Sikkim DGP to attend Interpol meet in Singapore

Sikkim director general of police C M Ravindran will take part in a five-day
Interpol meeting scheduled to be held from October 11 in Singapore.

A total of 148 police officers from across the world have been invited to take part in the police officers meet in which issues being faced by the police in various countries are expected to be discussed, official sources said here today.

Besides Raut, two other police officers from India Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director, Ashwini Kumar and Madhya Pradesh director general of police (DGP) SK Raut have also been invited, they said.

Monasteries of Sikkim - Pics

Dodrupchen Rinpoche performs Bhumi Puja for 108 ft Chenrezi statue

GYALSHING, October 9: Kyabje Dodrupchen Rinpoche, the holder of the Longchen Nyingthig lineage of the Nyingmapa School of Tibetan Buddhism today conducted the


Bhumi Pooja for the construction of the 108 ft statue of Chenrezi here at the premises of Sanghacholing Gompa in Pelling.

The State Health Minister DN Thakarpa, area MLA PL Subba, district officials and over 300 devotees from the entire District were present to witness the solemn ceremony.

Devotees of West Sikkim also made offerings to the Rinpoche.

The people of the headquarter area also expecting Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling to lay the foundation stone of the statue of the Lord of Compassion, it is learnt.

Besides, the Gompa management, members of Pelling Tourism Development Association had also chipped in their help to organize the Bhumi puja.

All Sikkim Government Employees Association threatens to start non-cooperation movement

ASGEA ‘dissatisfied’ with pay revision ‘style’
Assc threatens to start non-cooperation movement if proportionate raise in pay scale of all grades & ranks are not ascertained


GANGTOK, October 9: Almost a month after the State Government announced increase in pay scales of government employees, the Central Executive Committee of All Sikkim Government Employees Association (ASGEA) today issued a press statement saying that there is a state wide dissatisfaction brewing from Grade 'C' & 'D' Government employees regarding the award of the Fourth Pay Commission of Sikkim.
The chairman of the association, Narsing Rai while listing out the root cause of the employees’ discontentment said that the pay of high level officers has been hiked by 3 to 3.22 times of the present scales whereas the pay of Grade 'C' & 'D' employees got a hike of only 2.5 times.
“High level officers are drawing 12.5 % of the pay as North East Special Duty Allowance and 25 % of North East Allowance, altogether 37.5 % in total, whereas Grade ‘C’ & ‘D’ Govt. employees were getting none of this allowances. Over & above it, the “Fourth State Pay Commission” had recommended 12.5 % as special duty allowance for us but the Committee of Secretaries dismissed this recommendation without giving any reason thereof,” Mr. Rai said in the press statement.
He added that the ratio between the lowest to highest pay scale had to decrease but instead it had increased from 1:6.2 to 1:7.2 as per the Constitution of India. “This inclination is not socialist but a bourgeoisie act,” the statement said.
To discuss over the issue, the Central Executive Committee of ASGEA had yesterday convened a review meeting with District Executive Committees of South District and West District in its head office. This meeting, it is informed made a conclusion that high level officers have not only misguided the government but have also tried to hoodwink the government with regard to recommendations of the Pay Commission pertaining to the Grade 'C' & 'D' employees.
“The recommendations of the Fourth Pay Commission must be made public in toto,” the meeting demanded.
Meanwhile, the association has planned to seek appointment with Chief Minister Pawan Chamling to place their representation before Diwali. The association as at the same time decided to start a non-cooperation movement if proportionate raise in pay scale of all grades & ranks are not ascertained

Gangtok Workshop on Human Trafficking at PCS

GANGTOK, October 9: A -ay capacity building workshop for local journalists on their role in addressing issues related with human trafficking by Shillong based Impulse NGO network and Sikkim Express in association with Press Club of Sikkim (PCS) commenced from today here at the PCS premises.
The representatives of Human Rights Law Network (HRLN) Sikkim unit and HOPE NGO have been roped in as resource persons for the workshop supported by UNIFEM.
While placing the introductory note, Impulse team leader Hasina Kharbhih spoke on the sensitiveness the reporters have to attach in doing reports related with human trafficking and other allied social menaces. She also highlighted the global issue of human trafficking which comes in various forms luring millions of women and children in forced slavery and sexual exploitation.
Ms Kharbhih further highlighted the role of media in reporting human trafficking issues.
HRNL Sikkim chapter director Dr. Doma Bhutia also briefed the media in various legal and constitutional parameters related to human trafficking during the workshop.
PCS president Paramani Danga spoke on the media response to reporting on social issues with special reference to human trafficking.
Earlier, Sikkim Express editor Amit Patro placed the welcome address.
Around 21 local journalists, especially the youth, are participating in this two day workshop which will conclude tomorrow

High Vegetable prices hurting Gangtokians

Gangtok,October10: Prices of vegetables have gone up these days as seen here in local market and in weekly haat. Rates have gone high in all the local items as those from Siliguri. The present rates (per kilogram) are: onion Rs.30/- which was rupees Rs.20 per kg last week, tomato Rs. 25 which was Rs.20 before, local Potato Rs.30 which was Rs.25 and potato brought from Siliguri Rs.22 which was Rs.15 to 18, beans Rs.20 which was Rs.10, brinjal Rs.20 which was Rs.10, radish rupees Rs.20 which was 10 per kg, cabbage Rs.20 , karela Rs.32 which was Rs.10 to 15, vendi Rs.32, saag (palak, rayo) rupees 10 one bundle, which was Rs.5, chilli (dalle) Rs.100 per kg which was Rs.60.
Similarly, prices of fruits have also shot up. Banana Rs.30 per dozen which was Rs.25, apple Rs.120 per kg which was Rs.70, Mausami Rs.50 per kg which was Rs.35. Sugar price has gone up to Rs.36 per kg from Rs.29.
According to one local customer, Mr. Rinzing Sherpa of Kartok, the rates of all the vegetables are very high. He said the main cause for higher rates may be due to over population and less production. “We the villagers have to buy vegetables brought from Siliguri which are not available in our village and also the vegetables grown in our village but not sufficient for us”, he said. Another customer Chandra Kala Sharma said, “All vegetables have become costlier than before. In this situation, it is very hard to for the lower middle class people to survive”, she remarked.
Villagers who sell their products in the haat like Buddha Singh Rai of Pachak and DB Manger of Namcheybong said “we have to sells our products according to the rates ruling in the market. Rates of all other commodities have gone high; in such situation we also have to raise our vegetable rates”.
Pakyong Sub-divisional Magistrate, Mrs. Roshni Rai said that the rates of vegetables is high in Siliguri and it becomes still higher when brought to Pakyong and other parts of the state. Local vendors fix the rates of vegetables according to the market and also bargain with the customers, she added.

