Author: Jeetan Sherpa

West Sikkim gears up for Independence Day Celebration 2019

Gyalshing, 18July, 2019 (IPR): The first preparatory meeting regarding celebration of District Level Independence Day, 2019 was conducted by the District Administrative Centre, Rabdentse at the Conference hall of Zilla Bhawan,Kyongsha, West Skkim today.
The meeting was presided over by DM (W), Shri. Karma R. Bonpo and SP(W), Shri. Tenzing L. Lepcha accompanied by ADM (W) Shri. Karma L. Lepcha, SDM (HQ) Shri.Tushar G. Nikhare, SDM (Gey) Shri. Gilbert Lepcha along with the heads of various line departments.

The meeting reviewed formations of Independence Day Celebration Committee (IDCC), work distribution of respective departments, fund raising committee, football organising committee and other management teams etc.

Speaking on the meeting, the DM said that all departmental heads and employees should work collectively and carry out their entrusted duties and responsibilities in this regard.

The highlights of the Independence Day will be Parade display, Band Display, Open Men’s Football tournament and cultural extravaganza.

Further, DM directed MEO/Gey to organize a cleanliness drive in the surrounding areas of Gyalshing.

Inspection of DAC by Hon’ble Minister Shri Kunga Nima Lepcha & Secretary Smt Ambika Pradhan

Gangtok, July 17: (IPR) Inspection of District Administrative Centre was done on July 16th by the Hon’ble Minister Land Revenue Department, Sh.Kunga Nima Lepcha and Secretary Smt Ambika Pradhan. They made a visit to all the sections and discussed all important issues and reforms which is needed in the Collectorate for greater public benefit.

A presentation was also given to the Hon’ble Minister to sensitize him on requirements of the office.

CABINET DECISIONS 17TH JULY 2019

CABINET DECISIONS:

A Cabinet Meeting was held on 15th July in the Cabinet Hall of Tashiling Secretariat, Gangtok and the following decisions were taken:

LEGAL, LEGISLATIVE & PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
The Cabinet approved the appointment of Shri Vivek Kohli, Advocate, son of Shri S. K. Kohli, resident of New Delhi as the Advocate General for the State of Sikkim.

PUBLIC SCHEMES

– The proposal seeking revised administrative approval of Rs.139.725 crore (Rupees one hundred thirty nine crore seventy two lakhs fifty thousand) only with an additional financial sanction of Rs. 36.612 crore (Rupees thirty six crore sixty one lakhs twelve thousand) only for the work ‘Up-gradation of Gangtok-Rumtek-Sang road to intermediate lane road in East Sikkim.’

In respect of additional cost of public related schemes, the Cabinet directed to give full detail with justification in respect of additional cost. All concerned have been directed to anticipate the same while preparing estimate.

– The Cabinet approved the financial sanction of Rs. 8854.00 lakhs (Rupees eighty eight crores fifty four lakhs) only for the work ‘Construction of two lane balanced cantilever bridge over Kanaka river at Kayum, Dzongu in North Sikkim’. The Cabinet also directed to expedite the work.

TOURISM AND CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT
The Cabinet approved the proposal to levy fees in respect of various tourism activities, whereas regarding issuance of trade license to Hotels, Home stays and agencies, the Cabinet directed the department to maintain status quo.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRIES
The Cabinet approved the draft, ‘The Sikkim Industrial Licensing Rules, 2019’, with provision for granting licenses, imposing penalties, suspending and revoking of license.

TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT
The Cabinet approved the draft bill for ‘The Sikkim Motor Vehicle Taxation (Amendment) Bill, 2019’ with provision for online payment of Motor Vehicle Taxes and option for quarterly/annually or onetime tax @5 (five) times of the annual tax, for all categories of vehicles.

LAND REVENUE AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT
The Cabinet approved the financial sanction of Rs. 59,77,500 (Rupees fifty nine lakhs seventy seven thousand and five hundred) only for additional mitigation measures carried out by State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) in old Mangan Bazar. The Cabinet directed that the implementation should be proper and there should be no cost and time overrun.

DEVELOPMENT PLANNING, ECONOMIC REFORMS AND NORTH EASTERN COUNCIL AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT

WHITE PAPER
The Cabinet approved the White Paper prepared department wise duly reflecting pending bills, fund requirements, liabilities, bank loans, revenue potentials etc to be placed in the forthcoming Sikkim Legislative Assembly and discussed threadbare.

ENERGY AND POWER DEPARTMENT
The Cabinet approved the notifications in connection to the regulation of the service conditions/remuneration, tenure of key officials/professionals/other employees under Teesta Urja Limited (TUL) and Teestavalley Power Transmission Limited (TPTL).
Further the state government has appointed a part time Chairman for Teesta Urja Limited (TUL) for 1 year, salaries being paid to the top 5 or 6 Executives which have been reduced drastically and number of employees in comparision is also proposed to be reduced substantially. All efforts will be made to restructure the company/take steps for repayment of PFC loans and bank loans and immediate steps will be taken to prevent the company from being non-performing asset (NPA).

HOME DEPARTMENT
The Cabinet approved to declare 5th October as State Holiday in honour and memory of Late Nar Bahadur Bhandari, former Chief Minister of Sikkim.

PUBLIC WELFARE MEASURES
Tariff rates of Circuit House, Old and New Sikkim House (New Delhi) have been reduced in public interest and to bolster the prospects of Sikkim Tourism.