Sikkim gear-up for Pre-Monsoon Preparedness

GANGTOK, July2: The Forest Department today began removing trees that are ‘located precariously and are likely to fall during the monsoon’, in follow-up to the reminder of the East District Administration served to the Department on 20 June.
The district-level meeting on “Disaster Management and Pre-Monsoon Preparedness” convened by the District Collectorate [East] on 26 May had “strictly” directed the Forest Department that, “trees that are located precariously and are likely to fall during the monsoon shall be identified and be removed at the earliest.”
Today’s initiative came within nine days of a reminder letter served by the SDM [East] to the DFO [T] requesting him to take necessary action and report on action-taken within ten days after observing that the Forest Department was not responding to the earlier directions.
 DFO [T], East, Nambi Bhutia said, “Today we felled 12 trees Gangtok and its surrounding areas but some the trees located precariously have been left as they fall under private lands.”
“I am assigned this job for the whole East District, which, I will finish immediately,” said Mr. Bhutia adding that the dangerously located trees falling under private lands will be felled eventually.
Among the 12 trees removed today under Mr. Bhutia, who has constituted a task force including four experts from outside his Department today felled down three trees and cleared the debris of two, which had fallen last night because of a mud slip in front of the Sikkim Jewels gate and rest were from Panihouse area.
“It will take two days more to bring down all the precariously perched trees in and around Gangtok,” informs Mr. Bhutia.

GANGTOK BATTLE TO SAVE HOUSES FROM LANDSLIDES

GANGTOK, July2 : A portion of the boundary wall of Government College, Tadong gave way thursday night, exposing compromised slope which is now posing danger to houses above it. The footpath between the wall and the buildings [outside the college campus] has also developed gaping cracks, the earth beneath it slipping away, a slope failure perhaps caused by the huge construction underway in the college compound.

STOP-PRESS: What had started as anxious concern reached panic desperation late friday evening when the mud caved away from below the boundary wall, setting in motion what everyone is convinced, is an accelerated slope failure which has multiplied the sinking area’s potential for destruction.

The SDM [East], AB Karki, AE, HRDD, Mahesh Chettri, AE, Sewerage, PHE, Tenzing Lamtha, surveyed the spot this afternoon. The danger posed to houses here is obvious and the site was also visited earlier in the day by the Mayor and Deputy Mayor along with officials from the Power & Energy Department, UD&HD and PHE.
The houses that suffer the greatest danger are of Geeta Niroula, Bharat Basista and Pemba along with the houses of RP Thatal, Chabilal Lakhey, and BT Tikhatri.
As an immediate preventive measure, the SDM directed that a temporary drainage be made to carry surface run-off away from the construction site below. Since a retaining wall, from the construction site to the boundary wall, will not be feasible for the present weather conditions, the SDM has directed that the slope be reinforced with “sandbag benching” of adequate strength to last the monsoons. The sewage line here is also be diverted to skirt the affected sections.
The SDM further informed that the district authorities will also be conferring with the line departments on the situation.
The water supply pipes to the Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences further down the slope also run through this area and supply was cut off for a few hours today. The slip has also left the electricity poles in the area vulnerable and power supply was cut off for most part of the day. Although power supply was resumed later in the evening, it was off again at night, perhaps as a precautionary measure.
Interestingly, the residents of the area blame the boundary wall for their imperiled situation. This boundary wall was erected to keep out people from surrounding areas to use the college road, but ended up ruining the existing drainage in the area.
This might be only partially correct because the obvious culprit in this case is the massive construction which has begun below without any protective walls to reinforce the already unstable slope above.
Directly below the sinking area which has residents worried is a huge construction of the college hostels – two buildings of 40 posts each. No attempt has been made to construct the retaining wall recommended for the slope above before the construction commenced.
This construction began three months back. It is learnt that the Department was apprehensive about this project since the slope is made up of loose soil, probably dumped earth from the time when the campus was made. Engineers had recommended that a protective wall be erected before construction was started at the toe of this slope. This advice was overlooked because it would have delayed actual construction from starting and if it did not start as it did three months back, the project would have had to wait out the monsoons.
Officials also informed that the site was inspected by officials from the Geological Survey of India and found stable enough for construction. They add that the protective wall option was deferred for later because the area had no history of sinking. Well, a fortnight into the monsoons, and history is being made here.
There is a provision of a permanent protective wall included in the construction of hostel, informed an HRDD official. It is obviously rather late in the day to begin work on it now.
As a result, it is not only the slope above which had been destabilized, but even the staff quarters directly below the construction site are now springing leaks because of the amateurish drainage above it. There is work underway to carve out a better drainage, but until that happens, the situation will remain dicey for the entire stretch.
The residents also complain that a few weeks ago they had complained to DC office about the threat posed to their houses due to the manner in which the construction below was being undertaken. No follow-up action was taken at that time, and now the people stare at a collapsed boundary wall, sinking footpaths and have only yards of plastic sheets to save the slope.

(Now Daily)

Teesta rises,More rain forecast for Sikkim

Gangtok, July 1: The weather department has forecast heavy rain for the sub-Himalayan Bengal and Sikkim in the next two days and asked the government to be prepared to meet any eventuality.

The warning has been issued at a time a large number of villages in north bengal are under water because of incessant rain for the past two-three days. Murti in Jalpaiguri district recorded 270mm of rain in 24 hours till 8.30am today (see chart).

According to sources in the Indian Meteorological Department, more than 75 per cent of Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar districts and Sikkim could receive heavy rain from tomorrow onwards.

In the weather department parlance, a rainfall ranging from 64.5mm to 124.4mm in one day will be construed as “heavy”.


“There is a strong presence of low-pressure trough at the sea level till Assam. Besides, convective clouds are hanging over the sub-Himalayan Bengal, Sikkim and some parts of adjoining Bihar, where the south-west monsoon is active. Heavy rain has been forecast in some areas of the region and a warning has been issued,” said Indranil Sengupta, the assistant meteorological officer at the Regional Met Office in Jalpaiguri.

The IMD has asked government departments like irrigation, railways, telecom and public works to be on their toes and tackle any situation arising out of the heavy rain.

Weather officials said Kalimpong had recorded the highest rain in north Bengal in the current season, while Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri received the lowest. This year, Kalimpong has so far received 3,430mm of rain, higher by 3,000mm from the normal amount of precipitation during the initial days of the monsoon.

