BJP Gujarat MP raise voice for DD Gangtok; MP Sikkim absent in Parliament

18 May, Gangtok: Built one decade earlier Gangtok’s Doordarshan Kendra DD Kendra is non-operational, the concern was several time sraised by the State Bharatiya Janta Party BJP President Shri Padam Chettri several occasion in the centre and state, from post -to-post but no any significant development was heard nor was executed. However the conspiracy behind the transmission of Gangtok DD Kendra continued to brew periodically.

In one embarrassing moment on 17 May the voice concern of Gangtok Doordarshan Kendra was audible in the Lok Sabha House where the BJP led State MP of Gujarat Balkrishna K Shukla provoked out in the house regarding non-operational of Gangtok DD Kendra. MP Shukla raised the question over the DD Kendra during Zero Hour of Budget session in Lok Sabha House.

During the questioning unfortunately lone LS MP of State Shri PD Rai was not present in the house Even during important issue/affair which concerned for the state of Sikkim and the Democracy of Media.Recall that, for the state of Sikkim MP Shukla of Gujarat alone had raised a question to the Information & Broadcasting Ministry regarding the operation, transmission of Gangtok DD Kendra. In the written reply to MP Shukla the Ministry said that all operations are up and running smoothly. However the truth on other side is that DD Kendra which was completed in the year 2002 itself worth Rs 14 Crore has staff recruited but no transmission has been effectively carried in the region.Amazing thing is that only the ‘relay’ transmission of DD North East programme “Krishi Baag Bani” is being aired through the feeder of the DD Kendra Gangtok just for few minutes, which clearly indicates that the regional transmission is hauled.

The sophisticated machines have started to rust and the employees are being paid without doing a Work, is claimed.The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has made a mockery of highest institution like a Parliament by delivering untruth version of story behind DD Gangtok, claims BJP.The state BJP President Padam Chettri has strongly criticised the centre’s role in keeping Sikkim in dark corner, Sikkim which is land locked geographically between international borders of four countries & kingdom. In such brazing matter the centre should heed for the mobility of information swiftly for the people of Sikkim concerning abrupt requirement for DD Kendra, he said.Having learnt about the whole misery state of state’s deplorable condition the MP Bal Krishna of Gujarat did not hesitate to raise a question for the Sikkim in Parliament in zero hour which indeed was a responsibility of State MP PD Rai in his capacity & power, tells president Chettri to media.’Is the centre devoiding right to information for the state of Sikkim and people by detaching primary benefit like DD transmission raises question by Chettri’ .

The BJP also alleges involvement of some scam behind the DD Gangtok case, it has sought for independent inquiry into a matter by the CBI as such truth unfurls.He said that BJP is for the betterment of the people of nation and the state, it will always be forefront in hearing people’s voice, he said.Recalling DD Gangtok case the president Chettri whipped the state Lok Sabha MP PD Rai that during the important Lok Sabha session he should have been present in the Parliament house but instead he was attending Chief Minister’s function the capital Gangtok which is very much unacceptable for the people and the state which is reeling under pathetic condition of infrastructural mismanagement etc, he said.

Adding, he also urged the MP Rai instead of playing tug-of-war personally with eminent personality of Sikkim University Vice Chancellor Dr. Mahendra P Lama he should constrain looking into state affairs.

Transfer distress evokes turmoil; teachers to knock court door

17 May, Gangtok: State Government’s Human Resource & Development Department HRD comes once again under the scanner of teachers due to the inappropriate transfer going around during the midterm of academic session.
The teachers have stood up and voiced regarding the irregularity in transfer process where several crucial question has been put forward by the agitated teachers to the department.
With the transfer, dissatisfied teachers have alleged that HRD is churning its own notification 2009. In the notification issued by HRD in the year 2009, it’s written that the teachers above 50 years of age will not come under the Umbrella of transfer whereas below will come under Umbrella of transfer. Also those teachers will not come under Umbrella of transfer who has been working below 5 years in a place. However the teachers have slammed that the Umbrella of scale has dethrone the teachers in both the cases in contrary.
The Umbrella procedure of the department will greatly shatter the career of children’s is told. In one hand the state government visualizes state’s education system to comply with global standard and quality education pathway and in other hand the midterm transfer of teachers speaks a different thing, claims one of the intellectual to Voice of Sikkim.
With the asymmetric in transfer procedure there have evokes a instability in the mind sets of teachers foretells boldly that the matter will be placed before the court in coming time if the department doesn’t look into it, claims group dissatisfied of teachers to media.
Under what pressure or circumstance the department is being robotic for transferring the teachers from one place to another keeping the notification of 2009 in dark corner?, states teachers.
All together from all corners whatever be the queries, it’s clear and evident from common view that the stride towards the Quality Education system will have to bear severe clogging with these sorts of undue matters evoking in HRD frequently..

State day Observed : Civilian Awards conferred to various personalities by Governor & CM

More Photos (Facebook/VoiceofSikkim):https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3058165264863.2111035.1585339050&type=1

CM’s Speech Transcript on Last Section

16 May,Gangtok/IPR : State Day was celebrated here at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok today with the felicitation to various personalities who have contributed to the society in the field of social service, sports, music and arts, literature etc. Nine personalities from various walks of life were conferred with Sikkim Sewa Ratna and twenty personalities were felicitated with Sikkim Sewa Samman from His Excellency the Governor of Sikkim and Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim. LD Kazi Award for Democratic Movement was conferred to Shri Man Bahadur Tamang of pachey, Dugalakha, East Sikkim for the role in the democratic movement of the state. His Excellency also presented the Jeevan Raksha Padak to Shri Vivek Sharma who had received the award during the year 2011from the President of India for saving a life of a child. The programme also saw joint release of three books viz. Coffee Table pictorial book and a narrative documentation on Sikkim Bhraman published by Information and Public Relations Department, Government of Sikkim and Ethno Ornithology of Lepchas of Sikkim written by Vanya Jha and Ajeya Jha, by His Excellency The Governor of Sikkim and Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim.

His Excellency the Governor of Sikkim while addressing the gathering quoted Dr. B.R. Ambedkar who asserted in the Constituent Assembly that “we must make our political democracy a social democracy as well”,‘social democracy seeks to establish a way of life which recognizes equality, liberty and fraternity as the principles of life’ and further added that the evolution of political democracy in Sikkim has helped in empowerment of Sikkimese people through education, healthcare and creation of infrastructure. It is for us and particularly our younger generation to ensure that we do not create such layers of life in our society where wealth gets concentrated in the hands of a few and the majority are denied economic opportunities, he said. The Governor during his address appreciated the schemes of the government for the upliftment of the people and the society and made a special mention to the Chief Minister’s Meritorious Scholorship Programme, CATCH and 10 minutes to Earth which he said are symbolic to the steps taken by the State Government on education, health and environment. He was also quite appreciative to the gathering of public servants assembled in the Chintan Bhawan in the State Day Celebration and added that this shows that the earthquake has not shattered the zeal and enthusiasm of the Sikkimese people towards the development of the state. His Excellency also congratulated the receipients of the civilian awards and asked them to continue their service towards the people and society and greeted the people of Sikkim on the auspious occasion.

The Chief Minister during his address talked about the evolution of the democratic movement in the state and remembered the leaders who had their role in the democratic movement of the state. Further added he said that the state of Sikkim is reaping the fruits of democratic divident in the name of development which has been established in the state. The Chief Minister in his address also thanked the central leadership for the support and cooperation towards the state. (Please see the full text of the speech of the Chief Minister which is attached)

The Chief Secretary in his welcome address said that the State Day celebration is the celebration of democracy and its success in the state.

