Jigme N Kazi’s blog: jigmenkazisikkim.blogspot.com

SIKKIM OBSERVER        Oct 29, 2012

North Sikkim neglected by govt: Golay

“SDF panchayat candidates will join our party”

Gangtok, Oct 28: Stating this he is on the verge of forming his own political party, rebel ruling Sikkim Democratic Front leader and legislator PS Golay said after he forms his party all SDF panchayat candidates who have won unopposed will join his party.

Addressing a meeting of his supporters at Kabi in North Sikkim today, Golay said the north district remains a neglected area and referred to the poor maintenance of the road condition in the region. The former minister also pointed out that most victimized government employees are shunted to north district rendering the tribal-dominated region with poor social services.

Referring to the demand for early return of the 17^th Karmapa to Sikkim, Golay pointed out that the failure of the authorities to fulfill this demand was due to a note submitted to the Centre by former chief secretary of the State, KS Rao. He alleged that the State Government was ignoring the issue.

Golay’s supporters have already announced the formation of their political party once the panchayat polls are over. The panchyat polls will be held on November 3 and the polls process will be over by November 9. It appears that they are waiting for an auspicious day to declare formation of the party.

 Sikkim’s Sangay selected for TV serial

Gangtok, Oct 28: Sangay Udenla (21), who hails from Gangtok, has been selected for Doordarshan Primetime Television Serial based on famous author Ruskin Bond’s “Ek Tha Rusty”.

Shooting for the serial will take place at Mussorie, Dehradun, soon.  Sangay’s debut music video album as an actor in recently-released debut album of Mahima Rai “No One” had identified her looks by New Delhi-based Doordarshan Director. She is one of the findings of Sikkim Model Hunt 2012.

Sangay is a final year student of Political Science (Hons) in Daulatram College , New Delhi.

“Kazi ensured that political rights of BLs were safeguarded”

Sikkim monk body honours Jigme N Kazi for his contribution to Sikkim

Resolutions on monastic estates, reservation for BLs in panchayat system passed

(L to R) Jigme N Kazi, Former Sikkim Chief Minister Nar Bahadur Bhandari, former Sikkim Lok Sabha MP Pahal Man Subba and former Minister KN Upreti at a seminar in Gangtok (file photo)

Gangtok, Oct 28: Senior journalist and author Jigme N Kazi was on Sunday (Oct 21) honoured for his “outstanding contribution to the Sikkimese” by a monk body of Sikkim.

A resolution passed by the Council of Sikkimese Monasteries said Kazi’s contribution helped to ensure that the “political rights” of Sikkimese Bhutia-Lepchas and Sangha were legally safeguarded when a member of the larger Nepalese community challenged the Assembly seat reservation of the Bhutia-Lepchas and the Sangha, representing the Buddhist monks of the former Buddhist Kingdom of Sikkim.

As a “mark of recognition and acknowledgement” for his “outstanding contribution” to Sikkim and the Sikkimese people, representatives of all the Goenchen Thrug i.e. six premier monasteries of Sikkim offered Tashi Jeda (khadas) to Kazi and his wife Tsering T. Namgyal, a teacher at Tashi Namgyal Academy (TNA), a press release of the All Sikkim Monasteries Association said.

Kazi expressed his happiness on being conferred with such monastic honour and said that his contribution in ensuring Sikkimese rights was without any expectation for power and fame, the release said.

Kazi “showed his extra-ordinary zeal and exercise” in the legal battle in the Supreme Court in the 1980s which “ultimately ensured political rights of the BLs,” the release added.

Addressing the gathering Kazi said those who represented the minority Bhutia-Lepchas from the 13 reserved seats have not risen up to the expectation of their communities. He said his work in the past three decades revolved around the need to preserve unity, harmony and distinct identity of the three ethnic communities – Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese – while  also looking into the aspirations of the old business community in the State.

Prominent among those who were present at the function included Yapo Gaydrol Tempa Gyatso Lama of Pemayangtse Monastery, Yap Dorje Lobon (Ralong Monastery), Yap Umjoed Kinzang Paljor Lama (Phensang Monastery), Lobon Gaydrol (Tashiding Monastery), Chewang Lama (Phodong Monastery),

Lopon Dup Tshering Lama (Rumtek Monastery) and Cho Tshering Norbu (Enchey Monastery).

Yap Trungyik Tashi Wangdi of Tashiding Monastery, Yapo Lharip Topden, President, Denzong Lhadey Tsogpa, Yapo Sonam Yongda, a monk of Pemayangtse Monastery and the Late Chogyal’s aide-de-camp, and former minister and Sangha MLA Namkha Gyaltsen were also present on the occasion and offered khadas to Kazi and wife. Other representatives of all the six premier monasteries and Enchey Monastery were also present during the function.

The meeting was efficiently coordinated by Venerable Yap Gyadrol Tempa Gyatso Lama of Pemayangtse in presence of U-Dor-Choe Sum of all the premier monasteries and representatives of the Enchey Monastery.

During the meeting the monk body passed several resolutions on encroachment of monastic estates in the State following enactment of Municipal Act of 2007. It also noted with regret that there were no reservation of seats for Bhutia-Lepchas in the panchayat polls in the State. The lamas have also demanded panchayat system for the Sangha.

A resolution for “equal treatment” of all the monastic schools at par with the government schools was also passed during the meeting.

The monk body has also urged the Planning Commission of India for development fund for the monk body and the Sangha constituency in the State. It also wants the concerned authorities to seek advice from the monk body before undertaking any developmental activities which may be harmful for the preservation of Sikkim’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

The lamas urged senior lamas of the six premier monasteries to lead, guide and unite the monastic body in the State on various challenges it faced.

Editorial

PRESSURE TACTICS

“Drone Attack Must Stop”

Pakistani cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan has paid his price for his stand against US drone attacks in Pakistan. On his way to New York from Canada Khan was taken off from the American Airlines plane and interrogated by US Immigration at Toronto Pearson International Airport in Canada on Friday. Khan was to speak at a fundraising dinner in Long Island City the same day. At around 3.35 p.m. on Friday Khan tweeted: “I was taken off from plane and interrogated by U.S. Immigration in Canada on my views on drones. My stance is known. Drone attacks must stop.” After an hour’s questioning Khan was allowed to board a later 4 p.m. flight to New York but he missed the fundraising lunch.

Khan, who is the founder of Pakistan‘s Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, took part earlier this month in a protest against U.S. drone strikes on his home turf. Toronto Sun columnist Tarek Fatah said Khan was likely interrogated because of groups protesting his entrance to the U.S. “They were concerned about anti-Americanism while he’s speaking over there,” Fatah said. The American Islamic Leadership Coalition from Phoenix, Ariz. wrote to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton earlier this week, pressuring her to revoke the U.S. visa granted to Khan because of his sympathetic views towards the Taliban.

Because of the missed flight Khan could not attend the fundraising lunch in New York which was so important for his party. He, however, seems determined to stick to his stand on US drones in Pakistan. Every politician must pay a price for the stand they take on behalf of their people. The US ought to note that Khan’s party is emerging as a major political force in Pakistan that would become a rallying point for democratic forces in the country whose main aim would be to safeguard the country’s interest while becoming a strong ally of the West.

 Buddhism is big business in today’s world

By Sonam Denzongpa

Sarnath, located 5 kms north of Varanasi, is where Buddha preached his first sermon.

It is very interesting to know that the Government of India rediscovers an affinity to Buddhism. This is made obvious by the fact that an "International Buddhist Conclave" was held in Varanasi from 29th September to 1st October 2012, jointly organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and state governments of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

This is not a typo. May be you haven't been aware of the latest evolutionary advancements in Indian society. Therefore, be it repeated in plain text: Buddhism isn't a subject of religious concern anymore; it's a business unit of tourism, nowadays.

