Airport work in full swing

The construction works of Greenfield Airport Pakyong is going on full swing. The workers here are seen working day and night at the construction site as the work had stopped during rainy seasons and resumed thereafter. The stipulated completion date for the project is July 2012.

Mechanization of agriculture in NE region: Session at CAEPHT

Two days’ brain storming session on “Mechanization of production and processing agriculture in NE region: challenges and strategies” was inaugurated Friday, November 19, at College of Agricultural Engineering and Post Harvest Technology (CAEPHT), Ranipool, East Sikkim. Dr. S.N. Puri, Vice Chancellor of Central Agricultural University, Imphal, chaired the programme. Dr. Nawab Ali, former Dy. DDG (Engg.), ICAR, was chief guest and Dr. R.P. Kachru, Ex. ADG (P.E), ICAR, was guest of honour. 

Around 35 dignitaries from all over the country including the host organization attended the inaugural session. Dr. P.K. Srivastava, Dean, CAEPHT, while welcoming the delegates briefed them on the purpose of the brain storming session as indicated by the Vice Chancellor to identify the priority issues of mechanization specific to the NEH region for implementation. Dr. S.K. Rautaray, Professor and Head, Department of Farm Power and Machinery, CAEPHT, Mr. S.K. Paul, Chief Engineer, Govt. of Sikkim and Dr. Premjit Singh, Director of Extension Education, CAU, presented lead papers covering the status, gap and challenges; status of mechanization in Sikkim and extension needs of mechanization in the NER respectively. Several issues emerged out of the presentations to identify pertinent technologies relevant to NEH region sites specific conditions and action to be taken by different agencies (CAEPHT, CAU, ICAR, State governments and other agencies including NGOs and SHGs). Further Details...

School students celebrate “Pre-Children’s Day”

Puspankali School Pakyong celebrated “pre-Children’s Day” Friday in a different way by organizing a Marathon Race on the theme “Say no to drugs” and Fancy Dress Competition among the students in two categories - (A) division for LKG and class I, and (B) division for Class II to class V . 

The marathon race started from school campus to SDM Office Pachey via Pakyong Bazaar, Noab Gaon. 

After the marathon, a short musical program was organized by the music band of the school students. 

Nunam Subba of UKG, Bhuwan Khatiwara of UKG were winners in the fancy dress competition in “A” division and, Ritesh Rizal of Class IV, Mangeeta Subba of class V became winners in fancy dress competition in B Division. Sanjeev Manger of class VIII, Sameer Tamang of Class VII and Subodh Rai of class VI stood first, second and third respectively in boy’s category marathon race. Pempo Doma Bhutia, class VII, Ashika Rizal of class VIII and Karma Doma Bhutia of class VII stood first, second and third respectively in girl’s category marathon race.

Sikkim businessmen keen to increase trade with China

 

Businessmen here have demanded inclusion of new items in the trading list at Nathula Trade Point in Sikkim for a more viable and sustainable trade.

The traders have urged the governments of India and China for urgent revision of the trading list.

"The items which are there in the list do not have good sale value. We want to request the government

to increase the number of items. It would help our trade more," said Nima Bhutia, a trader.

K. K. Kafley, Director of Commerce and Industries Department, Sikkim government said that there are traders from across the border who have also enlisted themselves.

"Many of the residents of Chinese jurisdiction also, they have enlisted themselves as traders and they also come to India for trade purposes," said Kafley.

The border trade is restricted to the traders of Sikkim and Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) only and the goods list for trade were restricted to 29 items from India and 15 items from China. (ANI).

Finally, Ray's 'Sikkim' screened, audiences hail it

 

Audiences hailed Sikkim - a hidden masterpiece by legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray that was banned four decades ago - when it had its first public screening Wednesday at the 16th Kolkata Film Festival.

"It is really a masterpiece by Satyajit Ray

. I have seen all his movies. Today, I watched the documentary Sikkim too. I think today I have completed a circle. But I felt really bad that the movie was banned for so many years for useless reasons. I have watched nothing bad in the film. It's a fantastic movie," said film buff Rama Ray after watching the movie.

