SPECIAL WORLD CUP COMPETITION INSIDE. BUMPER PRIZES TO BE WON 12-18 June, 2002 NOW! 1 BOOKED

GANGTOK WEDNESDAY, 12-18 June, 2002 Vol 1 No2
Rs. 5 IN PG2 rajdhani CLOSEST YET CENTRE FINALLY APPEARS WILLING TO UNDERSTAND SIKKIM’S MISGIVINGS ON EXTENSION OF CENTRAL INCOME TAX TO SIKKIM The extension of Direct Tax Laws to Sikkim has already sealed State. Those in the know of things inform that the Centre has the fate of one government in 1994 and continues to be a offered to constitute a “high-level” committee comprising of touchy issue in the State. Few are willing to even intiate a State and Central government officials in a bid to first under- ITS debate on the issue and as former Chief Secretary, KS Rao, stand and then resolve the issue. “Income Tax is a Central puts it in his memoirs, it remains an issue that even the per- subject and there is no need for the Centre to involve local petrators are willing to exploit should the opportunity arise. officers if it is looking at implementing it in Sikkim. The offer WATER-BORNE As things stand, the Direct Tax Laws have been extended to for constituting a high-level committee with the representa- Sikkim. Only the implementation part remains unachieved. tion of officials from the State is proof that the Centre is now AND All of this could now get a rethink with the Centre finally show- finally open to the idea of reconsidering the whole Tax issue. ing some interest in trying to understand what Sikkim has They want to understand it better,” a senior politician con- against the whole idea of extending central Income Tax to the fided to NOW! ITS HERE - TURN TO PG 4 FOR DETAILS - ON PAGE 12 IS THE BOMB TICKING? THETHE BIGBIG BAICHUNGBAICHUNG SCORESSCORES ’C’’C’ ININ WITH SIKKIM WITH Most people SIKKIM here come in TENTEN too late. Early detection SPORTS could save SPORTS lives - Dr. Yogesh Verma, Consultant Pathologist, STNM Hospital

