Month: November 2019

Sikkim participates in the Destination North-East at Varanasi, UP

Gangtok, 30 Nov (IPR): Four-daylong “Destination North East Festival” showcasing art, culture, cuisine, handicrafts and handlooms of North Eastern region of India was held in the city of Varanasi, the Spiritual Capital of India from 23-26 Nov, 2019.

Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Dr. Jitendra Singh, inaugurated the “Destination North East Festival” at IIT-BHU grounds in Varanasi.

A press release informs that the idea of organizing such events is to bring the rest of India closer to North East and to have experience of rich culture of the North East region of India.

The “Destination North East 2019” was aimed at providing live experience to the audience. All eight States from the North East participated in the festival showcasing their handicrafts, handloom, organic products and cultural troupes.

The event also held a special presentation of art and craft, textiles, ethnic products, tourism promotion etc of the eight northeastern States of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura.

The opening day of the festival was also attended by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Mizoram, Shri P.U. Zoramthanga, Secretary (DoNER), Dr. InderJit Singh, and Secretary (NEC), Shri K. Moses Chalai, Cricketer, Shri R.P. Singh, BHU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Rakesh Bhatnagar, DG (Assam Rifles), Lt. Gen Sukhdeep Sangwan, NEC Member, Shri Biman Dutta, along with Bollywood actors, Zeenat Aman and Govinda and others.

Renowned band Shillong Chamber Choir, singers Papon, Sourabhee Debbarma, Borkung Hrangkhawl and Rekha Bhardwaj were some of the lending voices who performed at the festival.

Hon’ble Minister for DoNER in his address said, “Development of North East is on government’s priority after Shri Narendra Modi took charge as Prime Minister. The PM himself has visited NE more than 30 times during his first term. The development of all peripheral states is important for India to grow in a harmonious manner. Young entrepreneurs are also travelling to northeast to explore new avenues.”

The Minister also mentioned about venture fund for start-ups and Bamboo Park being set up in Assam.

A business-to-business session was scheduled during the event for people of business communities to explore opportunities in NE States.

Indigenous games were performed by the States where visitors actively participated. Live kitchens with recipes from NE and Uttar Pradesh served ethnic delicacies throughout the event.

Visitors to this festival had live experience of the artisans and artistes from the Northeast working on their looms and crafts, performing their songs and dances in the open stage, the release informs.

A delegation from Sikkim was led by Additional Director, Tourism & Civil Aviation Department, Shri Madan Kumar Pradhan, and representatives from Culture & Heritage Affairs Department, Commerce & Industries Department and stakeholders from Sikkim. The Sikkim Tourism stall was decked in a traditional style which gained huge appreciation from the visitors.

The Hon’ble Minister for DoNER, Shri Jitendra Singh, and other dignitaries were accorded with warm welcome at Sikkim stall with the offering of khadas and brochures. The visitors uttered huge words of appreciation about Sikkim and expressed their keen desire to visit Sikkim.

The Yak dance and Singi dance from Sikkim drew huge applause and attention of the visitors and co-exhibitors during the festival. Visitors threw their feet on stage out of ecstasy when cultural team from Sikkim put up their shows.

The final day of the event concluded with a colorful cultural show at IIT-BHU ground on 26 Nov. The closing ceremony was attended by Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries, Shri Rameshwar Teli. The previous edition of Destination North-East was held in Delhi and Chandigarh.

REPORT ON EACH FRIDAY FIELD DAY- VISIT OF CHIEF MINISTER’S ADOPTED VILLAGE-23-AMBA GPU

Gangtok, November 29th (IPR): As per the directions of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim, a team headed by the District Collector, East and comprising of Panchayat members of the GPU, ADC (Dev) Pakyong,SDM Pakyong, BDO/ Pakyong, CDPO Pakyong (Rural Project) and other officials of various line departments visited 23-Amba Gram Panchayat Unit today.

