KN Uperti has been declared as the MP candidate of Congress

Gangtok, Feb 27: Former minister KN Uperti has been declared as the MP candidate of Congress party for the lone Lok Sabha seat of Sikkim for the forthcoming General Elections.
Party in charge for Sikkim and AICC working committee member Luizinho Faleriaro said today in a press meet that Mr. Uperti’s name has been recommended as the Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC)’s choice as the MP candidate.

Mr. Uperti’s endorsement is a mere formality as only his name has been recommended to the party high command.
It may be recalled that Local Media had reported yesterday that Mr. Uperti had been the most probable choice of Congress for the MP ticket.

Congress has also decided to retain Acharya Tshering Lama as the party’s candidate for the Sangha seat for the upcoming Sikkim Assembly elections.
“SPCC is in the process of selecting candidates for the remaining 31 Assembly seats. Weight age will be given to educated, dynamic and local youths for the tickets”, said Mr. Faleriaro.

Recently given charge of Congress units of Sikkim, Meghalaya and Mizoram, Mr. Faleriaro who is the former Chief Minister of Goa had arrived yesterday in Gangtok to oversee the SPCC’s preparations for the forthcoming Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. He was accompanied by AICC secretary Major Ved Prakash.
Mr. Faleriaro said that the candidates will be declared soon in the first week of March.

SPCC president Nar Bahadur Bhandari added that the party will give tickets to candidates who are from that particular constituency which they will contest as part of its ‘sons of soil’ policy. “We will follow the policy of Samisti Putra”, he said.

The SPCC president will be reaching Delhi on March 3 with the final list of the candidates and the decision will be taken the next day. We will contest on all the 32 seats, he said.
Expressing his confidence that Congress will form governments both at the Centre and Sikkim, Mr. Faleriaro promised that the party will deliver ‘income tax exemption to all Sikkimese people’.

“Presently the exemption from paying income taxes is going to only 30 percent of people in Sikkim. We will like to get the balance of the population to get similar relief. Others non-exempted should also get same benefits”, said Mr. Faleriaro.

“I am taking this issue with the party high command and Union Ministry of Finance”, said Mr. Faleriaro. His assurances over Income Tax issue sets the tone on which the party will campaign in the forthcoming elections.
One of the major reasons for the optimism shown by the Congress leader to stake claim here was the special attention given by the Congress led UPA government to Sikkim in the past five years. “Sikkim has been in the heart of Congress party”, he said.

Mr. Faleriaro said that UPA government has sanctioned more than Rs. 2000 crores for the infrastructural development of Sikkim in the last 3 months. The UPA has sanctioned Rs. 336 crores for the Pakyong airport, over Rs. 410 crores for roads and more than Rs. 1400 crores for rail links, he said. A lot of money has been given for Sikkim in the past five years for the development and empowerment of the Sikkimese people by UPA government, he said.

“We appeal the Sikkimese people to vote for Congress because the party will form the government in the Centre this time also and the party has very close ties with Sikkimese people”, said Mr. Faleriaro.

Sikkim records 4.5 lakh domestic and 25, 000 foreign tourist footfall in 2008

Gangtok, Feb 27: Even as Sikkim has bagged a national award for tourism as the Best State for tourism related programmes on Tuesday, this Himalayan State has also recorded a phenomenal growth in terms of flow of tourists in 2008.

Sikkim bagged the annual award as the Best State for tourism related programmes from the Union ministry of tourism on February 24.

The award was received by the State tourism secretary SBS Bhadauria from Union Home minister P Chidambaram in the presence of Union Tourism minister Ambika Soni at the awards function held in New Delhi.

Speaking to media here today, Mr. Bhadauria said that this was the 14th major award won by Sikkim in the field of tourism in the last decade and it was the dedication and enthusiasm of the State government that had been instrumental in achieving the goals. “The award proves Sikkim has been firmly placed in the global tourism scene and we have created our own brand called Sikkim”, he said.

The secretary said that some 4.5 lakh domestic tourists and 23,000 foreign tourists visited the state in 2008. He said this was about 25 per cent increase from that of the previous year. In the previous year some 3.8 domestic tourists and 18,000 foreigners had visited Sikkim.

Despite the bandhs and the disturbances in the neighbouring regions, this was a record for the state, Mr. Bhadauria said. He also said that as per the analysis, the quality of tourism had also increased manifolds and there was now ‘no off-season’ with visitors coming to the State throughout the year.

The secretary claimed that Sikkim today was the most sought after destination for domestic as well as foreign tourists coming to the country and had made significant presence in the tourism map. The destinations and infrastructure have been developed to a great extent within a short period of time making Sikkim greatly attractive to the visitors, he added.

Mr. Bhadauria informed that a State tourism policy was in the final stages of preparation and the final policy would be put forward to the government in the first quarter of the coming fiscal year. The draft tourism policy would comprise of a normal tourism policy for the state and a separate tourism policy for village tourism. “The tourism in the state is moving and progressing in a cautious manner so that there are no ills associated, he said.

It is to be mentioned here that Sikkim has bagged the best tourism performing State in the North east for six consecutive years in the past from the union ministry.

Recently Sikkim have also bagged the best eco-tourism destination, most picturesque destination, best community based tourism, emerging tourism state, best tourism state for adventure from reputed organizations at the national level.

Girl’s hostel of Engineering and Post Harvest Technology inaugurated

GANGTOK, February 26: State Agriculture Minister Somnath Poudyal today stressed the need for agricultural education in the wake of globalisation and free trade policy.
Inaugurating a girl’s hostel of the College of Engineering and Post Harvest Technology in Marchak, few kilometres from here, Mr Poudyal also said that the State Government was very positive to the idea of having a Central Agriculture University (CAU) in Sikkim. “The State Government is exploring the possibility of providing more land within the premises of the existing College for the proposed University, he added.
Stating competitiveness is the central theme and competence the catchword in free market, the minister said that the establishment of the College of Post Harvest Technology is a new milestone in the present context of agriculture development in Sikkim.

At the same time, he expressed sadness over less research linkage in the agriculture development initiatives. “Research and education are two wheels to balance and take agriculture development further, he said. Mr Poudyal insisted for more research works and urged the institute to design hill specific machinery and farm implements to address the problems being faced by the farmers.
In the same vein, the state agriculture minister proudly informed about Sikkim’s good business of Rs 15 cores proffered in the last season by simply selling 15,000 metric ton of seasonal tomatoes.

The Vice Chancellor of CAU SN Puri said the present land is not enough to cater the infrastructure services of the college. “We would really appreciate if the state government could provide us with more land for the agriculture college infrastructure,” he said. The VC also congratulated the institute and its faculty for being acknowledged as one of the best performing colleges in the country. “We are in the process of making an ace agriculturist who would be in a high demand in the days to come,” he added. Mr Puri further informed that Rs 30 cores would be demanded in the 11th Five Year Plan for the up-gradation of the college.