Accordingly, the members of the delegation from Sikkim were not selected from among spiritual masters, rinpoches and khenpos of the countless monasteries and hermitages of the erstwhile Buddhist kingdom as, in fact, these gentlemen don't have a clue of modern and rewarding Buddhism. In order to prevent the conclave from unwanted contributions, the all-knowing State Government chose the delegation to be led by the Additional Secretary, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department – probably an allusion to the flying yogis of ancient times -, with a Trekking Officer, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, and some tour operators as additional members. Finally, two deputies from the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology as well as a cultural troupe of the Cultural Affairs and Heritage Department made up for an authentic touch.

Meanwhile, you certainly got it: The conclave was not about realizing the Buddha's teachings, it was about marketing Buddhism.

Reports proudly mention that even Myanmar, undisputedly a leading nation in the field of nonviolence and compassion for the last 50 years, was impressed by a presentation of the achievements made in Sikkim.

An expert group on Buddhism deputed by the People's Liberation Army of the PRC was to attend the conclave as well, However, due to the latest irritations at Nathula, the delegation did not reach Varanasi in time. According to unconfirmed reports, the high command of the PLA considers to provide monks and devotees at the Jokhang temple in Lhasa with the blessings of an additional session of re-education instead.

The Gangtok administration is confident that the findings of the conclave, if implemented properly, will generate considerable profit in the near future. For, as tiresome as the Buddhists with their old-fashioned concepts of spirituality, morality and honesty may be, one can't deny the virtue that their stuff, generally, is highly decorative.

Therefore, new varieties of Buddhist articles and services may hit the high street soon, developed especially for visitors on a Buddhist trail and, ideally, combined with a meaningless but all the same well established label:Organic prayer flags from Yuksom,

green Malas from Tholung, purest bottled water - labelled “Bum Chu“ - from Tashiding,

sustainable Pujas from Pemayangtse ...

Unheard-of opportunities may rise with the establishment of Sikkim as a scuba diver’s paradise offering valleys flooded by hydro electric plants for treasure hunt.  An unknown number of hidden Buddhist treasures lying underwater will present the ultimate incentive for extreme athletes going after singular achievements.

The title of “First Stratospheric Skydiver” has been taken recently, however, the one of a “First Aquatic Terton ever” is still to be caught.

Needless to mention that such personalities are willing to disburse enormous amounts for a prospective flattery to their ego, funds that will, in turn, be reinvested for the collective good of the average citizen of Sikkim, of course. (Sonam Denzongpa is a MA student, Department of Philosophy and Religion, B.H.U., Varanasi)

Rhenock teachers felicitated for being conferred national, state awards

Dalapchand, Oct 26: Mulukey Junior High School, Under HRDD, Rhenock BAC, East Sikkim, felicitated the school’s Ex Headmaster Amrit Thakuri for being conferred National Award 2011 by President of India Pranab Mukherjee on  September 5, 2012.

 Two more State awardees Dhurba Basista, Headmaster Reshi Primary School, East and H.P Rawat, TGT (M), Chujachen Sr. Sec. School, East District, were also felicitated at a special function held at the school last week.

Principal, DIET Geyzing T.B. Chettri was present as the Chief Guest, Assistant Director, HRDD, BAC Regu, Chador Bhutia and Tshering Sherpa AEO, HRDD BAC Rhenock as the Guest of Honour and awardees Amrit Thakuri, Dhurba Basista and H.P. Rawat as the Special Guest. 

Retd. HM GP Adhikari, Bhuwan Giri, Headmaster Lower Bering PS, K.P. Dawari Coordinator Regu BAC , Ex Panchayats, SMC members , Headmaster, Teachers, students and guardians of Mulukey JHS, attended the programme.

The Chief Guest in his speech said those who received such “prestigious award” are a “source of inspiration” and complemented the work done by the staff and students of Mulukey Junior High School.

TNA wins RBI quiz contest, to represent Sikkim in New Delhi next month

Gangtok, Oct 26: Tashi Namgyal Academy (TNA), which won The All India RBI Inter- School Quiz (RBIQ) held here on October 19 last week, will represent the State in the semi-final round in New Delhi next month.

The Quiz contest held in Gangtok was a part of an ongoing series of a National Level Quiz contest being held at 32 locations across India for school students in Classes IX to XII.

The quiz contest, organized by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Gangtok Office, was held here in the auditorium of Sikkim Institute of Medical Sciences, Sikkim Manipal University.

In an overwhelming response to the event 113 teams from 55 schools from all over the State participated in the Quiz. More than 100 students from different schools in and around Gangtok had also gathered to cheer up the participating teams.

Six teams qualified for the Quarter Final round.. Tashi Namgyal Academy, Palzor Namgyal Girls Senior Secondary School, Modern Secondary School, Sir Tashi Namgyal Senior Secondary School, Government Senior Secondary School, Rumtek and Government Senior Secondary School, Samdong made to the top six.

The teams were also accompanied by their school teachers. The event was witnessed by E. E. Karthak, GM O-i-C, Gangtok, other officers of Gangtok Office and branch managers from various banks in Sikkim.

S. R Patnaik, DGM, HRMD, Central Office, Mumbai, was also present at the function, whose chief guest was K. T. Gyaltsen, Speaker, Sikkim State Legislative Assembly.

CM’s health camp held in Soreong

Soreong, Oct 26: A daylong Chief Minister's comprehensive annual and total check up for  healthy Sikkim (CATCH)  was held here last weekend at Raigaon under in west Sikkim

The CATCH camp was headed by Dr Narendra Gurung medical officer  (MO )from  Soreong primary health centre (PHC) and Dr Menuka Tamang (dental specialist) from Soreong PHC,

Local NGOs, volunteers and  teachers also participated in the successful holding of the camp.

The scheme is being introduced to provide a systemic and comprehensive health checkup to citizens of the State.

 “So far we have conducted 20 camps in last one and half month and have covered 6,740 people,” Gurung said. The total population under Soreong PHC is 28,202.

Bhutia body demands panel on religious sites in Pathing-Machong

Gangtok, Oct 26: The National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation (NASBO) has urged the Ecclesiastical Department of the State Government to form a committee to look into the implications of mushrooming of factories and industries on sacred Buddhist sites in Pathing-Machong in east Sikkim.

NASBO President Sonam Lama Kaloen said these religious sites are under the Machong monastic authority. He said NASBO wants the authorities to take “sufficient action to ensure preservation of all the sacred sites” in the area and “dispel all the apprehensions of the local monks.”

NASBO has also urged the policy-makers in the State to “unfailingly address” the religious aspects of the various projects in the State and their implications before planning any kind of developmental activities with a view to preserving the religious heritage of Sikkim.

SIKKIM OBSERVER Oct 20, 2012

Hermonites felicitate Chief Justice of India

CJI to visit Darjeeling for Mt. Hermon School function on Nov 24

Senior Sikkim lawyer and Hermonite Udai P. Sharma felicitating Chief Justice of India Hermonite Justice Altamas Kabir in New Delhi on October 6, 2012. Also present at the function were (L to R) Mahesh Singh, Jigme N Kazi, Krishna Goenka and Karan Anand.

Gangtok, Oct 19: A delegation of Sikkim and Delhi Hermonites called on Chief Justice of India Justice Altamas Kabir at his residence in New Delhi on October 6.

During his hour-long chat with fellow Hermonites, alumni of Mt. Hermon School, Darjeeling, the CJI confirmed that he would be coming for the school’s annual Speech Day on November 24 next month. Justice Kabir, who was sworn in as the new CJI here on September 29, fondly recollected his school days at Mt. Hermon in mid-fifties.