Sikkim gets the IBN7 Best Small State Award

Gangtok,October10 : IBN18 Network announced on Thursday, October 8, the winners of the second edition of prestigious ‘IBN7 Diamond States Awards’. Sikkim has been awarded as the best small state in Water & Sanitation
‘IBN7 Diamond States Awards’ is a path breaking editorial initiative in partnership with Outlook, for recognizing human and social development efforts by the states of India. A glittering awards ceremony held in the national capital, New Delhi and attended by the crème de la crème of the country also saw Kerala & Goa win top honour as India’s Best Big & Small States.
Water & Sanitation are critical parameters of a nation’s overall well-being. In spite of the growth that India has experienced in the recent years, basic facilities like safe drinking water and sanitation remain a problem area. Sanitation is a major concern for the villagers and the poorest of the poor living in urban centres.
Sikkim was felicitated at IBN7 Diamond States Award ceremony for its significant contribution in this area.
Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar graced the event as Chief Guest and delivered the key note address, which was followed by an interesting interactive session including Chief Ministers, leaders and dignitaries conducted by Ashutosh and Rajdeep Sardesai. The awards function was attended by dignitaries from various walks of life which included cabinet ministers, chief ministers, eminent politicians, journalists, lawyers and bureaucrats, among others.
The selection process for ‘IBN7 Diamond States Awards 2009’ was a credible multi-pronged approach involving secondary data from authentic sources and primary data from a nation wide research exercise conducted by Nielsen, the research partner for the awards. KPMG, the independent Knowledge Partner managed the process, methodology and the data for arriving at the best states for the various categories of the awards.
On the occasion, Rajdeep Sardesai, Editor-in-Chief, IBN18 Network said, “IBN7 Diamond States Awards 2009 celebrate excellence in human and social development among Indian states by taking an in-depth look on the work done by them and judging their significant contribution on parameters beyond economic growth. They truly signify the diamond standard for good governance in India. These winners have been arrived at through a rigorous and credible evaluation process.”

National Sanskrit Seminar @ Gangtok

Gangtok,Oct 9 : The 3 days National Sanskrit Conference commenced here at Chintan Bhawan,Gangtok. The event is organised by the  Rastriya Sanskrit Sansthan to assess contribution of the north-east in development of the Sanskrit and was inaugurated by the Sikkim Planning Commission Chairman Shri S.M.Limboo accompanied  by the RM&DD Minister ,C.B.Karki and Professor Radhavallabh Tripathi,  VC ,RSS.

The three day long conference is being held in Sikkim for the first time in the entire North East India and is organized by Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, a deemed University under the Ministry of HRD, Government of India.Also present were State RMDD minister CB Karki as guest of honour, director of State HRDD Rudra Prasad Poudyal and Vice Chancellor of Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, Acharya Rudra Vallabh Tripathi.

At the outset, Mr. Limboo read out the message of Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, which expressing gratitude to the RSS for prioritising Sanskrit education in Sikkim and for selecting Sikkim as the venue for the conference. “Sikkim alone has 12 schools imparting Sanskrit language teaching and many more have been proposed. Sikkim holds the very ancient history and its names are written in many holy texts of ancient times as well defined by various writers in Sanskrit languages.” Mr. Chamling said in the message.

Similarly, Mr. Limboo said, Sanskrit is the parent of all languages. “Of late, Sanskrit scholars have grown in numbers but they need to be boosted up and strengthened like the ancient days. He further informed the gathering about inaugurating 2 to 3 Sanskrit schools in Sikkim when he was the minister of education in 1980-82.

Recalling that Sikkim had no University till 1994, Mr. Karki in his address stressed on the facilities provided by the State Government towards education by establishing many schools including Sanskrit education. “It is solely the contribution of our Chief Minister in boosting education in the State,” he added.

The minister further said that such seminars should be organised quite often and that such messages should be spread in the grassroots too.

The RSS Vice Chancellor on his part informed about organising such programmes in other north eastern states shortly. At the same time, he sought cooperation from everyone to help spread the oldest language. He also expressed the RSS’ interest to enhance their relation with some of the organisations in Sikkim. He also requested the Sikkim University to start Sanskrit and Pali languages studies.
On the State Government’s proposal for more Sanskrit schools, Mr. Tripathi assured to support.
Today’s programme will be followed by talks and discussion on the topic where dignitaries from the north eastern states and Sikkim NE and Sikkim will participate.

Manipur in semifinal of Women's Football Championship

Gangtok,October10: Title contender Manipur today defeated Assam 4-0 to enter the semifinals of 1st Pempa Dorjee Memorial All India Women's Football Championship at Paljor Stadium here yesterday.

Striker I Prameshwhori Devi scored a brace, while M Bembem Devi and the skipper Sh Rani Devi struck goal a piece for Manipur.

With six points in kitty, Manipur will play against Sikkim 'Red' in their last league tie on October 11.

In the other match, Tamil Nadu kept their hopes alive for a semifinal berth defeating Sikkim 'Green' 2-0. Striker Angal Adolfes and substitute N Kanaga Valli scored one goal each for the winners.

In today's fixture, Orissa will play against West Bengal, while KFA Darjeeling will take on Assam.

Chief Minister Pawan Chamling reiterates developmental goals for Sikkim Ministers & HoDs

Gangtok,October10: (IPR) A high level coordination meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pawan Chamling was held in the conference hall of Tashiling, Secretariat, which was attended by his council of ministers, MP Lok Sabha Pd Rai, Chief Secretary, Addl Chief Secretary and HODs.
During this meeting, Mr. Chamling stated that his Government has been re-elected for the record fourth time with a thumping mandate by the people of Sikkim and now it’s time for the government to work to fulfill the dreams and the aspirations of the people of Sikkim.
The Chief Minister believed that first and foremost systematization of the programmes and the policies of the government is must and make it the first priority.
He also appealed to the administrators, government officials and the general public to change their mind set and said that everyone should work towards finding solutions of the problems and the hindrances faced by the government as well as the people as the road ahead is long and we have miles to go.
Mr. Chamling also requested the administrators and officials to come up with new innovative ideas and programme to take the state towards the path of progress.
Talking about the education, the Chief Minister reiterated that there should be no compromise in education and that they should try and give world class quality education to our children. In the same vein, he added that man power management is must and they should utilize them to the optimum.
Talking about the E-governance, the Chief Minister believed that first and foremost all the departments should update their respective websites on regular basis with correct and latest data.
Further, Mr. Chamling informed that new STNM hospital will be constructed in the existing place, Animal Husbandry Department will be shifted to Shokethang and that place will be utilized for making ultra modern shopping complex with parking facilities in the near future, and all existing towns of Sikkim will get a major face lift.
At the same time, he emphasized that all the villages should be furnished with all the required amenities so that the people of the rural areas don’t have to turn towards town and the urban areas.
He further informed that his government is gearing up for an innovative and ambitious programme, like village action plan for Sikkim. Mr. Chamling also suggested that administration and its working style should be simplified and make it more people friendly.
As far as waste management is concerned, he said this can be a cause of concern for the state in future, for which he thought that experts and new technologies should be used and recycling of non degradable wastes should be done.
Mr. Chamling added that every constituency will have a play ground and a community centre. The entire department should ensure that all ongoing projects should be completed as soon as possible and all the new plans and projects should be submitted to the government by December for approval, he urged
Earlier, Chief Secretary TT Dorji began the proceeding with his welcome note while Addl Chief Secretary Karma Gyatso in his closing note assured the Chief Minister that they will all work earnestly towards achieving the targets set by the government leaving no stone unturned.