Former Agriculture Minister TM Rai said, the college would definitely prove to be a boon not only for the Sikkimese students but also for the students of North- Eastern Region.

Earlier, while placing his welcome speech, PK Srivastva, the dean of the college made special request with the state government to extend the pedestal pathway up to the college premises, to construct speed breakers near the college and to declare the college belt as the agro-industrial zone. He also informed that the college would start its new course on Food Processing from the coming session.

The girl’s hostel built at a cost of Rs 4 cores has all the ultra modern facilities.
In the evening programme, the college students showcased various cultural shows.

Prof MS Swaminathan appointed as Chancellor of Sikkim University

GANGTOK, Feb. 25: Acclaimed agriculture scientist Prof MS Swaminathan also known as the ‘Father of the Green Revolution in India’ has been announced by Sikkim University as its Chancellor.
Sikkim University, the 23rd university in India, announced the appointment of Prof MS Swaminathan as its Chancellor today in a press statement.
“A trained plant geneticist, Professor Swaminathan’s advocacy of sustainable agricultural has led to an ever green revolution making him an acknowledged world leader in the field of sustainable food security”, said Sikkim University.
Prof Swaminathan is currently a Rajya Sabha member of Parliament, to which position he was nominated by the Government of India in recognition of his outstanding scientific contribution in the field of agriculture. He also the UNESCO -Cousteau Chair in Ecotechnology at the M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation in Chennai, India. He is the chairman of the National Commission on Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Security of India (National Commission on Farmers).
Among the endless list of awards received by Prof Swaminathan are the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership in 1971, the Albert Einstein World Science Award in 1986, the first World Food Prize in 1987 and Volvo and Tyler Prize for Environment, the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development in 2000 and the Franklin D Roosevelt four Freedoms Medal and the Mahatma Gandhi Prize of Unescoin 2000.
Prof Swaminathan is currently spearheading a movement to bridge the Digital divide called, "Mission 2007: Every Village a Knowledge Centre". He was born in August 7, 1925, in Kumbakonam, Tamilnadu.
Prof Swaminathan’s stated vision is to rid the world of hunger and poverty and is an advocate of sustainable development, especially using environmentally sustainable agriculture, sustainable food security and the preservation of biodiversity. He has been listed by TIME magazine as the twenty most influential Asians of the 20th Century and one of the three from India, the other two being Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore.
Prof. Swaminathan has been described by the United Nations Environment Programme as ‘the father of Economics Ecology’ and by Javier Perez de Cuellar, Secretary General of the United Nations as ‘a living Legend who will go into the annals of history as a world scientist of rare distinctions’. He was Chairman of the UN Science Advisory Committee set up in 1980 to take follow-up actions on the Vienna Plan fo Action. He also served as President of the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs (2002-07) and present President of the National Academy of Agricultural Aciences(2005-07).

No anti-incumbency, only pro-incumbency in SDF: Chamling

GANGTOK, Feb 24: On the threshold of the eighth Sikkim Assembly elections, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today said that there is no ‘anti-incumbency’ factor in his Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party.
“The grassroots support of the SDF party is growing regularly. SDF had won 19 seats in its first term, 25 seats in the second term and 31 seats in the third term and our grassroots support base in expanding. This shows that there is no anti-incumbency. Instead we have pro-incumbency”, said the Chief Minister on concluding day of the Seventh Sikkim Assembly session.

‘Money and muscle power should not be allowed to dominate elections’
Reminding the elections is round the corner, Mr. Chamling appealed all that the elections should be held in a peaceful manner like previous years. “Nobody should be disturbed due to elections and anti-social and communal elements should not be allowed to take advantage”, he said. Money and muscle power should not be allowed to dominate the election process, he added.
The Chief Minister said that his SDF party will contest in all the 32 Assembly seats and the single Lok Sabha seat in the coming State and General elections. “SDF party will fully observe the rules and guidelines of the election process as the party abides by the Constitution of India and Election Commission of India”, he said pledging his commitment to ensure a democratic and peaceful elections.

‘SDF successful in removing fear psychosis among Sikkimese people’
Among the highlights of his government during these 15 years starting from December 1994, the Chief Minister singled out the inclusion of Sikkim into the North East Council and reopening of Nathu La border trade as the biggest achievements.
“We have also been successful in restoring democracy in Sikkim and removing the fear psychosis among the people of Sikkim”, said Mr. Chamling. Today, Sikkim has turned into an oasis of peace and unmatched development under 15 years of SDF rule, he added.
The Chief Minister reminded that 15 years ago, ‘there was only one man’s rule and no democracy in Sikkim. We have restored democracy and gave back the lost confidence and self respect to the Sikkimese people, he said.
“Before we came to power in December, 1994 there were only two classes of people in Sikkim - rich and poor. However, we have uplifted the poor and created a middle class of people. There were 41 percent people under BPL earlier and now there is only 19 percent exists”, said Mr. Chamling.
Other achievements highlighted by the Chief Minister was Sikkim Central University, works done in the environmental front, rail link up to Rangpo, sanction of an alternative highway and works being initiated for Pakyong airport.
The Union Civil Aviation minister is visiting Pakyong to do the bhomi puja for the airport on December 27, Mr. Chamling informed. He said that though the airstrip will cater only to 50 seater aircraft for the moment, it will definitely boost tourism in Sikkim. We will pursue to have the Pakyong airport made into a full fledged airport, he said.


‘Income Tax exemption: Few business community members are working against the interests of Sikkim’
The Chief Minister expressed his anguish over the activities of a section of the business community of the State over the Income Tax exemption issue.
“Some business community members are trying to mislead the Center over this issue and working against the interests of Sikkim and Sikkimese people. They have approached the Central leaders and officials of Finance Ministry and saying that the business community has been discriminated in Sikkim”, said Mr. Chamling at the House.
“It is very painful to hear such nonsense”, said Mr. Chamling added that it was one of the major achievements of SDF government to exempt Sikkimese people with Sikkim Subject certificates from the purview of Income Tax.
“Even 38 families of old business community with Sikkim Subject certificates is exempted along with other Sikkimese people with Sikkim Subject certificates from income taxes”, said Mr. Chamling. We have managed to get Sikkimese people with subjects exempted from income taxes and now we have geared up to have similar exempt the old business community and old government employees, he said.
“Yet some of the business community members are trying to mislead the Centre claiming discrimination. They are working against the interests of Sikkim and Sikkimese people”, said Mr. Chamling. He expressed his commitment to work for the old business community and old government employees.
However, they must understand that the Centre will review this demand on the larger picture concerning the country, said Mr. Chamling.
.

