1,600 temporary classrooms in Earthquake hit Sikkim

Gangtok, Oct. 5: The Sikkim government is determined to utilise the eight-day Dasain or Puja break to repair and restore damaged school buildings so that the 779 government institutions with 1.18 lakh students are able to function on Monday. Classes in most institutions have been suspended since September 19, a day after the earthquake as 682 government schools suffered damage of various degrees. Fifty-nine of the school buildings had collapsed. Alternative arrangements like holding classes in the open did not work out because of bad weather. The options now available before the government are: construction of temporary classrooms, hiring buildings near damaged schools and introducing shift system in institutions with low enrolment, located mostly in remote areas. “We have constituted teams of officials and engineers in each district for construction of the temporary classrooms. We have requested the respective MLAs to provide us with help in the form of labourers, most of whom will be unavailable during Dasain,” said state human resource development secretary C.S. Rao. The 20ftX16ft temporary classrooms will accommodate some 30 students each. Locally available material will be used for construction and the arrangement will continue for the next four to five months till permanent structures come up, said Rao. The number of temporary classrooms will depend on the enrolments in each school. “The number of temporary classrooms may cross 1,600 and the MLAs along with our officials are on a tour to assess the exact requirement,” said Rao. Most of these temporary structures are expected to come up on vacant school grounds. The HRD department has the option of hiring space in local buildings if there is no scope to set up a temporary structure near a school. If both these options do not work out, classes may be held in shifts, said Rao. This means the less damaged rooms of a school may be used in turns for holding classes. On September 26, the government officially announced that classes in government and some 325 private education institutions would resume only on October 10 when the Dasain break ends in most schools. The school heads had been directed to work with the authorities for putting up alternative arrangement by then. Chief minister Pawan Chamling had already instructed the HRD department to repair and restore all government schools during Dasain so that students can be back in class on October 10. “There has been a loss of more than a week of class but we will compensate it at the end of the academic calendar. According to an earlier schedule, the schools would have shut on December 17 for winter. Now it will close only on December 22. Right now our target is to start classes from October 10. All arrangements will be ready by October 9 evening,” said Rao. Earlier, schools were supposed to close for Dasain on October 10.

All schools across Sikkim shut till October 10

Gangtok, Sept. 26: All schools across Sikkim will reopen on October 10 after Puja (or Dasain) vacation, the government has announced after taking stock of the widespread damage that educational institutions suffered in last Sunday’s quake.

Classes in the 779 government schools and some of the 325 private institutions had been suspended since September 19. But some unsuccessful attempts in the past few days to resume classes in alternative rooms and a gloomy weather prompted the government today to officially announce a break till October 1, when the Puja holidays start.

“All government schools are closed till October 1. They will reopen on October 10 after the Puja holidays. We had tried for a couple of days to resume classes but could not do it as the schools were not in good condition and weather continues to remain bad. We don’t want to take any chances,” said state human resource development secretary C.S. Rao.

Rao said the schools would have to take extra classes in winter to make up for the loss. “Earlier it was scheduled that the schools would close on December 17 for winter break but now it will close only on December 22,” he said. “We have also conveyed our decision to the private schools but if some of them want to continue with the classes, we have no objection,” Rao said.

He said there were around 1.18 lakh students in the government schools and 24,000 in the 325 private institutions. Nearly 430 government schools have suffered major damage. Of them, 54 schools have totally or partially collapsed, according to a preliminary report collected by the department.

“The school heads will be available during this break to consult with the local panchayats and school managing committees to make alternative arrangement so that classes can start from October 10,” said Rao.

The chief minister has given Rs 50 lakh as immediate relief for restoration of the school buildings, he said.

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)

Meet CBSE class XII Sikkim Topper

GANGTOK: 19 year old Chetan Koirala of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Balutar [Singtam] is the CBSE class XII state topper this year. He scored an aggregate of 93.8% in the Science stream.

He scored 90 in Physics, 95 in Chemistry, 95 in Maths, 96 in Computer Science, 89 in English and 98 in Physical Education.

