Author: Pema Leezum

Minister Sharma was accompanied by Advisor, AH&VS Shri Durga Prasad Pradhan, DC(Gyalshing) Smt. Yeshey D.Yongda, SSP (Gyalshing)Shri Hari Chettri, CMO Dr. Bikash Pradhan& DMS Shri N.Bhutia visited all sections/offices and later inspected the new digital X-Ray Lab too.

At the conference hall, a short meeting was convened wherein CMO District Hospital Gyalshing Dr.Pradhan proposed a welcome address and highlighted on shortage of Nurses and the General Duty Medical officers. DC (Gyalshing) Smt.Yeshey D.Yongda in her brief address highlighted the need for at least 57 nurses and some doctors. While talking about avenues of further studies, she requested the Hon’ble Minister for his kind consideration for setting up of B.Sc(Nursing) College at Gyalshing periphery and fulfill the wish of interested nursing aspirants in the district and state.

Minister Sharma in his short speech thanked and congratulated all concerned officials of DHG for setting up of new building and showed his gesture of appreciation by offering a traditional scarf to contractor Mr.Navin Agarwal. And, informed on the historic changes that had been taken place in the health sector on this particular day, significantly in surgery and dialysis in the form of much-needed equipment in DHG for general public convenience. In regards, to floored Heartiest of his thankful gesture towards HCM Shri Prem Singh Tamang for his keen interest and applauded for his visionary interventions in the health sector of the State. Further, he even informed me that MRI and Citi Scan will come in near future at DHG . Talking about the staff shortage, assured you it will be solved very soon but till then the DHG should manage with whatever available resources.

The program concluded with a vote of thanks which was proposed by Shri N.Bhutia DMS DHG.

The meeting had the presence of Joint Labour Commissioner, Ms Tashi Wangmu Sherpa, officers and staff of the Labour Department, and drivers’ association members from the State.

The main objective of the meeting was to generate awareness among the working drivers in the State about the benefits of the scheme for registered drivers in the State of Sikkim under the Sikkim Labour (Regulation of Employment and Condition of Service) Act, 2021.

The scheme will build a comprehensive database of the unorganised workforce and will also help deliver social security schemes implemented by the Central and State government.

An open discussion was held where all the queries of the concerned drivers were laid before the chair and were discussed thoroughly. A series of suggestions were put forth on the table by the members, and the chair welcomed their valuable inputs and assured them that the department under the Government will take up the necessary course of action ahead.

The discussion was fruitful and the objective of the meeting was fully met. The vision of the scheme was supported by all the members present and the chair also took the comments raised during the discussion into account. Overall the meeting brought much insight into the benefits of the schemes.

The Secretary further informed that the drivers can register on the e-SHRAM portal where each registered one will be provided with a unique Universal Account Number (UAN) and they can avail various benefits of the social security schemes. She also informed that the workers registered under the scheme will be given accidental Insurance under Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY).

Earlier, Joint Labour Commissioner, Ms Tashi Wangmu Sherpa briefed the association members about The Sikkim Labour (Regulation of Employment and Condition of Service) Act, 2021.

The Act is to provide a comprehensive database, of the entire spectrum of Workforce, Intermediaries or Service-Providers or Sub-Service Providers, Owners, Employers and Establishments and annual licensing of Service-Providers or Sub Service-Providers and establishment to enable the various Programme-implementing agencies to effectively execute the plethora of existing welfare-schemes and to capacitate the State Government to frame rules, regulation, guidelines and programmes for improving the working and living conditions of labourers and to protect them from exploitation by their employers.

It is to be noted that the department had come up with a toll-free number regarding any labour queries: 18003451474.

The team presented a summary of the project assigned by the Ministry of External Affairs about the possibility of opening the borders of Northeastern states with the neighboring countries, including Nepal. They also briefed the Hon’ble Chief Minister about their visit to Uttaray and Chiwabhyanzang in Gyalshing District, Sikkim, and informed that the Minister for DoNER, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, had instructed them to visit Sikkim and report the possibilities of trade between India (Sikkim) with the neighboring country Nepal.

Expressing that this will benefit both the countries, the team added that opening the border and developing modern integrated land ports can boost tourism, health, education, and the trade sector. The team also mentioned that all the stakeholders and the local officials supported them during their tour, imparting valuable suggestions for the development of infrastructure and opening the border trade with the neighboring country Nepal.

