WEDNESDAY, MARCH, 5,  2008

SUREN MOHRA
JORETHANG, March 04: The Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today assured to approach the Central Government for Income Tax exemption to other left out communities of Sikkim including businessmen whose names have been recorded in the State Voter’s list.
He said this during the 16th Foundation day celebration of Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) here today.
Addressing a mammoth gathering here, the Chief Minister also assured the Limboo-Tamang communities to provide them with seat reservation in the coming general elections provided the Central Government fails to do so. “The SDF party, who provided tribal status to the two communities in 2003, has also the capacity to provide seat reservation in the State Legislature,” he added. He also alleged that opposition parties were against the ST status for LTs in Sikkim.
Aware that sections of the society were against mega hydel projects in the State, the Chief Minister maintained development would cease to take place in Sikkim if such projects are closed. He said majority of the people are for the hydel projects, which according to him is also the easiest way of earning for future generations.
Dwelling on the party, the Chief Minister said, “SDF has crossed sixteen years of its birth as a political party in Sikkim and this became successful due to the continuous support and love of the people of Sikkim.
“The poor people of the State were the real founders of the State and the party will never forget them,” he told the gathering. “I’ll never betray the poor people who were always with me in each and every step of my governance,” he added.
While reminding the gathering about the formation of SDF during the year 1993, the Chief Minister said, “When I formed the party at Namchi, the poor people of Sikkim have helped me with cash and kind due to which I am here.”
He further stated, “In the beginning no one thought SDF would form the government but today we are in the threshold of 15 years and it under this party the State have seen unprecedented development.” Development in Sikkim is still in the process. This is only one fourth of what the party has dreamt,” he said adding, “Sikkim has gained much popularity amongst other Indian States.”
Taking a break, he criticised the opposition party leaders and said how and where they without any political party would lead the public to. Further informing the people that he denied offers from national political leaders to become union cabinet minister, he said he would never betray the poor people of Sikkim.
He also informed that the Government has started a number of long term and short term programmes in Sikkim for the well being of the common people.
Talking on the sector of education, the Chief Minister announced to provide free school shoes and socks for students up to Class V and to make English speaking mandatory from Class VIII onwards in government schools.
“For the revamping scheme from primary to college level with the aim to provide quality education to the poor people, government has approved a fund of Rs 2 crore for it and for BPL families; health insurance schemes will be launched where in the expenditure up to Rs 30,000 will be borne by the State government. He also informed that the first session of the Central University at Yangang South Sikkim will be started from this year. After the establishment of this university in Sikkim our aim is to include this university into the top ten universities of world, he added.
Informing the gathering that the present SDF government has decided to construct dwelling houses worth Rs 3 lakh for the poor and needy people of the state under Chief Minister Awas Yojana, he said the government has allocated fund of Rs 18 Crore aside for the same.
While urging the people to always oppose the suppressions and injustice meted to them, Mr Chamling said “anti poor elements have always opposed the SDF party as this party has enlightened the people about their rights and duties.”
He also talked on Bharosha and Tina Finlease Private Limited scam which rocked the State for quite some time now whereby he urged the people to deposit their money in government banks and not in such fake financial companies.
He concluded his speech with the ultimate goal of the SDF party, “to create a prosperous and happy State with happy people living in it.
Prior to the Chief Minister’s address, Topda Bhutia proposed for the Central tribal status to all the MBC communities of the state, Bishnu Chamling proposed for the Central OBC status for the State OBC communities, LP Kafley proposed for inclusion of Limbo, Lepcha and Bhutia Languages in the 8th Schedule of the constitution, Phurmith Lepcha proposed for Seat Reservation to the LTs in Assembly Election, GC Rai congratulated CM for making Sikkim Income Tax Free State and Balbir Tamang proposed that NH 31 A should remain open always and for which he stressed that State governments of West Bengal, Sikkim and Central Government should find the solution.
The programme was also addressed by Minister DD Bhutia, Youth Convener RN Rai and Kavita Subba and OBC Board Chairman Bina Rai read out the felicitation letter prepared by SDF Cheli Morcha. On behalf of the Cheli Morcha, Minister Kalawati Subba felicitated the Chief Minister for providing security to the women of Sikkim. The Chief Minister was also felicitated by the Scheduled Caste Welfare Association on the occasion.
A colourful cultural programme was also staged today. Later, in the evening, people were given a free treat to the rendition of three Indian Idol stars- Prashant Tamang, Charu and Deepali.

