Month: August 2019

Hon’ble Minister Shri L.N. Sharma meets public of Berthang Rungdu Ward, West Sikkim

Gyalshing, 31 Aug (IPR): Continuing the ongoing series of interactive programme with the people in different Gram Panchayat Units under Gyalshing Bermiok constituency, Hon’ble Minister-cum-Area MLA, Shri Lok Nath Sharma, led door to door visit at Berthang Rungdu Ward under Bermiok Berthang GPU in West Sikkim today.

Thereafter, the Minister had a meeting with the villagers where they expressed their happiness and put forward their expectations and grievances. People collectively proposed a demand of Primary Health Sub Centre and elaborated on the difficult terrain and inaccessibility of isolated hamlet.

The Minister assured to take up genuine demands of the public on priority. He also shared his plans and proposal of developmental activities for the upliftment of socio-economic status of people of Rungdu.

He enlightened the gathering on various activities including enhancement in Old Age Pension, amendment and framing of official procedure to transfer name of land holders in public interest, Upcoming scheme of Garib Aawash Yojana envisioned by Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay).

The Minister also motivated farmers to cultivate crops and vegetables round the year. He advised people to apply modified methods and scientific techniques in process of farming and urged for surplus production of Ginger, Turmeric, Buckwheat and Cardamom and assured its marketing.

Hon’ble Chief Minister attends Silver Jubilee celebration of Namchi Govt College

Namchi, 31 Aug (IPR): Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) attended the Silver Jubilee Celebrations at Namchi Government College in Kamrang as chief guest today.

The programme held at the auditorium of Namchi Government College was also attended by Hon’ble Minister for Education, Law and Parliamentary Affairs, LR&DM, Sports and Youth Affairs Departments, Shri Kunga Nima Lepcha, Hon’ble Minister for Water Security and Public Health Engineering and Water Resources and River Development Departments, Shri Bhim Hang Subba, and Political Secretary to the HCM, Shri Jacob Khaling.

The programme also had the presence of SP (South), Shri Prawin Gurung, ADC (South), Shri Satyen K. Pradhan, along with HoDs, Education Department officials and dignitaries from various academic backgrounds, former Principals of the college alongside staff, faculty and students at large.

Addressing the Silver Jubilee function, the HCM extended his congratulatory wishes to the Principal, staff and students of the college for successfully completing a milestone in the educational arena and for their landmark celebrations.

Terming the last 25 years as a vibrant, productive and fruitful years for the College, he expressed his deep satisfaction over the unprecedented growth of the college and contributed much of its success to the former Chief Minister Shri Pawan Kumar Chamling and the then Education Minister, Shri K.N. Rai, for their support and vision for the establishment of Namchi Government College.

The HCM made a series of announcements which included ‘Green Economy’ to be the developmental theme of the State Government for working on various lines of development. He announced that MP and CM fund of the State shall be utilised exclusively for the development of Education and Health facilities in the State of Sikkim.

On similar lines, in lieu of Chief Minister’s Meritorious Scholarship Scheme (CMMS), the HCM announced prioritizing the selection of BPL students and reservation of five seats for the students of Dzongu, North Sikkim. He also announced the establishment of four Model Schools, one in each district, as the future of the country depends on qualitative education which plays a major role in the development of students.

Shifting focus upon the unemployment scenario of the State, the HCM declared the month of November and December as Employment Month wherein every department within the State shall generate imperative and vitally essential posts on an annual basis for the educated unemployment youths of the State.

Likewise, the HCM also announced the initiation of Employment and Appointment Policy, Transfer, Retirement and Promotion policy to stimulate and upgrade a work-oriented office environment.

The chief guest in his address also laid equal emphasis upon the following subjects:

  • EDUCATION:

The HCM stated that education has always been a priority of the government and that the budget allocation earmarked for Education sector is the highest in the State.

Addressing the students, the HCM emphasized the need for students to encompass a wide-range of knowledge and skills which is relevant, constructive, in-demand and universally applicable to face the competitive challenges of the 21st century.

Therefore, to facilitate programmes for the welfare of the students, the HCM announced the selection of 100 students who after the State level screening will be sponsored for IAS, NDA and other allied service coachings.

He also encouraged the commencement of student exposure trips within and outside the State as he stated that field trips and hands on learning make concepts more enjoyable and memorable for the students in contrary to conventional teaching methods.

  • TOURISM:

The HCM advocated and encouraged the high-value tourism as this industry in Sikkim is of high economic value. In order to help build Sikkim’s brand value, image and identity, the HCM pressed upon the introduction of Tourist tax so that funds generated from the taxes can be utilised back into tourism-related purposes, as well as maintaining landscapes and counteracting any damage caused by over-tourism.