“I am very happy and satisfied with my percentage, my parents, teachers, relatives and friends deserve the big thank you for always guiding and supporting me,” said Chetan, while interacting with reporters here in the capital, today.

The proud son of Khem Raj Koirala and Kesari Maya Sharma of Raley Basti, Samdung, Chetan is now preparing for the National Aptitude Test for Architecture to be held in Guwahati.

“I want to opt for architectural engineering as it is my childhood dream to become an architecture,” he added.

According to him, it was his hard work and consistent effort which made him become the state topper.

“I did not go for any kind of coaching or tuition classes, rather, I devoted more time on revision,” he adds.
He completed his class X from Samdung Secondary School in the year 2009.

(Now Daily)

Sikkim Girl tops scoring a 97.75% in Mayo College Girl’s School, Ajmer

GANGTOK, 18 May: Deepika Agarwal, granddaughter of late Tarachandji Agarwal and daughter of Bramanand Agarwal of MG Marg, Gangtok, aced her class XII ISC exams, scoring a 97.75% aggregate in the class XII board examinations in Commerce stream and topped the Mayo College Girl’s School, Ajmer. Deepika scored 100 in Accounts, 99 in Mathematics, 97 in English and 95 in Commerce, 94 in Economics.

Deepika studied at Tashi Namgyal Academy here till class X and passed her ICSE examination from there in the year 2009 and then joined Mayo College Girl’s School. The family has been residing in Gangtok for more than a 100 years.

Drunk-on-duty School headmaster suspended from service in Sikkim

GANGTOK, 17 May [IPR]: As per a Press communiqué dated 13 May 2011 received from Secretary, Human Resource Development Department, a teacher from the HRDD was suspended recently under Government Servant’s Conduct Rules 1981, Sub rule 4.
“Lal Bahadur Rai, Headmaster, Kewzing Tea Garden Primary School, South Sikkim, was found irresponsible and not performing his duty. On 24 February, Deputy Director, Ravangla, happened to meet him at 11:20 a.m. at Ravangla Bazar. Mr Rai was found intoxicated and had consumed alcohol to such a great degree that he was unable to keep himself within bounds. On the spur of the moment, he was taken to Police Station, Ravangla and referred to PHC, Ravangla for medical examination,” the release details.
The Department is in the process of scrutinizing the performance of teachers who have proved detrimental to the development of the State, the Department adds.
Teachers, being the role models of the society, are expected to maintain the nobility of the teaching profession. The Department is determined to identify such defaulters and subsequently take immediate disciplinary action against them, the release assures

Modern School, Gangtok gets Rs. 1.19 crore new building

GANGTOK, 26 April: A new building, constructed at the cost of Rs. 1.19 crore was added to the Modern Secondary School campus at Tathangchen today.
The new building was inaugurated by the HRD Minister, NK Pradhan, and the Speaker, Sikkim Legislative Assembly, KT Gyaltsen, who also happens to be the area MLA.
The three-storied RCC building has an auditorium on the top floor. The construction began on 10 February 2009 and was completed on 10 March 2011.

Addressing the function, the HRD Minister dedicated the new building to the people of the State, especially to the people of the area.
He stressed that maintaining good discipline will help the institution to come into the limelight more brightly and help the overall development of the school.
Mr. Pradhan, speaking on the commitment to quality education at all levels commented that the heads of schools and teachers across Sikkim were now realizing and delivering on their responsibilities much better.
Addressing the students, he urged them to pursue competence and be ready to face future challenges with confidence.
“Until and unless you do not take the school as your own, you are not doing justice to the school or to yourselves. It is important to build a sense of belonging and possessiveness towards your school,” he said.
Responding to various demands placed by the school, the Minister assured to look into the demand for new primary school building and said that he will depute engineers to follow up this request.
He also assured to take up the demand for fencing and constructing a main gate for the school and also to resolve the shortage of teachers.

