The Chief Minister, Mr.Pawan Chamling and his delegation comprising of Chief  Secretary, Addl. Chief  Secretary, Principal Secretary Planning  & Development, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Secretaries and Heads of Departments attending the Annual Plan 2008-09 were given a warm welcome by Dr. Montek Singh  Ahluwalia, Dy. Chairman, Planning Commission, as per a press release received from Private Secretary to the Chief Minister, Camp New Delhi.  Other members of the Planning Commission comprising of  Mr. B.K. Chaturvedi,  Dr (Ms.) Syeda Hamida,  Mr. Anwar  Hooda,  Dr. V. L. Chopra,  Mr. P.P. Srivastava, Member from NEC, Mrs. Borothakur, Member from NEC, Secretary Planning Commission, Mr. Subhas Pani and a host of officials from the Planning Commission were also present during the meeting.

The Chief Minister  made his presentation on the approach of development of the State for the 11th Plan Period in various sectors and specifically for the Annual Plan 2008-09 (the full text is reproduced on page 3 & 4).

The Deputy Chairman congratulated the Chief Minister for a very good performance in the 10th Plan in all the sectors and expected similar performance in the 11th Plan period.  Then, he requested the members representing various sectors in the Planning Commission to make their comments on Sikkim. Mr. B.K. Chaturvedi  stated that Sikkim is doing better than the other North-Eastern states. In hydro-power sector, Sikkim is doing exceptionally well with Teesta V nearing full operationalization by April 2008.  He said more hydro power projects must come up in the State and stressed early completion of the remaining power projects for which Planning Commission would give full support and also advised due care on environment management and plugging leakages in transmission and distribution system. In the field of agriculture and horticulture, necessary steps in terms of enforcing the rules were noted and in health, the state is doing well. In Education, dropouts was one area of concern but it seems the methodology adopted need to be looked into again. The major concern was regarding connectivity for which the Central Government  and the State Government should sit together. Finally, Mr. Chaturvedi congratulated the State Government on its  excellent performance and for presenting innovative ideas.

Dr.(Mrs.) S. Hamida  said that the human development indicators were very good and expected that the state would improve in sectors relating to anemia amongst women between 15-45 years of age and more improved statistics on child and women care as done in the other sectors. She noted the difference of women when they were first being provided reservation in the Panchayat bodies and  now the improvement in the status of women with the appointment of women as Zilla Adhakshyas and Upa-Adhakshyas.

Dr. V.L. Chopra  complimented the Chief Minister and said  “your beautiful speech stood as a testimony of your well-prepared Plan document”. Medicinal plant, environment, bio-diversity and wildlife measures adopted by the Government were commendable which blended with the outlook of the state being positive and constructive. In science & technology, environment and forests, some more degree of investment funds would be necessary. In the physical area, landslide and gaciology should be on high priority. Same thing can be said of endangered species and medicinal plants.  He further said  that on commercial crops and in orchids, Sikkim  has the advantage and can do better. Similarly, on large cardamom the State has the lead and in fruits as well.  Sikkim’s cheese, he added is world famous and the innovative idea of  involving Panchayati Raj institution in Forest Management has to be emulated by others.

Mr. Anwar Hooda in his comments said “the future of Sikkim lies in tourism and I congratulate the State Government on tourism measures adopted. The airport at Pakyong will give further fillip to tourism. The airport project is awaiting approval by Public Investment Board. On the Transport side under Bharat Nirman only two projects out of 13 have taken up which needed to be vigorously followed”.

Mr. P.P. Srivastava,  congratulated the Chief Minister and the Sikkim Team for the “most cleanliest and transparent system of governance”. Steps on training of 100 teachers each for Elementary Education and Primary Education needed to be supported by providing funds on appointment of adhoc teachers. Mr. Srivastava commended on the condition of roads maintained by the State Government in remote areas in West Sikkim which were better maintained than the roads maintained by Border Roads. Further, he desired that the border trade in Nathu La needed all the logistic support comparable to the logistic arrangement on the other sides.

