Plantation drive was carried out at Samatar Ward

Namchi, 23 Aug (IPR): Taking forward the mission of Jal Shakti Abhiyan and to spread awareness about the importance of water conservation, a plantation drive was carried out at Samatar Ward under Poklok Denchung GPU in South Sikkim today.

The drive was organised by Block Administrative Centre (BAC), Poklok Nandugaon and led by Block Development Officer, Shri Tenzing Bhutia.

Approximately more than 250 different species of ornamental and water retaining saplings were planted at different locations wherein the staff of BAC and Forest Department along with local public participated enthusiastically.

HCM inaugurates Buddhist Circuit Building “Karma Tobden Denkhang” at Phodong Monastery

Mangan, 22 Aug (IPR): Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) on Thursday inaugurated Buddhist Circuit Building “Karma Tobden Denkhang” at Goenchen Phodong Karma Thubten Tashi Chokorling (Phodong Monastery) in North Sikkim in a propitious presence of His Eminence Drupen Dichen Rinpoche from Rumtek Monastery.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by Hon’ble Speaker, SLA, Hon’ble Deputy Speaker, SLA, Hon’ble, MP, Lok Sabha, Hon’ble Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, Secretaries, DM/North, SP/North, officers from various departments, monks and local dignitaries.

Upon his arrival, the HCM was welcomed with a ceremonial reception by Ven. Udor Chosum at the main monastery. Thereafter, the HCM offered prayers at the main shrine-hall of Monastery.

Addressing on his maiden visit to North Sikkim as the Chief Minister, Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) extended his congratulations to the people of the district and the Lamas of Phodong monastery for getting a new Buddhist circuit building to cater to the needs of growing number of pilgrims coming to the monastery.

Responding to the demands placed by the Omjay of Phodong Monastery regarding visit of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje to Sikkim, the HCM informed that the Government of India has given its consent to allow the Karmapa to visit Sikkim and also assured that the Karmapa will make his maiden visit to Sikkim in near future.

The HCM appreciated the efforts made by the Lamas who went on 707 days on hunger strike for the same cause and thanked the Government of India for granting his holiness to visit the Himalayan state. The Chief Minister mentioned the importance of bringing the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa to the State for blessing, peace and communal harmony of the State.

Speaking on tourism of Sikkim, the HCM said that Buddhist circuit building like “Karma Topden Denkhang” plays a big role on bringing tourists from far corners of the globe. He stated that he has seen a very high potential of tourism industry in the North Sikkim and believes that the State is yet to capitalize on the full potential of the attracting tourists in the State.

He emphasized on the developing tourism infrastructure of highest degree to attract high class tourists in the State. High Class Tourism Corridor will be initiated to attract more tourists throughout the region, he added.

Furthermore, the HCM informed that his Government has an opinion of transforming every village of Sikkim into Smart Villages and elucidated the concept of “Smile Always” a gift of Rs 10/- by all the tourists visiting Sikkim which will be an extra impetus to the Tourism Sector of the State.

In this context, he called on the people of the State to put collective effort to promote tourism industry in the State.

The HCM assured that his Government is committed to fulfill the rising aspirations of all segments of the state. In doing so, he called on for people’s constant support. He encouraged the Government employees to work together for betterment of society.

Additionally, he stressed that the better working culture can only be achieved through an example set by the heads of department. He instructed the Government employees to duly discharge their duty with utmost sincerity and punctuality in the interest of the public.

Minister of RMD and Ecclesiastical Department, Shri Sonam Lama, reiterated the struggles faced by the Lama community to bring His Holiness the 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje to Sikkim and thanked everyone who stood for this noble cause in difficult times.

Minister of Forest Environment & Wildlife Management Department, Shri Karma Loday Bhutia, gave brief details of Phodong Monastery. He said that this monastery is one of the oldest and precious monasteries which has become a centerpiece of tourist attraction. He anticipated that the newly constructed Buddhist circuit building in the vicinity of Phodong monastery will attract more tourists in the future.

Presenting the technical report of newly constructed Buddhist Circuit House, Secretary, Tourism Department, Shri T.T. Bhutia, informed this new tourist infrastructure at Phodong Monastery is constructed under the Project/Infrastructure Development for Destination and Circuits (PIDDC) Scheme in collaboration with Tourism Department, Government of Sikkim. The said Circuit House is equipped with the facilities like 7 nos. of Guest room, Lobby, Dormitory, Basement, Cafeteria and Kitchen.

On the occasion, the HCM was felicitated with the portrait of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje by the Phodong Monastery Committee.