US President Obama wins Nobel Peace Prize for 2009

Fri, Oct 9 03:40 PM
Oslo (Norway), Oct.9 (ANI): United States President Barack Obama has been surprisingly given the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009 for his extraordinary efforts in strengthening international diplomacy and for taking landmark initiatives to create a nuclear-free world.

Announcing the award here, an official of the Norwegian Nobel Committee said that Obama was yet to be informed about the award, and would receive the award on December 10 this year.

He also said that Obama had beaten 205 other nominees for the prestigious award, which includes a gold medal, a Nobel diploma and 1.4 million dollars.

The Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded 90 times to 120 Nobel Laureates between 1901 and 2009 - 97 times to individuals and 23 times to organizations.

Since International Committee of the Red Cross was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1917, 1944 and 1963, and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1954 and 1981, that means 97 individuals and 20 organizations have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

The Nobel Peace Prize is one of five Nobel Prizes bequeathed by the Swedish industrialist and inventor Alfred Nobel. According to Nobel's will, the Peace Prize should be awarded "to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses."

Alfred Nobel's will stated that a committee of five people elected by the Norwegian Parliament should award the prize. Norway and Sweden were at that time still in union, and with Sweden responsible for all foreign policy. Nobel felt that the prize might be less subject to political corruption if awarded by Norway. The Peace Prize is presented annually in Oslo, in the presence of the king, on December 10 (the anniversary of Nobel's death), and is the only Nobel Prize not presented in Stockholm. "

International Rhododendron Fest in Lachung in 2010

GANGTOK, October 9: The State Forest and Tourism Minister Bhim Dhungel today sanctioned a Harvest Water Tank for Yumthang bungalow and also directed the department for the renovation of Yumthang Hot Spring as part of the various activities taken up for the International Rhododendron Festival 2010 to be held at Lachung in North Sikkim in May 2010
During the inspection of various activities and discussion related with the ensuing rhododendron festival held today, Mr. Dhungel said the festival is not only for domestic but a global initiative. The minister also informed that special guests from International Rhododendron Society like USA, Canada, UK, Switzerland, Nepal and Bhutan will be participating in the International Rhododendron Festival 2010.
Mr. Dhungel was accompanied by Hissey Lachungpa (Political Advisor to CM), Secretary Tourism SBS Bhadauria, Secretary Forest ST Lachungpa, Chief Conservative of Forest Chezum Lachungpa, Chairman STDC Nim Tshering Lepcha, SDM Chungthang Tashi Chopel, representatives from TAAS, Pipons of Lachung and other dignitaries.
During the discussion, Mr. Hissey Lachungpa stressed that at least the accommodation for 100 car parking facility should be constructed at Yumthang and also informed that the Department should form a committee to look after it.
The secretary tourism from his part suggested that garbage should not be disposed at Yumthang valley and informed the department to dispose it in some other places. Regarding the renovation of Yumthang Bungalow he said that the Bungalow should look like a traditional structure.
During his two days visit, the minister visited Yumthang valley where he had a discussion with the various committee members. He also visited different tourist spots in North Sikkim like Khangchendzonga Eco Tourism Park at Naga, Rock climbing at Mangan, butterfly park at Rangrang, Thingchim Lake and the Bio Engineering Work and Soil and Moisture Conservation at Rangrang slides.
The next meeting regarding the festival is slated for October 15 at the Conference Hall of Forest Secretariat, adds a press release.

Labour dept supports talks between Sun Pharma workers & Management

Gangtok, October 8: The indefinite strike at Sun Pharma factory, Seti Pool near Ranipool has been called off by the agitating workers following the decision of the management to agree to most of their demands.
Around 450 workers of the factory had gone on a strike to highlight several demands related to their welfare and other labour related issues.
The workers withdrew their agitation when the management offered to agree to their demands in principle. The workers resumed their normal duties today.
A high level team of seven officials of the Sun Pharma’s Indian head-office at Mumbai will be arriving to Gangtok tomorrow for a dialogue. A tripartite meeting will between the company officials, representatives of the workers and State labour department where the demands of the workers will be discussed.
If our demands are not fulfilled during tomorrow’s meeting, we will resume our strike immediately, the workers warned.

Artificial grass turf for Paljor Stadium planned

GANGTOK, October 9: In a first sign of hope for the football pitch of Paljor Stadium which has been disintegrating into a wetland lately during rainfall, a US based multinational company made a presentation today in front of concerned stakeholders here at the conference hall of the stadium for evolving the pitch into the next generation artificial grass, FieldTurf.
State sports minister NK Pradhan, Gangtok MLA Dorjee Namgyal Bhutia (who had highlighted the need for artificial turf at Paljor Stadium during this year’s budget session in the Assembly) and executive members of Sikkim Football Association including working president BK Roka and general secretary Menla Ethanpa witnessed the 15 minute presentation by Rupesh Tiku, national sales manager of FieldTurf Tarkett.
The company is a global leader in artificial grass and sports surfaces and boasts a clientele of NFL teams and European football clubs including those from English Premier League and Spanish La Liga. The company is also recommended by FIFA.
Top clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool and Barcelona have artificial grass in their football stadiums.
The company has already delivered the first artificial football turf of SAARC nations at Goa in 2004 and recently completed the Salt Lake Stadium football turf project. The artificial turf at Salt Lake Stadium fetched great appreciation during the recent IFA Shield tournament as the pitch stood firm and impervious against the monsoon onslaught.
Highlighting the success of artificial turf for sporting events especially American football and soccer, Mr. Tiku said that the company’s patented artificial grass ‘FieldTurf’ is the second generation of artificial grass in the world after astro turf. The ‘FieldTurf’ is non-allergic, non-toxic and above all requires zero-maintenance during its stipulated life of 15 years cutting down maintenance costs.
For the record, the football pitch at Paljor Stadium costs Rs. 15 lakhs for maintenance.
Another big advantage of the ‘FieldTurf’ is that it’s unmatched water drainage prowess at the rate of 14 inches per hour. You need a flood of Biblical proportions to stop a match in a ‘FieldTurf’ pitch.
No weather can stop FieldTurf, said Mr. Tiku. He added that the ‘FieldTurf’ pitch can withstand temperatures up to 150 degree Celsius and the pitch remains lush green even after extensive use daily.
Mr. Tiku said that a FieldTurf stadium can be used for commercial ventures and rented out for conventions or other ground based sports like hockey and cricket can be played.
After the presentation, sports minister Pradhan enquired about the timeframe and costs to install artificial grass into a stadium like Paljor Stadium.
It was replied that that it will take five months to install the artificial grass in Paljor Stadium at a cost of around Rs. 3.5 crore.
SFA general secretary Ethanpa said the presentation was very positive and the organization remains much hopeful for an artificial turf in the Paljor Stadium.
It may be recalled that the pitch had received much flak during the recent Governor’s Gold Cup football tournament and calls have been made for an artificial turf.
Other Northeastern States like Tripura, Manipur and Meghalaya have already processed works to have artificial turfs in their stadiums, it is informed.