The incessant rain has swelled up rivers. As the Teesta is flowing above the extreme danger level, the North Bengal Flood Control Commission declared a red alert at Domohoni, which is an unprotected area on the left bank of the river.

“In protected areas on either bank of the Teesta, a primary or yellow alert has been declared right up to Mekhliganj where the river enters Bangladesh,” said a flood control commission official.

Sikkim Tourism hit by Bad Weather and Poor Road Conditions

GANGTOK, July 1.The worsening road condition and frequent occurrence of land slide along Jawaharlal Nehru Road connecting Thangu, Baba Mandir, Nathula (Border Trade), Kupuk the hottest tourism destination in state along with the trade has been reported to be interrupted or hindered a lot this year from the on set of monsoon.
Speaking with media President of Indo China Border Trade (Sikkim Association) Ms. Nima Futi Lachungpa informed that the trade is carried out on a continuous manner starting from every Monday to Thursday a week since the opening of border trade from the month of May 2011 and the trade is operating successfully too. The import and export of goods as listed are transacted successfully but the interruption caused by weather in the form of land slides or the bad road condition is breaking the continuity of trade currently informed Ms. Lachungpa. Further more Ms. Lachungpa stated that a trader has to cross the border within permissible time that is 10 am or to the extent of 10:30am for carrying out successful trade but the weather and bad road condition is detaining the traders to reach or cross the border in time leaving no trade for the day. Since the commencement of trade the traders for not less than 5-6 time have been hindered and were not able to trade this season added Ms. Lachungpa.

Adding more Ms. Lachungpa went on to appeal on behalf of the association to Border Road Organization to at least maintain or keep open the through fare for traders during trade period.
Where as while speaking to one of the trader Mr. Ratna Bahadur Chettri, resident of JN road informed that the trade is on but the frequent disturbance caused either by bad road or the slide has hampered the free movement of trade.

Adding more Mr. Chettri informed that the widening of road is on the process and the Border Road Organization (BRO) have been working tirelessly putting every effort in making the road suitable for free movement considering the early completion of extension.

Further more it has been informed that during this tourist season the road condition of JN road, uncertain land slides or felling of boulders, debris barred the free movement of tourist to the happening destinations like Thangu, Baba Mandir, Nathula or Kupuk. Apart from that the bad condition of road towards North district even to an extent hindered the free flow of tourist have been learnt from the sources.

ORGANIC VEGETABLE STORE LAUNCHED @GANGTOK

GANGTOK, July 1. Mrs. Nirmala Manger, 39 yrs has recently started selling organic vegetables in Kanchenjunga Vegetable complex (KVC) along with 5 other members of her self-help group (SHG). These days there is much talk about consuming organic food especially green vegetables to avoid any dreadful diseases and to keep healthier too. To mitigate the demand of organic vegetables for the conscious Gangtokians, She is doing a noble deed.
While speaking to Sikkim Mail Mrs. Mangar stated that their SHG have been collecting vegetables from Sirvani, Assam Lingzey, Kadamtam and Shenti and have been selling the same at KVC.
The SHG reaches the stall of KVC at 8am and starts selling vegetables till late evening. They have rented the new accommodation constructed by the government in the bazaar.
Mrs. Mangar informed that, the vegetables that are sold presently includes bamboo shoots, potatoes, tomatoes, bitter gourd, bottle gourd, beet root and lentils besides other seasonal vegetables. Adding further Mrs. Mangar stated that, they have to pay Rs. 5,400 per month as rent for the stall and besides that they even pay extra for electricity and services of sweeper’s which according to her is expensive.

Informing more Mrs. Mangar said that to mitigate the rents paid along with other expenditures incurred if vegetables are sold in higher prices then no consumers would buy due to high price as the vegetable sellers outside provides the outside vegetable in lower or cheaper rates compared to the organic produce.
She further informed that organic vegetables have to be sold at a little higher rate than the other vegetables and for that they have to convince the buyers. However she also added that after starting this business the members of the SFG have become self reliant and independent. They want to spread the message to all unemployed youth of the state to come forward and venture at every possible ways in earning their livelihood and be employed with a mind set of eradicating soaring unemployment problem added Mrs. Manger.

Furthermore Mrs. Manger mentioned that SHG are the groups of the farmers with identified common objectives, task, group identified and neighborhood and also added that it is a system where all members work together in addressing problems and utilize opportunities through participatory action with a cooperative decision considering the overall development of all members engaged.

Sikkim Manipal University Student crowned Miss Vizag

Suchitra Binda a final-year B. Tech (Mechanical) student was crowned the Miss Andhra Vizag-2011 at a pageant show held recently at Hotel Park in Visakhapatnam. This was her second pageant entry, after the Navy Queen contest a couple of years ago. Though underage at that time, she was among the top five contestants.
Though modelling is her passion, the confident Suchitra has other things in mind. “I am very passionate about fashion and modelling. But my first priority is to complete my education. I would like to take up modelling in phases, as it comes to me.
And most importantly the assignments and the shows have to be as per my terms and conditions. As modelling is a short-lived career, I would first like to consolidate my academic background,” says and ecstatic Suchitra, after winning the crown.
Having done her schooling and junior college in Visakhapatnam, she is currently pursuing here engineering degree at Sikkim Manipal University.
A lover of music and wildlife, she will now represent the ‘City of Destiny' at the Miss Andhra Contest to be held some time in the month of July in Hyderabad.
The show was organised by Ajay Agarwal of Creative Plus. According to Ajay Agarwal the other title winners include: Divya (first runner-up), Lavanya (second runner-up), Shreya (Miss Beautiful Skin), Anisha (Miss Beautifaul Eyes), Shweta (Miss Beautiful Hair), Madhuri (Miss Beautiful Smile) and Subhashini (Miss Talented).

Chief Minister Pawan Chamling concludes South West Sikkim Tour

Namchi& Gangtok: “Woods are lovely dark and deep and I’ve promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep”, originally written by Robert Frost, but Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling seems to be doing exactly that in his round up rural tour. Right after winding up the tour of West Sikkim and a day before the review meeting on the South district visit, Dr. Chamling visited Falaydara, Lower Boomtaar, Sallebong Rong, Sumbuk and Mazitaar, the area which was left in the first phase of his south district visit.

