FRIDAY, APRIL , 4 ,  2008

SANJAY AGARWAL
RANGPO, April 3: Representatives from all the industrial units set up in the State since the last five years today held a meeting here to discuss matters pertaining to the Central Excise Act and its implication in the State.
The main agenda of the meeting was to discuss the problem raised due to the Central Excise Act.
The North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy (NEIIPP), 2007 for industrial development in the North Eastern Region including Sikkim was announced on April 1, 2007.
The NEIIPP, 2007 is a package of fiscal incentives and other concessions for the North East Region, which includes 100% Excise Duty exemption on finished products made in the North Eastern Region.
This package was aimed at encouraging big industries to set up shop in the North East region and thereby add to the economic growth of the region.
However, in a recent notification, the Central Government announced an amendment in the Central Excise Act leading to a reduction in the exemption. According to Ministry of Finance notification issued on March 27, 2008, all the industrial units will now have to pay 15-56 % excise duty on various items.
Most of the companies have set up their units in the North-East region and Sikkim only to benefit from the excise duty exemption. If this exempted is reduced, the industrial units will have no choice but to shut down their units, the meeting felt.
The delegates also discussed the need to set up an association of all industrial units in the region, especially those from Sikkim. The State has attracted the maximum number of industrial units because of its investor-friendly policies and peace in the State.
The next meeting has been scheduled to be held on Sunday, April 6 in Rangpo itself. During this meeting, an association will be formally formed along with key office bearers and also draw up a future course of action.
The delegates have also decided to meet the Chief Minister along with the State Industries Minister and Secretary to discuss the problem.
The delegates will also request all Industries Ministers of the North-East States to pressurize the Central Government into withdrawing this notification. This is for the first time that representatives of all industrial units set up in the State have come together on a single platform to discuss mutual problems.

SE Report
GANGTOK, April 3: His Eminence, the 3rd Domo Geshe Rinpoche Lobsang Jigme Ngag-Ghi Wangchuk was enthroned on March 29, 2008 (the 22nd day of the 2nd month of the year of the Water Rat according to the Lunar calendar) at his principal monastery in India, the Dung-Guen Samtencholing in Ghoom, Darjeeling.
The auspicious event was attended by monks from all his monasteries, members of his organizations in United States, devotees and Buddhist representatives from Canada, Australia, Austria, USA, Singapore, Taiwan, Russia, Mongolia, Switzerland, Italy, Thailand, Philippines, Nepal, Bhutan, Wolong (Nepal border), Meghalaya, Darjeeling, Kalimpong including a large number of Sikkimese devotees and relations from Lachen Lachung (North Sikkim) and East Sikkim.
The dignitaries who graced the occasion included the Honourable Minister Yeshe Lachungpa, Dawa Narbula, MP Lok Sabha, representatives from the US Consulate, Representatives of two of the senior most holy incarnate Lamas of Sikkim, well known International Buddhist Scholars, Representatives of The World Buddhist Federation, Representative of Gorkha Janamukti Morcha and members of Jyoti Samaj (Ghoom).
This holy reincarnation of one of the greatest present day Mahasiddas was born in New York, USA on June 2, 2003 to ethnic Sikkimese parents. As per tradition and precedence with regards to this lineage, he was recognized by Kyapche Trijang Choktrul Rinpoche after careful divination and the requisite procedures which spanned the period of four years (June 2002 - July 2006). Although he is the third incarnation with the name ‘Domo Geshe Rinpoche’ the actual lineage of this great Kadampa Lama dates back to the time of Buddha Shakyamuni.
In today's troubled world the significance of the return of such a compassionate emanation cannot be over-emphasized. His two previous incarnations were nonsectarian and showed equal kindness to all. Like true Kadampas, they hid their enlightened deeds (which pervaded all realms and levels) and were indeed praiseworthy in that they praised only the Buddha with their pure deeds. This auspicious occasion is truly a joyful day for the Dharma and for all devotees!
Excerpts from Domo Geshe Rinpoche’s biographical sketch by Dr.Ursula Bemis:
‘Tromo was completely changed by Domo Geshe Rinpoche’s presence. The Bonpos at Pemakung sent yearly New Year offerings to him at Dungkar Gonpa as did the Nyingmapas from nearby Kyiruntsel, where a room was kept ready in the monastery for Domo Geshe Rinpoche. Eventually Domo Geshe Rinpoche instituted several practices that brought the people of Tromo together in greater harmony. One of these was a yearly
joint readings of the twelve collective works (Sungbum) at Kampu Dzong in upper Tromo by the different religious traditions. Another practice was a special Guru Rinpoche (Padma Sambhava) ritual. Dungkar Gonpa had acquired an especially holy Guru Rinpoche statue, said to have been blessed by Padma Sambhava himself. When the owner was on the way to India with the statue, it spoke when passing Dungkar Gonpa.
“Take me to where the sound is coming from,” it said, as the long trumpets sounded from the monastery on the hill. The man did, and Geshe Rinpoche gave him what he needed. Not much later, it is said, Domo Geshe Rinpoche found a Guru 'fulfillment of wishes' (thug-drup) text near Dawa Trag, a rock not far from Dungkar Gonpa bearing a spontaneous manifestation (rang-jon) of a moon. Shortly thereafter, someone came with many copies of the same text for sale.Geshe Rinpoche bought all of them and, once a year the Dungkar Gonpa monks performed the ritual.' This tradition continues today and the ‘Jangtir Thug-Drop Choega’ is done for a week on the 10th day of the 2nd Lunar month annually.

