Category: News

Minister of Labour and Power Department, Shri Mingma Norbu Sherpa graced the occasion as the Chief Guest while Shri P.K Subba, Advisor (State Scheduled Tribe Welfare Board) joined him as the Guest of Honour. Accompanying him were the MLA, Shri Aditya Golay, Panchayats and respective Official dignitaries from the Sub-division.

Addressing the audience, Minister Shri Sherpa extended his warm greetings to all. He briefly spoke about the contributions made by Late Bhandari towards his Community and the responsibilities he had taken up as the Leader of a State.

He took the opportunity to speak in-depth regarding the Labour laws, restrictions and information on Labour registration. He informed that any migrant labour/ worker entering the state has to be registered at the State border entry point. Every labour entering will be authorized a One-year work permit that must be renewed yearly, he added. He clarified that it is the concerned authorities’ responsibility to issue licenses for carrying out any form of business in the area. He highlighted the fact that due to the pandemic and lack of required documents, restrictions while entering the State for such workers have been made. He also enumerated the schemes and policies that are available under the current Sikkim Labour Act. He talked about the importance of getting the labourers registered by the concerned Stakeholders. He urged all the BOCW (Building And Other Construction Workers) to get registered in order to avail the welfare policies and schemes under the State Government. He called on all the respective SDMs and BDOs to clarify such confusion regarding worker’s registration.

The Minister also highlighted some of the developmental work of the current Government. He added that better health facilities will be made available in the coming future along with the appointment of technical personnel. The Government is also focusing on improving the tourism sector for more local financial stability, he said. He briefly stated about the new district formation in Soreng and how it will benefit the local communities of Soreng, Rinchenpong, Daramdin and nearby areas. He expressed his gratitude towards MLA Shri Aditya Golay for being the formidable force behind the District formation.

He finally ended his speech by addressing issues regarding power and electricity in urban and rural areas and the Government’s initiative to solve major electricity problems. Speaking on the electricity shortage problems, he urged everyone to be more cautious while using electricity for day-to-day usage.

At the start of the programme, the MLA Shri Aditya Golay welcomed the chief guest by presenting the traditional Nepali shawl and a souvenir as a token of appreciation

The MLA in his address said that the North District has done tremendous work throughout the month-long campaign. He thanked the respective department, Aanganwadi Workers and Asha Workers for their diligent work and creating awareness among the public on Poshan Abhiyaan.

DPO(North) Poshan Smt L.D. Denzongpa highlighted the Poshan Maah which was conducted for one month. CDPO Dzongu spoke about Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana(PMMVY) and the importance of the first 1000 days of a child.

The Social Justice and Welfare Department organised the felicitation, prize distribution and Baby Box distribution to beneficiaries.

The certificate of appreciation was presented to Miss Renamit Lepcha, Shri Tshering Pintso Lachungpa, Miss Eden Lepcha, Miss Gyalmu Tamang, L.S. recording studio and Shri Tashi Lachungpa for their outstanding contribution during Poshan Maah celebration. Mangan Tribal Project, Dzongu Tribal Project and Chungthang Tribal Project were also felicitated. The Chungthang Tribal Project was announced as a Best Performing Project out of 13 Projects.

The event also had Poshan Stall, Poshan Video, Poshan Song performed by the Aanganwadi workers and Miss Eden Lepcha and a nepali dance.

Gyalshing, September 30 (IPR): The month long programme of Rashtriya Poshan Maah came to a cheerful end at the closing ceremony that was organized by the Women and Child Welfare Department at the Swarna Jayanti Ranga Manch, Soreng today. While celebrating the Azadi ki Amrit Mahotsav, the theme this year was ‘Sahi Poshan, Desh Roshan’.