In Mazitaar he inaugurated a newly built Government Lower Primary School and urged the students to be creative and productive and be good individuals rather than only successful ones. Addressing the public in the compound area, Chief Minister referred to the demand of regularisation of forest land occupied by the people. He directed the Forest Department to take up the matter with the Government of India for forest clearance in the interest of the people.
During this visit his message to the people of this area was to realize how the present government has been persistent to provide the people with the quality services and fill their lives with happiness index which is running north. In Sallebong, he pointed out how the value of the remotest of remote areas of the state has shot up in this last 17 years of his governance, which just go to indicate how much development and positive growth has taken place in Sikkim.
He was also very emphatic about how people should also come forward to contribute and shoulder the responsibilities of making Sikkim more prosperous with the kind of rights and facilities they are enjoying and benefiting from.
During his visit to Rong he dropped in the Government School there and the students of the school welcomed him with zeal and passion which was sparkling in their eyes to see the leader who has ushered the state towards the path of prosperity.
Chief Minister was also presented with a sapling of medicinal plant by the students of the school. He also appreciated the sample demo of the medicinal plants and herbs which was displayed by the students of the school.
We have seen the ground reality and the kinds of problem being faced by the people and have marked the areas of concern and these little hitches will soon be things of the past Dr. Chamling affirmed.
In Sumbuk, where a large gathering welcomed him in the Block Administrative Centre compound, he gave a patient hearing to the people and listened to the problems faced by them. He asked them to come forward and inform individually as he did in all the areas and places he has visited so far.
Dr. Chamling’s on going rural tour is something unprecedented and unparalleled in any other state of the country. By taking the government and the government machinery close to individuals in remotest of remote places of the state, the Chief Minister has been able to dispel any doubts or reservations people had against the government functioning, it is widely believed by the people now.
The Chief Minister Pawan Chamling stressed during his review meeting on his recently concluded tour of South district, held in the indoor stadium of Namchi Sports Complex.Working in mission mode should be the mantra for the officers and the people of line department, and the support and cooperation is of utmost importance, added the CM.

During the meet today the Sikkim CM also laid out the kinds of works each and every department should execute during the upcoming 12th five year plan and stated that it should be people centric and pro poor. Furthermore CM also informed that during this plan he wants to see Sikkim as self reliant and self sufficient state too.CM was also quick to mention here that all the ongoing and future projects, plans and schemes should be monitored and supervised properly by the concerned officers and they should also come up with ideas of plans and schemes which will be more beneficial and favorable to the people.

Stressing on quality works CM advised all the departments to come up with quality work and provide the people with the service they rightly deserve. On the occasion CM also announced that state is only open to eco-friendly industries and non clean industries should not be entertained, one time maternity financial benefit of Rs 3000/- and infant assistant of about Rs 300/- will also be provided during this plan.
Earlier during the meeting CM was also presented with a memento and souvenir on his visionary and innovative village to village tour of South District by the District Collector on behalf of the officers and
staff of South District.

Sikkim Central University announces the under-graduate exam results

Gangtok, June 30: A total of 890 students became the first batch of graduates from Sikkim Central University today.

Sources said 906 students had appeared for the sixth and final semester exams, which were completed on June 10. The results were announced by the vice-chancellor Mahendra P. Lama today.

The university was established by an Act of Parliament in 2007 and under-graduate courses were introduced in nine colleges under it the next year. The colleges in Sikkim had been under North Bengal University till 2008.

“The pass percentage of the first batch stood at 98.34 per cent. We could declare the results within 20 days of completing the exams. The university has been publishing results within three weeks of completing the exams of each semester,” said a university official.

Binita Rai is among the 890 students who became the first graduates from the Sikkim university.

“The semester system is wonderful and made us confident. We had to write exams every six months, submit our fieldwork presentation and go to classes regularly because of compulsory attendance of 75 per cent. There were mid-semester tests also.

The semester system ensured that we studied the whole year compared to other university students, most of whom, usually study only when their annual exams are near,” said Binita, an arts graduate.

Another student said there was also an incentive of five per cent marks for 100 per cent attendance.

“This incentive motivated us to attend classes regularly. We got opportunities not only to learn the history of our region but also other fields. There was a scope for personality development also as we get opportunities to meet and listen to distinguished national and international scholars who are invited by the university,” he said.

The Sikkim university has introduced health insurance for students doing under-graduate and post-graduate courses on its campus.

“Ours is the first university in the country to insure the students against diseases. It is a pilot project and if successful, will be introduced in all colleges affiliated to the university,” said VC Lama.

The insurance certificates will be presented to the students in a month. There are 118 students with the university at present and the number is likely to double when the admission process is over this year.

“The university has tied up with a national insurance company to cover each student under a Rs 1 lakh policy for one year. The students have to pay Rs 300 each as health fee at the time of admission and the university will chip in with Rs 1,000 to pay the premium of Rs. 1300.

(TheTelegraph)

Mt Khanchendzonga




Mt Khanchendzonga,Gangtok View

 

China Traders want to offer more goods at Nathula border marketplace

YADONG, Tibet - After a half-hour drive to the Renqinggang Border Trademarket in Yadong county of the Tibet autonomous region, 29-year-old Shi Fanlu is the first trader to arrive at about 8 am on Monday.

Although most customers, especially the Indian buyers, always come in the afternoon, the girl from East China's Zhejiang province still gets up early.

"The peak season for border trade will start next month (July), so I must get ready," Shi told China Daily.

Since its reopening in 2006, Shi and her husband, Wang Jinxing, have been in the carpet business at the border trade market, where trade through Nathu La, a pass on Tibet's border with India, is duty-free.

Indian exports are limited for now to an approved 29 commodities, mostly food products like candies and coffee, while Chinese traders are restricted to bringing in 15 types of goods, including goat and sheep skins, wool and herbs.

"The approved list was made in the 1960s, which cannot meet the increasing demand of the Chinese and Indian people near the border due to the fast economic development," Kelsang Dekyi, deputy head of Yadong county, told China Daily.

Although Shi's carpet business is included in the approved list, she still hopes the list can expand because many of her customers want to buy household appliances and daily necessities.

Li Jiying, 48, who sells china at the market, said more than 66 percent of the traders here have left since the reopening of the market because business is not easy, with too many restrictions on the goods that can be traded.

Although china is not on the list, he still has regular customers, such as Sonam Ongmu from Gangtok, Sikkim, who always appears on Monday for china in Li's shop.

Sonam likes the bowls, vases and plates with beautiful patterns and she has to carry the china she bought in the market in her large bag to avoid the border check.