Mr Pradhan informed that equipment for the school laboratory will also be provided very soon.
The Speaker, in turn, underlined that the new building was an asset for the coming generation and that this property has been created due to the government’s priority focus on education.
He observed that “remarkable change” has come in the education system in the State due to vision of the Chief Minister and good teamwork at the HRDD.
The HRDD Commissioner-cum-Secretary, R Telang, presented the technical report on the new school building and urged the headmistress, teachers, students, parents and members of the school management committee to ensure proper utilization and maintenance of the new building.
Earlier, the headmistress of the school, DK Pradhan presented the annual report of the school. Also on the occasion, the school felicitated two teachers who retired recently from the school, Agnes Lepcha and Neelam Agnihotri.
The school also felicitated the HRDD Minister, the Speaker, former area MLA Kunga Zangpo Bhutia, the HRDD Joint Director and the ward councillor.

Sikkim studies launched at Jamia Millia Islamia by Pawan Chamling

NEW DELHI: In an effort to bridge the gap in understanding of the northeast, the Centre for North East Studies of Jamia Millia Islamia launched a research programme in Sikkim Studies on Monday. This is a first-of-its-kind academic programme which aims at a comprehensive study of Sikkim's culture, politics, governance and its contribution to India. The programme was launched by the chief minister of Sikkim, Pawan Chamling, who also announced a grant of Rs 25 lakh per annum for three years for running the programme from Jamia campus.

The Centre for North East Studies is the only centre in India that is geared towards carrying out research programmes on the region. At present, research on seven states, including Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh is being carried out. Chamling while launching the programme lamented that despite its rich contribution, Sikkim has not been given its due recognition like the rest of the seven states in the northeast. "Despite the sacrifices made in terms of industrialization, non-grazing and deforestation policies so as to safeguard the Himalayan ecology, there is no recognition of our efforts as a state," said Chamling.

"Despite the sacrifices in terms of industrialization, non-grazing and deforestation policies so as to safeguard the Himalayan ecology there is no recognition of our efforts as a state,'' said Chamling. Fundamentally, the programme involves research, documentation and dissemination of information on Sikkim. But the centre will also facilitate placement and research work on the state. The director of the Centre for North East Studies, professor Sanjoy Hazarika, said, "The programme aims at research on climate change, Himalayan ecology, environment, social stress, critical issues before small states, among other things. We would also like to facilitate placement of research scholars from Sikkim and help them in going to Sikkim and pursuing academic research on the state."

Stating that this is the only centre doing research on the region, vice-chancellor of Jamia, Najeeb Jung, said, "This is an extension of what we are already doing in terms of understanding the region and its contribution. The university through this centre seeks to play the role of a leading research and documentation centre for the region and act as a think tank on the key issues before the northeast for the academic community, scholars and policy makers. It also aims to provide an alternative platform to the region."

Sick teachers to be retired in Sikkim

Gangtok: The Human Resource Development (HRD) department has been tasked by Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) to retire sick teachers within July 15.

“Sick teachers should be retired. Solution and ways and means is desired for getting rid of this menace. Our students and people should not suffer due to this. Line of action to submit”, reads the chapter on HRD department containing list of tasks to be achieved within 100 days.

The Chief Minister had recently released the ‘100 days task-list’ booklet containing tasks to met by 30 departments by July 15. The chapter on HRD department also frowns on this year’s ‘inordinate delay’ in distribution of text books, uniforms to the students. The distribution should be completed by January every year, it reads.

The CMO has also sought a joint proposal from the HRD department and Sikkim Central University for resettlement of displaced land owners whose land had been acquired for the university campus at Yangyang. The road has been constructed, helipad built and land also made available but the displaced land owners have to be resettled for which a joint proposal should come up from the department and university, the task-list reads.

The State government has also expressed its desire that the Sikkim University should encourage subjects that are relevant to the State like environment and trade. In the academic and executive council of the university, the State government representatives and other knowledgeable and qualified persons to be included, the report says.

The HRD department has been also tasked to regularize Sanskrit teachers who are holding temporary positions with creation of posts by the Department of Personnel. Monastic teachers also should be given primary teachers status along with Sanskrit teachers as in the eyes of the State government, both of them are at par with primary teachers.

The CMO has directed the HRD department to formulate a proposal for starting a Mukhyamantri Special Education Scheme for the very poor children to be initiated from this year.