Made by Satyajit Ray in 1971, the documentary was banned by the external affairs ministry in 1975 when the Himalayan kingdom became a part of India. It was commissioned by the last Chogyal (king) of Sikkim, Palden Thondup Namgyal, and his American-born queen Hope Cooke. It was soon banned by the government and remained in the cans after that.

"It's a beautiful movie by a legendary director. I have seen nothing offensive in the film and I don't know why this film was banned for so many years. It is a treasure for all the movie lovers and filmmakers," said Debolina Das, a college student.

"Satyajit Ray has done a marvelous job in this movie. I have waited long to see this movie. I just loved the movie. I plan to see it again," said 55-year-old Kaushik Das, an avid film-goer.

 

courtesy NDTV

Read more at: http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?Section=Movies&ID=ENTEN20100159767&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&keyword=regional&nid=65902&cp

Won't give directions which may be questioned: SC

Suprme Court

 

 

 

 

 

The Supreme Court on Monday said that it would refrain from issuing a direction which may be questioned on the grounds on its (apex court) authority or jurisdiction. "Once we issue an order, we will take it to its logical conclusion. We don't want to be confronted with grey areas," said the apex court bench of Chief Justice SH Kapadia, Justice KS Radhakrishnan and Justice Swatanter Kumar.

The court said this when senior counsel PS Narasimha asked it to give directions to Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Mizoram to issue a notification for adopting the Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993.

"We don't want a situation where we are told that our orders will not be implemented," Chief Justice Kapadia told the senior counsel.

"We will enforce our orders once we issue them", the court said.
When Narasimha said that the court had all the powers to issue such directions, Chief Justice Kapadia asked counsel to show a judgment of the apex court stating this.
As per the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis, there were 14,479 manual scavengers in Delhi in 2007. The figures stood at 2,734 for Himachal Pradesh. For Sikkim and Mizoram no data was made available to the court by the petitioner, Safai Karamchari Andolan.

Courtesy IBN

Move to tame traffic violators

 

The East district traffic police is presently conducting a mass education campaign to contain road traffic violations including misuse of horn, high beam and indicators by drivers in Gangtok.

Around 15 lady drivers from Gangtok participated in the campaign Thursday afternoon by holding placards at the traffic points along the NH 31A here appealing drivers to restrain from unnecessary honking and to use the high beams and indicators of their vehicles in a proper manner.

As claimed by the traffic officials, the mass education campaign against traffic abuses which was launched on November 1 has been successfully with good response from the targeted people. Road abuses like unnecessary or deliberate honking and improper use of high beams have dropped down seventy percent in Gangtok in the past three days, they said.
The campaign has seen traffic cops standing at fixed traffic points in the past three days with placards containing messages against road traffic abuses of misuse or delibera use of horn, high beams in busy traffic zones which can blind the driver coming from opposite direction, going neutral downhill which is risky and can also choke traffic and unauthorized stationing or parking of vehicles along carriage way.

Misuse of horn is particularly an irritant for residents along the highway, hospital patients and school students. The State government has recently notified the areas between Zero Point to Ruchi junction near Titanic Park and up to Ranka taxi stand as ‘no horn zone’ meaning drivers are not allowed to honk in these area which has education institutions, STNM hospital and other important hospitals, said DSP (traffic) Dhiren Lama to reporters today. The traffic cops are regularly sensitizing the drivers not to blow horn in the declared silent zone, he added. The campaign stems from the belief of the authorities that traffic cops alone cannot contain the road rule abuses unless the mass is involved and drivers show self-discipline. The traffic police has requested all stakeholders to inculcate the habit of road discipline so that the capital of the State is made free from all road traffic abuses and set an example throughout the State.

Courtesy Sikkim Reporter

Appeal – Road first, Tourism later

 

Asian Development Bank ADB had recently announced a package of Rs 120 Cr for the State of Sikkim for utilization in upliftment of Tourism Sector which appeared in many local and national papers. We being an affected citizen due to the condition of roads appeal to the authority for please considering the said funds for utilization in strengthening & repair of existing road which connects the major lifeline of Sikkim with the nation and all major links with important tourism hot spots. We feel that importance should be given to a road before utilizing the said funds for tourism infrastructure developments. Due to the condition of road the state is severely suffering economical backlash from the major revenue option which is definitely a Tourism Industry.