Welcoming the esteemed guests and official dignitaries, ICDS supervisor (Soreng), Smt. Chandra Kala Lucksom gave an overview of the importance of the scheme and the program. She informed everyone present that the mission of this month long program is mainly to eradicate malnutrition and appropriate well being of lactating mothers along with proper child development. Launched as a flagship program by the Prime Minister, Shri Modi in 2018, the scheme focuses on holistic nourishment of new born, adolescent girls and boys and new lactating mothers, she added.

Speaking on the occasion, the Child Development and Protection Officer (Soreng), Smt. Gauri Tamang gladly welcomed all the invitees along with the members of ICDS and AWWs. She thanked her fellow co-workers for their positive and tireless efforts in completing the Poshan Month. She also appreciated the door-to-door campaigns done by the AWWs wherein they demonstrated the proper way to sanitization and effective technique to cooking nutritional food. She informed the gathered audiences about the usage of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) app. “This app basically helps us to track a child’s appropriate height and weight according to his/her age and simultaneously allowing us to provide necessary assistance for the overall growth and development of the child,” she informed. She said that depending upon the information provided by the app, they were able to provide adequate nutritious food to those children within the 6 zones under the Subdivision. Displaying a slide show, she presented all the activities done throughout the month by the Department with the help of Aanganwadi Workers (AWW).

An awareness skit regarding the dangers of practicing at-home childbirth without proper sanitization and equipment rather than at a proper medical facility was displayed by the AWWs. The Skit also exhibited the risks of becoming an underage mother and a decline in infant mortality rate. Through this, they informed that there should be a gap of atleast 3 yrs between each childbirth.

The program was then briefly addressed by the invited Chief Guest, Shri M.N Subba. He expressed his sincere gratitude for inviting him to be a part of the Celebratory closing ceremony. He said that through this program he too was enlightened about the importance of healthy childbirth and stronger new mothers. He talked about the advantages of following organic and leafy green vegetable diets especially in this age where we are drawn towards unhealthy junk. He was elated to learn the fact that the fight against malnutrition has already begun with the launch of such schemes and policies by the State Government under the guidance of the Central Government.

The program also included felicitation of the below mentioned Anganwadi Workers from their respective zones for their relentless efforts in bringing awareness especially during the pandemic:

I. Soreng (1): Smt. Aita Maya Subba

II. Soreng (2): Smt. Aruna Pradhan

III. Mangalbaria: Smt. Laxmi Thapa

IV. Sombaria: Smt. Kamal Maya Gurung

V. Rinchenpong: Smt. Kritika Kharka

VI. Nayabazar : Smt Saraswati Sharma

While the Best Supervisor was awarded to Smt. Chandra Kala Lucksom

Attending the celebration along with the Chief Guest were ADC (Dev), Shri Gayas Pega, JD (HRDD): S.P. Sharma, Dr. Rushma Thapa (Aayush-Soreng), Officials from Health Department along with Anganwadi Workers.

The function ended with an awareness song performed by the AWWs

POSHAN (Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nutrition) Maah is a month-long nutritional month celebrated every year in the month of September. The main objective of the programme is to improve nutritional outcomes for children, adolescents, pregnant women and lactating mothers by leveraging technology, a targeted approach and convergence. This year India also celebrates Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav to ensure speedy and intensive outreach in remote parts of the country.

The programme was organized by Social Justice and Welfare Department, Government of Sikkim. The theme of this year’s POSHAN Maah Abhiyaan “Converging towards a healthy walk-through life.”

Minister Dr. M.K. Sharma, in his speech said that the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was an aggressive reach out during the POSHAN Maah but it should not be limited to the month of September but be consistent over a long period of time. He applauded the field activities of Aaganwadi workers and hoped for improvement in three areas which are anaemia detection, immunization and anti-natal check-ups. He stressed on the importance of consuming local healthy foods for holistic nutrition which will always be available throughout the year for the Sikkimese people and such choice will also have a sustainable effect on the long run.