Achyra vs Chamling in Sikkim Assembly

GANGTOK, Feb 24: Despite pitted against 31 MLAs of the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party, lone opposition MLA Acharya Tshering Lama had been rattling the ruling party in the State Assembly over these five years,
On several occasions, the Sangha MLA had crossed swords with the Leader of the House Chief Minister Pawan Chamling and had on one occasion staged a black flag protest coupled with ‘search for democracy with a torchlight’ antic in the Assembly.
Acharaya Lama maintained his temperament today also, the final day of the Seventh Assembly though in much soft note.
Participating in the dissuasions during the proceedings of the House, the Sangha MLA expressed his torment over his raised issues being washed away by the overwhelming odds of the 31 MLAs of the ruling party.
“I tried my best to raise the issues of the people during my five year stint in the Assembly. I was present in all the sessions for the people as I was the only opposition MLA except for one occasion when I had some urgent work”, said Acharya Lama. However, all the issues raised by me in the House was overturned into a mess of untruth by brute majority of the ruling party and all my demands were overlooked, he added.
The Sangha MLA also raised the issue of ‘Satyagraha’ by Affected Citizens of Teesta and the arrest of one senior monk and several Lepchas from Dzongu by police.
Having raised his issues, Acharya Tshering Lama departed from the Assembly as usual without awaiting a response in the post-lunch session.
Dzongu MLA Sonam Gyatso Lepcha was the first to react to the comments passed by the lone Sangha MLA.
“Since this issue concerns Dzongu which is my constituency, I want to clarify that the Lepchas from Dzongu have not been thrown in the jail by the Chief Minister. They were jailed as per the rules and laws of the land”, said Mr. Lepcha. Over the arrest of the monk as raised by Acharya Lama, it is better that the particular monk should not be involved in activities unbecoming of his stature as a monk, he said.
In the post lunch session, the Chief Minister touched on the allegations raised by the Sangha MLA.
“Acharya Lama has only leveled charges against the State government in these 5 years in the Assembly. For five years, he has consistently spoken negatively and never touched a positive note”, countered Mr. Chamling.
Over the demands raised by the Sangha MLA which also includes a Sangha seat in the Parliament, the Chief Minister advised him to first understand which demands falls under the State list, concurrent list and Central list ‘instead of merely accusing the State government to fulfill his duties as an opposition member’.
Stating that Acharya Lama was twisting issues to mislead the people, the Chief Minister expressed his bewilderment over the demand for a Sangha seat in the Parliament. ‘How can the Chief Minister do such thing which is not under the Constitution? I have to follow the Constitution which also protects the old laws of Sikkim and so there is a Sangha seat in the Sikkim’, he said.
“He is not coming back in the next Assembly and tried his best to mislead the people in the final sitting of this Assembly”, Mr. Chamling said adding that the Sangha MLA was also trying to send a wrong message over the arrest of one monk from Dzongu in the recent Lingzya incident.
“If any monk has been arrested then it has been done as per law and law will take its own course. Nobody is above law and if anyone breaks the law then he has to face the law”, clarified Mr. Chamling on the monk arrest issue raised by the Sangha MLA.
Commenting on the ‘Satyagrahis’ argument presented by Acharya Lama to the protests of Affected Citizens of Teesta, Mr. Chamling categorically ruled out the use of ‘Satyagrahis’ nomenclature.
“They are not Satyagrahis as there in favour of false things. We want to develop Sikkim and make it an affluent State. They are trying to set up roadblocks to the development of Sikkim and Sikkimese people. They are against Sikkim and Sikkimese people”, said Mr. Chamling.
“Under no circumstances, we will compromise with them in the larger interests of Sikkimese people and Sikkim. We will not accept blackmail tactics in the name of North Sikkim people. We won’t compromise with the reactionary elements”.
The Chief Minister said that hydel power has changed the developmental dimension of Sikkim.

Are We Lucky?

Gurudongmar Ko Sundarta, Prakriti Ko Najik Bashnu ko Maza Arkoi Chaina Ta...

SHRP to put up candidates in all 32 Assembly seats I will contest from Soreng: Dr. Subba

GANGTOK, Feb 22: Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad (SHRP) president Dr. AD Subba today announced that he will contest from the Soreng-Chakung constituency, a seat where even the Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC) chief Nar Bahadur Bhandari is reportedly very keen on.

There are also two SDF party heavyweights, RB Subba and PS Golay who had represented the people from Soreng and Chakung constituencies from 2004 elections.

Mr. Subba had defeated his nearest rival Ashok Tsong by 3,862 while Mr. Golay had been elected from Soreng constituency by defeating his nearest rival Satish Mohan Pradhan by 6501 votes, the highest margin in the 2004 elections.

Now as per the new delimitation report, parts of these areas have been merged in a single Soreng-Chakung constituency.


"I will contest from Soreng. It has been decided as per the people's demand", said the SHRP president today in a press meet here at Gangtok.

Dr. Subba also said that the party has finalized its candidates for 23 Assembly seats for the upcoming elections. There are four women in the selected candidates and we want to have around 10 women candidates in all the 32 seats, he said.

"We have selected 23 candidates so far and will finally put our party candidates for all the 32 seats", the SHRP president.


Dr. Subba's determination to have his party candidates in all the 32 Assembly seats in the coming elections sends jarring notes in the unity chorus of United Democratic Front (UDF).

The UDF had been formed on February 15 by leaders of State units of Congress, CPIM and BJP along with SHRP and Sikkim Gorkha Prajatantrik Party (SGPP). The objective of UDF was to ensure 'free and fair elections' besides reaching a 'tactical understanding' among its members.

It has also been announced that the upcoming elections will be a straight contest between SDF and UDF.


However, the SHRP chief's determination to go ahead with his party candidates in all the 32 Assembly seats does not match with the latent aspirations of UDF.

Regarding this, Dr. Subba tried to his best to play safe.


"UDF's main agenda is to ensure free and fair elections and to have a tactical understanding. I will put forward all my party's 32 candidates and after that, we will see it with UDF", said Dr. Subba.

The party's president also justified for contesting in all the 32 Assembly seats.


"If I don't fit candidates in all the 32 seats, it will be a sign of SHRP's incompetence", Dr. Subba rationalized. He added that people have been demanding 'candidates' from SHRP.

"I have already appointed in-charges for 19 constituencies and have directed them to go on a public contact mission in their designated areas. If people select them only, they will be party candidates", Dr. Subba said.

The next list of party incharges will be fixed this Tuesday during a high level meeting of the party, the SHRP president said. He also claimed that several Panchayats belonging to the ruling SDF party have joined SHRP.

"Some of them are uncontested Panchayats and they have pledged support to SHRP in writing", said Dr. Subba. But we have not exposed their names and we are actively working underground to woo other Panchayats and SDF members, he added.