We request the authority to deeply brainstorm their opinion in this case since without proper road links tourism cannot grow up or any tourist visit beautiful tourism destination places in different pockets areas of State in each districts.

“We are extremely grateful to Asian Development Bank who have come foward for delivering tiny state Sikkim with a helping hand”.

6th Namchi festival begins in Sikkim

 

In Sikkim, the 6th Namchi festival began at the South Sikkim district headquarters since 28th october.

It was inaugurated by the Chief Minister Mr.Pawan Chamling. AIR Gangtok correspondent reports that the three-day long event is part of state government’s endeavour to develop tourism in other towns of the state besides the capital Gangtok. The festival is aimed at showcasing the rich ethnic culture and tradition of Sikkim.

The festival is part of an endeavor by the government to showcase the cultures and traditions of the ethnic communities in Sikkim. It is believed that these sorts of festivals will help in attracting more tourists. The Namchi Mahotsav is organised by the state tourism and the district administration.

Wildlife Board rejects Sikkim’s hydro project

The reconstituted National Board of Wildlife standing committee on October 13 rejected 13 of the 32 proposals put before it for using national parks and wildlife sanctuaries or areas around them for other projects.

The Board, headed by the Prime Minister, is the apex body on wildlife issues under the Wildlife Protection Act. Its standing committee, which includes wildlife experts and naturalists from outside the government, is empowered under the Act to clear all projects that require land within the Wildlife Parks and around them.

The reconstituted standing committee includes Brijendra Singh, M K Ranjitsingh, Divyabhanush Chavda, A J T Jonsingh and Prerna Bindra besides representatives of Bombay Natural History Society, Satpuda Foundation and Nature Conservation Foundation. The Union Environment and Forests Minister is the chairman with Director of Wildlife Institute of India and Director General Forests as official members.

One of the projects which the standing committee rejected was the 96 MW Lethang hydro electric project in Yuksam, West district of Sikkim, sources in the MOEF revealed to this correspondent.

KHC Lethang Hydro Project Pvt Ltd, developers of the Lethang project has been in the eye of the storm with project opponents like Sikkimese Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) and National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation(NASBO), demanding scrapping of the said project, mainly citing religious sentiments and the violation of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act of 1991, extended to Sikkim in 1998.

KHC Lethang is part of the Kalpan Group of Companies, funded by two of world’s leading green energy focussed private equity groups. The group is at present engaged in developing a total of five hydro power projects across India, with their expertise of developing the run of the river type of projects.

Earlier, there have been media reports that the project developers have been trying to acquire land without proper government or local body permissions. Secretary, Power department, P Wangchen told this correspondent “every single move till date, has been made by the Company with knowledge and approval of the local people and the government. KHC Lethang has public mandate of people from Lethang, Yuksom, adjoining areas, including monks from the Dubdi and Khecheodpalri Monasteries. In fact, these people have submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, expressing their full support and mandate in favour of the project”. 

“They reiterated the same during the Public Hearing conducted by the Sikkim Pollution Control Board (SPCB) on September 16, 2010”, Wangchen added. There was an overwhelming support for the Lethang project by all sections of locals comprising of Nepalese, Bhutia, and Lepcha at the hugely attended public hearing for the project. 

Convener of SIBLAC, Tseten Tashi Bhutia, however, informed The Assam Tribune that “Any project on the Rathong Chu is not acceptable to us since it is on the waters of the most sacred river according to Neysol Buddhist texts. It is to us Buddhists what Quran or Bible is to Muslims or Christians. The water of Rathong Chu is used by the Tashiding Monastery for the annual Holy Bum Chu festival”.

Strange appearing object on tail of an Aeroplane in Delhi’s sky

This is the increased and darkened photograph of the back side of the aeroplane

 

 

A report of Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) sighting at Sikkim in the recent year catches an attention of people and readers world across. Several people across the state witnessed strange looking objects around the skies of Sikkim exactly at this month last year in 2009. Whether a hoaxes or a reality which is still a big topic of debate but one thing is certain that strange phenomena aren’t taking places just at one place, a report of UFO sighting is becoming a hot cake in the media nowadays.