Like most Chinese traders, Cham Chung, an Indian trader from Gangtok, also felt the business in the market, because the commodities restrictions, is just "okay".

The 47-year-old Indian woman has been doing business for three years in the border market.

Although the traders do not feel satisfied about their business, the yearly export and import volume is still climbing from nearly 1.5 million yuan ($232,000) in 2006 to about 20 million yuan in 2010, according to statistics from the Yadong county government.

The Renqinggang Border Trademarket opens from May to December every year, because the rest of the year experiences extreme cold weather and heavy snow, about 1 to 2 meters deep, said Kelsang Dekyi.

The market covers about 6,400 square meters with a total investment of 10 million yuan.

Xigaze prefecture in Tibet has 21 border trade markets like the Renqinggang Border Trademarket and two trading ports through roads, said Wangdu, deputy commissioner in Xigaze prefecture.

"In the coming five to 10 years, we will further improve the border trade environment to push its development," he added.

China Daily

Press Club of Sikkim executive body elected

GANGTOK, June 30.The election of Press Club of Sikkim executive body was held today here at Press Club of Sikkim, Gangtok. Where Mr. Bhim Rawat was declared uncontested for the post of president along with Mr. Joseph Lepcha for the post of general secretary like wise Mr. Sagar Chettri as culture secretary, Mr. Nirmal Manger as publicity secretary, and Baboo Tamang as treasurer, Ms. Kabita Sharma as assistant treasurer and Mr. Arjun Rai for the post of literature secretary.Whereas Mrs. Balika Chettri, Mr.Yuvraj Dahal, Mr. Arjun Piyush contested for the post of Vice Presidents and were elected like wise Mr. Bishnu Neopani was elected for the post of Working President. Similarly Mr. Nandu Dutraj and Mr. Anand Oberoi contested for the post of sports secretary where Mr. Nadu Dutraj was elected for the post. Mrs. Mala Rana Patro was the chief election commissioner along with Mr.Vinay Raj Tiwari and Mr. Suman Gazmer and one observer from the Department of Information and Public Relation.

23rd day of Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling's Village to Village tour

NAMCHI, 29 June: Straight after winding up his village-to-village tour of West Sikkim with a review meeting with officers at Gyalshing yesterday,Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today toured Phali Dara, Lower Boomtaar, Sallebong Rong, Sumbuk and Compound Majhitar, places left out in the first phase of his South district visit. He completes his South Sikkim tour on Thursday.
At his last stop of the day, Compound Majhitar, he inaugurated a newly constructed Government Lower Primary School.
Addressing the public here, the CM, while responding to the demand seeking regularisation of forest land occupied by the people [65 households] there, directed the Forest Department to take up the matter with the Ministry of Environment & Forests, GoI, in the interest of the people.

The residents of Compound Majhitar under the Sorok-Sampani GPU also complained against the damage caused to the area and their houses and livelihood options due to the hydel project being developed by Dans Energy in the valley below. Cracked houses, sinking land, lost water sources along with livestock being adversely affected were some of the concerns raised. There have also been some cases of miscarriage amongst pregnant women in the area which could be due to the trauma caused by controlled explosions in the vicinity, a requisite for tunnelling work.

The public requested compensation for such losses caused by the construction work. The CM assured that all their demands will be met.

The CM began his day from Phalidara where he highlighted tourism prospect of the area, stressing that if the people delivered on the demands of the service sector, tourist footfalls in South district alone would be higher than the current arrivals in the entire region.

He encouraged the people to engage in tourism related activities, especially in providing home-stay accommodation, and assured that all possible help will be provided by the government in this regard.

At his next stop, Boomtar Primary School, the CM said that the public should undertake animal husbandry and horticulture activities for which the land there as well suited.

At Sallyebong JHS, the CM stating that the poverty level in the state has decreased after his party came to power, stressed that the public should not be misled by inaccurate news reports in some papers and not stay as silent spectators but voice their opinions.

He then went on to meet the public of Rong GPU wards at Rong Sec. School. The students presented the CM a sapling of a medicinal plant.

The CM was impressed with the school and congratulated the staff and students on the ‘innovative’ manner in which the school is being run and maintained.

He appreciated the ‘scientific temperament’ being inculcated amongst the students at the school and said that other schools should also learn and follow suit. He announced that the school will be feted with an award in recognition of its achievements in the near future.

The school, in turn, placed a demand for a botanical lab for which the CM directed the concerned authority to take note and ensure that the demand was met. He further added that this lab should be developed on the lines of a ‘model lab’.

At his next stop, Sumbuk BAC, the CM interacted with people of Sumbuk-Kartikey GPU and Lungchok-Kamaray GPU. Here, he urged the public to not stay ‘neutral’ regarding false allegations and rumours being spread about the present government.

He called on the civil society and intellectuals to come forward and raise their voices in the matter.

Addressing the students present, he expressed that education should not be taken just as a means to find a job but as a tool to develop one’s personality as a whole

West Sikkim poised to become education hub

Gyalshing: On the 22nd and the last day of his tour of west Sikkim, Sikkim Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling offered prayer early morning at Many Lhagang, Gyalshing for the recent landslide victims of Yangthang constituency. The prayer meeting was organized by the Gyalsing Many Lhagang and the Ecclesiastical department.  Thereafter, he inaugurated Arts Degree College with Honours at Guruthang and declared the area as an educational hub which entails the Girls Sr. Sec. School, Kyongsa, new
degree college, nursing institute, ITI and a livelihood school to be opened soon.

He also declared that as per the demand of the public the DAC too will be shifted to Gyalshing next year under the 12th five year plan. “I am a Radical Democrat”, Dr. Chamling said at Kyongsa Girls Sr. Sec. School where he was felicitated by the principal, teachers, students and the SMC members. Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister said that his government wishes to make Sikkim a “Heaven on Earth” for which he appealed to the public, officers and students to cooperate and give their opinion. He said that during his 18 years of governance the per capita income has increased in the state and the government has provided basic amenities to the people. Further he said that Sikkim is the most happening state in India and the government has a plan to convert Sikkim into an eco friendly city-state where all facilities available in cities will also be available in each hamlet and village of Sikkim, all basic amenities, infrastructure will be there.