Students claim ‘commission’ in uniform drive of Gangtok College

Third class materials provided at very high rates: Students

GANGTOK, September 2: The ‘uniformity’ drive of Tadong Government College has stumbled into its first controversy with a section of students today accusing college authorities and Student Representative Council for fixing excessive amounts for sub-standard uniforms.


The Tadong Government College had made it mandatory for its 2500 odd students to wear uniforms as designed by the administration from August 31. The college had claimed that the dress code will bring unity, uniformity and sense of discipline among the students. The uniforms were also meant for identification purposes.

Though a majority of students have welcomed the dress code, they now claim that the uniforms provided to them did not have the quality as desired and expected from the amount charged.

Claiming to speak on behalf of all the aggrieved students, the fifth semester students today issued a press statement blaming the college administration and their Student Representative Council.

“We welcome the decision of college administration to have uniforms for students. We express our gratitude to college principal and dean as this will bring uniformity among the students. But to our sadness, we have learnt that we were provided uniforms made of third class quality”, said fifth semester students, Jiwan Subba and Suman Ghimeray.

The students told media that uniforms provided to students have already started showing signs of decaying within one week. Some students scouted tailor shops in Gangtok and found out that the actual amount for uniforms was only Rs. 1500 at the most which was very low compared to amount of Rs. 2250 charged to us per uniform, they said.

We also found out from Jagadamba and Hari Stores that uniforms along with tailoring charges were costing between Rs. 1400 to Rs. 1500 per piece, the students said. There is a big difference of around Rs. 700 between the actual cost and amount charged from us and who is pocketing the difference, they questioned.

“When students requested the two stores for reduction in cost of the uniforms, they showed a white paper where it was written that the cost of the college uniform is ‘Rs. 2250’ duly signed by one of the high personality of the college”, the students said.

Claiming a ‘commission’ hand in the whole affair, the students said that those enjoying the fruits of commission will come to very drastic end as they were eating the labour and sweat of poor farmers. The students of this college have come from small villages from districts and they are mostly children of the farmers, they said.

As a whole, the entire expenditure for uniforms along with tie, shoes and stockings for girls have to bought separately will come around Rs. 3000 to Rs. 4000, the students said.

This is a huge amount for BPL category students studying in the college and our college administration is forgetting that our college is a government college and not a private college, the aggrieved students said in the press release.

Yoksom school topper in state science exhibition

Gangtok,Nov14: Valedictory function of three day State level Science Exhibition 2009 was held on Friday at Paljor Indoor hall. The exhibition was organized by State Institute of Education, HRD Department.
In model competition, Yoksom Senior Secondary School of west district was first; Ke-de-khang Secondary School of east and Temi Sr. Sec. School of south district second and third respectively. They are selected for national level science exhibition. Mr. N K Pradhan, Minister HRD and Sports and Youth Affairs was chief guest on the occasion. He visited all the stalls in the exhibition and praised the students for their exhibits. Last year’s state level competition topper PNG School also participated National Science Exhibition and took 2nd position, an achievement for the state, he said. The Minister distributed trophy, mementos and certificates to participants.

Gangtok School celebrates golden jubilee

Gangtok,Nov03: Pabyok Secondary School, Naitam, under Syari Constituency celebrated its Golden Jubilee on November 1. The school was established in 1959. The function comprised of different colourful cultural shows, painting exhibition, handicraft exhibition, play and debate competition among the wards.

Mr. N.K. Pradhan, Minister for Human Resource Development Department was the chief guest of the programmed which was attended by Speaker, SLA, Mr. K.T.Gyaltsen, Sangha MLA Mr. Phituk Tshering Lama, MLA Mr. B.B Rai, former MLA Mr. IB Rai as guests of honour. Souvenir of the school was released and six locals were felicitated for their contribution in foundation of this school. Students of Pabyok school Dr. Dhruba Rai and former MLA IB Rai were also felicitated during by the school. A token of appreciation was presented to Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling and Speaker Mr. Gyaltsen by the school.
Mr. Pradhan, chief guest, in his address informed state government’s plan to connect every government school with online internet facilities. He said this initiative is to make every student of rural area aware by getting access to every information. “Today’s students have to be ready for every challenge and we are determined to make them ever ready in every field”.
“For imparting quality education”, Mr. Pradhan said, “we are preparing quality teachers. Skilfull and well trained teachers are the demand of the time and we are putting every effort for it”. He asked the school management to enroll more students. “The strength of student roll will help you getting your every demand”, he said referring to the demands of school managing committee. The Minister assured sanction of an additional six-room building for the school upon discussion with the Chief Minister.
Speaker Mr. Gyaltsen said the state government is keen on developing this area as a tourist destination. Every developmental scheme should reach every people. Headmistress Rosaline Lama presented annual report of the school.