Sikkim’s UFO hobbyist, enthusiastic and a hardcore historian Shital Pradhan has been actively chasing UFO sightings at various locations since a year. What he claims to be very unusual, armature youngsters are fascinated towards his work. Not just an UFO which he tells but he even have a pictures which claims unusual things in the surrounding, the people have slowly shown significant leanness towards his findings. One can find series of unusual sightings and incidents that took place within Sikkim in his blog.

A curiosity to watch a International Sporting Event XIX Commonwealth Games , Pradhan along with his friends made a visit to New Delhi on 01 October. Staying for a couple of Days in New Delhi, a heart of nation he visited several historic places within the capital, says in his blog. On fine morning of 07 October from the terrace of Hotel in Vasant Kunj he captured a picture of aeroplane flying on his digital camera. He noticed that in the picture he took had some strange object in the rear portion of an aeroplane which looks like something is following without any physical linkage on the air. Pradhan has published the strange photo in his blog, he even termed the strange appearing object as ‘Unidentified’ after inspecting the photograph on various technical grounds.

 

courtesy VOS

3 booked for drug possession

3 youths  arrested for possessing contraband substances in Sikkim. Police sources said on a tip off a  team intercepted  Mukesh Sharma and Ameet Chettri...   A body search yielded 579 capsules of Spasmo-Proxyvon and 40 tablets of N-10, both prescription drugs.In another case, Dilshad Khan of Chanatar in Rangpo was arrested when he was found in possession of 184 capsules of Spasmo-Proxyvon yesterday, the sources said.All cases have been booked under Sikkim-Anti Drugs Act.

Cabinet approval for Bengal engineering varsity takeover

 

The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the takeover of the Bengal Engineering and Science University (BESU) at Shibpur in West Bengal for converting it into an Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST). 

 

 

 

 

 

The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the takeover of the Bengal Engineering and Science University (BESU) at Shibpur in West Bengal for converting it into an Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST).

The five-year project will be set up at a cost Rs.592.20 crore (Rs.300.30 crore as non-recurring cost towards capital expenditure and Rs.291.90 crore as recurring expenditure).

The BESU will be turned into the IIEST by amending the National Institutes of Technology (NIT) Act, with the inclusion of special clauses, reflecting its exclusive character. The IIEST will be an ‘institute of national importance' covered under the NIT Act and its organisational and governing structure will be on the lines of the National Institutes of Technology (NITs).

The new IIEST will integrate undergraduate and postgraduate education and research in engineering and science under the same umbrella. It promises to be an institution of international standards and to produce quality manpower for the strategic sector of the country, research laboratories and quality teachers for engineering and science institutions.

The Centre constituted an expert committee in 2005 to evaluate and suggest a plan of action for upgrading seven institutes, including the BESU, which had earlier been identified by the S.K. Joshi Committee. The expert committee had recommended the establishment of a new system of IIESTs as institutes of national importance through an Act of Parliament. The committee also recommended upgrading five institutes, including the BESU, to IIESTs. Admissions to the IIEST will be through the All-India Engineering Entrance Examination.

Half marathon held by SAAA

Nima Tshering Tamang of Enchey Senior Secondary School become first where Total 521 athletes participated in the 20th Sikkim Half Marathon held by the Sikkim Amateur Athletic Association (SAAA) on Sunday from Paljor Stadium.

The participants, U-13 (Boys and Girls), U-15 (Boys and Girls) and Open (Men) were flagged off by NK Pradhan, Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs at Paljor Stadium. 

The athletes in U-13 group covered a distance of 10 KM from Paljor Stadium to Burtuk Helipad and back to the starting point, the runners in U-15 category covered the distance of 15 KM from Paljor Stadium to Bojoghari Fatak and back, and those in Open category ran 21 KM from Paljor Stadium to Ganesh Tok and back to the starting point. 