Earlier, His Excellency the Governor of Sikkim and the Chief Minister of Sikkim offered garland to the statue of LD Kazi in front of the Chintan Bhawan.

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Receipents of the Sikkim Sewa Ratna

1. Shri B B Gooroong, Former Chief Minister

2. Shri Sancha Man Limboo, Former Chief Minister

3. Shri C D Rai, Journalist

4. Dr. Trilochan Singh, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi

5. Shri T T Dorjee, Former Chief Secretary

6. Ms. Kipu Tshering Lepcha, Social Worker

Receipents of Sikkim Khel Ratna

1. Shri Bhaichung Bhutia, Football

2. Sri Tarundeep Rai, Archery

3. Ms. Phul Maya Tamang, Mountaineering

Receipents of Sikkim Sewa Samman

1. Shri L B Chettri, Engineer

2. Shri Lhendup Lepcha, Engineer

3. Shri Tar Tshering Lepcha, Engineer

4. Shri A Karthok, Civil Servant

5. Smt. Chemjey Doma Bhutia, Social Work

6. Smt. Anita Bhujel, Nurse

7. Shri Kundanmul Sarda, Businessman

8. Smt. Santosh Nirash, Journalist

Reciepents of Sikkim Khel Samman

1. Shri Jaslall Pradhan, Boxing

2. Shri Trilok Subba, Tae Kyondo

3. Shri Chungda Sherpa, Archery

Reciepents of Sikkim Udhyog Samman

1. Shri Motilall Lakhotia

2. Shri Jagat Pd. Sharma

Reciepents of Sikkim Sahitya Samman

1. Shri Jas Raj Subba

2. Dr.(Smt) Puspa Sharma

Receipent of Sikkim Sangeet Samman

1. Ms. Shanti Thatal

Receipents of Sikkim Kala Samman

1. Shri Uttam Pradhan

2. Shri B B Rai

Receipents of Sikkim Siksha Samman

1. Shri Kul Bahadur Rai

Reciepent of Sikkim Krishi Samman

1. Shri Kailash Rana Mangar

State Day Message

Delivered by the Hon’ble Chief Minister

Chintan Bhawan

May 16, 2012

My esteemed fellow Sikkimese,

On the auspicious occasion of 37^th State Day, I extend hearty greetings to my fellow citizens of Sikkim. Thirty seven years ago, this day marked the culmination of people’s hopes and aspirations to be a democracy and a part of great democratic Nation.  This day marked the culmination of long cherished hopes and aspiration of the Sikkimese people, nurtured for aeons of time through turns of many events and circumstances. I remember with respect, my fellow colleagues who have been my comrades and fought along my side in our quest for Democracy. As I stand to address my fellow Sikkimese today, I pay tribute to all the democratic soldiers for their wisdom, and foresight to establish government of the people based on people franchise. On this auspicious day, I congratulate my fellow Sikkimese for this achievement to write this history for all of us.

Sikkim: from a historical angle

We are aware that Sikkim surrounded by three international borders merged with India in 1975. Together with its unique location, Sikkim also has a unique history, diverse cultures, religion, rich biodiversity and scenic beauty. Sikkim’s history prior to 1642, has been rather sketchy in nature and the early society was more of a nomadic character.

However, after the ascension of Namgyal dynasty, we can draw an authentic chronology of events and the socio-cultural development that happened in Sikkim. During the next three centuries or so, we have accounts of certain wars being imposed by Nepal, Bhutan and the expansionist campaign of East India Company.  The Sugualee Treaty between Nepal and the East India Company and the subsequent Treaty of Titalya between East India Company and Sikkim, made us Protectorate State of the British. At a more social level, the successive rulers of the Chogyal lineage administered the State with the best of intention but may be perhaps without adequate check and balances with persons entrusted to carry forward welfare measures for the King’s subjects.  The thikadars were a combination of Bhutias, Lepchas and Nepalese who were categorized as lessees and were given land pattas falling under each elaka. The then King had divided the State into bahun khuwa, which in Nepali language mean ‘fifty two zones’ to be administered by kazis, zamindars and thikadars comprising mostly of the Bhutia kazis with few coming from Lepcha and Nepali communities. The idea was to evolve easy modalities for running of the administration and the kazi-thikadars had comprehensive power like executive, judiciary and the police was also under their control. However, they would use these machineries to advance their interest and for safeguarding of their properties.

The few Schools available were known as Middle School, only upto Class VI standard. This was perhaps on the assumption that if people are provided higher education, they would be educated, knowledgeable and become conscious and not follow their whims and fancies. Though, entrusted with noble task of administration, the Sikkimese Kazis and Thikadars exploited and suppressed the common people. The voice of the people rose against this exploitation and suppression under the Zamindari system. These inhuman practices were imposed upon the citizens as forced labour without any wage and for months together. Transportation of agricultural produce and any forceful manual labour constituted this practice. In fact, the Sikkim State Congress’ Petition to the Maharaja of Sikkim, dated 9th December, 1947 and signed by Tashi Tshering, describes, in great details, the ‘unchecked abuse …in unscrupulous hands’ and the evil practices.

The emergence of the political parties in Sikkim can trace their roots to the success of the Indian National Congress making India free from the clutches of the British raj. In Sikkim, we saw the birth of a formal political party in the 1940s – the Sikkim State Congress. The then popular leaders in Sikkim such as Tashi Tshering, Kazi Lhendup Dorji Khangsarpa, DB Gurung, CD Rai, Captain Dimik Singh Lepcha, Sonam Tshering, BB Gooroong, LB Basnet and others were inspired by the democratic struggle for independence successfully waged by the Indian National Congress. In the beginning of 1946, there arose three more political parties. These were the Praja Sammelan at Temi Tarku, the Praja Mandal at Chakhung and the Praja Sudhar Samaj in Gangtok. On 07 December 1947, their common aims and objectives brought them together at Polo Ground (present day Palzor Stadium), where a political meeting was held followed by intense deliberations. In it, the representatives of the parties coming from every nook and corner of Sikkim decided to dissolve the three parties and form, in lieu, a united political party under the presidentship of Tashi Tshering, thus the Sikkim State Congress was formed.

The leaders demanded abolition of landlordism; formation of a responsible and popular interim Government and undertook political campaign like ‘No Tax’ movement and also launched Satyagraha in April-May, 1949.

It was a kind of political awakening not witnessed earlier and unprecedented in the history of Sikkim. And we have to remember that this was the natural upsurge of people to find a way towards emancipation in the face of exploitation and injustice meted to them. The people rose against injustice and there was nothing surprising and unnatural about it.

Finally, the Palace invited the party to form its own Ministry and, on May 1^st, 1949, under the Chief Ministership of Tashi Tshering, a five member Ministry was formed comprising of Tashi Tshering, Chandra Das Rai, Captain Dimik Singh Lepcha, Dorjee Dadul and Ram Prasad Alley. However, the Ministry did not last long and finally dissolved with J.S. Lall, taking over the administration.

