Sikkim Governor Balmiki Prasad Singh Meets PCS Executives

GANGTOK, July 6: With an aim to encourage the journalists more on rural reporting the Governor Balmiki Prasad Singh has committed of instituting an award for the best reporter in rural journalism. The newly elected members of the Press Club of Sikkim called on the Governor at his official residence at Raj Bhavan on the morning of 6th July. The Governor informed that the award would be given away every year to one such reporter who covers the rural based news and stories on the occasion of Independence Day in a function that would be held at Raj Bhavan. The Governor also accepted the invitation of gracing the 9th Foundation Day celebration of PCS as the chief guest on July 17.

He will be also presenting the Kanchandzonga Kalam Pursakar 2011 to the senior journalist Mr. Bijay Bantawa on the occasion. During the meeting the Governor also added that the reporters should write more on drug abuse issues and other social matters.

Press Club of Sikkim executive body elected

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

Press Club of Sikkim election on June 29

Gangtok: In the annual general body meeting of the Press Club of Sikkim (PCS) held on 18th June at the club premises at Gangtok it was announced that the election of a new executive body will be held on June 29.

Chaired by incumbent PCS President, Paras Mani Dangal, a 3-member election committee was also constituted with Mala Rana Patro as the election commissioner and Vinay Raj Tiwari and Suman Gazmer as members.

Mr. Dangal, in his address, spoke on the steps taken by the present executive committee for the welfare of journalists during its 2 year tenure.

PCS general secretary, Bhim Rawat presented the annual report of two years where he listed the activities conducted by the organization in the interests of journalists.

The club treasurer, Baboo Tamang briefed on the financial status of the organization. The meeting saw lively participation from both senior and young members about journalism.

Ram Patro Memorial Award for 2010-2011 to Sikkim Journalists

Gangtok: 25th May:The Ram Patro Memorial Award for the year 2010-2011 for most promising journalist was awarded to Mr Prabin Khaling, reporter of Nepali Daily Sunakhari while Mr. Rupesh Sharma, copy editor of Nepali Daily Himali Bela received the best working journalist award in Sikkim Express and Himali Bela for the year 2010-2011. Similarly layout designer of Sikkim Express Mr. Nawin Limboo was also felicitated by his house in a function that was held on 24th May.
The award was handed over by the chief guest, Speaker Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Mr K.T Gyaltsen where Chairman of the Social Welfare board Mr. B.B Gooroong, Chairman of the Ram Patro Memorial Award Selection Committee Mr. C.D Rai were present as guests of honour.
While addressing the gathering Mr K.T.Gyaltsen said that press and media have to play an important role in the society and shoulder a great responsibility as well. He further added that people without information can not act responsibility, and this information is provided by the media. He urged the reporters to guide the people with true information. He also hoped that such awards will help the young and aspiring reporters to do well in their field.
Mr. B.B Gooroong in his address appealed to media to do investigative journalism and also stated that media person can use RTI for gathering the relevant information they need to complete a story. He further said that journalists should also focus on rural areas.
Mr C.D Rai in his turn said that journalist are playing role of opposition in the state. He further said that there are many challenges in the field of journalism and have to face many problems but at the same time there is much scope in this field and much more can be done by journalists who really aspire to do well.
Similarly Mr. Prabin Khaling in his address said that intellectual people in the society do not live taking a middle stand in democracy and they have their own views and opinions. He further added that if journalist are strong in any society the democracy will automatically become strong.
Mr. Rupesh Sharma said that there are many challenges in the field of Journalism and that the journalists should be serious about the news they produce and do investigative journalism.

The awards are given every year since 2005 to encourage young, promising journalist of Sikkim. The Ram Patro Memorial Award had been instituted in 2005 to encourage and applaud young, promising journalist working in Sikkim because they hold the baton to the future growth and development of journalism in the state