The Hermonites called on the CJI to felicitate him for heading the country’s judiciary as the CJI. Sikkim Hermonites Association President Karma Bhutia, also Secretary of Sports Department, had sought the appointment with the CJI to felicitate him.

Two members of Sikkim Hermonites Association (SHA), Udai P. Sharma and Jigme N Kazi, were part of the eight-member delegation who met the Chief Justice.

The Delhi Hermonites Association (DHA) were represented by Mahesh Singh, Krishna Goenka and his daughter Ratika Goenka – also a Hermonite,  Karan Anand,  Anita (Adhikari) Sawhney and Shibesh Singh.

More than 150 Hermonites have confirmed their participation during the week-long reunions in Darjeeling in the third week of next month. “We are going to have a good time. At least 40 1979 batch will be present in Darjeeling for the reunion,” said Thinley Gyari, a Delhi-based Hermonite, in New Delhi.

Alumni from Bhutan, Nepal and also from abroad, including Miss P. Russell, an ex-teacher, will be present during the “grand reunion.”

Three Bangladeshis arrested for illegal entry

Gangtok, Oct 19: Three Bangladesh nationals have been arrested here for allegedly entering Sikkim without valid documents, the police said yesterday.

While one of the accused was arrested near the taxi stand outside the police headquarters, the other two were picked up at Rongpo in West Bengal-Sikkim border checkpost as they were trying to leave, PTI reported.

The duo checked into a hotel on Monday at around 7:30 pm and booked two rooms. The next day, the police moved in but they had already absconded, officials said.

Two laptop computers, an iPOD, flashdrivers, phones and modems were seized from the hotel room.

Sources inform that the three had initially given false addresses but broke down under interrogation and revealed their identity.

Sources said that while Md Islam is from Mohammadpur in Dhaka, Md Atik Rahman from Charadi village in Barisal district and Mir Ali is from village Badra police station of Satkhira in Bangladesh.

SIKKIM’S RINCHEN DOMLA IS MISS HIMALAYA 2012

Dharamsala, Oct 19: Twenty-three-year-old Rinchen Dolma from Sikkim was crowned the Miss Himalaya 2012 at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts in McLeod Ganj on Saturday night. Dolma, a final-year college student from Chandigarh, was determined the winner among the five contestants by a panel of three judges.

After the crowning, Dolma said, “Goals are brain work and foot work; dreams are heart work.”

“I have always followed my dream. Today I am feeling proud and honoured to achieve the title Miss Himalaya 2012. I want to thank my family who were always there to support me to overcome every hurdle in life. I would also like to thank the Director  Lobsang Wangyal for giving us such a beautiful opportunity, Phayul website reported.

“Additionally, I would like to convey this message to all the youngsters that it is not only about winning or losing but it’s about gaining an unforgettable experience and meeting wonderful people.”

Dolma received Rs. one lakh in cash as the prize money. Rachna Dhiman from Kangra was declared the first runner-up. She received Rs.50,000, and Thinley Yangchen from Spiti, the second runner-up, received Rs. 25,000.

The show began with a performance of Snow Lion and Yak dance before a backdrop of a snow mountain range. The Director of the pageant introduced the idea and the mission of the Miss Himalaya Pageant event. Then a rich tribute was paid to the Tibetans who died for freedom of Tibet. A minute’s silence was also observed to express public support and solidarity with the people of Tibet.

The contestants then took to the stage for their Introduction round. This was followed by the presentation of the Traditional costume round. In the final Interview round, the judges asked different questions to the

Rs 7,000 crore lottery scam involves Sikkim, Bhutan

Kochi, Oct 19: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probing the multi-billion scam involving Santiago Martin, who distributed fake lotteries, has received data about the lottery published by the Sikkim Government. The CBI officials said that it would take more time for winding up the case investigation as they are yet to receive information from the Bhutan Government.

The CBI has received the details about the lotteries being published under the name of the Sikkim Government and the investigation in this regard will be completed within one month. The data on the number of lotteries released by the Sikkim Government has been obtained, sources said.

The serial number of the lotteries from Sikkim throws light on the fact that the majority of lotteries were printed illegally, The Indian Express reported.

The full picture of the scam will be available only after receiving data from the Bhutan government, said the CBI official. The CBI had been looking into the possibility of the involvement of the officials in Bhutan and Sikkim in the case. From the information received, the CBI officials revealed that they had not received the information about the involvement of the officials from these countries in the case. “A major chunk of the fake lotteries were from Bhutan, so we required the data from the Bhutan Government for completing the investigation,” the CBI official said.

CBI Kochi unit superintendent K Krishnakumar said that with the availability of data from the Bhutan Government, the crucial part of the investigation would be completed in two months. “The reason for the delay is because the data on the lottery published by the Bhutan government has not been released yet. But the talks with the Bhutan government is still on and we expect a positive response soon. Given the current development, we expect to reach the last part of the investigation by next month,” Krishnakumar said.

The CBI has registered a total of 32 cases in August 2011 pertaining to the lottery scams referred by the state of Kerala against lottery kingpin Santiago Martin. The cases related to lottery printing in 2005, 2008 and 2011 are under investigation. The CBI has submitted the FIR in the case at the Ernakulam Chief Judicial Magistrate. It is suspected that Santiago Martin and his allies garnered a profit of Rs 7,000 crore from the business in various states of the country.

FDI in retail sector will empower people:UPA

By Jigme N. Kazi

Gangtok, Oct 19: Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said steps are being taken to get rid of the “stagnation” in the economy for greater economic growth. While urging the people not to fear foreign investment in India, Chidambaram said foreign direct investment (FDI) in retail sector will eliminate “middlemen” and help small traders and entrepreneurs.

Inaugurating the two-day Economic Editors’ Conference in New Delhi last Monday, the Minister said the media has a great role in moulding “public opinion” which influence “decision making.” He accepted the fact that India was not “immune” to the global economic slowdown. “India’s economy is challenged” and “uncertainty is affecting markets everywhere,” he said.

Union Minister of Communication and Information Technology Kapil Sibal pointed out that at the “heart of economy is people’s ability to innovate.” He said “faster communication system” was vital for development. “Instant communication is a great source of empowerment,” Sibal said.

The Minister said the foundation for fibre optic network needs to be laid for faster economic growth in the county and expressed the hope that this would be done by the end of next year. He said faster data outflow to people through wireless network “will help empower people…it will lead to faster delivery of public services.”

Union Railways & Highways Minister CP Joshi emphasized the need for “safety” and “modernization” for improving the country’s rail network. He said by 2017, Kashmir will be connected with the rest of the country with rail link.

Asked about the demand for replacement of the BRO by other national agencies in managing Sikkim’s national highways, Joshi said while there is such a recommendation by some states handing over the work to other agencies is “not possible.” However, “the problems will be addressed,” he said.

Union Minister for Agriculture Sharad Pawar said despite a “delayed monsoon there is no drop in food production” this year. He said India is the world’s second largest food producer and “FDI is good for farmers.” He emphasized the need for a stable policy on import and export of food items.

“If there is excess production we should be allowed to export and if there is a decline we should be allowed to import,” Pawar said.

Union Aviation Minister Ajit Singh said, “Earlier, flying was for the rich but now flying is for economic growth.” Referring to security of passengers, Singh said, “Indian aviation sector is second to none in the world as regards security.”

He pointed out that Pawan Hans, which runs helicopter services in the country, has been asked to cover the Buddhist circuit between Varanasi and Sarnath.

Singh said civil aviation is not only about airports and planes but also about manufacture of machinery and precision parts. “Earlier, our planes go to neighbouring countries for maintenance. This has to stop,” Singh said.