No internal differences in SHRP: Dr. Subba

GANGTOK, Feb 22: Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad (SHRP) president Dr. AD Subba today denied any 'internal party differences' and said that nobody should be blamed for aborted rally on February 19.

SHRP had planned a protest rally on February 19 at Gangtok but had to be aborted due to, as claimed by its party general secretary, 'groupism' among the party leaders. The embarrassment due to the grounding of the rally was compounded later in the same afternoon when six SHRP worker were arrested by Gangtok police for allegedly pelting the vehicle of Chief Minister's political secretary KT Gyalsten with bricks.

Speaking at a press meet today here at the party head office, Dr. Subba went at length to clarify that the rally had not been called off due to the reasons specified by his general secretary but for 'three other main reasons'.

"The main reason for the calling off the rally was that I was not present. I had to go outside Sikkim for urgent party works. I was also informed by my people from South and West districts that they would not join the rally in my absence. If there is no party president, they said that they will not join other leaders in the rally", said SHRP president.

"Another reason was that that the party had received information that some supporters of the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party will be joining the rally posing as SHRP members and then attack the police with marble pellets fired from catapults. They wanted to assault the police during the rally so that police then retaliated and arrest all the SHRP leaders", said Dr. Subba.

"The third reason was over the boiling emotions prevailing on members of our party from North district. Sixty percent of our hardcore supporters and leaders from North Sikkim are presently arrested by police. The remaining forty percent are seething with rage and anything may have happened in the rally. Judging their emotional rage and the above two main reasons, I immediately called the party senior vice president TB Thatal and directed him to call off the rally", concluded Dr. Subba.

Commenting on the reasons given by the party general secretary Tara Shrestha over the derailment of the rally, the SHRP president stressed that no groupism exists in the party and everybody is working in a disciplined manner.

It may be recalled that Mr. Shrestha had blamed some senior party leaders for the rally farce. He had also demanded the resignation of such party functionaries on moral grounds.

However, Dr. Subba softened the allegations of his general secretary cum spokesperson as 'purely personal statements'. His (Mr. Shrestha) statements are purely personal and does not reflect the views of the party or the party president, he said.

"Mr. Shrestha was not present at the party office in Tadong on that day. How could he have made such statements without informing the party president? There is no question of anybody being expelled or submitting resignations", said Dr. Subbba. He also added that no disciplinary action will be taken against Mr. Shrestha.

Over the allegations hurled on his party workers for assaulting Mr. Gyalsten on February 19, Dr. Subba said that it has not been proved that it was SHRP members who had actually thrown bricks. How could our party youths do this from the party office?, he countered.

We want back paper policy :SRC

Gangtok, Feb 20: Voicing their demands in an amendment on the back paper policy of Sikkim University the College students today took out a huge protest rally in the capital

Although the schedule time for the rally was fixed at 11 am in the morning today the delay in the procurement of the permission for the rally almost made it to start in the late evening.

The rally organized under the banner of Student's Representative Council (SRC) of Tadong Government College kicked off from the premises of Sikkim Government College till the office of the Sikkim University located at 6th Mile.

The students of first, second and third year carrying pla cards, banners and the shouting the slogans headed towards the office of the Sikkim University. Also the rally was joined by the members of Akhil Bharitya Vidhayatri Parishad (ABVP), Sikkim chapter.

The rally saw the participation of almost three hundred students of Sikkim Government College (Tadong), Namchi College and Rhenock Government College.

'We had a meeting with the vice-chancellor today but could not meet him' told Tamding Lachenpa while talking with the reporters today.

To make sure nothing goes wrong during the rally the police and the SAP Jawans were deputed on the spot.

'Special circumstances in Sikkim must be understood: BJP leader on UDF

Gangtok, Feb 19: BJP party in-charge for Northeastern States Harendra Pratap today said that the party does not have any 'problems' in sharing an alliance in Sikkim with other parties, whether national or regional, for the forthcoming Assembly elections.
"We must understand the special circumstances that prevail in Sikkim where the national opposition parties do not even record 3 percent votes in the elections and the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) has won around 70 percent votes", said Mr. Pratap in a press meet.
Commenting on the recent formation of United Democratic Front (UDF) by State units of Congress, BJP and CPIM along with two regional parties, Sikkim Gorkha Prajatantrik Party (SGPP) and Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad (SHRP), the BJP leader said the alliance is understandable considering the 'special circumstances that prevail in Sikkim where the opposition leaders are not allowed to stand up'.
It may be added here that UDF had been formed by the above parties to 'ensure a free and fair election' and also to reach a 'tactical understanding' in the coming Assembly elections.
"We don't have any problems (on the alliance) but the problem is with other parties (CPIM and Congress). We don't believe in untouchablity", stated Mr. Pratap adding realistically that BJP cannot contest on all the 32 Assembly seats in the forthcoming elections. He also accused the ruling SDF party of suppressing the opposition parties and concluded that a united approach from the opposition parties is a necessity.
"We do not have any objections if the leaders of the State units form a united election strategy in Sikkim. They should form a strategy where they should support candidates unitedly instead of contesting against each other", said Mr. Pratap. Alliance is one thing but common political strategy is another thing, he said.
However, the BJP leader also said that the leaders of the State units should not be seen in one platform. We don't want leaders of CPIM, BJP and Congress sharing space in one platform, he said. And there is no question of seat sharing either, he said.

BJP has completed all formalities against dual citizenship of Chamling: Harendra Pratap

Gangtok, Feb 19: BJP in charge for NE States, Harendra Pratap today claimed that the party has officially submitted the 'dual citizenship documents of Chief Minister Pawan Chamling' to the Governor and State Electoral Office here in Gangtok.
"We have presented the dual citizenship documents of Chief Minister Pawan Chamling to the Governor and State Chief Electoral Officer here in Gangtok. The party has thus fulfilled all its preliminary requirements and will be soon approaching the Supreme Court on this issue", said Mr. Pratap during a press meet here in Gangtok.
The BJP leader said that it was important for the party to go through the above channels including Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of External Affairs before placing the issue before the Supreme Court.
The BJP party has been alleging that Chief Minister Pawan Chamling holds dual citizenships of India and Nepal and thus should be disqualified from his constitutional post.
Now we have completed the formalities, we will approach the court before the coming Sikkim Assembly elections, said Mr. Pratap.
"We also highlight our concerns to the Governor regarding the ongoing agitation by Lepchas in Dzongu, North Sikkim against the mega hydel power projects. He has assured to use his Constitutional powers to address the issue", said Mr. Pratap. He added that BJP does not favour any mega power project in Dzongu, the last hold of the ethnic Lepcha tribes.
"Dzongu must be saved considering the special emotional attachment of the Lepchas and its immense ecological values to the fragile Himalayan mountains", said Mr. Pratap.
The BJP leader also vowed to bring all the culprits to book behind the recent assault on its State unit executive member once NDA comes to power after this Lok Sabha elections.
The party member Padam Sharma who had first raised the 'dual citizenship' allegations against the Chief Minister had been brutally attacked by a masked gang in Siliguri town of West Bengal on February 16.
"The West Bengal police may come to a conclusion in the attack on our party member. But if it does not, once NDA comes to power, BJP will make it sure that all those involved in the attack are exposed and arrested. We will not spare anyone", said Mr. Pratap.