SE Report
GANGTOK, March 04: A group of Sikkimese Bhutia (Lhopo) in a meeting held here today to discuss upon the current socio-politico and economic scenario of Sikkim in terms of Article 371F of the Indian Constitution have expressed their apprehensions over the Income Tax issue as to whether the Income Tax Manual of 1948, immune under Article 371F, would be overlapped by the Central Act or not through Central Act proposed for exemption to the Sikkim Subjects, informs a press release.
The tribal group has also expressed their unhappiness “over the indifferent attitude of the Indian government towards the Sikkimese minority and threatened to resort back to 1975 status, the Indian Government still continues with its adamant approach in dealing the Sikkimese issues.”
Regretting over the unhealthy attitude of the State Government to address the political demands of the Bhutia-Lepcha community as often represented by the Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC), the meeting retorted that the Central and State Governments must address to the political demands of the BL community such as Re-amendment of the Scheduled Tribe Order 1978 and the Representation to the People (Amendment) Act 1980 thus rectifying the definition of the BL community.
According to a press release, the re-amendment of the Scheduled Tribe Order 1978 and the Representation to the People (Amendment) Act 1980 would also contend in the proportionate increase to the total number of BL seats in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly in case its total strength is raised from the existing 32 to 40 Remanded by the Sikkim Government.
The meeting further resolved its unhappiness over the ignorant attitude of the Sikkimese politicians sidelining the side issue of restoration of political rights of the Sikkimese Nepalese under Article 371F of Indian Constitution, which the tribal body allege is due to the failure of the Nepalese politicians of Sikkim who “failed to understand the significance and values of seat reservation for the Sikkimese Nepalese, a system founded by the far sighted of Denzong Chogyals.”
A new organisation was also formed unanimously with the name, “National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation, (NASBO 371F)” and laid out its aims and objectives including Re-amendment to the Scheduled Tribe Order 1978 and the Representation to the People (Amendment) Act 1980, to rectify the definition of the BL community, proportionate increase to the total number of the BL seats in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly if its total strength is raised from the existing 32 to 40 as demanded by the Sikkim Government.
The demand for seat reservation for the Sikkimese Nepalese including the Tsong in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly under Article 371F and to check and find measures to forbid any attempts that dilutes the basic spirits of Article 371F of Indian Constitution were other demands, which the new body has taken up.
Later in the meeting, Sonam Kaleon was unanimously elected as the president of NASBO 371F and Chewang Pintso was appointed as the Chief Coordinator. The meeting also constituted a 23 member Central Working Committee to chalk out future course of actions.

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, March 4: With the first International Flower Show ready to start from March 14, the hill town is all set to add a flowery treat to its warm ambience.
Over 80, 000 varieties of flowering and evergreen plants will be displayed in the grand show beginning from March 14. The colourful presentation of flowers will be held at Saramsa gardens, also called Ipecac gardens because of the abundance of Ipecac trees grown there.
Being organised by the State Government, in particular the State Agriculture and Horticulture Department, the flower show will not only showcase flowers and plants from around the globe, but will also display various agricultural produce of the State.
The Additional Director of the State Horticulture Department, PT Bhutia said, “I am absolutely thrilled that this garden is nearing completion much before the stipulated dates of the International Flower Show. More than 140 labourers are working day and night to give a facelift to the garden.
He said, florists from across the world are inquiring about the flower festival but the lack of available space in the garden has crippled us from welcoming them. “We never thought the response would be such huge,” he beamed.
Besides, orchids and rhododendrons, plants indigenous to the State will also be displayed. The festival will also have a section for displaying pesticides and insect repellant of various forms needed for the flowers.
To add flavour to the show, mouthwatering food plaza and entertainment section will also be there.
According to the officials, there will be about seventy stalls with conventional hall which will be allocated to the participants. “Participants from the North East will have different stalls while the international florists will display their exhibits in the conventional hall. Local florists will display their plants on the other side of the garden.
“This will be the greatest opportunity for people like me to exhibit flowers in such a prestigious festival,” says Harilal Chettri, a local florist.

