Government of Sikkim Secretariat shifted to Gangtok Community Centre

GANGTOK, 19 Oct [IPR]: It has been felt that people are confused with regard to the relocation of offices after the earthquake hit the state. Hence, the office of the Chief Secretary has issued a circular to this extent to be notified to the general public. As per the circular No. 349/CS/SKM/2011 dated 17th October 2011, the Secretariat has now been shifted to the Community Centre at Development Area with immediate effect. The following departments are located there: 1. Office of Chief Secretary 2. Office of Additional Chief Secretary 3. Home Department 4. Finance, Revenue & Expenditure Department 5. Department of Personnel, Adm., Reforms, Trg., Public Grievances, Career Options & Employment Skill Development & Chief Minister’s Self Employment Scheme. 6. Development Planning, Economic Reforms & North Eastern Council Affairs Department. 7. Cultural Affairs & Heritage Department 8. Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department



Lachung in North Sikkim after Earthquake

 GANGTOK, 25 Sept: Sub Divisional Megistrate, Chungthang, Tashi Chopel, the senior-most Sikkim State Government official at the devastatingly hit North Sikkim town, has a large beat to cover, covering the entire stretch north of Chungthang.
He was in station on the evening of 18 September when the earthquake struck, damaging more than 80% of the structures there leaving 12 dead and many injured. This has been the worst hit town of the State and the officer has had his hands full, his task starting immediately last Sunday with handling the rescue of people trapped in a collapsed building there. He has had to look out for the more than 2,000 people living in Chungthang will still coordinating efforts to reach relief to affected areas in the sub-division.
All roads to Chungthang, from every side is cut off but helicopter flights have finally stabilised. As the situation settles down to some extent in Chungthang, with the relief measures organised, the SDM today left for Lachung.
Inclement weather made helicopter sorties impossible, and with rumours spreading panic and confusion and to assure residents in Lachung that the administration was genuinely concerned for them, Mr. Chopel walked it to Lachung today.
Lachung is 22 kms from Chungthang, but the road is littered with landslides so big that officials are not even wagering a guess on by when it will be cleared for traffic. Mr. Chopel obviously took the risk as much to make a first-hand appraisal of the situation there as to reassure residents that concern for their welfare was genuine.
Meanwhile officials in Gangtok announced today that two Medical Officers each were being flown to the Primary Health Sub-Centres at Lachen and Lachung in Army helicopters on Sunday.

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)

BJP serves legal notice on allotment of power project land

Gangtok, July 22 (PTI) The Bharatiya Janata Party [BJP] state unit has served a legal notice on the Sikkim Government seeking clarification on what it described as illegal land allotment at Lower Lagyap Power Project site at Ranipool in East Sikkim. The notice was served yesterday with the respondents being the Chief Secretary, four District Collectors, and Secretaries of Power, Urban Development & Housing and Land Revenue Departments, Padam Chettri, president of the state BJP unit said today.Chettri told a press conference here that according to a notification passed in 2003, government land cannot be allotted to anyone.

Eleven families have however, been allotted land in the area on the Ranipool-Pakyong road in 2010, he said adding that the file was approved on a government holiday and registration done on December 3, 2010. There were 100 applicants ranging from drivers, lower divisional clerks to linesmen but none of them received land, while these 11 big shot people have been allotted land, the BJP president claimed. Citing a Supreme Court order passed on July 17 this year that land acquired for public purposes cannot be re-allocated, he further said such instances were noticed not only in the Power Department but in other departments as well. We have served a one month legal notice to the eight Sikkim government officials involved and if they do not respond then we will go to the High Court and if need to the Supreme Court with this matter,he said.

25th day of the Sikkim Chief Minister's village to village tour

25th day of the Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling's village to village tour

Gangtok: 17th July:  The Sikkim ChiefMinister Pawan Chamling on his 25th day of the village to village tour on 16th July,while talking about his yesterday’s declaration of allotting the contractual work upto the value of Rs. 2 Crore to the cooperative societies asked the government officials specially dealing with the contractual works to deal with cooperative societies at par with the other contractors. It has been learned that certain departments are not giving adequate justice and equality to the cooperative societies and it should be strictly avoided, the Chief Minister categorically stated.