During the field visit team taken following decisions-
1. The team conducted one meeting with LUPIN Pharma representative regarding unemployed youths (212) of 23-Amba GPU & discussed to categorize the different sectors opportunities So that unemployed youth can be accommodated accordingly. Further requested to SDM Pakyong & Panchayat President to conduct Meeting with Company & Youths on the same issue.
2. Team visited resource recovery center site at Mamring started by a Private vender to segregate the garbage of GPU. Some money was provided to said vender as a support to run this as business by Honble MLA (5k), District Collector (10k), ADC(Dev) (5k) & SDM Pakyong (5k). Further Panchayat President has been requested to conduct Gram Sabha to aware public about garbage collection and to collect Rs 10 per month from each household to sustain this initiative.
3. Approach road from main road to resources recovery center at Mamring will be pitched by the PWD department.
4.The Panchayat President of Taaza GPU informed DC/E regarding community hall at Taza GPK. Therefore ADC(Dev) pakyong has been directed to expedite the approval from Rural Development Department under Rajiv Gandhi Seva Kendra Scheme.
5. Team visited Gawshala at Mamring and found that construction work of Gawshala is slow, therefore Engineering cell, Rural Development Department will be informed to expedite it.
6.Team found footpath at Daregaon dangerous for commuters therefore one railing along foothpath was sanctioned on spot.
7. District Administrative Centre will provide 10 coils of polypipe to Panchayat President for water supply to wards as scarcity of water is main concern in the area.
8. Team sanctioned two footpaths on spot from Birddaara & Lepcha Dara to main road in convergence of MGNREGA and NC.
9. SDM Pakyong has been directed to setup a model Disaster Control Room at GPU.
10.The team inspected ICDS/Daregaon and sanctioned repairing and painting of ICDS to make model.
11.Regarding the beautification of Smriti Van and construction of Bandhe Prokhel statue Team requested Panchayat President to take up the matter to Hon’ble MLA to discuss.
12. Later on Team visited Taksang Primary School. As reported by Deputy director, HRDD school will be closed in next session due to less enrollment of Students but during inspection it is found that new construction of school building is going on (82 Lakh approx) and about to complete in two month. Therefore Panchayat President and Deputy director, HRDD will request to HRDD Secy to keep continue the School for next session at least as ward Panchayat ensured to increase the enrolment of students.
13. New footpath was sanctioned on spot from Taksang Primary School to PMGSY road in convergence of MGNREGA and NC.
14. Later team found that the GPU wants three sister vashundhara falls to be developed as tourist attraction spot at Lower Taksang. Tourism department will be informed about it to make dpr and to get sanctioned.
15. Team inspected ICDS/Taksang and sanctioned repairing and painting of ICDS. Team decided to provide 2 coil of polypipe and directed Panchayat President to resolve the problem of water scarcity in icds at the earliest.
16.Team visited Kaizaley ICDS & sanctioned repairing of old structure. One footpath from main road to ICDS was sanctioned on spot. Further Team sanctioned railing at ICDS compound in convergence with MGNREGA and NC.
18. Each Friday field visit was concluded with inspection of ADC (Dev) and Offfice of SDM. Team also visited the ongoing structure at pakyong under CSR provided by AAI.

First Supplementary Demands for Grants (2019-20) passed by the House of SLA

Gangtok, Nov 29: (IPR) The First Supplementary Demands for Grants for the year 2019-20 was passed by the House on the concluding day of the First Session (Part-IV) of the Tenth Assembly of Sikkim Legislative Assembly, today.

The first batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2019-20 includes 38 grants, with a gross expenditure of Rs. 45879.98 lakh comprising of Rs. 17209.16 lakh on Revenue Account and Rs. 28670.82 lakh on Capital Account. Of this, the proposals involving net cash outgo aggregates to Rs. 34217.20 lakh.

After the discussion and voting on the Supplementary Demands for Grants, it was passed by the august house.

Replying to the questions raised by Hon’ble MLA Shri D. T. Lepcha during the discussion, Hon’ble Chief Minister said that the present Government endeavors to give continuity to the pending works which have been left incomplete by the previous government. He added that the Government will make necessary payment to the workers and contractors involved in various roads and bridges projects. Already 37% of the payment is complete, and the remaining will be made after thorough inspection of the projects which had been sanctioned during previous government, he added. The Chief Minister added that the Government is committed towards holistic development, while at the same time, high priority is being laid on areas like Education and Health.

The Sikkim Appropriation Bill, Bill No. 8 of 2019 for the first supplementary demands for grants for the financial year 2019-20 was introduced by Shri P. S. Tamang, Hon’ble Chief Minister also the Minister-in-Charge of Finance Department, which was put into consideration and passed by the House.

Subsequently, Dr. M.K.Sharma, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge of Social Justice and Welfare Department laid a copy of Sikkim Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Rules, 2019 on the table of the House for the record and reference.

Similarly, Shri L. B. Das, Hon’ble Speaker presented the Annual Report of the Sikkim State Human Rights Commission under Section 28(1) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 (Central Act No. 10 of 1994) for the year 2018-19 for record and reference, further he urged the members of the House to go through it.

Also the Hon’ble Speaker informed the House on presentation of Annual Report of the Government Departments.