2 CLASS X STUDENTS SCORE FULL MARKS IN MATHS 2 NOW! THE COMPLETE PICTURE 12-18 June, 2002

GANGTOK: One of the 9 FIRs registered by the Sikkim Crime only one and returned the other (an attested copy of which was Branch on 31 May, 2002, accused Vinod Enterprise of Tadong of shown to NOW). The confusion arose since the split Form ‘C’s VINOD having understated purchases while filing its Sales Tax returns. It were released before the Crime Branch approached Vinod En- now appears that the charges resulted from a “clerical” error made terprise with its questionnaire and one of the Form ‘C’s returned by employees at Vinod Enterprise while replying to Crime Branch’s after Vinod Enterprise had replied leading to the misconception questionnaire. that it had understated while filing returns with the State Sales ENTERPRISE Vinod Agarwal of Vinod Enterprise, while speaking to NOW re- Tax Department. vealed that the allegation pertaining to Form C HH 151877 was In the second case, the employee at Vinod Enterprise left out the slightly complicated. It appears that the company sent the 2 Form zero in 14,02,735 while replying to Crime Branch leading it to be- ‘C’s to Siliguri-based Darjeeling Cements Ltd when it lifted goods lieve that the hardware dealer had assessed for only Rs. 1,42,735. worth Rs. 14,70,975 from it. The company had requested for two The counterfoil, attested by Sales Tax officials, bears out this story CLEARS Form ‘C’s so that it could split the amount into two. The number as the figures in it are correct - the crucial zero included. with Crime Branch carried a figure of Rs. 7,00,975 and the preced- Mr. Agarwal, while talking to NOW rued that the confusion and ing one was filled for Rs. 7,00,000 making the total tally with the the subsequent loss of faith in his dealership would not have amount in question. Following a change in central policy on the arisen had the details been crosschecked with him before the ITS NAME amount which a single Form ‘C’ could carry, the company used FIR was filed. BOOKED by A STAFF REPORTER GANGTOK: Former SP, Crime Branch, Avichal, as he left to join the Special Protection Group (SPG) rode out in the wake of perhaps the most sensational series of FIRs. Un- der him, the Crime Branch, on 31 May, 2002, registered a record number of nine FIRs on allegations varying from adulteration of petro- leum products to evasion of Sales Tax to corruption. THE A “Press Note” issued by the PETROLEUM Crime Branch discloses that nine petrol pumps along National High- DEALERS way 31-A were raided by two teams STAND of Crime Branch sleuths on 28 This has reference to the news April, 2002. The teams were act- published in a local weekly, under ing on “reliable” information that the heading “Petrol Adulterers “owners of the petrol pumps in Booked.” Sikkim were indulging in large We, the Petroleum Dealers, scale adulteration,” informs the would like to clarify that we did not hoard any POL products and Press note. Samples were collected neither did we resort to and reportedly sent off to Delhi for adulteration of petroleum quality tests. Six of the nine pumps products as per the report. failed to meet the Bureau of Indian The Oil Depots did not release Standards’ quality levels, informed petrol and diesel on the 2 June SP Avichal, and FIRs under section 2002 being a Sunday and also 7 of Essential Commodities Act, on Monday 3 June 2002, due to 1955 read with section 420 of IPC non-availability of the new rates. were registered against them. Also due to the tourist season Interestingly, large-scale adul- and advance notice of the teration of petrol normally involves expected price hike telecast in the national media there was a the use of Naptha, available in lim- sudden rush on our pumps and ited quantities as thinner for paints we experienced unusually high and used extensively in the manu- sales figures those last few days facture of zealine. Sikkim, inciden- CRIME BRANCH CLAIMS and therefore our stocks were tally has no wholesale dealer for very low. On 3 & 4 June 2002, Naptha. we had informed the Food A Press release issued by ADULTERATION, Department that we were down Sikkim Petroleum Dealers’ Asso- to reserved stock. In full ciation informs that the only method compliance of the Food of testing available with the petrol Department’s directives/ pumps is for density. Petrol pumps PETROLEUM DEALERS regulations, we kept reserved owners, while speaking to NOW, stocks of petrol and diesel on 4 June 2002 that were checked revealed that they have been pro- and controlled by the Food vided only a hydrometer and ther- Department on that very day. mometer by the oil companies to CRY FOUL The Crime Branch of the Sikkim check the “purity” of a consignment Police had taken samples of petrol before taking delivery. and diesel from most of the petrol “We have no other way of know- collected the same day at the oil de- petrol costs nowadays. Consumers not been arrested since the charges pumps from Gangtok up to ing whether there is any impurity in pots at Siliguri and Majitar from might also be interested to know that under Essential Commodities Act Rangpo on 28 April, 2002, and the petroleum consignment and fur- where Sikkim gets its supplies. “If the Bhure Lal Committee set up to constituted a non-bailable offence, SP instead of checking the density of thermore, on the same day as the the quality of our stocks were found look into the problem of adulteration Avichal revealed that since most of the POL products which is the only Crime Branch raid, mobile labora- inferior than the one at the depots in mid-nineties had recommended to the accused were permanent residents method of testing available in the pumps, they have reportedly sent tories of IOCL, BPCL and HPCL then we can be accused of foul-play, the Supreme Court to allow consum- of Sikkim and had too much at stake the samples outside the State for had conducted surprise checks and but not until it is proven that the sup- ers to sue oil companies for adulter- here to run away, an arrest was un- sophisticated laboratory tests passed the samples of all POL prod- ply was pure and our samples adul- ated fuel since action against trans- necessary. He also mentioned that which are beyond the common ucts of the dealers,” they add. The terated. If both products were adul- porters and retailers proved futile. since almost all the petrol pumps had knowledge of the dealers. dealers claim absolute innocence terated, then the depots or the oil Another study conducted by the Cen- been booked, there would be a short- We, the Dealers, are only the (read accompanying statement). companies should be booked, not tre for Science and Environment has age of fuel in the capital if the own- dispensing mediums of the Oil The dealers here maintain that us,” the petroleum dealers contend. revealed that the failure rate of pet- ers were arrested. Shortage might still Corporations and retail only what they are only the dispensing agen- It might also be mentioned here rol samples tested for purity is seven come since the petroleum dealers are we receive. We maintain that the cies and that quality control is the that Naptha, the usual agent for adul- times more than that found during now wary of lifting any further con- quality of our POL products were lookout of the companies. A valid teration elsewhere in the country, is tests done by oil producing compa- signments since the quality control as per the prescribed density. point they raise in their defence is much more volatile than petrol and nies on the basis of which dealers mechanisms at their disposal are still Jigme Namgyal that Crime Branch should have com- surprisingly still sells for Rs. 7 a li- rest assured that their stocks are pure. primitive at best. President,Sikkim Petroleum Dealers’ Association pared their samples with samples tre against the Rs. 29 that a litre of When asked why the accused had Turn to pg 3 for more on the FIRS 12-18 June, 2002 UP-FRONT NOW! 3 ANNOUNCING! IS THE ‘BOMB’ The Travel Book TICKING? which will create Cancer does not always kill, but it has been other things. Put them together and they are a potent combination. publishing history. inflicting Sikkim rather harshly of late. Or has Doctors at STNM, say that the it? MEETA ZULCA finds out... local preference for red meat and fat increases the chance of The first travel book in Bengali GANGTOK: Last month seven Consultant Pathologist, STNM developing stomach cancer. persons died of cancer in Sikkim. Hospital, “In Sikkim most people Smoked and salted meat in to come out of Sikkim A sample study at STNM Hospital come in at a very late stage when particular is very carcinogenic and for the year 2001 shows more than metastasis has already set in. That should be avoided. Another form hundred proven cases of cancer means cancer has already spread. of cancer very common here is which have been referred to higher Early detection can save lives.” cancer of the Oesophagus or the centers. Each day friends, relatives Although most cancer cases are food pipe which is directly linked and neighbours talk of someone multifactoral and cannot be to the chewing of tobacco and betel who either has cancer or has died attributed to one single factor, which is also very common. of it. What was once mentioned genetic predisposition and cultural Inspite of the rising incidence surreptitiously is now out in the factors like diet and lifestyle impact of cancer cases here treatment open. Cancer is common strongly on the disease. Doctors facilities are yet not available. Says, conversation. here claim that certain kinds of Dr.Yogesh Verma, “Cancer World estimates show more cancer are more common among treatment is very expensive. We than 10 million new cases every the Bhutia-Lepchas. For instance, can’t do chemotherapy or radiation year – more than half from the colon cancer is directly linked to here because the set up will cost developing world. By 2020, one out diet. Among populations that huge amounts of money. We also of 6 Indians is likely to don’t have an oncologist die of cancer. The who is a specialist in cancer bomb is ticking HIGH FAT DIET, cancer management. in Sikkim too. After diagnosis we refer Although no all the patients to higher concrete study has been ALCOHOL & medical centers”. The done to show the exact state government increase in the number subsidizes cancer of cancer cases, doctors SMOKED MEAT - treatment for the say they are witnessing Sikkimese people. a perceptible increase in According to the number of cancer MOST Dr.Bhandari, “that could patients reporting every be one possible reason week. CARCINOGENIC why more and more cases The lack of a cancer are coming forward. I registry system in Sikkim makes consume a diet high in fat, alcohol can’t say for sure whether cancer is collating data a difficult task. But and red meat, colon cancer is more really on the rise or it seems that way this year, under the aegis of the likely to develop. because of more awareness and national Cancer Control In 1994, The American better diagnostic facility.” Programme, centers will be set up Institute for Cancer Research, in Be that as it may, the fact in district headquarters to screen collaboration with the World remains that cancer is one of the cancer patients making registration Cancer Research Fund, examined biggest killers in town. A collective mandatory. diet and cancer prevention from an effort is needed to spread awareness According to Dr. IL Sharma, international perspective. The about early detection and cure. That Programme Officer, NCCP, “Lack study recommended the will redraw the fine line between LAST DATE FOR BOOKING AD-SPACE of trained people is the main elimination of red meat, animal fat life and death. Because cancer does hindrance in providing early and alcohol from the diet, among not always kill. 20TH JUNE, 2002 detection and care. We have tied up with Chittaranjan Cancer Institute, Calcutta, to send us doctors who will train our local people.” Most doctors agree that a NOW!COMES OUT EVERY WEDNESDAY majority of cancer cases can be prevented and even cured by early MARK THE DAY ON THE CALENDAR detection. Says, Dr.Yogesh Verma, Crime accuses hardware dealer of dodging Sales Tax on Rs. 2 crore worth of procurement The Crime Branch communi- Tax Department revealed that the does Sikkim not have a Revenue goods, for only one product, i.e. ce- by A STAFF REPORTER que claims that the dealer in ques- Form C’s had indeed been issued Cadre, it does not even have stock- ment, and on the basis of informa- tion has been “evading huge amount by the Department. yards at the check-posts to carry out tion supplied by only few companies GANGTOK: “Imagine what is the of sales tax by (a) using Central Making a rather serious com- proper inventorisation of goods en- manufacturing cement and only for amount of loss suffered by the pub- Sales Tax Form ‘C’ which have not ment on the existing infrastructure tering Sikkim. the last five years. There are several lic exchequer and what forces are been issued to them and therefore in place, the Crime Branch ob- Officials at the Department other companies manufacturing ce- allowing it to happen?” ends the not disclosing their utilisation, (b) serves: “There are departmental point out that the pressure for it to ment, there are numerous other prod- Crime Branch Press Note while re- understating and/or wrongly stating mechanisms for physical verifica- raise “serious” revenue has only ucts sold by the hardware dealers, vealing the FIR registered by it the details of officially issued Form tion of goods brought inside the increased in the recent past and that there are several hardware dealers in against Calcutta Hardware Stores ‘C’ and (c) not disclosing the utili- State. The above evasion of sales they have been meeting and even Sikkim and there are hundreds of which it alleges has “purchased, sation of officially issued Form ‘C’ tax also reveals total failure of overshooting the targets set for it other shops bringing and selling all bought and sold” cement worth al- to the Government of Sikkim for check-posts created for this pur- each financial year. kinds of goods in Sikkim for years most Rs. 2 crores since 1995 in purpose of assessment of sales tax.” pose.” Admittedly, there is scope for from now.” Sikkim without having paid any tax. It might be mentioned here that A case has been registered improvement, but officials point out While Sales Tax Department SP Avichal, who was the SP even the Comptroller Auditor Gen- against Calcutta Hardware under that since manual checking of every might not agree with the rampant Crime Branch at the time of regis- eral’s Report for the year ending 31 section 420, 424, 177, 120 B of IPC submission is not humanly possible, Sales Tax evasion racket as painted tering the FIRs, told NOW that the March, 2001, had pointed out that read with section 23 of Sikkim Sales a certain amount of business ethics by the Crime Branch, it has been pro- FIR against Calcutta Hardware ran Calcutta Hardware had purchased Tax Act, 1983. is also required. active on its part and has reportedly into 40 pages. He also revealed that cement worth Rs. 17.73 lakhs in The Sales Tax Department in its The Crime Branch, in its Press issued notices to both Calcutta Hard- the investigation limited itself to 1995-96 using Form C’s which had defence claims that it is delivering release highlights: “It is to be noted ware Stores and Vinod Enterprises only a handful of companies which never been issued to it. Subsequent the best possible results given the that this evasion of tax is calculated to reply to the allegations brought Calcutta Hardware dealt with. follow-up by NOW with the Sales infrastructure in place. Not only for only one firm dealing in hardware forth in the Crime Branch FIRs. 4 NOW! FROM THE SPOT 12-18 June, 2002 Sikkim improves on its performance at CBSE; Does Another outstanding THIS YEAR’S achievement has been the scoring better than national average of maximum marks (100%) in RECORD - mathematics by two of our said some 5,30,000 students Examination Cell, Department of students. This feat is a first of sorts 2 STUDENTS by SUMANLATA PRADHAN appeared in the Class X Education, the students have fared for Sikkim. Niraj Basi from Holy examinations this year which is an well this year with the pass Cross and Bhanu Pratap Singh WITH CENT GANGTOK: The official results increase of 6.9%. percentage going up from 38% the from Soreong SSS, both appearing for the Class X and XII board It would be difficult to say previous year to 45% this year. She in their Class X exams, have exams conducted by CBSE are in whether Sikkim has fared well or also added that the State toppers of proved that people from the hills PER CENT and Sikkim has not fared too not in the exams. A look at the the Class VIII board exams are doing are as comfortable with the subject poorly. In fact, it has established a overall state results seem to exceptionally well in their board as those of cities. MARKS IN new record for itself with two indicate that the performance of exams. State government incentives The first three Class X state students securing cent per cent our students has been slightly better in the form of cash prizes to the Class toppers for this year are: Sambhabi MATHS marks in Mathematics. than average. The percentage of VIII toppers is a welcome bonus and Roy from Holy Cross with 88.2%, About 8,00,000 students sat for successful candidates of the does seem to have egged on our Gaurav Basu Roy from Pelling SSS JNV PHODONG, their Class X and XII CBSE AISSCE (class XII) is at 73% while students, she adds. with 88% and Shradhanjali Adhikari examinations nationwide this year. that of the AISSE (class X) A total of 3,378 students from Holy Cross with 87%. LINGEE SS AND The overall national results have candidates is at 45%. This latter appeared for the examinations out The State toppers for Class XII seen a marked improvement. statistic does seem unsatisfactory of which a total of 1,519 students are: GunjanThapliyal from TNSSS EAST POINT SS According to CBSE chairman, but taken with the national level secured pass marks. Some of the with 88% in the Science stream, Ashok Ganguly, “The overall pass performance in the same category, remarkable results have been Tshering Yankee Bhutia from POST 100% PASS percentage this year is 69.53, is 8% higher. The national figures registered in JNV Phodong, PNGSSS with 75.4% in which is a jump of almost 3%.” for the same are at 37%. Lingee SS and East Point SS Humanities and Pravin Agarwal PERCENTAGE Describing the overall CBSE According to Mrs. Mamta where the pass percentage of from Pelling SSS with 85.2% in the results as “very good”, Ganguly Thapa, Deputy Director, students is at 100%. Commerce section. RS. 1.36 CRORE JANTA BHAVAN FOR CLOSEST YET GANGTOK GANGTOK: The State Cabinet, which met here last week, has by PEMA WANGCHUK approved a number of schemes and HIGH LEVEL COMMITTEE OF STATE AND projects. GANGTOK: Word has it that the An amount of Rs. 49.30 lakhs Centre has made the first concilia- CENTRAL OFFICIALS TO STUDY THE has been approved for the Bulbuley tory gestures towards giving in to Himalayan Zoological Park here. Sikkim’s, now decade-old, demand The project will include fencing of for withdrawing the Direct Tax INCOME-TAX IMBROGLIO AND SUGGEST the entire Park area and the setting Laws from the State. In a recent de- up a veterinary hospital in its velopment, the Centre in a commu- premises. nique to the State Government has A PRACTICAL SOLUTION The Cabinet also accorded offered to set-up a Centre-State sanction to the construction of high-level bureaucratic committee model villages in the State. An to examine thoroughly and find the chance to air its views to an au- The issue is easier said than re- Government in the past, and more amount of Rs. 20.25 crores has ways and means to consider the case dience that matters. solved. It has stretched too long to recently with the petition made by been approved for the construction as per Sikkim’s demands. The com- Income Tax remains a Central unravel in a hurry and this would be the all-party committee, has also of 25 model houses each in 27 mittee, inform sources, has been subject, the Old Laws notwithstand- the time that canards would fly. suggested that a moratorium period constituencies of the State. approved by the Finance Minister ing, and as things stand, the Centre Sikkim needs to understand that be set between extension and im- Rs. 2 crore has also been himself. has no need to involve local offi- even legal advise went against it in plementation for Sikkim if with- approved by the Cabinet for A highly placed source told cials if the intention is to implement the Court battle to keep Income Tax drawal was impossible. Reliable providing free LPG connections to NOW that the Committee would the Tax in Sikkim. “The Centre does at bay. The case is now withdrawn, sources inform that the moratorium poor households in the State. look into the “expectations and as- not need a Committee to implement because Courts would not decide on period, during which Sikkim is set The Cabinet also approved Rs. pirations” of the Sikkimese people Direct Taxes in Sikkim. The latest emotions. Emotions could, however, free “officially” of Central Taxes, 1.36 crores for the construction of while unravelling the complicated gesture shows that it (the Centre) is work at the Centre-State level; at the has already been agreed upon. No a ‘Janata Bhawan’ in Gangtok. mess that the IT issue has become trying to understand Sikkim’s case,” bureaucratic and the political level. one wants to jump the gun yet be- in Sikkim. vouch senior officials. The discussions on the Direct cause much is expected of the Com- EDN MINISTER The Centre’s willingness to ac- “This is the most positive sign Tax Tax out will only follow once mittee, which reports have it, will quiesce Sikkim comes as a welcome in a long time and comes at a time Sikkim’s status vis a vis the Finance be chaired by a senior official of the ANNOUNCES change in times when most had re- when people were already prepar- Ministry is cleared. The Commit- Revenue Department of the Gov- MERIT signed themselves to being sub- ing for a compromise,” said another. tee will also have to figure out how ernment of India. jected to Central Tax laws. The Centre’s offer, it is learnt, to “adjust” the period that has Now that the Centre has taken SCHOLARSHIPS The development is also note- comes in the wake of a series of lapsed since the extension of the a logical step, it is also perhaps GANGTOK: Education Minister, worthy in light of the fact that it parleys held between the Chief Act to Sikkim. Now is the time for time for Sikkim to tone down the RB Subba announced the State would seek also to resolve the issue Minister, the Prime Minister and the Sikkim to explain clearly that we emotions and weigh its options government’s decision to start once and for all. The grey area within Finance Minister, which, at times, have in place an Income Tax wisely. Wasting this opportunity merit scholarships for the top three which Sikkim operates given the fact even involved the Defence and the Manual of 1948 which is serving will spoil any chance it has of with- students of classes V, VIII and X that the former government had al- Home Minister. the purpose for the present. It might drawal. The IT issue needs to re- from government schools. ready accepted the implementation The message directing the forma- not be the most refined of manuals, solved once and for all so that He also disclosed that back in 1992, was best illustrated by tion of this high-level bureaucratic but given the passion with which Sikkim can move on. One hopes computers would be provided to the Chief Minister, Pawan committee outlines the job descrip- the people want it protected, it is that the Committee is allowed to 29 Secondary Schools in the State Chamling, in his State Day address tion of this body as: “To resolve the perhaps best left untouched. truly advise the government on a in order to promote computer where he had pointed out that as far issue and suggest practical solutions.” It might be recalled that the “practical” solution. literary amongst the students. He as legalities were considered, Sikkim also called upon the teachers to was already a defaulter in the eyes ensure that the standard of of the Centre in general and Central BLAME GAME CONTINUES AT RUMTEK education imparted in the schools Income Tax Department in particu- was of “top quality”. Education lar. The Direct Tax Laws, as men- GANGTOK: VK Sharma, Regional Director, biased and hence “unfit” to carry out the and health are the top priority of tioned earlier have already been ex- RBI, Kolkata, who had been appointed the invetorisation process. He further exonerated the State government, he said. tended in Sikkim since 1989 itself, Commissioner entrusted with the himself of all blame on the issue of non- but not yet operational. Locals, in- responsibility of preparing the Rumtek cooperation on the grounds that he had no Mr. Subba said this at a function cluding State Government officers, inventory, on May 25 filed a petition in the control over the parties objecting and held here on June 7, organized by still get notices from the Jalpaiguri District Court claiming the non- protesting against the inventorisation the Sikkim United Teachers’ division of the Income Tax Depart- cooperation from those in control of the process. The District Court has set Welfare Association. ment to file their IT returns, and yet, Rumtek Monastery in completing his task. Wednesday, June 12, as the date to decide on He released the first issue of a few initiatives have been made to re- He also requested the court for further the Commissioner’s plea - whether to relieve magazine Gyan Jyoti, published by solve the issue. orders as to his future course of action. him or to issue fresh orders. The High Court, the Association during the Persistent memorandums aside, The matter, which came up for hearing on in the meantime, will sit on June 18 and there occasion. the Finance Ministry has never been June 5, saw Gyaltsab Rimpoche submit a is talk of the possibility of a settlement -IPR engaged in a dialogue and the lat- counter allegation in Court allegedly concerning the preparation of an inventory est development could give Sikkim claiming that the Commissioner was then. NOW! phone: 70949 12-18 June, 2002 ON-RECORD NOW! 5

