Author: Pema Leezum

Awareness rally on Har Ghar Tiranga program commences at M.G. Marg

Gangtok, August 12 (IPR): Under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Advisors and Chairpersons under the Government of Sikkim organised an awareness rally on Har Ghar Tiranga programme today that commenced from M.G. Marg and culminated at Ridge Park in Gangtok today.
At the onset, a brief event was held at M.G. Marg that featured patriotic songs presented by Culture Department, a display band performance by Sikkim Police, and a helicopter flower drop shows by Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC).
The awareness rally had the participation of senior Advisors, Advisors, and Chairpersons of different capacities under the Government of Sikkim along with Councillors, officials and staff of the Culture Department, STDC and TAAS members, and other dignitaries.
The rally concluded with the address of Political Advisor to HCM, Shri S.G. Kaleon, wherein he extended gratitude to all for their active participation in the rally, reflecting the spirit of brotherhood and unity within the State.
Advisor, IPR Department, Shri Birendra Tamling, informed that similar programmes were carried out in the districts of Namchi, Soreng and Gyalshing on 7th August under the guidance of Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang. The rally today has been conducted with the collaborative efforts of Advisors, Chairpersons and Councillors of the State Government for Gangtok, Mangan, and Pakyong districts.
He urged all citizens to strengthen the Har Ghar Tiranga movement in the State and appealed to take a pledge to hoist the Tiranga in their homes between 13-15 August.

HCM inaugurates an Old Age Home at Boomtar

Namchi, 12th August (IPR): The Chief Minister Mr. Prem Singh Tamang inaugurated Old Age Home (Jyestha Nagrik Sewa Samman Kendra) at Boomtar, Namchi District, today. He was accompanied by his spouse Ms. Krishna Rai, Minister Women and Child Development Department Dr. M. K. Sharma, Secretary Women and Child Development Department Ms. Ganga D. Pradhan, Secretary Social Welfare Department Mr. Tshewang Gyacho, DC (Namchi) Mr. M. Bharani Kumar, General Secretary Drishti NGO Mr. Passang Bhutia and Official from various departments.
The approximate cost of constructing this home is Rs. 587.70 lakhs and has been funded by North Eastern Council (NEC), Ministry of DoNER, GOI with a 90: 10 center-state funding pattern.
It may also be mentioned that this Old Age Home has been handed over to a Namchi-based Non-Government Organization named Dristhi, for further functioning of old age home.
After the inauguration, the Chief Minister along with other dignitaries inspected the home and its surrounding premises. It may be mentioned that the total built-up plinth area of the building is 2227 Sqm. This structure can accommodate 70 people. There are double and triple-bedded rooms with attached bathrooms that can accommodate 48 people and two dormitories that can accommodate 16 males and 6 females respectively. A wide ramp links all the floors. There is a dining hall, a kitchen, a reception room, a caretaker’s room and an administrative office. A separate dispensary unit has also been accommodated with a doctor’s chamber, a nurse station and male and female wards. The complex can park 15 vehicles at a time and is replete with fencing for security purposes aided by CCTVs. Care has been taken for the supply of adequate potable water for the residents. Additionally, an area has also been provided wherein the residents can offer their daily prayers.

A district level competition organized by the Office of the Chief Education Officer Pakyong District

A district-level competition as a part of the “Har Ghar Tiranga “ Campaign under Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav to mark 75 years of Independence was organized on 11th August 2022 at Dikling Sr. Sec School, Auditorium by the Office of the Chief Education Officer, Pakyong District, Education Department.
The programme was attended by Shri Sonam Denzongpa, Director Exam/Scholarship, Education Department along with CEO Pakyong, JD Pakyong and Rangpo Sub-Division, Deputy Directors, Principal Dikling SSS, Assistant Directors, AEOs, block officials, CRCCs, Heads of schools, escort teachers and contestant from all five blocks under Pakyong District.
The programme started with the lighting of lamps by the Chief Guest. Shri AD Chettri, CEO Pakyong highlighted the different activities on AKAM undertaken at the school level, cluster level, block level and finally the district level competition. He stated that such activities should be taken as an integral part of teaching-learning. He also focused on the importance of such activities for the holistic development of students in his address.
During the programme, a quiz competition, patriotic song competition, elocution competition, self-composed poem recitation competition, and essay and painting competition was conducted where Mr PR Rizal, and Pradip Lamsal were a panel of judges in poem and elocution competition. Mr KB Chettri, Mr. Kamal Dahal and Deo Raj Bagdas judged the patriotic song competition and painting competition.
Addressing the gathering the Chief Guest Shri Sonam Denzongpa, Director, remembered the freedom fighters and he made the gathering aware of the importance of freedom and independence of India.
Shri KB Chettri, JD Rangpo announced the result of the competition. In the Painting competition Chitish Gurung of Pachey SSS, Adarsh Chettri of Lower Dalapchand PS and Tayalong Rai of Thungsung PS stood first, second and third position respectively. Ruchi Hangma Rai of Chujachen SSS, Ankita Sharma of Parakha JHS and Ayushka Rizal of Tareythang SS came first, second and third respectively.
In the Essay writing competition Pramila Chettri of Rhenock SSS stood first, Sishtri Sharma of TL Niraula SSS stood second and Rinchen Sherpa of EMRS Parakha came to the third position.Bishal Bashtakoti of bering SSS Sukriti Chettri of Rhenock SSS and Ashmita Chettri of Duga SS stood first
second and third respectively.
In the patriotic song competition, Rangpo SSS, Duga BAC became the winner whereas KPT SS Rongli, Regu BAC and Linkey Cluster, Parakha BAC stood second and third position respectively.
The winners were awarded certificates and trophies by the Chief Guest and other dignitaries. The winner of the patriotic song Competition- Rangpo SSS will participate in state level competition on13th August 2022 at Modern Sr. Sec. School, Gangtok.