Mention may be made here that the Chogyals giving equal justice and representation to the three ethnic communities of Bhutia, Lepcha and Nepali issued historic Proclamation providing for 6 seats for the Bhutia-Lepcha and 6 seats for Nepali for the first election of the members to the State Council in 1952. Fresh Proclamation was issued by the Chogyal on 16^th March 1958 introducing one seat for Sangha and one seat as general, raising the total strength to 14.  Later the Chogyal under a Proclamation dated 21^st December 1966, provided for 24 seats in the Sikkim Council with 14 to be shared equally between Bhutia-Lepcha and Sikkimese Nepali, 6 seats to be nominated by the Chogyal and one seat each for the Scheduled Caste, Tsong, Sangha and General, thus totalling 24 seats. These were all steps made by the erstwhile Chogyals for weaving the Sikkimese society as one.

The political turmoil that rocked the State led to the signing of the “Tripartite Agreement” on May 8, 1973 by the Chogyal of Sikkim PT Namgyal, Shri Kewal Singh on behalf of the Government of India and various leaders of political parties in Sikkim. The 8^th May agreement provided for establishment of fully responsible government, wider Legislative and Executive Powers for the elected representatives, a system of election based on Adult Suffrage on the basis of the principle of one man one vote. It was also agreed that there should be an Assembly in Sikkim. The Assembly would be elected every four years.

Accordingly, the Proclamation of Representation of Sikkim Subjects Act, 1974, was issued by the Chogyal in February 1974. In accordance with this Act, the Assembly was to be composed of 32 members. Out of the 32 seats, 15 seats were reserved for the Bhutia-Lepcha and 15 for the Nepali community. One was reserved for the Sangha and another for the Scheduled Castes.

As a result, new election under adult suffrage was held in March 1974 wherein Sikkim Congress swept the poll securing 31 seats out of 32 and new Ministry under LD Kazi was sworn in. Later on, a referendum was held to ratify resolution passed by the Sikkim Legislative Assembly on 14^th April 1975. An overwhelming 61,133 voted in favour of the resolution to abolish the institution of Chogyal and establishment of Sikkim as a constituent Unit of India enjoying a democratic and fully responsible government and 1,496 voted against this resolution. The Lok Sabha passed the Constitution Bill 38 Amendment Act making Sikkim the 22^nd State of Union on April 23, 1975. Late Bipin Behari Lal was sworn in as the first Governor of Sikkim on May 16, 1975 who also administered oath and secrecy of Office to Kazi Lendup Dorji Khangsarpa and his Cabinet Colleagues elected in the 1974 election, to continue as the popular Government of Sikkim.

Therefore, unlike many princely states and the subsequent events of consolidation after India’s Independence, Sikkim entered into the federal structure of the Indian union in 1975 based on free choice and collective wishes of the Sikkimese people. From both national and regional perspective, we have made the exemplary contribution towards national sovereignty, integration and patriotism.

The intervening period of socio-political re-awakening of our people, is replete with blood, sweat and untold suffering of the Sikkimese people. In the early 1970s, I also had the privilege of working closely with hundreds of others during the people’s revolution. Today, I can clearly remember March 31^st, 1973, when one late DM Rai, of Karongthang, Yangang, handed over a letter from late LD Kazi calling me to lead people of South District and join in the people’s revolution. Consequently, on April 5^th, 1973 I was one of the young leaders, leading thousands of people at Singtam, with slogans like- “We want democracy”- with that demand of ‘one man one vote’. That day at Singtam also marked my formal entry into active politics for establishment of a democratic state.

We realise that Sikkim witnessed many ups and downs till its merger in 1975 and these are subjects meant for political research and historians. The role played by hundreds of political leaders, political activists and workers during this long period of political development for self-determination need to be properly assessed and recorded for posterity. These facts are perhaps not known to many of our people and to our brothers and sisters in the Country. And many of our younger generation are, indeed, unaware of the sacrifices made by our elders and forefathers. Since they have seen only the present day Sikkim, some people tend to issue irresponsible statements without understanding the truth and the history of Sikkim. If they arrive at sudden conclusion without appreciating the past reality, they would do injustice to our simple Sikkimese people.

If we look back twenty years, we realize that Sikkim was not conducive for healthy growth of our society.  Many among you may not be aware of this, but many of the senior citizens present today can substantiate the general environment where all people were reeling under environment of democratic deficit, fraught with uncertainties. In short, what we collectively enjoy today is due to democratic dividend that has been established as against democratic deficit of those days wherein every one of us would have suffered. It is necessary that our younger generation read and understand Sikkim’s history in the right perspective to find correct path for the future.

Obviously, the Sikkimese people decided to join the Indian Union with great hopes and aspirations, hoping that full justice would be done to the entire Sikkimese people. During the Chogyal’s regime, all the three communities of Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali were recognized as Three Ethnic Groups of Sikkim with equal seat reservation made in the National Assembly.  However, the subsequent ‘Constitution (Sikkim) Scheduled Tribes Order, 1978 classified Bhutia (including Chumbipa, Dothapa, Dukpa, Kagatey, Sherpa, Tibetan, Tromopa, Yolmo) and the Lepcha as Scheduled Tribes, leaving out the ethnic Nepali community of Sikkim. In the process, the Nepali speaking tribes who were recognized by the Chogyal earlier as equal Subjects with due right and recognition as other tribes became devoid of their right and privilege. Further, to add insult to the injury, the seat reservation available for the Nepali community in the Assembly was also abolished with 12 seats reserved for BL including 1 seat for Sangha, and 2 seats reserved for SC, leaving all others under general category.

The left-out communities who had put the largest stake in the merger process feel that they were not treated properly and Sikkim’s leaders and representatives at that time also failed due to lack of proper advocacy and adequate explanation to argue the case in favour of the entire Sikkimese communities to be enlisted as Scheduled Tribes. Had the leadership at that point of time, convinced the central leadership for the inclusive action, the widespread dismay and dissatisfaction among the left-out communities and a sense of betrayal for the hopes and aspirations today, could have been avoided.

In this historical background, and with due respect to people’s hopes and aspiration, I have tried to represent their sentiments, for overall progress and development of the State and the Nation. If such issues are not addressed on time and do not receive the attention that they deserve, we may have to face lot of negative situation disturbing the peaceful atmosphere of the State so far. However, I am confident and so are the people of Sikkim that the Government of India will, in due course of time soon consider the request made for the left-out communities so that the State continues to progress steadily with peace, tranquillity and communal harmony as a model state in the entire country. The faith reposed and patriotism of the people of Sikkim for our great nation has increased and cemented further with the grant of Scheduled Tribes status to the Limboo and Tamang communities as it has opened the door for entry of remaining left-out communities.

Over the decades, I have tried to cooperate with the central leadership to address these issues for full justice to the left-out communities. The Central Government has been kind enough to appreciate the genuine constitutional demand of the people and have so far enlisted two communities of Limboo and Tamang in the list of STs still leaving out the rest of the left-out communities. In this context, I thank the Central leaderships, my cabinet members, MLAs, all my party workers and the Sikkimese people for supporting me wholeheartedly over the decades.

Consequent upon recognition as STs, our demand for Seat reservation for Limboo and Tamang as STs in the State Assembly is yet to be fulfilled. This is owing to a special provision and unique case in the State Assembly in Sikkim, as the 12 BL seats reserved for the Bhutia Lepcha are not exclusively on account of being STs though they are STs too. This is the most sacred arrangement for our survival as the Bhutia-Lepchas of Sikkim are central to the Sikkimese Nepalese. At the same time, we must secure LT seats also in the Assembly as STs as provided under the Constitution.

