Plantation cum Sensitization Programme By UDD Gangtok

-

July 28, 2022

The recent sensation on internet, BJP minister from Nagaland Temjen Imna Along remains in national news for witty takes on social issues and has recently grown a great fan following , particularly among the youth across India after his speeches went viral on social media.

The Minister heads the Ministry of Education and Tribal Affairs in the North- eastern state and is also the President of the state BJP unit.

Mr. Temjen, in a recent conclave in the Capital , spoke about the changed scenario of North-east after Prime Minister Modi came to power in 2014. He said that PM Modi has special affection for the long-neglected NE region of the country and has massively boosted infrastructure projects in all the eight states including Nagaland in the last eight years and has also helped in bringing the region to mainstream. People now look at North east India with greater hope and youths are getting better opportunities.

Minister Along feels himself and his partymen blessed to speak about rapid development taking place in the region under Prime Minister Narendra Modi .

Temjen Imna Along said , “Long ago, Northeast, Mizoram, Nagaland, etc. were nowhere to be found. However, today every state like Mizoram, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim has a unique identity and this is thanks to the respected Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Don’t think that our BJP artists will only talk about our party. No matter which party it is, they know the truth, but they will never tell you about it in front of you. But we humans are blessed to be members of this party and we can proudly speak the truth.”

Apart from being in the news for viral Hindi speeches , the Minister is also actively involved on social media where he shares witty posts as well as scenic videos of his home state.

Sikkim Celebrate Sarathi Samman Diwas 2022

By

-

July 27, 2022

Gangtok, July 27 (IPR): The Sarathi Samman Diwas 2022, formerly called Chalak Diwas, was observed with great grandeur here at Khelgaon in Resithang today commemorating the contribution of the driving community of the State. The celebration was attended by Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang as chief guest, along with Minister for Transport Department, Shri Sanjit Kharel.

Organised by Transport Department, Government of Sikkim, the programme had the presence of Speaker, SLA, Shri L.B. Das, Deputy Speaker, Shri Sangay Lepcha, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, Advisors, Chairpersons, and officials from the State Transport Department, along with drivers and associations from across the State.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang extended best wishes to the driving community of the State and announced that the State government would officially declare the term “Sarathi” for drivers, with due respect and reference to the charioteers in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. He also announced that July 27 will be declared a restricted holiday dedicated to vehicle drivers from 2023.

Shri Tamang stated that the State government would establish the Sikkim Sarathi Welfare Board that will aid in the long-term welfare of the driver’s community and consist of 19 members representing different drivers associations. The Chairperson for the Board shall be a member of the driver association with one member secretary from the Transport Department, he added.

Taking into account the demand put forth by various drivers associations regarding the provision of employment opportunities for one of the family members of the drivers, Shri Tamang announced that the State government would provide government jobs to one child each of ten drivers from all six districts on an ad-hoc basis. He further informed that five drivers from each district would get a house allotment order before August 15th this year, and Cylinders with gas stoves will also be provided to those drivers living on rent in urban areas.

He also stated that the State government would consider allocating devoted truck and bus parking facilities for every district. He added that a Sarathi Bhawan, which will serve as a guest house for drivers and their families in need, will also be established in the immediate future.

Shri Tamang gratefully acknowledged the consistent support extended by the drivers in strengthening the State workforce in their respective capacities. He expressed that the State government will continue thrusting its efforts to build a self-sufficient community of drivers by making them owners of their respective vehicles. In the past three years, the State government has gifted over 200 vehicles to those financially weak drivers to ensure better livelihood for them, he stated.

Urging the associations to work in tandem with the State Transport Department, he said that the State government would look into the demands placed by the various associations for consideration.

Minister for Transport Department, Shri Sanjit Kharel, in his address, extended gratitude to the State government and Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang for instilling a high standard of value and integrity among the driving community through various schemes and initiatives. He mentioned the massive contribution of drivers to the development of the State and thanked the driving community for their service to the people. He also assured that the department would keep working for the holistic development of the driving community of Sikkim.

Similarly, a representative from the Sarathi Association and the Convener of State Level Chalak Morcha, Shri Kamal Tamang, also addressed the event and thanked the Chief Minister for his encouraging support.