Stating that he is “at home with regional press,” Power and Corporate Affairs Minister V. Moily assured that the country would not face “grid failure” anymore. He said the power sector is not only involved in generation but also in distribution.

Officials of his Ministry pointed out that less power effects double digit growth by 2 per cent. They are confident that “power growth will trigger GDP growth.” It may be pointed out that India has the third largest reservoir of coal in the world.

Petroleum & Natural Gas Minister S. Jaipal Reddy talked about the “growing needs of a growing economy of a developing nation.” He said the cost of oil “globally has gone up and this had made a huge difference to situation.”

Referring to the high cost of LPG cylinders, Reddy said the price burden has now been “passed on to the consumers from the government.” He admitted that “marketing” LPG cylinders is a great problem in far-flung areas of the country such as states in the Northeast.

The annual Economic Editors’ Conference had the participation of 35 senior journalists and writers from across the country, according to Neelam Kapur, Principal Director General (M&C), Press Information Bureau (PIB). The Conference was organized by PIB and the Ministry of Finance.

Editorial

OCTOBER 18, 1979

When Sikkim Humbled India

The victory of Sikkim Parishad party in the Assembly polls in Sikkim in October 1979 is a reminder that if the Sikkimese people are united nothing is impossible. The Parishad, led by Nar Bahadur Bhandari, a Sikkimese patriot hailing from the majority Nepalese community, had the tacit backing of the Chogyal of Sikkim, Palden Thondup Namgyal, who was unceremoniously dethroned by anti-Sikkimese forces projecting themselves as ‘democrats’ in early 1975. Ever since the  Indian-backed phony revolution  for ‘democracy’ began in the former kingdom in early 1973, Bhandari and other nationalist leaders from all three ethnic communities – Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese – struggled for seven long years to deliver justice to the Sikkimese people. Bhandari’s Parishad won 16 of the 32 seats in the Assembly and with the help of an independent candidate formed the government and ousted pro-India party led by LD Kazi from power. Significantly, the independent legislator was the Late Lachen Rinpoche, who won from the lone Sangha seat.

The rest of the seats in the Assembly were won by Ram Chandra Poudyal’s Congress (R) – 11 seats – and Nar Bahadur Khatiwada’s Prajatantra party – 4 seats. Poudyal won 11 seats mainly because he raised the demand for restoration of Assembly seats reserved for Sikkimese Nepalese in the Assembly, which were abolished in 1979. Kazi’s Sikkim Janata Party drew nil in the polls and Kazi himself lost from the Dzongu constituency in North Sikkim. While Bhandari’s party promised de-merger, Poudyal projected himself as a Nepali leader and focused on the seat issue. Unlike Khatiwada, Poudyal did not want merger but greater political power for the majority Nepalese. After the ‘merger’ in 1975 Khatiwada, too, revolted and said it was not the wishes of the Sikkimese people to merge its country with India. While the result of the Assembly polls in 1979 was hailed as victory of the Sikkimese people the fact that the Sikkimese people’s political leadership has failed to give justice to the people ever since is Sikkim’s greatest tragedy.

Sikkim: The gradual dilution of distinct identity

BHARAT BASNETT

      (L to R) Lepcha, Nepali and Bhutia.

The year 2012 has completed thirty-seven years of Sikkim being the twenty-second State of the Union of India. Within this period this erstwhile tiny Himalayan Kingdom, hitherto being a part of India, has witnessed much political scenario which is obviously akin to the milieu pervading all over the country. The very nonchalant behaviour of the little number of politicians in Sikkim now a part of history.

We have witnessed at least two political stalwarts in the last three decades who were unprecedentedly successful to achieve 100 % political mileage, obviously on the premise of promises, hopes and aspirations of the people in the state which are so imperative in context of Sikkim to maintain its uniqueness in the Indian mainstream. During the eighties, it was Nar Bahadur Bhandari who championed in maintaining his reign for three consecutive terms with absolute majority. He was followed by his own estranged MLA, Pawan Kumar Chamling, who has been in the power for four consecutive terms, needless to mention, with quite authoritative majority in the Assembly of the State.

Now coming to the main point, what has been and ought to be of utmost importance, apart from the financial developments and gains, in the State is the maintaining of its distinct political identity and ‘proper’ protection of the three ethnic communities, viz., socially, politically and economically. Why is such a special care necessary for the original people of Sikkim? It has a very simple reason.

The people, in general, of Sikkim may be considered ordinary, but not the three main ethnic communities, Bhutias, Lepchas and Nepalese, who inadvertently, by virtue of merger, have become the citizens of the Republic of India, twenty-eight years late, therefore, becoming twenty-eight years back-ward in the Indian main-stream.

Then the population of Sikkim was to the tune of two and a quarter lacs.  Therefore, it was unanimously agreed and understood in between the Centre and the Sikkim State for having created special provisions chiefly targeting to provide safeguard the ethnic communities of Sikkim, of which Late Chogyal Palden Thendup Namgyal, the then King of Sikkim, was also a party to the testimonials of these logistics or paraphernalia for the protection were (1). May 8 Tripartite Agreement of 1973 (2).  Special Constitutional Provision of 371 (F), and the like.

Our so-called guardian politicians never baffle in making promises for the protection of the interests of the original and genuine Sikkimese people before assuming the position in Mintokgang. However, once assuming the seat of governance, the ephemeral charm of money and inebriated by power, the lofty deliberations and promises during the election campaigns are thrown into the back-burner. Yet, the original Sikkimese people do not falter in keeping hopes with the politician one after the other. Here the intriguing point is – are the people of Sikkim always gullible or does the psyche of the politician always tumble once they come to power? The results of these kinds of lackadaisical attitudes of politicians of Sikkim and the Central Government have resulted in fast eroding of the genuine commitment upheld in the agreements mentioned above.

As a chronological study in the context of the political developments in Sikkim, the late L.D Kazi, the first Chief Minister of Sikkim, commonly known as the merger-hero, fought election in 1974 on the basis of the arrangement of complete reservation of seats for the ethnic communities of Sikkim comprising of Bhutia, Lepach and Nepali. Up until then, there was no such nomenclature or provision as ST, Scheduled Tribe, in Sikkim. The representation of the Bhutias and Lepchas used to take place under B.L. seats, the literal meaning being Bhutias and Lepchas; besides, the Sangha seat for the Buddhist Monks of Sikkim. Subsequent upon the merger of Sikkim in the Union of India in 1975, the general election of Sikkim was to be held in the year 1979, directly under the Election Commission of India, as the twenty-second State. Therefore, the ensuing election of 1979 was to contradict on the basis of the prevailing Sikkim’s Election Rule and the provision of the Election Commission of India. As a result, the government of India quickly proclaimed the ‘Schedule 1978’ which comprised to define the Scheduled Tribe of Sikkim as Lepcha and Bhutia. The term ‘Bhutia’ comprising of Dukpa, Tibetan, Yalmo, Kagatay, Dothapa, Sherpa and Bhutia itself, thereby the identity of Bhutias and Lepchas of Sikkim firmly established. Here, the matter to understand very seriously and subtly is the term “BL” which is exclusively for the State of Sikkim that does not upheld the definition of S.T. in general.

R.C. Poudyal, a minister in the L. D. Kazi Cabinet, had sued in the Supreme Court of India challenging the status of the provision of B.L. Seats and the Sangha Seat. On the contrary to the pleas of R.C. Poudyal the Supreme Court of India upheld the status of B.L. seat reservation and the Sangha seat thereby protecting the special provisions provided to the Sikkim state in accordance to the 8th May Agreement 1973 and the provision of 371(F) of the constitution of India.