Mrs. Borothakur said that the terraces of Sikkim were perhaps the best. The State was deficit in food grains but said that the cropping pattern being suggested by the NEC could make Sikkim surplus in food grains. One such schemes of the new cropping schemes would be taken up in Sikkim which will help in making Sikkim surplus in food grains in next two years.

Mr. Subhas Pani, Secretary, Planning Commission said that almost all the points which needed to be covered have been responded to by all the Members. He, however, drew the attention of the State Government in three areas. In the Power side, agreements signed with power developers should be seen very closely so that the state does not suffer in getting its assured revenue and other spin off benefits. Secondly, Sikkim being small, government spending on salaries needed to be looked into afresh through putting a cap on recruitment of any more employees. And thirdly, the management of debt should be handled with great care.  Finally, it was indicated that due to strong presentation making out convincing case, the Annual Plan deserved to be fixed at Rs. 852 crores which is 23 percent increase from the last Annual Plan.

Siliguri:  Shri Krishna Pranami Dharma Jagani Mahotsav and Shri 1008 Shri Madh Bhagwad Path was  organised by Shri Krishna Pranami Dharma Sabha  trustee, Guruji Pranami Mission Trust and Shri Krishna Pranami Yuva Samiti under the guidance of Shri Mohanpriya Acharyaji of Mangal Dham, Kalimpong at Shri Krishna Pranami Mandir from February 10 to 17. The Mahotsav saw the congregation of  many hindu priests and gurujis from various parts of the country.

On February 11, the Governor of Sikkim, Mr.Sudarshan Agarwal attended the mahotsav as the Chief Guest. During the welcome address delivered by Shri Mohanpriya Acharya, he highlighted the objectives of the mahotsav which was  to spread spiritual awareness among people for peace and brotherhood.

On the occasion a holy book written by Maharaj Shri Radhika Dasji titled “Abhinand Granth”  was released by the Govenor.

In his address, Mr.Agarwal  expressed his happiness in attending the auspicious spiritual meet, which he stressed is essential in this age to spread spiritual awareness amongst people and the coming generation.

The vote of thanks was proposed by Mr.Prakash Agrawal, Secretary of Organizing Committee.

On the next day the Chief Minister, Mr.Pawan Chamling attended Mahotsav as the Chief Guest. He was accompanied by MLA, Mr.B.M.Ramudamu.  The topic for deliberation on the day was “Aaj ki Awasyakta Dharmik Sahismita”  and speakers from various parts of the country and abroad spoke on it. While  the Chief Minister in his address expressed his views on religion and said he believed in equality of all religion as religion plays a vital role for universal  brotherhood. He described Sikkim a “Deo Bhumi” - the abode of the Gods. Sikkim, he added, is the only state where there is a separate department which looks after the religious affairs of the state. He informed that very soon a pranami mandir would soon be constructed in Sikkim. He invited everyone present to visit Sikkim, which is peaceful and tranquil.

Earlier, the welcome address was presented by Shri Mohanpriya Acharya who highlighted the objective of the programme and expressed the need to unite the world into a  single community with peace and harmony.

The progrmame concluded with the preaching of Bhagwad Gita  by Shri  Sadhanandji Maharaj.

The State Government has declared the celebration of the 25th Year of Pang Lhabsol Celebration, which falls on 15th September 2008 as a State Function, as per  Notification No. 17/Home/2008 issued from Home Department, Government of Sikkim,

Further, the State Government has also constituted a State Level Pang Lhabsol Celebration Committee comprising of Chief Minister as the Chief Patron, Minister, Land Revenue & Disaster Management, Urban Development and Housing Irrigation and Flood Control Department  as Patron,  Additional Chief Secretary/Secretary-In-Charge of Finance, Revenue and Expenditure Department, Development Commissioner,  Secretary in-Charge, Tourism Department, Secretary in-Charge, Cultural Affairs and Heritage Department, Secretary in-Charge, Commerce and Industries Department and District Collector, South as  Members and  Mr. Tseten Dorjee Bhutia, Senior Accounts Officer, Tourism Department as Member  Secretary.