On the occasion, an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh was presented to the wife of the deceased driver, Late Karna Bdr. Tamang, who in a tragic incident, lost his life while trying to save the life of a tourist swept away in a river at Naga in North Sikkim. An ex-gratia of Rs. 5 lakh was also presented to the wife of another deceased driver who lost his life in a tragic road mishap in Lachung, North Sikkim.

The programme featured the presentation of the Good Samaritan Award to Mingma Dawa Sherpa, Maytha Singh Subba, and Mahaboob Rehma.

Subsequently, the Best Driver and Conductor Award (SNT) for the month of June/July 2022 was presented to drivers Shri Harka Bdr. Tamang and Shri Purna Bahadur Chettri, and SNT conductors, Shri Kiren Chettri and Smt. Akey Bhutia.

Additionally, six drivers were selected from all six districts through a lucky draw for the Best Sarathi (driver) Awards who received a Bolero vehicle each. The awardees are Shri Krishna Bahadur Subba from Gyalshing, Shri Karna Bahadur Chettri from Mangan, Shri Zoyel Lepcha from Soreng, Shri Dhurba Dorjee from Namchi, Shri Arun Subba from Gangtok and Shri Alvinash Lepcha from Pakyong.

Felicitations were offered to All Sikkim Luxury Vehicle Owners cum Drivers Association, Central Joint Action Committee (All Sikkim Local Taxi Drivers Association), South West Taxi Drivers Association, Jorethang, Sikkim Truck Drivers Association, Melli branch, Mainline Taxi Drivers Joint Action Committee, Deorali Taxi Stand, Sikkim Motor Transport Workers Association, Singtam, Sikkim Truck Drivers cum Owners Association, Ranipool and Pakyong Main Line Taxi Drivers Association in appreciation of their dedication in extending social services during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Thereafter, incentives were distributed to various sporting clubs of the State to extend financial assistance for the development of sports culture and infrastructure. The Transport Department also handed the insurance deed to Government SNT Drivers Association.

The programme also showcased a cultural extravaganza by representatives from various drivers’ associations. An Act play titled Antha Haina, Say No to Drugs was also enacted by DJ & Group during the event.

Earlier, the Chief Minister flagged off SNT Tankers and City Runner Buses from the Khelgaon ground.

First ever solar power plant inaugurated in Assam

By

-

July 27, 2022

In a major boost to the state and region’s green renewable energy, the first solar power plant was inaugurated in Udalguri, Assam by the Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma in an inaugural ceremony on 19th July which was attended by BTR Chief Pramod Boro, Power Minister Nandita Garlosa, Cabinet Minister Ashok Singhal, Mangaldoi MP Dilip Saikia and other dignitaries.

The first solar plant is a 25 megawatt one and is estimated to produce 5 crore units of electricity every year. This will provide great relief to consumers of Udalguri, Darrang and Sonitpur districts of Assam. Built at a cost of 300 crores and spread across hectares of paddy fields, this feat marks the state’s entry into green sector and future scope of shifting to renewable and clean source of energy which can meet the growing demand of the region.

The programme was hosted jointly by Azure Power and Assam Power Distribution Corporation Limited ( APDCL).

After this, another solar power plant of 25 Megawatt was inaugurated in Boko of Kamrup District two days later by the Hon’ble CM. It is significant as this shows the shifting focus to green energy. CM Sarma stressed on the need of more solar power infrastructure and expressed confidence that Assam will get significantly self-dependent on conventional sources of energy in the next five years. He even announced that usage of Petrol-Diesel in Assam willl get completely eliminated by 2031.

Global warming is a serious threat to existence of life on the planet and there is an urgent need to shift to renewable sources of energy and reducing the usage of conventional sources.

20th Foundation Day Celebration of Sikkim Legislators Federation of Sikkim

By

-

July 26, 2022

Gangtok, July 26 (IPR): The 20th Foundation Day Celebration of Sikkim Legislators’ Federation of Sikkim (SLFS) was organized at Manan Kendra today. Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang graced the event as the chief guest. The programme had the illustrious presence of former MPs and former Legislators of Sikkim.

On the occasion, the first and second-term MPs and MLAs were honoured in acknowledgement of their dedicated service to the State. The Members of Parliament who were felicitated on the occasion were Shri Pahalman Subba, Smt Dil Kumari Bhandari, Shri Nandu Thapa and Shri Solomon Saring.