  • HEALTHCARE:

The HCM reiterated the declaration of Care and Cure which he urged the public of the State to utilize for timely health check-ups as he expressed his deep concern over the rampant rise of Cancer cases over the past few years.

Additionally, he also stated that every educational establishment under the State should have an On-call Medical Officer (MO) and other support staff in order to cater to the medical demands of students and staff.

  • FOREST and ENVIRONMENT:

The HCM underlined the deep implication of environment conservation in order to maintain the ecological equilibrium of the State through various plantation drives and activities. He spelled out that it is the responsibility of each citizen to plant saplings for sustainable living as he stated the need for massive tree plantation which has become imperative in the present scenario because of the growing pollution in the environment.

The HCM in his address also assured to fulfill the demands placed before him by the Principal of the college.

The programme also saw felicitation of the HCM by the college committee for his unwavering leadership and vision in working towards transformation of Sikkim as a premier State.

Similarly, alumnus Shri Bhim Hang Subba was also presented with a Letter of Appreciation for his social endeavors. The committee also felicitated the Chief Architect of the college, Shri Kiran Rasaily, former Principals, teaching and non teaching staff, students who had excelled at various fields of academic and co-curricular activities. The college also released a travelogue titled ‘Wanderer’ through the chief guest present.

The event was also addressed by Hon’ble Minister of Education, Law & Parliamentary Affairs, LR&DM, Sports and Youth Affairs Departments, Shri K.N. Lepcha, and Principal, Namchi Government College, Dr. Parsuram Poudyal.

Several cultural presentations, play on Macbeth by William Shakespeare and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan by the students of the college formed the special highlights of the day.

DLSA South conducts debate competition for Class IX-XII students on euthanasia

Namchi, 31 Aug: As per the direction received from the Sikkim State Legal Services Authority and as per the State Plan of Action 2019-20 for the month of August, 2019, the District Legal Services Authority (South) in coordination with Taluk Legal Services Committee (South) organised a debate competition on the subject “Should Euthanasia be Legalized” for the students of Classes IX to XII at Officers Club in Namchi, South Sikkim on 30.08.2019 (Friday) at 12:30 pm.

The debate was launched by Hon’ble Chairman, DLSA (South), Mr. Jiwan Kumar Kharka, in the presence of Secretary DLSA (South), Ms. Jwala D. Thapa, Ld. Panel Advocates, Mr. Kumar Sharma, Ms. Puja Lamichaney, Ms. Prashana Sharma, Mr. Anjan Sharama and Dr. Indu Rawat, Psychiatric/Counsellor, Ms. Reshma Subba, teachers and students from various schools of South District.

There were 20 students who participated in the debate competition from Namchi Girls Senior Secondary School, Melli Gumpa SSS, Jorethang SSS, Sumbuk SSS and Perbing SSS. The Judges Panel included Ld. Panel Advocates, Mr. Kumar Sharma, Mr. Anjan Sharma, Ms. Puja Lamichaney, Ms. Prashana Sharma and Dr. Indu Rawat.

Ms. Kalzang Bhutia (Class XII) of Namchi Girls SSS who spoke against the motion secured first position and was awarded cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- while Ms. Shristy Rai (Class XII) of Namchi Girls SSS who spoke for the motion bagged the second position and was awarded cash prize of Rs.8,000/-.

Likewise, Ms. Puja Adhikari (Class IX) of Jorethang SSS who spoke for the motion stood at third position and was awarded cash prize of Rs. 5,000/-.

All the participating students were awarded certificates of participation. The cash prizes and certificates were awarded by Hon’ble Chairman, DLSA (South), Mr. Jiwan Kumar Kharka, and Secretary DLSA (South), Ms. Jwala D. Thapa.

Press Release from District Legal Services Authority (South)

Namchi, 31 Aug: Under the direction of the Sikkim State Legal Services Authority, District Legal Services Authority (South) in coordination with Taluk Legal Services Committee conducted an awareness lecture on the importance of Fundamental Duties as envisaged in Article 51A of the Constitution of India and on Free Legal Aid under Article 39-A of the Constitution of India for the students of Legal Literacy Clubs of Schools of South District of Sikkim at Officer Club in Namchi, South Sikkim on 30.08.2019.

The programme was launched by Hon’ble Chairman, DLSA (South), Mr. Jiwan Kumar Kharka, in the presence of the Secretary DLSA (South), Ms. Jwala D. Thapa, Ld. Panel Advocates, Mr. Kumar Sharma and Ms. Puja Lamichaney. There were teachers and students of Legal Literacy Club from various schools of South District in the above said programme.

