PM Singh holds review meeting with Sikkim CM Pawan Chamling in Gangtok

Gangtok: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has announced Rs 1000 crore as relief funds for quake-hit Sikkim. The PM also said accommodation will be provided to those rendered homeless.

The Centre will also provide assistance for earthquake proof buildings in the state. Reconstruction of rural roads, school buildings and public buildings will also be funded by the Centre.

Dr Singh is on a daylong visit in Sikkim today to assess and review the damage caused by the September 18 earthquake. The 6.8-magnitude tremor killed close to 80 people and left about 350 injured in the state.

"On arrival in Gangtok after making the aerial survey, the prime minister visited the injured at the Sikkim Manipal Hospital," a government spokesperson said.

Dr Singh will also hold a review meeting with Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling in Gangtok. Earlier, he arrived in Bagdogra from New Delhi before boarding an Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter for the aerial survey.

(With agency inputs)

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh announce Rs.1000 crore rebuild Sikkim

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh arrived in Sikkim today to review the relief operations in the quake ravaged hill state.

During his one day visit Prime Minister reviewed the situation with the senior government officials.

He visited the STNM hospital in the state capital to meet people injured in the earthquake.PM announced a relief package of Rs.1000 crore with special emphasis to rebuild schools and monasteries ,besides providing earthquake proof housing to people of Sikkim.

A State Government spokesman said in Gangtok that the PM also schedule to undertake for an aerial view of the quake affected areas in North Sikkim.

The earth quake which measured 6.8 on Richter scale, killed 78 people and caused extensive damage in the state.

Far flung areas of the State still remain inaccessible as the roads have been damaged due to quake.

Meanwhile, Army helicopters have resumed sorties to the inaccessible parts of Chungthang, Lachen and Lachung in quake ravaged areas to drop relief material.

The army choppers airdropped 9,408 kg of relief to the region.

Sikkim Chief minister Pawan Chamling dismiss link between 6.8 earthquake and Hydro Projects

Gangtok, Sept. 26: Sikkim Chief minister Pawan Chamling today dismissed a whisper campaign doing rounds in Sikkim, blaming the mega power projects in the state for Sunday’s 6.8 earthquake. To refute the allegations and allay fears, the chief minister also cited the example of Canada and Switzerland, countries that he claimed were dotted with hydel projects but were safe.

Experts from IIT Kharagpur, too, said hydel projects could not be blamed for earthquakes.

“It has been 10 years since our government initiated power projects in Sikkim. Earlier, too, such earthquakes happened in Sikkim but at that time there was not even electricity, forget power projects. There are whispers floating in Gangtok blaming hydel power projects for the earthquake, which was a natural calamity. This is one proof that such propaganda is false,” Chamling said while distributing ex gratia to the 400 earthquake victims of East Sikkim at Chintan Bhavan here.

Sikkim will have 31 hydel projects by 2015 and they are expected to generate Rs 1,500 crore annually.

“Second, Canada and Switzerland have the highest number of mega hydel power projects and tunnels, and revenue from hydro power make these countries rich and self-sufficient. If the power projects are reason for earthquakes then these two countries would have been devastated much earlier,” Chamling said.

As a third argument, the chief minister said the tunnels related to the projects were all 100 feet below the ground but Sunday’s quake originated 2,000km below the surface of the earth. “Hence, there is no connection between the tunnels and the quake,” he said. He also took recourse to history to allay fears triggered by rumours of another immediate quake hitting Sikkim. “Everyone knows that Sikkim experienced an earthquake after a long gap. We had earthquakes in history and according to the scientific data and our experience, another major quake in Sikkim is possible only after 15-20 years,” said Chamling.

A faculty member of the geology and geophysics department of IIT Kharagpur said Chamling was correct when he said hydel projects had not triggered the earthquake. “Hydel projects do not cause earthquakes and the chief minister is correct on that count. However, the earthquake of September 18 took place at a depth of 19.7km below the surface. He must have meant 20km. Earthquakes do not take place below depths of 700km,” he said.

Despite the scientific facts, the chief minister said, “irresponsible people” were circulating text messages about another immediate impending quake triggered by hydel power projects.

“Our people must be conscious and on guard against such rumours. I have not initiated power projects to trigger earthquakes but to provide a perennial source of revenue for Sikkim and its development and to remove poverty,” said Chamling.

The chief minister said most of the labourers and engineers working at the power project sites had fled. “This will lead to a delay of one year in the completion of projects and Sikkim will lose Rs 500 crore. No one has given a thought to this and anti-people elements are busy spreading rumours,” he said.

The chief minister has already distributed ex gratia in South, West and North districts. While the death compensation is Rs 5 lakh (the official toll is 77), Rs 50,000 was given for serious injuries and Rs 25,000 for minor ones.