SIKKIM MARKS NATIONAL PRESS DAY

CM announces financial aid of Rs 5 lakhs to Patrakar Kalyan Kosh

GANGTOK, November 17: Announcing a financial aid of Rs 5 lakhs to the ‘Patrakar Kalyan Kosh’ formed under the Press Club of Sikkim, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today also assured to look into funding for the construction of a building exclusively for the PCS.
Addressing the National Press Day function here, Mr. Chamling also announced that an award for rural journalism would be initiated next year. In the same vein, he opined of providing 100 percent scholarship from the State Government to those journalists interested in pursuing higher education in journalism in India.
Assuring the press fraternity to fulfil all their demands one by one, the Chief Minister urged them to develop a ‘sense of belonging to the society’ as all the journalists, he added were a part of the society and that they should nurture a feeling of attachment to the society and the nation as a whole. “Only then can you give justice to your responsibilities and the entire population of India and Sikkim,” he said adding “I feel our journalists lack this sense”.
He further went on to say that the press should always consider the interest of the mass and practice responsible journalism rather than be self-centred. “Although there is progress in quantity of the newspapers here, I find there is lack in quality,” Mr. Chamling said.
“Go for positive journalism and investigative reporting than digging into negativity with no authentic grounds,” he said adding that the press should rather highlight the works of the state government.
Interestingly, the Chief Minister while referring to Article 19 (1) A of the Constitution of India also briefed the journalists comprising of veteran editors and senior editors on the do’s and don’ts in journalism and its legal implications.
Earlier, a 13-point demand on behalf of the entire press fraternity was submitted to the Chief Minister. The demand includes providing press releases in Nepali for Nepali newspapers and also photos by IPR Department, State Government to establish a separate directorate for advertisement to avoid wear and tear of the press people for realization of the bills, establishment of a stable office of the PCS, establishment of Press Akademy, IPR Department to amend the rate of advertisement given to different non regional newspapers and also their empanelment in the IPR Department and also ascertain a fixed rate for advertisement to FM and other irregular newspapers. Other demands are allowing accreditation card to the journalists having five years experience by the IPR department, State Government to create ‘Patrakar Kalyan Kosh’ as PCS or providing financial assistance to the Kalyan Kosh of PCS for the welfare of the press fraternity, insurance coverage to the journalists, pension policy to the journalists, to form a Pay Commission Board for the working journalists, setting up of a Press Gallery in the State Assembly, financial support to the newspapers having financial constraints for their survival and initiation of journalist awards in diverse fields like rural journalism, social journalism etc for motivation.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also handed away the positive journalism grant to five journalists of various media houses. The recipients were Menuka Pandey, Nayuma Correspondent, HK Khawas, Editor/Publisher of Nepali Weekly ‘Kija Aaja’, Pranay Lamichaney, Editor/Publisher of Nepali Weekly ‘Himali Purva Sandesh’, Suresh Rai, Editor/Publisher of Nepali Weekly ‘Nav Nirmaan’ and Bhim Rawat, Editor/Publisher of Nepali Weekly ‘Swatantra Manch’.
CD Rai, the advisor to the PCS while sharing his experiences in journalism, spoke on the fast changing journalism scenario in India. The IPR Minister Neeru Sewa on her part called on the journalist to carry their duties with utmost positive energy. Encouraging more developmental reporting she said, reporters should always write facts after thorough verification.
Speaking on the occasion, PCS general secretary Bhim Rawat, said: “There has been a major progress in the press in the last seven years. Presently, the state has 12 daily newspapers published in different languages and about 60 weekly vernacular newspapers which symbolize the progress in the press and still we are in the process of learning.” Highlighting on misconduct and assault on media persons by the security personnel and regular disputes with the police while on duty, Mr. Rawat said that the press has become a strong medium for justice for the people of Sikkim as people approach the press for justice first and not the police. “This is achievement for us,” he added.
The President of PCS Parasmani Dangal said also spoke on the problems faced by working journalists especially when special security passes issued by IPR department serves nothing when VIPs visit the State. “Our field staffs are not allowed to take the photographs and take adequate information when there is any programme dealing with VIPs like in case of the recent visit of the ice President of India. At the same time, the PCS president stressed on creating good working environment for the field workers as press has a vital role to play in dissemination of information to the mass and towards creating an intellectual society.
He further informed that the state government has increased the annual grant in aid given to PCS from Rs 1.50 lakhs to Rs 2 lakhs, provided facilities to the accredited journalists of Sikkim and also assurance into looking into the misuse of press stickers in vehicles not owned by press people.
Also present on the occasion celebrated with the theme ‘Bharatiya Patrakar Ko Badlindo Swarup’ were State Forest Minister Bhim Dhungel, Bhim Dahal, Press Advisor to the Chief Minister and State IPR Secretary MG Kiran, other senior officials of the department.