Attaining comprehensive development:

For and on behalf of the people of Sikkim, the State Government also pursued other long pending political and other demands with the central government over the decades. Respected fellow citizens, I am very proud to reiterate that we have convinced the central governments over the decade to fulfil many of our genuine pending demands which were turned down in the past citing different reasons. Some of them are:

(a)              Inclusion of Sikkim in North East Council in 2000;

(b)             Inclusion of Limboo and Tamang communities in the list of Scheduled Tribes in 2003;

(c)              Inclusion of Sanyasi, Jogi, Thami and Dewan into central list of OBCs;

(d)             Central Income Tax exemption granted to all the Sikkim Subject holders and their descendents.

(e)              Opening of border and resumption of international trade through the traditional Silk Route of Nathula with the Tibet Autonomous Region of China;

(f)               Establishment of Central Sikkim University in 2007;

(g)              Establishment of over 6 different private Universities

(h)             Construction of first Airport in Sikkim.

(i)                Construction of first Railread to Sikkim.

These are only some of the major issues that we were able to sort out with the Government of India bringing in both immediate benefits and long-term advantage to the people of Sikkim. The Sikkimese people will kindly appreciate that through these developments, we have been bestowed with special recognition as the Sikkimese tribes distinct from others. From development point of view, we have been provided with a larger space and a broader fiscal option to uplift the socio-economic condition of the Sikkimese people. Consequently, we have been empowered to work out a wider development strategies for immediate requirement or for long-term goal.

Democratic re-awakening- post 1994

Respected fellow Sikkimese

You are aware that post 1994 era in Sikkim marked a clear departure from the past both in terms of gradual lifting of political uncertainty, guarantee unfettered democratic freedom and giant leap forward in the socio-economic development of the State.

In order to lend complete meaning to our integration and follow the Constitution both in letter and spirit, the Sikkim Democratic Front Party and the Government has made unprecedented sacrifices over the decades.  December 12, 1994 marked the watershed in the political history of Sikkim. On being sworn in as the Head of Government, I instantly announced that I am the first servant of the people and that I belonged to no political party and that safety and well being of all people including the opposition leaders was my full responsibility.

My friends, I started a new thought process to promote democratic principles in a different light and from a new perspective in the context of decency in public life, promises being fulfilled or unleashing of development era. Over the decades, this has helped re-kindle the values and idealism that inspired our forefathers and elders to seek for democracy culminating on this day in the seventies.

For a comprehensive and holistic development of the State, we have initiated large number of programs cutting across development sectors and in the process created many unique and the first-of-its-kind schemes in the interest of Sikkim and the Sikkimese people.

In the priority sector like education and health we have introduced many innovative programs including meritorious Scholarship and Special scholarship, interest free educational loan. National Institute of Technology has been established at Ravangla, new Colleges at Namchi and Rhenock started. Another Degree College is being established in North District, Post Graduate course has been introduced in Law College, Limboo, Bhutia and Lepcha languages are being taught upto Graduate level since 2000.

Under Health sector, the State Government was the first Government to provide for free Hepatitis B vaccination for children between 0-1 age group. Over the decades, we have launched many health programs like Mukhya Mantri Jeewan Raksha Kosh, Mukhya Mantri Sravan Shakti Yojana, Mukhya Mantri Netra Jyoti Yojana, Mukhya Mantri Antodaya Upachar Bima Yojna, Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Annual and Total Check-up for Healthy Sikkim (CATCH) to provide for comprehensive health coverage reaching right up to the doorsteps of the poor and the needy. The ambitious 570 bedded super specialty Hospital at Sichey shall be completed within the next two years.

Under Social Justice, we have introduced large number of safety nets.  Bhujel, Dewan, Gurung, Jogi, Kirat Rai, Manger, Sunuwar, Thami, communities recognized as Most Backward Classes in 2000; Bahun, Chettri, Newar, Sanyasi, communities recognized as Other Backward Classes at the State level in year 2000-01; Old Age Pension raised to 600 to 1000 per month, special residential schools for the differently-abled, Samajik Sewa Bhatta introduced for faith healers, free ration for senior citizens etc.

In the area of women empowerment, Sikkim has already accomplished path-breaking measures by offering affirmative share to our womanfolks. Through certain preferential legislation, we have been able to ensure equitable participation of our women members in diverse areas including state administration and political decision making bodies. 30 percent of seats in government employment is reserved for woman and 50 percent in panchayati raj institution. Unlike in the past, women have been adequately represented in State Legislative Assembly and the State Cabinet. That means, over the decades, through our own policy intervention we have totally demystified false ideas that handicapped women and their development for centuries together.

Under Panchayati Raj, we have village panchayats and urban municipal bodies actively working in the interest of the State as provided under 73^rd and 74^th amendments of the Constitution. Under the bottoms-up approach, the State Government receives development projects as passed and ratified by gram sabhas. This has enlarged people’s participation and a sense of ownership has been developed in all social assets being created in village areas. A holistic development plan has been drawn up under the Village Development Action Plan being prepared in consultation with Prof. Bernard Dafflon, Professor in Fribourg University in Switzerland.

In order to bring about revolution in urban renewal measures, the State Government has drawn up perspective urban plans so that available urban utilities are evenly distributed in all parts of urban habitation. Ever since, the re-laid MG Marg has served as a benchmark for urban expansion plan. We have started work to transform all urban markets in the same fashion like that of MG Marg, Gangtok and the Central Park in Namchi. In fact, we were the first State in the NE region to lay passenger ropeway from Deorali to Tashiling Secretariat to ease urban traffic congestion. We have hired consultancy from Surbana International of Singapore to locate or relocate urban facilities on the basis of city-state concept.

As a Himalayan State, environment conservation is our foremost responsibility. While we provide environmental security and water security, we have limited elbow space left for development options as are generally available with the mainland states. This means, we have to find a middle path to appropriately balance development imperative with that of environmental conservation. From the very beginning, we have tried to bring about mass awareness among people about our responsibility. As a result, we have been able to ban number of activities detrimental to the health of eco-system. We have imposed blanket ban on killing of wildlife. We are the only State in the world to ban grazing in reserved forest. Felling of green trees is banned and felling of one tree from private land holdings for bona fide use, should be compensated by planting 50 more trees, all roads would be transformed into eco-road with large number of avenue plantation. These are, part of, a large number of other environmental protection measures undertaken by the State Government to maintain our ecological balance.

Way back in 1995, we observed the year as Harit Kranti Vasha. Subsequently, we undertook many green campaign including Smriti Van, Sikkim Green Mission and the Ten Minutes to Earth. We have created Biodiversity Park, Birds’ Sanctuary and Herbal Gardens across the State. Environment conservation forms part of our continuous commitment and conservation comes first when we embark on any development program. We were also voted as the Greenest Chief Minister of India in 1999 for our comprehensive green initiatives and where all our green indices have improved over the decades since 1995.

We are rich in natural resources and this must form the backbone of our development, the sure foundation for our progress and prosperity. Every State and every Nation relies on its available resources to design appropriate development intervention both for short term gain and long-term benefit.  Our neighbour Bhutan is an example where they have harnessed their hydro-power potential as the main source of revenue.

We are aware that in Sikkim we find five wonderful climatic zones within a distance of 114 km from South to North. This way we are truly blessed by Nature. We have the third highest mountain range of the world, different mesmerising peaks and mountains, glaciers, valleys, different species of floral and faunal wealth.  Therefore, we have designed our development models on the basis of huge natural resources and judicious harnessing with conservation uppermost in our mind.  Hydro-power, eco-tourism, floriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry, small scale clean industrial ventures are some of our strengths that we seek to harness.