'The cooperative society should be treated equally, he added.Cooperatives have been encouraged in contractual work in the state in order to give opportunity in contractual work to the rural people and
to do away with middlemen in such works, the Chief Minister said. In this context the Sikkim Chief Minister also directed the Public Works Department to fix the rate of engaging Backhoe (Dozer) in such works as the few dozer owners who are the elite class in the society are having monopoly over this trade, exploiting the cooperative society and are taking major profit from the contractual work in the name of engaging dozers which is without a fix rate. This is having a negative impact on our policy which is aimed at economic upliftment of the rural poor, the Chief Minister added. The Chief Minister at Sakewa Bazar, Martam laid the foundation stone of Kishan Bazar and the office building of Block
Administrative Centre, Martam.
He also inaugurated the BAC, Martam at a rented building. Talking about the importance of Kishan Bazar in future the Chief Minister said that the concept of Kishan Bazar has been to develop this area as a centre for accumulating and marketing of the organic products of the state. The state government is in the process of getting organic certification for the agriculture and allied products of the state. In this way the organic products accumulated in the Kishan Bazar can be marketed nationally and internationally.

The organic products will be in huge demand nationally and internationally and will fetch good price for the farmers, the Chief Minister said. At Dipudara the Chief Minister inaugurated a six room school building of Dipudara Primary School constructed by NHPC.  During the day long tour the Chief Minister addressed the public at Sakewa Bazar, Martam; Sang Sr. Sec. School; Sakyong Namgethang JHS and
Sonamati Memorial Govt SSS, Khamdong.

24th day of the Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling's village to village tour

Sikkim Chief Minister On Village to Village Tour

Gangtok: 15th July:  The Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling after completing the South and West district once again started the village to village tour of East district from Tumin Lingee constituency from 15th July. This was the 24th day of the village to village tour of the CM along with the Government machinery.
At his first stop at Makha Secondary School the Chief Minister met the people and had one to one interaction with the public at the shed meant for the public for about fifteen minutes. Later addressing the mammoth gathering at the School premises the Chief Minister stressed on the dream of making Sikkim an eco city state by providing urban like facilities and opportunities in the rural areas. The Chief Minister while talking about the policies and programmes of the government on the upliftment of the rural areas vis a vis the development of cooperative movement in the state announced to allot works up to the value of two crores to cooperative societies of the state.

At Lower Tumin the Chief Minister while talking about the health policy of the state government announced to introduce Cervical Cancer Vaccination to girl child.At Tumin Barang the Chief Minister while declaring to construct Ramayana Village at Tumin Barang said that this project will be first of its kind in the entire world. For this purpose 15 acres of land has been identified in the village which will be purchased by the government and the work will be started within this year, he said. The Ramayana Village so constructed will be having the statues of the characters of Ramayana telling the story of the epic.
The government has the plans to convert this constituency into a pilgrimage tourism centre but the people should be ready to opt for the new profession. In future this place will be a major tourist hub and will be visited by people from across the globe. In this way we are preparing a strategy for sustainable development of the state, the Chief Minister added.

(IPR)

Sikkim MP PD Rai Questions Sikkim University's VC Prof. Lama’s role in Sikkim’s educational development

Gangtok July 7 : Sikkim's Lok Sabha MP Mr PD Rai strongly condemned the statements coming from the Sikkim University Vice Chancellor Prof. Mahendra P Lama regarding the land acquisition for the establishment of Sikkim University by the State Government. He stated that the process of land acquisition has already started and Prof Lama should understand the gravity of the situation. Land is a sensitive issue and people who have given their land for the University has to be rehabilitated first, before the same is handed over to the University. He further added that the process of rehabilitation has already started and the Government is leaving no stones unturned from its side to complete the project soon. He also added that being the Vice Chancellor he has not come for any discussion or deliberation on the issue with the State Government on the issue for its settlement. It was also informed that the University has not submitted the plan and programme about the design and lay out of the upcoming University to the State Government. Further the MP very strongly voiced that from the manner of his working it is clear that Pro Lama is not working in the true earnest for the students of Sikkim and the development of their future. “We feel let down in many ways” added a peeved MP.

