Gangtok, Jan 23: A day-long Training Programme for the newly appointed Assistant Government Advocates cum Assistant Public Prosecutors was organised by the Law and Parliamentary Affairs Department, Government of Sikkim at the Administrative Training Institute, Gangtok. The Training Programme was chaired by Shri Jagat B. Rai, L.R-cum-Secretary, Law & P.A. Department, Government of Sikkim. The two-session Training Programme was specially organised for the recently appointed Asst. Government Advocates cum Asst. Public Prosecutors to educate them in the intricacies of the legal matters and also as an Orientation Programme for them. The Training cum Orientation was conducted by two of Sikkim’s very respected and reputed Senior Advocates Shri.A.J. Sharma and Shri N.P. Sharma.
In the first session of the day, Resource Person Shri A.J. Sharma enlightened the gathering on the basic concept of civil cases under the Civil Procedure Code, 1980 r/w Evidence Act, 1872 and Limitation Act, 1973 all the while drawing attention to filing of nature of suits, pliant, filing of written statements, injunction application, stay of suits, filing of evidence of affidavits, filing of documents, issuance of commission, appeal, revision, second appeal, additional evidence in appeal, amendment, rejection, judgement on admission, suits of Specific Relief Act and suits for Defamation.
Following the first session, the second session of the day was conducted by Senior Advocate Shri N.P. Sharma. In this session Shri N.P. Sharma discussed the basic concepts of Criminal Cases under Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 r/w Evidence Act, 1872 and Limitation Act, 1973 mainly focusing on the filing of charge sheet, pecuniary jurisdiction, cognizance of offences by Magistrates and Court of Session, bar of taking cognizance, examination in chief, cross-examination and re-examination, framing of charge, joinder of charge, alteration of charge, additional evidence appeal, revision, evidence for defence, warrant trial and summary trial, bail, recalling of witnesses, Proclamation for person absconding, attachment of property of person absconding, compounding of offences, withdrawal from prosecution and procedure in cases of unsound mind/lunatic.
The entire day and the topics discussed therein by the two very experienced Resource People will prove to be very helpful to the new Legal Practitioners in their careers. The very informative and knowledgeable day concluded with an encouraging speech by Ms. Choden Gyatso, Joint Secretary, Law & P.A. Department, Government of Sikkim along with the distribution of Certificate of Participation to all the trainees/attendees.
Author: Nikita Mukhia
Press meet on GST
Gangtok, January 23 (IPR):The Commercial Taxes Division, Finance Department in association with Sikkim Hotels & Restaurants Association (SHRA) has decided to organize an awareness drive on GST (Goods and Services Tax) followed by an enforcement drive to ensure timely payment of GST and other taxes. The enforcement drive will commence from 17th February, 2020. A press conference in this regard was organized today by the Commercial Taxes Division of the Finance Department, here in the capital.
The press conference was jointly addressed by Mayor (GMC) Shri Shakti Singh Choudhary, Commissioner (Commercial Taxes Division) Shri Jigmee Dorjee Bhutia, Director (Accounts) Tourism Department, Shri Tseten Dorjee Bhutia, Superintendent of Police (East) Shri Hari Chettri, and President (SHRA) Shri Roshan Pradhan.
It was informed that GST is a destination based tax system, and this feature of GST has generated more revenue for consumer states like Sikkim and other states of North – East.
The overall collection of Commercial Taxes Division during April-December 2019 has grown by 21.28 % in comparison to collection of April-December 2018. Further, GST collection during April to December 2019 has grown by 17.32 % in comparison to collection of April to December 2018; Per capita collection of GST from April to December 2019 in Sikkim is Rs 3.505.00 which is highest among all the states of India. Second position is held by Goa with per capita collection of 2.488. 00 and Delhi is third with 2.203.00.