Rains trigger series of landslides in Gangtok

GANGTOK, October 9: Persistent rains over the past 24 hours have triggered a series of landslides in the State.
A protection wall built just below the Central Public Works Department near Balwakhani, near here collapsed last night creating panic among the residents. The incident occurred at around 2:30 am this morning.
The newly constructed wall also blocked the road, causing minor damage to a Maruti Omni, which was parked at one side of the road. This blocked traffic movement until BRO labourers chipped in to remove the debris.
The irate residents blamed the contractor and the department for the slip-shod construction that led to the collapse of the protection wall.
“This incident proves that the proportion of cement and sand was quite poor, thus putting many lives in danger,” said one of the residents.
Similarly, another landslide had occurred near Sikkim Rehabilitation Centre at Mile 32, which brought the national highway traffic to a stand still for nearly two hours. Commuters had to queue up for several hours in the morning for the traffic to return to normalcy at 11 am.
A tree that was uprooted at Rangpo IBM area also blocked the Rangpo-Singtam stretch for six hours.
The Rangpo-Melli road was also disturbed for an hour. Duga, Cheuribotey and Singtam remained disturbed for two hours. However, local residents played an active role to clear the debris.
The landsides near Rorathang Bridge disrupted the Rangpo-Rhenock road for four hours while another landslide at Sirwani brought the Singtam-Mangan road to a standstill. It is suspected that the Singtam-Mangan stretch may take another two days for the traffic to resume.

Manipur beat Darjeeling in women's football Chmapionship

Gangtok, Oct 9 : Title favourite Manipur overwhelmed KFA Darjeeling 18-3 in a Group A league match of First Pempa Dorji Memorial All India Women``s Football Championship at Paljor Stadium here yesterday. Striker I Prameshwori Devi scored a double hat-trick, as Manipur women pulverlised the rival team scoring nine goals each in either side of the 90-minute match.

Devi``s teammate Ph Bina Devi also hammerd a hat-trick. Bem Bem Devi and substitute Ksh Naocha Devi also scored a brace each for Manipur.

Meanwhile, in Group-B league tie, Orissa defeated Tamil Nadu 2-0 with Susmita Mallik and captain Sradhanjali Samantary being the scorers, while Sikkim Green lost to West Bengal 0-3. Paromita Sit, Nosaba Alam and Sujata Kar scored for West Bengal.

In today``s fixture, Manipur will play Assam, while Sikkim ``Green`` will take on Tamil Nadu.

Slow Implementation of High Security Number Plates in Sikkim

Gangtok,October09:  Almost six years after the Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways notified the introduction of High Security Registration Number Plates (HSRNP)—touted as one of the best anti-theft systems for vehicles—the ambitious plan finally took off after directive of Supreme Court and Government of Sikkim issued a notificatio on 11th December 2008 making HSRNP mandatory for all vehicles in Sikkim. The Motor Vehicle department started implementing order since March 2009 as per latest details only 1700 vehicles out of approximately 3000 registered vehicles by department in Sikkim.There hasbeen only 1 local taxi ,1 Main Line jeep and 2 buses in state which have opted for these plates.

All new vehicles in the country will have to come equipped with these sophisticated number plates, while in-use vehicles will have to replace their current plates with HSRNPs within two years, said a senior official from the Ministry. It is believed that the measure will help keep a check on vehicle thefts and will allow authorities to track stolen vehicles.

The tamper-proof number plates are estimated to cost about Rs 2,500 per vehicle and cannot be easily removed and replaced.

The HSRNP concept dates back to 1997 when the Standing Technical Committee of Central Motor Vehicles Rules recommended that they be instated by 1999. Before doing so, the Committee studied the prevalent security features on number plates in different countries. The Ministry also engaged several agencies to shortlist vendors to manufacture these number plates and notified the scheme in 2001.

CBSE Status of Mount Deepam School in Gangtok stir up hornet's nest

Gangtok,October09: Mount Deepam School in Church road, Gangtok was established in 1995 by Johny Kutty. C.J who is also the Principal of the school. The total strength of the school is 300 and has been claiming affiliation with C.B.S.C Board since 2000. The School has been running Standard IX & X for last 4 years although as per reports School isnot afiliated with CBSE as claimed.
The School has been charging a fee of Rs.1000/- instead CBSE recommended amount of Rs.350/-per month. The School requires atleast 1acre land area to be affiliated with CBSE which the rented premises of Mount Deepam School fails to meet the requisite criteria.The School Management has claimed to make arrangement with other schools to allow Standard IX&X students to appears in exams such as New Light School of Namchi and Greendale School of Gangtok.
The school has 12 teaching staff and 4 non-teaching staff. Active participation on extra curricular activities such as sports is the priority and its promotion among children.