Likewise SDF Spokesperson Mr Bhim Dahal informed that on 30th June 2010 the VC himself went and met with the land donors and told them to vacate the land immediately. This was not taken lightly by the people who on 6th July 2010 came and submitted to the Government that the land will not be handed over until they are rehabilitated suitably. Mr Dahal called such act coming from the VC as against the policy of the State Government and questioned his intentions. He also stated that in 365 days of a year the VC is present in the University only for 90 days, amongst the 225 students of the Sikkim University only 21 are from Sikkim and he has engaged 42 teachers for these 225 students. He also added that the State Government is closely monitoring the activities of the University as well as the VC as it concerns the future of the students of the State and neither the Leader nor the Party will let anything spoil it. Mr Dahal also stated VC had created many obstacles on the process of the affiliation of the Soreng B.Ed college earlier.

He further added that in Geyzing there is an immediate need for a college as there are more than 1300 students from around West Sikkim, however when the Government wrote to SU for affiliation for the Geyzing College VC turned down the proposal. Mr Dahal said that the VC is doing nothing but creating obstacles for the State Government in providing quality education for the people of Sikkim. The State Government had processed for affiliation through the Vinayaka Missions University for Geyzing College and the VC again gave strong remarks in the press against it. This in the words of Mr Dahal is highly uncalled for coming from the Vice Chancellor of Sikkim University that was established for the benefit of the students from Sikkim.
(SikkimMail)

Sikkim Vigilance Police investigates Officials of Commerce& Industries Dept

Gangtok, July 7: The Sikkim Vigilance Police has registered prima facie case against the higher officials of Commerce and Industries Department and other seven private companies/NGOs with an allegation of siphoning state government’s aided fund of Rs. 1.25 crore. The sum was sanctioned for the socio economic development of ST and SC candidates by imparting capacity building training under Tribal Sub-Plan and Scheduled Class Sub-Plan of Social Justice Empowerment and Welfare Department for the year 2009-10. This is the second case that Sikkim Vigilance Police has registered that concerns siphoning of state government’s exchequer in the year 2011.

Sources informed that the then Director of Commerce and Industries Department, Assistant Director and seven others involved companies i.e., M/s Vision Sikkim Industries Pvt. Ltd., M/s Sikkim Motor Training and Engineering Institute., Scheduled Caste Entrepreneurs Service Co-operative Society, Prayas Marketing & Services Co-operative Society Ltd., Sikkim Damai Samaj, Daedal (P) Ltd., M/s Sikkim Food Processing Industries and M/s Deorali Varieties after entering into a criminal conspiracy jointly manipulated fund sanctioned for the aforementioned capacity building programme in the name of training. Accordingly a sum of Rs. 85.80 Lakhs was allocated for head office, Gangtok, Rs. 20 Lakhs for District Industries Centre, North & East, Gangtok and Rs. 19.20 Lakhs for District Industries Centre, South & West.

It has been alleged that the accused Assistant Director, Commerce and Industries Department processed without scrutinizing the said proposals for approval, including advance payment to the private parties, though they has not requested for any advance payments in their proposal. On the other hand, the fields in which the proposed training was to be imparted were not identified by the Department but left to the discretion of the seven accused persons who submitted proposals. Also the number of candidates who would be available to attend the training in each discipline as proposed by the seven parties was not ascertained and the most importantly, notice inviting tender was not published. Again, the officials dishonestly concealed the fact that the tenders had not been invited and the proposals processed for approval were taken from parties picked up by them. It was alleged, they also concealed the fact that funds involved projected in those proposal had not been scrutinized, and that the infrastructural and other facilities available with the parties whose proposals were recommended were not verified. On receipt of the government approval of the programme, the alleged higher officials paid the full amount in advance to the respective private parties without the specific concurrence to effect from Finance department as required by the Sikkim Finance Rule.

