Author: Jeetan Sherpa

HCM Meets The Union Minister For Health & Family Welfare Dr Harsh Vardhan

New Delhi February 16: (IPR) The Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang met the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare & Science and Technology Dr Harsh Vardhan this morning in the national capital.

During the meeting, the Hon’ble Chief Minister placed various issues of Sikkim to the Union Health Minister and also apprised him about how Government of Sikkim is willing to collaborate with Government of India to upgrade the multi-speciality hospital at Socchyagang to the level of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

The Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang requested the Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan to kindly consider the proposal to convert the multi-speciality hospital into AIIMS with AIIMS, New Delhi being the anchor hospital.

The Hon’ble Chief Minister informed that if this happens it will not only benefit the people of Sikkim immensely but will also be very useful for those hailing from the neighbouring North East region.

After giving a patient hearing the Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan assured full cooperation from his end and so added that he will also send a team of expert to Sikkim to study the proposal.

Further, the Union Health Minister also asked the Chief Secretary of Sikkim and the Resident Commissioner to approach Union Health Secretary and other officials on Monday in New Delhi regarding the matter.

During the meeting, the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang was accompanied by the Hon’ble Minister for Urban Development and Housing Department Shri Arun Upreti, the Chief Secretary, Government of Sikkim, Shri S. C. Gupta and the Secretary to the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri S. D Dhakal.

Hon’ble Minister Shri. Kunga Nima Attends The Finals Of Second Jorethang Premier Badminton League

Jorethang, 16th February (IPR) : The Semi-Finals and Final of Second Jorethang Premier Badminton League (JPBL) was concluded, today. This league was organised by Badminton Association of Jorethang (BAJ) in co-ordination with Sikkim Krantikari Morcha Sports Wing and Labour Front under the aegis of Badminton Association of Sikkim at Badminton Court Jorethang.

United Sikkim Shuttlers emerged as the winners of the league and walked away with a grand prize of ₹2.5 lakhs while Soreng Chakung David Warriors finished behind as the runners-up with a winning amount of ₹1.5 lakhs. Owners of Salghari Zoom Blockers and Red Panda G.M.T.S was declared the winner and runners up of the exhibition match respectively. The fair play team award was conferred to team Salghari Zoom Blockers

Hon’ble Minister for Education, Sports and Youth Affairs Departments Shri. Kunga Nima Lepcha graced the occasion as the Chief Guest in presence of Hon’ble Minister for Power and Energy Departments Shri M.N Sherpa, Political Secretary to the HCM Shri Jacob Khaling, Area MLA Salghari Zoom Smt. Sunita Gazmer, alongside Sports and Youth Affairs Department Secretary Shri. Kuber Bhandari, President State Badminton Association Shri. C. Zangpo and President of BAJ Shri. Jigmee Namgyal, BAJ executive members amidst a huge gathering of sporting enthusiasts from all over the state.

Addressing the gathering Hon’ble Minister HRDD Shri. Kunga Nima Lepcha extended his best wishes and congratulation to the organising committee which is spearheaded by Shri Jigmee Bhutia. It maybe mentioned here that this is the first ever franchise based sporting event which is being held for second consecutive time in the state. He also lauded the players of the tournament and urged them to give their best irrespective of them being the winners or losers. Emphasizing on the importance of competitiveness in sports he encouraged the association to organise such events on a regular basis so that it can help to shine and foster young talents of the state.

During the course of the event, the organising committee felicitated the Chief Guest and other dignitaries. The event also had major highlights of musical and cultural extravaganzas performed by local artists.

Press Club Of Sikkim Called On The Hon’ble Governor

Hon’ble Governor of Sikkim Shri Ganga Prasad today granted audience to a 12 member delegation of newly elected executive committee of Press Club of Sikkim. It was a courtesy call by the PCS team following their election held recently and was led by its President Shri Joseph Lepcha.
Hon’ble Governor extended good wishes to the members and wished them a memorable term in their respective offices. He also underlined the role of media, considered the fourth pillar of democracy, in the modern progressive society. He further stated that media, may it be print, electronic or digital, can make remarkable contribution to the society and the nation if made responsible and sensible. Hon’ble Governor urged the media fraternity to promote Sikkim with positive stories and achievements and contribute towards building a right perspective and opinion among the mass. He asked the members representing different media group to make impact in the society with their pen and remain committed towards positive journalism.
President of Press Club of Sikkim Shri Joseph Lepcha, apprised the Hon’ble Governor about various issues confronting the organisation and sought Hon’ble Governor’s continuous patronage and blessings for the well being of press fraternity in the State. Hon’ble Governor also assured all support towards the PCS in their quest of responsible journalism and development of media in Sikkim.
In another engagement earlier on the day, Vice Chancellor of Sikkim Manipal University Lt. General (Retd.) M.D Venkatesh called on Hon’ble Governor and extended invitation to Hon’ble Governor to inaugurate the Atal Incubation Centre at SMIT Complex Majhitar. The first such centre in the North East, being funded by NITI Ayog, under Atal Innovation Mission, will be inaugurated by Hon’ble Governor at SMIT Majhitar on 15th February 2020.

Hon’ble Minister Shri Lok Nath Sharma Visits Old Age Centre At Jalipool

Jalipool, Feb 15: (IPR) Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Shri Lok Nath Sharma paid a visit to the Old Age Centre at Jalipool, this afternoon. He was touched by shared experiences of bereft of the attention and affection from the elderly inmates. He took stock on the requirements of the Old Age Home and also extended financial support from his personal level.

