Author: Pema Leezum

Gyalshing, 19 Feb (IPR): A total of 544 laptops were distributed at Chakung Science College and Soreng B. Ed. College by the HRDD officials on 18 Feb.

Around 249 Laptops were distributed to the students at Chakung Science College and 295 Laptops were handed over to the student of Soreng B. Ed. College as informed by Soreng Sub Divisional Office.

Gangtok, 19 Feb (IPR): Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Pawan Chamling today inaugurated the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Sikkim at PNG Complex in Gangtok.

Gangtok, 18 Feb (IPR): The 2nd State Level Special Olympics for Children with Special Needs under inclusive education was held today at West Point Senior Secondary School.

The event was organised by Samagra Shiksha, Human Resources Development Department and the main objective of the program was to provide a platform and opportunity to the special children to enhance their talents as well as mainstreaming them and bringing awareness on the need to organise such events amongst the public. The theme of the Special Olympics was “My disability has opened my eyes to see my abilities”.

The programme was graced by Hon’ble Minister Sports & Youth Affairs, Shri R.B. Subba, Deputy Mayor, Mrs. Lashey Doma, accompanied by State Project Director,HRDD, Shri Bhim Thatal, Joint Commissioner, Person with
Disability Social Welfare Department, Dr M.B. Chettri, Vice President of Indian Cricket Association for Blind, Shri Vivek Kumar Singh, Coach from Jharkhand, Shri Raj Kumar Singh, officials, teachers along with children with special needs from various districts.

Speaking on the event, chief guest Shri R.B. Subba highlighted the importance and benefits of hosting the special Olympics for Children with special needs and further expressed his gratitude to Samagra
Shiksha team for coming out with such a beneficial programme. He mentioned that the State government is always ready to help in every possible manner and stated that he was highly inspired to see children doing such great work despite their challenges.

The Minister further thanked the parents and teachers for giving special care, attention and support to students so that they nurture their dreams and create a niche for themselves in the society despite challenges and hardships. He wished the best in future towards each and every individual and said, “Talent of children with special needs are equivalent to other children. Everyone of you present here have the spirit to excel, therefore you must keep your spirit alive throughout your life”.

Additional Chief Secretary, HRDD, Shri G.P. Upadhyaya, gave his best wishes to the children and thanked the Samagra Shiksha for organising such an event for the Children with special needs. He hoped that such events would help the children in their overall development and would further encourage them to give their best for their coming future.

Vice President of Indian Cricket Association for Blind, Shri Vivek Kumar Singh, also thanked the State government for giving such an immense platform to the children with special needs. He also mentioned that if the State government allows then the Association would like to further establish a Centre in the State and nurture the cricket talents of these special children. He also stated that he was very happy to see such talented students supported by such devoted volunteers,teachers and officials.

Various sporting events like bouncy, football, race, cricket for blind students, etc., were held during the day and it is to be mentioned here that this is the first time in the State that cricket for blind students was organised.

The event concluded with distribution of certificates and trophies to the winners and participants as well as mementos to the guests.

Gangtok, 18 Feb (IPR): The Seventh Session (Part-VI) of the Ninth Assembly of Sikkim Legislative Assembly began with Obituary Reference on the demise of Late Shri C.B. Rai, former Member of Sikkim Legislative Assembly, who passed away on 02 Feb, 2019 at his residence in Chakhung, West Sikkim at the age of 86 years.

Speaker, Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Shri K.N. Rai, while paying his obeisance to Late Shri Chandra Bahadur Rai remembered him as a dedicated social worker and a successful politician. He informed that Late Shri Rai was born on 21 May, 1933 to parents Shri Chatarman Rai and Smt Hasta Maya Rai. He started his career as a teacher and went on to establish schools where he contributed as a committee teacher. He also went to Nepal where he worked as a teacher for about five years.

After returning to Sikkim, he taught in Sribadam School for a brief period, before taking retirement from his profession and fully committing himself to social work. Subsequently, the people of Chakhung unanimously elected him as Panchayat. Late Shri C.B. Rai went on to become an MLA under the Rising Sun Party.

In recognition of his valuable contribution to the State, the State Government conferred upon him the L.D. Kazi Award for Democratic Movement on the occasion of State Day in 2016.

Concluding his obituary reference, Speaker Shri K.N. Rai said that the State has lost one of the most experienced politicians.

The Speaker also expressed deep anguish over the terrorist attack and killing of 43 CRPF jawans of the Indian Army in Pulwama District of Jammu & Kashmir on 14 Feb, 2019. He expressed profound sorrow over the lives lost and offered heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs.

Leader of the House, Chief Minister Shri Pawan Chamling in his obituary reference said that Late Shri Chandra Bahadur Rai was born at a time when there was no democracy and opportunity in Sikkim.

The Chief Minister expressed heartfelt condolences to the family of Late Shri C.B. Rai. He stated that Late Shri C.B. Rai will be remembered for his enormous contribution in the education and other social sectors in the State. He took education as a service. He has played pivotal role in laying the foundation of education in Sikkim, shared the Chief Minister.