India Unbound examines the highs and lows “If nature gave to the Middle East the gift of *** of In dia through the prism of history and oil, and to Japan the sense of national devotion, “I now realise that the reforms are creating a the writer’s own experiences and those of to India it has given immense human revolution in ideas and changing the attitudes many others. Defining and exploring the new intelligence, although it has balanced this gift of the people. A revolution in ideas does not mindset of the nation, India Unbound, is the with a lack of discipline and teamwork. of course mean that jobs are immediately perfect introduction to contemporary India... Harnessing our human capital is our first duty.” sprouting or that poverty is disappearing. *** Heart-breaking poverty is still the pervasive “If our bureaucrats and politicians killed our “India is no longer the stable land of face of India. However,one day, and sooner industrial revolution, won’t they do the same certainties. There is new energy, a new sense than we perhaps expect, the mental revolution with the knowledge revolution? Our of freedom. The state is no longer the protector should lead to a physical one.”

EXTRACT bureaucrats will not prevail this time around ‘mother-father’ to many people. Suspicion of *** because of our economic reforms. Also, the state is a part of the new mindset. Instead “Whatever name we give to the ethic – because the business is virtual they cannot of viewing the end of old reverences as a Protestant, Confucian, Marwari - the fact is see it or control it. Bureaucracy will find it cynical condemnation of a corrupt that certain values seem to promote difficult to kill our knowledge revolution government, I see it as the sign of a new economic development. We sometimes think because the internet creates transparency and maturity in our democratic journey. Whether of them as ‘middle-class values’. They are brings transactions into the public domain. the change is due to an activist judiciary, or a hard work, education, savings and It undercuts the bureaucrat’s power, which powerful election commissioner, or the impact investment for the future, and the ability to BOOK is based on bartering of knowledge.” of television, or the Mandal social revolution, cooperate towards a common objective.” India Unbound; by GURCHARAN DAS; *** besides liberalization, it is hard to say.” - By permission of the author Viking; Rs. 495

– you don’t need a big PWD department for this, even a small one will do. And the government should play the role of an enabler, SIKKIM GURCHARAN encouraging the people. There is a lot of talk of trade with Tibet resuming over Nathu- DAS La. Do you think that in the changes scenario of today, with Siliguri as the nearest railhead, that Sikkim will benefit from the reopening? Very good question. I am not sure I am competent enough to answer SHOULD it. I believe that trading has both sides and unfortunately, we have too many sub-issue voices in India now; we’re afraid of being swamped by the Chinese goods. Sometimes you feel the benefits of trade are not very apparent. There’s no question that if you open Nathula there will definitely be an impact on Sikkim. Gangtok has SPEND become very lively, I have enjoyed myself here and even though the railhead might be in Siliguri, Gangtok will still be the first town en-route and everyone will come here.

Lotteries are another source of income for the State exchequer. ITS What are your feelings on that? I think lottery is a good idea and Sikkim lottery is well known. I really think it’s a good idea.

What does Sikkim need to do to attract serious investments? MONEY Investors are not really attracted by incentives. They are on the lookout for a conducive atmosphere towards the establishment and conduction of business. If you can convince them that the law and order situation is good, that you don’t have militant labour like in Kolkata – you’ll have to be a lunatic to invest in Kolkata – Sikkim WISELY stands a good chance. Especially if you focus on the new economy based on software development and computer education, call centres and related areas which don’t require big investment and Columnist with the Times of India and have tremendous job potential. I think Sikkim should work on these the author of India Unbound, noted points. authority on economic issues, How would you rate India’s Liberalisation experiment thus far? Gurcharan Das, was in Sikkim recently. Well, you know it’s that it’s only half complete so we have to keep fighting everyday. And since we are a democracy, the process is NOW caught up with him to pick on his slow. None of our Prime Ministers have been true reformers like brains about some issues Sikkimese. Thatcher was for England or Deng for China. We have had to depend on men like Manmohan Singh and Chidambaram and now Excerpts from the exclusive interview... people like Arun Shourie. Despite all that, I think we have come a long way.