You are aware that eco-tourism with all other aspects like village tourism, homestay tourism etc. have been properly integrated with pilgrimage tourism through opening up of different heritage sites with man-made attraction based on faiths and belief of the people. Tallest statue of Guru Rimpoche, Siddheswara Dham, Buddha Park, Statue of Chen regiz together with development of Ramayana Busty at Barang, Shakti Sthal at Mungrang, Kali Mandir, Siddhivinayak Mandir and prayer tower etc. are indication that Sikkim has already occupied a prominent place in the tourism circuit in the Country.

Based on analysis as on today, the hydro-power potential is estimated to be of the order of 8000 MW, which may further go up if generation capacity is further assessed and accounted for all mini and micro potential available with us in Sikkim. If we keep our commitment above petty political upmanship and not linked to unfounded sentiment and emotional blackmail tactics, we can together harness hydro-power to its full potential and make Sikkim economically sound and stable.

In fact, hydro-power sector has truly launched an industrial revolution in the State of Sikkim. Hailed as the “Temples of Resurgent India” by our first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the country’s dams have helped provide water and electricity to millions of citizens. Some of the biggest dams in India include the Tehri Dam, Bhakra Dam, Hirakud Dam, Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, Sardar Sarovar Dam, Indirasagar Dam, Bhavanisagar Dam and Reservoir, the Koyna Hydroelectric Project, Idukki Dam and the Mettur Dam.

Our first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, while addressing people in 1948 had said, “If you are to suffer, you should suffer in the interest of the Country.” This was in relation to fear of displacement caused by Hirakund Dam. In Sikkim also, we decided to harness our water resources for the welfare of State and the Nation through hydro-power generation. On a rough estimate we have plans to generate over 5000 MW by the next 3-5 years, thereby contribute an annual Rs. 1500 crores into state exchequer. And in our case, we will have only seven houses displaced while developing the entire projects with a very handsome rehabilitation package. However, there are illogical and unfounded fears being fanned by vested interest group who are neither ready to see reasons nor ready to listen to patriotic appeal made by Pandit Nehru himself.

In order to provide gainful employment to the growing numbers of educated Sikkimese, the State Government has started Directorate of Capacity Building, Institute of Capacity Building in the State and one Livelihood School in every constituency. This is with a view to train our people for diversified trade and occupation from carpentry to aviation industry. Generally, our regular educational system produces children with formal certificates although without any marketable skills, skills that enable our children to compete in a global economy.

Therefore, we have today about 2000 trainees undergoing different training courses in the State including in ITIs and the placement record over the years has been very encouraging. The State Government has future plan to train another 17000 youths in the next two years. Many of our trained manpower are gainfully employed in 5-star hotels including in mainland China. I would like to recall that Singapore alone needs 30,000 immigrants every year to keep its economy moving. Apart from diversified training programs, we also promote our younger generation into different sporting fields like football, archery, boxing etc. Our boys and girls are already placed in a number of reputed national and international clubs.

Respected fellow citizens

The Sikkim Democratic Front government has surely and steadily brought about this political cleansing where the power of people reign supreme and decency and democratic decorum prevails uninterrupted. On the basis of your continued support and blessings since 1994, I have had the privilege of working with a number of Prime Ministers belonging to different political parties. Beginning with late PV Narasimha Rao, I have worked closely with Shri HD Deva Gowda, Shri Chandra Shekher, Shri IK Gujral, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee and presently with Dr. Manmohan Singh. With all of them, I have maintained a very cordial relation and collectively worked in the interest of state and the nation. On this occasion, I pay tribute to late PV Narasimha Rao for his great service to the nation. I am equally thankful and deeply indebted to all other Prime Ministers for their support and assistance to us.

Similarly, I have also worked closely with a number of Governors who have been very kind and supportive to the State Government. I offer my thanks and sense of gratefulness to all of them for the guidance and support provided to us all these years. At present we are privileged to be guided by His Excellency, respected Shri BP Singhji, who besides being the Head of the State, is also a distinguished scholar and a well known historian.

Respected fellow citizens,

As part of social tradition that we started, we have today honoured a number of Sikkimese people who have rendered valuable service to the people of Sikkim. I would congratulate all of you for this outstanding achievement and for being the torch bearers. In the making of modern Sikkim, you have made great contribution. This is an act of recognizing your long service and whatever you have achieved will remain in the memory of all Sikkimese for all time to come. You are history makers, and I appeal to you to continue to shoulder greater responsibility for the future of Sikkim and the Sikkimese people. You will guide the coming generation and offer constructive suggestions and advice to Government for taking up various development schemes and welfare measures in the future.

We understand that material prosperity alone will not make Sikkim as the best State of the Country. There must be progress in terms of knowledge and scientific temperament. There must be development in terms of people’s thinking propensity promoting a positive outlook among the citizens. We must forever promote peace and a sense of security. The people of Sikkim must continue to live with due respect and dignity as Indians. They must be prepared to shoulder their duties and responsibility in greater measures as much as they enjoy their rights and privileges as democratic citizens. As the first servant of the Sikkimese people, I have been working very hard to secure to the people ultimate happiness and perfect socio-cultural existence.

The challenges imminent:

In a borderless world where ideas and fashion move free and unhampered, Sikkim is increasingly vulnerable to outside influence. In this global world, we see negative factors influence our life like that of culture of consumerism. I mean consumerism not only in respect of material goods and production, but consumerism also in respect of negative thinking, harmful feeling and undesirable habits and culture that we tend to imitate and imbibe from the outside world.

We are already consumers with regard to First World influence that include threat of AIDS, drug abuse, illegal human trafficking. And it has been our sincere endeavour over the last two decades to keep Sikkim free from negative influence so that the State is not converted into a dumping ground of alien culture and devastating human habit found elsewhere in the world. This is time, that we encourage our people to imbibe the goodness of the first world society and learn from the strength that they have gained due to positive qualities and positive output. Today and now, let us define the threshold and stop imitating them blindly but go on to learn from their qualities.

With the same objective, we have to devise appropriate and socially relevant and culturally enriching development roadmap to ensure that we imbibe good qualities and grow on our own strength and not get destroyed because of influx of negative factors acting upon our society.

Respected fellow Sikkimese

While the world is passing through a period of uncertainty, Sikkim has remained consistent as a democratic State to promote collective wellbeing of its citizens. Further empowered by the enlightened ideas of the modern age, we at the same time, protect our civilizational legacy of mutual brotherhood, respect and co-existence and a peaceful society. Recent development across the world quite clearly demonstrates people’s inborn dreams of living a life of dignity and their longing for self determination and self rule. On the other hand, Sikkim and the Sikkimese people made free by the historical event of the seventies are marching forward as the most promising citizens of the Country and also the world.

In fact, we have remained the catalysts and shining example in exercising our democratic rights and also uphold democratic principles as envisaged and inherent in the basic understanding of Democracy as an institution of the people.

The people of Sikkim must not forget that time prior to 1994, where there was widespread culture of head hunting, with leadership ever committed to finish anyone or anybody with courage enough to oppose the then establishment. We have discouraged this trend and stopped it altogether granting honourable space for one and all. The present generation of Sikkimese are not adequately aware of what Sikkim used to be in the past. That is why in majority of cases, they are not in a position to arrive at any objective judgement to differentiate today from yesterday- both in terms of socio-cultural prosperity and the huge infrastructural development.