Airtel Sikkim Half Marathon 2009

Gangtok,October8 : Gangtok will wake up to the footfalls of around 1200 distance-runners when the 19th Airtel Sikkim Half Marathon 2009 kicks off at 7:45 am on Sunday morning from Paljor Stadium here.
The event, organized by Sikkim Amateur Athletic Association (SAAA) is being sponsored by Airtel telecommunication services, said SAAA president Akshay Sachdeva (IG, Sikkim Police) during a press meet here today.
We are expecting around 1200 participants from all the four districts, said Mr. Sachdeva. He informed that State Sports minister NK Pradhan will be flagging off the half marathon at 7:45 am on October 11 from Paljor Stadium.
The marathon has been divided into three categories – open (men), U-16 (boys & girls) and U-14 (boys & girls). In the open category, the participants will be starting from Paljor Stadium, wind their way through Bojoghari, Tashi View Point and Ganesh Tok before returning back to the starting point. They will be covering a distance of 21 kms.
In the U-16 (boys & girls) category, the participants will be running a distance of 15 kms from Paljor Stadium to Bojoghari and back. Similarly in the U-14 (boys & girls) category, the runners will have to cover a distance of 10 kms from Paljor Stadium to Ranka turning at Indira Bypass and back.
Cash prizes amounting to Rs.1.5 lakhs will be given to the winners along with trophies and certificates, said Mr. Sachdeva. Airtel CEO Nitpal Srivastava is scheduled to be present on the half marathon day, he informed

ICAR Workshop on Big Cardamom

Gangtok,October08: A day long DBT Interactive Workshop on “Management of pest and diseases of Large cardamom in North-East Region using potential bio-pesticides and Biotechnological approaches” was organized by ICAR, Sikkim Centre, Tadong, Gangtok on 5th October.
The workshop aimed to address the problems of large cardamom cultivation in the region was inaugurated by Prof. S. N. Puri, Vice Chancellor, Central Agricultural University (CAU) Imphal, Manipur. Dr. Seema Wahab, Advisor, DBT, New Delhi, Dr. Opendra Koul, Director, IBRC, Jalandhar, Punjab and Shri. M L Arrawatia, Secretary, DST, Govt. of Sikkim, attended along with the scientists of ICAR, Indian Cardamom Research Institute and DBT, New Delhi and State officials.
Dr. H. Rahman, Joint Director, ICAR, welcomed the dignitaries and delegates and expressed his gratitude for giving ICAR an opportunity to conduct Workshop on the most pertinent issues. He expressed his concerned over the recession of production in Large Cardamom that pushed India to second position from leading producer. The decline in production may be attributed to the occurrence of diseases, poor management, poor pollination and climate change, he added. He said that the farming practices, inaccessibility of field and negligence further aggravate the decline syndrome.
Dr. Seema Wahab in her address put emphasis on the application of biotechnology in production of elite and disease-free planting materials. She told that DBT is always ready to finance need based research project that could bring viable technology for famers. She felt the need of a network project on Large Cardamom covering important aspects of production technology.
Dr. Opender Koul, Director, Insect Biopesticides Research Centre, Jalandhar, expressed spoke about the efficacy of bio-pesticides in managing pests and viral and fungal diseases. Bio-pesticides will only be effective, if they are used in right perspective, he added. He further emphasized the need of exploitation of bio-products, as these products are themselves library of chemicals.
Dr. M. L. Arrawatia, Secretary, DST, Govt. of Sikkim, emphasized the need of participatory approach in addressing the problems of large cardamom including value addition as it is one of the major sources of livelihood of farming community of Sikkim. He told that the Govt. of Sikkim was highly concerned about the decrease in the production and area of large cardamom, although state is taking up many measures.
Prof. Puri, Vice Chancellor, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, expressed his dissent over the reduction in India’s share (32%) in world large cardamom production.

The Athletics Meet & Half Marathon in Sikkim begins today

Gangtok,October08: Sports lovers of Sikkim are geared into its sports buzz with the 10th State Junior Athletic Meet 2009 from 8th to 10th October at TNA Ground and the 19th Sikkim Half Marathon on 11th October 2009 in Palzor stadium . The event is being organized by the Sikkim Amateur Athletic Association.

There are 3 categories each under the 10th State Junior Athletic Meet 2009 19th Sikkim Half Marathon 2009.

10th State Junior Athletic Meet 2009:

Under 14 years Boys & Girls.

Under 16 years Boys & Girls

Open Category Men & Women.

19th Sikkim Half Marathon 2009:

Under 13 years Boys & Girls - 10 Kms.

Under 16 years Boys & Girls - 15 Kms

Open Category Men - 21 Kms.

Winners are entitled to cash prizes. NINE FM Gangtok will catch the excitement of the Athletic Meet on-air. Live links will be aired from the venue. Apart from this, NINE FM will also air interview of the participants.

Sikkim gets first heavy snowfall of season

TheSikkimTimes is excited to announce the first snowfall of the 2009-2010 season in Sikkim. The heavy snowfall has been reported in the mountainous corridors of the Nathula border while the holy lake of Guru Dongmar is already wearing a blanket of snow. Nathula Pass and its nearby tourist spots have been receiving heavy snowfall since tuesday  night. It started to snow in nathula at around tuesday midnight, much to the delight of those in the hospitality industry.


Tourists proceeding to the Nathula border couldnot reach their destination due to heavy snowfall but they arenot complaining as they were able to touch and beautiful sight of snow all around. It was welcome sign for many as being the first heavy snowfall.and most of the roads blocked by fresh snow but cleared immediately . But army personnels have done a good and quick job, rescued the visitors, some got sickness among them.


All the high passes of Sikkim are now under snow cover. Normally snowfall occurs in the months of the November to February and therefore signs of snowfall in early October is a bit unexpected but welcome sight to tourists as well as those in travel industry.

Sikkim Government Transfers

• Shri Bhagwan Shankar, IAS (SK-1988), Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Knowledge Commission, Sikkim shall hold the additional charge of Managing Director, State Bank of Sikkim with immediate effect.
• Shri Sonam Lepcha, Deputy Director, Human Resource Development Department, North District, Mangan is hereby transferred and posted as Deputy Director (Recruitment Cell), Human Resource Development Department, Gangtok with immediate effect.
• On the recommendation of the Sikkim Public Service Commission, Shri L. M. Pradhan, Acting PCE (Mech.), Transport Department, is hereby promoted as Principal Chief Engineer (Mechanical) in the scale of Rs. 17200-450-21250 on substantive capacity with immediate effect.
•  Shri Divya Gurung, Assistant Engineer (Sewerage), Water Security & P.H.E. Department is hereby transferred and posted as Assistant Engineer (Plg/Store), Irrigation & F. C. Department.
•  Shri Sonam Choden Lepcha, Assistant Engineer, BAC, Passingdong, under Rural Management and Development Department is hereby transferred and posted as Assistant Engineer (North), Water Security & PHE Department.
• Shri C. B. Chhetri, Assistant Engineer (North), Water Security & PHE Department is hereby transferred and posted as Assistant Engineer, BAC, Passingdong, under Rural Management and Development Department.
  
• Shri Tenzing N. Lamtha, Assistant Engineer (Planning/Store), Irrigation & F.C. Department is hereby transferred and posted as Assistant Engineer (Sewerage), Water Security & P.H.E. Department
  
  
  
  
  

Sikkim Gorkha body condemns Assam killings

GANGTOK, Oct 7 – The Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh, an apex body of Gorkhas has condemned the killing of seven Nepalese-speaking people in Sonitpur district of Assam and criticised the Tarun Gogoi Government for failing to give them security.