“We are not discriminating between victims on the basis of whether he or she is a Sikkimese or not… We may be a small state with six lakh people but we have a large heart. Non-locals had died more than local people. They had died while working for Sikkim’s development,” said Chamling.

Later in the day, government spokesperson KS Topgay said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who was supposed to visit Sikkim tomorrow, has cancelled his trip

Sikkim CM Pawan Chamling not to celebrate Dasain or Diwali as a mark of mourning for quake victims

NAMCHI, 25 Sept: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling arrived in South Sikkim today as part of his tour of earthquake-affected areas of the State. The CM, it may be recalled, was in North Sikkim yesterday. At Namchi, he met the victims of the earthquake recuperating at the Namchi District Hospital and handed over cash aid of Rs. 50,000 each to them. The Chief Minister also interacted with the victims, consoling them urging them to find the resolve to build their lives afresh. He also announced today that the ex-gratia payments announced for the earthquake affected will be released equally and without discrimination between locals and non-locals.
He also inspected the hospital premises and called on other patients admitted there, handing over cash assistance to them as well.
Earlier, the CM addressed a gathering at the Indoor Gymnasium Hall and stressed that the State was going through a very difficult phase and needed its people to stand strong and united to ensure that the more affected parts and people recovered from the calamity.

Announcing that he will not be celebrating Dasain or Diwali as a mark of mourning for the lives lost to the earthquake, the CM stressed that this was not the time for divisive mentalities because Sikkim needed the emotional unity of all its people to overcome the situation.
He also called on the people not to succumb the rumours because hoaxes had the potential to unravel the relief and rescue efforts and compromise the welfare of people still stranded in remote parts of the State.
He also informed today that in the rebuilding and rehabilitation process, preference will be given to the more seriously damaged houses and the more affected people.
On damages suffered by religious institutions, the Chief Minister reiterated that all these structures will be retrofitted to ensure long-term stability and the severely damaged ones will be reconstructed.
The CM directed government officials to restore all basic infrastructure ahead of the Dasain holidays, and ensure that all the pending bills be released before the festival.
Earlier, the Chief Minister also visited Jorethang, the worst-affected part of South Sikkim.
Here, he handed over ex gratia payment of Rs. 5 lak to the family of the lady killed in a building collapse there. He also handed over ex gratia payments to those injured in the earthquake there.
The CM also inspected the damage suffered at the Solophok Char Dhaam site

Rs 1 lakh crore loss due to quake: Sikkim CM Chamling

Gangtok: Sikkim has suffered a loss of about Rs 1 lakh crore due to the 6.8 magnitude earthquake on September 18 even as the death toll rose to 98. Out of the 98 deaths, Sikkim alone has seen 68 people losing their lives while more than 300 people have been injured in the earthquake.

Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling said that the state will take several months to recover from the tragedy and feared that the casualty figures could rise as nine villages in North Sikkim are still cut off due to landslides and roads being completely damaged.

"Over 300 injured are getting treatment in various hospitals and control rooms have been established in all the four districts. Water lines have been damaged and so is the power supply. Over 2000 houses have been completely damaged and over one lakh houses have sustained damages," said Chamling.

"We are trying to assess the actual damage and expect to complete the assessment in 10 days and submit the report to the Central Government," Chamling added and said that the state also expected help from Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi, who has been touring the quake-hit areas of the state.

Union Home Ministry claimed that 400 foreign tourists are still trapped in the quake-hit areas of North Sikkim.

With relief and rescue operations have picked up speed and the weather also clearing up, authorities hope to get access to stranded areas. The Army was able to reach Mangan, the epicentre of the quake, on Tuesday.

Electricity has been restored in Gangtok and officials say other towns will have full power supply within the next few days. However, restoration of communication lines still remains a big challenge. National Highway 55, which connects Bagdogra to Darjeeling and National Highway 31, that links Gangtok to Bagdogra, have been restored.

On the ground, relief and rescue workers have raced against time to open the arterial National Highway 31 that cut off the state since Sunday evening. By Tuesday evening rescue workers were able to clear the landslides both from Baghdograh to Gangtok and Gangtok to Mangan. In the process, though, two Army jawans were killed.

Nine helicopters were mobilised and 10 doctors airlifted to Chungthang in North Sikkim. The Army has also deployed 10 medical units.

The Army says restoring communication lines beyond Mangan will be the next big challenge.

"The biggest challenge right now is to get the lines of communication through, to supply food to needy people. Road beyond Mangan is very bad and it will take more than 20 days," said Lt General Bikram Singh.

The enormity of the damage is finally emerging, besides the loss to human lives. Over 15,000 houses were razed to the ground and more than 1 lakh were partially damaged.