Resource persons of the programme were Ld. Panel Advocates, Mr. Kumar Sharma and Ms. Puja Lamichaney. The purpose of the awareness lecture was to spread awareness about the importance of Fundamental Duties as envisaged in Article 51A of the Constitution of India and on Free Legal Aid under Article 39-A of Constitution for the students of Legal Literacy Clubs of various Schools of South District.

The programme concluded with an interactive session between the resource persons and the students of Legal Literacy Clubs.

Hon’ble Minister Shri L.N. Sharma inaugurates bamboo training programme at Bermiok

Bermiok, 31 Aug (IPR): Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services-cum-Area MLA of Gyalshing Bermiok constituency, Shri Lok Nath Sharma, attended the inaugural function of the 20-daylong training programme of ‘Promoting Sustainable Livelihoods in North East India: The Cane and Bamboo Cluster Development Project’ as chief guest at Bermiok in West Sikkim.

The training is being organised by Himalayan Science Society (HSS) Sikkim, in collaboration with Cane and Bamboo Technology Centre (CBTC) 13 Mile, Burnihat, Assam, sponsored by North East Council (NEC), Government of India.

Viewing availability of bamboo resources in the locality, the Minister emphasised on planning of the State Government to develop a bamboo industry and urged participants to be strongly determined to take up bamboo crafting as a lucrative profession. He encouraged trainees to be skilled enough to showcase their creativity so as to meet up increasing demands of bamboo products in national and global markets. He also assured to provide required tools of bamboo crafting for Bermiok Cluster.

The Minister also threw lights on opportunities and scope of farming in floriculture, fisheries, dairy farming and urged everyone to come forward with inner interest and complete dedications. He extended his best wishes for their success in future endeavours.

General Secretary, HSS, Dr. Tika Nepal, who is also the Consultant of National Bamboo Mission, Horticulture Department, briefed on overview of the training programme. He elaborated various efforts made by Himalayan Science Society and urged trainees to take up bamboo crafting as a sustainable profession to earn their livelihoods. He also drew lights on future scope and extensive possibilities of generating income through bamboo arts and crafting and urged participants to believe on developing professionalism.

Further, he stressed on increasing production of bamboo items. A total of 30 trainees have been participating in the training programme that will be continued till 19th September, 2019.

Branch Manager, SISCO Bank, Hee Gaon Branch, Shri Ongden Lepcha, spoke about the procedure of acquiring subsidised financial schemes. He informed that an exemption of 60% subsidy is available in establishment of bamboo handicrafts under National Bamboo Mission and highlighted farmers friendly beneficial schemes and also urged to take benefit of availed financial programmes.

Later, the Minister also held a brief meeting with Self Help Groups and discussed on ways and means to increase their potential in cutting and tailoring and other activities.

West District Group C & Group D Government Employees Association forms Adhoc District Level Committee

Gyalshing, 30 Aug (IPR): The West District Group C & Group D Government employees association organised a district level committee formation programme under the Chairmanship of Block Development Officer, Mangalbaria, Shri Robin Dong, at the Community Hall of Gyalshing in West Sikkim.

The house was informed that All Sikkim Government C & D/PSU Employee’s Association is organizing State level convention of all the employees of the government/PSUs on 07th September at Paljor Stadium and Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri P.S. Tamang (Golay) will be felicitated by the association. All the present gathering were requested to join the convention compulsory.

In the presence of the chairperson, the house dissolved the existing committee and formed the adhoc committee till further order.

The programme had interactive session where the genuine grievances and suggestions were discussed and the association assured to take the matter to the higher authority and work for the welfare and development of the employees.

Hon’ble Chief Minister attends closing ceremony of Sanskrit Sameylan Shivir at Bermiok, West Sikkim

Bermiok, 30 Aug (IPR): Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) attended the closing ceremony of the 10-daylong Sanskrit Sambhasan Shivir organized by Sanskrit Patshala (Bermiok) at Lower Bermiok in West Sikkim as chief guest.

The HCM was accompanied by MP (Lok Sabha), Shri Indra Hang Subba, Education Minister, Shri Kunga Nima Lepcha, Agriculture & IPR Minister, Shri L.N. Sharma, PWD Minister, Shri Samdup Lepcha, PHE Minister, Shri Bhim Hang Subba, former Deputy CM, Shri P.T. Luksom, Administrative Advisor to HCM, Shri M.P. Subba, Press Advisor to HCM, Shri C.P. Sharma, Political Secretary to HCM, Shri Jacob Khaling, SBS Chairman, Shri D.B. Gurung, DC West, Shri Karma R. Bonpo, SP West, Shri Tenzing Loden Lepcha, President of Sanskrit Lok Bhasa Prachar Samiti, Dr. Sadananda Dikshit, HoDs and Districts Officials.