Speech of Chief Minister Chamling, during the Seminar on ‘Right to Education’ at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok

His Excellency Shri Hamid Ansari sahib, Hon’ble Vice President of India, respected Madam Ansari ji, His Excellency Governor of Sikkim, respected Shri BP Singhji, respected Madam Singhji, His Lordship Hon’ble Justice A.H. Saikia, Chief Justice High Court of Sikkim, His Lordship Hon’ble Justice A.P. Subba, His Lordship Hon’ble Justice S.P. Wangdi, Hon’ble Members of the Judiciary and the Sikkim State Legal Services Authority, Members of the Bar Association of Sikkim, Chief Secretary, Government of Sikkim, distinguished guests, officials, ladies and gentlemen


Today I feel highly privileged to participate in the inaugural function of the Seminar on ‘Right to Education’ with special reference to Sikkim for important reasons. Firstly, this function has provided us with this rare opportunity to welcome His Excellency the Vice President of the Country to Sikkim . His Excellency himself being the storehouse of knowledge and mature wisdom has blessed us with his benign presence for sharing his rich knowledge to further our cause. Secondly is the criticality of the theme chosen for this Seminar which has remained closest to our hearts engaging the best of our time, energy and means to achieve optimum results in the education sector in the context of quality, access and affordability.


Therefore, on behalf of the State Government, I would like to thank the Hon’ble High Court and His Lorship the Chief Justice in particular for holding this Seminar in the State in the august presence of legal luminaries, educationists, writers and social thinkers who are closely involved to make insightful inputs for the sacred task of educating our children and the people in the State.
From day one, we have taken education on topmost agenda of our priorities by making it free upto the college level with additional incentives to make it widely accessible and highly affordable for all sections of population. Some of our statistics vis-à-vis the past would make a unique revelation. For example, the literacy rate which was just 56 percent in 1994 today stands at 82 percent. Every village now has a school within walking distance. The annual budgetary support to education has reached an impressive 20 percent this year. The teacher-student ratio of 1:16 is one of the best available in the Country. The number of school going girl children is slightly higher than the boys with very positive outcome in terms of increased enrolment in schools and far more improvement seen in school retention.


At the elementary level upto Class V and in some cases upto Class VIII in far-flung villages, we have made provision for distribution of free school uniform, text books, exercise books, school bag, school shoes/socks and rain coat free of cost.
In addition, we have also introduced host of scholarship for our children including the Small Family Scheme and Prerna Yojana for our girl children with attractive incentive that aims to delay marriage among our daughters and instead help continue their academic pursuit.
We are also trying to re-orient our general policy to further enhance the quality of education. This we are aiming to achieve through multi-pronged strategies including regular teacher training programs, reorientation programs and grant of scholarship for overseas courses. The idea is to impart sound education to children with attention to bring down wastage to zero level.