Nima Tshering Tamang of Enchey Senior Secondary School came first in the Open Marathon followed by Mahendra Chettri from Dentam and Roshan Mangar from Namchi as second and third respectively. Further details...

Sports competition for the “special” children

Two days’ district level sports competition for physically, mentally and visually challenged and deaf & dumb children or kicked off Monday here at Bhaichung Stadium

 Two days’ district level sports competition for physically, mentally and visually challenged and deaf & dumb children or kicked off Monday here at Bhaichung Stadium. The event is organized by Special Olympic Bharat, Sikkim Chapter and was sponsored by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. 

Total 96 physically challenged children and adults are participating in this sports meet. They are from Spastics Society of Sikkim, Gangtok, Special School Sichey, Gangtok, Student of Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial School for Handicapped Namchi, and the physically challenged people from different villages of South District. 

The participants are to compete in disciplines like athletics, badminton, bocce and football. Zilla Adakshya South, Rai Chandra Gurung was chief guest of the day, while Chairman, Namchi Municipal Council, Buddha Tamang was special guest of the inaugural function. 

Mr. Gurung, chief guest, appreciated the initiative taken to organize the event for the special children. The programme was also addressed by Chairman (SOB) Manita Pradhan and Panchayat President Raj Kumari Thapa and attended by Vice Chaiman NMC, NH Ansari and councilors NMC, Assistant Director and Programme Coordinator NK Chettri, and Chairman Tea Board, Gagan Rai, among others.

An Open Debate: Issuing of Pink Card & Residential Certificate

An open debate on Pink-Card and Residential-Certificate under the initiative of All Sikkim Educated Self-Employed and Unemployed Association (ASESEUA) was organised at Tso-Ka-Sum, Namnang here today.

 An open debate on Pink-Card and Residential-Certificate under the initiative of All Sikkim Educated Self-Employed and Unemployed Association (ASESEUA) was organised at Tso-Ka-Sum, Namnang here today. The debate was attended by the representatives of almost all the existing parties of the state including Sikkimese conscious society wherein a three point resolution was passed unanimously.

The resolution carries 1. The absence of state government in debate regarding Pink-Card is regretted. 2. Purification process of the historic Sikkim subject register in the custody of government must start immediately. 3. Concerning the absence of gazette notification by the state government on Pink-Card, its implementation process must be shelved immediately in the interest of all Sikkimese citizens residing in state until April 26, 1975. While all the political parties of the state were asked to join the debate, the ruling government including the major opposition party Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC) did not participated.

The debate was chaired by the Former Lok sabha MP Pahalman Subba and coordinated by Journalist BP Bajgain while veteran journalist CD Rai; Treasurer of Sikkim National People’s Party (SNPP), Diley Namgyal Barfunga; Vice President of Bharatya Janata Party Sikkim Unit, Padam Sharma; Former District Court Judge, Uday P Sharma; Member of Nagarik Sangharsa Samity, Prem Goyal; Legal Expert Hemlal Bhandari; President of Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad (SHRP), Dr AD Subba; President of Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC), Tsheten Tashi Bhutia and State Committee Member of Communist Party of India Marxist (CPIM), Punya Prasad Koirala were present as the speakers. The President of ASESEUA Nabin Kiran said that the issue of Pink-Card has to be handled with care. Stressing on the importance of the debate he said that Sikkimese society is confused regarding Pink-Card which makes today’s initiative inevitable. He further said that any unlawful move of state government could give rise to agitation from association part. Furhter details...

MP meets US Consul General

 

Mr. P. D, Rai, Member of Parliament from Sikkim, met Ms. Beth A. Payne, Consul General of the USA at her office in Kolkata.

Mr. P. D, Rai, Member of Parliament from Sikkim, met Ms. Beth A. Payne, Consul General of the USA at her office in Kolkata. He exchanged views on several matters of mutual importance especially those concerning the North East, North Bengal and Sikkim.

She enquired about the reason for Sikkim having an accelerated development status. Mr. Rai explained the good governance of the State under the able leadership of Dr. Pawan Chamling, Chief Minister of Sikkim for a record 4th term. He also attributed part of this to the peace loving people of Sikkim who have now made good use of the Government’s positive tourism policy into a good business proposition.

