SIKKIM OBSERVER         Aug 4, 2012

Youth body threatens mass movement on fake Sikkim Subject Certificate issue

Will seek help of social organizations, political parties

Gangtok, Aug 3: The issue of fake Sikkim Subject Certificate (SSC) and Certificate of Identification (COI) is unlikely to get a quiet burial even if vested interests want it. A former Sikkim MP and a former minister are behind the All Sikkim Educated Self Employed & Un-employed Association’s bid to begin a mass movement on this vital issue that has great relevance to the identity and unity of bonafide Sikkimese hailing from three ethnic communitiesFormer Lok Sabha MP Pahalman Subba chaired a meeting of the Association here recently where the issue of fake ‘Sikkim Subject Certificate’ was discussed and a tentative strategy was chalked out to get to the truth of the matter.

Former Minister and Convenor of Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) Tseten Tashi Bhutia was also present during the meeting. While Subba is looked upon as one of the main backbones of the OBC community, particularly the Limbus, Bhutia has been leading a steady campaign on behalf of the minority Bhutia-Lepcha tribals in the State. The Association President Nawin Pradhan was also present during the meeting.

The Association’s resolution passed during this crucial meeting said it would give top “priority” to the issue of fake SSC/COI and would urge the establishment to take the issue “seriously” and “act” on it, a release of the Association said.

It has threatened to “initiate a mass movement” with the help of social organisations and political parties if the authorities fail to initiate serious steps on the issue.

PM Subba

Nawin Prahan

According to sources, of the around six lac people in the State only about three lac possess Sikkim Subject Certificates. Sources also said more than 30,000 people in the State possess fake Sikkim Subject Certificates. Holders of fake SSCs are enjoying benefits and facilities which are meant for bonafide Sikkimese who possess genuine SSCs.

It may be mentioned that the SSCs were issued during the Chogyal era when Sikkim was ruled by the Chogyals (kings). After Sikkim became a part of India in 1975 the government has stopped issuing the SSC. However, thousands of fake SSCs have been issued by the authorities after the merger in 1975.

Tseten Tashi Bhutia

‘Third force’ only alternative to ‘unresponsive govt’: Anna

New Delhi, Aug 3: Social activist Anna Hazare and his team announced on Thursday they would call off their indefinite fast against corruption at 5 pm on Friday and proposed forming a "political alternative" as an answer to an "unresponsive" government.

 Making the announcement to thousands of flag-waving cheering supporters, Hazare had said he and Team Anna, as members of his civil society followers are known, were calling off their fast on Friday 5 pm. The condition of three of the team, Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and Gopal Rai, who have been on fast for the past ten days, has worsened causing concern among supporters and the authorities.

Hazare's announcement of a political alternative got an immediate response on social networking sites, with most welcoming the move while some wondered how the apolitical movement was suddenly changing colours. India's next general elections are due in 2014 and political maneuvering has begun keeping the polls in mind.

But the government was quick to react, with Congress minister Ambika Soni saying "we had always held that Team Anna was goaded by politics, and it is a good thing that they have come out in the open with their intention".

As Team Anna's plan to form a political alternative on Thursday created a buzz, the government and Congress took a jibe at them saying their "real intention" has come out in the open while BJP said the civil society group has every right to form a political party.

"We have always said that these people seemed inspired by politics. It is good that whatever the intention was has come out clear. Many of the stances they took seem to suggest this. I am glad that they have gone ahead," Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni told reporters in New Delhi.

Congress general secretary Digvijaya Singh, a bitter critic of Team Anna, said his opinion about their "real intentions" has now been confirmed.

BJP demands CBI probe on SMU in Sikkim    

Sikkim BJP President Padam B. Chettri

Gangtok, Aug 3: The BJP has demanded CBI investigation in the State into the alleged irregular functioning of the Sikkim Manipal University, which allegedly made huge sums of money running into crores by running illegal distance learning courses.

Sikkim BJP unit chief Padam Bahadur Chettri said CBI probe into the matter in the State was required as the SMU has “jurisdiction only in Sikkim; it has no meaning across Sikkim border.”

Chettri said on July 27 the CBI registered a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act against V N Rajshekharan  Pillai, former Vice-Chancellor of Indira Gandhi National Open University, for allowing two private universities  -  Sikkim Manipal University (SMU)  and Punjab Technical University (PTU)  -   to run distance learning courses in violation of laid down procedures by abusing official position and by committing criminal conspiracy.   

Quoting CBI’s FIR, Chettri said, “the two universities made close to Rs 470 crores by running distance learning courses at their centres in five years.”

He said SMU admitted 17.6 lakh students in its 728 study centres all over India between 2004 and 2011 and made a profit of Rs 85 crore.