The Members of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly who served during the first Assembly since 1975 who were felicitated on the occasion were Shri Mohan Gurung, Shri Ram Chandra Poudyal, Shri Nar Bahadur Khatiwada. Likewise, the MLAs who served in the second Assembly and who were felicitated today were Shri Padam Lal Gurung, Shri Samten Tshering Bhutia, Shri Dadul Bhutia, Shri Dougal Pintso Bhutia, Shri Athup Lepcha, Shri Mohan Prasad Sharma, Shri Khada Nanda Upreti, Shri D.B. Dhatal and Shri Sonam Tshering Bhutia.

As a special gesture, the wives of former MLAs (1st and 2nd Assembly) who have passed away were felicitated and presented a token of gratitude by the Chief Minister.

On the occasion, the Executive Members of Sikkim Legislators’ Federation of Sikkim also felicitated Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang.

Meanwhile, as a special addition to the programme, Additional PCCF, Forest Department, Shri Pradeep Kumar announced that the State Government has decided to use the provisions of the Sikkim Payment for Eco-system Services Rule 2022, which was recently passed in the State. He announced that following this decision, Teesta Urja Private Limited would be paying the first quarterly instalment amounting to Rs. 130,90,00000/- (One Hundred and Thirty Crore, Ninety Lakhs) to the Government of Sikkim in lieu of the usage of natural resources. The cheque was handed over to the Chief Minister by Teesta Urja Limited.

In his address, Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang complimented the Sikkim Legislators’ Federation of Sikkim for organizing the 20th foundation day celebration on a grand scale by inviting former MPs and legislators and their family members and honouring them for their immeasurable contribution to Sikkim. He said it was a noble initiative of the Federation to bring the former legislators into one platform and called it an expression of unity and mutual respect. The Chief Minister extended his gratitude and best wishes to all the former MPs and MLAs for their untiring effort in ushering in democracy in the State and for guiding the State on the path of development. The Chief Minister added that the programme was h beneficial, especially for the students in the audience, as they could see and get inspired by the founding fathers of democracy in Sikkim.

The Chief Minister announced an annual grant-in-aid of Rupees Ten Lakhs to the Sikkim Legislators’ Federation of Sikkim. He also assured to look into the demand for an enhancement in the pension of the legislators.

The Chief Minister mentioned about the Sikkim Payment for Eco-system Services Rule 2022, which will be extended mainly to the hydropower projects, industries and pharmaceutical companies that are using the natural resources of Sikkim.

The Chief Minister, in his address, also reminded of the significance of 26th July as ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’ and paid his tribute to all the country’s brave soldiers.

Earlier, the President of Sikkim Legislators’ Federation of Sikkim, Shri D.B. Thatal, in his address, thanked the Chief Minister of Sikkim for his constant support to the Federation. He extended his gratitude to the Government for providing a permanent office and a guest house for the Federation at DPH, Gangtok. Shri Thatal thanked all the former legislators, MPs, and their family members for their presence in the programme.

The Welcome address was delivered by General Secretary, SLFS, Shri Norzang Lepcha.
The programme also saw colourful cultural presentations by local troupes and school students. A poem on the ‘Bahini’ scheme announced by the Government was recited on the occasion by students of Deorali Girls Senior Secondary School.

The programme concluded with the word of thanks from Secretary, SLFS, Shri A.K. Ghatani.

On the sidelines of the programme, the Publicity Secretary and Coordinator, Sikkim Legislators’ Federation of Sikkim, Shri Bikram Pradhan, extended heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the Federation to the Chief Minister for gracing the programme as the chief guest and for announcements made for the welfare of the former legislators. He also thanked all the former legislators, former MPs and their family members for their valuable presence in the programme.

Assam Principal Secretary passes away due to post-COVID complications

By

-

July 26, 2022

IAS Rajesh Prasad, a principal secretary of the Assam government, died around 2.30 PM on 25th July. The officer was reportedly suffering from post-COVID complications. He had diabetes, liver and kidney ailments according to the hospital officials of a private hospital in Guwahati.

He hailed from Jharkhand, and was a 1995-batch IAS officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre. As per official websites, Prasad was handling various departments such as Soil Conservation, Guwahati Development and Irrigation among others as the principal secretary and was an efficient administrator par excellence.