RS 271.50 LAKHS RELEASED UNDER NATIONAL SOCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME TO SIKKIM TILL DECEMBER, 2008

Gangtok , Feb19: The Government of India has decided to expand the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) to include two pension schemes to be known as ' Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme' (IGNAPS) and 'Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) in addition to the existing Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS). Addressing media persons in New Delhi today today Union Rural Development Minister Dr. Raghuvansh Prasad Singh said under the eligibility criteria for coverage under these new pension schemes the Widows who are between 40-64 years and belonging to a household below the poverty line according to the criteria prescribed by the Government of India and Persons with severe or multiple disabilities between 18-64 years and belonging to a household below the poverty line according to the criteria prescribed by the Govt. of India will be covered.

The Minister said the decision to expend the scope of NSAP was taken in view of the fact that pension is provided not only to the aged but also to the widows and persons with severe or multiple disability. The justification for including persons with severe or multiple disability is that they can not avail of wage or self employment schemes. In he case of widows, some minimal income security is essential to enable them to live a life of dignity as also to enable them to look after their children, if any. Expansion of NSAP to include these two categories already find mention in the 11th Five Year Plan document. Also the Ministry has launched the NSAP-MIS which will capture database of beneficiaries under all pension schemes. The MIS will ensure that transparency is built into the scheme.

The central assistance for pension under the new schemes will be Rs. 200/- per month per beneficiary. The State Governments are urged to contribute at least an equal amount so that beneficiaries receive pension at the rate of Rs.400 or more per month, as in the case of IGNOAPS. Further pension amount has to be credited into the Bank or Post Office Account of the beneficiary. The new schemes are estimated to benefit 4404289 widows and 1556004 persons with severe or multiple disability. The additional fund requirement would be Rs. 1057.03 crore for widow pension scheme and Rs. 373.44 crore for disability pension scheme.

Dr. Singh said the two new schemes come into force with immediate effect. However, before giving effect to the Schemes, States are required to to take the following action:-

(i) to identify all eligible beneficiaries as per the eligibility criteria

(ii) to place the database of eligible beneficiaries in the public domain/ website

(iii) to ensure that accounts are opened by the beneficiaries

He said states have been advised to operationalise the new schemes of IGNWPS and IGNOAPS out of the funds released under NSAP for the year 2008-09.

No. of beneficiaries reported by Sikkim during 2008-09 under IGNOAPS is 15169 , release of funds Rs 271.50 lakhs & Rate of Pension under IGNOAPS RS 400/- per month per beneficiary which includes Central Assistance. (PIB)

People who love you will understand: Bhaichung

Gangtok, Feb 16 :India's football captain Bhaichung Bhutia is so tied up with back-to-back matches that he hardly has time to celebrate Valentine's Day. "I may have thought about doing something, but I have a match the next day. So I don't think I will be doing anything even if I wanted to," he says.
Bhaichung says that he takes his work very seriously and it is not the time to indulge in partying or eating out if he has a match the next day.
"People who love you will understand your cause. My wife will always be there with me. If I can't take her out on Valentine's Day because I have a match the next day, I am sure she will understand. I have not been able to do anything on Valentine's Day for a long time now," he adds.
Bhaichung married his long-time girlfriend Madhuri Tipnis on December 27, 2004, at his native village in Tinkitam in Sikkim. Madhuri used to be an air-hostess before she got married and the couple lived together in his Kolkata apartment for four years before they decided to tie the knot

Prakriti Giri to Host “Radio Show” in North Bengal & Sikkim

Gangtok, Feb 13 (Press Release): Keeping with the promise to entertain their valued listeners in North
Bengal & Sikkim, Nine on 91.9 FM is very happy to announce the launch of
their two new shows.

Prakriti Giri, the top 3 finalist of “Star Voice of India, Chote Ustad”
fame can be heard in North Bengal & Sikkim from the 15th of February
2009.The show is highly inter-active wherein Miss Giri will entertain her
fans and listeners with interesting aspects of her own journey as a singer
and her accomplishments at the CHOTE USTAD show on Star Plus.

Nine FM is the launch pad for Prakriti’s new avatar as a Radio Jockey.
“Nine FM has always encouraged local talents. Nine has taken this move in
order to provide a platform for young prodigies to showcase their talent.
Prakriti Giri will introduce young talents of North Bengal & Sikkim in the
show” said Mr. Bobby Gupta, CEO, Nine FM.

“This is my second opportunity to reach the heart of music lovers. Being
passionate about music, I am very excited to host a musical program. I am
thankful to Nine FM for supporting me to carry my musical journey
forward”, said Prakriti Giri.

Our second offering is a new show dedicated to Bollywood Music “ SANGEET
KE RANG NINE FM KE SANG” hosted by our own home grown RJ Sudeep, which
will be on-air every Sunday from 11am-1pm starting from February 15th
2009.The theme of the show will basically be all time Bollywood Hits ,
primarily from the 90’s and all time evergreen hits.

Nine FM promises to continue with their endeavor to entertain their
listeners as well as provide them a platform to voice their concerns,
hopes and aspirations. This has been possible because of the love and
support we have received from our listeners.

ACT seeks bail for its underage members Also to lodge a FIR against Himagri company against violation of old laws

GANGTOK, Feb 12: Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) today
submitted bail applications for the three of its underage members in
the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate here at Gangtok.
Three underage students had been arrested by North district police
along with 40 other members of ACT in the recent Lingzya incident. The
underage members had been forwarded to Juvenile Home while other
members have been sent to judicial custody at Rongyek Jail.
In a press statement, ACT said that all the arrested innocent Lepchas
of Dzongu do not want to seek bail but demand unconditional release.
However, in view of the fact that many innocent under aged students
have been arrested and as the future of these student are of top most
importance in our agenda, said ACT while moving for bail today.
ACT also stood by its stand that the Panan power project developers
were engaging in illegal activities at Dzongu. It said that Sikkim
Power Development Corporation (SPDC) had initiated the land
acquisition in Dzongu on behalf of Himagiri company for the Panan
power project as per a government notification dated 1-6-2007.
"However, according to another notification dated 24-6-2008, the above
notification had lapsed on 1-6-2008 and as such the proper process of
land acquisition has not been completed by the District Collector and
so the physical occupation of landed property in Dzongu by Himagri
Hydro Energy Pvt ltd is violating the law under section 447 of IPC and
also violating the provisions of the notification No-3069 dated
24-3-1958 and 665/PS dated 27-9-1954", said ACT.
ACT will also file an FIR in Mangan police station in this regard to
take action against the general manager of the Himagiri Hydro Energy
Ltd and other companies working in Dzongu 'for the violation of the
above old laws'.
The body added that the State government through power department and
ACT had started the dialogue process after the withdrawal of
indefinite hunger strike and scarping of four mega power projects in
Dzongu last year.
"However, after the first meeting, the State government never bothered
to call for talks nor reported to the organization about the decision
of the Govt on the discussion held in that meeting", said ACT. This is
neglecting the voices of the indigenous aborigines of the State, it
said.
"ACT therefore believes that the government of Sikkim is not
interested in the welfare of people nor upholds the democratic values
of the country", the release issued by ACT chief coordinator Tseten
Lepcha states.