Mamata visits earthquake hit Sikkim ,Meets Pawan Chamling

Siliguri /Gangtok, September 20 (ANI): West Bengal Chief Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday visited Sikkim after a 6.9 magnitude earthquake jolted the region. Banerjee, before leaving for Sikkim, spoke to mediapersons in Siliguri, elaborating on the aid given to the quake victims. The forceful earthquake has so far claimed over 70 lives across three countries India, Nepal and China, out of which over 50 people have died in India alone, most of them in Sikkim. Among the most difficult of the rescue operation is to re open National Highway 31 A which connects Sikkim to the rest of the country.


West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday met her Sikkim counterpart Pawan Kumar Chamling and offered him all assistance to meet the situation arising out of Sunday's quake.
"Sikkim is our neighbouring state and we stand by the people of Sikkim at this hour of crisis with all sorts of assistance to help them tide over the situation," Banerjee told reporters after meeting Chamling at NHPC guest house in Gangtok.

Banerjee earlier went around some of the the tremor affected villages and talked to doctors and nurses in two hospitals where the injured were receiving treatment.Expressing concern over the loss of several lives in the state due to the earthquake, she said while the Centre was extending all help, "We in West Bengal have already given some relief materials and medicines and are ready to provide more."

"What is needed is joint effort to overcome the crisis," she added

Sikkim ChiefMinister Pawan Chamling Tours Gangtok

GANGTOK, 19 Sept [IPR]: To make an assessment of damages caused to houses and property in the rural and urban areas owing to the 6.8 magnitude earthquake which occurred at about 6.11 pm yesterday, the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Pawan Chamling accompanied by Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, Zilla Adhakshya East, Chief Secretary and Secretaries and HODs, Members of GMC and East District Administration visited the Tashiling Secretariat, offices in and around the Secretariat complex, Sikkim Press and Police Head Quarter in the morning, today.
The Chief Minister also visited areas in and around Gangtok and gave immediate relief to the locals. He visited the collapsed house and cow shed of Dhan Maya Chettri and the collapsed four and a half storied building of Raju Chhetri at Lumsey, Gangtok. The Chief Minister gave Rs 30,000 to Dhan Maya and Rs 50,000 to Raju Chhetri as ex-gratia payment.

The Chief Minister held a meeting at the Police Headquarter to discuss the modalities in dealing with the unfortunate incident that occurred last evening. He directed the Chief Secretary and HODs to mobilize and oversee the minute-to-minute development of the situation.
He also directed to the concerned authority, to clear the debris of buildings to prevent further damage to other property. He also directed the concerned authorities to make an assessment of the disaster and take up immediate repair work to restore the electricity and road communication in the state.
The CM also directed that the Chief Minister’s Office be relocated to Samman Bhawan for the time being and to make necessary temporary arrangements for other departments if necessary. He also asked the Core Commander Lt. General, Vinod Bhatia of Sukuna, Siliguri to coordinate with the state administration and share information. He also asked the Army for restoration of border roads and provide interim help to people with first aid and communication.
The Governor of Sikkim, Balmiki Prasad Singh who was at New Delhi returned to the state today. The Chief Minister updated the Governor about the present situation of the state at the Police Head Quarter, Gangtok.
Discussing the present situation of the state, the Governor asked the Core Commander, Vinod Bhatia for the mobilization of the Army and relief to the people. The Governor also asked the Army to coordinate with the State administration to assess the available information and damages in the state. He also took information from the Chief Secretary and concerned HODs about the disaster and necessary arrangements. He suggested holding a meeting tomorrow at 2.00 p.m at Raj Bhawan to take further necessary action to fight against this tragic situation.
An emergency meeting was held at Gram Vikash Bhawan today under the chairmanship of Minister RMDD, CB Karki to make an assessment of damages caused to houses and property in the rural areas. During the meeting the Minister issued instructions to all the ADC’s (Dev), DPOs and BDOs for assessment and gathering damage reports to be submitted to the Head Office.
The damage reports should include details of life, houses, livestock and standing properties. They were also directed to make an assessment of relief material required and to horizontally coordinate with their district line counterparts for relief and rehabilitation.
According to recent information received from the district, the foundation of the hostel building of Soreng Sr. Secondary School has been totally damaged and many pucca houses at Dodak, West Sikkim have been extensively damaged. Three houses of Phunchenpong, West Sikkim have been totally damaged and the people have been evacuated from it. The shopping complex of Soreng has also been extensively damaged. To deal with the situation a State Control Room has been established at Gangtok Bazar in front of the Tourism Department.

Sikkim Public Order Bill termed a “black bill” by Opposition

Gangtok Aug. 11: The Sikkim chief minister today tabled a bill in the Assembly for a special law to address “social vices and offences” that might cause disturbances to public order.