Nevertheless, in sector wise analysis of revenue collection it is found that the collection of GST from Hotel sector remains below par compared to other sectors of the State Economy. Department conducted a field survey of the hotels and found that the number of defaulters is very high and the majority of the defaulters are ignorant about the consequential law. It is essential to make stakeholders aware about the legal provision before taking coercive action. Hence, the Commercial Taxes Division arranged to publish notices in local newspapers urging the hoteliers to obtain registration, pay GST in time and file returns regularly.
It was also informed that this Joint Press Conference is specially held to inform hoteliers that the Commercial Taxes Division will launch enforcement action from 17 February 2020 against the defaulting hoteliers. It may even include the arrest of the defaulters under Section 69 of the Sikkim Goods & Services Tax Act, 2017. So all hoteliers should make sure their GST payment is up to date before 17 February, 2020. It has been noted that most of the property owners and license holders have leased out their business to a third party. In such cases, it is the duty of the Lessor (the property owner or licensee) to register himself/herself as a taxpayer providing leasing service. He/she should collect GST on the lease amount and deposit the GST to the Government.
When the Lessor is registered, it will automatically compel the lessee also to obtain registration as taxpayer providing service of supply of food and accommodation services. The lessee can take credit of the tax paid on lease amount, so there is not extra tax burden on him.
It was further informed that in the current scenario, the lessor is neither taking registration nor paying tax on the lease amount. This is opening back door route to the Lesse to evade tax. It may be true that the lease deed is a mere bunch of paper and can be shielded, but the ongoing hotel business is hidden neither in the physical market nor in the Internet market. If the Lesse does not take the registration for the hotel business, then by default the person holding the license issued by UDHD or Municipality ‘or the BDO office to run the hotel will be responsible to pay the GST for the business turnover. Usually the license holders are property owners themselves or their nominees. It should also be noted that the Commercial Taxes Division is part of the Common Forum constituting Income Tax Department, Private Banks and Public Banks. The forum regularly shares all information about financial transactions.
In today’s state of information technology advancement it is not possible to remain hidden from the eye for a very long time. Any kind of tax, interest, and penalty can be recovered through various measures empowered in the GST Act including Auction of properties, it was stressed upon in the press conference.
Government of Sikkim organised its second edition of Mapping of Tribal Sports Talents
Mangan, January 23:The Tribal Research Institute, SJ&WD, GoS in collaboration with Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Government of Sikkim organised its second edition of Mapping of Tribal Sports Talents at Mangan today.This second edition of Mapping of Tribal Sports Talents was funded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India.Various disciplines of sports such as Archery, Table Tennis, Taekwondo and Football was conducted by the department.
The tribal children’s from the age group of 9 to 14 years lively participated into these events and displayed their skills. It was disclosed that best two talents from each categories will be consider to participate in the state level at Gangtok which is schedule to be held later. And after due selection, the best 10 talents will be sponsored to visit Sports Academy outside the state.
Objectives of the program is to provide a platform to identify an innate sports talents from these tribal children’s and introspect to inculcate same talents where they can avail an opportunity to horn their skills in a chosen games in a national and international arena.
The Mapping of Tribal Sports Talent will be subsequently held in rest of the 3 districts of state very shortly.
The programme at Mangan was attended by the Officials of Tribal Research Institute, respective coaches and the Officials from Sports and Youth Affairs Department (Gangtok & Mangan), Government of Sikkim.
MP Lok Sabha, Shri. Indra Hang Subba attends the DISHA Meeting at Gyalshing
Gyalshing, 22nd January, 2020 (IPR): The Meeting on the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) for West District organized by the Rural Development Department (RDD) and District Administration Center (DAC) was held at the West District Zilla Panchayat Conference Hall, Kyongsa, Gyalshing, West Sikkim.
The Meeting was chaired by Shri. Indra Hang Subba, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) who is also the Chairman of the DISHA Committee. The Chief Guest was accompanied by Smt. Devika Subba, Adhakshya, WDZP; Shri. Ashok Gurung, Up-Adhakshya WDZP; Shri. Karma R. Bonpo, DC West; Shri. Karma L. Lepcha, ADC West; Shri. Milan Subba, ADC Dev. (Gyalshing); Shri. Gayas Pega, ADC Dev. (Soreng); HoDs of Line Departments; Officials of DAC; Zilla Members; Panchayats and Dignitaries.