And more recently, the Country has enacted The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Bill, 2008. All children between the ages of 6 and 14 years shall have the right to free and compulsory elementary education in a neighbourhood school. This Act is a historic step and unique in many ways. This bold shift in policy now enjoins a legal binding upon the Government to make necessary arrangements for providing elementary education to each and every child of the country. The education has to be free for the child and to provide it has become compulsory for the government.
We have initiated some very innovative scholarship programs including Special Interest free loans to students pursuing higher studies and the Chief Minister’s Free Scholarship for overseas courses in 20 best Universities of the world.
Through our own limited resources and in our own humble way, we have taken initiatives to make quality education widely accessible and affordable in the State. In the process, we have been able to smooth out disparities to a large extent resulting from uneven household income and lack of other relative opportunities caused by historically demonstrated social condition across the State.
In any case, issue of reforms in sector like education is a continuous process which must be thought over and over again, discussed and debated always and everywhere. Sikkim recently was adjudged as the Best State in Primary Education among the smaller states category by the India Today Group. We received the recognition in all humility. But our development process would continue to be pursued with all vigour and vitality. We must and will live up to the expectation of the people and will leave no stone unturned to make more effort in this direction to provide elementary education to all and every child in the State as a matter of entitlements and right.
I thank His Excellency, the Vice President of India, for being with us today. I am thankful to His Excellency, the Governor of Sikkim for his presence today with us. I once again thank the Hon’ble High Court of Sikkim for this excellent meeting organized in the State.
Thank you
Jai Hind

Sikkim Governor and Chief Minister Paints Conflicting pictures of Sikkim Schools

Gangtok,October30: Sikkim chief minister Pawan Kumar Chamling had an embarrasing time as governor BP Singh expressed concern at the high dropout rate in schools in the state before Vice-president Hamid Ansari and other dignitories.

Singh was speaking at a seminar on 'Right to Education With Special Reference to Sikkim and Its Impact on Legal Awareness Campaign' here organised by Sikkim High Court on the occasion of its golden jubilee celebrations which was inaugurated by Ansari, who is on a visit to the mountain state.

Earlier, Chamling had painted a bright picture about the state of education in Sikkim saying that the state has one of the highest literacy rates in the country.

The state was recently given an award by a media group in New Delhi for being the best state among the smaller states in primary education, he told the function.

The Union Human Resources Development Ministry has released a report recently stating that the school dropout rate in Sikkim was 85 per cent and was the second worst performer behind Bihar.

Universal education should benefit all sections: Ansari

Shri M. Hamid Ansari, Vice President of India addressing at the inauguration of the Regional Conference on “Right to Education with Special Reference to Sikkim and its impact on Legal Awareness Campaign” in Gangtok, Sikkim on 29th October 2009

Shri M. Hamid Ansari, Vice President of India lighting the lamp to inaugurate the Regional Conference on “Right to Education with Special Reference to Sikkim and its impact on Legal Awareness Campaign”, in Gangtok, Sikkim on October 29, 2009. The Governor of Sikkim, Shri Balmiki Prasad Singh is also seen.

Gangtok,October29: Describing Right to Education Act as historic, Vice-President Hamid Ansari on Thursday urged the government to ensure that students acquired skills commensurate with their schooling with access to vocational and technical skills.

“It has taken us six decades since Independence to provide the right to every child in the age-group of 6 to 14 years a free and compulsory primary education in the schools in their neighbourhood,” he said.

“The Act passed by the Parliament last month empowers our citizens to demand education in order to development ones potential to the fullest,” Mr. Ansari said.

Hinting at making educational institutions accountable for qualitative improvement in the lives of the people, he questioned whether children acquired skills commensurate with their schooling and access to vocational and technical skills, social and life skills at the time of leaving school.

The Vice-President also emphasised on the commitment to universal education benefiting all sections of society irrespective of socio-economic status and said there existed an inequity and segregated access to quality education.

He was inaugurating a seminar on ‘Right to Education with Special Reference to Sikkim and Its Impact on Legal Awareness Campaign’ at Chintan Bhawan here

85% School dropout rate in Sikkim

GANGTOK, October 26: It is the ultimate irony of Sikkim – twenty percent of the State’s annual budget is ‘allocated’ for education sector and yet out of thousands of boys and girls enrolled into primary schools, only twenty percent on an average make it senior secondary level and even less numbers pursue a degree course in colleges, as per the analysis of a national report suggest.


In a telling rebuttal to the State Government’s education implementation, the annual report 2008-09 of Ministry of Human Resource Development listed Sikkim in the second position in the national ranking of dropouts.

As per figures outlined by the HRD Ministry in its annual report, Sikkim recorded 85 percent school dropouts rate from Class I to X for the year 2006-07! This percentage is much higher than the national average of 59.9 percent.