Porcupine hunting triggers minor fire at Raj Bhavan forest

GANGTOK, Feb12: A minor bush fire broke out at the border forest
surroundings of Raj Bhavan today afternoon.
The fire which broke out around 3:30 pm was immediately dowsed by East
district forest personnel, Gangtok fire services, local police and
ITBP personnel of Raj Bhavan in a short span of time.
Considering the continuing dry spell in the State that has left ground
forest cover smoldering with heat, the fire could have spread further
up the hill. However, quick response from the local authorities
averted a bigger fire.
Some portion of the ground cover of the forest was razed in the fire.
During the fire fighting process, the DFO (Territorial-East), RO
(Territorial-East) stumbled on some still burning sacks that had been
stuffed inside the underground holes burrowed by porcupines. This was
the chief reason for the outbreak of the bush fire.
Some local persons may have put the burning sacks in the entry points
of these holes so that the ensuing smoke flush out the porcupines out
of their holes and hunt them.
One person has been detained by the forest officials for questioning.

Air Show

Surya Kiran - Aerobatic team of Indian Air Force performing at Aero India-2009 inaugural show, at Air Force Station, Yelahanka, in Bengaluru on February 11, 2009. (PIB)

Forest minister exposes people's failure to back govt's ban on plastics

Gangtok, Feb 11: State forest minister SB Subedi today rued the lack of people's response towards the State government's environment protection policies including the ban on plastic use.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the day long 'National Environment Awareness Campaign-2008-09' held on the theme of 'Climatic Changes' held here at the Forest Secretariat, the forest minister expressed his concern over the widespread use and dumping of plastic products in jhoras and road sides by the people.
"For the protection of environment, the State government has set many policies like ban of plastics in the State. But has the ban really taken place? We see plastics dumped in jhoras and road sides", said Mr. Subedi.
The forest minister put the blame on the people who have not shouldered their responsibility or are not actually aware of the government's policy of the ban on plastics. "People can at least burn the plastics they have used and not dump in jhoras", he said.
Mr. Subedi was equally concerned over the message that will be received by tourists when they see dumping and use of plastics in Sikkim. 'During big forums in Delhi and other parts of the nation, people praise Sikkim for banning plastics. But when they come here, they may find widespread use of plastics here and we must be very serious in implementing this ban', he said.
The forest minister appealed the NGOs in assisting the State government to sensitize the people over the objectives of plastic ban. Around 29 NGOs working in the field of environment protection had participated in today's workshop organized by the State forest department.
"I am very happy to see many NGOs coming forward to spread awareness among the people over environment protection. People actually listen to NGOs rather than politicians. People do not give credit to politicians", said Mr. Subedi.
Continuing his call for social responsibility, Mr. Subedi added that forest fires that have taken recently in the State were due to the carelessness or mischief of the few people.
"The State government is trying its best to prevent forest fires but due to carelessness or plain mischief of the people, forest fires have taken recently in the State", he said.
Highlighting the extensive planting done during the State Green Mission in the past 3 years, the forest minister said that the department is considering to present awards to the best Gram Panchayats in the mission after a proper assessment. He also directed the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) to set up units in bazaar areas with the business community for keeping the bazaar areas clean and hygienic.
"It will also give a good message to the tourists coming to Sikkim. The reputation of Sikkim as a clean State is already there and we must strengthen it", said Mr. Subedi.
While concluding his address, Mr. Subedi strongly expressed his commitment towards environment protection.
"I have received valuable experiences during my five year stint as the forest minister. I have already announced that when I retire from my political life I will dedicate rest of my life towards protection of environment. Serving the people as a forest minister has also given me new enthusiasm to work for environment", said Mr. Subedi.
Earlier in his address, State forest secretary ST Lachungpa appealed the NGOs not to depend only on financial grants but to brand itself by working dedicatedly in their chosen fields. Once an NGO establishes itself then funding will not be a problem, he said.
The forest secretary said that it's the duty of the entire Sikkimese population to protect its Himalayan ecology. If we protect it, we will not only benefit but those living in the plain areas will also benefit, he said.
Highlighting the climatic changes, Mr. Lachungpa said there had been no visible snowfall in the traditional areas of the State which was due to climatic changes.
Later during the workshop, the attending NGOs from all four districts of the State were presented funds for their works done in environment protection fields.

ACT activists sent to 11 days of judicial custody

Gangtok, Feb 10: Forty one members of Affected Citizens were sent
to judicial custody at Rongyek Jail today by Chief Judicial Magistrate
(East and North) for a period of 11 days. Those sent to judicial
custody includes ACT general secretary Dawa Lepcha, member Tenzing
Lepcha, Sangha of Dzongu president Ligdem Lepcha and Concerned Lepchas
of Sikkim president Gyatso Lepcha.
The ACT members had been produced before the CJM today here in Gangtok
after their three day police remand at Mangan police station ended
today. They have been arrested on charges of unlawful assembly,
rioting and theft of explosives at the dam site of the controversial
280 MW Panan power project at Lingzya, Upper Dzongu, North Sikkim on
February 7.
The arrested ACT members did not file any bail applications, it is
learnt and rather chose to go to jail. It is also informed that the
ACT members may restore to hunger strike at the jail itself to
highlight their demand for the scrapping of the mega power projects
proposed in the Lepcha reserve of Dzongu.
Three other arrested ACT members, Sonam Lepcha, Ligden Lepcha and
Tshering Lepcha have been sent to juvenile home in Gangtok as they
were under 18 years of age.
Other ACT leaders like Tseten Lepcha and Sherap Lepcha were present at
the District Court (East and North) today here to express their
solidarity with their arrested members.

Sikkim Annual Plan 2009-10 finalised

Gangtok,Feb.10:The Annual Plan for Sikkim for the year 2009-10 was finalized at New Delhi on Monday at a meeting between Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Pawan Chamling. The Plan outlay was agreed at Rs.1045 crores. This includes additional Central assistance of Rs.82.70 crores for projects of special importance to the State.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Ahluwalia complimented the State for performance in the social sector. He said in terms of human development indicators, Sikkim’s position was quite good as compared to majority of States. The Gross State Domestic Product increased by 84 per cent while per capita GSDP increased by 60 per cent during the period 1999-2000 to 2007-08. He also appreciated State’s performance in plan realization. He said the State should focus on high-end tourism and develop adequate accommodation for these tourists.