Press Release from Road & Bridges Department Namchi District

Namchi, 11th August: The Construction of a 55m Steel Bridge over Kateng Kali Khola, Namthang, Sikkim having a total span of 55 m has been constructed with a total estimate of ₹. 11.83 Crores which was funded by the North Eastern Council under the North East Road Sector Development Scheme (NERSDS).
The work commenced in January 2020 and has been completed. The load carrying capacity of the bridge is 70R with a carriageway width of 7.5 m.
The constructed bridge would enable reliable all-weather connectivity for Namthang and Melli under Namchi District. Besides, providing dependable connectivity for the local inhabitants, institutions in the nearby towns and rural marketing centers, it will also enable the shortest connectivity to Siliguri for the people residing in Namthang, Passi, Kateng area. The completion of this bridge at Kateng would also serve as important intra-district connectivity.
Now, the department is fortunate to complete the bridge and inaugurate today on the auspicious occasion of India celebrating the 75th year of Independence i.e., Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and we are grateful to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Hon’ble Minister and Hon’ble Advisor for their timely support for completion of this bridge. We are again thankful to Shri Samdup Lepcha, Hon’ble Minister, Roads & Bridges Department and Shri Sanjit Kharel, Minister, Building and Housing and Transport Department who is also the area MLA for dedicating the bridge to the Sikkimese people for the overall development of this region which would definitely contribute in the socio-economic development of the local inhabitants and the state as a whole in general. We are also thankful to the Contractor Shri Madan Tamang for the completion of the bridge within 30 months despite several hindrances like Covid – 19 Pandemic and natural calamities.