Play positive and responsible role: Chamling to Sikkim media

Gangtok, Nov 17 (PTI) Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling today urged the media to discharge their duties in a positive and responsible manner to strengthen peace and security in the border state.

The media has as much responsibility as the state government to strengthen peace and security in the state through dissemination of news and information in a positive and responsible manner, Chamling said at a National Press Day function.
At the same time, the government was committed to the freedom of press and has taken a number of steps to protect their rights and provide facilities for proper discharge of their duties by the media persons, he said.

Chamling announced a number of sops, including Rs five lakh contribution to Journalists' Welfare Fund and construction of Press Club Bhawan in the capital.

Gangtok Workshop on Human Trafficking at PCS

GANGTOK, October 9: A -ay capacity building workshop for local journalists on their role in addressing issues related with human trafficking by Shillong based Impulse NGO network and Sikkim Express in association with Press Club of Sikkim (PCS) commenced from today here at the PCS premises.
The representatives of Human Rights Law Network (HRLN) Sikkim unit and HOPE NGO have been roped in as resource persons for the workshop supported by UNIFEM.
While placing the introductory note, Impulse team leader Hasina Kharbhih spoke on the sensitiveness the reporters have to attach in doing reports related with human trafficking and other allied social menaces. She also highlighted the global issue of human trafficking which comes in various forms luring millions of women and children in forced slavery and sexual exploitation.
Ms Kharbhih further highlighted the role of media in reporting human trafficking issues.
HRNL Sikkim chapter director Dr. Doma Bhutia also briefed the media in various legal and constitutional parameters related to human trafficking during the workshop.
PCS president Paramani Danga spoke on the media response to reporting on social issues with special reference to human trafficking.
Earlier, Sikkim Express editor Amit Patro placed the welcome address.
Around 21 local journalists, especially the youth, are participating in this two day workshop which will conclude tomorrow

Sikkim Journalists taught ways of ‘tracking the activities of MPs & MLAs’

GANGTOK, September 19: The Sikkim Legislators, albeit from a single party and no oppositions, should now get prepared and accountable to face a volley of ‘embarrassing’ questions from the Fourth Estate.
Journalists were today taught ways of ‘tracking the activities of MPs and MLAs’ by a New Delhi based NGO, PRS Legislative Research during a half-day workshop as part of its workshop series on ‘tracking the work of legislators’, which was held at the premises of the Press Club of Sikkim here.
Tonusree Basu and Chakshu Roy from the PRS Legislative Research gave tips on how to use the Parliament website effectively, especially tracking the details of the MPs as elaborate as the attendance of each MP in session, the funds allocated to them each year, utilization of those funds, amenities and salaries given to them and many more. This, the duo opined should also be introduced in State legislatures especially in a democratic set up like India.
During the workshop, journalists were also seen keen on tracking the website of the Election Commission of India, which detailed election affidavits, filed by MPs and MLAs. This site has details of the contesting MLAs/MP’s assets, liabilities and criminal cases. The website also enables one to see previous affidavits of the contesting candidates, if journalists or the public for that matter needs to do comparison of the particular MP’s or MLA’s assets. “If such sites are used regularly by the Press, then they can really get good stories,” it was informed.
Simultaneously, tips on the nuances of legislative reporting were brought to the fore along with questions chipped in by editors and senior journalists – the participants of the workshop.
Ms Basu on the other hand mentioned that legislative reporting would be much more accurate if websites on Parliament are followed accurately as it contains lot of information with regular updates. At the same time, this approach would help the people’s representatives become more accountable, she added.
Interestingly, the Parliament website also tracks the particular MP’s participation in debates and kinds of questions put up in the Parliament. Explaining this, certain examples were cited as how some journalists in other parts of India through the use of the Parliament website exposed misuse of MPLAD scheme in that particular MP’s constituency. It may be mentioned her that each MP is given Rs 2 crore annually to meet the demand of the general public for provision of certain basic facilities including community infrastructure.
While providing a lot of many other useful websites to the journalists, the PRS representatives also said that PRS website where various legislative activities like the list of bills introduced and CAG reports are available would also provide some backgrounder.
Apart from political websites, the Right to Information (RTI) Act was also discussed.
Earlier, Mr. Roy while highlighting the objective of the workshop said that such workshop has become important for journalists as the democratic society play the role of people’s voice and deliver messages to the people living in every nook and corner of the region. He said PRS Legislative Research is an independent project initiative that seeks to strengthen the legislative process by making it better informed, more transparent and participatory.
The workshop hosted by the Press Club of Sikkim had its president Parasmani Dangal shower praises on the initiative of the PRS Legislative Research. Expressing gratitude to Ms Basu and Mr. Roy for having shared a lot of legislative knowledge to the Sikkim journalists within a short time, Mr. Dangal said the workshop on the system of state assemblies and Parliament should be of at least 3-4 days. He also assured to make full use of the techniques learnt from the workshop.
The workshop had started with the welcome address delivered by PCS working president Amit Patro.

