Two candidates withdraw their nominations in East district

Gangtok, 03 Oct (IPR): On the last day of withdrawal of candidatures for the Bye-Election in two Assembly Constituencies in East District, two (02) candidates withdrew their nominations.

Shri Sonam Tashi Bhutia and Shri Chewang Dadul Bhutia who filed their nomination as Independent candidates for 24-Martam–Rumtek constituency withdrew their candidature today in the office of Returning Officer, Shri Raj Yadav, IAS

The Returning Officer informed that six (06) candidates were in the fray for 24-Martam-Rumtek Assembly constituency after the withdrawal of two (02) candidates.

The candidates for 27-Gangtok Assembly constituency remains the same with six (06) nominations and no withdrawal.

The RO also informed that the Expenditure Observer, Shri Naresh Kumar Bansal, arrived at Gangtok today. Anyone interested to meet the Expenditure Observer may meet him at Railway Guest House from 9 AM to 11 AM.

Further, it is informed that meeting with the contesting candidates has been scheduled at 11:00 AM at DAC Sichey on 4/10/19.

Tourism Department organises Plogging Run in North district

Mangan, 03 Oct (IPR): As a part of Paryatan Parv celebration, the Tourism & Civil Aviation Department organized “Plogging Run” at various villages of North Sikkim. The run was actively participated by Homestay owners, teachers and students of Malling, Ringhim and Upper Singhik.

The event also had competition for the student on collection of waste.

Dawrip Lepcha and Ramesh Chettri were awarded with the gift hampers for have collected the most waste materials in the event.

Gangtok celebrates 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi at Chintan Bhawan

02nd Oct, Gangtok (IPR) : 150th Birth Anniversary of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi was celebrated today at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok.

The programme started with the lightening of the ceremonial lamp and garlanding on the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi.

The State level function was graced by Hon’ble Governor of Sikkim Shri Ganga Prasad as the Chief Guest and Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) as the Guest of Honour.

The programme also had the presence of Cabinet Ministers Shri Kunga Nima Lepcha and Shri Sonam Lama, Chief Secretary Shri S. C. Gupta on the dice, along with other dignitaries and students present in the function.

The Governor during his address wished all the Sikkimese people on this special day and reminded everyone about the contributions made by the Father of the Nation.

He also talked about how Gandhiji used to give special importance to cleanliness and defecation in his life.He informed that, Swacha Bharat Abhiyan started under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to convert Gandhiji’s dream of clean India into reality which took a long way of five years which has become a successful mass movement and is also being discussed on the world stage.

Further, he stated that it is more gratifying that Sikkim is far ahead from rest of the states towards cleanliness and defecation. “Cleanliness has now become the culture and identity of Sikkim. And also I believe that Sikkim can set an example in the world by taking more collective efforts in this direction”, he added.

Chief Minister in his address congratulated and wished everyone on the auspicious occasion of 150th Gandhi Jayanti. He expressed gratitude to be the part of such programme.

He talked about the contribution made by Mahatma Gandhi toward nations freedom struggle which can not be evaluated. His extraordinary personality and original mantra of peace and non violence. He was the backbone of the country’s independence movement who lead the country towards independence. His contribution towards free India can not be underestimated nor can be described in any words. With his effective policies/principles he became the source of inspiration to people across the country.

He stated that Mahatma Gandhi always inspired the society towards cleanliness and a refined atmosphere which are the means of good health. He was always on the campaign to ” bring about change that he wanted to see in the world” he informed.

He also talked about the Gandhiji’s main hymns which includes ” Vaishnavo Jana KO” as well as ” Raghupati Raghav” whose words still guide the society today. His talent , success and independence of struggle will keep the glory and immortal saga of a heroic hero like him alive, he added.

Further, The Chief Minister urged the gathering to support him and to work together for the betterment of society, state and country with determination and dedication to defeat negative elements like ego, hatred, rejection, discrimination and work towards unity and integrity.

The programme also saw the felicitations of Awardees and presenting of Letter of Appreciation and a prize distribution.