Today we have fully established a conducive atmosphere for self-development and broader space to contribute towards progress and prosperity of the State.

Sikkim used to be generally considered far from the mainstream. To further compound the issue, many of our leaders in the past, fanned anti-India sentiment to garner support for their own selfish motive. And mainstream in India is often linked up with the national capital. We sincerely feel that the basic understanding of mainstream in India is wrongly perceived. Over a period of time, I have consistently raised this issue at the national forums duly coining it as ‘reverse integration’. As part of our continued efforts, I also called upon the countrymen to replace the term ‘Sindh’ in our national anthem by Sikkim to honour the changed scenario and the altered situation. This way, Sikkim has always tried to strengthen spirit of nationalism and a sense of integration with the Indian states and fellow Indians.

Although integrated with the mainstream 28 years later, Sikkim has emerged as the front-ranking State in the Country. All the four organs of governance are fully independent to function as per constitutional provisions. As I often say, all the organs and democratic institutions came into being for the interest of people and to serve the collective interest of the Nation at large. However, in Sikkim there are certain interest groups trying to misuse democratic instruments for their selfish motives in the garb of politics, caste, fundamental rights, freedom of press and expression and in the name of social organizations. Similarly, in majority of cases, RTI and PIL are misused for personal gains and as blackmail tactics. Certain opposition leaders, long discarded by the people and consigned to the pages of history, are using them as political weapons to destroy the good image of the Government. Through false representation and fabricated papers, they seek to mislead the Honourable Courts on multiple occasions. This is outright misuse of Democracy and this does not augurs well for the growth and promotion of democratic values and democratic atmosphere in the State. For a civilized society, this is a matter of deep worry and constant reflection.

I personally feel that today the standard of politics and the process of electioneering, have greatly degenerated- looking more like a personal agenda. In genuine case, people must always win and the country must always prosper under the democratic system. Today what we see is increasing case of politics being played out as personal blame game, character assassination, vendetta, mud-slinging and name calling of the most depraved nature. This has put the image of the whole state and the country at great risk. As per my understanding, politics must be practised as an intellectual, clean and decent game. This will lead to healthy competition among political parties to prove themselves better than the others or more resourceful than others to serve the collective welfare of the people, State and the Nation. And I am sure that this is absolutely necessary to bring about change in our thought process on this line, to give justice to people and the Country. People discuss reforms on various subjects like social reforms and economic reforms. However, foremost we require reforms in politics and political philosophy for all other reforms to bear fruits in our society. Time has come to think about it seriously to bring about desired changed in our basic understanding of politics as the mother of all philosophies.

As true democrat, I have found it my dharma to forever serve the cause of democracy and serve the people for their upliftment. I intend to draw a clear distinction between leading a movement for socio-cultural emancipation and of course leading a government for the overall development of the State and of the people. Therefore, as long as I lead the government, I would function as per constitution to do my best in the service of the people and the Nation. However, as person leading a movement, I shall continue to speak for the welfare of the people and continue to work for their overall development. I am not one of those, who would promise a life of sanyas on losing an election or a life of Hitler on winning it!

I am confident that while the Country commemorated the 60^th anniversary of Indian Parliament recently, the countrymen and the policy makers would find our experiences worth emulating to further the cause of democracy and the democratic polity. Stressing on the basic principles of tolerance and pluralism, the central leaderships emphasized on commonality and inclusion rather than superiority and exclusion, dialogue and reconciliation rather than conflict of interest. As a historical decision, the Sikkimese people also decided to merge into the Indian mainstream thereby strengthen integrity, sovereignty, pluralism and socio-cultural diversity of the Indian Nation. Due to great sacrifices we made, we also enjoyed the great fortune of becoming the proud citizens of this great nation.

It is said that Government is the force of good not only force. And I find it my rare privilege to lead the government that do good for the people and work in the collective interest of the people at large. I send my greetings to my fellow citizens and commend them for this peaceful rise evident in the maturity of our economy, socio-cultural strength and all round development.

My fellow citizens,

In few months time now, we will again come together to celebrate the great democratic tradition to hold the next Panchayat elections in the State.  I would call upon the Sikkimese people to fully participate in the elections to chose their representatives with due care and consultation.

I am aware that my political adversaries are hinting at new political equation. Winston Churchill, the British Prime Minister, once asked, “You have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life.” By the same token, I am happy to know that I have at least some to keep me alert and creative in the interest of the people.

Respected fellow Sikkimese

Under the democratic dispensation, anything constitutional is possible and admissible. We must welcome them. But we cannot and should not remain mute spectators when certain group of people take freedom for granted to sow the seeds of discord and disharmony by their irresponsible words and actions and who chose to dishonour elected government formed with full public mandate.

On this auspicious occasion, I would like to express my gratitude to the people of Sikkim for the love and blessings given to me. Humbled by the processes inaugurated on May 16, 1975 and all the democratic provisions inherent in the spirit of our Constitution, I for one, will always work for the collective welfare of the people of the State and never ever fail my Constitution, never betray my State and my Nation.

Today, I would like to remember the great work accomplished by late Tashi Tshering and late LD Kazi, Father of Democracy in Sikkim, and pay rich tribute to their rare contribution. On this auspicious occasion, I would like to recognize and name late Tashi Tshering as the First Democratic Soldier and take this rare privilege to announce installation of life-size statue in his memory. To honour all other contemporary democratic workers, I take pleasure to inform that a Book on their lives, struggle and their contribution shall be published to make them immortal for posterity.

With these words, I once again offer my warm greetings to the fellow Sikkimese and also congratulate them once again for the historical decision to be part of this great democratic Nation.

Jai Sikkim

Jai Hind

It’s ’37 Years : Sikkim’  - The State Day |

By: SIBLAC

37 years : Sikkim - The State Day

Our conscience stands with both pain and agony when we, standing at the verge of the 37th year of Sikkim’s annexation by its protecting power- the Indian sovereign, in 1975 stands at the edge of threat to our dharma a and lineage in the guise of development.

We, the Buddhist people of Sikkim are not averse to development, but we are averse to anything that stands to threat our very identity and culture. Only we know the pain of loosing the Chogyal and our international identity for the sake of our trusted friend India and its security concerns but can no more afford to loose the very sanctity of our dharma lineage in the name of development and for the sake of corruption.

With our consistent faith on the Indian Constitution, we believe that the authority implements the same most effectively so that objectives of Article 371F of the same are truly realized.
We are further at unease to witness the devastated state of most of our premier and old monasteries, the very epitome of our civilization, sustained due to the last year’s earthquake. It is most unfortunate that not even a single stone is turned to address this most significant aspect, despite tall claims of the governments.

It is worth-mentioning here that the restoration of devastated monasteries seems to be prominently emphasized by the authorities, as revealed in our recent meetings with the Indian Home Ministry but apparently with no serious follow up.
On the occasion of the 37th year of Sikkim’s annexation, it is high time the Indian authorities must review and re-assess its Sikkim policy of ignoring its rich culture and distinct identity by various means. Indian authorities must be serious before it is too late.