According to the BJP chief, the FIR said: “SMU is a self-financed state university established in 1995. It had approached DEC in 2004 for approval of conducting 51 courses/ programmes in distance mode. The experts of DEC examined the study materials and observed discrepancies which were communicated to SMU on July 3, 2006. Without any examination of the response of SMU, Prof  Pillai allowed a provisional approval for a period of one year, i.e., for 2007-2008 and post facto recognition was given on August 29, 2007 by manipulating minutes of meetings of the third meeting of the joint committee held on August 7, 2007.”

Both the  universities reportedly did not get the approval of the  joint committee of AICTE, UGC and IGNOU but Pillai still gave approval for the courses setting aside the laid down guidelines, CBI sources said. 

 “Since the main Headquarters of the SMU are in Sikkim, the CBI may conduct investigation in Sikkim,” Chettri said.

Power panel to submit report by August 10

Gangtok, Aug 3: A high-powered committee has been constituted by the Sikkim government to look into the implementation of the under construction hydro-electric projects in the State.

The committee constituted recently under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Karma Gyatso has been asked to submit its report by August 10, official sources said.

Besides looking into various issues of projects under construction, the committee will also seek to resolve such issues with a view to expedite their implementation, PTI reported.

In November last, the government had constituted a high- powered committee to look into issues concerning the three hydel projects proposed on the Rathong Chu in West Sikkim.

The committee had recommended the termination of two of the projects, namely, Lethang and Tashiding. Subsequently, the government, accepting the committee’s recommendations, had issued a notification for their termination.

There are several under-construction projects in the State. After the termination of the 2 projects in West Sikkim and another 4 in north Sikkim recently by the government, the projects number about 23.

The issues range from erosion of traditional lifestyles of the people to influx (mainly of labourers) required by the project developers.

A major issue of concern is the environmental impact of such projects on small States like Sikkim.

CM stresses on quality education

Gangtok, Aug 3: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling stressed the importance of value-based education in order to make students successful in their future ventures. He said his government continues to give top priority to quality education in the State, where 20 per cent of the budget is set aside for education sector.

While addressing a mammoth meeting of students and teachers here at the Tenzing Namgyal Memorial Ground (Guards Ground) recently, the Chief Minister said the State Government has decided to award a cash of Rs one lac to class 12 toppers, followed by Rs 75,000 and Rs. 50,000 to those who came second and third respectively.

The orientation programme on quality education and development organized by Human Resource Development Department, Government of Sikkim was witnessed by 12,269 students from class eight to twelve and 2,312 teachers from six constituencies from in and around Gangtok, an IPR release said.

HRDD Minister NK Pradhan while addressing the gathering talked about holistic development of human resources in the State.

Editorial

MARCH FORTH

Third Alternative A Must

The decision to join electoral politics by Team Anna is a welcome move. There can always be another national anti-graft organization to fight corruption in high places. Team Anna, working under the banner of India Against Corruption, has generated a nationwide awareness of the growing menace of corruption in the political system in India. An insensitive and unresponsive establishment in a democracy is not worth fighting against. It must and should be speedily replaced by a more democratic and pro-people government. Team Anna’s decision to join politics and fight elections is a fitting reply to the political elite – ruling and opposition – which wants to preserve status quo and carry on looting the nation all the time and everywhere. Right thinking individuals from all over the country must rise up to the occasion to provide a third alternative to the Congress and BJP. The so-called ‘third front’ of non-BJP and non-Congress forces should also be kept aloof as most of its leaders are fence-sitters and rank opportunists.

If the elected representatives of the people fail to pay heed to the voice of the people as has been seen in the anti-graft campaign despite enormous pressure from the people it is a signal for right-thinking Indians to chalk out a new course for the country.

In Manipur, social activist Irom Sharmila has been on hunger strike for a good cause for more than a decade and no one, including the government, has responded to her call. In Sikkim, the Lepchas staged a prolonged anti-mega dam hunger strike a few years back which lasted for more than a year but the State Government remained unresponsive. Finally they had to pack up their bags and go home quietly. In Assam, social activist Akhil Gogoi, who is leading another anti-mega dam agitation, was recently beaten up allegedly by Congress workers. Former Lok Sabha Speaker projected himself as a tribal leader and fought the recent presidential polls. Not only his own party (NCP) dumped him but tribal legislators from his own Northeast region failed to back him. Why? No one wants to displease the UPA government at the Centre which controls the purse. Greed binds those in power and fear of losing power keeps the flock together. Both Sangma and Hazare has done the right thing by deciding to form their own political outfit and march ahead.  Those in power will respect only those who have power and it is time that right-thinking Indians come together and capture power at the Centre and in the States. This may take a long, long time but any journey must begin with a step even if it is a faltering one.