“The BGP condemns the killing of innocent Nepalese-speaking people by the NDFB militants in Sonitpur district because the victims did not pay extortion,” BGP Working President CK Shrestha told reporters here.

He said that the Gogoi Government could not escape its responsibility for the killings as it failed to provide security despite public knowledge about the militant outfits demand for extortion and threats.

The massacre could have been avoided if the State Government had intensified security measures for the migrant people, Shrestha said. – PTI

Vice-President of India to Visit Sikkim

Gangtok,October8: The Vice- President of India is scheduled to visit Sikkim later this month.The final tour programme of Vice-president, Shri Mohammad Hamid Ansari, is still to be chalked out by the State Government in consulation with the Office of Vice-President of India ; however it is informed that he will be here in Sikkim on a 4 days visit from 27th October,2009.

The  visit of Vice-president is primarially connected with the golden jubilee celebrations of High Court of Sikkim.It is informed that during his stay ,he will be meeting with the Sikkim Governor ,Chief Minister and visiting various places including Namgyal Institute of Tibetology in Gangtok and Samdruptse in Namchi.

NINE FM SMS CONTEST WINNER

Sikkim's first FM radio station NINE FM (91.9)  announced Miss Choden  Tamang of DPH, Gangtok as Winner of Dashai Malamaal SMS Contest and Rajshree Subba of  NINE FM presented her with a Television Set, Reebock Watch, Gift Vouchers of Rs.5000/- for branded readymade dresses and Rs.1500/-Gift Voucher for dinner in a Gangtok restaurant.

Wet weather spells casts fear of dull tourist season

Siliguri, Oct.7: Tour operators are worried that inflow of visitors to north Bengal and Sikkim will be hit if there is no let-up in the heavy rain that has been lashing the region for the past 24 hours.

The rain comes at a time the tourism season is picking up and people are getting ready to celebrate Kali Puja.

“We saw a huge footfall of tourists during Durga Puja that was celebrated without any climatic disturbances. But we are worried that the sudden shower will disrupt roads and vacationers will not be able to make it to the hills. The weather has caused immense havoc during the tourism season earlier this year,” said Santosh Gupta, the director of Travel Junction, a Darjeeling-based tour agency.

“It is mostly south Indians who visit the region during the season that begins in mid-September and continues till the end of the year and they prefer warm climate to cold and wet weather spells. We hope that the rain does not last for too long,” he added.

Weather experts, however, forecast that the incessant rain would continue for two more days before the sky became clear.

“The heavy rain was caused by a low pressure that was formed in the region last evening. Otherwise, intermittent showers are normal at this time as the monsoon is yet to withdraw,” said Subir Sarkar, the in-charge of the weather station at North Bengal University.

Tour operators in the Dooars, too, fear the wet weather might play spoilsport for the visitors who want to view animals in Gorumara National Park and Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary.

“The bookings this time are good compared to what we had received last year. But most animals take refuge deep inside the forest and do not come out during the wet weather. The tourists will be disappointed if they cannot see the animals. If the rain persists, we will lose many tourists who fly down to visit the Dooars at this time of the year,” said Kamal Bhowmik, the secretary of the Lataguri Resort Owners’ Association

Heavy Rain in Sikkim

Gangtok,October8: The heavy rains lashed most parts of Sikkim since last night paralysing normal life in the state as the weather office here predicted heavy to very heavy rains and thunderstorm by tomorrow.
The heavy downpour continued throughout the day disrupting daily life and reducing traffic on the roads.
An average rainfall of 43.3 mm was recorded throughout the Himalayan state with capital Gangtok and adjoining areas receiving over 50 cm rainfall, while Chungthang and Mangan in north Sikkim recorded over 40 mm rainfall, the Met office here said.

Sikkim beat Darjeeling by 10 goals in Women's Football Championship

Gangtok,Oct 7:Sikkim 'Red' today scored an emphatic victory over KFA Darjeeling by 10 goals to three and earned full three points in the first match of the inaugural All India Women's Football Championship being played here at Paljor stadium.

The event, a first in the country, is being organised by the women's wing of Sikkim Football Association (SFA).

Sikkim 'Red' captain Nima Lhamu Bhutia scored four goals and a brace each by Mongmit Lepcha, Pabitra Limboo and Ran Maya Rai completed the rout for the Darjeeling team.

The second match of the day between Tamil Nadu and Orissa was called off after the halftime due to bad weather conditions. Both sides were locked in a goal less draw and the remaining 30 minutes of the match will be played tomorrow.
Title contenders Manipur will play against KFA Darjeeling tomorrow while Sikkim Green will take on Bengal.
The tournament has been drawn up in the league system with four teams in two groups.
Two top teams from each group will progress into the semis which will start from October 13.

Women's Football Tournament in Sikkim Inaugurated

1at All India Women’s Football Championship for Pem Dorjee Cup- 2009

Gangtok,October7: The first-ever All-India Women's Football Championship for the Pem Dorjee Memorial Cup 2009 was inaugurated today at Palzor stadium despite a rainy and rough weather .The tournament will be held from October 7 to 15 in Gangtok, Sikkim.

KFA Darjeeling  clashed with Sikkim (Red) in the inaugural match of the 1st All India Women's Football Championship for Pem Dorjee Memorial Cup in Gangtok (Sikkim) today.
Tamil Nadu will meet Orissa in the second match of the opening day. Eight teams are participating in this edition of the championship. The Group A consists of Manipur, Sikkim Red, Assam and KFA Darjeeling. Bengal, Sikkim Green, Tamil Nadu and Orissa are in Group B.

The Sikkim Football Association  informed that it thought it right to organise the 1st All India Women's Football Championship for Pem Dorjee Memorial Cup at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok.State women teams from Assam, Manipur, Bengal (two teams), Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Goa beside 2 teams from Sikkim are participating. This being the first year, the championship will have limited number of teams but from next year onwards the SFA wants to conduct the tournament with 12 to 16 teams. The championship has AIFF approval and they have lauded the SFA's efforts for the conduct of such a championship for women.

