Month: January 2023

Farewell to the retired Secretaries of various departments

Gangtok, 31st January 2023(IPR): The retired Secretaries of various departments under the State Government were accorded a warm farewell on their superannuation at a function held in the conference hall of Tashiling, Secretariat, today.

Chief Secretary of the State, Shri V.B.Pathak graced the occasion to bid farewell to the esteemed retired officials in the presence of the Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Shri A Sudhakar Rao, Shri R Telang, Additional Chief Secretary, Education Department, Secretaries and officials of different departments.

The Chief Secretary applauded the retired Secretaries for their outstanding and remarkable service and expressed gratitude on behalf of the government for putting their brilliant effort into transforming the State. He wished all the dignitaries with a healthy life and stated that all the remaining members present in the house must take forward the tales of experience left behind by those emeritus officials.

A brief curriculum vitae of their career journey was presented before the house. The dignitaries were honoured with khada, souvenirs and gifts by the Chief Secretary and all the officials present during the occasion.

The retired dignitaries shared their experiences and few brilliant anecdotes to add some lighter moments of their long-serving tenure for the State in different departments.
The dignitaries thanked the Chief Secretary and officials for organising the farewell event.

Shri Tshering Namgyal Bhutia, Shri H.K. Sharma, Smt Sherap Shenga, Shri K.P. Sharma, Shri D.C.Nepal and Smt Siphora Targen were the superannuated dignitaries who had served the State with their impeccable service.

Press Release by Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services Department

COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS BY FOREST, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY DEPARTMENTS AND SIKKIM MILK UNION TO STRENGTHEN DAIRY DEVELOPMENT IN WATERSHED AREAS OF SORENG DISTRICT.

The Watershed Development Component under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sichai Yojana is implemented by the Forest and Environment Department (FED) in several watershed areas in Sikkim. The forest department joined hands with the Animal Husbandry department and Sikkim Co-operative Milk Producer’s Union Ltd to support livelihood of dairy farmers in the project areas. Theare three areas of support identified under the project on convergence mode. One is to support induction of dairy cows by the Village Milk Producer’s Co-operative Societies through revolving funds support, second is to support milk production centre infrastructure support to Village Milk Producer’s Co-operative Societies and the third is to support fodder development in the project area with the help of Village Milk Producer’s Co-operative Societies. Forest Dept, Animal Husbandry and Sikkim Milk Union jointly organized a two days training workshop for the Village Milk Producer’s Co-operative Societies functionaries of the project areas of Soreng District, in which over 110 participants from Village Milk Producer’s Co-operative Societies, Pasu Sakhis, Animal Husbandry and Milk Union Officials participated. The program was held at the Farmers Training Centre of Animal Husbandry Dept at Sokeythang on 30 and 31 Jan 2023. The Chief Guest for the program was Hon’ble Minister, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Dept Shri LN Sharma and the program was coordinated by Addl PCCF Dr Sandeep Tambe and Secretary, AHVS Dr. P. Senthil Kumar. The program was also attended by the Principal Director, AHVS Dept Dr. Mala Bajgai, Addl Director, Forest Mrs. Rajni Bhandari, Addl GM, Ms Kesang, DFO/CEO Ms Angel Chettri, of the project and various officials from Forest Department, Animal Husbandry Dept and Sikkim Milk union.

The program was organized with the objective to build the capacity of Village Milk Producer’s Co-operative Societies of milk union to get prepared for its implementation. Addl PCCF Dr Sandeep Tambe has provided inputs on the overview of the project, its objective and the areas of convergence. Secretary, Animal Husbandry Dr Senthil Kumar provided input on the operational part of convergence and its implementation by Sikkim Co-operative Milk Producer’s Union Ltd and Village Milk Producer’s Co-operative Societies.

Officials of Sikkim milk union made presentation on the Guidelines for Utilization of Revolving Funds for the purpose of Cattle Induction Loan Under WDC-PMKSY 2.0 and also conducted hands on training on book keeping for the project. HM AHVS Shri LN Sharma appreciated the efforts of both Forest Dept, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Dept and Sikkim Co-operative Milk Producer’s Union Ltd in achieving this mile stone. The Minister also motivated the milk cooperative societies to fully utilize the project to further improve the dairy development in the state. He also informed about other Government support provided to the farmers on dairy development including milk incentives, cattle insurance, breeding., etc., The Secretary, Animal Husbandry, Dr. Senthil motivated the participants to ensure successful implementation of the project by Village Milk Producer’s Co-operative Societies in the project area. Forest Department officials assured all possible support under the project to Village Milk Producer’s Co-operative Societies and Sikkim Milk Union to realize the full potential in the dairy development in the project area in the convergence mode. The program ended with feedback session and vote of thanks.

