Association of Old Settlers of Sikkim delegate meet HCM

Gangtok, 21 Aug: (IPR): Four-member delegation of Association of Old Settlers of Sikkim met Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) at Tashiling Secretariat today. The Association on behalf of all the Old Settlers congratulated the HCM and his party for their new role and forming the government.

The delegation mainly demanded for tax exemptions for Old Settlers residing in Sikkim prior to 26 April 1975. They also placed various grievances related to Old Settlers and business communities of Sikkim.

The HCM extended his cooperation and stated that all the demands placed would be looked into. He also urged for mutual support so that all can work hand in hand for the peace and prosperity of the State.

All Sikkim Government Employees Association (Group C&D) representatives meet HCM

Gangtok, 21 Aug (IPR): Representatives of All Sikkim Government Employees Association (Group C&D), an umbrella body of 17 Associations of employees working under Government of Sikkim and PSUs, met Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) at his residence at Lumsay today.

The Association acknowledged and expressed their gratitude to the HCM for granting Saturday as a holiday, the decision to release one-time fixation arrears and various initiatives of the government in respect to the welfare of the employees. They expressed their sincere gratitude for working towards the overall development of the state.

Representatives also invited the HCM for felicitation event which is scheduled to be held on 7th September, 2019 at Paljor Stadium.

The HCM in his address said that the State government is committed towards working for the welfare of all the employees. He in turn requested all of them to improvise the work culture so that work is of optimum importance benefiting the general public. He also stated that the State government is working to provide incentives to those employees who works extra time during work crunch.

Stating that they will not entertain job extension to high post people but they will not rule out giving extension to the needy C&D grade employees after scrutinising the case. The demands submitted by employees will be discussed with officials which will be looked into as per norms, he said.

Thanking the Association for their cooperation, he wished them the best in their future endeavours so that they could work collectively for the overall benefit of the State as a whole.

Press Release from DM, East

The Decennial Population Census exercise is due in the entire country in the year 2021. A preparatory step towards Census 2021 in the form of a Pre-Test is being conducted encompassing all facets of census operations. The Pre-Test for Census 2021 is being conducted in Regu BAC (Rural Charge) and Ward No. I, Upper Burtuk, Gangtok Municipal Corporation (Urban Charge) as per the selected criteria of Register General Census Operations. The Pre-Test is a full dress rehearsal for the Population Census 2021 wherein Census Enumerators, Supervisors and Charge Officers have been engaged.

Further, as the Government has desired to update the National Population Register (NPR) also along with the first phase of the Census, the process for updation of NPR will also be tested during the Pre-Test. Therefore the field operation for Pre-Test for Census and NPR during the period 12th August 2019 to 30th September, 2019 is of utmost importance.

Considering the significance of the activities under the Census Operation all the residents of the identified areas (Regu BAC and Ward No. I, Upper Burtuk, GMC) are requested to extend their fullest cooperation to all the officials engaged in Pre-Test exercise of Census 2021 to ensure its smooth conduct during the above mentioned period and for its success as per directions of Government of India.

All relevant information sought in the prescribed formats are as per National guidelines and will be used extensively for all future policy making by the Government.

West Sikkim observes 27th Nepali Bhasa Manyata Diwas

Gyalshing, 20 Aug (IPR): The 27th Nepali Bhasa Manyata Diwas organized by Paschim Sikkim Sahitya Prakashan and Sikkim Akademi was celebrated in a grand manner at the Community Hall of Gyalshing in West Sikkim today.

Hon’ble Administrative Advisor to HCM, Shri M.P. Subba, attended the programme as chief guest and Chairman, State Bank of Sikkim, Shri D.B. Gurung, as guest of honor. Also present as distinguished guests were Shri I.K. Neopaney (Chairman, GMC), Shri Karma R. Bonpo (DC, West) and Padma Shri Shri Kedar Gurung (President, Sikkim Akademi) along with other officials and dignitaries.