The bill seeks to ban processions, hunger strikes, squatting, sloganeering and waving black flags or other forms of agitation that might “promote enmity or hatred between sections of the society”on the “grounds of religion, race or caste”. Such actions will be deemed disturbances to public order, the bill states.

The Sikkim Prevention and Control of Disturbance of Public Order Bill has been termed a “black bill” by Opposition parties, which have no representation in the Assembly where all 32 seats are held by Sikkim Democratic Front.

Legal experts described the proposed state law “unconstitutional” and said it would be scrapped if taken to court.

“The state government after due deliberations felt that there is a need to deal with such types of offences affecting public order. This can only be effectively addressed by having an appropriate law/rule in place,” chief minister Pawan Chamling said while introducing the bill in the House. Sources in the government denied that there had been any immediate provocation to put the law in place.

An entire gamut of offences has been listed in the bill that will be put to vote on August 26. From public nuisance, drunken behaviour, drug abuse and resorting to child labour, the proposed law also seeks to ban persons below 18 years from entering bars and discos.

Under the provisions of the bill, a special court will be set up with the concurrence of the Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court by a notification by the state government. Each of the four districts of the state will have a special court. The bill also provides for punishment for offenders found guilty under the proposed law: a minimum imprisonment of five years with a fine not less than Rs 50,000. All offences under this law shall be considered cognisable and non-bailable.

“The provisions proposed in the bill are in total violation of the democratic values and norms. This is a black law that seeks to suppress the voice of the people and is against fundamental rights,” said Kumga Nima Lepcha, the acting president of the Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee.

The state BJP president, Padam Chhetri, said the bill was totally “undemocratic”. “Such laws are not implemented in a democracy. All the opposition parties should be united against this law. Just because there is no Opposition in the Assembly does not mean that such Taliban-like rules are to be passed as a law. By this law any dissenting voice will be crushed,” said Chhetri.

In recent times, the most vociferous protest in the state capital was by the Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) against the construction of mega-hydel projects in Lepcha reserve in Dzongu in North Sikkim. “The ban on agitation might be interpreted in any way. ACT activists Dawa Lepcha and Tenzing Gyatso Lepcha, who held hunger strikes for 53 days and 96 days in 2007 and 2008 respectively in Gangtok, had caused some embarrassment to the Chamling government that is into its fourth term now,” a political observer said.

Asked to comment on the bill, a former judge of Calcutta High Court, Bhagabati Prasad Banerjee, said: “Even though a portion of the laws related to public order has been placed on the state list and the state has the power to enact legislation on them, the bill placed by the Sikkim government will not be considered as valid if challenged in court.”

The judge said the state governments could enact laws on minor offences that affect public order like littering and committing nuisance. “But as far as public disorders like promoting enmity or hatred or disaffection among different communities are concerned, there are strong central laws for it. On these issues, a state government cannot enact any law,” Banerjee told The Telegraph in Calcutta.

Supreme Court of India rejects CBI enquiry against Sikkim CM

Gangtok August 8:The Supreme Court (SC) of India today heard and disposed off the petition filed by Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC) Vice President Mr. Kunga Nima Lepcha challenging the Gazette Notification issued by the State Government withdrawing the Jurisdiction of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946 in Sikkim. The Notification issued on 21st July last year, implied that the CBI which is governed by the Act can not function in the State any more. It is learnt that the SPCC had filed a PIL on 15th of July, 2011 at SC challenging the state government notification on CBI enquiry.SPCC President Mr. Nar Bahadur Bhandari informing media said that the Supreme Court though disposed off the matter even gave liberty to the petitioner to file a fresh petition challenging the order of the State Government of Sikkim. Adding more Mr. Bhandari informed that this order had been issued in response to the request made by the CBI seeking consent of the State Government to formally investigate the allegations made against the Chief Minister Mr. Pawan Chamling inclusive of 12 others.The SPCC President Mr. Bhandari have urged the people of state not to get carried away by allegedly malafide and false rumors being circulated by some vested interest individual in respect of the case too. On the other hand, the ruling SDF Party has reacted in a balanced manner to the development. The party spokesperson Mr. Bhim Dahal though once again questioned the credentials of Mr. Lepcha as a social worker, observed that the case was destined to meet the fate. Mr. Dahal however informed that a formal reaction over the matter will be issued after going through the Supreme Court’s Order.Whereas in the meanwhile, the Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad Party has stressed that if the SDF led Government is clean on corruption issue then it must allow CBI to initiate investigations in Sikkim

33rd day of Sikkim Chief Minister's Village to Village Tour

Gangtok: 26th July:  The Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling on his 33rd day of village to village tour has inaugurated a pig breeding farm constructed under Rastriya Krishi Vikash Yojna at Assam Gaucharan Veterinary Dispensary Complex, Pastenga, Gaucharan today. The farm constructed by Animal Husbandry Department of the state government at the total project cost of Rs.1,26,06,594/- has the capacity of 55 numbers of adult parent stock of Large White Yorkshire breed. He also inaugurated the Veterinary Sub Centre at Rizey, Namok and inspected the sub centre.