You have been following the liberalisation process since its in- Given the present climate of war, how does conflict affect the ception. Why is that Sikkim finds itself in the periphery of things? economy? I think that the principles I talk about can be applied here as well. The best thing for It is bad for the economy. The greatest harm it causes is the diversion of the attention Sikkim is to invest in education and health and for the government to get out of economic and energy of the people and the politicians. So instead of continuing with reforms, they activity. It should be left to the people to create wealth. Sikkim has to its advantage a now talk about war. About getting even. But we’ve had so many events adversely affecting beautiful landscape, therefore tourism is the natural industry. The government should, India – earthquakes, cyclones, communal riots – and despite all that we seem to keep for its part, create an environment conducive for investment. Another advantage for moving on. What we seem to forget is how well we are doing economically despite all Sikkim is that it has a rich Buddhist legacy. This should attract people from other Buddhist that. We do have some good people in the government and if they follow what I have countries like Japan, Korea, Thailand and China. extolled - free economy, get investors, build infrastructure, better education – I think we will do well. The problem is that we spend so much on bureaucracy itself. I am actually In fact, the government has identified tourism as a thrust sector. Do you think that quite surprised that despite the fact that it is the cream of society that gets into the civil tourism alone sustain an economy? services, they could still go so horribly wrong. It is not that the intentions were bad. It Yes, I certainly think so. Tourism is enormously labour intensive and can create a huge just happened. amount of jobs. I would be really happy to see lots and lots of hotels here. Eco-tourism would be very good. But the main thing is the people should not expect the government Given the fact that there is very little we can do about the bureaucracy, how do we still to do it. The initiative should be taken by the people; they are the main players and the work within this steel frame? government is like the coach at the side of the field. I think we need administrative reforms. I think we got to just keep pushing and pushing. There’s no magic formula. Given the present system, we just take longer to do the right The Tourism industry has been trying hard to convince the Centre to make Bagdogra things – longer than any other country. The good thing is that despite our situation we do an international airport. Comment have some good Chief Ministers like Naidu and Digvijay Singh who are making things Bagdogra should definitely have flights coming in from all over the world. The people happen even in our own system. Like someone said if we got the bureaucrats to say yes who are stopping are the same people who stopped Singapore Airlines and TATA from and the politicians to say no, things would be alright. coming into the aviation airspace. That’s the mindset you are up against in the demand for an international airport at Bagdogra, but in times of Liberalisation, we should keep trying. You have been in Sikkim only a short while, but if you were still asked to comment on something that caught your notice, what would that be? But Sikkim has very few resources to mobilise dependent as it is primarily on Central What impressed me about this place was how well the traffic was moving, people are aid for most projects. Should we again be looking at the Centre to help with the not cutting across. Now that does not happen anywhere else in India. You must have a infrastructure building required for investments to come in? very good SP. It was also interesting to find a huge number of small hotels. This shows Well, I don’t think that’s quite the right approach. I think it should try and stand on its that you are catering to the domestic traveller because obviously these hotels would not own feet. If the government of Sikkim spent its money wisely, on a few things while survive if the people were not staying there. I really liked Gangtok and would definitely maintaining good law and order, like on good infrastructure, roads and even hydel projects return and perhaps make to the interiors the next time. GANGTOK 12-18 JUNE, 2002 6 NOW! ED-SPACE12-18 June, 2002 THE MAD GENERAL SIKKIM MATTERS The Economics of Freedom SYNDROME ervez Musharraf is playing mandarins in Delhi, too, are reedom remains but a concept till the people who claim to his role well. He is not only incorrigible. Fbe ‘politically’ free are also economically independent. We living up to the image In spite of having defeated our see it in families everyday, but refuse to understand its import. P DEEP projected by his predecessors but spoilt neighbour in three wars, we Children wanting to become independent find a livelihood be- outplaying them effectively and to haven’t been able to pin her down fore they leave the “mul” ghar. What applies to individuals ap- India’s increasing disenchantment. FOCUS to submission; which in our plies to a people too. Now lets look at Sikkim. Political freedom Military dictatorships, by their by RANJIT SINGH vocabulary means giving up on came with one-man, one-vote in 1975. Political expression has very nature are unstable and Kashmir. Indira Gandhi had the been relatively free ever since, but are we really free? Can a patriarchic and Military dictators with the canny ability of the chance in 1971 but mellowed down State, which actually protests the extension of Direct Taxes by their very nature are hegemonic, military establishment of Pakistan and settled for the Shimla with the slogan: “No income, what tax?” ever be free? Unlikely. paranoic and hyperactive; they to brush aside the civilian agreement. Pakistan now does not For anyone who has tried to figure out why things have gone need to be so in order to survive. governments with an air of even recognize it. In the follow up wrong in Sikkim in the past two and half decades, the answer Ayub Khan, Zia-ul-haq and tolerated impatience. to the Agra Summit last year, a is simple. Sikkim was never free to take its own decisions. Its now Pervez Musharraf all played India in general and Kashmir number of concessions were made course was dictated by its subservience, which in turn was dic- the same game and the greatest in particular have been the trump to Pakistan which were seen as tated by the fact that its economy was sustained on grants - a tragedy is that India has never cards of Musharraf and his dictator efforts at appeasement. So much more politically correct term for hand-outs. It is not implied that learnt. predecessors and also the key to for big brotherly attitude. the Centre continually played dirty with Sikkim. We failed our- Dictators need to create an their survival. Despite intense diplomatic selves. No matter how stringent and violent the sloganeering in atmosphere of insecurity among India is projected as a hunter efforts at building up consensus Sikkim, the State lost its voice the moment it stepped out of the their population, instill in them the eyeing its prey and the prey is against Pakistan, Jaswant Singh confines of Rangpo. No one was keen on offending a paymas- belief of being wronged and Pakistan. Kashmir is their brother and Vajpayee have failed to hit the ter who had been extravagantly good through the years. All the exploited and the best would be to in distress, being gobbled by the jugular of Pakistan, namely the professed attachment to 371F and Old Laws were diluted into build up the threat of foreign beast called India. No one can save imposition of economic sanctions. meek memorandums which gathered dust in the powerful cor- invasion where it does not exist. them, none in civilian attire that is. Musharraf has played his role so ridors of Shastri Bhavan. What worked at the political level This threat perception is vital to This all is for internal thoroughly and convincingly that percolated down to the people. Everyone was dependent (eco- their survival. Then follows the consumption. The fuel for external even the western nations are – well nomically) on the Government. Education, jobs, celebration, propaganda - gushing, slushing and combustion is provided by rogue not impressed – convinced. sorrow - whatever the need, it was to Tashiling that we trooped. brain washing the people into a energy. Saddam Hussein, Zia-ul- Convinced that he is a rogue, In doing so, we as a people relinquished our right to question, state of semi-hypnosis. The high Haq, Musharraf – patrons, convinced that he will drop the debate and disagree. We also lost the interest to do so be- ideological, breast-beating and self propagators, royal loyalists of the bomb and convinced that he needs cause everything was paid for and we became lazy. No one glorifying tone of propaganda is Mad General Syndrome. appeasement. squabbled over issues because interests rarely shifted from enough to transform its subject into Musharraf’s is a classic case. The UK is worried that nuclear the preparation of the latest list of government ‘hand-out’ nomi- an object of veneration. Impulsive, impatient, passionate missiles could be launched by nees. While we might have grown comfortable with this option, With the population knotted in and trigger happy. His speeches, Pakistan. More absurd is their we owe the next generation to survive with some more self- tension and grappling with the high actions, gestures and provocations belief that such a decision “may be respect. And, self-respect will come only when Sikkim becomes propaganda unleashed by the are all designed to suit the image taken by a brigadier who will self-reliant. power hungry generals, it is easy of a rogue; one that he needs to decide whether you and I live or Self-reliance might demand many sacrifices, but rest assured for them to see in their dictator a portray to the outside world and to die”. This brigadier will certainly it sets the future free. For Sikkim, with a population of barely 6 saviour and benefactor. And India - that he is easily provoked not dream of any promotions. The lakhs, the task is easy. It does not take much to change the manipulation is just by the by. and instigated into irrational British perception is that a mind-set of such few. There are enough stories of how colo- Saddam Hussein has perfected behaviour. And that one way of Pakistani corps commander “thinks nies in Delhi (and that’s about all that our population measures this art. He has played the reining him in is through a nuclear weapon is just a bigger to despite the trappings of a full-fledged State) have pulled off American card to such an extent appeasement. artillery piece”. This is the ‘rogue miracles by banding together and remaining focused for us to and finesse that the anti-American It’s a win-win situation all the diplomacy’ at play here. The belief take heart from. But one should not look towards the State to hysteria in Iraq transcends hunger, way. With one side so head strong that such a rumour was planted make us self-reliant. Such expectations go against the very cold, sanctions and just about every and nuclear willing, the other side, rather than accessed wouldn’t be grain of the concept. And neither should the government think hardship suffered by the people on invariably India, is forced into the entirely misplaced. that it can deliver self-reliance. All that is required of the gov- his account. He is hailed each time cautious, rational and appeasing From other news reports it ernment is to Govern, not over-govern. Make the conditions he defies UN diktats and cocks a posture of a big brother dealing would seem that Musharraf is on available for self-expression and the people will express them- snook at Bush. Mercifully, he has with the tantrums of a spoilt his way to having the cake and selves economically too. Let us make mistakes and learn from not yet proclaimed himself god, but younger one. This role has been eating it too. According to them, them because no one, not even the government, is perfect. It’s saviour, yes. General Qaddafi had repeated ad nauseam but our the international community has only when the pockets are freed that mind can be truly liber- no such qualms in declaring put a price tag on General ated. With trade comes movement of not just goods, but also himself the divine Musharraf’s willingness people and that’s when ideas are exchanged and options no- representative and even had and ability to stop ticed and grabbed. Sikkim cannot afford to let the changing something called the Green infiltration across the Line economy of the rest of the country, and indeed the world, pass Book issued in which he of Control. The price tag is it by. Its young need to get involved in the process that has preached his own version of an impressive $ 4.5 billion: smudged boundaries and broken walls and Sikkim has erected Islam and in which, of two thirds of the amount in many around it which need to go. The Sikkimese need to get course, he more than rescheduling debts to the more proactive and stop romanticising their laid-back attitude. justified himself and his US and the remainder of But where does the government fit in? Surely it has some role policies. The Ayatollah $1.5 billion in debt owed to to play. It does. The Government should use its mammoth ad- Khoemini of Iran would Germany, Canada and ministrative weight to assist entrepreneurship, not stifle it with only come to power on the Finland. In addition, the red-tape. The best place for governance to start is where anar- strength of the Shia major powers, including chy begins. Limit the State’s involvement to that level and rest conviction in his legacy as Russia and China, are assured that the excitement that hits the market then will throw the preacher of true Islam dangling the carrot of a $3 up a self-reliant Sikkim in record time. made easier by a billion, 1,500-km gas propaganda of anti America pipeline from Daulatabad in and anti everything western. Turkmenistan to Gwadar in The previous regime Pakistan. It is estimated that THE FIRST BOUQUET incidentally, was a strong Musharraf will get $500 the level of journalism quite ally of the US. Then there million annually in royalty
average and in some instances was a Sudanese dictator when the pipeline is LETTERS embarrassing. who went further and completed. And all this Congratulations on the publication It is because of this that I was declared himself the Majhi despite our Defence of your new newspaper. It’s a great delighted to read the first edition which is the equivalent to Minister, George Fernandes first edition. of NOW. The standard of writing Vajpayee asking us to asking the Americans to I’m an Australian citizen who is excellent and there is a wide believe he is an incarnation turn off the tap of aid and has been lucky enough to marry a variety of articles to suit all of Ram or Krishna. And of loans to Pakistan to force local Bhutia girl and we have demographics. course, the east European Musharraf to prove his anti- decided to spend the first year of I’ll certainly be tuning into your and Soviet dictators who terrorist credentials. our marriage in Sikkim so that I can publication every week and I am had found their ‘raison de And what does India become familiar with her culture confident that if the standard is etre’ in capitalism. walk home with; a bloated and get to know her family. maintained you will very quickly General Musharraf and belly and a deflated ego; In Australia I am a live become the number one his predecessors never empty promises and empty entertainment producer and as a publication in Sikkim. needed to go to such pockets. The survivors at result am an avid newspaper reader. NOW certainly is a breath of extremes. Not when India the end of the day will be I’ve been disappointed with the fresh air! offered them Kashmir. India, Pakistan and Sikkimese newspapers on the Best of luck, Usurping power to them Kashmir. And Musharraf. whole. Generally speaking I find Phil was a cake-walk – what And none to call his bluff. 12-18 June, 2002 OPINION NOW! 7 NUKES ARE 'CRUTCHES OF IMPOTENT NATIONS' the Future of Warfare’. Arthur C Clarke, science fiction In that essay, first published in the RAF writer and space visionary, takes Journal in 1946, Clarke noted: “The only de- an extremely dim view of fence against the weapons of the future is to smoking and nuclear weapons. prevent them ever being used. In other words, the problem is political and not military at They are both crutches - and all. A country’s armed forces can no longer nukes are the equivalent of defend it; the most they can promise is the decorative chromium plating. He destruction of the attacker....” Clarke recalled his words when he deliv- wants them outlawed but doesn’t ered the 13th Nehru Memorial Address in blame the scientists who build New Delhi in November 1986, titled ‘Star the weapons. Rather, it’s the Wars and Star Peace’. politicians, he tells NALAKA Nehru’s grandson, then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, chairing the meeting, rejoined: GUNAWARDENE, who need to be “Forty years ago, Dr. Clarke said that the only reined in... defence against the weapons of the future is to prevent them from being used.... Perhaps o you know the only man who lit a we could add to that, we should prevent them cigarette from a nuclear explosion?” from being built. It’s time that we all heed DSir Arthur C Clarke is fond of ask- his warning....I just hope people in other ing his visitors these days. world capitals also are listening...” The world-renowned science fiction Clarke no longer travels round the world, writer and space visionary, now 84, happily but his views are sought and respected from volunteers the answer: Ted Taylor, a leading the subcontinent’s advances in science and Experiment (SITE) Project were underway Washington to Moscow, and London to Delhi. American nuclear scientist. The man had just technology. He has known some of the re- when India carried out its first “peaceful ex- Now completely wheelchair-bound ow- held up a small parabolic mirror during a gion’s top scientists - Indian space pioneers plosion” of an atom bomb in 1974. ing to Post Polio Syndrome, he has no inten- nuclear test - the giant fireball was 35 kilo- Vikram Sarabhai and Yash Pal, and Pakistan’s “I can still remember Vikram telling me tions of ever leaving Sri Lanka. Thanks to metres away. Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam among them. how Indian politicians pleaded with him to satellite television that he first proposed, and “The moment I heard this, I wrote to Shortly after India carried out nuclear 'build a teeny weeny [nuclear] bomb',” Clarke the World Wide Web that one of his short sto- Taylor, saying, Don’t you know smoking is weapons tests in May 1998, recalls from conversations ries inspired, he remains fully connected to bad for your health?” Clarke adds with a Clarke issued a brief state- he had with the space sci- the world. chuckle. ment saying: “Hindustan “A country’s entist more than 30 years From the comfort of his Colombo home, In fact, Clarke takes an extremely dim should be proud of its sci- ago. he continues to ponder the future of human- view of smoking and nuclear weapons, and entists but ashamed of its armed forces Sarabhai was more keen kind. “How do we counteract the intellectual would like to see them both outlawed. Sit- politicians.” He chided the on using atoms and space for and emotional fascination of warfare, espe- ting in his home in the Sri Lankan capital of mass euphoria that seemed, can no longer peace, but some of his peers cially as embodied in today’s glamorous Colombo, the author of the sci-fi classic 2001: momentarily at least, to en- defend it; had other ideas. The exact weaponry?” he asks. He is both alarmed and A Space Odyssey is acutely aware of height- gulf parts of the subconti- roles played by the subcon- appalled by media cheerleading of warfare - ened tensions between neighbouring India nent. The statement was the most they tinent’s top scientists in es- calling it ‘technoporn’. and Pakistan - and knows his island home is signed as “Arthur C Clarke, calating the region’s nuclear “Much though I admire it, I am afraid within the range of some missiles. Vikram Sarabhai Professor, can promise is arms race will one day be George Lucas’s Star Wars saga is a perfect Yet, questioned about a nuclear confron- 1980”. assessed more objectively. example, with its fascinating hardware and tation on the subcontinent, he would only say: That was a reference to the destruction But Clarke does not blame gorgeous explosions,” he adds, pointing out “I don’t recognise the ephemeral tribal divi- a three-month period he scientists. “What’s most im- that from glossy aerospace magazines to sions of our world, so I can’t comment on the spent at the Physical Re- of the portant in building and us- popular culture, technoporn images have be- actions of specific nations.” search Laboratory (PRL) in ing any weapon is the inten- come pervasive. But he can’t resist adding: “I once coined the city of Ahmedabad in attacker” tion of those who hold it.” Clarke quotes the late American President the slogan ‘Guns are the crutches of the im- western India, lecturing Clarke’s interest in dis- Dwight Eisenhower: “Every gun that is fired, potent’. Similarly, hi-tech weapons are the about peaceful uses of outer space. armament can be traced to his youth, when he every warship launched...signifies in the final crutches of impotent nations; nukes are just Clarke’s associations with India go back joined the British Royal Air Force at the start sense a theft from those who hunger and are the decorative chromium plating.” further, when in the early 1970s he worked of the Second World War. As a radar officer, not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed.” Clarke offers a unique perspective on the closely with the Indian Space Research Or- he was never engaged in combat, but had a Tell that to the trigger-happy statesmen matter. British-born and now calling himself ganisation on the world’s first large scale use ringside view of Allied action in Europe. and generals of this world’s poorest region. an “ethnic human”, he has lived in this of communications satellites for direct televi- Soon after the war ended with nuclear If only they can hear anything above their own adopted South Asian homeland since 1956, sion broadcasting to rural audiences. Prepara- bombs being dropped on Hiroshima and Na- war cries. from where he has been a keen observer of tions for the Satellite Instructional Television gasaki, he wrote an essay ‘The Rocket and - GEMINI NEWS