He also desires to market the myths of Sikkim for tourism purpose. If all of these is done all opportunities as in the city will percolate to the smaller areas. During the next year emphasizes will be lead on how to bring qualitative education. Until and unless the whole society becomes an ‘education family’ our education will not go to the standard desired. Sikkim Chief Minister announced the opening of a commerce stream as per the demand of the Kyongsa Girls School. He appealed the students not to get swayed by talks of cast and religion.
Amongst the demands of the public, an application for the closer of stone quarry at Tikjek Bhir was also put up which was instrumental for the death of a small boy a few days ago. Regarding the new construction of road he appealed the MLAs, panchayats and public to keep away from interfering in work for personal benefits.
In the evening, Chief Minister also had an interface meeting with the Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, Secretaries, HODs and officers of west Sikkim at Zilla Bhawan. Extending his gratitude to all the MLAs, secretaries, HODs and officers for accompanying him in his successful west district tour, Chief Minister appealed them to implement all the works which had been sanctioned during his village to village tour in the district. Adding to it he said the works should be result oriented and complete within the scheduled time.
He underlined that the first phase work should be started within December hence all DPR to be prepared and submitted to the concerned department immediately. He directed the concerned department heads to look into all the pending works and take action accordingly. Since all basic minimum needs have already been physically covered, he said, the 12th five year plan would be aimed at qualitative works.

 (SikkimReporter with IPR input)

Sikkim Government gets first woman driver

GANGTOK, 28 June: Rajeshwari Rai has become the first lady to be appointed a driver in the State government service. She will be serving the Department of Forests Environment and Wildlife Management.
The final list of 10 selected candidates was put up on the notice board of the Forest Secretariat today.
Earlier, on 04 May, a total of 32 candidates had taken the viva-voce, among whom, Ms. Rai as was the lone woman.

Ms. Rai, a graduate, had to gone through the same screening as her male counterparts, which included, driving a Mahindra Pickup Utility on a congested road and driving a Marshall DI Turbo in reverse gear up a steep slope during her driving test after successfully passing the written examination.
She is scheduled to sign a memorandum with the Department along with the other nine drivers at the Forest Secretariat on Wednesday.
Similarly, five more women candidates have made to the final list for the 10 posts of peons in the same Department.

Stock Guru Scam hits Sikkim

NAMCHI, 28 June: The Sikkim Police SP [South] has called on victims of the Stock Guru India scam to get in touch with his office or with the Namchi Police Station OC with their complaints against the company or any other details they might want to share on the nature and extent of the scam.
The Police here, it may be recalled, has frozen one of the bank accounts [with deposited amount of around Rs. 10 crore] of Stock Guru India Ltd. which now stands accused of operating the banned prize chit-fund money circulation fraud.

SP [South], Manoj Tiwari, confirmed this today, informing that the fraud by Stock Guru came to light a few months ago with the arrest of is two agents in South Sikkim. Now, the Namchi cops have apparently unspooled the scam till the brains behind the scheme, its Delhi-base proprietor, Lokeshwar Dev. The main accused, however, remains absconding.

As per records at the Namchi Police Station, an FIR was registered on 27 August last year under Section 420 of the IPC read with Section 4/5 of Prize Chit Fund and Money Circulation Scheme (Banning) Act and section 20 of Sikkim Protection of Interest of Depositor Act, 2009 against Stock Guru India Ltd. At that time, Lokeshwar Dev and Priyanka Dev were identified as the people behind the scam which was promising people 20% returns per month on investments.

According to the SP South, Lokeshwar Dev had claimed that he was a technical analyst in the stock market and the scheme and its usurious returns had lured many to invest in the company. Two agents working for Stock Guru in Sikkim were arrested and one bank account frozen by Namchi police.
Lokeshwar Dev had managed to get a stay on his arrest from Delhi High Court and had then run away with the deposits. The whereabouts of the couple remain unknown, but the cops have at least one bank account with Rs. 10 crore in deposits.
The SP has appealed to “investors” and victims of the Stock Guru India fraud to contact the Namchi Police Station OC or the SP South Office at telephone: 03595 263722, 94342 57362 (Mobile) and 03595 263726, 9733344400 (Mobile).
The SP has also appealed to the general public to remain wary of ‘investment’ schemes which promise unnaturally high returns

Miss Arunachal 2011 to be held in July

 

ITANAGAR: Inspired with the last year fabulous success, the Arunoday Society, has decided to organize Miss Beauty of Arunachal 2011-session –II’ on July 30 next. The main aim of the beauty contest is to motivate and provide the female section a platform to promote their personality, the Society said in a release. The release further said that the platform will also help various tribes promote cultural and communal harmony apart from showcasing their traditional costumes. It also brings awareness about child and women development and HIV/AIDS, the Society said.

( The Arunachal Times )

Sikkim Government orders transfers in Agriculture admin

The Governor is pleased to order the following with immediate effect;-

1. Shri Topchen Lepcha, Director, Food Security and Agriculture Development Department is transferred and posted as Executive Director, Sikkim Organic Mission,

2. Shri Achung Lachungpa, Director, Food Security and Agriculture Development Department, is transferred and posted as Director, Natural Resource Management in the Soil and Water Conservation Division, Food Security and Agriculture Development Department,

3. Shri Nima Tshering Bhutia, who has been recently promoted as Director is transferred and posted as Director, Horticulture and Cash Crops Development Department,

4. Shri Khorlo Bhutia who has been recently promoted as Director is posted as Director, Food Security and Agriculture Development Department,

5. Shri P.K. Dewan who has been recently promoted as Additional Director is posted as Additional Director, (Field Crops), Food Security and Agriculture Development Department.

6. Smt. Yasoda Pradhan, who has been recently promoted as Additional Director, Food Security and Agriculture Development Department. She shall hold the charge of PME, Soil Management, Census in the Food Security and Agriculture Development Department,

7. Shri Kiran Kumar Pradhan who has been recently promoted as Additional Director is posted as Additional Executive Director, Sikkim Organic Mission,

8. Mrs. S.L. Dorjee who has been recently promoted as Additional Director is posted as Additional Director –In-Charge of KVK, Extension Reforms, Food Security and Agriculture Development Department,

9. Shri Dhananjay Tiwari who has recently promoted as Additional Director is posted as Additional Executive in Sikkim Organic Mission,
10. Shri D.B. Tamang, who has been recently promoted as Additional Director is posted as Additional Executive Director, Horticulture and Cash Crops Development Department.