While addressing the people assembled at Assam Lingzey SSS the Chief Minister sanctioned in principle the Auditorium Hall for the school and declared to open Science and Commerce stream in the school. Further, he said that the discrepancy in the salary of the primary teachers shall be solved by August by the government. The Chief Minister also declared to establish Assam Lingzey Bazar, whichwas the demand of the people and asked the people to search for suitable land which will be purchased by the government for the purpose.

Talking about the tourism development in Assam Lingzey and adjoining areas the Chief Minister said that a man made attraction to bring the tourist to this place shall be constructed by the government in consultation with the people of the area. Talking about the various pro poor policies of

the government the Chief Minister said that the government has a time bound target. Our every activity is people centric targeted to capacity building and providing employment opportunity to the people for their sustainable development , the Chief Minister said.The Chief Minister addressed the people at Chongaytar, Rizey-Namok, Assam Lingzey Sr. Sec. School and Basilakha under Namcheybong GPU.

32nd day of the Sikkim Chief Minister's village to village tour

Gangtok: 25th July: The Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling on his 32nd day of the village to village tour while talking to the students and sanctioning financial aid to the students for the exposure trip told them to visit various parts of the state and learn about the history, geography, culture, tradition and developmental activities of the state. The state has tremendous potentiality and the students should know about it. The exposure trip will also help them learn about the state which in long run will help in shaping their career in various sectors in the state itself, the Chief Minister said.

Talking about the demand of the people with regard to cleaning and maintenance of the Chochenpheri Lake the Chief Minister said that the lake is the property of the people. The infrastructure has been created by the government and it is the people’s duty to protect, clean and maintain it. This lake is the medium of progress of the area and the people should learn it to market it for tourism purpose. The Chief Minister in this regard directed the Tourism Department to prepare a concrete proposal for the protection and maintenance of the lake in a sustainable manner.

While laying the foundation stone of the Mangkhim at Rikyap the Chief Minister said that the government has taken every possible step to protect the language, culture, tradition and religion of every community of the state. While protecting the identity of every community of the state the government is protecting the identity of the State in true sense. The Chief Minister also congratulated the land donor for donating his land for the Mangkhim and urged the people to come forward for such noble causes.
Talking about the various demands of the people the Chief Minister said that schemes should not be proposed and sanctioned in the interest of the contractors but should be in the interest of the public. The Chief Minister further said that the demands put forward by the people during this tour shall be sanctioned in two phases and the first phase shall be sanctioned by September of this year. Of all the demands forwarded by the people till date 25 school auditorium and 50 school buildings have been sanctioned by the Government, the Chief Minister declared.
During the day long tour the Chief Minister addressed the people at Chochenpheri, Rikyap, Machong, Parkha and Linkey.

(IPR)

Village-to-village tour would be an annual affair: Sikkim CM Pawan Chamling

Gangtok, Jul 25 (PTI) Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling today advocated transparency in implementation of projects including preparation of social estimates and holding mandatory public hearing in the Gram Sabha before undertaking field work. The Chief Minister who is on a month-long tour of the villages to understand first hand the problems of the people, announced that the village-to-village tour would be made an annual affair. The CM cautioned field officers against preparing estimates without understanding the ground realities. He advised them to personally undertake field trips and study the feasibility of projects before preparing estimates. The project implemented should be "transparent in every aspect" as the people have every right to know about the schemes being implemented in their areas and public hearing of the projects should be made mandatory in the Gram Sabha before undertaking field work, he said. Interacting with the people of Duga, Pachak, Central Pendam and Saku villages in East Sikkim, Chamling said that the various demands received from the public during his tour and sanctioned by him would be brought before the coming monsoon session of the Assembly. A compilation of the demands will be brought out in the form of a book and sent to the Gram Panchayats, he added. Talking about the present education system and its impact on society, Chamling said that the system of education has become a medium of producing doctors, engineers and professionals and not value based, as it should be.

31st day of Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling's village to village tour

Gangtok: For implementation of projects, Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling has emphasized on preparation of social estimates and public hearing of the schemes in the Gram Sabha before execution of the projects. “The project implemented should be transparent in every aspect as the people have every right to know about the schemes being implemented in their areas. Public hearing of the projects should be mandatory before starting the work in the field”. This was said by Chief Minister on Saturday, July 23, the 31st day of his village to village tour.