The Minister said that this is POSHAN Kranti through Jan Andolan which means there should be participation of all sections of society but moreover the need of the hour is the co-ordination of all the line departments of the Government to make this campaign a huge success. He further requested zeal, enthusiasm, and active participation of all the concerned officials in the upcoming POSHAN Abhiyaan programmes.

Secretary, SJ & WD, Shri Tshewang Gyachho, in his brief address said that the POSHAN Abhiyaan will be successful only if it continues throughout the year. He also stressed on the importance of Aaganwadi workers towards primary children. In conclusion, he said that our responsibility towards malnutritioned children, pregnant mothers and lactating mothers is not over until each house is free of malnutrition and it should continue throughout the year.

Principal Director, Social Justice and Welfare Department, Shri Phuchung Bhutia, gave a brief highlight on activities of POSHAN Maah through a power point presentation.

Assistant Director, Nutrition Cell, Social Justice and Welfare Department, Smt. Jyotsna Khatiwada, talked about ingredients and composition of special food for SAM (Severely Acute Malnutrition) children.

Brand Ambassador, Olympian, Padmashree and Arjuna Awardee, Shri Tarundeep Rai, expressed heartfelt gratitude on being the brand ambassador of POSHAN Maah. He congratulated all the members of ICDS centres and SJ & WD in Sikkim.

At the onset of the programme, a short video on key message on nutrition was given through audio and video display, Distribution of token to the Minister and guest from line department by Secretary, SJ and WD. A recipe booklet named “Healthier Today” was also released.

During the programme, Awards were also handed out to various individuals for their participation on POSHAN Maah events throughout the year.

The individual awards for innovative ideas undertaken by functionaries of ICDS are as follows:

1. CDPO, Chungthang, Smt. Sonam Lhaden Lachungpa, for paragliding activities during open ceremony of POSHAN Maah and spreading awareness of POSHAN Maah in the concerned area.

2. Assistant Director, Nutrition Cell, SJ & WD, Smt. Jyotsna Khatiwara for formulation of Poshilo Pitho and Documentary on POSHAN.

3. Principal, AWTC, Shri Sangay Tshering Bhutia, for POSHAN Ki Baat, (Short video and audio).

4. District Co-ordinator, POSHAN Abhiyaan, East, Shri Pranay Sharma, for Food Donation Drive.

5. AWW, Rabong, AWC, Smt. Sarala Gurung, for Poshilo Aadhar Initiative.

The Team Awards for Innovative Ideas were as follows:

1. Chungthang Tribal Project for leadership, convergence, innovation, interventions, use of technologies and digital platform, identification of SAM and MAM.

2. Urban Slum Project for the same.

3. Jorethang Rural Project for the same.

The programme had the presence of Zilla Adhyaksha, East, Shri Samsher Rai, Deputy Mayor, GMC, Smt. Tshering Palden Bhutia, and other dignitaries

Under the directions of Hon’ble Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai, Hon’ble the Acting Chief Justice of High Court of Sikkim & Executive Chairperson, Sikkim State Legal Services Authority, the Sikkim State Legal Services Authority working under the aegis of National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), will be organizing various awareness programmes on the occasion of Pan India Awareness and Outreach Campaign from 2nd October, 2021 to 14th November, 2021 as a part of “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” and Legal Services Week from 8th to 14th November, 2021.

The campaign will be launched at the National level by Hon’ble the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind in the presence of Hon’ble Justice N.V. Ramanna, Chief Justice of India & Patron-in-Chief, National Legal Services Authority, Hon’ble Justice U.U. Lalit, Judge, Supreme Court of India & Executive Chairman, National Legal Services Authority and Hon’ble Union Minister for Law & Justice Shri Kiren Rijiju, on 2nd October, 2021 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, in the presence of Hon’ble Executive Chairpersons, SLSAs, Hon’ble Chairpersons of the High Court Legal Services Committees and Member Secretaries of all the SLSAs.