It was pointed out that State has comparative advantage in horticulture and floriculture sectors and should make optimum use of Central initiatives for these sectors. Hydel generation should be given high priority as it would not only generate revenue but also create employment opportunities. The State was also told to vigorously pursue public/private-partnership in tourism hydel generation and floriculture. The State was advised to work towards improving quality of education and reducing drop out rates. Thrust should also be on providing clean drinking water and proper sanitation facilities in both rural and urban areas. Briefing the Commission on plan performance, Mr. Chamling said that efforts are on to improve infrastructure. He thanked Union Government for facilitating Greenfield Airport at Pakyong and approval of rail-link to Sikkim. He said hydel potential available is being tapped and by 2012 more than 5000MW of electricity would be generated.

The State plans to declare Sikkim as total organic State by 2015. Education is being given priority and by the end of next year two more degree colleges will be started. A comprehensive educational loan scheme has been launched to facilitate students securing admission in reputed Universities. To drive maximum advantage through national mission on climate change, Sikkim State Council on Climate Change has been set up.
(PIB)

Chamling at New Delhi

The Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Pawan Chamling meeting the Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia to finalize annual plan 2009-10 of the State, in New Delhi on February 09, 2009.

Forty one members of Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) from Dzongu have been arrested

Gangtok, Feb 09: Forty one members of Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) from Dzongu have been arrested by North Sikkim police on charges of arson and rioting at the project damsite of the controversial Panan hydel power project.
The arrests were made on the complaint of Himagiri hydroengery private limited, project developers of the 280 MW Panan hydel project. There are 8 ladies among the arrested lot.
The district administration informed that the arrests were made on the complaint since the accused persons vandalized the project site, destroyed machinery and also tried to set fire, destroy the magazine stores containing explosives and stole explosives from the site after criminal trespass. The incident took place at the project dam site at Lingzya in Upper Dzongu yesterday on the occasion of the 600th day of the relay hunger strike by ACT going at BL house in Gangtok.
According to the project developers, more than 50 lakhs worth equipments have been destroyed by ACT supporters. The project developers are also claiming the missing of some explosive items – 298 boxes of electronic detonators, 88.75 kgs of gelatin and 1000 m of cordex wire from the spot.
Following the complaint, a team led by Mangan police station PI Rajesh Tamang arrested 43 ACT members. Two were released later as they were minors.
The arrested includes ACT general secretary Dawa Lepcha, Tenzing Lepcha, Sangha of Dzongu president Ligden Lama and Concerned Lepchas of Sikkim president Gyatso Lepcha.
The ACT members have been charged under 6 different sections 143 of the IPC for being members of unlawful assembly and section 147 for rioting, 149 for offence committed by unlawful assembly, 436 for arson and fire mischief, 379 for theft of explosives and 447 criminal trespasses.
Police said that ACT had no permission to stage the rally and a huge ACT group had gathered at Lingdong, Upper Dzongu and approached Lingzya where the incident occurred as they entered the dam site and engaged in unlawful activity.
The arrested persons were produced before the court of the district magistrate North and they were remanded to three days police custody for investigations. 'Investigations are still on', police said.
On the other hand, ACT members accused the project developers of engaging in illegal works after the land acquisition terms have elapsed. The Panan area is an isolated area and to store explosives in these areas are strictly prohibited, they said.
Meanwhile, ACT in a press statement has condemned the 'arbitrary arrests of innocent Lepchas from Dzongu' and accused the police of restoring to third degree interrogation methods.
In the press statement released by ACT chief coordinator Tseten Lepcha, the body has demanded 'immediate and unconditional release' of its members.
ACT also demanded an investigation into the links between the promoters of Panan hydel power project, their primary

Bill for seeking 80 per cent reservation for sikkimes still pending

Gangtok Feb 8: A bill seeking 80 per cent employment for locals is still pending with President Pratibha Patil after the former governor of state referred it to her.

The bill is still pending with the President for consideration, Assembly Secretariat officials told Media.

Former governor Sudarshan Agarwal had referred the bill to the President for consideration about six months ago. Exercising his discretionary powers, Agarwal chose not to dispose of the Sikkim Promotion of Local Employment Bill (Bill No 18 of 2008) after having refused to give his assent to an identical bill (bill no 9 of 2008) which had proposed to reserve 95 per cent employment for the locals.

He stated that it was in contravention of Articles 14, 15 and 19(1)(g) of the Constitution and the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court with regard to the upper limit prescribed for the purpose of reservation.

The former governor, whose tenure came to an end in July last year, forwarded the bill to the President for consideration under Clause 2 of Article 254 of the constitution before demitting office.

The Chamling Government was last year forced to withdraw the bill seeking 95 per cent reservation of employment for locals after it was not approved by the then governor.

The state government, however, introduced a new draft legislation seeking to reserve 80 per cent employment for the local people during another session of the state assembly and got it passed unanimously by a voice vote.

The legislation on promotion of local employment had proposed to percolate the benefits of reservation in employment to all sections of the society in Sikkim.

It proposed to reserve employment at 10 per cent each for the wards of the traders/old settlers and the floating population, besides seeking to reserve 80 per cent jobs strictly for locals having Sikkim Subject Certificate or Certificate of Identification.

While the state government may not have succeeded in ensuring job reservation, it has ensured 50 per cent membership for locals in all associations, organisations, clubs, societies and voluntary organisations and also on the panels of the board of directors of the companies registered in Sikkim.

The new Governor B P Singh gave his assent to two legislations, Registration of Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2008 (Bill No 30 of 2008) and Sikkim Regulation of Societies, Associations and Other Voluntary Organisations (Amendment) Bill, 2008 (Bill No. 31 of 2008).

ACT activist demolished a temporary shed of Panan hydel power project

Gangtok, Feb 07: Frustrated local youths from Dzongu under the banner of Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) demolished a temporary shed of Panan hydel power project employees today at Rongyong in Dzongu, North Sikkim as the relay hunger strike of the anti-hydel project body entered its 600th day.
Other project related items were also vandalized.
Around 50 youths including several ladies waving ACT flags and 'anti-hydel' banners had taken out a rally in the Dzongu area on the 600th day of its ongoing relay hunger strike here at BL house.
The ACT rally reached Rongyong dam site of the proposed 280 MW Panan hydel power project near Lingzay when some of its members tore apart the provisional shelter of the project labourers. The labourers were also told to leave the site as they had 'illegally' stayed back, it is informed.
Today's incident marks the growing unrest and frustrations among the ACT youths over the inaction from the government side over their agitation against the controversial Panan project.