SE Report
GANGTOK, March 04: The Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) is unhappy on how the Land Acquisition Act is being followed in Sikkim, particularly in Dzongu reserve.
ACT general secretary Dawa Lepcha in a recently issued press release said, the government as per the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 can acquire lands from private land owners for private developers ‘only’ lands that are needed for construction of dwelling houses and direct amenities for workers of the company and not more than this.
“The land needed for other purposes for construction of the projects will have to be bought by the private developers themselves from private owners on their own arrangement. Private company cannot acquire compulsorily private land,” he stated in the release.
According to Mr Lepcha, the Land Acquisition Act does not seem to comply in the process of acquiring lands for private developers pertaining to the mega hydro projects especially in North Sikkim. “Lands needed for other purposes/components of the projects are also acquired by the government for the private developers, e.g. like the lands for power house construction, surge shaft, dumping area, and submergence etc,” he maintained.
Further maintaining that clearance conditions for the Panang 280 MW Panang project clearly mentions that “Dzongu is provided with special status under Article 3 71 (F) of the Indian Constitution for preserving Lepcha culture, ACT general secretary said labour colony as well as staff colony should not be set up within the Dzongu region.
Since 3 .9780 hectares of private land marked for colony in Lingzya, within Dzongu have been acquired and nine families have lost 70% of their land holdings and considered by the MOEFF as landless, ACT has questioned as to why those land is being acquired for colony when it is specifically mentioned that colony should not be there in Dzongu.
“In the case of Teesta III, 1200 MW, contractor facilities and labour colonies are situated in Saffo, Ramom, and Shipgyer villages in Dzongu. The specific conditions in the case of Panang project pertaining to Article 371(F) should also apply in the case of Teesta III, since the villages mentioned are a part of Dzongu, ACT demands.

SE Report
GANGTOK, March 04: With limited time left for ginger harvest, the State Horticulture Department goes on a rhizome distribution spree.
About 70 beneficiaries from Middle, Upper and Lower Sumin under Central Pendam Constituency were given ginger rhizome on March 2 in presence of the department Deputy Director Suman Sharma, Horticulture Inspector JN Giri, Zilla Panchayat Member, Karma Tshering Bhutia, Panchayat members, farmers and the local people.
The farmers, as mentioned in a press release were given important tips on the cultivation of ginger by the horticulture inspector along with use of organic manure to be used during ginger cultivation. The officials also urged the farmers to utilize the rhizome properly so that it would benefit the farmers of their hard work.
Organic manure like Aishwariya and Puskal for better yielding was also distributed to the beneficiaries.