Earlier, the Session began with Obituary Reference on the demise of Former Member of Legislative Assembly Late Shri. Tulshi Prashad Pradhan, who passed away on 27th of November 2019.

Hon’ble Speaker Shri L. B. Das in his Obituary Reference remembered Late Shri Tulshi Prashad Pradhan as a veteran politician and social activist, and stated that with his passing away, Sikkim has lost a worthy son. In his obituary reference, Hon’ble Speaker shared about the early life, education, professional career and political life of the former Member of the Legislative Assembly.

Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri. Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) in his obituary remarks paid his obeisance to the leader who passed away recently.
While paying his tribute, the Hon’ble Chief Minister recollected his association with Late Tushi Pradhan, who he said was a committed politician and social worker who brought about visible change in the Sikkimese society.

The Hon’ble Chief Minister expressed his heartfelt condolences to the former MLA who always provided his valuable advice to the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha party as he had recently joined Sikkim Krantikari Morcha Party. The Hon’ble Chief Minister remembered Late Tulshi Pradhan as a man of integrity and commitment with excellent public relation skills.

The Hon’ble Chief Minister expressed his solidarity to the family members and prayed that they found strength to bear the irreparable loss.

Hon’ble Minister Shri Lok Nath Sharma participated in obituary reference on the demise of Late Shri Tulsi Prasad Pradhan, former Member of Sikkim Legislative Assembly. In his obituary reference Minister Sharma paid tribute to the Former MLA and expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members on behalf of the people of Gyalshing Bermiok constituency.
He remembered Late Shri Pradhan as a veteran politician and mentioned that he had extraordinary skills of articulation with spontaneous responding attributes in rhyming verse. Shri Sharma also shared his experiences of working as the first PSO to Shri Pradhan in those days of his police service and said that with his passing away, the state has lost a politician and an active social worker who was very simple, empathetic and caring for others.

Shri N. K. Subba Member of Sikkim Legislative Assembly, also participated in the obituary reference. He said that with the sad demise of Late Tulshi Prashad Pradhan, the State of Sikkim has lost an eminent leader, prolific thinker, accomplished social worker and a stalwart whose life was devoted to the welfare of the poor and marginalized. He shall forever remain as an inspiration to the people of Sikkim.

OBITUARY REFERENCE TO LATE SHRI TULSHI PRASAD PRADHAN, FORMER, MEMBER OF SIKKIM LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY.

Late Shri Tulshi Prasad Pradhan who passed away on 27th of November, 2019 at Neotia Hospital in Siliguri, West Bengal and he was cremated yesterday at Legship, West Sikkim, the place of his permanent residence since 1960. He was 80 years old. Late Tulsi Prasad Pradhan was born on 15th September 1939 at Hee- Yangthang to Late Arjun Prasad Pradhan and Late Ran Maya Pradhan, he was the eldest among six sons. He is survived by three sons and one daughter.

Late T. P. Pradhan was an established businessman and prominent contractor of Legship Bazar since 1960 before his involvement in politics during the Democratic movement of Sikkim under the Sikkim Janta Congress in 1972. He contested the 1994 election on a SDF party ticket and got elected from the erstwhile Hee-Bermoik Assembly Constituency. He was inducted to the Cabinet and made Minister In charge of Urban Development and Housing Department. He worked dedicatedly for the people of his constituency during this tenure and was again re-elected to the Sixth Sikkim Legislative Assembly. During his term he served as Chairman of Estimates Committee and Chairman of Sikkim Distilleries

Ltd. Late Tulshi Prasad Pradhan was awarded with the Late L. D. Kazi award for Democratic Movement on State Day in 2015.

With the sad demise of Late Shri Tulshi Prasad Pradhan the State of Sikkim has lost prolific thinker and accomplished social worker whose life was devoted to the welfare of the poor and down trodden. He shall forever remain in the hearts of the people of Sikkim. This august House wishes to extend its profound sorrow and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

After the Obituary References, the House observed two minutes silence as a mark of respect to the departed soul.

The Chief Minister thanked the Speaker of SLA Shri L. B. Das for the smooth conduct of the two-day session. He thanked the Deputy Speaker, Ministers and MLAs for their presence and participation in the discussions during the Session. He also thanked the Secretary and officers of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly Secretariat, officers of the State Government and members of the press and media.