While addressing the valedictory ceremony at the playground of Government Secondary School, Lower Bermiok, the HCM spoke extensively on the plans of the Government to encourage the growth of Sanskrit Language in Sikkim along with the other languages. He insisted that the Sanskrit teachers have huge responsibility of making the Sanskrit language popular.

The HCM expressed his happiness on the degree of strength and importance of programme and congratulated the organising committee for making new history by organising a State level function of Sanskrit Sambhashan Shivir.

Speaking in the context of the recent appointment of 170 Sanskrit teachers after the formation of the new government, he extended gratitude to the Government of India and Education Department of the State for their support to ensure justice to the educated youths. He also expressed his pleasure on being part of the programme and recalled his journey and attachment with the locality.

Later, the HCM responded in the proposal of demands placed by Area MLA Shri Lok Nath Sharma and further announced establishing a Sanskrit College and developing the sacred gufa/cave of Tyeongsi Siri Junga located at Lower Martam as a tourist destination. He also announced to introduce Science and Commerce stream in Government SSS, Bermiok Martam.

The HCM appreciated the demands to change nomenclature of the school as “Tyeongsi Siri Junga Government SSS, Bermiok Martam”.

He also assured to address demands including establishment of auditorium in the school, road connectivity from Gyalshing to Bermiok via Rungdu, establishment of Parking Plaza at Gyalshing, proposal of sewage management and establishment of Culture Research Centre of Sherpa Community and others.

The HCM also announced enhancing the monthly salary of recently appointed 170 Sanskrit teachers from Rs. 8000 to Rs. 18000/-.

He also announced to provide Rs. 5 Lakhs each for Lower Bermiok Sanskrit Pathshala and Lower Bermiok Mandir from the Chief Minister’s fund.

He also informed that the State Government has secured future of employees appointed under One Family One Job scheme and allocated Rs. 295 crores for their monthly salary. The government has released Rs. 796 crores to provide arrear of government employees in a single installment.

He also congratulated MP Lok Sabha, Shri Indra Hang Subba, for taking oath in Nepali language in the parliament and announced using the MP fund in education sector in the first year of his term.

Education Minister, Shri K.N. Lepcha, stated that the Sanskrit Language is a “devbhasha” and one of the oldest language in the history. Emphasizing on the significance of Sanskrit language, the Minister Education said that Sanskrit language is incorporated in religious books of Buddhist religion. He also urged all communities to learn Sanskrit Language.

Earlier, Minister-cum-Area MLA of Gyalshing Bermiok constituency, Shri Lok Nath Sharma, in his address, placed various demands of his constituency before the HCM.

He mentioned various proposals including a tourism project for the development of Religious cave/Gufa of Tyeongsi SiriJunga, road connectivity from Gyalshing to Bermiok via Rungdu Khola, upgradation of Government SSS, Bermiok Martam with the establishment of Science Block to introduce Science stream, establishment of auditorium and Siri Junga Stadium, to change the nomenclature of Government SSS, Bermiok Martam as “Tyeongsi Siri Junga Government SSS, Bermiok Martam”, upgradation of Sanskrit Pathshala to Sanskrit College with Hostel facility, establishment of Parking Plaza at Gyalshing, establishment of Veterinary College at Bermiok, construction of public ground and to develop Chingthang GPU as a Model GPU in West Sikkim.

He also said that the State government under the leadership of the HCM has began its journey for the progress and development of the State.

Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Shri Indra Hang Subba, who hails from Gyalshing Bermiok constituency, also addressed the gathering and drew lights on contributions of Tyeongsi Siri Junga for the propagation of Limboo Language right from the evolution of the Limboo alphabets and script.

During the programme, the HCM was felicitated and honoured for his contributions to promote Sanskrit language in the State.

Besides, President of Sanskrit Lok Bhasa Prachar Samiti, Dr. Sadananda Dikchhit, Executive member of Samiti, Ministers and the dignitaries were also presented felicitation letter and souvenir.

President, Sanskrit LokBhasa Prachar Samiti, Dr. Sadananda Dikshit, extended gratitude to the State government for appointing 170 Sanskrit teachers in the State and stated that the appointment of 170 Sanskrit teachers at a time has set a golden footprint in historic achievement of the nation.

He applauded the vision of the HCM towards preserving Sanskrit language.

The event also featured a colourful culture programme of different communities.