Meanwhile, eight other reverent Lamas of Phodong Monastery were also accorded with citation for their marvelous contribution to the monastery.

HCM & Chief Justice lays foundation stone of residential quarters of the High Court employees

Gangtok, 21 Aug (IPR): Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) and Chief Justice, High Court of Sikkim, Justice Vijay Kumar Bist, today laid the foundation stone of 10 Units Grade “B” and 12 & 16 Units Grade “D” Residential Employees Quarters of the High Court employees at VIP Colony in Gangtok.

Addressing the occasion, the HCM expressed his happiness and immense debt of gratitude to the Chief Justice as under his guidance, the State has seen many social reforms and improvement in many social causes as the common people are always provided help and privileges in the legal concerns.

He also appreciated his eagerness to render help, support and guidelines to the needy people here in the State.

The HCM stated that he has a very high regard for the Judiciary and he wishes to reiterate and assure this august gathering that he welcomed and extend all cooperation in further strengthening this third pillar of Democracy in the State.

He assured that all conscious efforts will be made by the State Government in consultation with High Court in developing and improving the infrastructure and delivery system of the Judiciary based on modern technology and age old customs and traditions.

Earlier, Chief Engineer of Building & Housing Department, Government of Sikkim, Mr. Kuldip Chettri, presented a brief technical report.

The CE said that the Buildings Grade B 10 units Single Block (G+4) and Grade D 12 units 2 Blick (G+2) are proposed to be constructed in the premises of High Court of Sikkim Museum Complex, Forest Colony and Grade D 16 units 2 Block (G+3) eight unit each are proposed to be constructed at VIP Colony Gangtok, and this 16 unit Residential Quarter had been proposed at the back side of the stage between the approach road and Boundary Fencing Of Raj Bhawan.

The foundation laying ceremony was also attended by Mrs. Meenakshi Madan Rai, Senior Judge, High Court of Sikkim, Justice Bhaskar Raj Pradhan, Judge Of High Court Of Sikkim, Shri Sanjit Kharel, Minister Buildings & Housing Department, Shri Karma Loday Minister Forest Enviroment &Wildlife Management Department, Chief Secretary, Shri A.K. Shrivastava, dignitaries Officials Of High Court of Sikkim and State legal Services Authority, members of building committee, Senior Advocates and staffs.

Press Release from District Legal Services Authority (South)

Namchi, 21 Aug: District Legal Services Authority (South) and Taluk Legal Services Committee (South) in coordination with the Sikkim State Legal Services Authority organized a Legal Services Camp at the premises of the Nayan Tshering Lepcha School in Vok, South Sikkim on 20th August.

The purpose of the camp was to spread awareness about welfare legislation, various schemes and to strengthen the community’s access to the schemes being implemented by the Legal Services Authority and other Departments of the Government.

The programme aimed at identifying and connecting people to welfare schemes to ensure that fruits of the welfare schemes are passed to the eligible people. The program also looked upon understanding the legal needs of the people by addressing their legal problems and giving appropriate legal advice.

Today’s event focused mainly on NALSA (Legal Services to Disaster Victim through Legal Services Authorities) Scheme, 2010.

The programme was launched by Ld. Chairperson, DLSA (South), Mr. Jiwan Kumar Kharka, in the presence of Secretary, DLSA (South), Ms. Jwala D. Thapa, South District Legal Ld. Panel Advocates, Ms. Sushila Thapa, Mr. B.S. Pradhan and Ms. Yashoda Rai, Medical Officer (Namchi District Hospital), Dr. Dipshika Pradhan, Training Officer from Department of Land Revenue and Disaster Management, (South), Mr. Abisek Kharel, Ms. Arpana Kharthok from Social Welfare Department, Mr. Sobit Chettri from Jorethang Police Station, Ms. Sumitra Subba from BAC, Sikip, Ms. Laxmi Tamang and Sanu Rai Para-Legal Volunteer, Panchayat members and the local gentries of Vok, Omchu and Chumlok, South Sikkim.

One of the highlights of the camp was the “Oral Health Programme” conducted by the DLSA, South in collaboration with the Colgate-Palmolive Company, Mumbai. Dr. Deepshika Pradhan provided free dental check-ups to school students and they were also provided free dental kits provided by the Colgate-Palmolive Company, Mumbai.

After the dental check-up, the students were also provided awareness on oral health and correct brushing techniques by Dr. Deepshika Pradhan. The school as well as the staffs were also provided a certificate of appreciation as well as a a certificate of participation from the Colgate-Palmolive Company, Mumbai.

The people gathered there also interacted with the other resource persons and gained invaluable insight into the facilities and schemes of the other participatory departments.