Now the agenda at present in question is that the ensuing Panchayat Election of Sikkim State 2012, to be held on November 3, 2012, has notified S.T. in general whereas the special provision of BL has been categorically ignored. This subtle development provides enough room for apprehension for the Bhutia-Lepcha community in the State. This sudden change in the arrangement ignores the fundamental protection of BL, whereas opens the clear passage for other S.T. category of India in general, not withstanding the S.T. of only Sikkim.

Now this is not a question of sole protection of the BL community of Sikkim but the very fundamental premises of the special provisions enacted for the protection and safeguard of the three ethnic communities of Sikkim who have become the citizens of India after the merger.

Because of the easy-going attitude of the political leaders and the public in general of Sikkim, the Nepalese of Sikkimese origin has lost deceitfully their political rights in terms of seat reservation. Here it is the time to be concerned for the BL of Sikkim also not to be on the path of losing such political rights in the days to come. Here the BL seat in question should be taken not only as a mere electoral agenda but it glorifies the political heritage of Sikkim within Indian Union, which now is at stake. Let us not forget that during the  reign of Kazi we lost the reservation of Nepalese seats, way back in 1979. Now in the fourth term of Chamling, we are in the process of eliminating BL seat. Now is it not time for us to contemplate seriously and take judicious steps before it is too late? (Bharat Basnett is the Convenor of Sikkim Solidarity Forum)

Eye camp held in Kewzing, cataract camp in Namchi in Nov

Kewzing, Oct 19: An awareness-cum-technical camp on eyesight was held here last week on the occasion of World Eye Sight Day.

Organized by National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB) and Namchi District Hospital Wing in collaboration with Mother NGO Drishti, Namchi, the camp was held at the premises of Kewzing Senior Secondary School, South Sikkim.

During the camp, Dr. Twinkey Bhutia, Eye Specialist of Namchi District Hospital, screened few locals detected with cataract and the students from class I to V of the said school. The locals were screened for refractive error, an IPR release said.

Dr. Bhutia also gave a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation on various eye diseases and its care.

Earlier, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of South District Dr. Bimal Rai in his address talked about the importance of healthy and quality life. He also highlighted on the importance of eye and its care.  Dr. Rai urged the gathering to take utmost care of ones eyes and avoid any kind of self-medication and treatment incase of any problem in eye or its sight, but visit the specialist immediately.

Dr. Rai also informed that Namchi District Hospital will be holding 3 days cataract camp from November 22, where the patients detected with cataract will be operated and treated for free.

He said that till November 7 all cataract patients of South District will be screened and they will also be given the facility of free operation during this camp.

Police seize sale of broiler eggs

Gangtok, Oct 19: Sadar Police on Monday evening seized twenty one cartons of broiler eggs being illegally sold from a shop at Lall bazaar in Gangtok.

According to the police, based on the source information the search was carried out after which the eggs were recovered from the grocery shop of one Yogendra Prasad.

Police has handed over the seized eggs to the senior inspector of Voluntary Health Association of Sikkim which was later disposed.

As per the government notification importing of chicken or any kind of poultry products in Sikkim from outside State is banned.

Prasad has been fined.

SNPP to support ex-MP on issues

Gangtok, Oct 19: The Sikkim National People’s Party (SNPP) President Biraj Adhikari expressed concern on the gradual dilution of Sikkim’s special status as provided under Article 371F of the Constitution.

Adhikari said his party members recently discussed the concern expressed by the State’s former Lok Sabha MP Nakul Das Rai over the deteriorating law and order situation in the State and the growing influx into the State.

Adhikari said his party will support Rai’s Concerned Society of Sikkim to create awareness on these issues among the people. Rai is the Convenor of the Society.

Adhikari in a press statement said his party was boycotting the ensuing panchayat polls as it is against party-based panchayat polls in the State.

Four-legged chicken living normally in Kitam village

Gangtok, Oct 19: A rare four-legged chicken was hatched in Kitam village in the State.

The bird has two normal front legs while a pair of limb-type bough suspended behind, ANI reported.

According to veterinary expert Arjun Adhikari there is no definite reason behind the deformity and could be operated.

"Polymelia is basically a genetic deformity. It happens during development of embryo and sometimes not only in chicks but other animals also this happens and it's not a surprising thing but it happens very rarely," said Adhikari.

The rare four-legged chicken was hatched five months ago and has been living a normal life like other chickens.

"If it a major vital organ, it needs a major surgery otherwise limps and all we can take out with minor surgery and they can survive for their normal life," Adhikari added.

Rotary Club holds meet on rural employment schemes

Gangtok, Oct 19: Sandeep Tambe, Special Secretary, RM&DD, said under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 65% of rural households in the State have been provided employment to the tune of 80 days which translates annually to about Rs. 10,000 per household.

 During his presentation of the scheme at a function of the Rotary Club of Gangtok recently, Tambe claimed that the implemention of the scheme not only created “durable assets” in the villages but led to income generation among the rural people, a release of the Club said.

“The assets created in the village relate to minor irrigation channels, torrent (jhora) training works, school playgrounds, village footpaths, horticulture and pasture development, land terracing etc. Other than providing employment, the Scheme has been able to create durable assets related to income generation in the villages,” the release said.

Sikkim teachers, students attend green meet in Hyderabad

Gangtok, Oct 19: Two teachers and three students from the State participated in last week’s “Young India for Biodiversity” held in Hyderabad during the 11th Conference of Parties (COP11) to the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD).

The Sikkim delegation of National Green Corps (NGC) programme comprising of two teachers, D. Biswas and D. Dong and three students from Deorali Girls Sr. Secondary School – Ongmu Lepcha, Eden Bhutia and Tseten Tamang – have  returned after participating in the event.

 Participated by about 15,000 delegates from over 185 countries and teachers and students across the country, the green school model of Deorali School was largely appreciated as the effective environment management system at school level, an IPR release said.

 The model highlighted school’s effective and sustainable practices over natural resources like water, air, land and also energy conservation and waste management. The school also made video and power-point presentation in the gathering, highlighting several green initiatives of Sikkim.

For its green school practices, Deorali Girls SSS had also been conferred as one of the best green schools of the nation by Centre for Science and Environment, a New Delhi based NGO during March 2012.

FOOTBALL

Sikkim’s Lako Phuti Bhutia in Team India

Gangtok, Oct 19:  Lako Phuti Bhutia has become the fourth international woman football player from Sikkim, after Pushpa Chhetri,  Anuradha Chhetri &  Nima Lhamu Bhutia. 

Lako is the member of India U-19 National Women Team, which is to participate in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) championship to be held in Malaysia.  After attending the coaching camp at Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat for one month, they will leave from Mumbai to Malaysia on October 17, according to Menla Ethenpa, General Secretary of Sikkim Football Association (SFA).

The Indian team will play two matches in the qualifying round. On October 20, they will play against Bangladesh and on October 24 they will play against Uzbekistan.  Lako hails from a remote village of Sribadam, West Sikkim, and is the daughter of Mikchen Bhutia and Late Pem Lhamu Bhutia.

Briefing the media, Ethenpa said SFA is very happy with her performances in the international arena. Before her departure to Mumbai enroute to Malaysia, Lako thanked the officials of the SFA, including the President, BK Roka, and her coach Palden Bhutia, for giving her the opportunity to represent the country.

HIMALAYAN GUARDIAN      Oct 17, 2012

Jigme N Kazi’s blog: jigmenkazisikkim.blogspot.com

GOLAY, SDF SUPPORTERS CLASH IN NAMTHANG

7 injured, 29 arrested; Section 144 imposed in Namchi

Gangtok, Oct 16: Section 144 was imposed in Namchi, headquarters of south district and a bastion of ruling Sikkim Democractic Front, on Monday following reports of clashes between supporters of the ruling party and SDF dissident legislator PS Golay at Namthang, South Sikkim, on Sunday night.