The Sikkim State Legal Services Authority has formulated a Plan of Action for one and a half month long period at the State, 04 Districts (East at Gangtok, West at Gyalshing, South at Namchi and North at Mangan) by the District Legal Services Authorities and 09 Talukas (East at Gangtok & Rangpo, West at Gyalshing & Soreng, North at Mangan & Chungthang and South at Namchi, Jorethang & Yangang) by the Taluk Legal Services Committees.

Legal Aid Stalls are being set up at M.G. Marg Gangtok (throughout the entire above period) while at the District and Taluka level during the “Haat” days. Temporary Legal Aid Clinics are being set up in District Collectorate Offices in the 04 (four) Districts and Sub-Divisional Magistrate Offices in the 16 Sub-Divisions. Front Help Desks at the District Court premises of the 04 Districts and 09 Talukas, are also being set up. These Stalls/Clinics/Front Help Desks will be manned by the Panel Lawyers of the Sikkim SLSA, Para-Legal Volunteers of Sikkim SLSA and Officials from the Social Welfare Department and Sikkim SLSA.

The purpose of the Legal Aid Stalls will be to create general awareness about free legal aid, Lok Adalats, Mediation and assisting people who are in need of legal counseling by giving appropriate advice, preparation of relevant applications filling up legal aid forms, drafting Petitions, to guide applicants to the nearest DLSA/SLSA and for getting people connected to the Welfare Schemes of the Central/State Government.

Apart from the above, various training programmes for stakeholders under the State Legal Services Authority and Panchayats through Physical/Virtual mode have been chalked out during the above period. Display of messages on free legal aid in the Variable Message Display Sign Board (V.M.D.S.) in Zero Point, Near Technical Institute, Opposite Metro Point, New STNM Hospital, Paljor Stadium and Ranipool and in Smart Pole Screen (S.P.S.) at M.G. Marg, Vajra, Bojoghari and Secretariat, are also being carried out, while stickers containing messages on free legal aid is displayed in all the State Transport Buses, Bus Stops, Taxis, Taxi Stands, COVID-19 Vaccination Centres, Fair Price Shops all over Sikkim and Boards containing messages on free legal aid in the 209 Post Offices of Sikkim.

As part of other activities the Sikkim SLSA shall be providing talks in All India Radio and Doordarshan on Special Days specified by NALSA on 02.10.2021 (Gandhi Jayanti), 10.10.2021 (Mental Health Day), 11.10.2021 (International Day of Girl Child), 15.10.2021 (World Students Day), 24.10.2021 (United Nations Day), 09.11.2021 (Legal Services Day) and 14.11.2021 (Children’s Day) will be imparted by the Member Secretary, Sikkim SLSA and Panel Advocates, Quiz Competition, Debates, Walkathon and Sensitization Programme for Senior Citizens are on the cards.

For anyone who desires to avail free legal aid and services (free Advocate) for conducting any Civil/Criminal cases and providing legal counseling, and also, for any queries relating to Welfare Schemes of the Central/State Government, they are requested to kindly take advantage of the various Legal Aid Stalls set up at M.G. Marg, Gangtok and in the Districts and Sub-Divisions, Legal Aid Clinics in the Offices of the District Collectors and SDMs and the Front Help Desks in the District Court Premises, during the above period

Poshan MAAH was celebrated the entire month of September across the country. It aims to reach every household in the country with the message of the importance of optimum nutrition.

The District Collector West, Shri Karma R. Bonpo graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The programme had the presence of CMO/West, Dr. Bikash Pradhan, Additional Director/AH&VS, Shri N.M. Cintury, CDPO/West, Shri H.B. Shanker, HoDs from various departments, Anganwadi Workers, Helpers and Additional Workers.

Addressing the house, District Collector West highlighted the main role and responsibilities of Anganwadi workers. He also highlighted the important role required for each and every individual to bring children in full potential. Further, he stressed on need of good nutritional diets during the initial 1000 days of children’s life. He also stressed on the importance of nutrition in lives along with maintaining good nutrition and health by consuming nutritional diets.