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, April 3: A powerful explosion ripped through a house in Siliguri town today, killing three people.
The incident occurred today afternoon around 1:10 pm at Saman Nagar in Champasari area of Siliguri.
The explosions took place in the house of one Ramapati Saha in Champasari.
According to sources, four people, who claimed to be from Sikkim, had rented four rooms in the said house with the intention of opening up a computer centre from the premises. Another source claimed that the house was rented by some students from Sikkim two months ago.
The concrete house with a GI sheet rooftop was blown 100 meters away by the blast, eyewitnesses have said.
Lakpa Tamang, 27, who was present in the house when the explosion took place, died on the spot while the other two who are yet to be identified, succumbed to their injuries in the hospital.
“We are still investigating the matter and it would be too early to comment anything on this issue,” Rahul Srivastava, Darjeeling SP said while talking with SIKKIM EXPRESS over phone.
Reports have indicated that the explosion occurred from an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) while the three were making bombs. The victims are suspected to have links with terrorist outfits, reports have suggested. A pistol, a timer and a transistor have been recovered from the house.
The owner of the house, Ramapati Sahu has been arrested.
Another report suggested that although the dead have not yet been identified, they may be Tibetans. The owner of the house has been quoted as saying that the rooms were rented by a Tibetan exile who said he was using it in connection with a computer business.
The police maintained that after the blast they recovered a large quantity of explosives and detonators with timers.
Police said those killed were perhaps members of an underground group who had rented the house by providing false identities.

Sikkimese residents exempted from PAN norms: SEBI

SE Report
GANGTOK, April 3: Here is some good news for Sikkimese residents who want to invest in mutual funds.
Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) today exempted residents of Sikkim from the requirement of mandatory quoting of PAN for investing in mutual funds.
According to a report in the internet edition of the Financial Express, an investor will have to however, provide the documentary proof of being a resident of Sikkim to avail of this facility.
"It has been decided to exempt investors residing in the state of Sikkim from the mandatory requirement of PAN for their investments in mutual funds," the report quoted from circular issued by the regulator.
SEBI had earlier exempted Sikkim residents from providing their PAN for opening accounts with depositories and trading in the cash market.

SE Report
GANGTOK, April 3: The All Sikkim Youth Association (ASYA) has once again warned the various companies and investors based in the State to strictly follow the MoU guidelines, most important one being to hire only locals.
According to a press release, ASYA has said that leaving a few, most of the companies set up in the State are not following the guidelines of the MoU signed between them and the State Government. The Association has demanded the companies provide capacity and skill development trainings for the unemployed youth before employing them.
The Association has also said that the due to increasing influx in the State, the crime rate has increased as well which is a matter of great concern for the people of the State.

SHRP gives Govt 15 days ultimatum to provide LTs with political rights

STAFF REPORTER
GANGTOK, April 3: The Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad (SHRP) has given the State Government an additional 15 days as an ultimatum to provide the political rights of Limboo-Tamang communities in the State.
The party president, Dr. AD Subba declared this in a press conference held at the party head office here today.
Earlier, the party has given the State Government a one-month ultimatum to solve the issue.
Addressing the media, Dr. Subba threatened to launch a State-wide agitation if the State Government failed to provide seats for the Limboo-Tamangs in the State Assembly.
He also demanded that the State Government bring out a white paper regarding the Limboo-Tamang seat reservation issue as soon as possible.
While expressing his dissatisfaction over the Governor not intervening into the nearly 300 days hunger strike launched by the Lepchas of Dzongri led by the Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT), Dr. Subba said that it was “unfortunate that the Governor of the State had no concern for the indigenous community of the State.”
Speaking on the municipality election, Dr. Subba said that his party was “totally against” the municipality election, alleging that the State Government was trying to invite foreign companies by including urban areas in municipality.