Chief guest Shri M.P. Subba in his address spoke on the importance of language and how it impacts our lives. He mentioned that the ‘Nepali Bhasa Manyata Diwas’ has been possible because of Late Nar Bahadur Bhandari and his wife Smt. Dil Kumari Bhandari whose selfless efforts have led to the creation of the ’27th Nepali Bhasa Manyata Diwas’ possible.

He also spoke on how as a Nepali speaking community are we prepared to take our literature to the next level and be ready to relate the literature to the coming generations. He mentioned that it is important for the Nepali Literary Societies to reach new heights and conquer new avenues of literature which would be aligned with the thoughts and ideas of the coming generations.

He then stated that language and literature needs to have the freedom to work and hence the literary figures of the modern Nepali Community needs to understand that they have the responsibility to make Nepali Language more popular amongst the youngsters. He also urged the educational institutions to focus on languages as they are treasures of our past and needs to be kept safe for the future generations.

Shri Subba congratulated the organisers for a successful event and all the participants for their active participation in the event.

Chairman, SBS, Shri D.B. Gurung, also addressed the gathering on the contributions done by famous personalities of Nepali Literature and their sacrifices towards the language. He acknowledged the role and extensive contributions of former Chief Minister Late N.B. Bhandari and Smt. Dil Kumari Bhandari for her active role in the inclusion of Nepali Language in the Constitution of India. He also spoke on the contributions of Bhanu Bhakta Acharya towards Nepali Literature.

Shri Bhagi Rath Rawat of Kalimpong, West Bengal was felicitated for his literary works and his contributions towards Nepali Language by Paschim Sikkim Sahitya Prakashan and Sikkim Akademi.

Books written by Shri Bhagi Rath Rawat titled ‘Baas Salki Rahey Cha’, ‘Mato ko Maya’and ‘Laptop’ were released by the chief guest and the guest of honor along with other dignitaries.

The programme also had an array of cultural dances, songs, poem recitations and literary works.

Lastly, the participants were also given certificates and tokens of appreciation by the chief guest and guest of honor on behalf of the organizing committee.

HCM visits Shree Krishna Pranami Mangaldham at Namphing Bermiok

Namchi, 20 Aug (IPR): Hon’ble Chief Minister Mr. Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) paid his obeisance at Shree Krishna Pranami Mangaldham in Namphing Bermiok today. He was accompanied by Minister of Ecclesiastical Department, Mr. Sonam Lama, alongside Confidential Secretary to HCM, Mr. Bikash Basnett, officials, local gentry and a large number of pilgrims.

At the onset, the HCM offered his prayers and attended aarti at the main shrine.

Addressing the gathering, the HCM extended his best wishes on the month-long Shrimad Bitak Katha Puja Evum Shrimukh Vaani Paath Samaroha at the Dham. He also announced that a Shree Krishna Pranami Mandir along with Vrindavan will soon be set up at Dodak in West Sikkim.

The HCM stated that with the commencement of the new Sikkim State Government, priority is provided to make concrete positive changes for the holistic benefit of the public and the State at large. He also informed that the management committee of the Mangaldham should be headed by a strong minded individual who is not particularly politically affiliated and can steer the said committee into much needed upgradation.

Additionally, the HCM reiterated that the various communities in Sikkim has peacefully co-existed from time immemorial and that the same should be comprehended and maintained by the citizens of the State. He elucidated that the demands placed by the Mangaldham Management Committee will be looked into at the earliest.

Furthermore, the HCM urged that the Mangaldham should be made into one of the most sought after pilgrimage tourist destinations in the State.

During the course of the programme, a brief pravachan was also presented by Prachaarya Mr. Mahendra Maharaj.

HCM visits Kalika Mandir at Tarku in South Sikkim

Namchi, 20 Aug (IPR): Hon’ble Chief Minister Mr. Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) offered prayers at Kalika Devi Mandir in Tarku, South Sikkim today. He was accompanied by Confidential Secretary to HCM, Mr. Bikash Basnett, SP (South), Mr. Prawin Gurung, SDM (Namchi), Mr. Vishu Lama, and other officials.