Hon’ble MP in his address to the gathering mentioned that the West District is blessed with everything and it is the duty of the Local Representatives and officials to provide the best for the public in terms of policies formulated by the Center and the State for the benefit of the rural populous. He mentioned as an elected representatives of the public it is the duty of every elected individual to work for the benefit of the rural population and be the voice to the voiceless public in implementing the public works and policies. He also stressed on the importance of the Officials who need to guide the public in being aware of the policies and its essential norms which needs to be followed by them.
He further mentioned that monitoring of the work in progress at various levels need to be properly monitored and kept in check so that the rural populous can get the best work out of the sanctioned projects and facilities. He also mentioned that the key element in the progression of the district is close inter-departmental coordination and also amongst the elected representatives. He further mentioned that the MP-LAD fund would solely be used for Education Department purposes for the year 2020. He also urged the PMGSY wing to carry out their work with more efficiency and quality. He also urged the PHE department to crosscheck their data with their counterparts to ensure marginal errors. He also directed the Energy and Power Department to implement proper distribution pattern in West District so that electricity which is an essential part of public’s lives today will not be hampered.
He further talked about the ‘Transfer Policy’ which is being formulated at the State Level to sort the issues of the lack of manpower in the districts. He also stressed on the importance of the “Zero Waste Policy” which needs to be implemented from the rural level. He also informed that the BDOs along with the Panchayats need to sensitize the public of their areas to discard their wastes in proper manner and not dump in Jhoras and streams. He also urged them to keep a check on such practices and encourage cleanliness at the rural level. He also mentioned that the DISHA Meeting needs to be done “Quarterly” for which he is willing to attend positively to see the progress of the District Administration.
DC West in his welcome address highlighted the importance of the DISHA Meeting and how crucial it is for all (Elected Representatives and Officials) to participate actively which can be beneficial to the District at large. He also floored the various issues and problems in the West District in relation to Roads, Internet Connectivity and Electricity. He also highlighted on the initiatives and progress of the District Administration.
During the Meeting detailed presentations were given by various Departments namely PMGSY; RDD; PHE; NRDWP; Agriculture and Horticulture; GMC; Energy and Power; Health and Education Department.
Sikkim Education Department Conduct Pariksha pe Charcha 2020 Event
Gangtok, January 20, 2020: The third edition of the Pariksha pe Charcha, an initiative of the Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi involving students and teachers to discuss beating exam stress, was organised today at Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi.
In Sikkim, the live telecast of this event was witnessed by a large group of students, parents and teachers at Tashi Namgyal Senior Secondary School.
The programme at TNSSS was blessed by the Hon’ble Minister for Education Sri Kunga Nima Lepcha as the Chief Guest. While addressing the gathering, the Hon’ble Minister Sri Kunga Nima Lepcha thanked the students for being present in this programme despite it being Winter Vacation for the students. He also expressed his best wishes to the students for the forthcoming examinations and encouraged the students to face every challenges of life without fear with positive attitude.
Sri GP Upadhyaya, Additional Chief Secretary, Education Department, in his address to the students, expressed his happiness on the successful organisation of this event. He further urged the students to ponder upon the advises given by the Prime Minister today while interacting with the students, especially to have a strong family bonding and talk to family members.
Sri Bhim Thatal, State Project Director, Samagra Shiksha, in his welcome address, mentioned that this is the third edition of Pariksha pe Charcha and that nine students from Sikkim participated at Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi today.
During the interaction with the Prime Minister at Talkatora Stadium, a student of Namchi SSS, Master Dipesh Rai was chosen to ask question from Sikkim. He asked the Prime Minister about how to maintain balance between life and technology.
The programme had the presence of Sri Kapil Meena, Director (Higher Education), Mrs Hondala Gyaltsen, Director (School Education), Sri Ugen Lepcha, Director (Mid-Day Meal), Joint Directors, School Principals and other officers.