Our Correspondent
PAKYONG, April 3: The Board of Directors of Sidhee Associated (Sikkim) Private Limited, a finance company, PS Subba and Prakash Gurung along with the branch manager Pakyong, held a meeting at Community Hall Pakyong on April 1.
More than 200 depositors and the agents were present during the meeting.
The Sidhee company has its head office at Pandey colony, Gyalshing West Sikkim and Branch offices at all four Districts of the State with branch managers and the agents to collects money from the publics to invest in their limited with some good interest and others facilities. But with the incident cause by the Bharosa Pvt. Limited, peoples of this region were more curious and are losing hope in the company where they had deposited their money.
During the meeting, the Board of Directors gave assurances to all its depositors and the agents of Pakyong branch office in writing that all dues and pending maturity of the concerned branch by July 1, 2008 with 12 percent interest per annum extra, apart from the bonus at the time of maturity. The Directors also asked its depositors “to be patience and have faith on them.”
The meeting also discussed the total amount which the depositors are entitled to at the time of maturity. Many depositors have complained that they have not received their money even after the maturity of their schemes. Many people had invested money in this company for various purposes like children’s education, weddings, running businesses, etc. “I was saving some money with the Company for a family outing this Chaitey Dasai (Ram Nawami), but I am still to be paid even after date of maturity is already over,” an angry depositor said.
Another depositor said that he had to upgrade his house with the money he had to receive from the Company. “I had deposited the money with this Company instead of depositing it in the State Banks because I trusted Sidhee,” a businessman added.

Milch Cow distribution at Rakdong Tintek Constituency

SE Report
GANGTOK, April 3: The Department of Animal Husbandry, LF &Veterinary services distributed 20 milch cows to two SHGs members, Ram Janani and Janam Bhumi of Khesey ward in the Rakdong Tintek Constituency.
The programme was held at Samdong Veterinary Dispensary complex and chaired by Animal Husbandry Minister, Kalawati Subba .The guest of honour was Norjang Lepcha, area MLA.
Others present during the programme were WT Barphungpa, Pr. Secretary, Dr. MK Rai, Pr. Director, Dr. ST Bhutia, Additional Director (VS), HH Pandyal, Zilla Panchayat, Panchayat President of Khesey ward Smt. Chura Kumari Rijhal and other Panchyat members.
In her address, the chief guest urged the people take optimum care and maintenance of cows distributed as a package for conomic development by the State Government. Beneficiaries were also given technical knowledge on milch cows maintenance by Technical Officers before the cows were handed over to them. On request of Panchayats and area MLA, the Minister has assured the people to provide infrastructure like a veterinary hospital in this area.

THURSDAY, APRIL , 3 ,  2008

Director stands firm on decision; Gangtok Bazaar Post Office to be shifted
Postal Union threatens a pen-down strike over decision

STAFF REPORTER
GANGTOK, April 2: Unaware that the Gangtok Bazaar Post Office at Nam Nang Road had been relocated to the Sikkim Manipal University premises at 5th Mile Tadong, many customers walked into the Post Office today only to return back dismayed.
The Gangtok Bazaar Post Office remained closed for the whole day, with only packing of office stuff being carried out by the staff present.
KP Sharma, the General Secretary of Sikkim Postal Union today informed that the union is against the decision of the Director, Postal Services to shift the Post Office as it was hampering both the business as well as the PR with its valued customers.
He said that if the matter is not resolved soon, the union would be calling a pen down strike in all the post offices all over the State.
The Postal Union also said that the statement made by the Director, SS Kujar to the media that the post offices should be located at the distance of 3 kms was without any base.
“If that is the criteria, then this has not been followed in Gangtok. The distance between the General Post Office to Deorali PO and the Sichey PO is less than 3 km,” he said.
He also added that the workload in the General Post Office would increase tremendously resulting into unnecessary harassment to the public. “If there is only one Post Office in Gangtok town, the GPO would be under pressure,” he said. “We want a new post office to be set up at the 5th Mile and at the same time, the Gangtok Bazaar Post Office should remain in the main town itself,” he added.
The Union was waiting for a reply from the Regional office till today evening.
According to sources, the landlord of the building from where the Gangtok Bazaar Post office functioned till now, wanted the Post Office to vacate the space at the earliest. The landlord had been paid Rs 203304 as house rent arrears since the year 2000.
Presently the post office is paying Rs 7,400 as the monthly rent.
When SIKKIM EXPRESS tried to contact the Director, SS Kujar, it was informed that she had already left for the Delhi today morning.
The Assistant Superintendent of Postal Services informed that the matter would be intimated to the higher authorities very soon.
However, he assured that the interest of the people would be safeguarded.
At present, there are seven sub-post offices running in the Capital and its suburbs along with General Post Office near SNT complex here.