The HCM also interacted with the Kalika Devi Mandir Managing Committee where he was briefed regarding the history of the Mandir its inception as well as various developmental activities that the Mandir has undertaken till date.

Additionally, the HCM also interacted with the local gentry and looked into their grievances.

Hon’ble Minister Shri L.N. Sharma convenes meet with officials of Directorate of Fisheries

Gangtok, 20 Aug (IPR): Minister for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Shri Lok Nath Sharma, convened a meeting with the officials of Directorate of Fisheries in the presence of the concerned Secretary, Shri S.B. Subba, at the Directorate, Paljor Stadium Road in Gangtok today.

The Minister stressed to revive fish farming and suggested to utilise technical manpower for immediate repairing of existing farm, raceway tank and fish ponds. He encouraged officials to work with new spirit and prepare a convincing proposal for the new projects as well.

After contemplating on various issues and challenges, the Minister urged to work in close proximity with the parent department and underlined responsibility and accountability of the Directorate to embrace targeted achievements through collective efforts. He also advised launching a web portal of the Directorate to disseminate information about various governmental schemes in order to generate massive awareness.

Secretary, Shri S.B. Subba, advised carrying out output orientated activities and make visible social impact. He also stressed upon conducting research work to address challenges and to bring notable progress in practice.

Director, Fisheries, Shri Sunil Pradhan, presented overview of the Directorate of Fisheries. He elaborated various activities like trout culture, seed production, departmental schemes, infrastructures, budgetary provision, five year action plan and also appraised about the constraints like shortage of manpower, discontinuation in trout farming, monitoring and supervision of fish import etc.

Amidst his presentation, the Minister, Secretary and departmental officials had thorough discussion on highlighted subjects and came out with various inputs to strengthen fisheries production mechanism in the State.

Later, the Minister accompanied by the Secretary visited various sections of the Directorate of Fisheries, State Aquarium, Ornamental Fish Breeding-cum-Demonstration Unit.

Earlier, Minister Shri Sharma and the newly joined Secretary, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services were accorded warm welcome by the officials and staff of the Directorate.

State Tourism Ministers Conference held in New Delhi

New Delhi, 20 Aug (IPR): Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Industries & Commerce, Shri B.S. Pant, and Additional Chief Secretary, Dr K. Jayakumar, participated in the State Tourism Ministers Conference organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India at Hotel Ashok in New Delhi today.

During the conference, Sikkim showcased and presented to the august delegates the progressive initiatives taken by the State and several best practices adopted to promote tourism and enhance experience of travellers visiting the State. The conference was attended by Tourism Ministers and Secretaries of 20 States.

Union Minister of State for Tourism and Culture, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel, addressed the delegates and emphasised on the need for enhanced levels of coordination across the States and agencies of the States in facilitating travellers and providing them unique and memorable experiences. He stressed on the need for improved and updated information to tourists.

The conference featured the launch of One Stop Portal Solution for tourism related services, presentations on adventure tourism, home stay guidelines and on the status of projects under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes.

In the context of improving quality of services to tourists and travellers offered by homestays/B&B establishments, it was pointed out by the ACS during the conference that it would be necessary to develop a framework for assessment of the quality of services, and certifications, so as to build aspirations in the homestay owners to continuously improve their rating.

Also, it was submitted that the compilation and publishing of a handbook would help guide the homestay owners as to the manner in which the quality of services can be improved, the efforts that need to be undertaken by them, pathways to add or augment the portfolio of services like adding nature trails, ethnic food, entertainment, shopping and avenues for making travellers experience local customs, traditions and lifestyles.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism highlighted the problems and challenges faced by the State of Sikkim in augmenting tourist facilities in the State especially the need for resources to support the operations and management of the tourist assets and facilities.