One more feather has been added in the cap of Horticulture and Cash Crops Development Department with the department bagging the first prize in the Northeast Regional Horticulture Show held in Guwahati from February 10 - 14, as per a press release received from Director, Horticulture and Cash Crops Development  Department. The State had earlier bagged the first prize for best stall in International Flora Expo 2007 held in Delhi during September, which seems to have set the stage for a spree of wins.

The Horticulture Department had showcased the horticulture advancement of the State through display of exotic Cymbidiums in blooms, cut flowers of rose & anthurium and many more other enchanting flowers in addition to other horticultural produce like fruits, vegetables and spices. The overall display was conceived with the idea of projecting Sikkim as an emerging floriculture and organic State.

The contingent of horticulture department was led by Mr. T.P. Pradhan, Advisor, Horticulture with two officers as members. Mr.Somnath Poudyal, Minister for Agriculture & Horticulture was present as a special invitee on the closing ceremony of the event on February 14 which also had the presence of Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Rural Development and Minister of Public Health Engineering, Government of Assam.  Governor of Assam, Lt. General (Retd) Mr. Ajay Singh graced the occasion as the chief guest.

Mr. Poudyal, speaking as special guest of the function, highlighted the various horticultural activities being carried out in Sikkim. Emphasizing on the importance of market and its significance, he urged all the Northeastern States to come together under one banner. In his address, he stressed on organic farming, as an important avenue for value addition particularly in the smaller states of the North-Eastern Region. He added that floriculture is one sector which is already showing promising signs of success in the region.

He also apprised the audience about, the forthcoming International Florishow 2008 to be held in Sikkim from March, 14th to 16th 2008 and extended a warm invitation to the Minister of Agriculture, Government of Assam and all others to attend this milestone event.

The Chief Guest for the event, the Governor of Assam, Lt.General (Retd.) Mr. Ajay Singh in his address urged the Northeastern States to create a common marketing platform similar to that of the European Union. He also congratulated the Government of Sikkim for being adjudged the best in the horticulture show and extended his best wishes and regards to the Governor of Sikkim as well as to the Chief Minister of Sikkim.

On the invitation of  Mr. Kamesh Salam, Director, Cane and Bamboo Technology Center (CBTC), Mr. Somnath Poudyal  visited CBTC on February 14,  which has a very good museum of bamboo products from many countries and a training center. Mr. Salam briefed the  Minister about the activities of the CBTC and the National Bamboo Mission on a power­point slide show. They also discussed at length on the future prospects of bamboo in Sikkim.

Mr. Salam suggested that Sikkim still has room for development in the bamboo handicrafts sector. This activity can be allocated to Directorate of Handloom and Handicrafts (DHH). The responsibility on the Transfer of Bamboo Technology through Skill Development should also be allocated to the DHH. Panchayats, Self-Help Groups, and the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) should be mobilized under Cooperatives for the production of bamboo handicrafts. A Bamboo Bazar show room could be established in Gangtok, and the CBTC is more than willing to assist its establishment. Sikkim has good prospects of becoming a bamboo handicraft hub for West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa and Chhatisgarh for demonstration as well as training programmes under the National Bamboo Mission.

Mr. P.P.Poudyal, Bamboo Consultant for Horticulture department also accompanied the minister.

Mangan, February 13: The departments of Labour and Rural Management and Development Department jointly conducted a seminar cum awareness  programme on Labour Laws  at Community Centre Hall which was chaired by  Mr. Tsering Wongdi Lepcha, Adhakshya/North as the Chief Guest. 

The Chief Guest in his speech stated that the labour being the prime factor of  the development of the state,  they should be respected at all levels. Further, he urged the panchayats, power developers and contractors to abide by the labour laws and asked the power developers to provide all the  facilities to the workers as per the provisions of the Laws.