Minister Sharma expressed happiness when he met an inmate named Shri Krishna Lal Sharma (Jethabau) who also hails from Berthang, West Sikkim. It was extremely heart-wrenching to witness breaking tears and sad emotions of Krishna Lal when he found the initiator closed to him.

Minister Sharma recalled the role of Berthang based Health and Environment Conservation Society that had provided special care and emotional support to Krishna Lall at much needed time of his deteriorating health conditions. Thereafter he was brought to the New STNM Hospital where he had undergone one and half month long Medical treatment and afterwards in consultation of concerned District Collector, Krishna Lal Sharma was brought to the Old Age Centre, Jalipool. Care Taker, a retired Officer Shri Mani Ram Rai also added that Shri Krishna Lal Sharma is a lone inmate who was brought with legal formalities to the Old Age Centre.

Minister Sharma assured to extend all possible support and also applauded noble services voluntarily extended to the elderly inmates who are in the twilight of their lives and in need of love, care and support to compensate pangs of pain and separation from their family.

Hon’ble Governor Attends The Inaugural Ceremony Of AIC-SMUTBI

Rangpo,15th February,2020: The inaugural ceremony of Atal Incubation Centre (AIC)-Sikkim Manipal University (SMU) Technology Business Incubation Foundation (AIC-SMUTBI) was held at the campus of Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology, Majitar, Rangpo today.
AIC-SMU Technology Business Incubation Foundation (AIC-SMUTBI) is one the 100 world class incubators of Government of India and the first Atal Incubation Centre (AIC) in North-East India which has been envisioned and fully supported by Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog and Government of India.
The Center nurture and support early stage entrepreneurs of under served region based in North East India on Technology and Innovation by providing infrastructure, consultancy and seed grants to promising young entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams of starting their own ventures.
Hon’ble Governor of Sikkim, Shri Ganga Prasad graced the occasion as the chief guest for the event.The inaugural function also saw the presence of Shri. Kunga Nima Lepcha, Honble Minister of Education Department, Land Revenue & Disaster Management Department, Law Department, Sports & Youth Affairs Department as the Guest of Honor and Shri R.Ramanathan,Mission Director,AIM,NITI AAYOG as the Special Guest including
Shri. Amitabh Kant, CEO of NITI Aayog ,Shri S.C.Gupta, Chief Secretary,Shri G.P.Upadhyaya, Additional Chief Secretary,Gen Dr M.D.Venkatesh ,Vice Chancellor,SMU along with representatives from the Bill & Melinda Foundation,officials from the State Government and ATL schools from all over the state.
The event commenced with the lighting of ceremonial lamps by the Hon’ble Chief Guest,Shri Ganga Prasad Sharma.
A short introduction to the First Cohort of Acceleration in Sikkim was summarised by Shri Prajakt Raut which was preceded by the Launch of the First Cohort of Acceleration in Sikkim by the Hon’ble Governor.
Speaking during the program,Special Guest,Shri R.Ramanathan in his welcome speech extended a warm welcome the Hon’ble Governor,Hon’ble Minister and all the invited guests,students and faculty to the program.He presented a brief introduction and overview of achievements of SMIT till present and thanked the NITI AAYOG and the Government of India for facilitating the launch of the AIC in Sikkim.
He also highlighted the importance of incubators as job creators and support the development of start-ups by providing them with advisory and administrative support services.

In his key note address before the gathering, Hon’ble Governor, Shri Ganga Prasad extended his hearty welcome to all the dignitaries present on the occasion. He expressed his happiness and thanked the Government of India and NITI AAYOG for facilitating the establishment of the world class incubator centre in the state and stated that this a great gift for the students and budding entrepreneurs in the state.
Urging the students and entrepreneurs to make the best use of the world class facilities provided in the centre, he encouraged them to be more innovative and work hard for the cause of the society and realise their potential to the fullest.
Speaking on the occasion,Guest of Honor, Shri Kunga Nima Lepcha expressed his gratitude to NITI AAYOG on behalf of the Government if Sikkim and added that launch of AIC would help equip Sikkim in the field of Science and Technology. Welcoming all the dignitaries and guests present during the occasion, Hon’ble Minister said that it was proud moment for Sikkim that AIC-SMU Technology Business Incubation Foundation (AIC-SMUTBI) is one the 100 world class incubators of Government of India and the first Atal Incubation Centre (AIC) in North-East India and further added that 51 Atal Tinkering Labs have been established in Sikkim under NITI AAYOG.
He also pointed out the rising unemployment issue in the state and added that launch of the world class incubator center in the state would open up various avenues to curtail the unemployment issue in the state.
He urged the students and aspiring entrepreneurs to make the very best use of the facilities and further congratulated all the 14 startups present on the occasion for their participation.
He was also extremely grateful to the VC, SMU for providing him the opportunity to attend the program.
He further reminisced about his close association with the university and expressed his deep happiness in connecting the dynamic students and faculty of the University.
He further wished all the ATL school students the very best in the future endeavours and urged them to make the best use from the incubator programme to foster curiosity and innovative mindset among young students to encourage research and innovation in schools across the state.
Lastly,he congratulated the entire team of AIC on the successful launch of the world incubator centre in the state.
The programme concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by CEO,AIC-SMUTBI.
The programme also consisted of pitch and plenary session and included an open house session with Shri R.Ramanathan and parents, entrepreneurs and participants from ATL school.
The participating 14 Incubatees and accelerators names included ASAL,Untap’d,Earthier,Yonika Infotainment,Navvay’d,The Chakras,Shield Tech Infosec Solutions,SIKMED,Gladiolus Language Nectar,JUM,OEFEREK,Amazing Adventure Pvt Ltd,SAI Kunti,CAS Collective.