Source informed, M/s Vision Sikkim Industries Pvt. Ltd submitted proposal for imparting four months training in organic Food and Science and Technology for 15 ST candidates and 10 SC candidates at a total cost of Rs. 12.40 Lakhs. The same company also submitted another proposal on behalf of M/s Sikkim Motor Training and Engineering Institute a proposal of four months training of 15 ST candidates in production of fibre and earthen pot souvenir at a cost of Rs. 8.80 Lakhs. It has been learnt that M/s Vision Sikkim Industries Pvt. Ltd did not have any experience in food service and technology and they conducted non quality training, that too to a few candidates as against 25 candidates. Similarly, M/s Sikkim Motor Training and Engineering Institute has no previous experience in production of fibre and earthen pot and they imparted name sake training to only 7 candidates as against 15 candidates.

Scheduled Caste Entrepreneurs Service Co-operative Society had submitted proposal for four months training in Tally accounting software for 20 SC candidates at a cost of Rs. 7, 60,200 but spent only about Rs. 1.60 against the sanctioned amount.

Again, Prayas Marketing & Services Co-operative Society Ltd submitted a proposal for imparting 3 months training for 20 ST candidates on commercial art & banner making at a cost of Rs. 4.35 Lakhs. In turn, the company outsourced their training programme to one Citi Computers under a 2 months package (without examination or certificate) at the rate of Rs. 1, 600 per candidate.

Sikkim Damai Samaj submitted a proposal for conducting training to 20 SC candidates in Cutting & Tailoring at a cost of Rs. 3.00 Lahks. Here it is alleged that the concerned Samaj do not have minimum infrastructure and have spend around mere Rs. 1 Lakhs against the sanctioned sum.

Daedal (P) Ltd has submitted a proposal for conducting four months professional certificate course in Independent Film making and Production methodology for 20 ST/SC candidates at a total cost of Rs. 16.80 Lakhs but did not provided fooding and lodging as well as training in full course projected.

Similarly, M/s Sikkim Food Processing Industries had submitted a proposal for conducting four months professional training course in specialization of making meat products, confectionaries, bakery and fast food item for 20 ST/SC candidates at a cost of Rs. 12.80 Lakhs. However, only 14 candidates were trained and the trainees were not provided food and accommodation though the advance payment received by the Firm includes fund for food and accommodation.

Also, M/s Deorali Varieties did not provide food and lodging to the candidates, and they imparted training to only 18 candidates as against the advance payment of Rs. 19.60 Lakhs received by them for 20 candidates.

It has been alleged that the then Director and Assistant Director of the Commerce and Industries Department refrained from monitoring the training programmes with the dishonest intention of causing undue pecuniary advantage to the accused private companies. Sources further speaks that the fraudulent and dishonest acts and omissions of the accused person, carried out in pursuance of the criminal conspiracy caused undue peculiarly advantage to the involved companies to the tune of over Rs. 24 Lakhs and corresponding loss to the state exchequer.