TUESDAY, MARCH, 4,  2008

SE Report
GANGTOK, March 03: The womenfolk of Sikkim feel they have been deprived of the Income Tax benefits.
In the general budget 2009-09 tabled on February 29, this year by the Union Finance Minister, P Chidambaram, it has amended Section 10 of the Income Tax Act, by including a fresh clause which also says that nothing contained in the clause as per the amendment will apply to a Sikkimese woman who marries on or after April 1, 2008 an individual who is not a Sikkimese.
According to sources, any woman possessing Sikkim Subject or Certificate of Identification but married to a man without holding the two documents would be exempted from the Central Taxes for her life long but her descendants will have to pay all the Central taxes.
Sources further say that anyone possessing Sikkim Subject and is working outside the State will not be exempted from the I-Tax, which means they will have to pay all the taxes.
Moreover, any Sikkimese possessing income generation assets outside the State will have to pay the taxes.
The Union Finance Minister on February 29 announced the long-pending demand of the State, exemption from Direct taxes for all Sikkim subject holders.
The taxes will be exempted to those who hold Sikkim subjects as per the rule Sikkim Subject Regulation Act 1961 and notification 26030/36/90-ICI dated August 7, 1990 and April 9, 1991.
However, reactions over the amendment of the Finance Bill and exemption of Income Tax for Sikkim Subjects so far have been limited to congratulatory notes from various political and non-political bodies in the State.
Going by the Clause 4 of the Finance Bill, which says the term ‘Sikkimese’ has been specified in the said clause in pursuance to the Sikkim Subjects Regulation, 1961, rules made thereunder and relevant government orders issued in this regard, is to the knowledge of the common men would benefit only a fraction of the population, which according to them is only a ploy to attract industrialists in the State.
“I am now planning to establish my business in Sikkim as I posses Sikkim Subject and there is no tension for Taxes,” says Roshan Chettri, working as an executive manager in one of the Multi National Company of Delhi.
Meanwhile, the State Government is enthusiastic to get the Bill in the form of gazette.
With the I-tax exemption only for the Sikkim subjects accorded, the Sikkim State Bharatiya Janata Party (SDF) from the beginning has been vociferous over the dilution of the Old laws of Sikkim which was guaranteed to be safeguarded by the Government of India through Article 391F (k) of the Constitution of India during the Merger of Sikkim into the Indian Union, for which the party has further sought for exemption of taxes to all the people of Sikkim.
The Sikkim Peoples Forum formed in March 1994 to demand inclusion of the Sikkimese Nepalis also within the purview of the Finance Bill No 15 of 1994 along with the Tribals of Sikkim to avail exemption from Central Direct Taxes including Income Tax. under the Indian Income Tax Act, 1961 has congratulated Government of India and has wholeheartedly welcomed its fresh proposal to give such exemption to all the ethnic Sikkimese people ( Sikkim Subject Holders and their descendents).
“The then Finance Bill of 1994 introduced in the Parliament on February 28, 1994 giving exemption only to the Tribals of Sikkim duly excluding the Sikkimese Nepali including the Scheduled Caste, was discriminatory and an attempt to divide the harmonious unity of the Sikkimese people, the release issued by PK Pradhan reads.
Welcoming the decision to include all the ethnic Sikkimese people equally without any discrimination, the Forum has congratulated Chief Minister Pawan Chamling and his Government for the persistent follow up to convince the Government of India.
The Forum also thanked all the people of Sikkim who had given full support along with their participation in the agitation during the movement of 1994 which had succeeded in stalling the then proposal of 1994 placed before the Parliament and to defer the Amendment till today enabling all Sikkimese to be treated equally as far as the non enforcement of Central Direct Taxes in Sikkim is concerned.
Mr Pradhan on behalf of the Forum has also thanked Dil Kumari Bhandari, the then Lok Sabha MP along with the central leaders like late Rajesh Pilot, late Chitta Basu, late Harkishansing Bhagat, KC Pant, Priyaranjan Das Munshi, Ajit Panja, late Dr. Deviprasad Pal, P Upendra, Late M Chandrasekhar and Attal Behari Bajpai along with late Sikander Bhakt for their sympathetic support and finally the then Finance Minister Dr. Man Mohan Singh who on March 16, 1994 had assured to defer the then Bill.
Besides this, the Forum has also raised other issues like restoration of seats reservation in the State Legislative Assembly.
The Sikkim Yakthung Sapsok Sujumbo (a Sikkim Limbo Literary Society) has also extended its congratulations to the State Government in setting up a new milestone for the Sikkimese people in bringing exemption from all the central taxes for the Sikkim Subject holders.
The press release of the party states that the right and the perfect approach of the Chief Minister in Delhi has enabled the exemption further stating that the common people would benefit a lot from the same.
Taking this opportunity, the literary society also expects similar success in the issue of seat reservation of Limbo and Tamang in the Sikkim Legislature.
While welcoming the I-Tax exemption for the Sikkim Subjects, former Minister of KN Upreti has said that the Central Government has safeguarded the Article 371 F of the Indian Constitution.
A press release issued by Mr Upreti also states that the then Chief Minister in the year 1994 had planned to introduced a bill in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly to exempt central taxes only for Bhutias and Lepchas, for which he voiced against the same forming an organization named Sikkim People’s Forum under the presidentship of former chief secretary PK Pradhan.
Appreciating the move of the present government, Mr Upreti opined that the old business men can also be exempted from the taxes.
Likewise, Sikkim Gorkha Prajatantrik party has also expressed its happiness over the decision. A press release of the party reads that earlier the people demanded to the Central government that the income tax should be implemented on the basis of caste but the then secretary PK Pradhan formed a forum stating that there should be no implementation of income tax in the state after which the tax was not levied.
The Sikkim Educated Unemployed Youth Organization has also thanked the State Government in safeguarding the rights of the Sikkimese people. They have further demanded the Central Government to place a bill of disapproving non-Sikkimese to contest an election in the State.
On the other hand, the Sikkim Chamber of Commerce has said that the deserving section of the people has been ignored by the Central Government from the purview of the Tax exemption.
Stating that the retrospective effect in paying the taxes from 1990 is not practical, the body has decided to seek advice from experts to take up the matter at the appropriate level.
Further stating that they have been actively engaged in the demand since its inception, the exemption only to Sikkim Subjects has questioned their identity and said it would affect the people who have been residing in Sikkim since generations.
Following in the line, the Sikkim Doctors Welfare Association has also welcomed the I-Tax exemption and at the same time thanked both the State Government for pursuing the matter with the Central Government. “This is another step to show that the Government of India still upholds the supremacy of the Article 371F and the district identity of Sikkim and the Sikkimese people,” the release reads.
They have further expressed their hope that the Central Government will also consider exempting other communities and people who have been residing in Sikkim for generations.