HCM meets the public of Dzongu Constituency

Mangan, January 31 st(IPR): Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang met with the public of Dzongu Constituency at Forest Guest House, Namprikdang, Dzongu for the second phase of “Governance at the Doorstep”

Chief Minister, addressing the gathering, briefed the public regarding the meeting being conducted to have immediate correspondence with the citizens to understand their grievances and address their issues.

The meeting witnessed large amount of public gathering from the Dzongu Constituency, wherein orderly manner was maintained to provide a stage for public to voice their concerns. The public of following GPU were present for the meeting today :
1. Hee- Gyathang GPU
2. Lingthem- Lingdem GPU
3. Passingdang and Nom Panang Ward
4. Lingdong Barfok GPU
5. Tingchim Chadey GPU
6. Two MNP wards under Dzongu Constituency (Pentok and Power Colony ward).

HCM Shri P. S. Tamang also provided medical assistance and government services to those in need during the interaction cum meeting.

The meeting also had the presence of Minister Roads and Bridges, Shri Samdup Lepcha, MLA Dzongu Shri Pintso Namgyal Lepcha, Chairmans’ , Zilla Adakshya Mangan, Zilla Up- Adakshya Mangan, Secretaries , D.C Managn, A.D.M Managn, ADC (Dev) Mangan, ADC (Dev) Chungthang, SDMs, BDOs, Officers & Officials, Councillors and Panchayats.

A workshop on Financial Inclusion-Role of BLBC was organized at Soreng

Soreng, 31 January (IPR): A workshop on Financial Inclusion-Role of Block Level Bankers Committee (BLBC) was organized at the Conference Hall of DAC, Soreng today.

Organized by the Reserve Bank of India (Gangtok), the workshop cum meeting had the attendance of DC Soreng, Shri Bhim Thatal, ADC Soreng, Shri Dhiraj Subedi, , ADC (Dev), Shri Gaayas Pega, Chief General Manager (RBI), Shri Kishore Pariyar, SDM (HQ), Shri D.R Bista, Manager (RBI/Gangtok) cum Lead District Officer for Soreng, Shri Rahul Verma along with the BDOs and other line department Officers.

CGM (RBI), Shri Kishore Pariyar gave an in-depth presentation with regard to the aims and objectives of the workshop which was to generate awareness about the financial inclusion and financial literacy and role of Block level Bankers Committee at the grassroot level including sensitization of BDOs. He informed that BLBC acts as a forum for coordination and joint implementation of development programmes and policies by all the financial institutions operating in a State at block level. He added that it is also responsibility of BLBC to discuss on operational issues in the implementation of credit programmes of banks. He urged the officials at the block level to ensure that each individual has access to banking and other financial services.

Furthermore, Shri Pariyar highlighted the importance of digitization of all financial transaction and services. He said that one of the main responsibilities of SLBC is to conduct surveys in the village falling in their service area taking into consideration the infrastructure and market potential of the area. Based on the survey findings, they must compile realistic plan for each bank branch operating in a block and thus, the district credit plan should be drawn up on the basis of updated village profile realistic projections, he added.

In his concluding remarks, he urged the stakeholders to conduct such surveys cum meetings at quarterly intervals in order to achieve positive and fruitful results.
DC, Shri Bhim Thatal also provided some insightful learnings and suggestions. He spoke about the importance of following basic attributes of Knowledge, Skill and Attitude in providing better services. He advised the BODs to ensure that the people at the grass root level are being governed adequately and are availing their rightful benefits. He reminded them to organize financial literacy programs or workshops in co-ordination with the financial institutes at their respective blocks to bring about more financial awareness amongst the community.

Furthermore, he urged them to conduct BLBC meeting on the required intervals to achieve timely conduct of District Level Bankers Committee followed by State Level Bankers Committee meeting as per the mandate of RBI.

Additionally, the DC appraised the necessity to improve the existing Kisan Credit Card Scheme (KCC) and said that focus must also be given to both farmers and banking sectors. He also highlighted some of the community specific schemes which are currently being implemented for Soreng as an aspirational district.

The interactive workshop concluded with an open house discussion on issues and doubts raised by the participants.

HCM graced the opening ceremony of Sikkim Premier League 2023

Gangtok, January 30 (IPR): Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Prem Singh Tamang , and his spouse Smt Krishna Rai, graced the opening ceremony of Sikkim Premier League 2023 as the Chief Guest here at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok today.

The sporting event was organized by Football Development (P) Ltd under the aegis of Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Govt of Sikkim.

Co-founder, Football Development (P) Ltd, Shri Nirmal Chettri, in his welcome address expressed joy on the opening day of Sikkim Premier League and said that the concept of the League is to give birth to professional football which will inspire new generation of footballers in the State. In his brief speech, he also thanked everyone who supported the League leading to this special day.