Twenty nine supporters of the rebel leader, who is on the verge of forming his own political outfit, have also been arrested and detained at the district jail in Namchi. Section 144 was imposed in Namchi on Monday afternoon in view of the tense situation.

According to reports, five vehicles belonging to SDF supporters were damaged and seven party workers were injured during the clash.

Prominent among Golay’s supporters who were arrested and sent for 15 days judicial custody were Nima Theeng, Bikash Tamang, Jacob Khaling, Rudra Khatiwada, Suraj Rai and Sanjay Subba.

Golay’s supporters have named Minister Tilu Gurung and former minister GM Gurung for allegedly inciting violence in their FIR. Those arrested and detained have decided to go on hunger strike in jail till SDF supporters who attacked them are arrested.

Meanwhile, SDF has blamed Golay for inciting violence. The party’s  press release said the rebel leaders supporters attacked the SDF party office in Namthang, where area MLA Tilu Gurung was holding a party meeting.

Golay’s confidant Bhoj Raj Rai has alleged that SDF supporters had plans to attack Golay during his visit to Namthang, where he was met members of a bereaved family to pay his condolences. He said several vehicles belonging to Golay’s supporters were damaged by SDF workers in Namchi and they were forced to retaliate.

Chinese ‘spy’ held at Nathula

Gangtok, Oct 16: Tensions have escalated at the Indo-China border trade mart in Nathula, East Sikkim, after a Chinese national was allegedly apprehended by authorities on charges of espionage. Even as the incident has triggered hectic backdoor diplomacy between the various agencies of the central government, trading was suspended on Thursday over the incident. In fact, the Chinese authorities, sources inform, have put border trade on the mat saying that they will not allow trade to take place till the arrested person is released and returned.

With the espionage accused, Langki Jiancan (20) having been sent to judicial remand of up to 15 days today, it is unlikely that he can be handed over or released before that time period.

Langki was reportedly “intercepted” by the Indo Tibetan Border Police, the paramilitary agency manning the border with TAR, after he was caught taking photographs of a “restricted area” on his mobile phone.

In fact it is informed that on crossing the border at Nathula and while on route to the Sherathang Trade mart which is a couple of kilometers away, he started taking photographs. This is a highly restricted zone and heavily manned by the ITBP.

Sources also inform that he was at first warned not to take pictures but as he continued to do so he was then picked up by the ITBP and subsequently handed over to the Sherathang police. It may be stated here that the person has a valid trade pass and moreover, has relatives on this side of the border, that is, in Sikkim. It is informed that he had come to meet one of his relatives here at the mart site. The FIR, at the Sherathang police station, was filed by the ITBP, Assistant Commandant.

The accused was produced before the Magistrate, Gangtok courts where the police obtained a remand of 15 days. Langki has been sent up to judicial custody. His mobile phone has been seized and he has been charged under section 3 (b) of the Official Secrets Act.

Trade resumed, although on a low key, at the border yesterday. Fifty three Chinese traders reached Sherathang Mart to do business.

Nepal Maoists lift ban on Hindi movies

Kathmandu, Oct 16: Hindi movies are back in cinema theatres in Nepal from Thursday----10 days after hall owners decided to stop screening them following a ban imposed by a breakaway faction of ruling Maoists. A statement issued by the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist on Thursday stated that the party decided to lift the ban across the country in view of the coming festive season.

The party headed by hardliner Mohan Baidya, which split from the ruling Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) in June, had called for a ban on Hindi movies from September 10.

It is not yet clear whether the ban will again come into force once the Dashain and Tihar festivals end in mid-November.

The party had imposed a ban on ‘vulgar’ Hindi movies in a bid to ‘safeguard national sovereignty’ and ‘promote a self-reliant economy’.

Multiplexes and single screen theatres in Kathmandu began screening ‘Barfi’, ‘Heroine’, ‘Oh My God’ and ‘Kamal Dhamal Malamaal’---Hindi movies which were released before screening was stopped.

New releases like ‘Makhhi’ and comeback films of Sridevi (‘English Vinglish’) and Nepal’s Manisha Koirala (‘Bhoot Returns’) are likely to hit the screens from this week.

France supports Tibetans’ fight for preservation of cultural heritage

Paris, Oct 16: In a unique show of support for the Tibetan cause, more than 50 cities and towns in France have formally adopted villages and towns inside Tibet as sister cities.

The initiative launched by local Tibet support groups in France is aimed at “preserving the rich cultural heritage of Tibet” and to bring international concern over the “destruction of Tibet’s rich cultural heritage” in the parliaments and governments of democratic states.

On October 6, the city of Montbeliard in eastern Franche Comte and the municipality of Amfreville la Mivoie became the latest Municipalities in France to adopt Tibetan villages. While Montbeliard formally adopted Kharta, a small Tibetan village at the foothills of Mount Everest, Amfreville la Mivoie adopted Phari in western Tibet, Phayul website reported.

According to the Dharamshala based Central Tibetan Administration, the mayor of Montbeliard during the adoption ceremony underlined the importance of Tibet’s unique cultural identity and its preservation, which he said faced destruction at the hands of China. He also emphasised on the fundamental human rights of the Tibetan people, which he said needed to be upheld and supported, while rendering the city’s total support to the non-violent struggle of the Tibetan people.

Speaking to Phayul, Tsering Dhondup, secretary of Bureau du Tibet in France said the main purpose of adopting the villages in Tibet is to “express support to the Tibetan people’s freedom and respect for their fundamental human rights.” “As of now, direct link between the places in France and Tibet is not possible due to the Chinese government but nevertheless it sends a strong message of political support,” he added.

To join the adoption campaign, Municipal Councils in the towns and cities have passed a motion “requesting European or UN resolutions, human rights, environment, and Tibetan cultural heritage to be respected in occupied Tibet.” After adopting a Tibetan village, the Municipality places a plaque symbolising the adoption of the Tibetan village at the entrance of their office.

Bhutan to pursue happiness policy, to go 100-percent organic

Thimphu, Oct 16: The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, famed for seeking “happiness” for its citizens, is aiming to become the first nation in the world to turn its home-grown food and farmers 100-percent organic.

The tiny Buddhist-majority nation wedged between China and India has an unusual and some say enviable approach to economic development, centered on protecting the environment and focusing on mental well-being.

Its development model measuring “Gross National Happiness” instead of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has been discussed at the UN and has been publicly backed by leaders from Britain and France, among others, AFP reported.

It banned television until 1999, keeps out mass tourism to shield its culture from foreign influence, and most recently set up a weekly “pedestrians’ day” on Tuesdays that sees cars banned from town centers.

Its determination to chart a different path can be seen in its new policy to phase out artificial chemicals in farming in the next 10 years, making its staple foods of wheat and potatoes, as well as its fruits, 100 percent organic.

“Bhutan has decided to go for a green economy in light of the tremendous pressure we are exerting on the planet,” Agriculture Minister Pema Gyamtsho told AFP in an interview by telephone from Thimphu.

“If you go for very intensive agriculture it would imply the use of so many chemicals, which is not in keeping with our belief in Buddhism, which calls for us to live in harmony with nature.”

Bhutan has a population of just over 700,000, two-thirds of whom depend on farming in villages dotted around fertile southern plains and the soaring Himalayan peaks and deep valleys to the north.

Overwhelmingly forested, no more than three percent of the country’s land area is used for growing crops, says Gyamtsho, with the majority of farmers already organic and reliant on rotting leaves or compost as natural fertilizers.