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Procedure for issue of permit for entry into Dzongu area

SE Report
GANGTOK, March 03: The State Home Department has notified the procedure for issue of permit for entry into Dzongu area in North Sikkim with immediate effect.
In a Notification No 16/Home/2006 dated February 2, 2006, it has stated that the application shall be made to the District Collector, North, Mangan or the Superintendent of Police, Checkpost, Gangtok in the prescribed format along with two recent passport size photographs.
The permit shall contain the photograph of the person to whom it is issued and invariably state the purpose of his/her visit, after which the permit shall be issued after obtaining clearance from the office of District Superintendent of Police, North on the merits of each case. In respect of foreign tourists, permits will be issued after clearance from the Foreigners Registration Office, Gangtok.
Applicants may also be required to produce his/her identification document like Electoral Identify card, Driving Licence etc. and, in case it is so deemed necessary in public interest, the District Superintendent of Police may cause further verification of the antecedents of the applicant to be conducted before clearance is accorded for the issue of the permit.
However, in the case of domestic/foreign tourists, who travel on a guided tour, the application for permit shall be accompanied with a copy of the identification document of the concerned guide, travel agent or NGOs that are approved by the State Government for conducting such tours.
In order to make the daily functioning of Government officials effective and easier, they shall be permitted to proceed to/fro Sangkalang/Toong/Phidang Checkpost on production of valid Identity Card issued by the Home Department. Separate permit will not be required by Government officials on official duty if he/she has valid ID card.
Locals traveling to/fro Sangkalang/Toong/Phidang Check Post may also be required to produce a copy of their C.O.L/E.P.LC./Ration Card as proof of their identity if deemed necessary at the concerned check post.
Other conditions contained in Notification No. 16/Home/2006 dated 25.2.06 shall remain unchanged.
In case of workers engaged on projects in North Sikkim, longer duration permits, initially for a period of one year extendable for such further period as may be required, may be issued by the District Collector, North subject to police clearance as indicated above and their fulfilling other criteria under the applicable laws and rules including relating to employment, the department has notified. It has further announced that any person aggrieved by the refusal of a permit may approach the Joint Secretary of the Department.

NIRMAL MANGER
GANGTOK, March 03: A desperate mother continues her desperate search. A middle-aged Rupa Munda, an Adivasi from Bagdogra, West Bengal has been desperately looking for her missing daughter Priya who was brought to Gangtok as a domestic help three years ago.
Drawing her shawl closer to her face, the helpless mother said, “I am longing to see my daughter, I don’t know where she is and I have been looking for her for the past three weeks.”
The custom of bringing children to Sikkim from the neighbouring villages of West Bengal is not an uncommon practice.
Every year many children aged between seven to 15 years, preferably females are brought as a domestic help often through agents, who earn good commissions.
Sometimes, there are cases when people crippled by domestic works deploy some agents to bring female Adivasis, who would handle household chores at low wages.
But the so-called agent in Rupa’s case turned out to be a major problem. Rupa still doesn’t know where the agent has taken her daughter.
Surprisingly, the agent who brought Priya to Gangtok, also called Rupa Devi is absconding. According to Rupa, the mother of the missing child, the agent had given her fake name, address and contact number, making it complicated for the mother to trace her.
Unable to search on her own, the mother lodged a General Dairy at the Sadar Police Station here today.
The Joint Secretary of Sikkim Youth Welfare Association, Pranita Subba, who is helping Rupa said they visited many houses where the domestic helps are deployed but were unable to find Priya.
According to the mother of the missing child, three years back, a lady who identified herself as Rupa Devi had visited the village and spotted the girl and insisted her to accompany her to Gangtok.
Owing to low income and financial constraint, the mother handed away the daughter without knowing that she would be not meeting her daughter again.
She has also appealed the people to co-operate her in searching for her daughter.
Relating to this, the newly set up child welfare commission is likely to initiate a survey on Child Labour in factories, industries, commercial establishments and later in the houses.
It may be added here that most of the domestic helps in the State come from West Bengal. Poverty compelled the parents to send off their children to unknown destinations from as early as five years, it is learnt.
Moreover, domestic help continue being abused behind closed doors in many Sikkim homes.

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ACT calls on Governor, seeks his intervention in hydel projects in Dzongu

SE Report
GANGTOK, March 03: The Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) called upon the Governor, Sudharshan Agarwal at Raj Bhavan today to seek his intervention regarding mega hydro project issue in Dzongu.
The members led by ACT President, Athup Lepcha, had half an hour meeting with the Governor who gave a patient and proactive listening.
As informed in a press release, the delegates apprised in detail the issue and submitted a memorandum.
According to the release, the Governor inquired about the details of the projects, locations, status of the projects, social and environmental situations of the place.
“In depth reasons for protesting against the mega projects was apprised to the Governor, ACT general secretary Dawa Lepcha informs.
While pointing out that negative effect outweighed the positive outcome of the mega projects for the local people and the fragile ecology, in the long run, the ACT president categorically let the Governor know that people did not have any problem with mini micro projects up to 5 MW being set up in Dzongu.
“The Governor took a special note of Dzongu as “sacred land” endorsed by the Carrying Capacity Study done by CISHME and Commissioned by the Ministry of Environment and Forest,” the release reads.
A map showing the locations of the projects in Dzongu and Biosphere Reserve and the Khangchendzonga National Park was also keenly observed by the Governor, who later assured the delegates to look into the matter as well as hinted a visit to the area.

