Author: Nikita Mukhia

Valedictory function of Bamboo Skill Development & Entrepreneurship training program

Gyalshing, 22nd Oct (IPR): A Valedictory function of Bamboo Skill Development and Entrepreneurship training program that started on 2nd October officially concluded today. The program was organized under National Bamboo Mission(NBM) by the Horticulture Department, Government of Sikkim at Development, Community Hall at Bermiok-Berthang, West Sikkim.
The Hon’ble Area MLA cum Minister for (Agriculture, Horticulture & Animal Husbandry, Printing & Stationery, and IPR Department) Shri Lok Nath Sharma graced the event as the Chief Guest accompanied by Shri Mingma Tshering Sherpa, (Secretary, Horticulture Department), Mr. Ringzing Chewang Bhutia, Secretary, (Agriculture Department), Shri Karma Sherpa,(Joint Director, Horticulture), Shri Chandra Kumar Rana, Chairman, (Agriculture and Horticulture Department), Shri Durga Pd. Pradhan, (Advisor, AH & VS, Government of Sikkim), Shri Karma Sherpa,(Joint Director, Horticulture Department, West Sikkim), Mrs. Pratiba Tamang,( BDO) Hee Martam BAC.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Sharma said, he was elated to be a part of the said event. He approached the gathering in lifting the economic status of the people who all are indulged with the type of lucrative profession. Minister also informed about the use of bamboo in different prospects, apart from the common implication. He also said about the diverse possibilities for the use of bamboo instead of plastics and other similar substitutions.
He then informed about appointments of the state-level artisans in regards to bamboo work. While exemplifying Bamboo made hair clip, he congratulated and encouraged the gathering for the collective effort. Further, he informed that the Hon’ble Chief Minister Government of Sikkim Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) will be pleased in making the peripherical eight constituencies an industrial hub for a self-reliant economy. He further informed that the locally made dust bins shall directly be supplied to all the departments under the Government of Sikkim
While informing about the HCM’s envision, he appealed to all Panchayats and Zilla Panchayats to play a pivotal role in the upliftment of the grass root level in the State. He also deliberated various farmer’s friendly initiatives from the government and urged them for proper utilization. Further, he encouraged all the artesian to continue with the skills they have learned and boost up to produce with the assurance of marketing. The Minister also handed over the certificates and congratulated the participants who successfully participated in the Bamboo Skill Development.
Secretary Horticulture, in his address, informed that there were 20 trainees for 20 days training program. He then expressed his view upon bamboo having the potential of replacing steel which is much more eco-friendly. He briefed about the other implications that hold the income-generating capability through the making of ornaments, clothes, house decoratives and more. To boost agricultural production, he informed the barren land shall be identified and made reusable. Further, he informed that with the approval of Hon’ble Chief Minister, the employees serving under OFOJ shall be indulged in farming-related approaches.
Mr. Hemant Ghimirey, HDO, Martam also briefed about the various achievements in Model Village and its future aspects.
Dr.Tika Pd. Sharma, the Consultant, presented a PowerPoint Presentation on the implication history of bamboo from the time of its inception, present state of utilization and future prospects in the constituency with the approach ‘Bamboo, our Heritage, our Future for the enhanced sustainable Livelihood’. He also extensively informed about the benefits of various species of medicinal plants locally available.
Mr. Pradeep Bhandari, Bank consultant informed that a total of 1.5 Crore Rupees to 127 beneficiaries through cheques were handed over in the first phase of loan disbursement in the field of Diary farming, Piggery, Poultry, Boer Goat farming, Ginger cultivation, etc.
Mr. Tek Nath Sharma, Artisian Bamboo shared his feedback on the initiative in his personal and community.

The officials of State Pollution Control Board-Sikkim inspects COVID-19 hospitals