persona non grata overnight makes for inter- esting reading. Appointed an election observer, The burden of his song rings true Rao sent back a “confidential report” to the Election Commission with his take on how Bhandari won all 32 seats in 1989. He wrote “song” in the form of a book. Rao also does While introducing Sikkim to his readers, that the overwhelming victory was due to the well to link the security concerns of the na- Rao admits that the debate whether India was “quite open” way in which substantial sections BOOK tion to the “inability and unwillingness” of right in taking the steps she took has not al- of the government servants worked for the rul- review the powers-that-be to address the concerns together died down in Sikkim. For him, how- ing party. As an example he wrote of a senior made real and present because of a govern- ever, the matter is settled as: “The event IPS officer, whose wife was a candidate for the ance that is “discriminatory”. (Merger), it appears, on balance was a case ruling party and how this officer openly cam- WITHER GOVERNANCE: Rao might not break any new ground with his where India, while no doubt taking steps to paigned for her during the election process. The REFLECTIONS OF AN arguments, but because we have a part of the sys- secure her northern frontiers, merely helped report, which was “confidential”, was sent back ASSAM CIVILIAN tem pointing out the cobwebs in this book, the along a historically inevitable process.” to the Chief Minister re-elect for “comments by K Sreedhar Rao need for a rethink becomes even more urgent. Rao also passes a backhanded compliment and action”. Rao’s honeymoon was over. In ef- South Asia Admittedly in the vanaprastha stage of to Sikkim’s high society, who, he writes, dis- fect, the man was let down by the same steel- Foundation his life, Rao lavishly sprinkles his entire de- cuss the merger in “very elegant drawing rooms frame that he was part of. Rs. 450 bate on governance with spiritual readings of some of the officers in gentle and dignified While his first tenure was relatively hen a bureaucrat who had to once into life and duty. Even his final summation, language, and with great dignity, reflecting the smooth except for the sore note it ended on, leave Sikkim because he called a where he points out that most of India’s prob- highly refined and civilized character of the Rao’s return to Sikkim in 1997 was one Wspade a spade and was invited back lems would dissipate “easily” if “we resolve society.” Sikkim’s penchant for extravagance packed with much more drama. It was also only when power changed hands, writes his our internal conflicts, become economically finds immediate mention in the words, “Fine one with many more achievements. He was memoirs, one expects a dynamite. K. strong and strengthen our institutions mak- scotch was always available and copious quan- after all, now the Chief Secretary. Sreedhar Rao, who has served Sikkim as its ing them more efficient and free of corrup- tities were consumed with gusto by all present.” He speaks of the inherent partisan nature Development Commissioner and Chief Sec- tion”. No earthshaking revelations here, but Rao, as most people who have worked of Sikkim bureaucracy in their conspiring to retary in two terms, does not really deliver a what it packs into the 338 pages preceding it with him would vouch, is also very opiniated. keep the Sikkim Manipal Hospital cum col- dynamite, but still scripts a book which every that make for interesting reading. His dislike for former Chief Minister, Nar lege project at bay and the role played by them public servant should read as should anyone Rao has had a rather full career. He was Bahadur Bhandari, under whom he served in in the tense times of the Employment Ex- even remotely interested in what ails the steel cutting his teeth as an administrator in As- the late eighties as the Development Com- change standoff of which he writes: “Some frame of Indian public service. sam when extremists first started coming out missioner, comes through rather overtly in his thoughtless, self-styled intellectuals with chau- While many have written, and rather of the woodwork there. He fills his book with chapter on Sikkim where he writes of his vinistic inclinations, without understanding the vitriolically at that, about the need to over- minute details of what went wrong in Assam bafflement over the word “Sangram” in rationale behind this decision (to set up an haul the institution of governance, Wither and these should serve as a list of don’ts for Sikkim Sangram Parishad because the “ex- Employment Exchange in Sikkim), and the Governance: Reflections of an Assam Civil- Sikkim. But what would really interest read- act target and the purpose of the ‘Sangram’ concrete benefits that would flow therefrom, ian, by KS Rao delivers on a different level ers here are the two chapters he devotes to has been kept “rather vague”. started expressing serious reservations and because we have here an experienced former Sikkim - each on his two terms here. Each How this officer, who had been given a free articles were written in the local papers.” civil servant unloading the “burden” of his under different Chief Ministers. hand to run the affairs of governance became a turn to pg 9 8 NOW! EXTERNAL AFFAIRS 12-18 June, 2002 MAOISTS AT THE CROSSROADS he editor are jostling me to hurry up! Also quoting an excerpt from Mao Zedong’s Sher Bahadur Deuba’s hard-line government the Maoists have decided that it is now or I’m being told that there’s lots’ Red Book, “hit the enemy when it is in a is repeatedly rebuffing these offers with this never. Thappening here in Nepal. Perhaps crisis,” he says that Mao’s Nepali protégés stance being supported by the US, UK, and Next, Gautam refers to the views of the hottest issue all over this country at the have memorized that line. He further goes India. However, the Europeans on the other Mulyankan, where it’s editor Shyam moment is the radical move made by the on to assume that perhaps the Maoists will hand now seem to think that there is no Shrestha says that the prevailing situation Prime Minister Sher Bhahadur Deuba in wait to make one last attempt to stop the reason why there shouldn’t be secret talks. actually presents an opportunity for peace, extending the state of emergency without escalation of the conflict to a dramatic new Puskar goes on to mention that within and that the run-up to the elections could the approval of his party boss and members. level because the Koirala faction of the the Maoists’ there is also internal pressure. be when the Maoists and the government In Nepal, some of the finest news Congress has Hard-liners are might reach a compromise. reportage comes from the Himal Media reopened back impatient, and Shrestha’s four-step peace plan is as: Publications; renowned over the years for channels with the NEPALethnic militant allies 1. Lift the emergency; its unbiased coverage and which many of Maoists and the like the 2. Declare a ceasefire to provide space for us consider as also being very intellectually Maoists, themselves Khumbuwan Mukti political activity and let the economy stimulating. And, the major headline in in a classic two-track Morcha have split recover; this issue of The Nepal Times, the weekly strategy, have kept over whether or not 3. Start the process of dialogue for paper that has in-depth articles on current the door to to stay with the socioeconomic reforms and lasting peace; affairs is, “Dénouement -There is an negotiations open. Maoists. The militia and ominous calm. Is a storm near?” written Even Prachanda in a is losing local 4. Have an all-party caretaker government by Puskar Gautam, a former Maoist cadre most conciliatory support due to to oversee elections, in which the Maoists member and now a reformed democrat who gesture ever made by forced recruitment, may also participate. writes a weekly column on the moves made him, in his May-Day extortion, and Shrestha says, “These actions may by the Maoists and gives his analysis about statement, is said to looting. These bring the Maoists into the political process. the outcome. have hinted at DIARYfactors, he says, Otherwise the elections may not mean In this commentary, Puskar writes that negotiations. But by ARTHUR PAZO could indicate that anything.” The Maoists however seem the Maoists have benefited greatly from the convinced that the government will not political disarray in Kathmandu and that willingly create these conditions and are they seem to be using the time to re- therefore consolidating their forces for an strategise while waiting for the Nepali offensive. Congress’ internal crisis to play itself out. In his concluding paragraphs, Gautam Meanwhile, captured Maoists have been says that the Maoists may feel that they speaking of preparations underway for have reached the ‘Strategic Balance’ phase major attacks on military or infrastructure of their struggle. Other movements like the targets as they now require to carry out Shining Path have failed because they let something spectacular to avenge their Strategic Balance drag too long. He recent defeat in Khara where the army says construes that the Maoists in Nepal think that at least 200 guerillas were killed. He a quick push when the state is vulnerable further surmises that the Maoists appear will take them to victory but that they have to have decided that the time is ripe for yet to reckon with some other factors such their ‘war ki par’ (do or die) moment, and as the psychological warfare that the that there is massive forced recruitment government has launched, and they know from every family of one young man or that their big push will not be successful woman in remote areas that has resulted if the Indian government continues its in thousands of boys and girls fleeing to crackdown on their cadre in India. And the towns and Kathmandu over the past finally he tells us that Nepal is now month. Even Baburam Bhattarai himself polarized between the revolutionaries and has hinted as much in his interview with the reactionaries, and that both could invite the Maoist paper Jana Awaj of 9 April, outside interference, but that the Nepalis where he said, “It is likely that the decisive have a third choice, which is to side with leap forward can be taken in the next few the forces of democracy, and press for months”. progressive reforms. Gautam thinks that a contributing So that’s Nepal in a capsule for you. factor to this is the political infighting, both Its soul, in as far as the present Maoist inter-party and intra-party resulting in the insurgency has become a part of Nepali polarization among parliamentary parties. ethos, bared for all to see. UNFAIRLY TYING PAKISTAN’S HANDS contact We know what the Indian media feels of the Pakistani expected to just sit back and let the Indians kill three million stance on the present stand-off, with this editorial Pakistanis? Also, Pakistan is being featured in paknews.com, NOW offers its readers what asked to allow India attack some targets of its choice. These targets NOW! people on the other side are being fed... include Pakistan’s national security attack. India is shelling for the installations under the guise of so- phone: 70949 VERBATIM 9th consecutive day 24x7 with called ‘terrorist camps’. Is Pakistan machine guns and mortars. It expected to ‘show restraint’ by ccording to a research is estimated, forty one (41) letting its enemy invade and email: group at Princeton Pakistani civilians have been killed destroy it? AUniversity, a ‘limited war’, by Indian firing and scores injured Is the world forgetting that [email protected] that is, an attack by India on in just last nine days! Pakistan has Pakistan is a sovereign country? Pakistan, will result in three million not attacked India in response for Pakistan’s nuclear deterrent is people killed and another 1.5 these unprovoked assaults. What meant for precisely the situation it snail-mail million injured, almost all of them more restraint Pakistan is being is in today. That is, in the face of a in Pakistan. asked for? Has anyone called on possible attack by its bitter foe, NOW! Hence, it is not surprisingly all India to stop firing and stop killing India. the world leaders have spoken Pakistani civilians? Or has anyone It is about time the meaningless Near Ayurvedic Clinic against the possible war in South demanded India pulls back its political slogan of ‘mutual Asia. World leaders have re- troops? The answer is a sad ‘no’. restraint’ is revised and the real iterated the same theme ‘India and Pakistan has repeatedly called on aggressor India is demanded to Gairi-gaon, Tadong Pakistan must retrain themselves India to hold peace talks. The response stand down. This is perhaps a and hold peace talks.’ from India is again a sad ‘no.’ realistic approach to reducing East Sikkim One has to ask what more However, the pressure is on tensions and saving the whole of restraint Pakistan must do when its Pakistan to show ‘restraint’, that is, South Asia from a nuclear Letters, opinions, suggestions, even streams of consciousness bitter enemy has amassed troops not to fire back at the Indians. If holocaust. invited for the letters section. React. Respond along all of its borders ready to India is to invade is Pakistan paknews.com by this time next week, the new issue of YO! will be in the stands