The Hon’ble Chief Minister expressed that the move can be fruitful for Sikkim and wished the team the best for their project. He also expressed his gratitude to the Government of India led by PM Shri Narendra Modi for approving in principle, the expansion of the National Highway from Nayabazar to Chiwabhanzyang via Sombaria, Soreng, Dentam and Uttaray.

The Hon’ble Chief Minister is also likely to approach the Government of India for constructing the road through Gati Shakti for the all-around development of the state.

The program had the presence of District Collector, Smt. Yishey D. Yongda along with Shri. Gopal K. Chettri, SDM(HQ), Shri. Amar Subba(Marathoner), Shri. Hissey Bhutia, recovered drug user (guest speaker) Nagar Panchayat & Gram Panchayat members, Police Personnel, Students, NGO members, businessmen, taxi operators, officials and the public at large.

The pledge for Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan was administered by the District Collector and articulated the role of students and civil society in curbing the drug abuse menace. She also mentioned an initiative of the District Administration to conduct Career Counselling for the students of all senior secondary schools in the district. Further, the District Collector informed about the ban on the use of plastics and the establishment of the E-Waste Collection Unit on the DAC premises.

Afterward, a brief presentation on Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan was generalized by the SDM(HQ) and the five best placards made by the students were selected and awarded.

An awareness rally and sensitization program was also conducted with maximum participation of officials, students and local gentry at Gyalshing market.

Shri Em Prasad Sharma graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and Chairman Shri Ganza Bhutia was the guest of honour.

The programme embarked with a rally from St. Xavier’s School to Panchayat Bhawan, Pakyong

The objective of the programme was to sensitize everyone about the effects of drugs in the personal and social spheres of human life.

The programme included a vibrant and colourful display of talent in the form of song and dance performances.

Additional SP, Shri Rinzing Chopel Rai, in his speech gave a brief history of Anti-Drugs Awareness which began in 1979. He talked about measures taken by the Police to curb the menace of drug addiction in our society. He appreciated the attitudinal change in our society towards drug addicts which is no longer considered a crime. He also gave a brief history of SADA in the state of Sikkim. In the end, he said that everyone has a choice to choose between drug addiction and clean living despite the circumstances taking place in our life.

Addiction Medicine Specialist, Singtam Hospital, Dr. Satish Rasaily in his address said that the only way to control drug addiction is to reform, educate and sensitize with coordinated efforts from line departments and the family members of the addict. He gave statistics about various drugs and apprised everyone about the rise of the use of brown sugar drugs in the State in recent times which is leading to crime and economic crisis in families and the communities where it is distributed.

He talked about the economical and social effects caused by drugs in the State. He informed everyone about the use of expensive drugs like brown sugar which is leading to an economic crisis in the families of the user. Further, he said that various services to drug addicts are now available in district hospitals, CHC and PHCs. He concluded his speech by giving the message to accept addiction as a disease just like non-communicable diseases like Cancer, Diabetes and Hypertension.

Motivational speaker Shri Premius Bhutia from Darjeeling shared his testimony about his struggles as an alcoholic and drug user for 36 years and how he overcame the addiction. He encouraged the youth to avoid drugs and requested addicts to come forward as the State has facilities to deal with it. He appreciated the work of Pakyong Police and line departments in dealing with drug addiction and hoped that Pakyong will one day be a nasha mukta district.

Secretary, Excise Department, Shri Tshering Namgyal Bhutia, said that today drug has become an international concern and it has destroyed thousands of individuals and their families. He requested everyone that three things are needed to fight drug abuse and they are awareness, motivation and will power. He ended his speech by requesting youth to be motivated, aware and have the will power to avoid drugs.

Chairman, Excise Department, Shri Ganza Bhutia, in his short address, said that counselling and awareness among young children about drugs is an important step towards curbing drug addiction. He hoped that Pakyong would be the first Nasha Mukta district in the State.

Area MLA, Shri Em Prasad Sharma, in his address said that drug abuse is of serious concern to the people of the State. He requested the youth to avoid drugs at all costs and advised the addicts to turn to rehab centres. In this context, he assured the victims of drug abuse that he will leave no stone unturned to assist them in their recovery. Further, he said that there should be coordination between line departments, NGOs, the public, drivers and schools to make Pakyong a drug-free district. He highlighted measures taken by line departments to curb drug trafficking in the district and hoped that drug cases would decrease due to these efforts.