Star Cinema Building tenants look forward to proper
rehabilitation and relief package

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, April 2: The tenants of the Star Cinema Hall building have wholeheartedly welcomed the announcement of the Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling that the building would be acquired by the Government and converted into a multi-purpose Mall.
Mr. Chamling had also said that the tenants of the building would be provided with adequate rehabilitation and relief packages.
The Chief Minister, who recently visited the locality, had made a verbal assurance to the tenants that they would be resettled in some other areas as the Government had plans to acquire the building to renovate it into a shopping mall and a car-parking center. The Star Cinema Hall is perhaps, one of the oldest buildings in the MG Marg area of the Capital and a landmark.
Till the 80’s, the Hall screened movies, after which it was shut down following a legal battle between the owners and the caretakers. However, the building also served as residential quarters for a number of families, who have been living here for more than 30 years.
Over the years, the building remained in a state of neglect with cramped living conditions, no permanent drinking water supply lines and defunct sewerage system. The families in the floors below the road level live in dingy two-room units with no direct sunlight or other basic facilities.
For the tenants, the biggest problem they are saving is the power supply. The building has had no power supply since November last year. According to them, the total arrear from the year 2002 to 2007, including the surcharge of Rs 1,27,414, is Rs 3,68,270, an amount most of the tenants cannot afford to pay.
“The Chief Minister had assured us that the surcharge would be exempted but still the arrear comes to Rs 2,40,856 which we cannot afford to pay,” says Tejman Sakya, one of the oldest tenants of the building, residing here since past forty years. Most of the people residing in the building are daily wage earners or with small jobs in private firms in the Capital. As per them, the arrear had accumulated as they had received the bill after a gap of nine months. The worst sufferers are the school going children who have to study in candle light. The passages in the floors are so dark that without electricity, one needs a torch or a candle to guide him through the building even during the day time.
Having faced with no other option, the tenants are planning to submit the memorandum to the Chief Minister once again requesting him to reduce the arrear. “We shall ever remain grateful if the Government provides us with the power supply till the time we are here and for which we will be paying for,” Lakpa Bhutia, a house wife said.
“We want to render our co-operation with the Chief Minister in making the Capital beautiful and we also do not have any problems in shifting provided that the Government rehabilitates us within Gangtok itself,” Chokpa Bhutia, another tenant of the building, said.
They also said that they would be very much pleased if the Government provided them with a space in the upcoming shopping mall.
Presently, 36 families reside in the building with more than 200 individuals. The tenants also stated that they would not be accepting any kind of relief packages if the Government does not rehabilitate them.
According to reliable sources, the Government is planning to rehabilitate the families in the former slaughterhouse below Sher-e-Punjab in Arithang.
The tenants are presently paying house rents ranging from Rs 50 to Rs 700 every month. According to them, the ownership of the building is held by several partners including the erstwhile royal family. Presently they deposit the house rent to the Finance Department.