Bihar stands on top of the heap with 85.1 percent – Only 0.1 percent separates the leader and second best in the infamy list of dropouts.

According to the HRD Ministry report, a total of 85.2 percent dropout rate has been recorded for girls between Class I to X of Sikkim while it is 84.8 percent dropout for boys taking the total dropout rate to 85 percentage for the year 2006-07. This means that 85 percent of the school goings students of Sikkim dropped out without reaching the senior secondary levels and only 15 percent managed to reach the senior secondary schools and much less, saw college education.

Sikkim does reasonably good in the primary education levels with the dropout rate from Class I to IV standing at 24.3 percentage, marginally below the national average of 25.4 percentage for the year 2006-07. However, the picture disintegrates in the upper primary school levels (Class I-VIII) with dropout rates of Sikkim skyrocketing to 65.5 percentage, much higher than the national average of 46 percentage.

Though the HRD Ministry in its report has not published the factors for the abnormally high dropout rates in Sikkim, local stakeholders here pointed out that lack of quality education, economic compulsions and social issues are the responsible factors.

The quality education factor is interesting as Sikkim boasts one of the highest teacher-student ratios in the nation.

Sikkim High Court today stayed Sikkim Manipal Medical Student's discharge

Gangtok , Oct 22 The Sikkim High Court today stayed the Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences (SMIMS); aposs decision to discharge three second-year students enrolled in an MBBS course for failing to secure 50 per cent marks in the entrance test.

The order was passed by a division bench comprising Justice A P Subba and Justice S P Wandi on a writ petition filed by the aggrieved students - Tekhelnayum Sayon Singh, Rohit Tiwari and Monalisa.

They have challenged the SMIMS notice discharging them from the institute with effect from today after they failed to secure 50 per cent marks in an entrance test held last year.

The students say that they had been given admission by the institute through a proper procedure during which they were intimated in writing by the authorities about their selection in the MBBS and asked to appear for counseling before being given admission after payment of fees of about Rs four lakhs.

Sikkim Government College celebrates 32nd Foundation Day

Gangtok,October17: Sikkim Government College, Tadong, observed its 32nd Foundation Day at the college auditorium on Friday, October 16. Speaking as chief guest of the function, Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling said, “Today’s need is job-oriented education” and emphasized on quality education. “21st century is age of education”, he said and pointed out “teaching and learning should go hand in hand”. He advised the students not to fetter away their time and energy and urged them to recognize the importance of the present time.
“Our government will give top priority to human resource development”, he said adding, “a teacher should get every comfort so that he can dedicate himself to his duty. “We are spending 22% of total budget in education”, CM noted. He said 4th Pay Commission is implemented and the state cabinet has passed a resolution in line of University Grant Commision (UGC). Though it a bit late, but it will be implemented soon, he said. A skill development centre will be established in every constituency, he informed. He said 30 students from science in 1st year will be sent directly to Manipal and Banglore for BSc. Nursing course and 80 students are already sent for paramedical and pilot training. He candidly said, “I could not get a chance to attend college but I will never let my students down in education”.
CM vented his displeasure about the society today which he called lackadaisical where the people are only self-seekers and neither help each other nor takes a stand on any matter. “A self centered person who never feels hurt seeing young ones getting into bad practices is a burden for a society”, he underlined. “Hitler, though successful, was not a good person”, he observed. Commenting on “emerging racial groups in educational institutions”, CM said, educational institutions must be kept away from casteism and communal feeling”.
Regarding demands of the college raised by Principal Dr. MP Kharel, Chief Minister promised to fulfill every one of them. Modern well equipped laboratory, gymnasium, smooth road to auditorium, canteen, standard teacher quarters will be made as early as possible, he assured. He also assured that a well furnished, attractive world class college library with one lakh books will be provided along with. A football ground will be constructed and the basketball court will be repaired, he added. About shortage of lecturers he said, 25 posts of lecturers will be created soon. HRDD Minister Mr NK Pradhan also spoke on the occasion.
Earlier NCC cadets of the college gave a guard of honour to CM. A memento was presented to the Chief Minister by Principal. Students presented different cultural items. Sikkim University Vice chancellor Prof. Mahendra P Lama, Ministers, MLAs, HRDD officers, principals of all government colleges of Sikkim, former principals of SGC, Tadong , lecturers, students comprised a capacity gathering on the occasion