DC (North), speaking  on the current labour influx rate, suggested  for a duplicate copy of the registration form of workers to be made available to the respective area panchayats so as to keep a preventive measure against any labourers incase they cause any social disturbances. Mr. Kazi appealed  to the panchayats and public that they should immediately approach  the concern authority in case of  any problem relating to the labour in their respective area.

   Mr. P. W. Rinzing, Addl. Secretary  to Labour department briefing about various provisions of the law, informed that apart from providing various administrative service support and industrial training to the workers the department is also imparting free short course training in various field under capacity building scheme of labour department to unemployed educated youth of Sikkim  at Rangpo ITI. Thus, he called upon  the eligible youth of the district to avail of the opportunity.

Earlier, during  its technical session, Sr. Deputy Labour Commissioner, Mr. C.Gyatso and Mr. Bhisan Rai briefly explained about all the provision of the labour laws that have been enforced in the state since 1976.

The welcome address was delivered by DDO (North), Mr. Tsewang Gyatso while the  vote of thanks was delivered by Mr. K.R. Limboo, Assistant Labour Commissioner, North.

For the first time in the sports history of Uttarey, West Sikkim,  the first Uttarey Invitational Taekwondo Championship  was organised by the Sikkim Amateur Taekwondo Association  Uttarey Branch Dozang on 10 and 11 Feburary at Uttarey Secondary School ground under Maneybong Sopakha Block, Dentam Constituency, according to an information received from General Secretary, SATA. A  large crowd  had gathered to witness and enjoy the taekwondo championship. The championship was judged by  Mr. Trilok Subba, 5th dan black belt, Mr. Dawa Tamang, Mr. Rajesh Thapa, Mr. Subash Rai, Mr. Bijoy Gurung and Mr. Kumar Bardewa.

The winners of the gold medal during this championship were Anita Subba of  Linkey (E), Palmu Lepcha of Uttarey (W), Kunzang Ongmu of HQ Dozang, Gangtok, Sabanam Subba Uttarey (W), Rhea Subba JDSM Dozang Kalimpong, Bilam Rai JDSM Kalimpong, Pranay Rai of JDSM Kalimpong, Beebak Rai of  Uttarey(W), Saurav Subba of Central Dozang, Gangtok, Zikdal  Sherpa of Uttarey (W), Sudip Rai JDSM Kalimpong, Prayash Chhetri of HQ, Gangtok, Dozang, Ugen Gurung HQ Gangtok, Rabin Rai JDSM Kalimpong, Bhola Thapa, HQ,Gangtok, Prakash Tamang Central Dozang and  Dal Bahadur Rai, JDSM Kalimpong.

                The JDSM Kalimpong Dozang won the team championship with six gold and three silver  medals while  Uttarey team won the first runner up trophy winning four gold, three silver and four bronze medals. Namchi Taekwondo Dozang won second runners up trophy with nine silver and three bronze medals.

Gangtok : Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form originating from Tamil Nadu and refers to bhava or abhinaya and expression, raga or melody and tala or rythm. Mrs. Padmaja Suresh is reckoned as one of the finest exponents of Bharat Natyam with several years of experience in India and abroad as a dancer, teacher and choreographer. With Bachelor’s degree in law and commerce she holds a diploma in choreography, master’s degree in philosophy and is presently pursuing her Ph.d. She trained under renowned guru, Mr. K.K.Kalayana Sundaram of Sri Raja Rajeshwari Kalamandir Mumbai and had the privilege of performing before Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the then president of India and the Governors of Maharashtra and Karanataka.  In 2003,  she was chosen as the Cultural Ambassador by the ICCR, Government of India on a cultural mission.

Presently, she is teaching bharatnatyam to the children living in slum areas at Kerala.  She had always been wanting to reach out to children from the lower strata of society through a cultural ongoing project Kala Chaitanya at Bangalore. She is being assisted in her teaching initiatives by her students who are perform at various platforms.