Meanwhile, The Sikkim Vigilance Police had registered case as under section 13 (2) r/w 13 (1) (d) of Prevention of Corruption Act/sec420 r/w 120–B IPC on offences of criminal conspiracy, cheating and causing undue peculiarly advantage against all involved accused. The case is under investigation at present.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sikkim Government gets first woman driver

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

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

Sikkim Government orders transfers in Agriculture admin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gangtok Footpath to finds place in Limca Book of Records‎

Gangtok, June 21: Himalyan state Sikkim has joined the race of development very soon and is now amongst the best performing States in the entire region and an exemplary small State in the Indian Union. The Government within a short time has created many public properties like drinking water facility, beautification of markets, plantation, fly overs etc. Maximum care is being taken by the State Government as well as the Police to minimize the man- vehicle conflict. At many places safe fly overs have been provided so that people can safely cross the road and the one and the most significant achievement of the Government towards this direction is the ‘footpath’ that runs the entire length of the city starting from Vajra which ends only at Ranipool. This is a gift that the Government has given to its people for their safety, but his gift can be utilized only be the people themselves. That is why we hear of a lot of road accidents, of people being run down by vehicles even today. Constructed sometime in 2007- 08 it is complete with fencing and tiled, four feet. The tourists visiting Gangtok from outside are seen enjoying their walk in these beautiful footpaths which they find quite impressive.
It may not ne wrong to say that the footpath is one of its kind in the entire region, may be a contender for the record books like Limca Book or Records. But the sad part is the condition of these footpaths, which is deteriorating fast as at places the fences have been damaged because of sheer negligence and at places the footpaths are actually used by people as the extension of their own private property. Often people are seen walking on the highway during peak traffic hours as if they have come for a walk in the gardens totally oblivious of the footpath. So what can such behavior be called, if not stupidity. If the civil society shows their civic sense and start walking in the footpath, respect the beautiful amenity that has been created just for their safety, roads may be spared of much of the rage, as being hit by a vehicle “on” the footpath is almost impossible. For our own safety and to set an example for the progeny – let’s start using the Footpath.

(Rebyna Rana)

SCS Officers Shifted

The Governor is pleased to order the following with immediate effect:-
1. Shri. Tenzing Bhutia,SCS, Special.Secretary, LR&DM Department is hereby transferred and posted as Spl. Secretary, Energy & Power Department

2. Shri. Karma Tenzing, SCS, Addl.Secretary, Food & Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department is hereby transferred and posted as Addl. Secretary, Building & Housing Department

3. Shri S.K.Pradhan, SCS, Joint Secretaray, Transport Deptt, is hereby transferred and posted as Joint Secretary, Commerce & Industries Department.

4. Ms.Siphora Targain, SCS, Addl.District Collector, North, is hereby transferred and posted as Joint. Secretary, Transport Department,Siliguri

5. Shri. Passang Ongdi Bhutia, SCS, Deputy.Secretary, Energy &Power Department is hereby transferred and posted as Deputy. Secretary, Food & Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department

6. Shri. B.K.Karkidholi, SCS, Deputy.Secretary, SJE&WD is hereby transferred and posted as Deputy. Secretary, Transport Department (SNT Division H.Q).

7. Shri. Mahesh Chettri, SCS, Deputy Secretary, WS&PHE Department, is hereby transferred and posted as Deputy Secretary, Forest Wildlife & Management Department.

8. Mrs.Binita Basnett, SCS, Under Secretary, AH,LF&VS Department, is hereby transferred and posted as Under Secretary, HRDD

 9. Shri. Prabhakar,IAS, SDM,Gyalsing, LR&DM Deptt is hereby transferred and posted as Addl. District Collector, North,LR&DM Deptt.

The Passing Out Parade of Sikkim Excise held at Pangthang

GANGTOK, June 16. The passing out parade of Excise Department was held at Pangthang on 16th June which was attended by Minister for Commerce and Industries also the Minister for Excise department Ms. Neeru Sewa as the chief guest. Addressing the gathering Minister Sewa said that Excise department has been generating highest revenue in the state till date and the same has to be maintained and continued. Further more Minister Sewa even appealed to all the employees to work sincerely and honestly, follow the rules and regulation of the department during their duty. Every employee must maintain discipline and at the same time even upgrade their qualification to avail promotion as promotion chances even rests in the individual qualification, education added Minister Sewa. She further urged to passing out employees to implement the knowledge learnt during the six months training. Adding more She stated that If the employees carries out their duties sincerely and honestly then government will be benefitted in terms of revenue as revenue generation depends on the performance of employees but if the employees neglect their duty then government will face loss, so the employees must understand their responsibilities towards themselves, duty and the government at large while discharging their duty.