22nd day of Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling's Village to Village Tour

Gangtok, 28th June:On the 22nd and the last day of his village to village tour of West Sikkim, early morning the Sikkim Chief Minister offered prayer at Many Lhagang, Gyalshing for the recent landslide victims of Yangthang constituency organized by the Gyalsing Many Lhagang and the Ecclesiastical Department. This 22nd day wraps up his village to village tour of Sikkim in the west district. Thereafter, he inaugurated Arts Degree College with honours at Guruthang and declared the area as an educational hub which entails the girls sr. sec. school, Kyongsa, now the art degree college, nursing institute, ITI and a livelihood school too is to be open soon.
He also declared that as per the demand of the public the DAC too will be shifted to Gyalshing next year under the 12th five year plan. “I am a radical democrat” he said at Kyongsa Girls Sr. Sec. school where he was felicitated by the principal, teachers, students and the SMC members. Addressing the gathering, the chief minister said that his government wishes to make Sikkim ‘Heaven on Earth’ for which he appealed to the public, officers and students to cooperate and give their opinion. He said that during his 18 years of government the per capita income has increased in the state and the government has provided basic amenities to the people. Further he said that Sikkim is the most happening state in India and the government has a plan converting Sikkim into a Eco friendly city state where all facilities available in cities will also be available in each hamlet and village of Sikkim, all basic amenities, infrastructure will be there. He also desires to market the myths of Sikkim for tourism purpose.
If all of these is done all opportunities as in the city will percolate to the smaller areas. He also added that during the next year emphasis will be lead on how to bring qualitative education. Until and unless the whole society becomes an education family our education will not go to the standard desired. The Chief Minister announced the opening of a commerce stream as per the demand of the Kyongsa Girls School. He also appealed the students not to get swayed by talks of cast and religion. Amongst the demands of the public, an application for the closure of stone quarry at Tikjek Bhir was also put up which was instrumental for the death of a small boy a few days ago. Regarding the new construction of road he appealed the MLAs, panchayats and public to keep away from interfering from work for personal benefits. In the evening, the Chief Minister also had interface meeting with the Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, Secretaries, HODs and officers of West Sikkim at Zilla Bhawan.

Extending his gratitude to all the MLAs, Secretaries, HODs and officers for accompanying him in his successful west district tour, the Chief Minister appealed them to implement all the works which had been sanctioned during his village to village tour to west. Adding to it he said the works should be result oriented and complete as per the scheduled time. He informed that this first phase works should be started within December hence all DPR to be prepared and submitted to the concern department immediately.

He directed the concerned department heads to look into all the pending works and take action accordingly. Since all basic minimum needs have already been physically covered he informed that the 12th five year plan would be aimed at qualitative works.
(IPR)

Sikkim CM Chamling inaugurates the college at Kyongsa

Gangtok, June 28: The affiliation of a government college, inaugurated by the chief minister today, with a private university has been termed illegal by the Sikkim Central University which says rules stipulate that all colleges in the state have to be under it.

The college is affiliated to the Vinayaka Mission’s Sikkim University set up under an Act passed by the Assembly in 2008.

“This is the gift to the students of West Sikkim. Now they can pursue graduation without taking the trouble of going to other districts for admission,” chief minister Pawan Chamling told a crowd after the college’s inauguration today.

The college at Kyongsa, close to the West Sikkim district headquarters at Geyzing, is the first institution to be affiliated to the VMSU. The VMSU was established by the Tamil Nadu-based Vinayaka Mission.

Admission to the degree college will start on July 4 and classes on July 22. The college has a capacity to admit 150 students.

Chamling said the college would offer general and honours courses in subjects like English, Nepali, Bhutia, Limboo and Lepcha. Students can also pursue courses in physical education, sociology and geography.

“We had approached the Sikkim University for affiliation but according to its norms, at least one year will be needed to complete all formalities. So, we decided to affiliate the new college to the VMSU,” said a senior official in the state human resource development department.

The decision to switch to the VMSU has not gone down well with the Sikkim Central University vice-chancellor, Mahendra P. Lama.

He said the college’s affiliation with the private university was in violation of the Act passed in Parliament in 2007. The Sikkim university was established by the central law.

“According to the Act, no college can be affiliated to other universities in Sikkim, except the SCU. The law says all colleges in the state comes under the SCU. We have no written information about the Kyongsa college being affiliated to the VMSU. We are for quality education and cannot give affiliation without physical verification of the college. Any college has to apply one year in advance for affiliation and recognition is given only if the norms are fulfilled,” said Lama.

The Sikkim government and the SCU have been locked in a controversy of sorts ever since the university was established in 2007.

The government is yet to hand over 250 acres of land at Yanyang in South Sikkim to the university to set up its campus. The university has already paid Rs 15 crore to the government in 2008 to acquire the land from 250 families.

Lama said the SCU had no idea when it would be allotted the land at Yanyang in South Sikkim.

“We were told last year that the land would be transferred to us after the monsoon. But this year’s rains have arrived,” said the VC.

The university has taken on lease more than 10 buildings in Gangtok to run classes and offices.

(theTelegraph)

Gyalwa Karmapa inaugurates Tibetan Thangka Exhibition

Dharamshala- His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa formally opened an exhibition of traditional Tibetan Thangka painting Monday (27th June) at the main Tibetan Temple complex, today in Dharamshala, India. He was accompanied by the minister of the Tibetan department of religion and culture; Tsering Phuntsok, to celebrate the unique paintings by the school of Tsang Menthang - of Tibetan Traditional Arts.
To highlight the beautiful work by the 8 students that graduated from this institution, the revered spiritual leader His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa graced the presence of the rapt audience in the Temple.

He was led around the room of around 37 beautiful, hand painted deities, with the audience of students watching intently. The Karmapa unveiled the exhibition to the public, and blessed the institute.

The Thangka teacher, Buchung Nugbya, introduced Tsang Menthang and His Holiness the Karmapa to the ancient lineage of Tsang Menthang, of Tibetan Traditional Arts.

He also offered two Thangka paintings, one to the Karmapa, and one as a gift to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Tsering Phuntsok presented certificates to the 8 students of the school, who had recently graduated. The two main guests then gave speeches.

Tsering Phuntsok stated to the audience that: "It's important to keep the good lineage of the skill of Tsang Menthang traditional arts. If we stay in one place like Dharamshala, people will come to us to buy our Thangkas. If we do this only for money, and the skill and quality deteriorates, we may find ourselves going to the market in the future attempting to sell our work, and find nobody wishes to buy this. If the skill and quality remains as good as before, we can stay in one place, and people will come to us, wishing to buy our fine art".