The programme concluded with vote of thanks from Mr. AD Chettri, Joint Director (East), Department of Education, Government of Sikkim.
An Awareness programme on Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services
Namchi January 20(IPR) : An Awareness programme on Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services was held at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Namthang, today.
Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Departments Shri.Lok Nath Sharma graced the occasion as the Chief Guest in special presence of the Hon’ble Minister-cum-Area MLA, Namthang Rateypani Constituency Shri Sanjeet Kharel as the Guest of Honour.
During the programme, e-Voucher benefit distribution programme under MI Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana(PMKSY) Scheme was officially launched by the Hon’ble Minister. He handed over token of various facilities including construction of GENAP tank, Green House, Cold Storage Unit, Vegetable Collection Centre, Vermicompost Unit. Besides, farmers also received Sintex and Polypipe, Carnation Cultivation, Gerbera Cultivation, Maize seeds, Soil Health Card and live piglets of Hampshire breed, Cowpea ( Bodi), Kharif Fodder Seed, Backyard Poultry, Chaff Cutter, Rearing of Lactating Jersey Cow and Intensive Carp Fish Farming and subsidized loan.
In his address Minister Sharma outlined the agriculture as the important source of livelihood and added that the State Government is dedicated and committed to uplift Sikkimese people from consumer to producer.
Encouraging farmers in vegetables and milk production, he informed that the State Government will provide financial incentives for vegetable growers and milk producers from the next financial year 2020-21. The State Government has left no stone unturned to ensure progress and prosperity of the farmers as envisioned by the Hon’ble Chief Minister. Further, he directed the concerned department to develop every VLW centre as a model farming centre of empirical study for the farmers.
He also announced to establish Stockment Centre and Milk Collection Centre at Niz-Ramyang GPU. The Minister assured to introduce new technology in the state to encourage fisheries farm and increase in vegetables in the year 2020. The state government is formulating an effective strategy to protect cultivation’s from wildlife interference and to reopen Gaucharan etc., he added.
Minister-cum-Area MLA Shri Sanjeet Kharel marked the event as a historic day for the farmers as the state government has distributed facilities of more than Rupees One Crore for Namthang Rateypani Constituency. The present state government has given top priority to Agriculture, Health and Education sector. He also motivated unemployed youths to adopt agriculture as a source of livelihood and also advised to initiate dairy and goat farming.
Pr. Secretary Agriculture and Horticulture Shri R. Telang encouraged farmers towards agricultural profession and drew lights on sustainability and income generations through this profession. He also underlined advanced technology emerged in the agriculture farming sector and incentive’s the farmers to sell their agricultural produces after proper processing and packaging. He also touched upon planning of urban cluster for vegetables and contract farming.
Secretary Horticulture Shri M.T. Sherpa threw lights on ongoing schemes and programmes of Horticulture Department while the Secretary Agriculture Shri Rinzing C. Bhutia highlighted various schemes and programmes of Agriculture Department. He also informed that the department will distribute Soil Health Card to a total of sixty six thousand people in the state, which began from Namthang today.
Director Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Shri N.B. Chettri elaborated existing schemes and programmes of various sections implemented under the department. Managing Director, Sikkim Milk Union, Dr. A.B. Karki spoke on various activities recently taken up by the Milk Union and encouraged farmers for surplus production of milk.
At the onset, Minister Sharma along with the officials visited vegetable farm, demonstration unit of German Angora Rabbit, Goattery, Poultry, low cost Mushroom Unit, Technology Demonstration Unit within the premises of KVK.
The Minister also interacted with the staff and took details of various activities and further advised them to develop KVK as a model in all types of activities to encourage and support the villagers.