100% placement for the outgoing batch of IHM students

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, April 02: The annual day function 2008 of the Institute of Hotel Management was held at the premises of the Institute in Daragoan, here yesterday morning.
The annual event was dedicated to the final year BSc students in Hotel Management who completed their three year long degree course leaving behind pleasant memories in the institute.
Chief Secretary, ND Chingappa graced the programme as the chief guest along with Commissioner cum Secretary of the State Tourism Department, GP Upadhaya as the guest of honour.
The destined chief guest, ND Chingappa while addressing the congregation applauded the students and the faculty members at IHM Gangtok for having earned national recognition amongst top hotel management institutes in India.
Chingappa, who is also the chairman of the Board of IHM, stated that sky should be the limit for the students who will soon be completing their degree course in hotel management and urged the latter to act as brand ambassadors carrying forward with them the good-will of IHM-Gangtok and of the state of Sikkim wherever they go.
Earlier the IHM Administrator, JT Gyaltsen in his annual report presentation informed about the excellent performance by the final year BSc students in Hotel Management in the academic session 2006-07, the 100% job placement of previous batch of students at leading international hospitality chains in the country and abroad. He further informed that nine of the IHM students had succeeded to enter into management trainee in the most leading five start deluxe hotels of the country through campus interviews.
He was in all praise for Kartikeya Singh for being 18th rank out of 30 toppers at the National Council of Examination.
Furthermore, he highlighted at the 100% placement for the current final year batch of students which has been better placed as compared to last year.
It may be mentioned here that the Oberoi Group of Hotels has selected some 16 candidates from 3rd year BSc batch of students and 8 from the trade diploma section. The IHM Gangtok is ranked number 9 in the list of top hotel management institutes out of the 36 hotel management institutes including private institutes across in the country as per the survey conducted by the Global Human Resource Development in 2007. The achievements of IHM Gangtok was published in the special September 2007 issue on ‘Top Management Institutes in India’.
As regards to top hotel management institutes in placement, IHM Gangtok is ranked number 5 at the overall national ranking. Likewise, the IHM Gangtok has successfully secured 4th position at the top hotel management institutes at the regional (north-east) level.
Gyaltsen during the course of his deliberations also talked about the participation of IHM students at the 1st North-East Institute of Hotel Management Culinary Challenge held at
Shillong from 1st to 2nd February 2008 and also at the International Surprise Basket Competition wherein the same, 2nd and 3rd year batch of students clinched the overall 1st and 2nd positions respectively.
He also congratulated the faculty members and students at IHM Gangtok for having played as a host to visitors through its food and beverage service during the 1st International Flori Show 2008 held consecutively for three days starting from March 14 at Saramsa Garden. The IHM Gangtok proved its worth of making a record turnover to the tune of Rs 4 lakh from the restaurant sale within three days of international florishow. Later, the chief guest and the guest of honour felicitated the students and faculty members at IHM Gangtok with trophies, certificates of appreciation and souvenirs.
The annual day function 2008 was also attended by Ms Jemima Pradhan, Director to Information and Public Relations Department.

Our Correspondent
RANGPO, April 2: Local associations, NGOs, clubs and organizations of Rangpo and Singtam have initiated a voting campaign for Rachna Shilal, the only female finalist of Swar Sikkim Bal Tara singing contest.
The resident of Majitar, near Singtam, this 12 year old girl entered the finals of the Bal Tara contest after a great performance at the semifinals held recently in Gangtok.
Out of 12 semifinalists, only seven of them made it to the finals, which will be held at the Rabong Rediscovered festival at Rabong, South Sikkim on April 8.
Rachna is a class VIII student of Tashi Namgyal Academy.
The voting code for Rachna is Baltara Rachna Shilal. Send it to 9848356765.

SE Report
GANGTOK, April 2: After having carried out extensive promotional campaigns on Sikkim, the seven member team from Sikkim Tourism Cooperative Society Ltd undertaking a 101 days All India Overland cross country expedition by road from Sikkim reached has reached Chandigarh.
The team met with the Director, Chandigarh Tourism, Vivek Attri, who supported the team in carrying out their promotional campaign in the city. The team organized road shows at Sukna Lake, Rose Garden and Rock Garden and distributed the promotional tea-shirts, caps, posters, and handbooks.
The team has identified Chandigarh to be huge market for potential travelers who has shown tremendous interest in exploring Sikkim along with other North Eastern states. The Expedition team also met with Punjab and Haryana Tourism official at Chandigarh who guided the team in exploring various tourism sites of their respective states. After three days of campaign at Chandigarh, The team headed for Amritsar in Punjab, the city of Golden Temple. The team was put up at the ashram where they could interact with thousands of pilgrims and visitors who had come to witness the famous Golden Temple. The team also took a brief halt at Jalandhar and carried out small promotions in various parts of the city. After Punjab, the team moved on to Jammu. There the team met with the Director Tourism, Ajay Khazuria and officials of JKTDC. The team organized road show at Vir Marg and Residency road. After that the team entered Himachal Pradesh through Dharamshala where they carried out promotions at Dal Lake and also visited Tsuglakhang Complex.
The next stop for the expedition team was Manali, one of the most popular hill destination of the country. The primary motive for visiting Manali was to explore and learn about the tourism destinations, products and operating systems in the hill destination. The team met with the Ski operators of Gulaba and Rohtang Pass, and studied the logistics involved in operating Ice skiing services. The team also visited number premium resorts here particularly to learn and understand their construction patterns, marketing strategies, occupancy levels. From Manali the team proceeded to another popular Hill station in the country, Shimla. Where, the team carried out a promotion at the Mall in the evening interacting with the locals and tourists. After Shimla, the expedition entered Uttarkhand with their first visit at Dehradun, the team met with the Joint Director, Uttarkhand TourismMr S. Dwivedi. On his directions, the team carried out Road shows at Rajpur Road, one of the most popular street in the city, as well as at Paltan Bazaar, where the team could catch up with a huge local crowd wanting to grab the information on Sikkim. After Dehradun the team proceeded to Rishikesh and Haridwar, another popular pilgrim as well as adventure destination of the country. The motive to visit these destinations was not just to catch up with a huge crowd of foreign tourists here but also to study the basic facilities, infrastuctures and management of the Ashrams in particular, which caters to the diverse category of pilgrims and tourists who flock here from all over the world. Besides, the team also explored various adventure tourism sites concentrated along the river Ganga. The team visited the campsites of Shivpuri and Byasi, and met with the Camp Operators there inorder to study and analyse the possibility of operating campsites in Sikkim After three days of stay at Rishikesh and Haridwar, the team has now entered Uttar Pradesh, through Agra and will be covering rest of the state on the following days.