His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa, who celebrated his birthday yesterday, drew upon the need to retain a Tibetan culture in exile, highlighting: tt"Usually in a Thanka painting, we only paint Buddha's and other deities. I usually feel that it is important to paint the life story of Tibetan people. We can keep our culture in this manner".

Arunachal Girl wins Young Indian Leader Award 2011

Itanagar: Anshu Jamsenpa, the young lady mountaineer from the border State of Arunachal Pradesh has been selected to receive the Network 18's prestigious Young Indian Leader Award 2011. She is the first from the far eastern state to be nominated for this award. Last year social activist Akhil Gogoi from Assam who runs Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti was selected for the award.

The 32 year old mother of two created a world record when she became the first woman in the world to scale the mighty Mount Everest twice in one season in an incredible span of just 9 days. It made a huge financial burden for her middle class family but she was prepared to handle the terrifying prospects of failure.
Anshu said to CNN-IBN , “I used to feel bad earlier when I had to ask people for help. And it hurt my husband too. I have never asked anybody for anything in my life but for this I have lost many things. I couldn’t have this achievement easily. There were days when I couldn’t eat or sleep properly.” Even faced with a possible death, courage never failed the 32 year old.

Her husband Tsering Wange remembering the time when neighbours jeered and said, “You are crazy. How could you do this to your wife?” He added, “I knew that she would come back to me and would make all of us proud.”

Speaking about the initiative, Rajdeep Sardesai, Editor-in-Chief, CNN-IBN, IBN7 and IBN Lokmat, said, “It gives us immense pride to honour those young Indian leaders like Anshu Jamsenpa who catapulted to great heights by carving a niche for themselves through their sheer commitment and dedication.” It is our effort to identify, honour, and showcase the young achievers, from various fields of expertise, who in turn can be a source of inspiration to the nation’s youth.
‘Young Indian Leaders’, the initiative felicitates the remarkable Indian leaders who symbolize optimism of the country which has the largest youth population in the world. Today, we feel proud to honour these young heroes who will be the face of the nation in the years to come.
Speaking about the award, Ashutosh, Managing Editor, IBN7, said, ‘Young Indian Leaders Award’ is a unique award platform through which we wish to felicitate those youth icons who have spear-headed their respective fields to bring India at par with the other superpowers.”
CNN IBN and IBN7 will telecast the episode ‘Young Indian Leader’ featuring Anshu Jamsenpa at 10.30 pm on 25 June (Saturday night) and repeat telecast next morning at 6 am.
Live award function will be telecast on 30 June from 7 pm on all 4 channels co-owned by CNN IBN.With inputs from CNN IBN and NE blog

21st day of Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling's Village to Village Tour

Gangtok,27th June (IPR): The Sikkim Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling On the 21st day of village to village tour started from Legship Secondary School to wrap up his tour of West Sikkim on 27th June 2011 .

 Addressing the gathering Sikkim CM said that he had basically come to gather the information and feedback at the lowest of the work done and those yet to be done by his government and also to bring the bureaucrats to see the field reality. His village to village tour was an initiative to bring about direct democracy, he said. Speaking on the education system of Sikkim, he said that it is not up to the standard required specially in subjects like English and Math hence, in order the increase the efficiency of the teaching faculty, the government has initiated the policy of monthly evaluation of teachers by the students. Based on this evaluation good teachers will also be rewarded and at the same time drawback can also be traced. Further he said that it also becomes the duty of students to utilize all the facilities that the government have provided to them and try to make their future by themselves. He also stressed on the fact that the failure of the students is not only the responsibity of the teachers but the society as a whole. The police department was directed to be diligent in cases of drug abuse in the society, institutions and offices and anyone found indulging in such cases should be appropriately punished. He appealed to the public to shoulder the burden of making Sikkim a drug free State which has become the major problem of the state and nation. Good citizens will become successful citizens hence all students should try to be good from within. He said that knowledge should not be certificate oriented but value based with inputs of skill and capacity building.Expressing his dissatisfaction over the low quality of computers being supplied to the schools, he directed the concerned department to initiate departmental enquiry on the supplier and stressed that all goods supplied to the school should be of good quality. Henceforth, he directed the school heads not to compromise on quality. Until and unless everyone is made responsible and answerable such discrepancies will occur. He declared that any MR employees attaining the age of 58 years shall be given one and a half year monetary benefits if they want to retire.Referring to the employees he appealed them to dedicate their service
at their best for the welfare of the people and the development of the society. Adding to it he said if anyone is not satisfied with his work they are welcome to resign. He reiterated that his government is working towards the goal of making Sikkim into a beautiful, self-sufficient and advance state by the year 2015 and its people self sufficient and prosperous.
The Chief Minister also condoled with the relatives of the victims of the landslide in which 16 lives were lost and a two minute silence was also observed for the departed souls. All deptartments were asked to render whatever aid they could to the families and the houses destroyed would also be rebuilt.He said that Sikkim is a peaceful state and it is the responsibility of every citizen to maintain this peace and development always. The Chief Minister also sponsored Miss Purni Hangma Subba of Langang JHS for eye treatment.

Metal Mayhem @Gangtok

Gangtok, June 27: Gangtok’s pub culture has given space to heavy metal headbangers with a Darjeeling-based company kick starting a monthly festival at Café Live & Loud where local bands can jam up with national and international performers.

The first edition, Metal Mayhem, I saw electrifying performance by Kathmandu outfit Kaalo Din and Darjeeling’s Dark Murder Scheme on Saturday evening. The two bands were invited by Defenders of Metal, an event management company based in Darjeeling, to expose the Gangtok crowd to a rather dark genre of rock music.

“We are starting a pub festival in Gangtok. We will have big acts and people can experience good metal music which is slowly becoming popular here. We plan to organise the event once in three months initially. But if things go as planned, it will be a monthly event where bands from Sikkim and Darjeeling will perform side by side with top metal bands from other parts of the country and outside,” said Defenders of Metal’s events head Hojo.

In a three-hour performance, Dark Murder Scheme screamed and removed the monsoon-induced lethargy of a 100-odd crowd before Kalo Din took the stage and enthralled the people with symphonic black metal.

“It was nice playing here and we had fun. The crowd response was okay for a pub,” said Dark Murder Scheme vocalist Animesh Sinha. The other members of the band formed in 2008 are Abhigya Bharati (guitar), Reshav Khawas (bass) and Triratna Moktan (drums).