During the occasion passing out employees performed a cultural show too where numerous programs like dance, singing and recitation of self written poems were held. On the occasion 14 constables and 3 Sub Inspectors took oath. Like wise Mr. Amar Rai was announced the best shooter whereas Mr. Sangay Kumar Chettri was announced as Best Indoor games Player, Mr. Sandeep Tamang as Best Out Door Player, and Mr. Roman Sunam as Best Discipliner during the training program.

Pawan Chamling advocates Alternative Professions for Sikkim Youths

Gangtok: The day 16 of the village to village tour of the Chief Minister Dr. Pwan Chamling started from Bara Samdung at Government JHS, Samdung, where he was felicitated by the public and the panchayat.

Thanking for the felicitation Chief Minister said that the civil society of Sikkim does not have the habit of appreciating the good deeds of the government, nor do they criticize on the policies of the government. The public of the state have the mentality of being indifferent. Proper justification and positive criticism will help the government in shaping the society as the government will get to know whether it is going in the right direction or not. Further, appreciation of the good policies of the government by the civil society will encourage doing more. This will give right direction, he said.
Addressing the youths Dr. Chamling gave the example of Economist Adam Smith, the father of cooperative movement who, he said, learned from his mistakes and failures and ultimately succeeded in giving the cooperative movement to the world. Failure is the pillar of success.
Referring to alternative profession where the youths might initially fail while adopting it Chief Minister said, “We have to adopt alternative profession of eco-tourism and this is a new field which we are trying to adopt and there are chances of failure”. He asked the youths not to get disheartened by failure and said life is full of exam and people who learn from failure succeed in life. Hospitality and hotel industry is our priority and educated youths should come forward to adopt it. The government will help the youths in this field, he added.
In this context Chief Minister said, “The white colour job has been saturated and this is a reality which has to be accepted. If you accept the reality half of the problem will be solved because then you tend to think about alternative profession”.
Referring to the various demands placed by the people Chief Minister said that after fourty days the demands will be compiled, studied and a comprehensive report for the development of the state will be prepared. The panchayats will get the status of their demands after the tour will be completed. At Soreng Chief Minister inaugurated the double storied Model Police Station constructed at a cost of 58.95 lakhs.
During the day long tour Chief Minister addressed the public at Samdung JHS, Dethang-Gairigoan, K.B. Limboo Sec. School, Sreebadam and Soreng Bazar.
 (With IPR input)

Dr. Kumar Bhandari appointed as Secretary,Health Department

The Governor is pleased to order the following:-

•  Mr. R. Telang, IAS Commissioner-cum-Secretary Science and Technology Department shall hold the additional charge of Secretary, Social Justice, Empowerment and Welfare Department with immediate effect.
• Dr. Kumar Bhandari Director General of Health Service is hereby redesignated as Director General cum Secretary Health Care Human Service and Family Welfare Department with effect from the date he takes charge as Secretary.

SIKKIM TO GIVE LAND PLOT TO BHAICHUNG BHUTIA FOR FOOTBALL ACADEMY

Gangtok:  The State government of Sikkim has asked football icon Bhaichung Bhutia to select and finalize the required land in Pakyong for his proposed football academy.
“We have 600 acres of land at Pakyong and have asked Bhaichung to see and select the land for his academy. We will give him the land and that will be our support to him”, said Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling in a recent media interaction.
CM further informed that “the government had already allocated land to Bhaichung at Aapbotey near Namchi but he wanted land in Pakyong and so we have asked him to select land there”.
Setting up a football academy in Sikkim is a dream project of Bhaichung and he has been working with the government on this project for the past couple of years. The football academy will produce national level footballers from Sikkim, he had recently said.

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