Regarding the various demands received from the public during the tour and sanctioned by him in principle on the spot he said, the people’s demand shall be brought before the coming assembly and passed in the house in the interest of the people. A compilation of the demands shall be brought out in a book form and sent to the gram panchayat, he said.

Giving a strong message to the departments, he said that the present practice of the field officers preparing estimates without knowing about the field requirement should be henceforth done away with. The field officers should personally visit the field and study the actual field requirements and feasibility of the projects before preparing the estimates he said and added Estimates as per the field requirement will be prepared “which will meet the purpose for which projects are implemented”.

Talking to students about the present education system and its impact on the society, Chief Minister said that the system of education which has become a medium of producing doctors, engineers and professionals from a human being has ceased to be value based. The prevalent education system which is not value based is creating problem in the world. “So, my dear students, the education should be value based and it should produce not only successful people but also good citizens”, he said. In this context he gave the example of Gandhi, Nelson Mendela, Abrahim Lincon and many others who were good citizens and changed the world for better and are remembered and revered throughout.
At the same time Dr. Chamling also cited the example of Hitler, Osama Bin laden and their likes “who were successful people but were not good citizen and were terror for the world and destroyed the world for their interest”. He asked the students to differentiate the distinguished people and learn from their lives.
“In order to see the problems faced by the people in nook and corner of the state and to see for himself the ground reality, this village to village tour will be made a yearly event of the government”, Chief Minister said.

At Saku the co-operative society of West Pendam GPU felicitated Chief Minister.

He was also at Duga by the beneficiaries of Chief Minister’s Rural Housing Scheme who were allotted houses under “Kutcha House Free State Mission”.
At Saku the Gram Panchayat Sachiv of West Pendam Gram Panchayat Pratap Rai his donation of land measuring 30ft x 33ft each to four poor villagers of the GPU for construction of houses under Kutcha House Free State Mission. The land documents were handed over to the four beneficiaries through the Chief Minister at a public function.
During the day long tour the Chief Minister addressed the people at Duga, Pachak, Central Pendam and Saku.

(With IPR input)

SIKKIM CM FELICITATED

 Singtam Marwari samaj presents mementos to chief minister of Sikkim dr pawan chamling

30th day of Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling's Village to Village Tour

Gangtok: 22nd July: The Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling on the 30th day of his village to village tour emphasized on the welfare measures of the government. Talking about the various welfare measures of the government the Chief Minister declared that the age for the Old Age Pension which is 65 years will be reduced to 60 years from now onwards. He also declared that an amount of Rs.600/- per month will be given to old people of the age group of 60 to 80 years. For the people of above 80 years the amount will be increased to  Rs.1000/- per month, the Chief Minister announced. He also announced Maternity Allowance of Rs. 3000/- as one time grant for the mothers in case of institutional delivery. He also announced Child Protection Allowance of Rs.500/- per month for children till they attain six years in case of institutional delivery. This he said is being done to encourage institutional delivery which will not only safeguard the mother during delivery but will also help in reducing infant mortality rate of the state.

The Chief Minister was very much disappointed about the malpractices involved in the distribution of domestic LPG Cylinders. In this regard he said that the people involved in misuse of cylinders shall be brought to justice. The middlemen involved in this trade shall be booked too. The government has taken very serious note of this, the Chief Minister added.  Talking about the various schemes and projects undertaken at various places around the state the Chief Minister said transparency has to be maintained in these projects as the people have every right to know about the projects being undertaken at their places. Social estimates of the projects have to be prepared and it should be explained in a lay man’s term to the villages in the Gram Sabha.

It is for the people that we are working and they should know what is happening around them. Since the people do not understand the technicalities involved in the projects they should be explained in as simple way as possible so that they understand the projects. In this regard the Chief Minister also said that the people also have the responsibility towards the projects. They should see that the projects being undertaken at their areas are of quality and should voice their grievances if they are not satisfied with the implementation of the projects. At Rongli Bazar, the Sikkim Chief Minister while talking about the demand of upgradation of school said that the government has taken a decision to upgrade and update the existing infrastructure of the school for next two years and the upgradation of the school will be taken up after two years. He also informed that the work for beautification and upgradation of Rongli Bazar like that of MG Marg, Gangtok will be started very soon. In this regard he solicited the cooperation of the local people. Their was hue and cry when we started the beautification of MG Marg, Gangtok and we had to face much criticism but later on the people realized that this has been done for good cause. Now the business has increased manifold in Gangtok Bazar, the Chief Minister said.

At Rongli Bazar the Chief Minister also inaugurated a Shiva Temple. At Sudunglakha, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Veterinary Sub Centre. During the 30th day the Chief Minister addressed the public at Dalapchand, Rongli Bazar and Sudunglakha.