Sikkim for education policy reforms in state

Sikkim Education Minister N.K.Pradhan, Sikkim M.P. P.D.Rai, Sikkim Education Secretary Ravindra Telang, IAS announcing launch of "Educational Reform Renewal Mission-2010 " in an inter-active function held in Chintan Bhawan yesterday with Teachers, Heads of Schools, Retired  Govt. Officers,NGO's from all four districts of Sikkim.

Gangtok,October14: With the launching of the Education Reform Renewal Mission 2010 in a programme held today here at Chintan Bhawan, Sikkim has become the first State in India to start reformations in the education sector.


This, the department officials said, was taken up in view of the objective of the State Government in ushering in high quality education delivery system at every level.

On the occasion, workshop on education reformation was also organized by the State Human Resources and Development Department, which were attended by MP, Lok Sabha PD Rai as the chief guest. Also present were the HRDD Minister, NK Pradhan, Secretary, R Telang, Principals, teachers, retired teachers and representatives from NGOs from all over Sikkim.

“The mission aims in drafting a new education policy with high quality education deliverance that can be visible in the government schools of Sikkim changing the old bygone perception that existed in the sector and making such changes which can be felt by the students and guardians alike followed by the society in general,” the HRDD minister said in his inaugural address.

“The workshop will formulate the government’s new policy on education and will be completely with indigenous effort and collective ideas as to reformation and renewal of education of the state so as to improve and bring about reform in education as well,” Mr. Pradhan said.

Stating that the teaching profession in Sikkim has always been looked down by the people and does not want to join in this profession, the Minister said that the increase of the salary by the government have made good brains think twice to join in the profession. “We hope that best teachers will now available in the State,” he said adding that the teachers seeking transfers on deputation to any other department will be not entertained.

The workshop will also have participants discuss upon the methods of transforming the existing delivery by holding consultation at various levels of teachers, principals, parents and other stake holders, the Minister further said.

R Telang, the Secretary of the department said the workshop will discuss over the things that blocked the free process of education system of the state and bring about the changes along with new fresh ideas into consideration so as to bring quality in education in the state.

He said that the reform will be brought from administrative aspects to academic reform in the state with collective effort including from parents.

To look into issues faced by the children, Mr. Telang said discussion will be conducted at the District levels and sub division levels by way of forming committees.

“Soon after the meetings with the stake holders in every district, probably by the end of the year, there would be over a final policy drafting which is hopefully expected to be implemented from February 2010,” the secretary said.

Later, addressing a press conference, the State HRDD Minister said, issues such as drop outs, enrollment, and capacity building of the teachers would be few of the areas to be addressed upon.

On his part, MP Lok Sabha said the mission has been robustly designed keeping the local need in mind in which the views and the opinions of almost 3,000 stake holders from all across the state would be taken up. “This method would enhance the education system to run as how the people want,” he added.

CBSE Status of Mount Deepam School in Gangtok stir up hornet's nest

Gangtok,October09: Mount Deepam School in Church road, Gangtok was established in 1995 by Johny Kutty. C.J who is also the Principal of the school. The total strength of the school is 300 and has been claiming affiliation with C.B.S.C Board since 2000. The School has been running Standard IX & X for last 4 years although as per reports School isnot afiliated with CBSE as claimed.
The School has been charging a fee of Rs.1000/- instead CBSE recommended amount of Rs.350/-per month. The School requires atleast 1acre land area to be affiliated with CBSE which the rented premises of Mount Deepam School fails to meet the requisite criteria.The School Management has claimed to make arrangement with other schools to allow Standard IX&X students to appears in exams such as New Light School of Namchi and Greendale School of Gangtok.
The school has 12 teaching staff and 4 non-teaching staff. Active participation on extra curricular activities such as sports is the priority and its promotion among children.