Mr. Rai also exchanged notes with her on the Look East Policy of India as well as the Indo-US relations. Relations with China and Japan also figured in the talks. Ms. Payne stated that her Government gives the utmost importance to building a stable relationship with India.

courtesy VOS

Land acquisition for Lethang Power Project

  

“The Supreme Court has expressed concern that the path of development by depriving landowners of their land seemed to give rise to insurgency and political extremism which, along with terrorism, are supposed to be the three gravest threats to the country’s integrity and sovereignty”. A Bench of Justices Aftab Alam and B S Chauhan, in a judgment on 19 July, 2010, said: “The whole issue of development appears to be so simple, logical and commonsensical. And yet, to millions of Indians, development is a dreadful and hateful word that is aimed at denying them even the source of their sustenance.”. 

The Hindu, Kolkata, 22 July, 2010. Special Leave Petition (C) No 6933 of 2007 Mahanadi Coal Fields Ltd & Anr. Petitioners versus Mathias Oram & Ors, Respondents.  Similar conviction was articulated by Professor Randhir Singh, Head of the Political Science Department, Delhi University. He said: “The kind of development the government is practicing in tribal areas can be labeled ‘developmental terrorism’ ” [The Hindu, Kolkata, 25 April, 2010]. Further details...

courtesy VOS

Speech delivered by Hon’ble Chief Minister, Sikitex 2010- IT Exhibition & Conference

 

Speaker, Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Shri KT Gyaltsen, cabinet colleagues, Members of Parliament, MLAs, senior officials from Ministry of Information Technology, NIC officials, officials from other States, distinguished guests representing IT giants including IBM, Sify and ILFS, members of Press, ladies and gentlemen

Narayana Murthy of the Infosys fame recounted how in the early 1980s, he had to literally make 25 visits spread over 18 months to the bureaucracy in New Delhi to import one computer! Now the scenario has changed completely with Infosys and all other information technology companies which have made India a front runner in software exports.

With liberalization of the early 1990s and the simultaneous abolition of licence-permit raj, India has earned fame and distinction excelling in the IT sector. Computer Software in India is the miracle sector growing at 40 per cent annually for a decade earning $ 8 billion in exports last year. By all account and global submission, India ’s knowledge power and knowledge industry is ever expanding providing jobs to lakhs of young people. The demographic dividend is playing out very well in this sector for our country.

I am happy to join this distinguished gathering of IT professionals of the Country who have made their high mark in IT applications worldwide. I also welcome distinguished guests from other States and officials from central Ministries to deliberate on how best we could harness the IT tools for the welfare of the people at large. India is a vast Country and the responsibility of providing access to IT benefits to all sections of population is a big challenge. The big question we have to answer is how far we are successful to bridge the digital divide in this country. This gathering and all Seminars and Workshops that will take place later will define our benchmark of where we stand in terms of access and affordability to use this facility. You are aware that India has also embarked on a ambitious project of bringing Universal Identity to all citizens. This project is being headed by another great stalwart of the IT industry, Mr. Nandan Nilenkani. Universal financial inclusion will ensure that much of the benefits can flow directly to the poor.

Sikkim is a State nestled in the Himalayas , 7096 sq kilometers in size and with a population of over 6 lacs. We are amply blessed by its natural diversity in physical features, natural wealth and socio-cultural features. Sikkim is one of the 18 biodiversity hotspots in the World. With altitudes ranging from almost sea level to 28,156 ft Sikkim has alpine landscapes, luxuriant forest, water bodies and tranquil lakes. Sikkim is a veritable island of peace and mutual brotherhood. Further details...

AICTE warns degrees will not be recognised

 

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has warned several universities in the country including Punjab Technical University and Sikkim Manipal University over offering courses in the distance education mode without the approval of University Grants Commission (UGC) and AICTE.

The council has made it clear that the degrees awarded by these institutions for distance education programmes are not valid.

The member secretary of the council said it is necessary for universities to get approval from the tripartite committee consisting of members from UGC, AICTE and Distance Education Council (DEC). “There are certain institutions and universities like Punjab Technical University, Sikkim Manipal University and several others offering distance education programmes in various disciplines through distance education mode without the approval of UGC and AICTE,” the member secretary noted.