SACRED SIKKIM- III

Natural and cultural heritage of Beyul Demajong

By Sonam Yongda

Dzongu has one of the largest congregations of monasteries in Sikkim some of which house priceless relics. Two significant ones are Tholung and Lingthem monasteries. Aptly named ‘stoney valley’ the Tholung Gompa is the most inaccessible monastery in Sikkim and can be accessed only after a three-day trek through dense forests and across steep ridges. The monastery houses many antique treasures like thankas, horse saddles and thigh bone trumpets. It is said that Lhatsum Chempo, Sikkim’s patron saint, had an intuition about the foreign invasion and sent the most precious of the sacred objects of various monasteries in Sikkim to Tholung for safe keeping. All the relics are kept in 13 sealed boxes that are opened for public once every three years.

Because of Dzongu’s exclusive nature among the pristine natural settings, traditional rituals and worship of the natural deities like mountains, hills, lakes, groves, caves, spring etc still continue to be practised in every village. Each village has its own local mountain or hill deities to propitiate. Mount Kanchenjunga is the most important deity of them all. Known for their deep knowledge of ecology and botany, the Lepchas have a history of coexistence with nature and their religious beliefs restrain them from cutting trees, polluting lakes, destroying hills and cliffs. They believe that such activities would have unpleasant consequences and result in calamities or bloodshed. Sacred landscapes such as Kabi and Tholung’s sacred groves embody Lepcha culture and indigenous knowledge systems.

Therefore, every year the Lepcha’s pray to propitiate gods and spirits to ensure fertility of the land and maintain peace and environmental balance. This myth has a renewed ecological relevance as it encodes an environmental wisdom that has sustained the Lepchas in this shifting, precarious landscape for centuries. The main livelihood activity of the Lepchas is a mixed farming system which includes agriculture, home gardens, horticulture, livestock rearing, and agro-forestry which provides sustenance to the local communities while preserving the biodiversity of the region.

Sikkim as Mahaguru Padmasambhava’s most sacred hidden country Bay-yul Dhebu Phunsum Chopei Jong (Demo Jong) has a very long tradition of Buddhism which has been its official religion (Gazetteer of Sikkim, 1883 by HH Risley, Page 172). It was Mahaguru Padmasambhava who actually introduced Buddhism in this hidden ocuntry in the 8^th Century A.D. and has since been deeply ingrained in the psyche of the Sikkimese people. He also hid a large number of both major and minor Treasures for the benefit and rejuvenation of dharma when the same is uprooted in Tibet. More of these sacred hidden treasures such as Denjong Neyig (guide to the sacred locations of Demo Jong), Nesol (Offering to the local guardian deities of Demojong), Rigzin Sog-drub, etc. were later discovered by Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo in the late 16^th century. It was Lhatsun Chenpo who institutionalized Buddhism in Sikkim. The first Denjong Chogyal (Dharma Raja) soon after his enthronement proclaimed Buddhism as the national religion of Sikkim and appointed 18 Ministers from monks out of the total of 36.

It is  submitted  here  that  the  entire  area  below  Mt. Khangchen Dzonga in West Sikkim  is enunciated  as  most  sacred  areas  of  Sikkim though Sikkim as a whole is considered very sacred. It is mentioned that Khangchen Dzonga, the abode of the guardian deity of Sikkim, is surrounded by other deities of Sikkim, identified in the form of mountains, rocks, waterfalls, lakes, trees and sacred caves like the Great Four Caves and Lakes. There is a mention of most of the places within the vicinity of the Khangchen Dzonga such as Dubdi, Thragmo Rong, Phamo Rong, Tashiding, Sangha-Choeling, Pemayangtse, Rabdentse, Rathongchu, etc., as abodes of deities guarding the land from all directions. It is also, mentioned in the text that burning of any undesirable things like meat, killings, destructions of objects of worship like stupas, cutting down of trees and plants, misuse of lakes, destruction /

 defacement of hills and rocks of the sacred areas of Sikkim would directly affect the deities of Sikkim and will invite disasters and natural calamities.

   The region also has a number of glacial lakes in the higher reaches which are very sacred. The Rathongchu, itself sacred, has its source in nine holy lakes at the higher elevations, very next to the grand Khangchen Dzonga peak. Besides, the river in the Yuksam region itself is considered to have 109 hidden lakes. These visible and hidden lakes identified by Treasure Revealer (Ter-ten-pas) are presiding deities, representing wrathful and compassionate as well as positive and negative. During the annual Bumchu Festival of Tashiding (being observed since many centuries back), Rathongchu River remains the focus of all which turn partly white at the exact portion where it meets River Rangeet and from where designated quantity of water is collected for the Holy Vase, thereby attracting thousands of devotees from far across including Himalayas, Nepal, Bhutan etc.