Corr: SIBLAC

Sakewa observed in the state ; CM inaugurated Mankhim in Chemchey

14 May, Namchi /IPR: “Humanity and Honesty, they’re most important religion and the faith one can follow” This was the message of the Chief Minister Mr. Pawan Chamling on the auspicious occasion of Sakewa Festival.
Organized by North East Zone Cultural Center Dimapur and Cultural Affairs & Heritage Department, Government of Sikkim, at the courtyard of “Feel Good School”. Indian Himalayan Center for Adventure & Ecotourism (IHCAE) here in Chemchey, South Sikkim.
The Sakewa festival was celebrated with pageantry and passion, during the occasion the Chief Minister Mr. Chamling along with Mrs. Tika Maya Chamling also inaugurated newly built “Sakung Saya Mankhim” (Place of worship of the Rai community) in Chemchey, and offered their prayers in the Mankhim.
The main function which was held in the courtyard of IHCAE saw the Chief Guest, Chief Minister, Mr. Pawan Chamling, host of other dignitaries and general public entertained by the cultural extravaganza, which included the traditional Rai dance “Sili”, modern and contemporary Rai dances, songs and bhajans presented by the locals.
Artists from the neighboring nation of Nepal who were present for the 2nd year running in South Sikkim for the festival also entertained the guests with their songs and bhajans.
Speaking on the occasion Mr. Chamling urged all the association of different castes and creeds to protect and preserve peace and harmony which prevailed in the state and also protect the hallmark of Sikkim, which is “Unity in Diversity”.
Taking Collective responsibility and contributions from everyone is of utmost importance, in order to preserve the peaceful environment, religious harmony and accord in the state, Mr. Chamling stressed.
Further he appealed to all the associations to usher and guide the youth and the younger generations of Sikkim, towards taking advantages of all the world class opportunities which the government has brought in the state, while making them skilled and self-reliant individuals.
Earlier during the function the Chief Minister also released Musical albums by Mr. Narayan Rai, Mr. B.B Rokdung, a book by Mr. Padam Rai titled “Nepali Rai Saral Wakya”, and the Souvenir of Sakewa.
Mr. Chamling also felicitated the artists who presented the cultural show, as well as the ones from the neighboring nation of Nepal, who were especially invited for the occasion,
Mr. Pem Tshering Sherpa the contractor, who constructed Sakung Saya Mankhim in Chemchey, was also presented with letter of appreciation, by the Chief Minister.
Mr. Gagan Rai President of Sakewa Celebration Committee earlier welcomed the guest with his welcome note.

CM urge contractors to be dedicated towards work

12 May, Gangtok/IPR: A coordination meeting with the Government Contractors of the state was organized by the Roads and Bridges Department of the State Government at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok today. The meeting with the objective to discuss on quality control, management and speedy implementation of developmental schemes was chaired by the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling.
While talking about the objective of the meeting the Chief Minister said that the purpose of the meeting is to provide a platform and opportunity to discuss the developmental activities of the state and also to honor for the contractors for their responsibilities towards the state government. Talking about the various aspects of contractual works the Chief Minister dealt upon the responsibilities of the contractors for the development of the state. He added that the contractors should work with utmost dedication and honesty towards any project entrusted to them as they are creating infrastructures for the future of the state. He further added that the Contractors are directly and equally responsible in the development of the state as they are always regarded as part and parcel of the government in the course of their work. The status of the contractor is very respectful in the society therefore they should always work with utmost dedication to maintain their status in the society. Being a part of the government the contractor should not compromise in the quality of work and keep their profession respectful and well equipped, he added. The Chief Minister also remembered few contractors who had contributed for the society and are an example for the society. In their course of work, besides the profit motive, the sense of belonging towards the state will motivate to work for the development of the state, the Chief Minister added. Talking about the various initiatives of the government for the development of the state the Chief Minister added that the contractors have a major role in this regard as they are the people who work in the field. Talking about the concept of e-tendering the Chief Minister said that this has to be implemented for the larger interest of the contractors as this will keep aside the middlemen involved in the contractual work. In this regard he advised the contractors to enhance their knowledge in computers and update themselves with the recent developments in and around so as to enable themselves to compete under this system. He also talked about the government decision of allotting works to the cooperative societies to safeguard the interest of the smaller contractors of the rural areas. The works department has been directed to frame rules to safeguard the interest of the local contractors, the Chief Minister added. Stressing on the demands placed by the contractors the Chief Minister assured to decrease the interest of mobilizing fund of the work from 10% to 5% and also excuse 1% of labour cess for working contractors. He also assured to give priority on payment of the bills for ongoing schemes of all departmental works and urged the contractors to complete the work in the scheduled time. “I will protect the interest of the people in any cost and will remain rigid on this commitment forever” Mr. Chamling said.
Earlier, Mr. C.Zangpo, Chief Engineer, Building and Housing Department delivered welcome speech and said that such kind of programme was organised for the first time in Sikkim with the objective of motivating the stake holders in the development of the state. He suggested the contractors for the proper and sincerely uses of certificate and document provided by the government.
On behalf of the all Contractors of Sikkim Mr.Chetan Sharma thanked the Chief Minister for revision of Schedule of Rates and encouragement of private sector investors in the state which is very much favorable for their profession.
The programme concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Mr. Uttam Pradhan, Chief Engineer(Mechanical), Energy and Power Department.

]]> http://voiceofsikkim.com/2012/05/12/cm-urge-contractors-to-be-dedicated-towards-work/feed/ 0 http://voiceofsikkim.com/2012/05/12/rai-raise-question-on-rs-20000-crores-hydropower-scam/ http://voiceofsikkim.com/2012/05/12/rai-raise-question-on-rs-20000-crores-hydropower-scam/#comments Sat, 12 May 2012 10:07:11 +0000 VOS http://voiceofsikkim.com/?p=2461 Rs 20,000 crores Hydropower Scam fumes reactions
Release

Rs 20,000 crores Hydropower Scam fumes reactions - Pic Current News

12 May, Gangtok: A revelation of Rs 20,000 Crores Hydropower Scam by National media online has opened up debate among the intellectuals as well as oppositions in the state of Sikkim. ‘Rs 20,000 Crores Hydropower scam in Sikkim; State Govt in Cahoots with Pvt players’ reveals not just a truth about the hydropower game play in the state but also it throttles concise of people, intellectuals, children and society to think deeply into the matter, writes Ex-MLA Bhojraj Rai in a release.
Release narrates that Teesta Stage III hydro power project , an online national media revelation of Rs 20,000 crores loss to state government proves a rampant corruption, nepotism between the company Teesta Urja Pvt Limited project which was awarded by the SDF government. An unaccounted lump of people’s money in huge embarks how the state government has kept the innocent people of Sikkim in darkness, mentions Rai. The people need to question on the matter since the matter is related to future generation, he adds. Rai also raise a question on whereabouts of that big money which the national media has revealed in the news.
Rai also asks that alleged that the 11 Bank Accounts of Teesta Urja which pegged Rs 4,560 crores of money should be located; he claimed that said amount siphoned to a Singapore based company Asian Genco Pvt Ltd, a company which has no MOU consent with state government. Rai further asks how come the huge money laundering took place from Sikkim to Singapore. The time is come to ask the Government of India by the people of Sikkim, he said. Adding Rai asks who is the founder of Genco Pvt Ltd and how is the money being siphoned to Singapore and for whom, what purpose ?

If based upon the news whatever has been published by the national media are unwise or untruth then SDF government should invoke a legal pursuit against it else as per the things published by the media the people should awake from deep sleep.
In connection to the report revealing scam of crores of money by keeping people in breach the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling should immediately resign under moral ground.
Rai further adds that the centre should immediately start investigation into the matter seriously before the people’s faith on the centre government diminishes.