Our Correspondent
NAMCHI, April 2: The Department of Animal Husbandry Livestock Fisheries and Veterinary Service, South District, today organized a day long awareness camp cum distribution of piglets at Veterinary and Livestock Firm at Rabong, South Sikkim. Minister for UD&HD and area MLA, DDBhutia was the chief guest on the occasion.
The programme started with the welcome speech by Joint Director, AHLF&VS, South, Dr. NK Rai, where he highlighted the basic objectives of piggery farming. The piglets for the distribution had been brought from Lava Kalimpong.
While addressing the function, the Chief Guest said that the State Government was providing number of facilities to the poor in order to bring about an improvement in their living standards. On the benefits of piggery farming, Mr. Bhutia said that if the distributed piglets were not properly looked after by the beneficiaries, then the government will take back the piglets and will be given to any other farmer who took proper care of them. The various schemes launched by the Government will not bear fruits until and unless the beneficiaries and the common people take it seriously, he said. During the programme, a total 110 piglets were distributed amongst the 55 beneficiaries of Mangardalam, Lingding, Lower Namlong and Lingchok villages. Each farmer was provided with the two piglets by the Department under Tribal Sub Plan of the State Government.

Our Correspondent
NAMCHI, April 2: The South District Agricultural team has returned after a fruitful Agricultural Exposure Visit of 12 days to three North Indian States from March 19 to 30.
Organized by the Agriculture Department, South District and funded by the South District Zilla Panchayat, the 25-member team visited Delhi, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh where they got acquainted with various methods of farming techniques.
The visiting team included 21 Zilla Panchayat members of South District including Upadakshya South, Himal Tamang, three progressive farmers and Deputy Director Agriculture, South, Kamal Thatal.
While briefing the media about the trip, Mr. Tamang informed that the trip was successful for the team members during which they were exposed to various new techniques of agricultural farming and horticulture. The team first visited the Institute of Agricultural Training and Education at Hissar, Haryana on March 20 where they met the professor of the Institute, Dr. GS Yadav. During the interactive session with Dr. Yadav, the team members were briefed on various methods of farming and horticulture, especially vegetable cultivation. The team also visited the Cattle Breeding Research Centre, Hissar.
On March 24, the team reached Salom in Himachal Pradesh where they visited the Farmers University of Horticulture and Forestry. Here they met with Dr. GK Sharma, instructor at the University. Dr. Sharma briefed the visiting team of South Sikkim on various aspects of off season vegetable farming and green house techniques. Dr. Sharma also briefed the team on Rain Water Harvesting and organic farming on the occasion.
The following day, the team visited the National Research Centre of Mushroom, Chambaghat, Himachal Pradesh. A special class was held for the visiting team by the Principal Scientist of the Centre, Dr. SR Sharma and was given valuable lessons on the various ways of mushroom cultivation.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL, 2 ,  2008

Bhaichung reiterates decision to skip Olympic Torch
This is my solidarity gesture for Tibet: Bhutia

STAFF REPORTER
GANGTOK, April 01: Indian soccer skipper Bhaichung Bhutia today reiterated that his decision not to carry the Olympic torch when it arrives in Delhi is entirely his “personal decision” and free from “pressure or influence”.
“I feel whatever is happening in Tibet is not right and in my small way I should show my solidarity, Mr Bhutia, a Buddhist from Sikkim with ancient ties with Tibet told SIKKIM EXPRESS over the phone from Kolkata today.
“I faxed the decision to the IOA on Monday when they wanted my confirmation,” he added.
When asked about pressure from the sports authorities, the star striker, who was recently conferred with the Padmashree said, “This is a very small issue. I expressed my personal decision and India being a democratic country, everyone has the right to make personal decisions.”
Bhutia, believed to be the first athlete to decline a role in the relay because of the Tibet crackdown, was among several Indian athletes invited by IOA to carry the flame when it passes through New Delhi on April 17.
On the other hand, the Tibetan community in Sikkim is jubilant over his withdrawal from the Indian leg of the Olympic torch relay.
Bhutia’s home state, Sikkim has around 5,000 Tibetan refugees. A large number of Tibetans residing in Sikkim recently joined a protest led by Northeast Zonal Tibetan Youth Congress in Rangpo to demand a passage to Tibet through the Nathu La pass.