At the commencement of the ceremony, Khadas, Mementos and Bouquets were presented to the Chief Guest and other Special Guests followed by cultural programme performed by local artists. It is to be mentioned that several hit melodious tunes in Hindi and Nepali were sung by local artists- UNB, Jetsen Dohna Lama, Rewash Gurung and Nepal’s iconic singer Raju Lama during the ceremony.Other honorary mention includes the theme song for Sikkim Premier League composed by Ms. Remanti Rai.

The ceremony also included the introduction of Franchise owners and captains who were felicitated through the hands of Hon’ble Chief Minister.

The eight teams which will participate in the maiden Sikkim Premier League 2023 are Aakraman SC (Gangtok), Brothers United FC (Gyalshing), Red Panda FC (Namchi), Roaring Leopard FC (Pakyong), Sikkim Dragons (Gangtok), Singling Sporting Club (Soreng), Siniolchu FC (Namchi) and Thunderbolt North United (Mangan). The matches will be played in Paljor Stadium (Gangtok) and Bhaichung Stadium (Namchi) from 30th January 2023 to April 4, 2023. The tournament format will include round robin format and the teams finishing top four will advance to the semi-finals.

The Chief Minister declared the start of Sikkim Premier League 2023 and kicked the ball towards the crowd to officially start the tournament before the Kick-Off.

The first match was a Gangtok derby played between FC Aakraman Sikkim United and Sikkim Dragons FC which was won by Aakraman SC with 2-1 scoreline. The next match will be played between Red Panda FC and Siniolchu FC on February 4 at Bhaichung Stadium, Namchi.

The event had the presence of Speaker SLA, Shri Arun Upreti, Minister for Agriculture, Horticulture & Cash crops, Animal Husbandry, Livestock fisheries & Veterinary services and Labour Department, Shri L.N. Sharma, Minister of Forest, Environment & Wildlife, Mines, Mineral & Geology and Science & technology, Shri Karma Loday Bhutia, Area MLA Gangtok, Shri Y.T. Lepcha,Secretary to HCM, Shri S.D. Dhakal,Political Secretary to HCM, Shri Jacob Khaling, Press Secretary to HCM, Shri Bikash Basnet, Chairmen, Advisors, HoDs of various line departments, DIGP Special Branch, Shri Prawin Gurung, SDGP Law and Order, Shri Akshay Sachdeva IPS, SFA President, Shri Menla Ethenpa, Deputy Mayor GMC, Ms. Tshering Palden Bhutia, Co-Founders and Board of Directors from Sikkim Development (P) Ltd., representatives of Teesta Urja Limited, concerned Govt officials from various line departments and the general public.

District Level Vigilance Committee conducts their first meeting

Pakyong, January 30 (IPR): “District Level Vigilance Committee (DLVC)” in compliance with the “Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 (MS Act 2013)” was constituted, along with its first meeting was conducted today at the Office of the District Collector, Pakyong District under the Chairmanship of the DC, Pakyong Mr. Tashi Chophel.

The members of DLVC are as under:

1. District Collector, Pakyong-Chairperson,
2. Superintendent of Police-Member,
3. ADC Dev,Pakyong-Member,
4. CMO, Pakyong – Member,
5. MEO Rangpo-Member,
6. Bazar Officer, UDD – Member,
7. Branch Manager SBI Pakyong- Member,
8. Welfare Officer – Member Secretary

The Welfare Officer, Mrs Suneeta Dahal apprised the Acts and Rules and highlighted the important parts of the said Act.
She defined “manual scavenging” as the removal of human excrement from public streets and dry latrines, and cleaning septic tanks, gutters and sewers.

The aim of the government should be to mechanise such a process without the physical intervention of a human.

Further, it must be noted that forcing someone to do such activities will be a punishable offence along with a fine under the said act.
It was noted that such a practice is virtually non-existent in Sikkim and even if someone is involved in such activities they should be provided with proper safety gear and equipment.

The District Collector directed Welfare Inspectors to visit the bazaar area under Pakyong District and take surveillance of Community Toilets and Public toilets in the area and report the status.

ADC (Dev) said that he would sensitise all the panchayats and local bodies about the Act and work for the complete eradication of such practices in Sikkim.

District Collector Pakyong further suggested Member Secretary form a Sub-divisional level committee within 3 months before the first review meeting of DLVC.

Press Release from Sikkim Supreme

Press Release from
Sikkim Supreme,
Govt. Fruit Preservation Factory
In memory of Those Who Gave Their Lives in the Struggle for Freedom on Martyrs’ Day, 30th January.
Govt. Fruit Preservation Factory: Sikkim Supreme pays tribute to the brave souls who gave their lives in the Struggle for freedom on Martyrs’ Day, 30th January 2023.
To commemorate this day, all the staff and workers of Sikkim Supreme observed 2-minute silence in memory of all the fallen heroes, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of freedom and justice.
The observation reaffirms its commitment to inspiring people to come together and work towards building a better and just world.