29th day of Sikkim Chief Minister's village to village tour

Gangtok: “The Nathula Trade route is just the beginning of the development process. Widening of the road is in progress and I have a dream of bringing one lakh tourists to Tshangu lake”, Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling said this at a public function organized at Tshangu lake premises Thursday on his 29th day of village to village tour.

Stressing on the tourism development Chief Minister sanctioned Primary Health centre at Tshangu which will be both for the local people and the tourists, he said. In order to develop infrastructure in tourism sector Chief Minister Pawan Chamling said that way side amenities on both side of the road from Gangtok to Nathula will be created. In this context the Chief Minister directed the Forest Department to process for forest clearance of areas on both side of the roadside from Gangtok to Nathula. “The rules sometimes create obstacle in development process but rules should be used in the interest of the people”, Chief Minister said and directed the Forest Department to search for ways and means and come out with a solution in public interest.

Sikkim Chief Minister’s entourage crossed the highest point of 14000 ft at Sherathang during his tour on the day. At Kupup while declaring many projects for the development of tourism Chief Minister informed the public that Tsangu lake is being developed for boating and fishing purpose. In this regard he urged the public to go for tourism industry as this is an alternative profession for the people. He further said that the problem of land ownership of the Alpine Adventure Park shall be solved by the government. The government will do its best to solve this problem but the people should come forward and adopt the profession of tourism, Chief Minister said.

At Gnathang Chief Minister inaugurated the renovated Dafter bunglow. At Zuluk Dr. Chamling while addressing the gathering assured the public that 60 houses for those who have been staying at roadside will be constructed at another place. The land for the 60 houses has already been allotted by the government, he said.

Talking about the government initiatives for the development of tourism in the state he said that a holistic approach has been adopted by the government for the development of tourism in the state. Further nnouncing another government initiative Chief Minister declared that in order to increase the flow of tourist in Rhenock, Rongli, Phademchen, Zuluk and adjoining areas the government will take a decision to make one way traffic compulsory for the tourists from Gangtok to Rongli and vice versa. This will increase the flow of tourists in these areas, he said.

 (With IPR input)

Renovated 111 yrs old mandir at Rongli inaugurated by Sikkim CM

Rongli, July 22: The 111 years old mandir of Rongli bazaar, renovation and reconstruction works has been totally completed and  inaugurated today on 22nd July by the Sikkim Chief Minister during a grand spiritual programme.The puja and pran pratisthan programme of the new statue of gods brought from Rajasthan made fully of marble was also held during the inaugural programme. According to the mandir inauguration committee members the puja performed with kalash and sobha yatra . Like wise on the same day the Gayatri Pariwar Rongli organized special spiritual programme inclusive of bhajan from the local spiritual organization. Whereas on 21st July Brahmakumari Rhenock delivered spiritual speech along with the bhajan program performed by Pandit Indra Prasad Gajurel, Pandit Yogesh Sastri and group.

Today on 22nd July the grand spiritual programmes  began by 9 am in the morning and the mandir inaugurated by the Sikkim CM Pawan Chamling whereas during the evening Sai Samiti and Krishna Bhajan Mandali of Rongli is scheduled to organize the bhajan programme.

28th day of the Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling's village to village tour

Gangtok: 20th July:The Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling inaugurated the Packaged Drinking Water Plant at Government Food Preservation factory, Dokey Chisopani on the 28th day of the village to village tour. He also declared for the modernization of the Government Food Preservation Factory. All the things to be done by the government for the modernization of the factory will be done by the government, the Chief Minister said while declaring the modernization of the factory.

The Sikkim Chief Minister while talking about the various initiatives of the government for the labour class said that the labour classes have been looked upon well by the government. Talking about the Chief Minister Rural Housing Scheme the Chief Minister declared that houses under Indira Awas Yogna and GCI sheets will be provided to those not possessing Sikkim Subject/ Certificate of Identification as well.

At Chisopani the Chief Minister was very seriousabout the damages done to houses above the roadside due to low quality of the work on the roadside. The Chief Minister said that the Chief Secretary have been directed to call the Chief Engineer of GREF and ask him to take action immediately and restore the damage of the public which has been caused due to the negligence on their part. If suitable action is not taken by the GREF in this regard then the government will have no choice but to go to the court in the public interest, he said.

At Singtam Bazar the Sikkim Chief Minister declared for the construction of Lall Bazar like that of Kanchanjunga Shopping Plaza of Gangtok.At Majitar the Chief Minister handed over the keys of the ambulance to the BM United Service cooperative society. The NEXGEN Foil Company had donated the ambulance to the people of Majitar. The maintenance and upkeep of the ambulance will be done by Majitar Nagar Panchayat and BM United Service Co-operative Society.The Chief Minister also reiterated the stand of the government.