(Yishey D. in Sikkim Express)

PIB to campaign in Sikkim

Gangtok, Sep 4 The Press Information Bureau (PIB) will organise a five-day public information campaign at Rhenock in East Sikkim from September 7 to 11, to publicise the Central flagship programmes, its Director Jane Namchu said today.

Events like seminars, infotainments will be held to spread awareness among the people of various flagship programmes like the NREGA, PMGSY, total sanitation, SSA, mid day meal and ICDS, she told reporters here.

The other programmes to be held during the public information campaign include a free medical camp, exhibition on the theme 'Resurgent India, No Tobacco and Gender Equality, Namchu said.

Tourism Minister Bhim Dhungel will inaugurate awareness programme on September 7, while Information Minister Neeru Sewa will attend the valedictory function on September 11, the PIB director said.

To a question that there was a perception that local people were not benefited from the central development and welfare programmes in Sikkim, she said the implementation of

Workshop On Journalism at Kalimpong

KALIMPONG, Aug 21: The Press Club of Sikkim (PCS) president, Parasmani Dangal today participated as a resource person in the second day of the three day ‘workshop on journalism’ organized by Kalimpong Press Club (KPC) here at the sub-divisional library near Kalimpong bazaar.
Mr. Dangal who is also the editor of Nepali daily, Samay Dainik, had been invited by KPC to be a resource person for the workshop. He had been given the task to brief the participants on the topic ‘Regional Journalism in Local Perspective’.
The KPC had organized the workshop for aspiring journalists and working journalists including women in order to sensitize and empower them through experience sharing from seasoned journalists and knowledgeable persons from other fields.
The participants are local youth from Kalimpong subdivision, said Umesh Tamang, the workshop coordinator and KPC member.
Before speaking on the given theme, Mr. Dangal reminded the young participants that journalism is one of the model professions in the world and hence, requires commitment and capacity.
“Anyone who enters the field of journalism must take it seriously. This profession requires skill and constant capacity up-gradation to serve the society. Seminars and workshops for working journalists are good measures to build capacity and Kalimpong Press Club has done a good work in this direction with such workshops”, said Mr. Dangal. He added that PCS is ready to extend all possible help to KPC in such exercises.
The PCS president then gave an elaborate lecture on the local media and journalism. He pointed out that it is the local media that serves the local society and builds up opinion on issues in a much bigger and decisive role than bigger media houses.
Mr. Dangal also sensitized the young aspirants that hard working journalists have been using local media as stepping ladder to national and international media. “Hence, you must work dedicatedly during your initial years in local media. Even if you do not reach national media, you must have the aim to reach the position of an editor in your respective organization”, he encouraged the participants.
Mr. Paras was also felicitated by KPC on the occasion.
Earlier, KPC member and workshop coordinator Hira Chettri highlighted the aspects of practical journalism for the working journalists.
The second day of the workshop also saw a presentation by Nanda Kirat Dewan on electronic media.
Mr. Dewan is photojournalist from Guwahati, Assam.
Arun Kumar Rasaily, KPC president and other members of KPC were actively engaged to make the workshop a success.
The workshop had commenced from yesterday and will conclude tomorrow.
Certificates will be presented to the participants tomorrow during the valedictory session of the workshop by KPC.