have you booked your copy yet? 12-18 June, 2002 DESPATCHES NOW! 9 LAST MONSOONS WITH MUDDY WATER If everything works undertaken by the department to upgrade the water treatment plant at Selep. to plan, the PHE “The existing capacity of the Selep plant to desilt is Department is about 3 million gallons per day. However, the present requirement of Gangtok and its periphery is about 8 million confident of making gallons. This is proving to be a real problem. Whenever there is a sudden rush of muddy water after the rains, the the murky monsoons plant cannot treat the water efficiently and fast enough. tap water run clean But once the project is completed, the people of Gangtok can expect much better supply,” he promised. by this time This project, a centrally-sponsored scheme recently next year. approved by the central government, is expected to cost around Rs. 4.5 crores, will incorporate new water treatment SARIKAH ATREYA reports.. technology to the existing Selep plant setup. Expected to be completed by the end of this year, this new plant will GANGTOK: This will probably be the last that the people do away with the problem of muddy sediments. of Gangtok have to suffer muddy water in the taps. If “A new chlorination unit will also be installed in the officials at the Public Health Engineering Department are plant, which will treat the water much efficiently,” Mr. to be believed, Gangtok will soon have a state-of-the-art Subba informed. treatment plant, which will do away with the problems of Despite the best efforts of the department, the reason muddy drinking water supply. why the water that consumers get is murky during the The source of Gangtok water supply is the Ratey-chu monsoons is that in most cases, contamination takes place rivulet, and located at an altitude of 8,200 ft. Ratey-chu after the treated water is released into the distribution lines. originates from the Lake Tamze, located at about 12,500 Treated water is reserved in the 45.45 million litres capacity ft and more than 52 km away from the existing water reservoirs at Selep and thereafter, transported to over 20 treatment plant at Selep. distribution reservoirs. From here, water is further The distance between the source and the treatment plant distributed through a network of over 150 kms of is about 17 km and the track passes through hilly and distribution lines across the entire length and breadth of vulnerable terrains. This stretch is a sinking area extremely Gangtok. It is often in the distribution lines that prone to landslides and mud slips. Come rains and matters contamination takes place. The lines often run through worsen. Landslides often lead to breakage in the supply jhoras and open nullahs to the households. Any leakage in lines, through which mud and slush enter the distribution the pipes leads to mud, slush and microorganisms entering system. Most of the times, the water treatment plant at the network. The result - murky and in most likelihood, Selep is unable to cope up with the deluge of sediment. germ-ridden water that you receive through the taps. Says Dhan Subba, Chief Engineer, PHE Department: The PHE department is working towards providing “Whenever there is a problem of muddy water supply, we better quality water to the consumers but lack of funds shut down the plant at Selep to let the sediments settle with the department is also proving to be a major hurdle. down. We filter the water, chlorinate it and then resume The existing water supply system of Gangtok is outdated, supply. However, more often than not, the sediments find and in need of desperate changes. The system is not able their way out into the distribution network, hence the to cope with the fast increasing urban population of problem.” But the problem is not in the water treatment Gangtok and the faulty distribution network is also putting plant itself. In most cases, the water gets contaminated as a strain on the ageing system. it passes through town through different distribution “The existing water supply system for Gangtok was points. “We are seriously looking into this matter and doing meant only for the urban areas. But we are catering to the our level best to make sure that the consumers get clean needs of not only Gangtok proper, but the adjoining areas and safe drinking water,” says the CE. as well. This also puts huge pressure on our limited Admitting that despite the best efforts of the department resources and manpower. There is no shortage of water. to improve the quality of water supply to Gangtok, The only problem the consumers are facing is seasonal, consumers are still having to face this problem, Mr. Subba the case of muddy water. But once the upgradation of the said that things would definitely improve by next year. Selep plant is completed, this problem will, hopefully, be a NOW pic He revealed that a massive expansion project is being taken care of,” Mr. Subba assures. CORRUPTION COMPLETES CRIME CRACKDOWN Germans rate Dalai SECRETARIES Lama wiser than Pope The Dalai Lama has topped the list 90-pg FIR against of the wise in a countrywide poll RESHUFFLED conducted by the German magazine Geo Wissen. The Tibetan and Printing Department. He re- leader polled 33 per cent of the Food ASI a NOW REPORT places Ranjit Basnet at DoP who votes, more than twice the number takes charge of Education Depart- of votes polled by the runner-up, GANGTOK: The State Govern- ment while continuing with the ad- Pope John Paul II at 14 per cent. GANGTOK: The Crime Branch completed its flurry of FIRs ment on Monday executed a minor ditional charge of Department of Nelson Mandela and Kofi Anan on May 31, 2002, with one against a Food & Civil Supplies reshuffle in a bid to streamlime gov- Information Technology. also came high on the list. The Department ASI, who, it alleges, misappropriated rice from ernment functioning even more. magazine came out on 31 March the Department’s Singtam Centre to the tune of Rs. 85 lakhs Four Secretaries were switched be- Rinchen Ongmu, Secretary Ru- and the poll is covered under the during his tenure there as in-charge between August, 1998 tween departments. ral Development Department now theme of issue “Erkenntnis, to January 2000. The FIR runs, inform sources, to a total Secretary, Education, D. takes additional charge of Secre- Weisheit, Spiritualitat”. Catholics of 90 pages. Dadul, will now head the Depart- tary to the Chief Minister replac- chose the Dalai Lama even more The Crime Branch Press note goes on to allege that the ment of Personnel along with ad- ing Lobsang Bhutia, who contin- frequently than the average Rs. 85 lakh mark is not the final figure because the Food & ditional charge of Department of ues with sole charge of Excise De- German, 37 per cent of the time, Civil Supplies Department “did not” make available all the Information and Public Relations partment. and the Pope only 19 percent. details. The Crime Branch goes on to hint at Departmental col- lusion in the “misappropriation” when it points out that: “There is a standing departmental mechanism for periodi- The burden of his song rings true cal verification that astonishingly could not detect this huge imbalance in accounts of Singtam Centre.” ing the tense week, Rao while com- what a memoir is all about. In Rao’s menting on the lathi-charge which case, it offers us a chance to get in- Officials at Food & Civil Supplies Department could not Contd from pg 7 be contacted for comments, but sources maintain that the dissipated the entire “movement” side the head of a person under Department has taken strong objection to the slur. He believes that the entire epi- writes: “The leaders, who had taken whom many important decisions and The Crime Branch Press release goes on to point out sode was instigated by the Opposi- care to be well behind the others, projects were taken. Most are com- that the same period (as investigated by it) was also looked tion parties to ensure that Panchayat managed to escape without any ing to fruition only now. His com- into by the Department which found discripancy of only elections scheduled for later the damage except bruised egos.” ments on Sikkim’s youth, its work about Rs. 5 lakhs against the Rs. 80 lakh more that the same year, were not held. When the His leanings on the Rumtek im- culture and babudom might offend Crime Branch stumbled upon. opposition to the holding of the broglio are also apparent when he some, but there are no half-truths in “This huge quantity of rice must have been illegally sold, panchayat elections was turned writes that the situation there has what he writes. His observations are purchased and resold in the open market,” the Crime down even by the High Court, Rao been “complicated” to a large ex- clear and the writing lucid and given Branch deduces while booking the accused under sec- believes, the Opposition had no op- tent by the “activities of Tai Situ the fact that there are such few ob- tions 420/403/120B of IPC read with section 13(1)(d) of Pre- tion but to whip up emotions and Rinpoche”. servations on governance in Sikkim, vention of Corruption Act. destabilise the government. Himself While some might find Rao’s Rao’s effort is worth the buy. And under threat of “bomb-attacks” dur- personal observations jarring, that is the read. - pam dorjee 10 THENOW! FIFA WORLDNEIGHBOURHOOD CUP 2002 WATCH DAHAMAKA12-18 June, 2002 guess the winner and win goodies throughout the year PREDICT THE thanda matlab... WINNER AND DRINK FREE COCA COLA FOR A YEAR!!!