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, April 01: Barely two months after its operation from a rented house near ICAR complex in Tadong and Mayalmu Lee is already a home for seven mentally retarded persons.
Living up to its name, which means love in Lepcha language, Mayalmu Lee has brought back smiles on the faces of the underprivileged, homeless and shunned by the society.
Visit the home of the mentally retarded and you will find Shanti Gurung and Bhawati Maya Sharma clad in a traditional Nepalese dress of Fariya Sari and Chawvandi while Prakash Dorjee, Dilbu Pathak, Harka Bahadur Biswakarma, Sanjay Rai and Rajesh Prasad pose themselves in neat pairs of trousers and short and kurtas. These mentally-challenged persons were a common sight in Gangtok, roaming in the MG Marg and Lall Bazaar, begging for food and more than often, harassed by the people and the cops.
As per the latest data provided by the organization, 11 such people hailing from outside the State had already been sent to their homes.
“We are trying our best to turn them into normal persons,” the founder of Mayalmu Lee, Passangkit Lepcha said.
According to her, patients are being involved in various social activities such as gardening, cleaning, cooking in order to bring about some improvement in their mental and psychological strengths.
While informing that the Home is being run without any help from the State Government, she said there are some people who visit the center and donate clothes, rice, vegetables etc.
But the problem faced by the centre is from people who dupe them by collecting donations using their name, for which Ms Lepcha has urged the people not to give nay cash or kind to anonymous people.
The centre has five staff, which includes two night guards, one day guards and one woman assistant.
Mayalmu Lee has limited space. “The rooms available are packed and we are looking for spacious rooms with a compound,” Ms Lepcha added.

Three State units of national parties submits memorandum to Governor for investigation into 26 hydel projects

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, April 01: The three State units of National parties today submitted a memorandum to Governor Sudarshan Agarwal requesting an investigation in the 26 hydel projects given out to the different power developers companies across the State by the State Government.
In a joined memorandum signed by the president, Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee Nar Bahadur Bhandari, president, Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) and the Committee Member Communist Party of India (M) Anjan Upadhaya have mixed their voice against the various irregularities of private developers. They have also urged the Governor to find out the details from the State Government regarding the copies of the advertisement made including details of tender documents, comparative statements, list of numbers of the selective committee to decide the project developers, selection basis of the project developer, capacity generation and the position of the government on the loans being taken by the private developers.
The parties have given 15 days time for the probe.
“If no satisfactory reply is received, this may kindly be referred to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as per the special responsibility the Constitution of India has vested to the Governor of Sikkim under article 371F(g),” reads the memorandum.
According to the memorandum, “out of 13 mini hydel project under the State Government, eight of the hydro projects are non functional since the department of Power was taken over by the Chief Minister himself.” “The capital cost estimated at current price level for these eight hydel projects runs to nearly Rs 1000 crore,” the memorandum adds.
While addressing a joint press conference today here at Congress Bhawan, SPCC president said that the opposition parties are not against the hydel project but the parties want accountability and that the projects should be taken as per its realistic capacity. “The capacity of several projects has been enhanced beyond its original capacity to attract the attention of the financial institutions for taking loans, Mr Bhandari said. He further said that the global leader was supposed to be invited from the project developer.
Similarly, the Committee Member CPIM Anjan Upadhaya said that the State Government is standing a guarantor for the power developer companies to take loans. If any of these projects are scrapped, Sikkimese people will have to suffer, he added.
The BJP President HR Pradhan said that the initial proposal for Panam Hydro Electric Project was submitted by M/s Nagajuna Holding Private Limited but the agreement was signed by Himagiri Hydro Energy Private Limited as SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) Company of M/s Nagajuna Holding Private Limited. This project capacity is much below 300 MW but was enhanced to 300 MW based on survey of the company and not any renowned agencies, he said.