Khangchendzonga Mountain expedition begins

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, March 3: The State Tourism Minister RB Subba today flagged off the first ten-day Khangchendzonga Mountain Biking expedition from Ridge Park here.
Dubbed as the first international event to conquer the Himalayas, about 35 adventure cyclists today started an adventurous and breathtaking sojourn to test their endurance at varying altitudes in this tiny Himalayan State.
The ten-day thrilling expedition, which will cover all the four districts of the State carries a prize money of $ 25,000 (10 lakhs approx) and has been organized by Tourism Department and supported by the Ministry of Tourism under its Incredible India campaign.
Out of the 35 participants, 16 represent the Indian Army alongside seven foreign outfits and remaining 12 from the State.
Besides, three women, two from Chandigarh and one from the United States are participating in the grand cycling meet. While DK Singh at 58 from Delhi hails as the oldest participant, the youngest is Monica (18 years) from Chandigarh.
Since most of the participants are from outside the State and quite new to the Himalayan terrain, they will be aided by Global Positioning System (GPS) trackers.
Moreover, 15 technical officials and ten volunteers along with assistance from Sikkim Police, the health department ambulances and doctors are engaged for marshalling duties during the course of the expedition.
The State Tourism Secretary, GP Upadhyaya stated that there has been a good response with a turn out of 35 enthusiasts in the first year itself.
“Taking into consideration, the positive feedbacks being received from both the tourists and the locals relating to the unveiling of mountain biking expedition, the department will try and make it an annual event in the future,” Mr. Upadhyaya maintained.
State Tourism Minister RB Subba, who declared the meet open, said the objective of the expedition was to spread awareness among the people about the adventure tourism potential of Sikkim.
Mr Subba also applauded the State Chief Minister for his dynamism towards promoting tourism in a big way.
The ten-day expedition will also see the cyclists ride through unexplored interiors, single track, village back roads, and jeep tracks and hike through deep forests and rivers, proving their strength and determination in covering a total area of 500 kms.

MONDAY, MARCH, 3,  2008

SE Report
GANGTOK, March 02: The Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) has congratulated all the people of Sikkim, particularly the Sikkim Subject holders on being exempted from all the direct and income taxes.
A press release issued by the party states that the regular demand placed by the SDF government to the Central Government has turned out to be fruitful with the recent announcement made by the Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram.
“The issue is sensitive and crucial with several political reactions taking place but it was with the right approach and the good impression of the Chief Minister at the Centre that the State Subject holders were exempted from taxes,” reads a party communiqué.
The Union Finance Minister P Chidamabaram in a general budget of 2008-09 tabled on February 29 announced the long-pending demand of the State, exemption from Direct taxes for all Sikkim subject holders.
The taxes will be exempted to those who hold Sikkim subjects as per the rule Sikkim Subject Regulation Act 1961 and notification 26030/36/90-ICI dated August 7, 1990 and April 9, 1991.
In the general budget tabled, it has also amended section 10 of the Income Tax Act, by including a fresh clause, which says that all Sikkim subject holders and their descendents will be exempted from paying Direct Taxes (Central Income Tax) on any income earned in Sikkim. The amendment, which will take effect from April 1, this year also added that “nothing contained in the clause as per the amendment will apply to a Sikkimese woman who, on or after April 1, 2008 marries an individual who is not a Sikkimese.”