It may not be out of place to mention here that Late Pem Dorjee, was the Captain of the India Senior Football team during 1980s and represented India in several International tournaments, who happens to hail from Sikkim


PALJOR STADIUM, GANGTOK
(7th to 15th October 2009)

Organised by SFA Women’s Wing, under the aegis of SIKKIM FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

GROUP ‘A’: MANIPUR, SIKKIM RED, ASSAM & KFA DARJEELING
GROUP ‘B’: BENGAL, SIKKIM GREEN, TAMIL NADU & ORISSA

7.10.2009: SIKKIM RED Vs KFA DARJEELING
7.10.2009: TAMIL NADU Vs ORISSA
8.10.2009: KFA DARJEELING Vs MANIPUR
8.10.2009: SIKKIM GREEN Vs BENGAL
9.10.2009: TAMIL NADU Vs SIKKIM GREEN
10.10.2009: KFA, DARJEELING Vs ASSAM
10.10.2009: ORISSA Vs BENGAL
11.10.2009: SIKKIM RED Vs MANIPUR
11.10.2009: TAMIL NADU Vs BENGAL
12.10.2009: SIKKIM RED Vs ASSAM
12.10.2009: SIKKIM GREEN Vs ORISSA


SEMI FINAL
13.10.2009: Winner of ‘A’ Vs Runners Up of ‘B’
13.10.2009: Winner of ’B” Vs Runners Up of ‘A’


FINAL: 15.10. 2009

450 Workers of SUN Pharmaceuticals in Sikkim stage dharna

East Sikkim, October7: SUN pharmaceutical company having its unit in located at Seti Pool, 15 kms away from Gangtok ,East Sikkim has been another pharma factory which has started facing labour management problem for the past two days.

Over 450 workers of SUN Pharmaceutical Company working under contractors staged a dharna today especially protesting women labour being deployed on 12 hours night shift which starts at 7PM and ends at 7AM and further amount being paid for long hours of night shift is meagre Rs.15 instead of Rs25 as promised.The labours are also demanding increase of daily wage, timely monthly payment, vehicle facility to causal labourers, clarification in provident fund, medical treatment facility as per the company’s norms and extra payment for overtime.The 450 workers of Unit went on indefinite strike from today protesting against the alleged high handiness of the management of the company. The workers said that they were forced to gone on an indefinite hartal due to the lack of facilities provided to them by the company and other labour related issues.The workers are also protesting the decision of the company management to deploy women workers in night shifts. The company has mentioned its rules that no women workers will be put for night shifts, they said.

Another grievance of the workers was that the management was not providing them medical facilities. They also slammed the State labour department and labour organizations for not coming forward to help them since they were recruited into the Sun Pharma company factory at Seti Pool seven months ago.
Women labourers have also raised their voice against the company staff for misbehaving with them.

Labours have also protested against non-payment of wages for 2 days holidays for celebration of Dashai festival.The labours have called for protest strike in the Sun Pharma Unit.

When asked to comment on the issue, the company’s HR  manger Shri Shailesh Rai said there is no difference between the casual labourers and company staff. “All are equal and are treated equally,” they said.
According to them, the wages given to the labourers are being followed as per the norms of labour department. As far as timely payment to the labourers is concerned, the management said they usually pay to the labour contractors in time. The labour contractors also pay wages to the labourers in time, the manager added. Asserting that the company is abiding the rules and regulations of the labour laws of the State government, Mr. Rai said that six days of work per week is compulsory as per the norms. He also assured that the two day leave payments of the Dusherra festival will be made by the company. HRD manager Sailesh Rai told media that the demands of the workers have been forwarded to the company’s head office at Mumbai. We are waiting for the response from the head office, he said


Meanwhile, the workers are determined to continue with their strike until the company fulfills their demands

All Sikkim Self Help Group Exhibition

Gangtok,October07 : Sikkim Rural Development Agency (SRDA) under the Rural Management and Development Department (RMDD), Govt. of Sikkim, has organized an Exhibition-cum-Sales of products by All Sikkim Self Help Group (SHG) which was inaugurated on Tuesday at old children park to continue till 15th October.
C B Karki, Minister RMDD was chief guest at the inauguration. Dorjee Namgyal, MLA, Gangtok, Phituk Tshering, Sangha MLA, former Minister Somnath Poudyal, Anil Ganerwala, Secretary, RMDD, among others, were present.
Total 42 stalls of handloom and handicraft, food, vegetable items from all over Sikkim are displaying their products. Mr. Karki said, the aim of the programme is to enable the local youth to be self sustained by giing them the idea of marketing the products. Since the formation of SDF government, emphasis is being given on facilities for the rural people, he said. “State government is giving capacity building training to all educated unemployed youth whereby number of SHGs has increased”, he said. He added, “The aim of the government is to develop the SHG from State level to National Level”. He urged the local youths “to fulfill the dream

75th year celebrations of Namchi Senior Secondary School (NSSS)

Platinum Jubilee celebration of NSSS all set for Oct 14

Namchi,October07: A final meeting of the committee for Platinum Jubilee celebration of Namchi Senior Secondary School (NSSS) was held here at the Indoor Stadium on Tuesday. The meeting was chaired by Mrs. Tika Maya Chamling who is also the chairperson of the celebration committee.
Established in 1934 “to build a healthy and prosperous society”, NSSS has completed 75 years to celebrate its Platinum Jubilee on 14th October this year. “Ever onward” has been the motto of the school over the years.
The celebration is likely to bring all the ex-students of the school under one roof to remember their school days and friends by way of a reunion. The celebration committee is formed with ex-students as members to extend their support for a grand success of the event.
The committee has decided to pay homage to the founder members and land donor of this school by constructing a Platinum Pillar in front of this heritage school building and to also construct an information and communication technology (ICT) building with modern IT facilities to shape the future of the pupils by their holistic development. The committee has also planned to institute awards and scholarships to the meritorious and deserving students of the school.
The meeting discussed at length various issues pertaining to the celebration and job distribution. Construction of pandals, food and refreshment arrangement, preparation of cultural items and many other jobs were shortlisted for ex-students, celebration committee members, present students of the school and its teaching staff.
Individuals who were given various responsibilities in the previous meetings shared their views, suggestions, plans and opinions on the proper management for the celebration. The Joint Director, HRDD South, T. B. Vhettri, Principal NSSS, YP Nepal, were among those who shared their views.
The meeting was attended by former Minister GM Gurung who is vice chairman of the celebration committee, District Collector South, AK Singh, Deputy Director S/W Sports and Youth Affairs, Kamal Chettri, Chief Medical Officer, Bimal Rai, members of the Platinum Jubilee Celebration Committee, ex- students, student representatives from NSSS, teaching staff and members of the school management committee.

Danny Sir is a true rock star

ACID FACTORY, a Sanjay Gupta production which is directed by Suparn Verma (EK KHILADI EK HASEENA) is all set to arrive this Friday. After it's much hyped unveiling that took place in IIFA last year, the film has been pretty much in the news for it's all macho star cast comprising of Fardeen Khan, Irrfan Khan, Manoj Bajpai, Dino Morea, Aftab Shivdasani and Danny Denzongpa along with femme fatale Dia Mirza.

While promising that the film will bring in a different dimension to how thrillers are perceived, Suparn also talks about the challenges faced during the making of the film, the casting as well as the target audience he has in mind once ACID FACTORY is unveiled in theaters this Friday. Describing it as a 'serious hardcore entertainer thriller', Suparn also insists that the film is every bit the tagline that reads - 'Some thrillers go too far; this one starts from there'!

