Author: Nikita Mukhia

The Hon’ble Chief Minister attends Temi Autumn Festival 2020

Temi, 23rd November (IPR): The Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri. P.S. Golay attended the concluding day of Temi Autumn Festival, 2020 themed ‘Locals for Locals’ at Temi Tea Garden, today. Present amongst others were Area MLA cum Tourism Minister Shri. B. S. Panth, Forest Minister Shri. Karma Loday, Chairmans, Advisors, MLAs, Panchayat, other dignitaries and the public at large.
Addressing, the gathering, Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri. P.S. Golay extended his warm wishes on this Temi Autumn Festival and urged one and all to enjoy this festival keeping in mind the protocol laid by the State Government for COVID-19. He underlined that this festival may be one of the first celebrations which have happened after the lockdown got lifted. He also acknowledged the immense assistance that the Temi Tea garden worker has provided for the celebration of this festival. Bringing, light to the theme of this festival which is ‘ Locals for Locals’ the Hon’ble Chief Minister underscored that the masses need to encourage local business so that they can be self-reliant and self-sustaining. He further added that the State Government has consistently supported the locals who want to start their own business and advocated the people to tap maximum out of this opportunity as entrepreneurship is the future of the world wherein one can gain profit and provide employment for other people.
The Hon’ble Chief Minister spoke at length about the various tourism project of the State Government and announced a project concentrating on homestays. This homestay project will be divided into three categories that are of Nepali, Bhutia and Lepcha. The homestay will mostly be a cottage style with a minimum of five rooms. This project will be aided by the Sikkim State Government and will be constructed completely of local materials which will be procured from the state itself. These categories will reflect the culture, traditional and unique lifestyle of the three ethnic communities of the state.
The Hon’ble Chief Minister also announced that the approach road towards the ground of Temi Tea Garden will be pitched at the earliest and that the ground itself will be beautified as well. He also brought to light the other road upgradation development project of the area. With regards to COVID-19, the Hon’ble Chief Minister emphasized one and all wear a facemask and follow the social distance rule. He updated about the various schemes that the State Government has embarked upon and spoke about Sikkim Garib Awas Yojna (SGAY) and how this scheme has facilitated in providing the basic amenities for the poor. He also added that under this scheme the State Government will establish twenty houses in Temi area.
Chairman Tea Board Shri. Tashi Tshering Bhutia spoke about the importance of this festival and its theme which is focused primarily on the locals of the area and their business ventures in order to uplift the local people’s enterprise.
Speaking, during the occasion General Manager, Temi Tea Estate Shri. Sunil Kumar gave a brief report regarding the functions of the Temi Tea Garden. He highlighted how the ongoing pandemic has affected the production output of the tea leaves however he informed that the garden and its employees will gear for the upcoming season and fill the production deficit of the tea leaves caused by the virus and the lockdown.
The Hon’ble Chief Minister also launched LED Bulb named ‘batti’ which is an initiative of local youth Shri. Bhawani Gurung. During, the course of the program the Hon’ble Chief Minister visited the various stalls put up at the premises. It may be mentioned that the festival commenced on 21st October and concluded today. The festival included various adventure activities namely that of Mountain Biking, Horse Riding, Jeep Riding, Trekking to Tendong Hill, Mini Marathon, Zip Lining, Lingay Ping and many more.

Hon’ble Minister Shri. L. N. Sharma attends Temi Autumn Carnival 2020

Temi, 22nd November(IPR): On the second day of the three days long Temi Autumn Carnival 2020, which is being celebrated with the theme ‘Locals for Locals’, Hon’ble Minister for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Information and Public Relations, and Printing and Stationary Departments Shri. Loknath Sharma had the presence as the Chief Guest at the Temi Tea estate Playground, today.
Upon arrival, he was accompanied by Area-MLA Namcheybong Shri. Em Prasad Sharma. He was accorded a warm welcome by Temi Tea Board Chairman Shri. Tashi Tshering Bhutia, Chairperson Power Department Smt.Mingma Lhamu Bhutia along with members of the organizing committee and local gentry.
During the program, the chief guest visited various traditional and exhibition stalls of demonstration of traditional skill in painting, art and craft put up by the different communities and local artists. The program also saw a presentation of colorful cultural folk dances and musical performance. Besides, the program also offered a wide range of adventure activities such as Helicopter joy rides, mountain biking, horse riding, zip line, lingey ping etc.
Later, the Hon’ble Minister also held a brief meeting with the officials of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department officials at the Temi Tea Guest House. The minister discussed the proper implementation of departmental schemes and their status in the district. He also enquired about the functioning as well as requirements of the departments and assured to provide help from his end.