“As per the Union government’s notification, any degree or diploma which does not have the approval of the tripartite committee, shall not be recognised for central government employment,” he said.

It may be recalled that the Prof. Tandon Committee, which reviewed all deemed universities in the country, had made detailed and critical observations about deemed universities conducting courses in the distance education mode. According to the committee’s estimate, 74,808 students pursue distance education programmes in deemed universities across the country.

Tamang to star in Nepalese film

After winning the 'Indian Idol' reality show on the telly few years back, Prashant Tamang has teamed up with Nepalese actress Sumina Ghimeray for a feature film 'Kina Mayama' .Tamang said he has come to a phase where he was balancing both singing and acting professionally."I know this is just the beginning but then I have to start from somewhere. Though I can�t say right now whether the audiences will like me or not but I am sure that I shall be appreciated for my work and endeavour," he said.Stating that he had been asked by someone from Sikkim on Facebook yesterday to stop acting and pursue his singing career, Tamang said though I have taken it positively, "I wish to say that I have an opportunity here to explore so why don�t I try." The Nepalese film, written and directed by C L Ghimeray, started its shooting on September 2 after the film's muhurat, the function to mark the auspicious beginning, which was attended by ministers C B Karki and N K Pradhan.The film is presently being shot here in various locations including the Hidden Forest, Sichey.The director of the film, Ghimeray said it would be shot mostly in Sikkim with only some parts shot in other areas including Kathmandu.He said while the total budget of the film would be about Rs 60 lakh it will be a little over two hours in length.This was Tamang's third local film in a row.

Loan agreement with ADB signed for utilisation in Sikkim

 The Government of India, the Government of Sikkim and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a loan agreement for US $ 20 million for a South Asia Infrastructure Development Project, an official press release here said.Under the Indian component of the Project, the Asian Development Bank will provide a loan of US$ 20 million to India to be utilised in Sikkim.It was meant for development of Sikkim�s circuits of nature and culture-based tourism destinations with improved connectivity, better quality environment and visitor services, enhanced natural and cultural heritage and capacities for sustainable heritage management and greater engagement of communities in heritage management and tourism benefits, the release said.The project aims to contribute towards sustainable and inclusive development in South Asia by tapping the potential of complementary and contiguous tourism assets of India, Nepal and Bangladesh, the release added.

Information Technology Department should furnish all funds expenses, infrastructure detail since last 10 years

I would like to introduce myself as a Computer Engineer who have visualised Sikkim in heights of Information Technology, a vision which was thought by our Chief Minister Shri Pawan Chamling 10 years back when Bangalore was simply a town and no IT revolution had boomed. At that time itself our CM was interested in making Sikkim world’s attraction in Information Technology IT. Had all officials dedicatedly worked properly, cleanly today Sikkim would have not scuffled for silly Hydel Projects, Sikkim would have earned more , all our youths would have acquired a best salaried IT Jobs, our youths would have been riding in expensive cars and dined in 5 stars hotels, Sikkim would have been a World’s lone ‘Silicon Valley’ truly!

I have no grudges but as a sincere citizen I appeal Director of Information Technology to make all essential projects completion details, expenses accountability, infrastructures purchased, local and non-local vendors lists who have till date benefitted from crores of IT related government funds.

Let me mention here that vision IT was initiated by government 10 years ago where key members includes some dignitaries and IT learned of government department and central agencies and organisations.

I guarantee that instead of looking around other department for accountability, IT Department should first make their details clear and specific to public and unemployed. Further Details...

XIX CWG 2010: Just about to begin …

The opening ceremony of XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 is just about  begin with a Big Bang. The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi turns into a magical colourful spree of lights and wonderful bizarre like a alien flying saucer. After a several raging debates on International Media the India is all set to prove flawless by delivering a nail biting phenomenal opening ceremony.
The Capital City New Delhi turns into a unbelievable heaven like place , everywhere flowers, colorful flyers, children’s with their parents are seen waving around with a flags. All most all the places in and around New Delhi has been superbly decorated into a ceremonial bridal. The most anticipated World Event XIX Commonwealth Games will begin with a opening ceremony at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, tonight at 7:00 PM India Time. 71 countries have registered their participation in the biggest game event; billions of people across the world will be watching the sporting event in their Television. The dazzling infrastructures built for this date’s for the sporting events those which the public have not yet seen through their eyes or in television will unveil shortly from now.