This year nine best Swachhgrahis in Swachh Bharat Mission were felicitated by Rural Development Department. They are :
1. Mr. Kamalnath Battarai from Tingvong GPU
2. Ms. Jyoti Subba from Turuk Rmabong GPU
3. Mr. Shan Kumar Gurung from Kongri Lab dang GPU
4. Miss Pass a ng Diki Sherpa from Karthok Bojek GPU
5. Mr. Birendra Dhakal from Khamdong GPU
6. Ms. Mukalmit Lepcha from Dong dung Thasa GPU
7. Ms. Divya Rai from Latuk Chuchenpheri GPU
8. Mr. Passang Tsh. Bhutia from Lingo GPU
9. Mr. Wrung Bhutia from Chungthang GPU

These felicitations and appreciations are the annual features of Gangtok Municipal Corporation.
Letters of Appreciation and Gift by GMC was handed over to:
(a). Mr. Bikram Rai- Solid Waste Management,Truck Driver,
(b). Mr. Kumar Subba – Beautifier,
(c). Mr. Sandeep Kumar Balmiki -Beautifier.

Token distribution of gifts were given to
(a). Ms. Manu Tamang Beautifier
(b). Mr. Babloo Rawat- Beautifier.

The program also saw the distribution of certificates and cash incentives to three winners of Essay Competition on Menstrual Hygiene- Breaking the Taboo by Rural Development Department
1st – Sharon Rai VCGL Rabongla Sen Sec School, South
2nd – Sim ran Basket, Sadam Sen Sec School, Sumbuk South and
3rd – Doma Rai Tasa Tengey Sen SecSchool, Chungthang North.

And three winners of Poetry Recitation were given away the prize by Raj Bhawan and Education Department
1 – Deepa Sharma of Govt. Girls Den Sec School Geyzing west in English in a category of School level.
2 – Kalina Pradhan of Deorali Girls Sen Sec School, East in Nepali in a category of School level.
3 – Angkita Barman, Bsc. Nursing , Sikkim Manipal College of Nursing, Tadong in Hindi in a categori of College level.

The program also had launching of “Handbook on Prime Minister Employment Generation Program me prepared by Sikkim Khadi & Village Industries. Also the manuals:
Jal Shakti Campus and JAL Shakti Gram
Swachh Campus by Raj Bhawan and developed at the behest of Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India.

The celebration at Chintan Bhawan also had religious recitation of prayers by the heads of different religious communities of Sikkim.
Patriotic songs was also presented by the students of Modern Sen Sec. School and Deorali Den Sec. School The function also saw the Poetry recitation by winning students. Bhajan/Ram Dhun was presented by the Culture Department.

The function also showcased a short Documentary Film on Mahatma Gandhi, by Information and Public Relations Department , Documentary film on Menstrual Hygiene by Rural Development Department and screening of video spot on leprosy by Health Department also a brief presentation was showcased on leprosy by Dr. T Doma , State Leprosy Officer.

Earlier, the pledge on Eradication of Leprosy and pledge on Swachhata by Hon’blue Governor and Hon’blue Chief Minister was administered, respectively.

West District Celebrates 150th Gandhi Jayanti

Gyalshing, 2nd October, 2019 (IPR): The 150th Gandhi Jayanti was celebrated at the District Administration Center (DAC) in the presence of DC West Shri. Karma R. Bonpo; SDM (HQ) Shri. Tushar G. Nikhare along with all the HoDs of DAC and officials.

DC West paid tribute to the bust of Mahatma Gandhi with khada and urged the HoDs to implement proper waste management and segregation of waste in their respective departments and surroundings. He also mentioned that the cleaning of our respective surrounding shouldn’t be just for a day but for should be exercised every day by all to make the planet cleaner and better. He also mentioned that the cleanliness drive was encouraged in order to reuse, reduce and recycle waste.

He also informed that no packed foods in plastics (chips, biscuits etc.) would not be allowed inside the Rabdentse Park area. He also informed that the area would be under CCTV surveillance so that none of the visitors can take any plastics inside. He also informed that the tourists would also be sensitized about the new initiative to keep the area clean.

The Gandhi Jayanti program was followed by the massive cleanliness drive in Rabdentse Bird Park and Rabdentse Ruins area, Gyalshing Municipal areas and other similar places and governmental establishments throughout the West District.

Similarly, the District Collector along with the Chairman (GMC) Shri. I. K. Neopaney; MEO Smt. Bhumika Pradhan and other officials later conducted cleanliness drive throughout the Gyalshing Bazzar with the help of local residents. The waste collected for the segregations into different categories of waste was done at the Segregation center at Sakyong Road.