The dignitaries and the farmers also saw technical demonstrations based on Zero Budget: Natural Farming/ No dig farming in the field.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao week starts in north Sikkim
Mangan, January 20 (IPR): Celebration of “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao week” starts in north Sikkim from today which will conclude on January 26.For this, Additional District magistrate Shri.Surat Gurung announced the calendar of events in a District Task force Meeting which was held at DC conference hall.On January 20, a district task force and block task force meeting, signature campaign, Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao pledge ceremony was organized in district administrative centre, Mangan and all the blocks.
After this, on January 21, door-to-door joint campaign with AWW & ASHA , paste Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao sticker with massage in all the visited houses, Public buildings, panchayat offices etc. will be organized.
On 22 January, drawing, painting and writing competition among school children will be organised in schools.
Sensitization programme on value of girl child in any society and Social meetings will be held on 23 January, on the same day CDPOs will identify local champion and engage them in awareness programmes.
National Girl Child Day will be celebrated at Zilla Bhawan on January 24, where PPT on Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, cultural programme, Distribution of baby box to celebrate birth of girl child and felicitation will be organised.
Talk shows on health & nutrition, PC & PNDT Act, CSR and Child Protection will be held on January 25, while Felicitation to local champions, best girl friendly panchayats, best SMC, best front line workers, supervisor, CDPOs, best girl achievers in sports, academics, culture etc will be organised on January 26.
Concluding day of 7th CPA India Region Conference
Lucknow, Jan 19: On the concluding day of 7th CPA India Region Conference, Hon’ble Speaker, Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Shri. L.B. Das and Hon’ble Deputy Speaker, Shri. Sangay Lepcha met the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath.
The Hon’ble Chief Minister of UP presented a copy of the publication titled ‘The Tangible Culture Heritage of Humanity- Prayagraj Kumbha 2019’ to the Hon’ble Speaker and Hon’ble Deputy Speaker
Hon’ble Governor attended the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Chaurasia Samaj
Jamshedpur, Jan 19: Governor of Sikkim, Shri Ganga Prasad attended the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Chaurasia Samaj at Tulsi Bhavan, Jamshedpur today.In his address, the Governor congratulated the Chaurasia Samaj and all the members on the completion of 50 years of establishment of the Samaj. He gave the message of unity to society and urged the members to work together for the betterment of the society.“I wish the Chaurasia Samaj a joyous celebration of Golden Jubilee celebration and the service of humanity in future as well. I want people to carry forward the message of cleanliness so that others could also be motivated” said the Governor.The Governor remembered the members of the Chaurasia Samaj both past and present, for having contributed, and for being part of the great achievement of Samaj during the last 50 years of its existence.
12th Statistics Olympiad by CR Rao Institute of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science (AIMSCS)
Gangtok, Jan 19: The 12th Statistics Olympiad was conducted today at Deorali Senior Secondary School on 19th January 2020 by AIMSCS, which is a Premier Institute in the country from Hyderabad. This examination is conducted by the Institute to encourage those with an aptitude for numbers
and numerical reasoning. With the effort of the Education Department, Government of Sikkim and the CR Rao AIMSCS, Hyderabad, the examination centre was established in Sikkim. Gangtok is the only
centre for this examination from the entire North East India. Throughout the country and SriLanka, examination was conducted in 27 centres. A total of 1516 students were registered for 2 levels (Junior – Class IX & X, Senior – Class XI, XII and Degree 1st Year) out of which 1021 students were present. The eligibility for this examination is that the student should have
scored more than 70% marks in Mathematics in the preceding year.
For Gangtok Dr U Yugandhar, Director (Management Services) himself came to conduct the examnation. In Sikkim 100 Students were registered in Junior level out of which 74 were present. To motivate the students, their entry fee was paid by Samagra Shiksha, Education Department.Our State has recorded 74% attendance, which is more than the national average of 67%.Out of all the 27 centres Sikkim stood 3rd in the maximum level of participation next to Karim Nagar, AP and Trivandrum. The exam was in line with the Mathematics and Science Olympiads. Our Students got the first-time exposure to such competitive Scholarship examinations. Though it was winter vacation, the students were found enthusiastic and
many of the students felt the exam quite interesting.