In addition, he said that the children in the age group of 0-8 years is crucial because at that time they are at the stage of developing and urged all the workers to seek for good nutritional diets at the centres. He suggested to seek for green vegetables instead of prepackaged food to maintain good health.

Further, he informed that the State Government is putting all efforts to develop Anganwadi Centers and appealed to all to join hands together for the same. He suggested for personal hygiene & asked to make hygienic environment at the centres as well and stated that poor hygiene is very risky for developing children. He also suggested to promote nutrition gardens at the premises of Anganwadi Centres and asked to informed concerned panchayats. He urged all the Anganwadi workers to carry out all the activities in the best possible manner to uplift the centers and village. He then talked about the materials provided by the department and asked to make use of it. He informed that the few Anganwadi Centers in the west will be provided small amount of fund soon to make them vibrant and attractive.

In conclusion, the DC congratulated all the workers for their efforts during the whole month and asked to do better works in the days to come.

District Coordinator/Poshan Abhiyaan, Shri Sangay Tamang gave an overview of the activities conducted in the district throughout the month.

The highlight of the programme was the distribution of certificates and cash prize to the winners of Essay and Drawing competition which was held during the entire month.

The winners of Essay competition were Miss Sangam Subba at 1st position followed by Miss Pratima Sharma at 2nd and Sonam Chungden at 3rd.

The winners of Drawing competition (category 14 -18 years) were Miss Anjila Sherpa at 1st position followed by Pem Diki Lepcha at 2nd and Srijana Chettri at 3rd.

Category (7 -13 years) were Miss Tshering Wangmu Bhutia at 1st position followed by Miss Anjali Rai at 2nd and Tsheyang at 3rd.

Similarly, category (upto 6 years) were Mr. Ishan Limboo at 1st position followed by Miss Philina Sangay Sherpa at 2nd and Mr. Sonam Palzor Bhutia at 3rd.

The event also witnessed the Poshan Pledge taking ceremony which was administered by the District Collector.

Earlier, CDPO/West, Shri. Harka Bir Shanker addressed the welcome note in the programme while Senior Supervisor, Smt Lhamit Lepcha offered a vote of thanks.

He was welcomed by Director DIHAR, Col. Amit and Senior Scientists.

The Minister was accompanied by the CEO SOFDA Sikkim Dr. S. Anbalagan, IFS, CEO SSOCA Shri Sudhir Giri, Quality Manager SSOCA Ms Binita Chettri.

Smt Norkit Lepcha, Municipal President of Mangan Nagar Panchayat was the Chief Guest of the event.

MNP along with all ward councilors, and NGOs carried out door to door awareness campaign on source segregation in and around Mangan Bazar. The event also witnessed Safaimitras creating awareness about segregation of waste at source.

Shopkeepers, hawkers, residential households and other public were sensitized to keep separate bins for dry waste and wet waste in their respective business places, homes and to keep their surroundings clean and litter free.

(Press Release from Mangan Nagar Panchayat)

The meeting was chaired by the Hon’ble MLA, Shri Aditya Golay and had the presence and participation of SDM (Soreng), Shri Ranjan Rai, SDPO (Soreng), Shri Mahendra Pradhan, BDO (Soreng), Smt. Sabina Limbu, Department Officials, Chairpersons along with the members of the Nar Bahadur Bhandari Janma Jayanti Samaroh Samiti.

Addressing the meeting, the Hon’ble MLA said that the celebration this year will be done in adherence to the Covid norms and guidelines issued by the Government. Since this was the pre- coordination meeting, he said that the next scheduled meeting will be done on 22 September wherein the roles and responsibilities of the respective department will be assigned. He also informed that the venue for the celebratory event would be decided at the next meeting. He urged everyone to gear up and be prepared as there is not much time left for the preparations