CM inaugurated 5-day long Sikkim Spring Carnival 2012

11 May, Gangtok/IPR: The Chief Minister of Sikkim Pawan Chamling inaugurated the five days long Sikkim Spring Carnival 2012 and Military Tatoo today at a function held at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok. With this the Spring Carnival organized by the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Government of Sikkim to woo the tourists started all round the state.
The inaugural function at the Paljor Stadium, Gangtok saw various adventurous programmes from the 17 Mountain Division of the Indian Army. The programme included fly past by the Helicopters, bhangra dance, khukri display, dog show, kalari payattu, malkhamb and band display.

CM presenting Momento to GOC, 17 Mt Division V.N. Prasad

Inaugurating the Carnival the Chief Minister while addressing the gathering of public representatives, army personnel, tourists, students, local gentry and officers from state administration talked about the various initiatives taken by the state government to project Sikkim as a repeated cliental destination.

The GOC, 17 Mt Division V.N. Prasad in his address expressed his happiness in being associated with the civil administration of the state government in this mega event. Such joint venture will bring a bond between the army and the people of the state which will be of great help for the protection of the country.
The Chief Minister during entire day visited the various other programme sites organised in view of the Spring Carnival in and around Gangtok.
After the completion of the inaugural function at Paljor Stadium, the Chief Minister visited the Directorate of Handlooms and Handicrafts complex and inaugurated and visited the exhibition on ethnic bamboo products cum live demonstration by rural artisians from all round the state. The exhibition at the DHH complex also included unique tools and equipments used by the Lepcha tribe in their daily lives vis-à-vis hunting, fishing, musical instruments as well as daily household kits made up of bamboos and stinging nettle. The exhibition highlighted and show cased the magnificient and languishing traditional arts and craft of the state. The exhibition was also supported by various departments like Forest, Tourism, Commerce and Industries, Horticulture, SRDA and various NGO’s.
Thereafter, the Chief Minister proceeded towards White Memorial Hall where he inaugurated the Buddhist art of Butter Sculpture and Sand Mandala exhibited by Tourism and Civil Aviation Department and Photo exhibition by Information and Public Relations department of the State government. He also flagged off the seven days Mountain Biking expedition to Gurudongmar consisting of twelve participants including one from Norway at Ridge Park and inaugurated the newly beautified Ridge Park. The Chief Minister along with other dignitaries visited various stalls of the ethnic communities of the state showcasing traditions and culture.

'Better Police can create a better state' : CM

10 May, Gangtok/IPR: A day long interactive session of Police officials with the Chief Minister Mr Pawan Chamling was held at Chintan Bhawan today. The session began with the welcome address presented by DGP, Mr Jasbir Singh wherein he also presented a brief report on the activities of the Police Department.
At the outset, the Chief Minister emphasised on the importance of good policing and added that the ultimate aim of the Police is to provide security to the people. ‘Better Police can create a better state’,said the Chief Minister and added that they have enormous responsibilities and duties towards the people for prompt and speedy services. However, he also asked them to upgrade and enhance skills and capacities as he said that yester years knowledge and capacities would not full fill today’s demands. Therefore, capable and skilled Police forces has to be created for the collective interest, which is also the need of today’s world, he added. Stressing on the systematic improvement the Chief Minister said that modernization of Sikkim Police is necessary for making Sikkim a Crime Free state.
Elaborating further on the resposibilities of the Police personnels, the Chief Minister stated that Police are the law enforcement agency they should discharge their duty as per the prevalent laws without any vested interest. At the same time he also congratulated the police force for their good image which has been maintained through out the country.With regard to recruitment of Home Guards the Chief Minister directed the department officials to propose the educational qualification of Class ten pass for the recruitment of Home Guards. Strict and proper interview should be conducted during the recruitment process, he added.

He also assured to look into the demands and grievances put forward by the officials. He also gave a positive note to the repairing of all thanas of the State and also asked the officials to maintained clenliness and neatness in the Thana and also adviced the officials to be well equipped with everything required for good policing. Like wise, the Chief Minister also deliberated on the required additional manpower at the various places , social policing, strengthening and giving more impetus to Sikkim Anti Drug Act (SADA) through legislation. The Chief Minister also assured to give emphasis to establishment of Sikkim Fire Training Institute, parade ground, creation of joint Task Force in coordination with various committees to look into the traffic congestion in Gangtok, upgradation of skills of Sikkim Police to combat cyber crime, upgadation of communication and wireless equipment and also the forensic laboratories, libraries in districts as well as in thanas.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister stressed on the security of the state for peace and tranqulity and asked the police force to ensure that the miscreants should not take advantages of the peaceful atmosphere of the State. The Chief Minister while concluding his address hoped that the interactive meeting with the police force will add up in their endevour towards the peace and security of the state and the police force will work with renewed vigour and commitment.

CM to inaugurate 5-day long Spring Carnival 2012

Secretary Sikkim Tourism & Civil Aviation, IAS R Telang

10 May, Gangtok: The Chief Minister Pawan Chamling will be officially declaring open to state’s biggest tourism extravaganza on 11 May here at the capital Green Turf Paljor Stadium along with Minister Tourism Bhim Dhungel . The five daylong event hosted by Tourism and Civil Aviation will be enthralling the audiences with superb activities for the visitors across the state of Sikkim in all the four districts simultaneously, is said. During the inaugural ceremony the 17th Mountain Division of Indian Military will be exclusively staging aero dynamic activities, named as ‘Military Tattoo’. There will be several colourful activities to mesmerize the audiences apart from the aero stunts is claimed by the Secretary Tourism IAS R Telang to The Voice of Sikkim during one of the meet.
In view of upcoming sizzling event the capital is being decorated all across to bring the true pageant of beautiful Himalayan state like never before. The capital’s corridor MG Marg gets groomed with multiple decorations, stage has been built to enthral people at large.
Since the event will be simultaneously hosted in all the four districts of Sikkim, all measures and works are being going on full swing to give whole five days event a stroke of rebuilding Sikkim’s largest tourism industry come back after 18 September 2011 earthquake. It may be recalled that earthquake had shaken the major industry as such a fresh works for rebuilding are given a prominence.

Sikkim Spring Carnival 2012

Series of episode in the menu of event in all the four districts have a distinct taste and bewildering showcases. In South District headquarter Namchi, from 12 May to 14 May at Siddhesvara Dhaam (Chaar Dham) world renowned artists like Shri Ravindra Jain (Composer cum Singer of Ramayana, Shri Krishna Tele Series) will be staging ‘Bhajhan Sandhya’ from 3- 6 PM in the evening.
To give a blasting attraction an exclusive Laser Show by one of the leading event management compnay from the Mumbai will also steal the audiences sight on the final day is said.
Similarly, at Samdruptse traditional activities prayers, mask dance, rituals will be performed by the monks, is said.
In West Sikkim, major grooming is underway to give a splendour looks to Pelling Helipad where various eye catching activities will be staged. Architectural marvel of Sikkim ‘Singshore Bridge’ is being groomed.Yuksam,Okharay, Hee-Bermoik and Rimbi are all set for showcasing the Food Festival as well as adventure sports like Rock Climbing, Mountaineering, Paragliding, Angling.
In North Sikkim similar activities are being arranged in war foot way to ensure that the whole ‘Sikkim Spring Carnival 2012′ will be a never before experience for the visitors and audiences world across.
At gateway to Sikkim in Rangpo , a border town decorations, grooming is being carried to make the corridor attractive, is informed by our correspondent.
Various Department, Local Bodies of the state are collectively organizing the whole event in different parts of state with their vivid activities.