Hon’ble Chief Minister attends the finals of the Khangchendzonga Shield 2020

Gangtok, November 22 (IPR): The finals of the Khangchendzonga Shield 2020 was played at Mining Ground, Rangpo today. The programme was graced by the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang as the Chief Guest and Hon’ble Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Shri Kunga Nima Lepcha as the Guest of Honour. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Hon’ble Ministers Shri Karma Loday Bhutia, Shri Arun Upreti, Shri Sanjeet Kharel, MP Lok Sabha Shri Indra Hang Subba along with MLAs, Advisors, Chairpersons, Heads of Departments, officials and dignitaries.
The final match was played between Alpine Sporting Club and Black Eagle Team where the Alpine Sporting Club won the match by 125 runs. The winning team was presented with Khangchendzonga Shield by the Hon’ble Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs. This was the first two tier Club Cricket Tournament held in the State, which was organized by Sikkim Cricket Association.
Whilst interacting with the media, the Chief Minister mentioned that the Sikkim Cricket Association (SICA) has been doing a great job in organizing such an event in the State.
He stated that sports activities help individuals to be healthy and fit and also mentioned his love for all kinds of sports. He also expressed his gratitude to the BCCI for their help and support. The Chief Minister shared his brief history of being the President of Sikkim Cricket Association and how it has progressed over the years with struggles and success. He also mentioned the future plans of expansion of the Ground at Rangpo where International matches would also be played.
He also mentioned that all kinds of sporting activities will be given priority so that the name of Sikkim shines in every sport. He further stated the nurturing of players from school level onwards in all districts of Sikkim.
Hon’ble Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Shri Kunga Nima Lepcha in his brief address during the prize distribution ceremony acknowledged the leadership and support of the Chief Minister who has been active and involved in healthy sports in the State since the beginning. The Minister also applauded the active role of the Chief Minister who with his presence and participation has shown his support and fondness for sports in Sikkim. He further thanked the BCCI representatives for their interest in the development of Cricket in Sikkim. He also thanked the SICA for launching such a herculean task of successfully completing the “Khangchendzonga Shield 2020”. He further stated that the State Government will provide all necessary help for making Sikkim compete and occupy topmost ranks in the field.
During the event, the Chief Minister also formally inaugurated the ‘net-practice’ facility at the Ground.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister was also felicitated by the Sikkim Cricket Association (SICA) for his unstinted support, cooperation and guidance towards the sport. The Chief Curator BCCI, Shri Ashish Bhowmik and BCCI certified Master Coach, Dr. Atul Gaikwod were also felicitated for their individual contributions and support for the sport.
The programme also saw the presentation of awards for the event which are as follows:
1. Emerging Player of the Tournament: Shri Rohit Limboo (Royal North Cricket Club)
2. Player of the U-16 Tournament: Shri Tarun Sharma (Alpine SC)
3. Player of the U-19 Tournament: Shri Md. Adim Alam (GDCW)
4. Highest Scorer: Shri Nilesh Lamichaney (Alpine SC)
5. Highest Wickets Taken: Shri Tarun Sharma (Alpine SC)
6. Man of the Match: Shri Nilesh Lamichaney (Alpine SC)
7. Player of the Tournament: Shri Palzor Tamang (Black Eagle)

The final match of Sikkim’s first All Women’s Cricket Tournament was held at Rangpo