SE Report
GANGTOK, March 02: Various opposition parties in the State have given their reactions to the centre’s exemption of Income Tax for the Sikkim Subjects.
The Sikkim State Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has said that “the amendment of the Income Tax Act providing for the extension of the provision of the Act in Sikkim to those who do not posses the Sikkim Subject Certificate or any documents equivalent to this certificate may appear good to cheer the Sikkimese people at face value but it is a step towards diluting the provisions of the old laws of Sikkim which was guaranteed to be safeguarded by the Government of India through Article 391 F (k) of the Constitution of India during merger of Sikkim to the Union of India.
“As per the Article 391 F (k) of the Constitution, whether one is Sikkimese or non-Sikkimese, the Sikkim Income Tax should not have been replaced by Indian Income Tax,” a BJP press release reads further stating that the BJP led NDA Government never imposed the Act considering the sanctity of Article 371 F (k) of the Constitution of India when it was in power.
The BJP has further alleged the role of the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) “in this act of Government of India,” and said that the State government should take both the blame and credit for the same.
According to the release issued by the general secretary of BJP, CB Chettri, the implication of the dilution of the Article F would mean that all Sikkimese people could be brought under the ambit of the Central Income Tax at any time later.
Further basing its points on the exemption of Income Tax using different yardstick to the same Indian Citizens who have Sikkim Subject Certificate or equivalent and those who do not possess, the release has contended that “even the regime of the Chogyal, did not have different yardstick for Sikkimese and non-Sikkimese, which is a divide and rule policy of the SDF and the UPA Government.”
The people of lower strata of income, according to BJP may have to pay more tax than non-Sikkimese people, especially salaried people from non-Sikkimese category who earns up to Rs. 1.50 lakh a year or Rs. 12,500 per month may pay zero income tax but Sikkimese people earning Rs. 1.50 lakh a year or Rs. 12,500/- per month may have to pay about Rs.13,000 annually as Sikkim Income Tax.” “Non-Sikkimese earning Rs. 1.50 lakh a year from Supplies, Contract, Business etc. may pay zero income tax but Sikkimese people earning Rs. 1.50 lakh a year may have to pay 3% as Turnover tax,” the BJP release reads adding “the people of the higher strata of income of non-Sikkimese may have to pay more tax than the Sikkimese as the income tax rate could be as high as 30 that too from the income from all sources.
Stating that the tax to be made effective from the year 1990 is not practical and is an unnecessary harassment to the non-Sikkimese fraternity, the party has mentioned that if they have paid the Sikkim Income Tax (turnover tax), they will have to get the refund from Government of Sikkim which as per the Indian Income Tax procedure is not an easy job.
The party has also said that the SDF Government may have to amend certain provision of the Sikkim Income Tax or make certain legislation to sort out various anomalies and provide equitable tax regime to the lower income group of Sikkimese people.
The BJP has further suggested the SDF Government to pursue for exemption of Indian Income Tax to all to safeguard the provision of Article 371F (k) of the Constitution of India from being diluted besides making amendment of Sikkim Income Tax to give benefits to the poor section of the population of Sikkim.
Meanwhile, former Chief Minister, Nar Bahadur Bhandari has expressed happiness over the exemption of Income Tax for Sikkim Subjects, which he refers to as the fulfilment of a long cherished demand and a cause he relentlessly fought for.
Mr Bhandari, who is also the president of the State Congress has stated that he has to still work for the members of the community who have been living in Sikkim for centuries and who have made tremendous contribution to the growth and development of Sikkim.
While taking credit for the exemption, he has stated that all demands are still afresh in his memory and promised to take up their case at the appropriate forum at the earliest.
In a letter to the UPA Chairperson, Sonia Gandhi, the SPCC chief has extended congratulations for upholding the provisions of Article 371F of the Constitution and exempting Income Tax for the Sikkim Subjects as announced by the Union Finance Minister P Chidambram.
With the tax exemption, Mr Bhandari in a letter to the UPA Chairperson has said the aspiration of all sections of the Sikkimese society is fulfilled, mainly in providing fiscal stimulus to the national economy. “Loan waivers to the farmers and relief in tax structure to the middle class people is a welcome move and the large segment of society will undoubtedly benefit from the same,” the letter reads. The letter further read, “With your Vision and your Foresight, We the people of Sikkim feel confident of achieving higher goal in the social structure and in the fiscal policies of the Government both at the Central and in the State.”
In a similar vein, the Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad (SHRP) has welcomed the budget presented by the Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram. The party has also expressed their gratitude to the Central Government for exempting Sikkim Subjects from the Income Tax.
While addressing the press conference today at the party office, the SHRP general secretary Tara Shreshta said that the Income Tax exemption has been increased from Rs 1.10 Lakhs to 1.50 Lakhs and Rs 1.45 Lakhs to Rs 1.80 Lakhs for women and senior citizens from Rs 1.95 Lakhs to 2.25 Lakhs. However for the subject holders of the State which become the basis of becoming Indian Citizens on April 26, 1975, the Indian Income Tax Act will not be applicable. “The UPA Government headed by Dr Manmohan Singh respected the sentiments and feelings of the people about the erosion of the old laws of the State as protected by Article 371F (k) of the Indian Constitution and on behalf of SHRP, I convey our heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister of India and Union Finance Minister for respecting the sentiments of the people of the State and agreeing to our long pending demand,” he said.
The party on the other hand has reminded the State Government to be careful not to repeat the misuse of the exemption as was done during the time of earlier regime which led to the enforcement of the Indian Income Tax Act to Sikkim 198.
A recently established party, Sikkim United also welcomed the provisions of the Union Finance Bill, 2008 exempting all Sikkim Subject holders from payment of income-tax, an issue and subject of tremendous debate and discussion since early 1990s.
The party has also expressed its deep appreciation as well as extended their gratitude to the Union and the State Government, and political parties, social organisations and others for having secured a victory on the income-tax issue.
In a press release, a party member, Hem Lall Bhandari has said that the insertion of a new Clause (26AAA) in Section 10 vide Clause 4 of the Finance Bill, 2008 has established beyond doubt the supremacy of Article 371F and thus recognised the distinct identity of Sikkim and the Sikkimese people within the constitutional framework.
Having discussed the tax-exemption provisions of the Finance Bill, 2008, the Sikkim United has maintained that the newly added Clause 4 in the Finance Bill will go a long way in laying a firm foundation for Sikkimese unity.
The newly launched party’s leadership, while welcoming the exemption provision vide Clause (26AAA) in Section 10, has decided to approach the Union Government seeking tax exemption to the countless businessmen and others, who have spent a considerable length of time in the service of Sikkim and the three ethnic groups - the Bhutias, Lepcha and Nepalese.
However, till the aforesaid demand is fulfilled by the Union Government, the implementation of direct taxes for old business community and others, who have not been exempted from the purview of the Finance Bill, 2008, be kept in abeyance, the party has further demanded.