GROUP A GROUP B ABOUT THE COMPETITION: May 31 France vs. Senegal June 2 Paraguay vs. South Africa 1700hrs 1300hrs All you have to do is go through the table June 1 Uruguay vs. Denmark June2 Spain vs. Slovenia provided alongside, pick your favourites, sort 1430hrs 1700hrs them and project them out of each round June 6 France vs. Uruguay June 7 Spain vs. Paraguay through to the finals. 1700hrs 1430hrs You are getting to predict your own course June 6 Denmark vs. Senegal June 8 South Africa vs. Slovenia of the World Cup and have the benefit of 1200hrs 1200hrs playing the competition after the tourney has June 11 Denmark vs. France June 12 South Africa vs. Spain already begun. The choices will become 1200hrs 1700 even easier as the last date for sending in June 11 Senegal vs. Uruguay June 12 Slovenia vs. Paraguay 1200hrs 1700hrs entries is 20th June, 2002. All the major upsets would have taken place by then and GROUP C GROUP D your predictions will be supported by team June 3 Brazil vs. Turkey June 4 Korea vs. Poland performances till then. No need to rush yet 1430hrs 1700hrs unless you are confident of the entire June 4 China vs. Costa Rica June 5 USA vs. Portugal scheme of things for this World Cup. 1200hrs 1430hrs After the first-match upset, that would be June 8 Brazil vs. China June 10 Korea vs. USA rather tough. 1700hrs 1200hrs June 9 Costa Rica vs. Turkey June 10 Portugal vs. Poland Anyways, the entries, filled out on a plain 1430hrs 1700hrs white paper and in legible handwriting should June 13 Costa Rica vs. Brazil June 14 Portugal vs. Korea reach our office near Ayurvedic Clinic, 1200hrs 1700hrs Tadong by 20th June, 2002 to be counted June 13 Turkey vs. China June 14 Poland vs. USA for the final tally. 1200hrs 1700hrs All entries that get the prediction correct up GROUP E GROUP F to the Final victor will win free T-shirts from June 1 Ireland vs. Cameroon June 2 England vs. Sweden NOW! 1200hrs 1500hrs The winner, to be decided by a draw of lots June 1 Germany vs. Saudi Arabia June 2 Argentina vs. Nigeria THIRD PLACE PLAY-OFF in case of multiple correct entries, will win a 1700hrs 1100hrs June 29 Losers of Semifinals year’s supply of Coca Cola and special gift June 5 Germany vs. Ireland June 7 Sweden v. Nigeria hamper from Rajeev Electronics, Gangtok. 1700hrs 1200hrs In case of no completely correct entries, the June 6 Cameroon vs. Saudi Arabia June 7 Argentina vs. England FINAL winner will be decided by the jury as the one 1430hrs 1700hrs that has got the predictions correct to the June 11 Cameroon vs. Germany June 12 Sweden vs. Argentina - JUNE 30 - closest ranking. The decision of the jury will 1700hrs 1200hrs June 11 Saudi Arabia vs. Ireland June 12 Nigeria vs England be final and all prizes will have to be col- 1700hrs 1200hrs 1630hrs lected from NOW’s office at Tadong. The rules out of the way, get cracking on Group G Group H those predictions. June 3 Croatia vs. Mexico June 4 Japan vs. Belgium ps: the most legibly chalked out predic- 1200hrs 1430hrs tion will win a special prize from NOW! June 3 Italy vs. Ecaudor June 5 Russia vs. Tunisia 1700hrs 1200hrs June 8 Italy vs. Croatia June 9 Japan vs. Russia 1430hrs 1700hrs June 9 Mexico vs. Ecuador June 10 Tunisia vs. Belgium 1200hrs 1430hrs June 13 Mexico vs. Italy June 14 Tunisia vs. Japan 1700hrs 1200hrs June 13 Ecuador vs. Croatia June 14 Belgium vs. Russia 1700hrs 1200hrs ROUND SIXTEEN Match 1 June 15 First in E vs. second in B Match 2 June 15 First in A vs. second in F Match 3 June 16 First in F vs. second in A Match 4 June 16 First in B vs. second in E Match 5 June 17 First in G vs. second in D Match 6 June 17 First in C vs. second in H Match 7 June 18 First in H vs. second in C Match 8 June 18 First in D vs. second in G QUARTERFINALS Q1 June 21 Match 2 winner vs. Match 6 winner Q2 June 21 Match 1 winner vs. Match 5 winner Q3 June 22 Match 4 winner vs. Match 8 winner Q4 June 22 Match 3 winner vs. Match 7 winner SEMIFINALS June 25 Q2 winner vs. Q3 winner June 26 Q1 winner vs. Q4 winner

14 MT8DRZM Mathemagic (VideoGames/Mathemagic/Telephone Nos./Messages) 99 Memory Programmes + 1 AV S band & Hyperband NTSC Playback/DVD/LD/VCD compatibility Auto Programming 16:9 Format Channel Scan Electronic Programme Organizer (EPO) SPECIAL WORLD CUP PRICE RS. 6990/- Electronic Picture Stabilizer (EPS) Personal Preference (PP) 40 Watts PMPO offer only at: Rajeev Electronics, Stadium Road, Gangtok Electronic Child Lock Hotel Mode Rajeev electronics (P) Ltd., MG Road, Gangtok (Tuning & Volume Lock) ON & Sleep Timer Auto stand by Programme swap AV In/Out Mathemagic Quadra 14 12-18 June, 2002 BUSINESS NOW! 11

OIL PRICES here were some extremely angry friends FLUCTUATING PETROLEUM Tover for dinner last Monday. And they were late. They had been driving around for hours from one petrol pump to another in PRICES ARE HERE TO STAY search of sustenance, even as the fuel gauge hovered dangerously close to the red “empty” government is With APM now Am just not sure how many CEA aspirant zone. Most pumps had a sign saying “No calculating costs at an having been dismantled really read this weekly. Wonder if the former Stock” with smirking attendants lazing average price of $25 per it’s time to bring CEA, Dr. Shankar Acharya, ever read it. Or around. The reason: everyone knew that barrel. But interestingly, competition into whether the outgoing Rakesh Mohan does. petrol and diesel prices were about to go up after hitting a high of BUSINESS petroleum and natural Is the finance ministry in such a spot that it in a few hours. So while petrol pump owners $26.64 a barrel on May gas. Or India will be is forced to seek a fitting replacement to Dr were trying to hoard the precious fuel, 14, prices have once NOW! forced to make Acharya and Mohan through an ad in the motorists were attempting to save a few again been coming down by KANKANA DAS inefficient use of foreign Employment News? Or is this part of a rupees by tanking up before the price rise. by a dollar or so. And if exchange, which protocol that needs to be followed? There were some who were genuinely out this trend continues until the time of the next currently stands at $56 billion, putting Wouldn’t the purpose of finding the right of fuel. They had to wait till 12 midnight on set of oil price revisions, we might just see a adverse pressure on the exchange rate and candidate be served better through an insert June 3 to drive their cars once again – at a lowering of prices. Yes a lowering. But then inflation. All of which eventually boils down in The Economist rather than Employment cost. An extra Rs 2.40 per litre for petrol again it might also come a little later since to lower rate of economic growth and higher News? and Rs 1.40 for diesel. Now, in most cities oil companies, with their buffer stocks, are prices. For a man who will manage the Rs. petrol prices are dangerously close to the Rs usually not hit immediately by price So let’s face it, price revisions every 22,00,000-crore Indian economy this surely 30 a litre mark. Yes, we can scream and shout fluctuations. fortnight is going to be a part of our lives. seems like the wrong place to begin. But in and curse the government as usual. But it Despite the grumblings of the average We might as well get used to it quickly. But case you are interested in applying, you do won’t help. The days of being subsidised are motorist, this is eventually a good thing. This next time round, it would be nice if the have to be an eminent economist with a over. Indian consumers will finally have to might finally trigger off a complete opening petroleum minister keeps the news to himself doctorate and will be paid a little less than pay the real price of being part of the up of the Indian market to much-needed and doesn’t announce it in advance. None Rs 39,000 – that includes all perks and international economy. Other weaker investment in oil and natural gas, from of us really enjoy angry guests at dinner. allowance. economies already pay a higher price. In exploration and drilling to refinery and retail. Pakistan for the past 4 months prices have This has to be done at the earliest to guard WANTED: A CANDIDATE IPO TIME ranged between Rs 30 and 33. The same against a fuel-price driven economic crisis friend called from Calcutta. He’s a nd it seems like a good time to watch holds true for Bangladesh. In both these in the future. Aformer Finance Ministry employee. He Awhat primary issues are about to hit countries kerosene and LPG is also more With India heavily dependent on imports, sounded rather incredulous: “Did you know the market. Over the past two months expensive than in India. One reason why oil imports currently account for the largest I saw an ad looking for people for the Initial Public Offerings worth Rs 30,000 there is a thriving illegal kerosene trade from amount of the country’s total dollar outgo. position of the Chief Economic Advisor of crores have been announced. They range India into Bangladesh. India’s consumption of petroleum products India in The Telegraph?” Oh, come on! An from nationalised entities like IOC and In fact, the government had cushioned is growing at a rapid compounded rate of 6 ad? The CEA is likened to none other. He or Central Bank of India to Bharti Tele consumers for a short while after April even per cent a year. Because of this the oil import she (sadly there haven’t been any shes yet) Ventures and Coca Cola. May be this is though the Administered Pricing Mechanism bill has zoomed from $4 billion in 1990-91 is the authority on the economy, a walking just what the primary markets need now or APM was no longer in place. Between to $13 billion in 2000. This amount will only encyclopedia, a key advisor to the finance to wake them up from their long slumber March and May international crude prices get bigger if foreign and domestic investment minister and the government. An economist and give disillusioned investors something had gone up from around $19 a barrel to $25. isn’t actively wooed into this sector. As it is, bar none. to invest in. Here’s to hoping there’s no During that time the excise duty was slashed research shows that the sector needs as much In fact the same advertisement also major India-Pakistan conflict to render by 2 per cent to ensure there was no as $100 billion over the next 15 years to tap appeared in the first week of June in the markets completely comatose through a immediate price rise. After the price hike the its potential. Employment News or Rozgaar Samachar. delay in IPO plans. SMS COMES TO TOWN SIKKIM – INDIA’S FIRST up to 160 characters to any place a NOW REPORT in India. The method of operation is to dial the select service center - GANGTOK: SMS or Short +919832002222, write the text POVERTY FREE STATE! Message Service is now available message and put in the destination to the people of Gangtok. In code, which will be the mobile GANGTOK: Sikkim has emerged as the leader in keeping with the latest trends used number of the recipient. sustainable human development with an exemplary by all mobile service operators, this An interesting fall out of the track record in conservation and human development service is being introduced by price factor – it is very cheap – is in the state. This was made clear at a key policy Reliance Telecom Ltd. to Sikkim that the service is mostly used by consultation on the follow-on action on the state’s and was launched here earlier last school and college students and first ever Human Development Report. In a major week. consequently, it has become a sort pat on the back, Dr. Rohini Nayyar, Advisor to the SMS will be available with of craze throughout the country. Union Planning Commission, said that Sikkim was regular connection and the service The fact that no extra connection poised to become India’s first poverty free state with will be complimentary for the is needed has also added to the the lowest infant mortality and child malnutrition rates, people of Gangtok till June 10, boom. Another advantage for the along with high literacy achievements. 2002. Thereafter, the service customers is it increases the area Addressing the workshop, UNDP Resident charge will be Rs. 1 per message. of operation. The people of representative in India, Dr. Brenda Gael McSweeny The service is to be available with Gangtok will now be able to send hailed the rapid advances made by the state towards Smart cards; it was earlier available messages anywhere in the country. gender equality and sustainable livelihood. Well only in post-paid cards at the rate The response in Gangtok to this known development economist from the prestigious of Rs. 0.75 per message. service seems to be very Jawahar Lal Nehru University, and principal author This is also a one-up on the enthusiastic. People seem to be of the report, Professor Mahendra P. Lama argued for safeguarding the state’s rich social and cultural previous mode of messaging which aware of the facility but there are traditions in the midst of economic growth and social was through the voice of the sender. still many enquiries on how to use change. With texts coming into the picture, it. That’s not the end of it. If all goes Sikkim is only the third state to produce a human more information can be well and with the right policies in development report. The state Government has transmitted and further. Through place, Gangtokians will also be able already begun the task of implementing some of the this facility, a subscriber from to indulge in international major recommendations of the report. Gangtok can send text messages of messaging in the near future.