7 years of intense hard work finally resulted in a big success, we expect from our heart that the people will enrich themselves from our combined efforts and bring a laurel to the nation in the Globe, said Chief Minister of Delhi Sheila Dixit to media. Expressing that the day is very special to her since the entire nation has been closely associated with making the CWG 2010 a world class, she said.

Well much awaited sporting event will be inaugurated by the President of India Smt Partibhadevi Singh Patel and Prince Charles of Britain. Prince Charles along with his wife Camilla arrived New Delhi on Saturday itself.

Further details...

India ban on Satyajit Ray's Sikkim doc lifted

India has lifted a 40-year ban on a documentary film made by legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray.
Ray's family revealed to the BBC that the government would allow screenings of Sikkim, which bears the name of the Himalayan state which merged with India under controversial circumstances in 1975.
"I hope the documentary is screened soon," Ray's son, Sandip, told the BBC on Friday. Satyajit Ray died in 1992. His son is also a director.
Made in 1971, the film was banned by Indian censors four years later for glorifying the monarchy.
"I have fond memories of the shooting in different seasons, going up and down the hills with the equipment and staying in the royal palace," Sandip Ray said.
It's believed there are two copies of Sikkim. One is at the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences in the U.S. and the other is archived at the British Film Institute.
Sikkim was once an independent kingdom and its last ruler, Palden Thondup Namgyal, had commissioned Ray to create a film to attract tourists.
It reportedly shows some scenes of which the ruler did not approve, including one of poor people scrambling for food behind the royal palace.
"Except for a private screening by my father, the film has not been seen by anybody else," said Ray.

SIKKIM UNIVERSITY TO CAPTURE ORAL HISTORY OF SIKKIM

Sikkim University has embarked on a mission to record the inherent wisdom and experiences of the older generation of Sikkim in digital format which will be archived in its library for posterity.

The mission, ‘Oral History’ project was started by the university in July earlier this year and the first episode containing history of Sikkim rendered orally by five senior citizens is now ready.

The Sikkim University vice-chancellor, Prof Mahendra P Lama said that the project is about recording, preserving and interpreting historical information based on personal experiences and opinions of the selected speaker. Under the project, the university will interview elderly citizens of Sikkim to talk about their experiences in varied areas of activities and ancestral incidents.

The vice-chancellor added that the project is an invaluable way of preserving the knowledge and understanding of older people and is an effort to preserve the history of Sikkim through the series and experiences of its residents.Further Details

courtesy VOS

Lions Club of Rangpo celebrated 142th Gandhi Jayanti

A respected father of nation Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary was celebrated with full enthusiasm all across the State of Sikkim. In Gangtok Chief Minister paid a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi by offering a Khada to Mahatma Gandhi’s statue located in the heart of the town at MG Marg followed by attending cabinets, official dignitaries and civilians.

Likewise in the Rangpo, a gateway to Sikkim the prestigious club of Rangpo, a Lions Club celebrated Gandhi Jayanti in a traditional ritual. The Chief Guest Mr Bikash Kumar Prasad, a Councillor of Ward No.4 paid a tribute to the great freedom fighter by lighting of ‘Diya’ before the  photo of Mahatma Gandhi.

Branch President Mr Rajendra Prasad Mangla Trade Wing Rangpo, Mr RB Thapa a Social Worker along with all the Club Volunteers and Business Community Delegates offered Khadas and Garland to photo of Gandhi Ji.

Programme was conducted by Lion’s Club’s Vice President Chavilal Sharma, Mr Shiv Darnal a writer, Mr Ketan Mangla and Parivesh Lunia. The students of Class Six of Little Bells School organised Patriotic Poems during the programme.

Courtesy VOS