The 9th day of the Independence day celebration at Gyalshing

Gyalshing, 11 August (IPR): Along with the nation, the Gyalshing district continues to celebrate its ongoing District Level 76th Independence day celebration and enters into the 9th day of the celebration with patriotic fervour and reverence.
The celebration has the gracious presence of the Hon’ble Minister for Power & Energy and Labour Department Shri. M. N. Sherpa as the chief guest of the day in the esteemed presence of the Hon’ble Minister PHE & Water Resources-cum-Chief Patronage (IDCC), Gyalshing Shri Bhim Hang Limboo. The guest of the honour was Shri. Sonam Dorjee Bhutia, Additional Chief Engineer, Power Department, Gyalshing in the special presence of Shri. Hari Narayan Subedi, Chairman PHE and District Collector, Gyalshing Smt. Yishey D. Yongda.
The chief guest, guest of honour and the dignitaries were accorded a warm welcome with offerings of traditional scarves and a flower bouquet followed by the lightning of the ceremonial lamp and honouring the Nation Anthem.
Addressing the august gathering, Hon’ble Minister Shri. Sherpa extended his deepest appreciation and gratitude to the Celebration committee for the honour. He emphasized and informed the gathering about the Sikkim Building and Other Construction Workers(BOCW) Welfare Board and the welfare benefits that can be availed by the construction workers registered under the BOCW act. He drew limelight upon the following welfare benefits in favour of building and construction workers under the leadership and direction of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri. P. S Golay.
1. Maternity benefits Rs.30000
2. Marriage benefits Rs.20000
3. Minor injury assistance Rs.20000
4. Funeral Expenses Rs. 20000
5. Medical assistance Rs. 20000
6. One-time pension of Rs. 500000
7. Partial disability assistance Rs. 10000 to 300000
8. Permanent disability assistance/death in course of employment Rs. 500000
9. Natural death of registered workers Rs. 20000
10. Free education to the children of registered workers and hostel accommodation in Gangtok.
11. Coverage under Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Mandhan Yojana(PMSYMS)
12. Coverage under Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Jan Arogya Yojana(PMABJAY).
In his concluding remarks, he congratulated the District Administration and the organising committee for celebrating the national event in a befitting and grandeur manner.
The organising committee of IDCC, Gyalshing handed over the momentous to the chief guest and the guest of honour as a token of honour and appreciation.
The football tournament of the day was kicked off with the women’s football match played between Sports Wing West District Versus USSCA Aho Gangtok and the former team emerged as the winner with a score of 4-0. Subsequently, the veteran’s football match was also exhibited between the Gyalshing-Bermoik constituency versus the Yuksam-Tashiding constituency comprising national and quality players of veterans. This match was organised to boost up the sporting spirit of the younger generation of the region. The latter team won the match by 4 nil.
Finally, the most awaited and the highlight of the celebration kick-started with the immersing football match played between Local Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA), Gyalshing versus Darpan FC in which LTDA secured its place safe for the semi-finals of the tournament by 1 nil followed by the second match contested between PHE department versus Jan Kalyan Samaj, Nayabusty where the former team emerged as the second semi-finalists by 2 against 1.
In the midst of the event, the Minister-cum-chief guest of the day handed over the cheques of rupees 5000 each as the COVID financial assistance to the construction workers registered as beneficiaries. The assistance was distributed under the Buildings and Other Construction Workers(BOCW) Welfare act 1996 and approximately 700 beneficiaries have availed the benefit under Gyalshing District.
In between, an announcement was made on the Medhavi skills University established at Bermoik Berthang under Gyalshing – Bermoik constituency is all set for admission with the facilities of 100% job placement. The pamphlet consisting of courses and specialization was also distributed for information and wide publicity.
Among the guests attending the celebration were SDM(HQ), Gyalshing, Joint labour commissioner, Labour Department, SE Power, SE RDD, Officials of the district and the spectators at large.
At the outset, the welcome address was presented by Shri. K. B.Limboo CLC General Secretary Yangthang and the celebration for the day concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Shri. Nosang Limboo, General Secretary IDCC, Gyalshing.

Press Release from the Office of BDO Rhenock

Pakyong, August 11: MLA Rhenock Shri. Bishnu Kumar Khatiwara graced the program with his presence on Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav organized at the premises of the Block Administrative Centre-Rhenock, today. The program was also attended by Zila Adhyaksha East- Shri. S.S. Bangkhim, Chairman SSCS Shri. Santosh Pradhan, Shri. Damber Pradhan, SDM Rongli -Shri. D.S. Limboo, SDPO Rongli-Shri. Motilal Pradhan, SHO and staff of Rhenock PS, Dty Commander SSB Shri. Jashbir Singh and Jawans, BDO Rhenock Shri. R.K. Gurung, BDO Reghu Shri. Sawan Dhakal, ADM Rhenock College Shri. Dilli Prasad Adhikari, Assistant Director, Sports and youth affairs Shri. Pitso Bhutia, Zilla Panchayat Rhenock-Tarpin Smt. Indira Hingmang, Aritar Zilla Panchayat Shri. N.B. Chettri, Panchayat President Rhenock Shri. Bhushan Adhikari, Panchayat President Aritar Shri. Hem Chandra Pradhan, other Panchayat members,SHGs, ASHA workers, School Heads, HDO Horticulture, in Charge of Fire and Emergency service, BAC Staff, Students from different schools and all other dignitaries.
At the outset of the program, Shri khatiwara flagged off the Chief Minister 1 mile Run from Tarpin Sec. School to BAC Rhenock. The program started with the hoisting of the national flag, followed by a guard of honor by SSB Jawans and the national anthem.
Different cultural dances and patriotic songs were performed by the students of Rhenock Sr.Sec. School, Rhenock Bazar JHS, Ratna Bdr Gurung Sec. School, Tarpin, Reshi P.S, Rungdung P.S, Tarpin Salghari P.S, Greenwood academy and BAC staff.
The program was also addressed by Panchayat President Rhenock GPU Shri. Bhushan Adhikari.
In between the program, the volleyball final match was also played between Fire Service Rhenock defeating Rhenock GPU.
Shri Bishnu Kumar Khatiwara in his speech focused on the importance of celebrating Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. To encourage the participants, he also announced cash prizes to the cultural team, ASHA and ICDS workers. To mark the sacrifice of freedom fighters he has instructed the public of Rhenock to light the candle on the evening of 15th August 2022 in Rhenock Bazar.
The program concluded with the prize distribution of the various sports events which was conducted on the 10th & 11th of August, in the category of Men’s and Women’s double Badminton, Chess, CM 1 mile Run, Volleyball boys etc.