“Only farmers in areas that are accessible by roads or have easy transport have access to chemicals,” he explained, saying chemical use was already “very low” by international standards.

In the large valleys, such as the one cradling the sleepy capital, chemicals are used to kill a local weed that is difficult to take out by hand — a challenge compounded by a lack of farm labor.

Elsewhere, the fertilizer urea is sometimes added to soil, while a fungicide to control leaf rust on wheat is also available.

“We have developed a strategy that is step-by-step. We cannot go organic overnight,” Gyamtsho said, describing a policy and roadmap which were formally adopted by the government last year.

“We have identified crops for which we can go organic immediately and certain crops for which we will have to phase out the use of chemicals, for rice in certain valleys for example.”

No threat from China in Ladakh: Shinde

Leh, Oct 16: Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde, who visited the Sino-Indian border in Ladakh area, said there was no infiltration by Chinese troops there.

He also said the issue of detection of 550-mt tunnel from Pakistan into Indian territory in Samba sector of Jammu and Kashmir would be taken up with Pakistan at the highest level.

"I have been asked this question by mediapersons after my visit to Pangong Lake (Chinese bordering area in Ladakh) about the movement of Chinese there. I found there is no infiltration (transgression of Chinese troops)," he told reporters at forward border octroi post in Jammu district.

Shinde also said, "There is no problem from China (in Ladakh sector) till now."

On cross-border infiltration, he said, "It is right that some times infiltrations do take place, but our jawans and officers are doing a commendable job and I appreciate them."

He reviewed the progress of the cross-LOC trade and met a delegation of traders to discuss their problems.

Editorial

KHURSHID Vs KEJRIWAL

Fight Graft Tactfully, Forcefully

The fight against corruption in high places by India Against Corruption activists has now become a national affair. After taking on Sonia Gandhi’s son-in-law Robert Vadra, Arvind Kejriwal is now targeting one of Congress party chief’s most trusted lieutenants, Union Law Minister Salman Khurshid. While it is Kejriwal’s right to expose the corrupt in high places, to stage a day-to-day street rally, backed by a section of the electronic media, while demanding Khurshid’s resignation is not the proper way to fight against a corrupt system. Khurshid is not among those who are perceived to be corrupt. In fact, he is respected not only by Congress leaders but by others Opposition leaders and the public at large. If there is any mishandling of Zakir Hussain Memorial Trust funds managed by Khurshid and his wife then the law should take its own course and the guilty should not be spared.

Khurshid has rightly said he would not “give in to blackmailers” and would fight it out legally and politically. The manner in which Headlines Today TV channel has been reporting on the funds misuse issue by the Khurshids gives the impression that it is a highly-motivated campaign by vested interests. Kejriwal says that charges against Khurshid are based on an enquiry conducted by the Akhilesh Yadav Government in UP. Akhilesh’s father Mulayam Singh Yadav is presently facing CBI probe on charges of corruption. There should be an independent probe to look into the matter and a verdict should be declared at the earliest. Both camps are now poised to “fight tooth and nail” to prove who is right.

 GJM submits list of demands to CM, seeks total autonomy

 Demands more moujas in GTA; Rs 654 crore GTA budget approved

Darjeeling, Oct 16: The Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) on Saturday renewed its demand for “total autonomy” in Darjeeling Hills and expressed displeasure over delay in transfer of departments to the recently-constituted Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA).

A six-member GJM delegation led by the party’s general secretary Roshan Giri met Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and submitted a list of demands that include transfer of land and land revenue to GTA. The meeting was attended by the chief secretary and home secretary. A total of 59 departments are set to be transferred to the GTA.

“We want all the departments to be transferred immediately. Manpower, financial power, properties of these departments have to be transferred. But only 26 departments have so far been transferred. We have submitted our demands to the Chief Minister. We want full autonomy because GTA is an autonomous body. We want separate school and college service commissions under GTA. Recruitment of certain category of staff required concurrence of the state government. We do not want the government concurrence be taken since we enjoy autonomy,” Giri said. He said the “land and land revenue” have to be transferred to the GTA, The Indian Express reported.

Deputy chief of GTA Ramesh Allay said: “We expected more moujas would be included in the GTA. Out of 395 moujas we demanded, we got only five. The state government has set up a fact-finding committee to consider whether more moujas could be included. We will send our recommendation on this issue within a fortnight.” The issue has not been taken up “sincerely”, he said.

When asked how Banerjee reacted to their demands, Allay said: “She advised us to strengthen GTA”. “Out of Rs 200 crore promised to be given to GTA by the Centre each year, only Rs 85 crore has been given. The state government has provided Rs 173 crore from non-plan budget.”

Meanwhile, the GTA Sabha has passed an estimated budget plan of Rs 356 crore and Rs 298.10 crore under Plan and Non-plan expenditure heads respectively for the 2012-13 fiscal, GTA sources said on Wednesday.

The GTA had also sought Rs 362.98 crore as an interim fund over a period of eight months while passing the budget plan on Tuesday. Tourism has got a lot of importance in the budget proposals. The GTA plans to set up ropeways at Rohini, Dello and Tukvar in Darjeeling. Water kingdoms at Jamuney, Relli and Belta are also in the offing.

“We have proposed various project schemes to the government. We’ll need Rs 182.5 crore to implement the projects. For the water kingdom, we’ll need Rs 13 crore,” said Giri, GTA executive member and in-charge of the education department.

The Sabha also passed a resolution for a labour board, tourism development corporation and a regulated market in all the three sub-divisions of the hills.

The GTA Sabha has proposed to set up ITI hubs at Kalimpong, Mungpo and Darjeeling and polytechnic schools in Darjeeling and Mungpo.

Besides, three new colleges at Gorubathan, Pedong and Mirik and an engineering college at Tukdah have been approved by the GTA Sabha.

CJI to visit Darjeeling for Mt. Hermon School function on Nov 24

“Grand reunion” of Hermonites in Darjeeling in November

Senior Sikkim lawyer Udai P. Sharma (centre) offering khada to Chief Justice of India Justice Altamas Kabir in New Delhi on October 6. (L to R) Mahesh Singh, Jigme N Kazi, Justice Kabir, Krishna Goenka, Udai P. Sharma and Karan Anand

Darjeeling, Oct 16: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Altamas Kabir will be present at the Speech Day function of his alma mater Mt. Hermon School on November 24 next month.

This confirmation came when a group of Sikkim and Delhi Hermonites called on Justice Kabir (64) at his residence in New Delhi on October 6 to felicitate him for being appointed to the country’s top post in the Judiciary.

Justice Kabir, who spoke fondly of his days in Mt. Hermon, said he would arrive in Darjeeling either on November 23 or 24.

Two members of Sikkim Hermonites Association (SHA), Udai P. Sharma and Jigme N Kazi, were part of the eight-member delegation who met the Chief Justice.

The Delhi Hermonites Association (DHA) were represented by Mahesh Singh, Krishna Goenka and his daughter Ratika Goenka – also a Hermonite, Karan Anand, Anita (Adhikari) Sawhney and Shibesh Singh.

Karma Bhutia, President of SHA, had sought the appointment with Justice Kabir, after her assumed office on September 29, to felicitate him.

Justice Kabir will be the Chief Guest for the function at Mt. Hermon. More than 150 ex-students have already confirmed their participation in the programme.

“We are going to have a good time. At least 40 1979 batch will be present in Darjeeling for the reunion,” said Thinley Gyari in New Delhi.

Alumni from Bhutan, Nepal and also from abroad, including Miss P. Russell, an ex-teacher, will be present during the “grand reunion.”