His untimely death at a mere age of 52 years came as a shock to the officials of his associated Ministries and has been widely condoled. He has left behind his wife and son.

IAS Prasad’s death has been condoled by Governor of the state Prof. Jagdish Mukhi, CM Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Education Minister Ranoj Pegu and others.

Arunachal CM shares magnificent pictures of trekking sites

By

-

July 26, 2022

The adventurous Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Mr. Pema Khandu recently shared a few shots from an unknown Jaru Valley of the state that got viral on social media and was liked by the netizens. The trekking site remained conspicuous till date and trekkers have now shown interest to visit the valley in search of lush green meadows, mountains and waterfalls

” Tired of sweltering heat? Visit a slice of paradise ~ Jaru Valley in Dibang Valley district.

Green carpet, amazing snow-capped mountains and majestic water falls are ready to welcome you.

#AmazingArunachal beckons you. Please do come ” – Mr. Khandu posted on his social media handles.

The valley is located in the Dibang Valley district along the foothills of Himalayas close to the Indo-China border. The road to the Valley is challenging and is around 3 hours from Dibrugarh, the economic hub of Upper Assam and the largest town in the region.

Blessed with immense flora and fauna , the scenic state welcomes tourists from across the nation and abroad throughout the year.

Olympic medallist boxer Lovlina alleges mental harassment

By

-

July 26, 2022

In a Twitter post, boxer Lovlina Borgohain alleged that her training process is being hampered and she has been harassed by the Sports Authorities.

“My coaches who helped me get a medal in the Olympics are being removed again and again. This is impacting my training process and the competition,” she said in the post.

She complained of politics being played by the Sports Associations and her personal coach wasn’t even allowed inside the Games Village.

This allegation comes at a time when the Indian Contingent is all set to participate in the Commonwealth Games to be held in Birmingham , United Kingdom this year.

After her allegation, she got widespread support from all quarters and The Sports Ministry was quick to respond to this. Minister Anurag Thakur instructed the Olympic Association of India to facilitate accreditation to Ms. Sandhya Gurung, Lovlina’s personal coach immediately so that she can train her as soon as possible. The Minister reacted after there was a large hue and cry on social media from netizens, Ministers and BJP MLAs from Lovlina’s home state Assam, opposition leaders like Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and others.

This incident has badly exposed the inherent politics and mismanagement prevalent in the Sports Associations and Sports bureaucracy in our Nation once again.

PNG bags first position for “My Gangtok, my Pride” competition

By

-

July 25, 2022

Gangtok, 22nd July: With an objective to create further awareness on the aspects of solid liquid waste management, an interschool competition, My Gangtok, My Pride was organized by the Gangtok Municipal Corporation where 12 senior seconds schools under the jurisdiction of GMC participated. The unique event spread across two days had the students from these schools visit the landfill as a part of the first task, understand how the landfill worked, look at the problems of the landfill and then come up with potential solutions for making the landfill better. Further the second part had the students present their ideas to the officials of the Gangtok Municipal Corporation and suggest solutions to the issues in the form of a power point presentation.

The second part had the presence of Mayor, Gangtok Municipal Corporation, Shri. Neel Chettri, Commissioner , Gangtok Municipal Corporation, Shri. Hem Kumar Chettri and various officials of the Gangtok Municipal Corporation evaluating the presentations.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri. Neel Chettri, Mayor, Gangtok Municipal Corporation stressed upon the need to reduce, reuse and recycle and encouraged the students to become change catalysts for waste management in their respective schools and localities. He also urged schools to adopt the nearest village/area from the school and urged them to become change ambassadors of the future. He also stressed upon the non use of single use plastics and urged students to spread the word amongst their friends and communities.

Speaking on the occasion, Commissioner, Gangtok Municipal Corporation, Shri. Hem Kumar Chettri urged people to participate in keeping their areas cleaner and also urged source segregation from households in Gangtok.

The program had Palzor Namgyal Girls School as the winners with Tashi Namgyal Academy as first runners up and Sir Tashi Namgyal Senior Secondary School as the second runners up.

AWARENESS ON “HAR GHAR TIRANGA” CAMPAIGN IN SIKKIM

By

-

July 24, 2022