Rhenock Block celebrate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi

Rhenock, October 2nd: (IPR) To mark the occasion of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Plastic Shramdaan under the Swachhata Hi Sewa campaign along with the Fit India Plogging Run was organized by Rhenock Block. The programme under Rhenock BAC kick started with SHS pledge administered by BDO Rhenock Mr. Swabhaw Gurung. The day long programme had the launching of peoples plan campaign, Fit India Plogging Run from Char Fatak to Viswa Vinayak Mandir and plastic Shramdaan at various places.
After the launching of the programme, officers, Panchayats, teachers, Police personnel, students, local public, NGOs, SHGs along with the 69th battalion Sashatra Seema Bal (SSB) stationed at Rhenock participated in the Fit India Plogging Run which started at Char Fatak. The run had participation of more than 100 people. The group while running through the stretch picked the plastic materials thrown beside the road which was assembled at proper place and later picked up by the van to be segregated later on at the Block Administrative Centre, Rhenock. The group congregated at the Viswa Vinayak Mandir above the BAC where the participants were provided with water by the volunteers.
Such ‘Plastic Shramdaan’ was also undertaken at the panchayat level at Tarpin and Sudunglakha GPU where the local panchayat and the local public played an active role.
Besides others the programme was participated by the 10-NUSS, Ashirbad Foundation, Bihari Jagaran Manch (Rhenock), Newar Guthi (Rhenock) and various others NGOs.
Further, a team of officials along with the observer for the day’s programme Shri Yadav Krishna Sharma (DPO, East, RDD) visited the ‘Swachha Gaon’ Chalampong as well as the ‘Swachha Ghar’ of Shri Kedar Pradhan below Rhenock Bazaar.
The programme concluded with collection of all the plastic collected at various places and being brought to the Block Administrative Centre, Rhenock.
The collected plastic waste would be segregated and opportunities for efficient reuse and disposal would be taken up from 3rd to 27th October, 2019. Creating usable items from plastic waste is one such activity that is being planned by the block.

North Sikkim celebrates 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi

Mangan, October 2: (IPR) North Sikkim paid rich tribute to the Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary in a function held at Mangan Nagar Panchayat Hall by offering khadas on his portrait, today.

As to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the District Administrative Centre, Mangan in association with Mangan Nagar Panchayat has organized “Swacchata Dewas” with theme “Plastic Waste Management.”

The programme saw the presence of District Collector, North, Shri Tenzing T. Kaleon, Additional District Collector (Development), North, Shri Somnath Adhikari, ADM, Mangan, Shri Surat Gurung, Municipal Eexecutive Officer, Mangan Nagar Panchayat, Shri Tempo Tashi Bhutia, Zilla Panchayat members, HoDs of various Departments, teachers and students.

On the very day DC/N, Shri Kaleon administered the pledge of “Plastic Free India.” Simultaneously, Shri Kaleon also launched the new carry bags made up of jute to avoid the use of plastic carry bags which was conceptualized and initiated by Mangan Nagar Panchayat.

Speaking on the occasion, DC/N, Shri Kaleon talked about the successful campaign of “Swacchata Hi Sewa” which was a true tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. He also told everyone that the “Clean India Movement” was one of the core principles of Gandhi. He stated that the need of the hour is a sense of belonging, attitudinal change and positive mentality among the citizens towards cleanliness and unpolluted environment.

Furthermore, he thanked the MNP members and Councilors for doing a great job on awareness and cleanliness campaign in the district. He encouraged the public at large to work together in making the North Sikkim as an exemplary district of the State.

The programme also witnessed the prize distribution among the participants who had actively participated in painting, skit and dance competition organized by MNP under “Swacchata Hi Sewa” campaign.

“Fit India Plogging Run” event organized by Sports & Youth Affairs Dept held at North District

Mangan, October 2: (IPR) Joining the nationwide ‘Fit India Plogging Run’, North District successfully conducted the event today in the morning at several places of the district.

The said Plogging Run is an activity which includes jogging with picking up litter, simultaneously it creates awareness about fitness and cleanliness and would help India make free of single-use plastic.

While at Mangan, Sports and Youth Affairs Department in association with District Administration, North Sikkim organized the said event, where in the District Collector, North, Shri Tenzing T. Kaleon flagged off the ‘Plogging Run’ in the presence of Deputy Director, Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Smt. Janim Lepcha, Municipal Executive Officer, Mangan Nagar Panchayat, Shri Tempo Tashi Bhutia, NDFA representatives, teachers and students.

Similarly, the BACs, Schools and PSUs of the district also conducted the Fit India Plogging Run in their respective premises.