    The two ladies are Ratika Goenka and Anita (Adhikari) Sawhney

Shibesh Singh is second from right

The first book in Assamese was Baptist missionary William Carey’s Bible

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi releases ‘Dharmapustak,’ the reprinted edition of the first Assamese printed book, at Guwahati Literary Festival-cum-Book Fair-2012 in Guwahati on Saturday. (pix: The Hindu)

Guwahati, Oct 16: A slice of Assam’s 200-year-old printing history came alive at the ongoing Guwahati Literary Festival and Book Fair here on Saturday when Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi released a reprint of the first printed book in Assamese Dharmapustak (an Assamese version of the Bible translated by Atmaram Sarma and printed in 1813).

The reprinted volume has been brought out by the Publication Board, Assam, the organiser of the literary festival and the book fair at the Assam Engineering Institute playground.

Publisher Surjya Hazarika, who obtained a digitalised image copy of the original book kept preserved in the British Library, has edited the reprinted edition. On the occasion, Hazarika said it was Dr. William Carey of the then British Baptist Mission, who was instrumental in bringing out the book together with Atmaram Sarma, the Assamese translator of the Bible in 1813. The original volume runs into 864 pages. He said the reprinted volume would be valuable study material for linguists and researchers.

William Carey

Gogoi in his speech said the Assamese language, literature, art and culture had always been very rich and had now made remarkable progress. The State government would extend all possible help for preservation of heritage, he said. The Education Minister and Chairman of the Publication Board, Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, said the State would soon develop its own standard book numbering system on the lines of the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) to keep a record of the published books.

Shillong sports centre to cater to NE youths

North Eastern Hill University campus in Shillong

Shillong, Oct 16:  Sports Minister Ajay Maken on Wednesday directed officials of the Sports Authority of India to complete the Special Games Area Centre here within March-April next year.

"I have directed officials that the deadline should not be extended and that I will inaugurate the project on my next visit to the State," Maken said about the SGAC, India`s second high altitude centre, which was earlier scheduled for completion in September-October last year.

Maken inspected the project which was taken up in 2002 at a cost of Rs 43 crore and of which Rs 29 crore has been released by the Centre, PTI reported.

"The sports centre in NEHU (North Eastern Hill University) will be a game-changer in the region which will not only benefit youths from the State, but will also cater to neighbouring states in the northeast," he said.

Hoping that the centre would be utilised to the optimum, he said, "We are aiming to produce young talented youths from the NE who will represent the country by 2020."

The minister also said that there was a need to set up a sports science centre in the region for which funds required would be sanctioned.

"If you want to do well in different levels of competition, you need a sports science centre which will be equipped with best coaches," he said.

VIEWPOINT Dolma Gyari

“It is important to keep friendly and harmonious relationship with the local people”

Tibetans are grateful to India, Bhutan and Nepal

Dolma Gyari

It has been one year since the new Kashag took office under the leadership of the democratically elected Kalon Tripa, Dr Lobsang Sangay. On this occasion, I would like to extend my heartiest greetings to the Tibetan public on behalf of the Department of Home, Central Tibetan Administration.

The Central Tibetan Administration is the legitimate representative of the Tibetan people, both politically and historically. And particularly at this critical time in history, the responsibility of the Central Tibetan Administration is much more than even a government of an independent country. And therefore, the departments under the Central Tibetan Administration, has an equally important role and responsibility to perform and fulfill.

Speaking about the Department of Home, since the arrival of the Tibetan refugees in 1959, the Department of Home has been working tirelessly to rehabilitate the Tibetan refugees.  And under the leadership of His Holiness and the support of the Indian government and other aid groups, it was decided that the Tibetans should protect their distinct culture and identity while in exile. Particularly, in a big country like India with its huge population, there was a risk of disintegration of the small number of Tibetan populace. Hence, His Holiness the Dalai Lama with the help of the state and central government, established separate settlements for the Tibetan refugees in Nepal, Bhutan and India.

The Tibetan settlements in these countries have the right to pursue any profession, religious freedom and separate Tibetan schools. All these have been made possible due to the hard work of the former and present staff of the Tibetan settlements.

And since this is the first Kashag vested with full political authority, it has an enormous responsibility to fulfill. Sustaining the progress the CTA has made in the last 50 years and continuing the development of Tibetan settlements are the main concern of the home department.

We are very grateful to our host countries India, Bhutan and Nepal. And today, I would like to thank the people and the government of these countries for their gracious hospitality. Sometimes, it so happens that, due to sudden changes in political conditions of these countries, Tibetans had to face many hardships.

The department of home has initiated many programmes for the re-vitalisation and stability of the Tibetan settlements. Moreover, we consider it important to keep friendly and harmonious relationship with the local Indian people. I can’t say we have made so much progress in that field in one year, but we have devised many strategies and the settlement offices as well as the central administration must work together to achieve the desired results.

The economic conditions of the Tibetans living in Nepal, Bhutan and India are very different. The poor are very poor and we are doing what we could to help them. We don’t want to give them just financial aids but more importantly, we are trying to lift them up from poverty. And looking at the efforts the Central Tibetan Administration has put in the last 50 years, the results have been quite impressive.

The Central Tibetan Administration treats every Tibetan equally. Some Tibetans in the settlements are really poor, particularly some newly arrived Tibetans who face huge problems in India. We are doing what we could to solve all these problems. It would be a falsehood, if I say, we will be able to solve all these problems within a short span of time. But after five years, we hope to bring some positive changes that you all will be able to see.

Moreover, I also want to send this message across to the general public that, for the policies of the CTA to succeed, co-operation is very important. The work being done by the local settlement officers is crucial to the development of our settlements. We all should extend our full co-operation to them. But if there is any genuine grievances against the settlement officers, the people shouldn’t hesitate to contact us. You can send us a letter or talk to us directly about the matter. That way, we will be able to develop our settlements efficiently.

Lastly, I pray for the sufferings of the Tibetan people to end and may Tibetans, both inside and outside, reunite in Tibet soon. Long live His Holiness the Dalai Lama! (Dolma Gyari is the Home Minister of the Tibetan exiled government and a former Deputy Speaker of the exiled Tibetan Parliament)

Study team completes expedition to Rathong glacier in West Sikkim

Gangtok, Oct 16: A glacier study team of the Sikkim State Council of Science and Technology has successfully completed its expedition to East Rathong glacier in West Sikkim.

Comprising Assistant Scientific Officer Narpati Sharma and 3 Project Scientists, RK Sharma, Pranay Pradhan and Dilliram Chettri, the team embarked on the trip on September 27 last to study glacier velocity, snout monitoring, glacier melt and water run-off of Rathong glacier.

East Rathong is a south facing, valley glacier (starts from the elevation of 4600 meters above mean sea level) and it is a 5.12 km long north-south flowing valley glacier with an average width of 1.50km, PTI reported.             

During the expedition, the study team fixed 13 stakes each 12 feet high over the East Rathong glacier surface for monitoring glacier velocity, accumulations and ablations (melting) of the glaciers.

In such harsh environments, the team dug 7-9 feet deep in different glacier zones and the stakes were placed in such highly elevated low latitude glacier. The study team also recorded the GPS coordinates of the stakes.

The team began the journey by trekking on Himalayan belts of Kanchenjunga National Park from Yuksam and reached the East Rathong glacier on September 30. The team ended its first phase of ground survey and preliminary studies on October 9.

The team recorded the water discharge of Rathong Chu at the snout of the East Rathong Glacier and also recorded the geographical coordinates of the glacier snout with the help of GPS.

The expedition has been undertaken as a part of the project entitled "Long term monitoring of the Glacier Dynamics of East Rathong Glacier" sanctioned by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India to the Sikkim State Council of Science and Technology.