Pang Lhabsol is the most important Sikkimese prayers in veneration of the guardian deities of Sikkim. Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo prescribed prayers for deities of Sikkim and to propitiate them is indicative of the widespread respect of the Sikkimese people towards these entire sacred regions. In fact, the very cultural fabric of Sikkimese society is obviously dependent upon the conservation of the whole landscape within the sacred Khangchen Dzonga without which, the very identity and charm of the Demo Jong is lost or is worthless to mention or identify. (concluded)

Provide CCTVs for media safety: Sikkim Press federation

Gangtok, Aug 3: While welcoming the Arunachal Pradesh Government’s  decision to install CCTV cameras in all media houses in Arunachal Pradesh to ensure protection for working journalists and media houses in that State, the  Sikkim Federation of Working Journalists (SFWJ) has urged State governments in the Northeast, including Sikkim, to  “provide CCTV cameras to all media houses so that journalists and media houses in the region work in a safe and secure environment to carry out their professional duties.”

A press release by the Federation’s General Secretary Khagendramani Pradhan said this was necessary as Northeast and Sikkim have “a history of threats and assaults to mediapersons and attacks on media houses.”

This appeals comes following the recent attack on Tongam Rina, Associate Editor of Arunachal Times, an English daily published from Itanagar. Rina was shot at near her work place by unidentified gunman.

 The SFWJ, which is affiliated to the Indian Federation of Working Journalists (IFWJ), has also urged “all journalists in the region to stay united and to speak up unitedly and effectively if the Press is under any kind of assault or pressure.”

The Federation has also demanded the speedy arrest of the culprit who was responsible for attack on Arunachal journalist.

Several regional, national and international media organizations, including

Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ), Arunachal Press Club (APC), Indian Women's Press Corps (IWPC), National Federation of Newspaper Employees (NFNE), South Asia Women in Media (SAWM) and International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) have also strongly condemned the attack on Rina.

Appointments in govt departments illegal: ASESEUA

Gangtok, Aug 3: The All Sikkim Educated Self Employed & Un-employed Association has urged Chief Secretary Karma Gyatso to ensure that employments in the State Government departments adhere strictly to the rule of law and orders of the Supreme Court.

In a letter to the Chief Secretary, the Association has alleged that non-transparent and haphazard appointments in various departments have not only caused unnecessary burden on the State exchequer but are also against the rule of law and judgement of the Supreme Court.

The Association has alleged that many appointments have been made “through the back door” and subverting the rule of law to accommodate candidates of influential politicians. Such practices have “resulted in imposing a considerable financial burden on the State exchequer besides depriving a large number of qualified, competent and meritorious citizens from competing for the numerous vacancies in the departments,” the letter said.

  Citing the verdict of the constitution bench of the  Supreme Court, dated: 16/4/2006,  in Secretary, State of Karnataka v. Uma Devi and others, which overruled numerous judgments of the High Courts and the Supreme Court itself in matter of public employment and laid down the laws to enable the State to enforce  judicial precedent in letter and spirit, the Association said, “Even after the six years of Uma Devi judgment, the State of Sikkim has failed to be a model employer and the haphazard and clandestine method, and the manner of public employment continuous unabated to the detriment of large a number of qualified, competent and meritorious applicants from within the State.”

The Association gave examples of alleged illegal and arbitrary in three cases involving Lawrence Lepcha, Pritam Gurung and Dr. Ashim Anand Pradhan. The Association has demanded that appointments to these three persons be set aside.

‘Save Sikkim’ lambasts govt on “illegal appointments”

Gyalshing, Aug 3: ‘Save Sikkim’, a non-political organization, has lambasted the State Government for its “illegal appointments” to government services.

In a press statement, Yapchung Bhutia said the appointments were made in total disregard to the Supreme Court order and State Government rules on recruitment.

“It is not a new phenomena in Sikkim to recruit near and dear ones of ruling politicians and top bureaucrats in the Government service. But now enough is enough,” the release said.

“We have to fight against this practice and as an organization fighting for the Sikkimese interest, SAVE Sikkim is with ASESE&UA in eradicating this system,” the release added.

 Sex education in schools vital: Pradhan

Gangtok, Aug 3: A State-level advocacy-cum-co-ordination meeting was held here recently to deliberate on the introduction of Adolescence Education Programme in schools in the State.

In his power point presentation, Dr. Uttam Pradhan, Project Director of Sikkim State AIDS Control Society highlighted the importance of introducing AEP module in school syllabus, through life skills development, an IPR release said.

He explained the gathering about the four main components of the AEP, namely Adolescence Reproductive Sexual Health (ARSH), HIV & AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)/Reproductive Tract Infections (RTI), and Drug/Substance Abuse.

Pradhan called on the authorities at HRDD, senior health officers, heads of schools, and civil society to realize the complexities of the issues faced by adolescents and the consequences. He reiterated that the correct intervention at school level will ensure a safer and healthier society.