Late Shri C.B. Rai is survived by his three sons, one daughter and four grandchildren. Later, after overwhelming support from the people of the region, he was elected as a Panchayat and subsequently as an MLA. He also served as the Chairman of Sikkim Bank.

The Chief Minister announced that Sinchona School in West Sikkim will be renamed after Late Shri C.B. Rai. The same was proposed by Minister Shri R.B. Subba in his obituary reference earlier.

Chief Minister Shri Pawan Chamling condemned the cowardly act of terrorists to bring down 43 Indian Army Jawans in Pulwama District of Jammu & Kashmir on 14 Feb, 2019. He said that the heinous act is not only an attack on the CRPF jawans but on the entire humanity. He urged the entire country to condemn this act.

The Chief Minister expressed heartfelt condolences to the family members of the martyred jawans and reiterated that the Government of Sikkim will present an exgratia amount of Rs 3 Lakh to each of the families of the martyrs. He also reiterated that the Government of Sikkim will wholeheartedly support any policy decision taken by the Central Government in response to the terrorist attack. He further said that if the Government of India permits, the Government of Sikkim would sponsor the education of the children of the 43 martyrs.

Minister in charge of Human Resource Development Department, Shri R.B Subba, also participated in the obituary references.

The House observed two minutes silence as mark of respect for the departed souls.

During the Legislative Business, two Bills were introduced in the House.
Chief Minister Shri Pawan Chamling, also the Minister in Charge of Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department, introduced the Sikkim Regulation of Transfer of Land (Amendment) Bill, Bill No. 2 of 2019.

The Bill aims to ensure protection against alienation of the land holding of the Limboo community. Following persistent demand of the Limboo community for protection against alienation of Land belonging to the person of Limboo Community and with a view to ensure such protection of the interest of Land of the said community, Sections 3(A) and 3(B) have been proposed for insertion in the Act.

Likewise, Smt Tulshi Devi Rai, Minister in Charge of Social Justice, Empowerment & Welfare Department introduced the Sikkim Prohibition of Beggary (Amendment) Bill, Bill No. 3 of 2019.

The Bill seeks to amend section 25 of the Sikkim Prohibition of Beggary Act, 2004 which cast stigma on the persons suffering from leprosy and also create a disability for them as per the direction given by Hon’ble Supreme Court in its order dated 24/04/2018 in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 1151/2017 in the matter of Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy versus Union of India.

Discussion and voting on both the Bills would be taken up on the second day of the session on 20 Feb, 2019.

During the Financial Business, Chief Minister Shri Pawan Chamling, also the Minister in Charge of Finance Revenue and Expenditure Department, presented the Vote of Account for the State of Sikkim for six months starting April to September 2019 to the tune of Rs. 356629.60 Lakh comprising of Rs. 271388.39 Lakh on Revenue Account and Rs. 85241.21 Lakh on Capital Account.

The discussion and voting on the Vote on Account would take place on 20 Feb, 2019.

After the day’s session, the Members of the Legislative Assembly participated in a hands-on demonstration of the functioning of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) and Voter Verification Paper Audit Trial (VVPAT) organized by the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Sikkim at the Assembly Secretariat.

Gyalshing, 18 Feb (IPR): The first round of training for Presiding Officers and first Polling Officers commenced in West district from today at two venues namely Conference Hall, Zilla Bhawan and EVM warehouse, Kyongsa, Gyalshing. District Collector, West, Dr. A.B. Karki, along with Additional DC, Karma Lodey Lepcha, chaired the programme.

Resource persons for the training were Shri Karma L. Lepcha (ADC West), Shri Tushar G. Nikhare (SDM Gyalshing), Smt Karma Sonam Choden Tongden Lepcha (D.E. Power), Shri Santosh Allay (Senior Welfare Officer) and Shri Dilip Sharma (DCSO). A total of 104 Presiding Officers and first Polling Officers attended the training on the first day.

The Presiding Officers and first Polling Officer were briefed about their roles and responsibilities with respect to the conduct of election. The functioning of the EVM & VVPAT were also explained to them along with the hands-on training session was also conducted to familiarize EVM & VVPAT.

The significance of the conduct of mock poll was emphasized and all the necessary procedures pertaining to the polling process was demonstrated during the training.

Ms. Sonam Palmu Bhutia (US, Election) displayed PowerPoint presentation on Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) and gave hands-on training on Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) and VVPAT and its technical aspects to the participants.

The three-daylong training will conclude on 20 Feb, 2019.

Mangan, 17 Feb (IPR): The District Level Sports Competition which commenced on 11th February concluded today at Mangan Public ground. The competition was organised by the “Khelo India” District Committee under the chairmanship of District Collector, Shri Karma R. Bonpo, and Deputy Director, Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Mrs Janim Lepcha, as the Member Secretary.