Hon’ble Speaker Shri L. B. Das, in his valedictory address, summed up the key proceedings of the two-day Session and expressed his gratitude to everyone for their valuable contribution also thanked the Leader of the House, the Ministers, and MLAs for their participation. He expressed hope that the Supplementary Demands for Grants passed by the House would fulfill the aspirations of the people. He also thanked and congratulated the Members of the House for passing the first supplementary demands for grants. He extended his thanks to the Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretaries, DGP, Officers, Printing & Stationery Department, Police Department, IPR Department and Members of the media, and Secretary, Officers and staff of the Assembly Secretariat.

The Valedictory session was also participated by Members of the House Shri D. T. Lepcha and Shri Y. T. Lepcha.

The two-day Session of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly concluded with the Speaker adjourning the House Sine-Die.

NDMA in collaboration with LR&DMD & DDMA North organized Earthquake Mega Mock Exercise

Mangan, November 29 (IPR): National Disaster Management Authority in collaboration with Land Revenue & Disaster Management Department and District Disaster Management Authority, north district organized Earthquake Mega Mock exercise here in Chungthang.

It stated that a scenario was depicted involving an earthquake of magnitude 8.7 Richter scale occurred at Shillong.

The objective of the drill was to understand the level of preparedness of stakeholders of effectively and efficiently managing natural disasters.

Present during the drill were Superintendent of Police, North, Shri Sonam Gyatso Bhutia, Adjutant 7 Assam, Major Abhimanyu Dan, Assistant Commander, 11 Indo Tibetan Border Police, Shri Abhinav Vikash Vandhan, JEC Civil, 86RCC (Gref), Shri Hemendra Kumar, Police Inspector, Fire Department, Chungthang, Shri Harkaman Gurung, Sub Divisional Magistrate, Chungthang, Shri Subash Ghimire, District Planning Officer, Mangan, Shri Karma Dorjee representatives from Teesta Urja ltd, army personnel, police personnel, Government employees and the public.

Three locations were identified where the simulation for earthquake response was set up and they are Chungthang public ground, building at Chungthang bazaar and Tasa Tengey Secondary School. The drill included rescue operation of civilian, extinguishing fire, medical attention given to victims during earthquake. The drill also saw emergency briefing during such a scenario which was conducted at SDM office of Chungthang.

Flash Mob by SAATHI involving students of Namchi Senior Secondary School

Namchi, 29th November (IPR): A flash mob organised by Sikkim Against Addiction Towards Healthy India (SAATHI) in collaboration with Social, Justice and Welfare Department, South District was held at the Central Park Namchi today. The flash mob had participation of teachers and students from Namchi Senior Secondary School.

This flash mob was aimed to create awareness on drug abuse and illicit trafficking. It maybe mentioned that 35 peer students of SAATHI alongwith the co-ordinator Ms. Gauri Singh from the school enthusiastically engaged in the said event.

District level coordination meeting on ‘Population Census 2021’ held at North

Mangan, November 29 (IPR): A district level coordination meeting on ‘Population Census 2021’ was held at the chamber of the District Magistrate, North Shri Tenzing T. Kaleon, today.

The meeting was chaired by the Director, Directorate of census operation, Sikkim Smt. Yashoda Bhandari.

After the brief introduction, Smt. Bhandari spoke on the importance of census in the country and the state for any developmental project. She explained in detail the logistics involved for carrying out the census duty.

Additionally, Smt Bhandari updated that census will be conducted into two phases. The First phase will include house listing and housing census (HLO) and updating of National Population Register (NPR) from 7th April to 22nd May 2020 in Sikkim. Second phase will include population enumeration from 9th February to 28th February 2021 and a revision round will be conducted to update the data in case of any new born/death etc. She also informed the house that the administrative unit in the north district is updated and jurisdiction changes have also been incorporated.

She informed that the appointment of census officers for 2021 census in Sikkim is already made by the Government of Sikkim. The enumerator and supervisors for the field work of population census will be appointed by charge officer.

She further updated that necessary training will be imparted to the supervisors and enumerators of census 2021 and census will be conducted through mobile phone application.

Presentation on time line of population census 2021, administrative units as on 31.08.2019 in Sikkim, appointment of census functionaries and training, methodology of population were communicated to the house.

District Magistrate, North Shri, Kaleon has asked to all those who are appointed as a census officer to take serious note of the meeting and discharge their duty at their best.