Gangtok, November 21(IPR): The final match of ‘Khangchendzonga Shield’, Sikkim’s first All Women’s Cricket Tournament was held at Mining Ground, Rangpo, today. Smt. Sarda Tamang, the wife of Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Prem Singh Tamang, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The programme was also attended by Chairperson, Sikkim Commission for Backward Classes Ms. Pabitra Bhandari, officials and dignitaries. This was the first time that the Women Cricket Tournament of this scale was organised in Sikkim.
After a tough battle between four teams that started on 11th November, the Tournament concluded today with Team Mount Pandim winning the final match against team Mount Kabru.
During the programme, the Chief Guest handed over ‘Khangchendzonga Shield’, to the winning team. The trophies and appreciation certificates were also provided to the teams.
It is to mention here that during the course of the Tournament two premier officials from BCCI, Shri Ashish Bhowmick, BCCI Chief Curator and Dr. Atul Gaikwad, BCCI Certified Master Coach is in the State to work on the pitch and to train and coach women’s teams as well as the coaches respectively.
The Tournament also launched the newly reconstructed Mining Ground, construction of which has been monitored and funded by BCCI. The final match of the Men’s Khangchendzonga Club Tournament will also be held on 22nd November.

Directorate of Fisheries Government of Sikkim celebrates World Fisheries Day

Gangtok, November 21(IPR): The Directorate of Fisheries, Government of Sikkim celebrated World Fisheries Day at Menmeitso, East Sikkim today. The programme was attended by Hon’ble Minister for Forest and Environment Department Shri Karma Loday Bhutia as the Chief Guest along with Hon’ble Minister for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department Shri Lok Nath Sharma, as the Guest of Honour, Director Fisheries Shri S. Pradhan along with officials and staff of Fisheries Directorate and Forest Department and Trout farmers of four districts.
In his address, the Chief Guest highlighted the importance and significance of fish farming and encouraged the gathering to be more dedicated and progressive to meet the highly growing demands in the State. He also added that the vision of the State Government to transform Sikkim into a sustainable and self-sufficient State will only be achieved if the people have focus and determination in their respective fields.
He also threw light on the history of Trout farming in the State way back in 1925 in Chogyal’s regime.
While addressing the gathering, Minister for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Shri L. N. Sharma informed that the World Fisheries Day is being celebrated for the first time in the State at an altitude of approx 12000 f. in Menmeitso. He also added that the Directorate of Fisheries has been working tirelessly for sustainable development in the fisheries sector, by way of motivating rural mass and providing the beneficiaries with various schemes and plans.
The Minister also informed that the fisheries sector has viable income-generating opportunities in the State and also encouraged and motivated the youths who are engaged in fish farming activities. The farmers are showing great interest in trout farming as the demand of rainbow trout in the State has also increased, he added.
He also reiterated the State Government initiatives in the sectors like agriculture, horticulture, dairy and encouraged the people to make complete use of various opportunities and schemes provided to them.
The Minister also shared the vision to develop aquaculture in Menmeitso in near future as the place is endowed with nature’s bounty and rich natural resources. He also informed that from next year the World Fisheries Day will be celebrated in a befitting manner and award will also be provided to honour the progressive fish farmers.
During the programme, the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour also distributed Best Trout Farmer Award to Shri Prem Kumar Rai of Pangthang and Shri Man Bahadur Chettri of Daramdin.
The Best Performing Trout Cooperative Society Award was given to Upper Sribadam Rainbow Trout Rearing Cooperative Society Pvt. Ltd.
Similarly, trout farmers Shri Nedup Lepcha, Shri Abiraj Katuwal, Smt Kopila Pandey and Da Norbu Sherpa were also presented with Progressive Farmers Award.
In the programme, the Letter of Appreciation was also handed over to the employees of the Directorate of Fisheries for their remarkable and commendable service to their Directorate. The awardees were Shri Surendra Bhandari, RO/Fisheries, Shri Sonam Tshering Bhutia, Block Officer/Fisheries and Shri Ishwar Gurung, Senior Accountant.
The programme saw the distribution of trout fingerlings procured from Denmark to the beneficiaries of four districts.
Earlier, Hon’ble Ministers along with the officials also visited and inspected the Rainbow Trout Farming and Hatcheries at Menmoitso and also enquired its production and development.
On the occasion of World Fisheries Day, the cleanliness drive was also carried out in the surrounding of Menmoitso lake. The drive was led by the Hon’ble Ministers for Forest and Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services and was participated by the officials, staff of Directorate of Fisheries and Forest Department. The Minister for Forest also appealed to make the Lake and its surroundings neat and clean.
Thereafter, both the Ministers also visited Sherathang Police Station/Checkpost and interacted with the officials and Police personnel.