There were around 135 people who attended the program and 122 were the number of beneficiaries. The attendees interacted with the officers and representatives of the departments present to address their problems and to procure appropriate advice and guidance.

NYK holds District Youth Convention in Namchi

Namchi, 21 Aug (IPR): A District Youth Convention organised by Nehru Yuva Kendra (NYK), Namchi under the aegis of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India was held at the Community Hall in Namchi today.

Superintendent of Police (South), Mr. Prawin Gurung, attended the event as chief guest. He was accompanied by NYK State Director, Mr. Sibashis Banerjee, SDM (HQ), Mr. Chiran Rizal, NYK (Namchi), Ms. Sangita Dahal, alongside representatives of NGOs, youths and students at large.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Gurung shared his valuable inputs on how the youths of the nation can adopt an eco-friendly and sustainable way of life. Additionally, he emphasized that the youths can develop the nation through effective coordination and collective efforts.

Furthermore, Mr. Gurung elucidated that the youths need to be a responsible citizens of the society and that it’s important for them to be equipped with the modern knowledge in order to successfully combat challenges in their lives.

Mr. Sibashis Banerjee also spoke during the programme wherein he highlighted the various youth centric programmes and schemes launched by NYK under Government of India.

The programme also saw the distribution of awards under the Swatch Bharat Summer Internship Programme and appreciation letter to the distinguish volunteers for their distinct contribution by the guests. The Outstanding Youth Club award Year 2018-19 was presented to Pushpanjali Voluntarily Organisation along with a cash prize.

The programme also saw an open interactive discussion between the guests, youth volunteers and students.

Training for Electors Verification Programme held in Gyalshing

Gyalshing, 21 Aug (IPR): An Awareness cum Training for Electors Verification Program (EVP) organized by the West District Administration was successfully completed at the Community Hall of Gyalshing in West Sikkim.

The programme was chaired by Shri Shyam Pradhan, Deputy CEO (Elections) accompanied by Shri Tushar G. Nikhare, SDM (HQ) and Shri Tshering Topgay Bhutia, SDM (Gyalshing).

Also present were SDM Dentam, Shri Bimal Rai; BDO Dentam, Shri Bijay Prasad Subba; BDO Bermiok, Shri Mukesh Dahal; BDO Gyalshing, Shri Sonam Tshering Lepcha; BDO Yuksam, Shri Mahendra Chettri; BDO Daramdin, Shri Ranjan Rai; BDO Kaluk, Smt. Deepshika Gurung; and BDO Soreng, Smt. Sabina Limboo.

Deputy Director (IT-CEO, Elections), Shri Zangpo Gyaltsen Bhutia, was the master trainer for the programme.

The SDM (HQ) urged all the Booth Level Officers (BLOs) to start their works soon with utmost sincerity and dedication to avoid minimal errors. He congratulated all the BLOs for their part in the recent Elections and asked them to work with more zeal and enthuse.

He stated that the new BLOs needs to be very alert and work in coordination with the experienced BLOs. He also asked them to keep updating the progress to the AEROs and the Booth Level Agents assigned by the Political Parties in order to maintain transparency of Electoral procedures in their respective areas. He mentioned that the deletion of Electoral rolls needs to be done only after consultation with the AEROs and with prior notice given to the concerned person whose name should be deleted.

The SDM urged them to take each step cautiously as they have a huge responsibility of not leaving any voters behind. He further urged them to keep regularly updating the data received after their field visits. He also asked them to display the details of Electoral Rolls in the respective offices of EROs and AEROs for the public to view and correct if needed.

The programme was mainly conducted for the Electoral Registration Officer (EROs), Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AEROs) and Booth Level Officers (BLOs) to understand the Electors Verification Programme (EVP) and Special Summary Revision of Photo Electoral Roll w.r.t 01/01/2020 as qualifying date.

The EVP basically exhorts the voters to self-verify themselves which is followed by field verification from concerned BLO. The EVP will run from 1st September to 15th September, 2019 followed by draft electoral roll publication and summary revision.

The master trainer gave an in depth presentation on the various EVP process at NVSP, ERO Net and the BLO Net Applications which would be beneficial to the Officers in charge of the registration process of the Electoral Rolls. He mentioned that the polling station details needs to be collected by the respective BLOs and uploaded in the application which could provide more information to the general public.

He also stated that the application which would be soon available would help the EROs, AEROs and BLOs to work with easement. He also explained processes like the Polling Station Marking, Cleansing of Electoral Rolls, Demographically Similar Entries (DSE), ERO Net applications and its uses. He urged the trainees present to take the matter of DSE and other such logical errors seriously.