During the programme, the anti-drugs pledge was administered by Sub-Inspector, Excise Department, Shri Dinesh Siwakoti.

The dignitaries present in the programme Advisor Food and Civil Supplies-Shri Inchun Bhutia, Shri. Tshering Bhutia, D.C Pakyong, SDM (HQ), SDM Pakyong, Chairmans, Advisor Shri Tshering Bhutia, Assistant Commissioner(Narcotics) Smt. Tenzin Keyzom Bhutia, Deputy Director (Excise Department) Smt. Prakriti Pradhan, SDPO Pakyong- Shri Pradeep Chettri, Panchayat members, representatives from SARATHI, representatives from rehab centres, police personnel, students and the general public.

Manav Utthan Sewa Samiti is a Socio- Spiritual & Charitable Organisation working at a global level with an objective to awaken the consciousness of mankind.

M. Akhelesh Baiji, Sikkim/ Darjeeling Pravari and M. Adhina Baijee Incharge of MUSS Uttar Purvanchal Kshetra Siliguri illuminated the crowd with their sermon. They highlighted the need for spiritual knowledge, which can impart tranquillity and equipoise to solve our life problems by teaching us moral and human values. It can even appeal to atheists and non-religious believers.

The ceremony also witnessed the performance of melodious bhajans by the students and members of Manav Utthan Sewa Samiti. The programme followed with the felicitation of Bal Sabha Participants and then, the participants of Sikkim Idols from Bal Sabha who managed to reach the top 25 at the Sikkim Idol Singing Competition were also felicitated.

The event had a pledge-taking ceremony as well, on the occasion of “International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.”, with the theme “Addressing drug challenges in health and humanitarian crises.”

Hon’ble Chief Minister was also felicitated by the Samiti for his commendable governance and was presented a Momento by Manav Utthan Sewa Samiti, Sikkim Youth Wing.

Hon’ble Chief Minister in his address congratulated Satpalji Maharaj and the Samiti for organising a spiritual camp which is very crucial at this hour. He also emphasised International Drug Day which happened to be today. HCM requested all the citizens to take this matter seriously and take a pledge to fight against substance abuse and make plus keep our society free from substance abuse.

He emphasised youth and stated that the youth are the energy, power and strength of the nation. If youth are in the right direction then our nation too shall flourish along with the preservation of our culture and tradition. He added that our culture has always taught us to love and respect our parents which should be followed by every generation. Children these days are overly concerned or preoccupied with material possessions rather than with intellectual or spiritual things. One will never be happy with materialistic things, hence spiritual knowledge will guide an individual on the right path. He gave an example of himself of how spirituality has helped him to be calm and patient in life. Students can as well benefit from the scholarship scheme to 20 top Universities of the world with a grant of Rupees 50 lakhs.

Further, he said that if the public wants then, after 10 years of ruling as a Chief Minister, he shall retire happily from politics and then shall move towards social work. He has always served the citizens and shall be doing that forever.

He thanked Manav Utthan Sewa Samithi for awarding the nation and added that it isn’t dharma, instead it’s ideology. If we understand our inner knowledge of spirituality, then there’ll be no fight or jealousy among us. He discussed the upcoming projects of the meditation centre of Nandugoan and said that the project will be completed by 2023.

He also highlighted the functioning of Sikkim Garib Kalyan Prakosta, Medical support to patients belonging to lower-income levels and financial aid to lessen the burdens of treatment have been provided. Ambulance services to each district have also been provided, and which had been a great help during the Covid lockdown. 9 caretakers were hired and trained to take care of senior citizens who have been discarded by their children.

Likewise he also declared that Kafectar land has been proposed for the construction of Cancer Hospital with the latest technology and shall be one of the best of its kind.

He also briefed on the Prime Minister’s “Agneepath Scheme”, which is an army recruiting programme. The Scheme is intended to recruit personnel for the Army, Navy and Air force, who are between the age of 17 and a half years to 23 years. The youth who get recruited under the scheme is designated as “AGNIVEERS”

He concluded by thanking the Samiti and requested every individual to work together and build our nation strong, which is also the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s dream.