The competition carried on the theme “Sports for Peace and Development”. Competitions were held block wise in different categories viz Under 14 Athletics, Football, Table Tennis and for Under 19 category competitions were held in Athletics, Badminton, Football, Table tennis Taekwondo, Volleyball, Boxing and Archery. Residential facilities were provided to all the participants from the remote areas.

Earlier, a special coaching camp was also held for the students from different blocks in various sports disciplines during the winter vacations.

The Khelo India competitions have made a huge difference as it has attracted many youth into taking up sports in a serious way. The residential coaching facilities have enabled youths from remote areas to hone their skills. The coaches from the Sports & Youth Affairs Department have undertaken a tremendous job of developing the skills of the youths in the district.

Gangtok, Feb 16 (IPR): Keeping in view the upcoming general elections 2019 and to sensitize the Police Officers about their role and responsibilities during the election, the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer organized day long workshop at Conference Hall of Police Headquarter here today.

The inaugural session of workshop was attended by the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Shri R. Telang, Director General of Police (DGP), Shri S.D. Negi and high rank police officials. During the session, CEO and DGP took several queries from the trainees and cleared their doubts.

The workshop had participation of police officers including IGP Law and Order, Shri Gyanendra Kumar Verma, DIGP, Shri D.B Giri, Superintendent of Police of all four districts and ASPs, SDPOs and SHOs of all police stations.

IG Law and Order Shri Verma informed that all the official will be under the direct supervision of ECI once the Election is notified by the commission. He urged police officers to ensure free and fair elections in the State.

ASP, Sonam D Bhutia spoke about the general policing for forthcoming general election in the state.

Resource Person, District Electoral Officer, Shri Karma R. Bonpo briefed in detail about the different procedure of security arrangements as per the Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines during the poll and officials role of police officers. He spoke about various law and order measure during pre poll, post poll and during poll.

Post lunch session had another resource person, State Level Master Trainer, Shri Yadav K Sharma where he made officials familiar with the Model Code of Conduct and its violation.

Assistant Director (IT), Election Shri Zangpo Gyaltshen Bhutia informed about android based mobile application service – cVIGIL, which was launched by the Election Commission of India. This cVIGIL mobile application can be used by any citizen to report to commission directly on the violation of Model Code of Conduct during the election, it was informed.

Additional CEO, Ms Roshni Rai informed the gathering about Voter Helpline mobile application, Toll-free Helpline number 1950, web portal nvsp.in and ceosikkim.nic.in. She further mentioned that by using all voter helpline app, toll free number and web portal any citizen can check their EPIC number, electoral registration, polling station and other election related issue at anytime between 9 am to 6 pm in all working days.

Gyalshing, 16 Feb (IPR): A Legal Services camp was organized by District Legal Services Authority, West in coordination with Sikkim State Legal Services Authority under the aegis of National Legal Services Authority on NALSA (Effective Implementation of Poverty Alleviation) Scheme, 2015, NALSA (Child Friendly Legal Services to Children and their Protection) Scheme 2015 and NALSA (Protection and Enforcement of Tribal Rights) Scheme 2015 at Upper Rimbik, West Sikkim.

The programme was chaired by Hon’ble District &Sessions Judge cum Chairperson, Mr.Jiwan Kr.Kharka, DLSA (W), Ld. Chief Judicial Magistrate, Ms.Subarna Rai, Ld. Secretary cum Judicial Magistrate, Ms. Zamyang Choden Bhutia, Mr. Santosh Allay, Sr.Welfare Officer from Social Welfare Deptt, Ms.Reevena Chettri, Social worker from District Child Protection Unit, Panel Advocates Ms. Puja Lamichaney, Ms.Aita Hangma and Ms.Sashi Pradhan.

The schemes of the Government were disemminated to the public. Applications were collected from the people, Applications were also drafted for filing cases in the Lok Adalat.

The crowd was also informed about the various provisions of law including Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, Sikkim Anti Drugs Act and free legal aid services. The program concluded with an interactive session which witnessed the participation of many local Gentries.

Gangtok, Feb 16 (IPR): First round of training for Presiding Officers and first Polling Officers commenced in East district from today at three venues namely Conference Hall DAC Sichey, Conference Hall Zilla Bhawan and Conference Hall CEO office, Baluwakhani.

The resource person for the training was Shri Bharani Kumaar, ADC/East, Shri Sunil Mothey SDM/HQ East and Shri Mahesh Sharma SDM/Kabi respectively. A total of 87 Presiding Officers and 94 first Polling Officers attended the training today.

The presiding Officers and first Polling Officer were briefed about their roles and responsibilities with respect to the conduct of election. The functioning of the EVM & VVPAT was also explained to them and a hands-on training session was also conducted to familiarize EVM & VVPAT. The significance of the conduct of mock poll was emphasized and all the necessary procedures pertaining to the polling process was demonstrated.

The training to Presiding and first Polling officers for East district shall be held in three rounds. Next batch of 1st round training is scheduled to be held on 18th Feb and 26th Feb. 2019.