Sinha said heavy metal bands got limited options to play in Sikkim and the Darjeeling hills and it was always a welcome to get offers to do gigs in pubs. “We play only in such organised events. There is limited space for our kind of music,” he said.

“The objective is to have an exchange of music knowledge between bands of Sikkim and Darjeeling and others. We will bring in top bands and our local boys will also gain by sharing dais with them. There are chances that bands in Sikkim and Darjeeling hills will get invitations to play in other parts of the country,” said Hojo.

The Defenders of Metal has already booked Kalo Din for a performance at a Guwahati pub tomorrow.

“This is the first time we are playing in Gangtok. We have heard a lot about the natural beauty of Sikkim but we didn’t know that metal is popular here. Back in Nepal, heavy metal is an underground scene but is developing rapidly. We are happy to be invited by Hojo to play here,” said band lead guitarist Davin Shakya.

The other members of the band who played on Saturday were Sanjay Mahajan (vocals), Omeo (guitarist), Bikash Rai (bassist), Ashish Senchury (keyboard player) and Gobind Senchury (drum).

Kalo Din already has an album under its belt and is working on a second product to be released in October.

Defenders of Metal is planning a gathering of international metalheads in Darjeeling later this year. “We are organising another event titled Underground Unleashed from September 30 to October 2 in Darjeeling where 12 international bands from the UK and the USA, Poland and other countries will play,” said Hojo.

10 Minutes to Earth Initiative in Sikkim

Governor Balmiki Prasad Singh

Sikkim Chief Minister

GANGTOK, 26 June: Governor Balmiki Prasad Singh planted a Cherry sapling at the Chintan Bhawan complex on Saturday morning as part of the “Ten Minutes to Earth” initiative of the State. The Chief Minister planted a Rhododendron Arboreum (Guras) sapling at Smriti Van, Bulbuley. Sikkim observed this unique initiative from 10 A.M. to 10:10 A.M. across the State on Saturday as a collective effort to contribute towards the green cover.

The Governor was also accompanied by the Gangtok MLA, Dorjee Namgyal, and officials of the Forest Department.Speaking to media persons after plantation, the Governor, in his message to the people on the day, called on all to contribute towards the protection and conservation of the environment and place Sikkim in the forefront as the best ecologically managed State of the country.

Ten Minutes to Earth is a voluntary movement unique to Sikkim and has been observed every year since 2009.

Under this dedication, saplings are provided by the Forest Department at various places designated as seedling booths.

Plantation drives, along with workshops and seminars are held across the state on the theme as part of the initiative.

Recovery operations continue in West Sikkim landslides

NAMCHI, 27 June: West Sikkim continues to grapple with the horror visited on it by the landslide of 23 June which claimed 16 lives in three separate incidents. Working in the slush through the day yesterday, the search and rescue operations at Khewadara retrieved the remaining six dead bodies from the debris of the house in which 14 people perished. The bodies recovered in a joint operation were of Man Maya Rai [30], Anup Rai [8], Buddha Rai [2], Pujan Subba [12], Sreejan Subba [11] and Dawa Tamang [66].

The recovery operation of West District Disaster Management Cell was led by DPO [West], Zigmee Bhutia, and involved personnel from SSB, Fire and Emergency Service, Sikkim Police with local residents. Eight bodies had been recovered on Friday, the day after the landslide.
Meanwhile, the survivors and families living in houses still under threat or damaged by the slides have been evacuated to the staff quarters of Pelling Senior Secondary School and are being looked after by the Pelling Tourism Development Association and the district administration.
The affected areas were also visited again by the Road & Bridges Minister, RB Subba, Deputy Speaker, MB Dahal and area MLA, PL Subba, along with the Secretaries of various departments and district officials.
The Minister handed over an ex gratia payment of Rs 1 lakh to one of the affected families even as ex gratia payments are being processed for other affected families as well.
Given the severity of the damage and injuries, it has also been decided that the State will bear the entire expenses [with no ceiling] incurred in the treatment of those injured in the landslides. The normal recourse would have been to hand over Rs. 50,000 to the families of those injured in the incident, but this might not cover the cost of treatment, it is felt.
Meanwhile, a 30-member team of personnel from National Disaster Management Cell, Jalpaiguri, has also arrived in Gyalshing to assist with the efforts of the State in mitigating the disaster which has hit the district

Sikkim Pradesh Congres's drive against Anna Hazare & Baba Ramdev backfires

GANGTOK: All India Congress Committee has organized a public meeting at the office of the Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC) at Development area, Gangtok on 25th June. During the meeting (AICC) Secretary, Sikkim In Charge, Dr. K Jaykumar had to face strong protest from own party cadres after he maintained a soft stand on corruption charges labeled against state Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling by Sikkim Pradesh Congress Party (SPCC) long back.

Jaykumar was here in Sikkim to address AICC public meeting at congress head office premises. The meeting supposed to cry uproar on much tweeted Baba Ramdev’s movement for repositioning of black money and Anna Hazare’s movement for Jan Lokpal bill, proved to be a backfire move for the AICC itself here at Sikkim after their own PCC and general members cried foul on central government’s soft stand on corruption charges of almost 9000 crores laid by SPCC against ruling SDF members some time back. The disturbance started when Jaykumar was counting the anti corruption initiatives of AICC which SPCC members found hard to digest. Thus others started condemning Jaykumar’s speech that led him to stop his speech in the middle.

As to calm his fellow congressmen, Jaykumar assured that he will look in to the demands and grievances made by congress men and would include it in their work action proposal. He also assured to bring out their work action proposal within 15 days. However still he could not complete his speech and had to leave in middle after facing intense protests.

Earlier, Jaykumar cried foul on Baba Ramdev’s agitation for repositioning of black money and termed him as a bluff under saffron. “BJP, RSS, Viswa Hindu Parishad and others are backing Ramdev’s agitation. Why are Gadkari and other BJP leader backing him then”, he had questioned earlier. Also claiming Anna Hazare’s call for Jan Lokpal bill as a move to create political turmoil upon central government, Jaykumar stated that if this bill was important for opposition parties and civil society, why wasn’t the demand raised at the time of BJP tenure, he questioned.

Earlier, PCC member, JB Darnal demanded immediate CBI enquiry upon corruption charges tagged on Pawan Kumar Chamling and others. Similarly, other speakers blamed the AICC for reacting in a cold manner to the SPCC programmes and initiatives.

Courtesy: Sikkim Mail