Padmaja Suresh alongwith her two students Aparna D.S. and Minal Shah  performed at the Raj Bhawan on February 15.  They performed the Adi Devta Ganapati, Meera Bhajan, Natraja, two telanas- traditional South Indian Karnatic Raga followed by Radha and Krishna dances in vasantha Reetu.

The Governor, Mr. Sudarshan Agarwal was highly impressed and as a mark of appreciation, shawls were presented to all the three dancers.

This is in reference to the news published by two local newspapers “Hamro Prajashakti” and “Himalayan Mirror” on 07/02/2008 and 11/02/2008 with regards to the meeting of political parties namely, Congress (I), BJP, and CPI (M) with the officials of District Collectorate, East.

East District Collectorate strongly objects to the misrepresentation of facts in news item and said news item is strongly condemned.

During the interaction with the political parties, their representatives were conveyed that if there is any specific complaint, it will be looked into and allegations of generalized nature cannot be substantiated. As far as the land compensation is concerned, Government has always been acquiring land from the public with consent and after making due compensation payment as per law and it was also further conveyed to the political parties where land acquisition is in process and work has started, it is done with the consent of land owners. (As per Press Release issued from the District Collectorate, East District).

Gangtok, February 18: General Officer Commanding, Black Cat Division Flagged Off the Black Cat Division White Water Rafting Expedition from Dikchu to  Coronation Bridge today amidst a royal ceremony planned under the ageis of  Black Cat Division.  The ceremony was attended by Commander, Black Cat Mountain Artillery Brigade,  officers and JCOs/OR of Black Cat Division.   While flagging off, he mentioned the importance of such expeditions in the Army which inculcate grit,  determination and courage in a soldier besides cultivating person to person relationship between the Army and peace loving, friendly people of Sikkim.  The General Officer Commanding said that the determination and hardwork of every member of the expedition team and their training at Army Aqua Nodal Centre (White Water Rafting), will help the team in achieving a roaring success.  He wished the team good luck.

     The expedition is being undertaken by the ubiquitous soldiers of the Black Cat Division in pursuance of their thirst for adventure and challenge and will also give them an opportunity to enhance the camaraderie amongst them and work as a cohesive team.

                The expedition team consisting of 02 officers and 12 other ranks, led by a Captain will undergo White Water Rafting from Dikchu to Coronation Bridge.  The team has been trained, motivated and guided by Black Cat Artillery Brigade, the formation which is responsible to conduct events at Army Aqua Node on behalf of the Black Cat Division.

Gangtok, February 16: Mr. G.M. Gurung, Minister for Human Resource Development Department attended the 19th convocation of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) as the Guest of Honour at its Regional Centre here.

The convocation was held simultaneously through teleconference in all the 38 regional centers in India headed by IGNOU head office in New Delhi. The live telecast of the programme from Delhi was aired which was presided by Mr.Hamid Ansari, Vice President of India as the Chief Guest.

Congratulating  the students,  Mr. Gurung said that Open University plays a vital role in providing education to all sections of  the society. IGNOU, he added provides education at their doorsteps.

As most of the degree holders were teachers completing their B.Ed. Mr. Gurung said that they should be more qualified and be able to provide quality education to the students who are the builders of the nation.  The Government of Sikkim has been providing in-service education programme to its employees and similarly the teachers are also being provided  B.Ed degree  from the University, he added. Mr. Gurung presented graduation certificates to 56 students.

The Regional Director, IGNOU Dr. Ila Das  said that the motto of the University is to provide education to  people residing at remote places and to school dropouts.  She informed that till date 556 students have graduated from the centre and Sikkim has seven study centers with  three coming up shortly. The university provides distance education not confined to class rooms through correspondence education in rural areas as well as the urban, she added.

The programme was also attended by the Principal, Government College Tadong, Lecturers and the officials from the concerned department.