National Highway 31A blocked by GJM; Sikkim cut off

Gangtok ,Feb 07: Sikkim was cut off from the rest of the country when Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha (GJM) activists blocked the National Highway 31A early on Saturday as part of their 24-hour strike in the Darjeeling Hills region.

Vehicular traffic between Sikkim and Siliguri via the NH-31A has been totally paralysed since early morning, police officials at Rangpo inter-state border checkpost told PTI here.

Only a few vehicles belonging to the military forces, press persons and some ambulances were seen on the streets on the NH 31A, officials said.

The GJM had called for the strike in the Darjeeling Hills region to protest against "injustice to the adivasis in the state and police atrocities on them at Lalgarh in particular".

Arms and ammunition dumped in Sikkim: Biraj

Gangtok, Feb 07: The opposition Sikkim National Peoples Party (SNPP) on Thursday alleged that a large quantity of arms and ammunition belonging to Maoists of Nepal have been dumped in Sikkim.

"We have specific information that two tonne of gelatin sticks have been dumped in forest areas of West District and 200 automatic weapons, including AK series in areas of South District by Nepal-based Maoists, SNPP President Biraj Adhikari told reporters here.

He alleged that the police had knowledge of the matter, but chose to look the other way.

Sikkim today is firmly positioned to attain self-sufficiency: Chamling

Gangtok, Feb 5: Stating that the Commission for Review of Environment and Social Sector Policies, Plans and Programmes for Human Development (CRESP-HuD) of Sikkim is the first such commission on human development in India, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today the commission has greatly enhanced the State government's perception in the overall socio-economic condition of Sikkimese people.
"The findings made by this Commission under Prof Roy Burman has greatly enhanced the level of our understanding to ascertain the overall impact made in the socio-economic condition of our people", said the Chief Minister today during the first meeting of the commission here at Chintan Bhavan, Gangtok.
Stating the basic objectives of human development, Mr. Chamling said that the State government has recorded greater participation by people in community activities and in decision making processes at various levels over the last 15 years.
The Chief Minister pointed out that a previous advisory committee had been tasked to prepare a manual containing human development messages and agenda in Sikkim. Vision documents of 161 out of 166 Gram Panchayat Units (GPU) have been prepared, he said.
Based on the indications of the GPU level, vision documents gazette notification have been issued abolishing Guardian Officer (Panchayat Mitra) attached to Panchayat bodies, said Mr. Chamling adding that this is an indication of the maturity attained by the local bodies in their functions.
Similarly, quick studies have been made of a dozen industries, entrepreneurial development schemes, primary health centres, primary and secondary schools, organic farming, planting pathology of large cardamom on an epidemic scale and selected public sector undertakings, said the Chief Minister. "The tentative findings have been communicated to the concerned line departments for intensive action research leading to reformulation of policies and action agenda.
Despite Sikkim entering into the planning process in the late seventies, the Chief Minister asserted that the State is heading towards self-sufficiency in every sphere.
"Sikkim today is firmly positioned to attain self-sufficiency in every sphere of activities. With more than 31 percent of plan allocation to social sector and 20 percent to education, our intention is crystal clear", said Mr. Chamling.
The only challenge with us is even distribution of economic benefits to all sections of population and a balanced and comprehensive growth that is both sustainable and which ensures the greatest happiness to the greatest number of people, said the Chief Minister. He expressed his confidence that the CRESP-HuD will help the Sikkim government to realize this dream into reality.

Sikkim talents screened for Amol Palekar's new film

Gangtok, February 5: Sikkim is finally heading towards hypnotizing bollywood as actor turned producer-director Amol Palekar is in the city to explore new talents for his next film.

The film maker will audition local talents for his new venture.

He arrived here on Sunday with his team. He is also expected to spend the rest of the week touring various locations in the state.

The last time when Sikkim’s mesmerizing splendour got noticed in a classic movie was ‘Jewel Thief’ in 1967 where some portions of the movie was shot here featuring evergreen hero Dev Anand.

All details have been kept under tight wraps until he begins shooting sometime in March-April, the best season to capture the spirit and beauty of this hill State.

Matching his screen persona where he had delivered several hits like Golmaal and some serious art films, the actor of yesteryears likes to maintain a low profile and remains tightlipped about his forthcoming project despite much coaxing from media.

However, it has been learnt that the feature film will be based on Sikkim and the entire movie will be shot here in the state to project as well as promote it to the outside world.

''Palekar will be scouting for probable locations'', a senior government official said.

Mr Palekar also called on Chief Minister Pawan Chamling yesterday and is said to have discussed the film project. The duo had met earlier in regard to this project and had detailed discussions. The Chief Minister was keen to help the director.

Mr Palekar also toned down the speculations surrounding the purpose of his visit as he told media yesterday, ''we are here for the preliminary aspects and nothing had been finalized so far. We will let you know the developments soon.'' Accompanying him, his wife was more spontaneous. She said that they had been in Sikkim almost seven times over the past few years and were captivated by the state's natural beauty.

''Sikkim is beautiful and very different from all other places,'' she said.

The visiting group had also been auditioning for a probable child artiste from Sikkim for the movie.

State`s tourism department is handling Palekar’s itinerary in Sikkim. He had also held discussions with Tourism secretary SBS Bhaduria and other senior tourism officials regarding the project.

He along with his group is expected to visit Namchi, Rinchenpong and other areas in West and South Sikkim from today.

Chamling was out to win the next assembly polls with money: Tshong

Gangtok , 1 February: Opposition parties have charged Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling with distributing money to the people to secure their votes in the upcoming assembly polls and asked the Election Commission to probe the matter.

"We have authentic information from people that the chief minister is distributing cash among the voters to extend their support to the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) in the forthcoming assembly polls in the state,"NCP state president Ashok ChongTshong told reporters here today.

He said Chamling has been visiting villages in person with only his trusted men where he distributed cash starting from Rs 20,000 to the villagers and seeking assurance from them that they would vote for the SDF.

Chong demanded immediate action by Election Commission to prevent Chamling, also SDF president from buying voters.

The NCP Chief said, as Chamling was out to win the next assembly polls with money power, free and fair polls were not not possible under the present dispensation.

The Centre should consider imposing President&aposs rule in the state till the assembly polls, he said.

Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee president and former Chief Minister Nar Bahadur Bhandari echoed Chong&aposs accusation against Chamling, saying the Congress has drawn the attention of the EC and the Centre about the"brazen misuse"of official machinery and money power by the ruling SDF and demanded that assembly polls be conducted under President&aposs rule.

BJP state unit vice-president Padam Bahadur Chhetri, who earlier accused Chamling of holding dual nationality, claimed that the use of money power has been a common practice during the SDF rule.