Gangtok, 22nd October 2020 (IPR): The officials of State Pollution Control Board-Sikkim, Forest and Environment Department (F&ED), conducted an inspection of COVID-19 hospitals and isolation centres dedicated for isolation of covid-19 patients. The team inspected New STNM Hospital, District Hospitals (East, West, North and South) and isolation centres viz. Sikkim State Co-operative Union (SICUN)
Assam Lingzey, Himalayan Pharmacy Boys hostel, Ayush Hospital Gyalshing, SIRD and SICB Karfectar, Jorethang for ensuring compliance of guidelines for the management of COVID-19 waste. The captive treatment facilities as well as deep burial sites were inspected for compliance.
Further, the team interacted with the Hospital authorities and in charges of isolation centres to review the bio-medical waste (BMW) disposal of COVID-19 patients. The SPCB officials reiterated to them to ensure that all the protective equipments, as well as waste generated during diagnosis and treatment and isolation of COVID-19 patients, are segregated as per guidelines prepared by CPCB and disposed of as per BMW Management Rules, 2016 and are not mixed with other solid waste.
An interactive meeting was also held with the District Magistrate and Additional District Magistrate, West Sikkim regarding waste management and status of compliance with respect to various directions of Hon’ble National Green Tribunal. A similar interactive meeting was also held with the President and members of Pelling Tourism Development Association (PTDA) regarding creating awareness among the local public as well as visitors about safe disposal of used masks. The standard operating procedure (SOP) prepared by the Tourism Department was also discussed and PTDA agreed to inform all the Tourism Committees in West Sikkim.
The team held a meeting with the Namchi Hospital Administration and inspected the waste disposal facility and checked the waste management practices being followed. Further, the team reminded the Municipal Executive Officer, Namchi about the proper management of the same as the BMW Rules.

Distribution of Sikkim Garib Awas Yojna at Temi Namphing constituency

Namchi, 22nd October: Temi Namphing constituency saw disbursement of allotment orders for Sikkim Garib Awas Yojna (SGAY), GCI sheets & house up-gradation along with cheques, today. The program was graced by the Hon’ble Area MLA cum Hon’ble Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Shri. B. S. Panth. Present amongst others were Hon’ble Chairman Temi Tea board Shri. T. T. Bhutia, Upadhaysha (South) Shri. Bhim Lakhey alongside Hon’ble Panchayat President Tokal Bermoik GPU Shri. Tashi Tshering Bhutia, BDO (Temi) Shri. Prem K. Subba and officials of RDD and staff from BAC Temi RDD. The program also saw the attended of CLC President Shri. Gopal Chettri & other, CLC/ BLC/WLC executive members & others . Youth convenor Mr Tashi Tshering Bhutia & others convenors also attended the program.

The Chief Guest spoke in brief about SAGY and how it is a flagship program of the Sikkim State Government which is pro-people and aims to provide a qualitative facility to the masses. He added that the main objective of SAGY is to improve the livelihood of the public at large. The program was also addressed by Hon’ble chairman Temi Tea board, Upadhaysha South and other dignitaries.

The program was organised at Auditorium hall of Bermoik Tokal Senior Secondary School for 2 GPUs namely Bermoik Tokal & Namphing GPUs.Today was also the last and concluding day for the series of distribution for Temi- Namphing constituency. Together which is on 21st and 22nd a total of 100 SAGY, 100 GCI sheets, 400 house up-gradation was given to the beneficiaries for Temi Namphing constituency.