The programme also had the presence of Hon’ble Speaker Shri L.B Das, Minister Shri Bhim Hang Limboo, M.L.A Shri B.K Khatiwara, M.L.A Shrimati Sunita Gazmer, Political Secretary to HCM Shri Jacob Khaling, Secretary HCM, Chairmans, Councillors, D.C Pakyong, S.P Pakyong, SDM Rangpo, government officials, Samiti Members and public.

An awareness programme on Drug Abuse on the occasion of International Anti-Drug Day and the theme for this year was “Share drug facts, Save lives” was organised by the District Administration Centre, Soreng in collaboration with SARATHI organisation (South and West).

The programme began with a rally from soreng bazar to Senior Secondary school Soreng participated by the students from Science College Chakung, B Ed College Soreng and Senior Secondary School Soreng.

The programme was graced by the chief guest Chairman (SBS) Shri D.B. Gurung accompanied by the guest of honour Chairman Commerce and Industry Department Shri M. B. Chettri, DC Soreng Shri Bhim Thatal, SP Soreng Shri J. Jayapandiyan, ADC Dev Soreng, DFO (T) Soreng, BDO Soreng, members from SARATHI south and west, and other officials.

Shri D.B. Gurung in his address said every child should be well educated, spiritually and mentally at a very young age. Those children are the future of coming generations and to build the nation. He greets and appreciated the works and deeds of SARATHI. To become a successful person one’s should follow a routine and should engage in a busy schedule.

DC Soreng talked about drug categories, medication, and its usage. He directed Sikkim Police and BDOs to conduct patrolling in abandoned government offices and houses. He also added communication between parents and children is very important for a healthy life. “ PREM” plays a vital role in every drug abused life which stands P- Parenting, R- Rehabilitation, E- Engaging and M- Motivate.

SP Soreng said Drugs are illegal when abused. He also briefed about the NDPS and SADA Act. There are two sides to drugs that are supply and demand which the police department is working on. Community and family participation is very important for substantial users. Physical activities are another important factor because young people are using them he added.

Dr. Bhusan Dahal in his address said that more than 1.9 million youth are affected by drug abuse around the world. Adolescence is a prime age when the youth gets curious about drugs which leads to a big disaster. He also talked about the side effects of drug abuse.

SARATHI President West District said SARATHI is an initiative taken by HCM Prem Singh Tamang to eradicate drug abuse in the state. He also urged the gatherings to spread awareness about drug abuse and suicide tendency.

Later SARATHI organisation presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Shri D.B. Gurung (Chairman SBS), Shri Sahadev Sharma (Chief Advisor SARATHI) and Shri Lakpa Moktan ( State Youth President).

The programme had the presence of the Chief Guest, Minister Roads and Bridges Department cum Area MLA (Mangan- Lachen), Shri Samdup Lepcha, Chairman Sikkim Welfare Commission, Shri Nim Tshering Lepcha, ADM Mangan, Shri Tenzing Denzongpa, ADC(Dev) Mangan, Shri Kashi Raj Limboo, BDO Mangan, MEO MNP, officials from line departments, the staffs and students of the school, President MNP, Councillors, Panchayats and Zilla panchayats too

The programme began with a warm welcome by the marching band of Ringhim School followed by the offering of khadas and bouquets to the guests. The Chief Guest then proceeded to inaugurate the opening of the new school building and unveiled the marble plague.

The Chief Guest Minister Shri Samdup Lepcha in his address thanked everyone present and congratulated everyone involved in the building of the infrastructure. He talked about the developmental activities taking place in the educational sector and stressed the need in building a progressive future for the students of the state. He also mentioned the various works being done in the district for the upliftment of the people therein. In compliance with the grievances placed before him by them, he said that he will see to it that the matter is looked into and also said that he will do the needful. On the eve of the farewell of Shri A. K. Kundu, he wished him the best for his future endeavours and thanked him for the service he provided for the future of the state.

The Guest of Honour, Chairman, Shri Nim Tshering Lepcha, in his address talked about the importance of education and mentioned the rights of education of every citizen. He further added that education is a prerequisite for the development of society and urged everyone to understand its importance and help impart awareness about it amongst every citizen.

Earlier, cultural performances were performed by the students of Ringhim school along with the release of the School Song CD by the Chief Guest. The land donors, contractors, Volunteer Teachers and Class X topper(2021) were also felicitated. The programme also had special presentations by local artists and the pre-primary students of the school.