Press release Valedictory SLSMEE-2019-20

The three daylong State Level Science, Mathematics and Environment Exhibition for Children 2019-20 (SLSMEE-2019-20) concluded on 28th November 2019 at Deorali Girls’ Senior Secondary School. The Chief Guest for the occasion was Honourable Education Minister, Shri KN Lepcha. The event was also graced by Additional Chief Secretary, Education Department Shri GP Upadhyaya in the presence of Shri Bhim Thatal, SPD, Samagra Shiksha and Dr Rabin Chhetri Director, SCERT, and other officers and dignitaries from Education Department, Government of Sikkim. The event was inaugurated on 26th November 2019 and the exhibition was held for three days during which the exhibits and models from different participating Government Schools were evaluated by a panel of four esteemed judges.
The event was organised by SCERT with support from Samagra Shiksha, Education Department, Government of Sikkim and NCERT, New Delhi.
The main theme for State Level Science, Mathematics and Environment Exhibition 2019-20 is
THEME: “SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT”
The sub themes are:
1. Sustainable Agricultural Practices;
2. Cleanliness and Health;
3. Resource Management;
4. Industrial Development;
5. Future Transport and Communication;
6. Educational Games and Mathematical Modeling.

All together 37 schools from four districts participated in the event.

The winner of this year’s State Level Science, Mathematics and Environment Exhibition for children 2019-20 is Duga Secondary School followed by Rangpo Senior Secondary School in second position and Biraspati Parsai Senior Secondary School, Ranipool in the third position.

The top ten schools selected during this exhibition will participate in the Eastern India Science Fair 2020 to be held in Birla Industrial and Technological Museum, Kolkata from 14th – 18th January 2020.

1 DUGA SS EAST
2 RANGPO SSS EAST
3 RANIPOOL SSS EAST
4 KHAMDONG SSS EAST
5 MANGAN SSS NORTH
6 RHENOCK SSS EAST
7 KYONGSHA SSS WEST
8 LUING SSS EAST
9 PHUDONG SSS NORTH
10 DEORALI GSSS EAST

The valedictory function concluded by giving away the trophies and certificates to the winning schools and all participants from the hands of the Chief Guest.

Jorethang Govt. Sr. Sec. School observes its Golden Jubilee Celebration

Jorethang, 28th November (IPR): Jorethang Government Senior Secondary School observed its Golden Jubilee celebrations in a two-day long program in a grand and befitting manner at their school playground today.

Hon’ble Minister Transport, Housing & Building Department Shri. Sanjit Kharel attended the event as the Chief Guest alongside Area MLA Zoom Salghari constituency Smt. Sunita Gazmer who was present as the Special Guest on the occasion. Others who attended the program were SDM Jorethang Shri. R.B Bhandari, Principal Smt. Archana Gurung alongside HOD’s and officials from various Departments, School heads and representatives from in and around Jorethang, school alumni and former staff, students, various school heads, senior citizens, NGO representatives amidst a large group of public.

Addressing the gathering of youth, students and public Chief Guest Shri. Sanjit Kharel extended his jubilee greetings to the school committee and students of the school for hosting and celebrating 50 years of their establishment. Terming the occasion a momentous one, Shri. Kharel applauded the efforts of the staff teaching and non-teaching and the students in successful upholding the grandeur of the school through a two day long celebration. In addition, he described the last 50 years as a vibrant, productive and fruitful years for the school and expressed his deep satisfaction over the unprecedented growth of educational establishment and contributed much of its success to its Principal both former and present, its teachers and the students who attain invaluable knowledge through education. Similarly, he spoke about the past achievements of school both academically and in co-curricular sphere and further encouraged the students and youth of the constituency to tap maximum opportunities to hone their talents and thus emerge successful in all their endeavors. Further, the Chief Guest underlined the imperativeness of education in a student’s life and also emphasized the need for students to encompasses a wide-range of knowledge and skills which is relevant, useful, in-demand and universally applicable in the 21st century. He stressed that both learning and teaching should be prioritized in an integrated manner in all the schools inorder to nurture a holistic growth of the child’s body and mind.

The program also saw the school and SMC representatives felicitating the land donor Shri. D.R Subba, a former staff at Jorethang SSS for donating his land for the purpose of construction of the school playground. The program also saw felicitations of former staff, school heads, principal and teachers of the school for their inexplicable contribution towards the development of the school.

SMC Chairman Shri. Biren Rai presented the School report while students of various schools showcased their talents in the form of cultural song & dance performances.

It may also be mentioned here that the first day of the Golden Jubilee celebrations had the presence of Hon’ble Minister for Education and Law Departments Shri Kunga Nima Lepcha as the Chief Guest accompanied by Area MLA Soreng Chakung constituency Shri. Aditya Golay and STCS Chairman cum Area MLA Rhenock Shri. Bishnu Kumar Khatiwara who graced the occasion as the the Special Guests.