Our Correspondent
RANGPO, March 02: A utility vehicle number SK-03-3282 plying from Rangpo to Gangtok loaded with pigs met with an accident near Golitar under Singtam Police Station at 6.30 today evening and claimed a life.
The driver of the vehicle, Gopal Rai died on the spot while another person, who was seriously injured was taken to the nearby Singtam hospital. He was later referred to Central Referral Hospital, Tadong.
Police have sent the dead body for post mortem and have registered the case under section 279/334/307.
The reason behind the accident is still not clear. Police are investigating the matter.

SE Report
GANGTOK, March 02: The Sikkim Bihari Jagaran Manch has congratulated the people of Sikkim for exemption of Income Tax by the Government of India and also the State Government “who worked hard in the past years.”
Reacting over the exemption of the central tax to the Sikkim Subjects, the working president of the Manch, Anil Kumar Gupta in a press release has queried as to why the remaining 10 percent people living in the State of Sikkim are taxed.
According to him, out of the remaining 10 percent population, five percent will come under exempt category.
Mr Gupta has also said that the decision to impose Income Tax from the year 1990 is unfair. He has also expressed doubt whether Income Tax Manual 1948 of the State Government will be exempted for the Central Income Tax payer or not.
“Beside the issue of Income Tax, the old traders who are established by the Chogyal of Sikkim before the Merger, also deserves to be identified as Sikkimese,” he demanded.

Buddhadeb calls for peace in Darjeeling

SILIGURI, March 02: West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee has appealed for peace in Darjeeling that is roiled by an agitation for separate statehood.
“We want peace to be restored in Darjeeling. We want economic development of Siliguri and Darjeeling. I have discussed with all,” Bhattacharjee told a convention of the Centre for Trade Unions.
Meanwhile, life is slowly limping back to normal following the suspension of an indefinite shutdown called by the Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha (GJMM).
The GJMM sponsored shutdown and hunger strike was withdrawn on Friday following Bhattacharjee’s intervention.
The GJMM had launched an economic blockade and started a fast-unto-death programme in the Hills on February 20, demanding a separate state of Gorkhaland to be carved out of the Darjeeling Hills comprising the Dooars region of Jalpaiguri District and certain areas contiguous to it.
The shutdown was also called to protest the alleged imposition of the Sixth Schedule status on the Hills and to remove Subash Ghising as the sole administrator of the DGHC.
Articles 244(II) and 275(I) of the Indian Constitution have made a provision for a Sixth Schedule status. The Articles state that if various indigenous groups live in a district or area, then they can be granted Sixth Schedule status and autonomy thereafter.
The GNLF first launched an agitation for a separate state in 1980, but dropped the demand for Sixth Schedule status after New Delhi agreed to confer partial autonomy in 1988 for Nepalese-speaking people.
An agreement was signed between the Central government, the West Bengal government and the GNLF, paving the way for an Autonomous Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (ADGHC) in 1988.

SUMAN GAZMER
GANGTOK, March 02: The Teesta (Stage V) Hydroelectric Project has started to generate commercial power from February 29.
While talking to the media today at Balutar, the Executive Director of the Project VK Sharma said, Unit II of the 510 MW project is now generating 170 MW power. He further added “We are working on Unit I and III and by March 31, we will synchronise it.”
According to him, the allocation of power had b