27th day of the Sikkim Chief Minister's village to village tour

Gangtok,19th July:  The Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling on the 27th day of the village to village tour  while talking about the drug menace in the state said that stricter laws with imprisonment upto 10 years will be formulated in this coming assembly session scheduled for 11th and 12thAugust 2011 to combat this problem. The people who are involved in this trade are spoiling the future generation of our society and stricter laws are required to combat this menace, the Chief Minister said. Further he said that laws will also be framed banning children below 18 years of age from purchasing liquor from Foreign Liquor shop. FL Shop owner and hotel owners selling or entertaining children below 18 years with liquor shall be dealt seriously. Laws to this extend shall be framed, he said. Further, laws will also be framed to book those who come as an obstacle in public interest and put forward their personal interests. Public interest should be above personal interest. There have been many instances where government schemes have been delayed and hampered due to personal interest on petty issues. If this continues developmental works cannot progress. So, in order to combat these problem strict laws will be framed; the Chief Minister was very serious in this regard. Hinting on certain news item published in a local daily the Chief Minister said that the forth estate has a respectable and responsible position in the society as they play a pivotal role in shaping the society. But at the same time the Chief Minister said that certain local papers are directly writing against the very existence and dignity of the Sikkimese society which should be strongly opposed by the civil society. In this regard the Chief Minister strongly condemned the false report on local daily about MGNREGA. Refuting the allegation that MGNREGA is the sole bread winner of Sikkimese people the Chief Minister stated that the income of Sikkimese is not solely dependent on MGNREGA. Stressing that this allegation is an insult to all the Sikkimese he appealed to the forth estate to excise restrain and responsibility while reporting such erroneous news item. Talking to the students on the various schemes of the government in education sector the Chief Minister said that economic condition should not be a condition for education of the students and this government has created a situation whereby the student can pursue their education as much as they want. It does not matter whether you are rich or poor, you just concentrate on your studies and if you want any help in your studies – come to me, the Chief Minister said to the students. There are many schemes right from the primary level for the students. The Chief Ministers Meritorious Scholarship Scheme is not only meant for giving scholarship to meritorious students but also to encourage competition amongst the students, the Chief Minister added.

(SikkimMail)

Mr. Nar Bahadur Bhandari, President Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee welcomes Gorkhaland Pact

Gangtok 19th July: President Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC) Mr. Nar Bahadur Bhandari rejected the proposal of the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling to name Sikkim Government College, Tadong as Nar Bahadur Bhandari College. It was proposed by the CM during his village to village tour.

Speaking with media in a meeting held at the party head office at Development Area Mr. Bhandari

informed that CM Pawan Chamling had also proposed to name Soreng road after him but it was also turned down and he had said that he is not fit for it. Mr. Bhandari further said that the ongoing tour of the CM is a total failure and a fruitless exercise as many people in the visited area are unable to meet the CM and place their grievances before him.

Adding more Mr. Bhandari stated that the people are fed up with Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) government as SDF led Mr. Bhandari further alleged that due to Panchayats SDF government fails in proper implementation of the central government scheme in the state as the people are not given the chance to select their Panchayat. Panchayat in state are selected by the government and party and due to which the Panchayat are working in favor of government instead of serving the public and due to this reason the public in the state are not satisfied with the activities of the Panchayats. Public have the right to elect their Panchayat in a democracy but ruling government do not follow democratic principles in the right earnest added Mr. Bhandari.

Addressing the Sikkim University issue Mr. Bhandari said that CM Chamling speaks about the quality education in the state during every public meet but he fails in providing land to Sikkim University and in addition CM Chamling is also encouraging the student to speak against the Vice Chancellor of Sikkim University who holds a respectable post. Mr. Bhandari informing more said that if the ruling government fails in providing land to Sikkim University within this year then the fund allotted for the construction of the university by UGC will return back so its high time that CM Chamling has to take initiative and handover the acquired land to SU.

Adding more Mr. Bhandari stated that CM Chamling is talking about providing quality education in the state but there are numerous schools in the state facing the crisis of Mathematics teachers along with uniform and book.

Speaking over the rising unemployment problems in state Mr. Bhandari said that the SDF led government lacks employment generation programme and due to which the unemployment problems is increasing in the state currently.

Furthermore Mr. Bhandari congratulated UPA Chairperson Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, Union Home Minister Mr. P Chidambaram, Chief Minister of West Bengal Ms. Mamta Banarjee and president of Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) Mr. Bimal Gurung for solving the long pending problem of Gorkhaland on 18th of July 2011.

Informing further Mr. Bhandari said that GJM can demand Gorkhaland state in future on the base of Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) as well.

During the programme about 32 SDF members from Namthang and Yangthang joined Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee and Mr. Bhandari welcomed them by offering khadas.

government is unable to keep its promises made to the people of Sikkim