Honb’le MP Shri. Indra Hang Subba adopts Damthang GPU under SAGY

Namchi, 22nd October(IPR): As a part of Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) the entry point visit of Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) Shri. Indra Hang Subba was held at Chemchey, Indian Himalayan Centre for Adventure and Eco-Tourism (IHCAE), today. Present amongst others were Zilla Adhyaksha (South) Smt. Tshering Dem Bhutia, ADC (Dev) Namchi, Dr. Chandra Prakash Rai, HoDs, staff, panchayat and public of Damthang GPU.
Addressing, the gathering Hon’ble MP Shri. Indra Hang Subba congratulated on Damthang GPU being adopted under SAGY. He informed that
Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi launched the SAGY on 11th October 2014 on the birth anniversary of Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan. The goal of SAGY is to develop three Adarsh Grams or model villages complete with state of art facilities.
The SAGY scheme encourages MPs to identify and develop one village hence, Damthang GPU has been selected. The Hon’ble MP also said that for SAGY funding is not provided so the public of the GPU need to absorb and harness the GPUs potential which can vary from farming, milk production to various skill development projects so that the masses can earn incentives and be self-reliant.
The Hon’ble MP urged the Panchayats and the public to work with vigour along with much efficiency and underlined that SAGY aims to holistically develop Damthang and for the same collective responsibility is needed. As for unemployed masses, the Hon’ble MP said that they will be introduced and trained in various skill-building schemes which can assist these unemployed people to develop career opportunities while increasing the knowledge and understanding of the local industry thereby creating a business out of these schemes.
He further spoke about various ways to upgrade the GPU and strongly advocated to start on cluster farming, maintain proper sanitation, reserve water resources. As for the tourism industry Shri. Subba informed that the GPUs needs to start on sustainable and responsible tourism activities. Since the GPU is filled with organic farms and ample greenery the same should be harnessed and advertised to the incoming tourist. He also encouraged the public of this GPU to join a Non-Governmental Organization or to start with a sports club as these fall under personal growth indicator which can keep the mind, body and soul healthy.
As for education sector, Hon’ble MP elucidated that the school should offer ample spaces namely that of a reading corner, a vibrant section for Kindergarden, well-equipped library, should have a safe and sound structure, adequate teaching staff and many more. He highlighted the fact that education should be given priority for the development of a society and a nation as a whole. Furthermore, he said that Damthang School will be provided with the basic amenities after prior inspection. He also lauded the GPUs efforts in establishing a library where children as well as the adults can explore books and experience new ideas. The Hon’ble MP did inform that he will be visiting the GPU frequently in the coming future and facilitate the growth of the GPU.
Nodal Officer SAGY Smt. Sarika Pradhan presented an overview of this scheme and how the Rural Development Department will aid in successfully implementing various schemes and projects in the GPU so that it can be a model GPU. She also added that in order for the GPU to be formed under SAGY viable convergence plan of various line departments should be put in force.
Resource person Dr. Subash Dhakal explained in detail about SAGY via a PPT presentation. He also highlighted about the timeline and plans to be achieved by the GPU.
Panchayat President Shri. Lalit Rai outlined about Damthang GPU and presented a brief demographic of the area. He also put the spotlight on the revered ‘Tendong Hill’ which is in Damthang and asserted that this hill can be turned into a natural pilgrimage tourism site.
Local gentry Shri. K.B. Rai shed light on various amenities that Damthang GPU requires. He emphasized that during the COVID-19 lockdown the farmers from this GPU were consistently supplying vegetables and dairy produce to different parts of the state and added that these kinds of activities need to be utilized so that the public of the GPU can be self-sufficient.
The MP along with officials also visited various places in Damthang including a church, Damthang school and market.

Press Release from BDO Namchi

Namchi, 22nd October: A benefits distribution programme was held at South District Zilla Panchayat Bhawan under the Chairmanship of Mr. Ganesh Rai, Incharge 11-Namchi-Singhithang Assembly Constituency duly covering 5 GPUs and Namchi Municipal Council. The programme was attended by the Hon’ble Gram Panchayat concerned, Party Dignitaries comprising of District Level Officials, CLCs, WLCs and local gentries.
In total, 400 House-Up gradation Allotment Order along with cheque worth Rs. 20,000/- and 100 GCI allotment orders were distributed by the Chief Guest of the day.
Though a large number of public were found present in the Zilla Panchayat premises, the organizing committee ensured all possible Covid19 Protocol duly ensuring the social distancing and wearing of a mask and using of sanitizers.

A distribution programme held at South District Zilla Panchayat Bhawan

Namchi, 21st October: A distribution programme was held at South District Zilla Panchayat Bhawan under the Chairmanship of Mr. K.B. Rai, Incharge 10-Poklok-Kamrang Assembly Constituency. The programme was attended by the Hon’ble Gram Panchayat concerned, Dr. C.P. Rai, Addl. District Collector Dev. Namchi, Mr. Saran D. Kalikotey, DPO SDZP, Ms. Babita Rai, BDO Namchi, Ms. Tirsang Tamang, BDO Sikkip, Mr. Tenzing Bhutia, BDO Poklok-Nandugaon, CLCs, WLCs and local gentries.
It is pertinent to mention here that the area of Poklok-Kamrang Assembly Constituency is widespread to three BACs viz Namchi, Sikkip and Poklok-Nandugaon. During the distribution programme, COVID-19 Protocol was also taken care of duly ensuring the social distancing of the gatherings.
Details of schemes covered in Sikkip BAC is that 28 beneficiaries were covered under Sikkim Garib Awas Yojna (SGAY) 48 beneficiaries were given house up-gradation and 12 beneficiaries were provided with GCI sheets. Similarly, for Namchi BAC 216 and 54 beneficiaries received house up-gradation and GCI sheets respectively.
Likewise for Poklok-Nandugaon 136 beneficiaries were given house up-gradation and 34 were provided with GCI sheets. It may be mentioned here that Namchi BAC and Poklok-Nandugaon BAC could not distribute SGAY as the allotment order was not provided by Head Office, RDD, Gangtok and the same shall be distributed as and when received from Head Office.