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, April 01: In the process of the bye-elections for two Territorial Constituencies and four Gram Panchayat Wards, the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) has already won uncontested in two Gram Panchayat wards.
The SDF won Tsokha- Kyongyek of 7 Yuksom and 42/3 Upper Rakdong of 42 Rakdong, which was confirmed today after the scrutiny process.
The other three Gram Panchayat units are 43 Barfung Zarong, 1 Kabi Tingda and 5- Ramathang Tangyek, for which the scrutiny process is still going on.
While talking with SIKKIM EXPRESS today, Secretary of Election Commission CP Dewan said the picture will be clear once the scrutiny is over. “If all the five wards go uncontested then there shall be no election,” he informed.
The last date for the withdrawal of the nomination is April 3 and 4. Polls if necessary will be held on April 24 from 8am to 4pm, he said.
According to the secretary, preparation of electoral roll for Municipal election is going on after which the date for the election will be declared.
It may be noted here that there are 74 wards all over Sikkim under Municipal corporation, council and Nagar Panchayat. Gangtok being only the municipal corporation has the maximum with 15 wards.
Singtam Municipal Corporation and Jorethang Naya bazaar Municipal council has seven wards each while Ranpo Nagar Panchayat, Pakyong Nagar Panchayat, Rongli Nagar Panchayat, Namchi Nagar Panchayat, Jorethang Naya bazaar Municipal council, Ravangla Nagar Panchayat, Gyalshing Nagar Panchayat, Pelling Nagar Panchayat, Soreng Nagar Panchayat and Mangan Nagar Panchayat have five wards each.

SE Report
GANGTOK, April 01: The Sikkim Commission for Backward Classes (SCBC), has submitted its recommendation report relating to the issue of Chettri, Bahun and Newar Communities of Sikkim for their inclusion in the Central list of OBCs, to the Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling at Tashiling Secretariat here on March 28.
The SCBC has been re-constituted under the Chairpersonship of MB Dahal and five other members.
The said recommendation report was finalized and approved by the members in its 12th general meeting of SCBC held on March 28 in the commission’s office here at the Lower Secretariat.
The five members of the SCBC are KB Gurung, Dr DP Kharel, Rup Raj Rai and, SK Pradhan and Member Secretary, R Ongmu, who is also the principal secretary of Social Justice Empowerment and Welfare Department.

Staff Reporter
SINGTAM, March 31: The Sikkim Gorkha Prajatantrik Party (SGPP) observed its fourth anniversary here yesterday.
The president of the party GM Rai was the chief guest on the occasion along with the presence of noted politician NB Khatiwara and over 500 supporters from across the State.
During the event, the party passed a five-point resolution demanding arrangement of seats in the State Legislative Assembly as per the proportion of population, amendment of Revenue Order No 1 allowing Sikkim Subjects to purchase land, recognition of Bahun, Chettri, Newar, Kaji, Mangar, Gurung, Bhujel, Jogi, Dewan, Thami and Yakha and support the movement for the separate of Gorkhaland.

Lepcha Cottage: Where love and hope are nurtured and given wings

NIRMAL MANGAR
GANGTOK, March 31: Situated nearly 5km away from the capital town, Lepcha Cottage is just a house but a home for 125 underprivileged children.
For them, dreams and aspirations bloom in this Cottage.
And one person who has made this house into a home for these children is Ms. Keepu Lepcha, who has devoted her entire towards nurturing these little flowers in her garden of love and hope.
Popularly known as Kni-Hong (grandmother in Lepcha language) by her children and the staff, the 67-year old lady still exudes the same passion and to render services to the humanity.
Ms. Lepcha started her noble service 1989 by supporting 20 needy children with her own resources. The cottage has a playroom filled with cuddly toys and games, a TV room, and a large garden blooming with a variety of colourful flowers and orchids.
It was not an east task for Ms. Lepcha to venture into this service. There were times when she went into the interiors of the State looking for children, who were deprived from education due to finical crisis. “I was working in the State Government in the officer’s post. With the money I got from my job, I along with my sister thought of sponsoring the most deprived children and this is how the Lepcha cottage came into existence,” she remembers.
According to her, education is a life-long process that begins at birth and takes place in the family and community as much as in school. “It is about helping children to acquire knowledge, skill and attitude that will be useful throughout their lives. Education also unlocks children’s potential and contributes to the development of societies,” she opines.
Children sheltered at Lepcha Cottage were sent to different government schools in Gangtok.
But in the year 1995, when few Swiss and German tourists visited the cottage during their trip to Gangtok, they committed to help the needy children by seeking sponsors in Europe.
It was then after the tourists’ immediate response from Switzerland, an NGO under the name Children of Sikkim Foundation (COSF) was registered, Ms Lepcha said.
“They started collecting funds in cash and kind from donors in Europe. Within a short period they found sponsors for 50 children. Encouraged by this result Mr. Max Melliger and some of his friends returned to Sikkim a number of times during 1995 and 1996 to find out other