus at SNOD Complex ,deorali,Gangtok.