Nilesh Taware the first Jackpot winner of the Playwin Sikkim Lotto reads YO!

have you been a lucky? 12 NOW! SPORTS 12-18 June, 2002 NOW! EXCLUSIVE I’M STRUGGLING JINXED A BIT, BUT ENJOYING IT TOO NOW! catches up with Baichung between Zinedine Zidane of France lays on the ground after falling, 11 June 2002 at the Incheon Munhak Stadium in Incheon, during first round takes at the Ten Sports studio in Dubai Group A action between Denmark and France in the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan. o what if we cannot enjoy the thrill of watching India play in the World Cup. So Swhat if we have to cheer teams from the other side of the globe. So what if we cannot be there. So what if DENMARK our own native dribblers are forgotten in the excitement. So what if we…. native dribblers? Native dribblers? TROUNCES Hey! That’s foul! Baichung…we got Baichung…our very own native dribbler… we haven’t forgotten..! He’s there… oh he’s FRANCE’S WORLD there all right. He might not be actively “We spend half an hour before a game on analysis, involved but – talking about passive action - and again the 10 minutes during the half-time and half an passing is what matters and the roll of his hour again at the end of the game.” CUP ’98 REPEAT tongue is doing a good enough job of passing What most people will be happy about is that Baichung the ball or rather the ones who pass them. looks confident on TV. He is not over-awed and nor does He might not be playing in the world cup but he is he flush or blush. It’s almost a national achievement, DREAMS doing the next best thing – commentating on it. And that’s seriously. But Baichung knows better. quite a breather. PK Banerjee and Doordarshan had us “I must say it’s a very hard job. As it is I am a quiet rance become the first defending champions since teetering at the end of our patience. Now they could just person so it takes a lot of effort from me to speak in front Brazil in 1966 to fail to advance to the second round rust in peace or rot to pieces for all we care. Baichung is of the camera. It’s quite obvious that I’m struggling a bit. Fof the FIFA World Cup as they fell to a convincing on the expert panel of Ten Sports – owned by the But at the same time I am enjoying it immensely. And the Danish side 2-0 in Incheon, Korea. Having won Group A, millionaire Abdur Rehman Bukhatir - and Ten Sports is best part is that I get to see top class football and I can Denmark will take on the runner-up from Group F, while the only television channel telecasting live the action of learn from that as well.” Senegal end up second in the group and will face the winner the World Cup in this part of the world. PK Banerjee and Baichung was about to sign up with the news channel of the “Group of Death.” Doordarshan…oh we can just chuck them. ‘Aaj Tak’ as their expert commentator when Ten Sports The Danes got an early goal from Dennis Rommedahl Before we go any further- the question burning within made it known - via email – that they were very keen to and added an insurance tally from Jon Dahl Tomasson in the us. (I don’t think after watching our native dribbler holding have him on their expert panel. It was a wise move not second half. Playing five in midfield, Denmark stymied the his own amidst the phoren variety the question of the only for Baichung but also for the nation. We get to see typical French passing style in the first half and defended in identity of the ultimate champions is as hot). the greatest sporting event live and our best national star numbers in the second. The French were unfortunate though So here goes. Wherefrom, but from where did he footballer simultaneously and on the same TV channel. as they hit the woodwork twice and went close many times. acquire those chick, handsome and magnificent suits? As for Baichung, he seems to be having a whale of a time Only needing a draw to go through, Denmark came out Baichung is courteous enough to let us know- this and in the lovely, gold studded, desert city of Dubai. He also looking to frustrate France in midfield, and they did good other quaint curiosities itching the native scribbler. “The seems to be completely in love with his hotel, which, he work toward that end early on with some fine marking in suits I had for quite some time. A few of them I bought a says is beautiful. An added bonus is that his room faces midfield. year back and others more recently. All are from the UK.” the beautiful sea. David Trezeguet had the first chance for the French. His Ok, you said it. We all knew there was something Besides spending time in the TV studios, shooting for marker fell after Sylvain Wiltord fed him a pass on the edge special about it. TV commercials is another glamorous option. And now of the penalty area, but Trezeguet’s shot from an angle was Sitting smug between the anchor and the other expert that our native dribbler does look glamorous, some saved by Thomas Sorensen. English commentator Baichung makes up for his un- glamorous management companies have approached him The Danes put the French in a desperate situation when commentator looks but professional attitude and passionate to grace their sets, he discloses. Dennis Rommedahl opened the scoring. The PSV Eindhoven and insightful comments. The three of them get along very Well, you do seem to be in glamorous company, in forward received a pass from the right and with his first well, he says and he is thoroughly enjoying his retreat. glamorous clothes and having a glamorous time, Baichung. touch put a perfect shot past Fabien Barthez and into the But it is also hard work, he says. There is a lot of research And here’s wishing you a glamorous future. We just hope far-side netting (1:0, 22’). to do, net-browsing, going through the history of players you don’t run into the other ‘glamorous’ Indian in Dubai Trezeguet again had a chance to score France’s first goal and nations, Cup traditions, foul theories and analyzing – Dawood whatsisname. of this final phase when Christophe Dugarry served a perfect current performances to put a bet on.
cross from the left. The Juventus man struck a good downward header to the lower-left corner, but Sorensen made a fine save (30’). Then it was Zinedine Zidane’s turn to go close. From 35 SIKKIMFOOTBALL SENEGAL 3 : 3 URUGUAY metres, he tried to catch Sorensen off his line with a dipping, eeding to win, Uruguay pushed forward early and curling shot, but it went just high and wide to the right (38’). ASSOCIATION were made to pay the price by Senegal who scored France attacked with enthusiasm until the end of the half, Nthree times in the first 38 minutes to reserve their but the Danes never seemed to miss a tackle, and whenever SECOND DIVISION LEAGUE place in the second round of the FIFA World Cup where a French attacker did manage to put a shot on goal, Sorensen they will face the winner of the Group F. was always on hand to make the save. 2002 The referee awarded El Hadji Diouf a penalty kick in the Marcel Desailly nearly had a goal for France soon after Second Division League 2002 20th minute, which was converted by Khalilou Fadiga. The the start of the second half when he struck a powerful header FIFA World Cup debutantes added two further first-half goals off a Zidane corner kick but was forced to watch it bounce being organised by Sikkim by Papa Bouba Diop, who now has three in the tournament. off the crossbar (51’). Uruguay stormed back in the second half, getting goals from France knew that they needed more than just one goal, Football Association starts from Richard Morales, Diego Forlan, and a penalty by Alvaro as a draw would do them no good, and they threw more and 23rd June 2002. Interested Recoba, but it was too late for the South Americans, who more men forward. Several times they did good work in the finish with two points in third place. build-up, only to see the Denmark defenders converge on football clubs are advised to the ball just before the French could shoot. France’s last hopes finally sunk when Denmark scored confirm their participation latest ITALY’S DI BIAGIO OUT OF their second goal. Thomas Gravesen played a low cross from by 17th June 2002. Registra- the left to Tomasson, whose eyes lit up when he saw his MEXICO GAME marker stumble and fall and the ball roll sweetly to him tion forms are available from taly midfielder Luigi Di Biagio will miss their deciding eight metres from goal, from where he had no trouble placing our following officials. group G match against Mexico on Thursday after failing his shot past Barthez (2:0, 67’). It was Tomasson’s fourth Ito recover from a calf injury. “Di Biagio will certainly goal of the tournament. Menla Ethenpa BK Roka not play,” said team doctor Andrea Ferretti. “It’s not going France, to their credit, did not give up after the second Secretary, SFA Gen. Secy, SFA to be a short recovery. I believe that it is an injury that will goal. Djibril Cisse and Wiltord each fired shots right at Office: SIMFED Office: Police HQ require at least 15 days to recover.” That would rule the Sorensen, and then destiny seemed to announced loudly that phones: 22429 (O) 22933 / 22055 (O) midfielder out of action until at least the semifinals starting it was plainly against France when Trezeguet had his shot hit the underside of the crossbar and bounce down 31333 / 32777 (r) 24108 (r) June 25, should Italy get that far in the tournament. centimetres in front of the goal line (74’). Published by Lt. Col. (retd) P. Dorjee and printed at Baba Offset, Tadong. Editor: Pema Wangchuk. Now! Near Ayurvedic Clinic, Gairi Gaon, Tadong. East Sikkim. ph: 03592 70949 email: [email protected]