ACID FACTORY doesn't appear to be one of those films that can be made in a jiffy! A lot of effort would have went into it's pre-production as well. Director Suparn Verma discloses the details, ''The film has taken me 2.5 years to make. It has been a long journey. I scripted the film for 11 months. Then quite some effort was further required to be spent since it's a mutli starrer and people across various age groups and style had to be chosen we shot for the film last year. This year has entirely gone into post production. We could have in fact hurried it up a little but then due to producers' strike, we had some spare time in hands.''

Of all the actors that he has worked in the film, he seems to be in quite some awe of Danny... Adds on Suparn, ''He works on a very personal and emotional level. If you give something of yourself, he would give his all to you. For my film, he went out of his way to make things happen since he believed in the film. We share a wonderful relationship. I am privileged to be knowing both Danny Sir as well as Feroze Khan saab. They were and they are the true rock stars. In fact Danny Sir would literally romance a new generation from here on.''
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Sichey Sabji Mandi turning into public toilet

Gangtok: A project on construction of sabji mandi at sichey in an area measuring about 12,600 sp/ft with three concrete building was completed by last year 2008 and the same had been handed over to the Urban development and housing department which is the nodal office of the said project. It has been learnt that the present scenario of the project is worst and is in the most deplorable condition, it is left without caretaker or any choukidars to take care and protect such a huge property and invested site. Similarly it was as well learnt that the construction was taken up by the national building construction company (NBCC) government of India who have earlier constructed lalbazzar and taxi stands in the state. But while speaking to one of the staff of the said company informed that they have already completed the construction last year and even had handed over to the nodal agency the same year only. But it is of great sadness that the constructed site is left un utilized and the purpose for what it was build remains un explored till date no mandi work is performed there but the same site has now become a public toilet and damages are viewed all over the newly developed area.

In the same instance while speaking to the commissioner cum secretary of UD N HD department said that, the NBCC only constructs the building and looks after the inner development but to make it suitable out side the department has to work and the same is being followed. Similarly added that the same is on discussion with the government that weather the building will be transformed into capacity building institute or any government offices is yet to be known for which the meet is being organised so as to discuss. Similarly it is as well viewed that the electrification work is not properly conducted and wires are all dislocated or has been damaged as it was left with on proper management. In that the secretary said that the electrification work is on and maintenance work is under its way so as to utilize the project to its utmost, similarly added further the electrification works will even be conducted in the outer part of the constructed area too.
(Himali Awaz)

Floriculture business blooms in Sikkim

Gangtok, Oct 6- ANI: The climatic advantage coupled with highly educated workforce gives Sikkim a definite advantage in floriculture, and realizing the potential the State Government is assisting farmers through various training programs and facilities.

Sikkim is famous for its lush green plantations, and it is reaping good profits in the floriculture business.

Home to over 26 per cent of the country's biodiversity with exquisite species in flora and fauna, the State has been successful in promoting floriculture.

We provide training to the farmers. After the training we provide them with planting materials such as seeds and we also provide them with the infrastructure required to farm flowers in a large scales basis by providing them green house facilities and the required demonstration is also given to them, said K. K Singh, Special Director of Department of Horticulture.

Realizing the potential and investment opportunities in this sector, the department has also given subsidies for marketing and transport facilities to local farmers.

The Government has given us encouragement, as the weather here is suitable. The Government initially gave us 500 saplings for trial basis. It was first given to 10 families, now we have 62 families in this plot. They have even helped us technically, said Laxmi Rai, a farmer.

To promote Sikkim at the international level, an international show is also held in the state.

At present, Sikkim is producing cut flowers, which includes roses, Lilium and Anthurium on a commercial scale.

Sikkim is the only state in the country which produces high value cymbidium orchids. It has also been designated as the agriculture export zone with particular emphasis on production and export of large cardamom, ginger and cherry pepper.
- ANI

Indian Psychiatric Society to hold conference in Sikkim on 'substance abuse and suicide'

Gangtok, Oct 7 (PTI) About 400 participants from across the country will deliberate on 'substance abuse and suicide' at the three-day national conference of the Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS) from October nine.

Hosted by Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences (SMIMS) at Tadong, the delegates will dwell on various aspects of (drug) substance abuse and suicide from socio-economic and medical point of views, Sikkim Manipal University (SMU) Vice-Chancellor Brigadier (Rtd) SS Pabla said today.

The experts opinion on the twin vices will be relevant for Sikkim in particular, since the state has been dogged by the growth in the number of suicide cases over the years and its youths taking to abuse of banned substances.

Pabla said representative of government hospitals, Primary Health Centres (PHCs), NGOs, have been invited to attend the conference to update themselves about various initiatives at the social-medical level against suicide and drug addiction.

Sikkim CM Chamling announces capacity building institutes

Gangtok,October7: Expressing concern with lack of enthusiasm among the local people to take up private enterprises, Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling on Tuesday announced that there shall be a capacity building institutes in each assembly segments of the state by December this year.

Each assembly segments must have a functional capacity building institutes by the year end and the authorities should hire accommodation on rent for the purpose in the event of unavailability of government premises, he said at the consultative meeting on the capacity building.
Once the capacity building institutes did come up, it should be the endeavour of the area MLAs and the local administration to bring the unemployed people there to take up training to hone their skills in order to make themselves self employed, Chamling said.

Stating that there was abundance of professional opportunities already available in Sikkim and many more in the pipeline in the years to come, the Chief Minister regretted that the local people were not equipped skill wise to take up such jobs in the private sector.

Anand ko Utsav in Gangtok

GANGTOK, October 6: The Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today announced that a ‘prayer mountain’ would be established in the State as a step towards promoting pilgrimage tourism.

Addressing a huge congregation of Christian denomination today at a festival of Joy, ‘Anand ko Utsav’ held at Guards Ground here today, Mr. Chamling said that the prayer tower would be one of the best in the country.

Organized by United Christian Welfare Society of Sikkim (UCWSS) the two days long healing and the prayer festival is being presided by brother Mohan C Lazarus, an evangelist and the prayer healer from Chennai.

The Chief Minister in his brief address added that maintaining religious harmony in the State is another factor that takes Sikkim to the forefront.

“Sikkim is one place where people freely enjoy the right to religion of their choice without any fear and suppression,” he said assuring of setting up more churches in Sikkim in the years to come. “We should always stand together in humanity and pray for Sikkim,” the Chief Minister added.

The festival also witnessed a choir singing participated by the representatives of various churches.
Martam-Rumtek MLA Menlom Lepcha, Chairman Mallika Subba and others also attended the meeting.

The State HRDD Minister NK Pradhan, the organizer said will be attending the meeting in the today as the chief guest