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Rs. 5 E-MAIL: [email protected] ACTING RIGHT JUSTICE a NOW! pic DEFENDS ome not so deft reworking of a writ petition already dismissed Sby the Supreme Court alleging undue benefits being enjoyed Yangthang Rinpoche, the Dorji HEM LALL by the Chief Justice of Sikkim is being branded by High Court Lopen of Pemayangtse Monas- officials as a “Publicity Interest Litigation” in the guise of a tery presides over prayers held Public Interest Litigation. there to invoke the gods and The petition filed by Harvard-educated Hem Lall Bhandari, sanctify the newly constructed ACCUSED OF who is seen as a “briefless lawyer” by respondents in the case, Kani Lakhang. has come a long way in the less than a week that has passed TURN TO pg 10 FOR DETAILS since it was filed on April 9, last Friday. While a plea for dismissing the case was only expected, the PERJURY, judiciary has reacted strongly to aspersions, which have already PANCHAYAT been dismissed by the Apex Court, cast on the functioning of the SAMMELAN justice delivery system in Sikkim. The counter affidavits allege 2003 FORCING A that Mr. Bhandari’s real aim behind the petition was to “terrorise” the lower courts so that they did not function “efficiently, impar- tially and effectively.” Mr. Bhandari’s writ petition, the respond- PANCHAYATS ents believe “is on the instance” of those who do not want a free PUBLICITY judiciary in the State. URGED TO GET OVER A preliminary objection to the maintainability of Mr. Bhandari’s petition alleges that the timing of his plea “leads to the inference that the petitioner [Mr. Bhandari] is working at the instance of those “MIDDLEMEN” INTEREST who did not get favourable orders from the High Court and whose interest the petitioner seeks to serve in a clandestine manner.” SYNDROME AND The reply to Mr. Bhandari’s allegations is not limited to the pre- liminary objections. Also submitted in the High Court is a plea for BECOME “LEADERS” LITIGATION prosecuting Mr. Bhandari for perjury, lying to the Court under oath. Apart from passing some im- The petition, being heard by the single Judge bench of Mr. portant resolutions, the Justice Suraj Mani Singh, was slated for hearing on May 13, but was deferred to May 14 on the request on Mr. Bhandari’s lawyers. Panchayat Sammelan held in IN THE GARB The hearing will decide whether the petition is to be admitted or Gangtok on May 13 saw the not and whether proceedings on charges of perjury should be Chief Minister urge his started against Mr. Bhandari. panchayats to become more TURN TO pg 3 & 4 FOR DETAILS “proactive.” Only after they OF A PIL grew out of their mould of “mid- dlemen” between the govern- ment and the people could true STORY SPLASHED BEFORE NEWS WAS MADE! devolution of power to the panchayats begin, he said. TURN TO pg 12 FOR DETAILS

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1 2;GANGTOK NOW! May 14-20, 2003 MAY 14-20, 2003 NOW! ED-SPACE SIKKIM MATTERS ARTICLE 371F May 16, Friday, is State Day. On this day, twenty-eight of Sikkim or any part thereof shall Test For The Breast years back, Sikkim merged with India. Article 371F was continue to be in force therein un- inserted into the Indian Constitution outlining the til amended or repealed by a com- A Bill passed in the Lok Sabha earlier last week is all set special provisions with respect to Sikkim. This Article petent Legislature or other com- to rob Indian mothers of their fundamental right to choose petent authority; what is best for their babies – exclusive breast-feeding or lays the conditions under which Sikkim became a part of a supplementary diet of baby foods that contain all nutrients the Union. It is not wrong to suggest that it is this Article (l) for the purpose of facilitating required for a balanced growth. The Bill makes breast- which gives Sikkim its identity and guarantees its the application of any such law as feeding mandatory for the first six months, and says this survival. On the occasion of State Day, we reproduce is referred to in clause (k) in rela- “can” be continued for up to two years with a supplementary Article 371F below. Although self-explanatory on most tion to the administration of the diet. A Bill with similar intent has failed miserably in the State of Sikkim and for the pur- past. It is no secret that the Bill results from the central counts, there are many sections which are interpreted pose of bringing the provisions of government’s sudden realisation that the World Health differently. We stay away from opinions for now and any such law into accord with the Organization directive to encourage breast-feeding needs stick to the text... provisions of this Constitution, the to be forcefully implemented in a country where more than President may, within two years 70 per cent mothers are undernourished or anaemic and Article 371F Special provisions the State of Sikkim; from the appointed day, by order, give birth to children who suffer from malnutrition. How the with respect to the State of Sik- make such adaptations and modi- implementing authorities [and who are they?] plan to kim (f) Parliament may, for the purpose fications of the law, whether by implement the Bill, when it becomes an Act, on mothers Notwithstanding anything in this of protecting the rights and inter- way of repeal or amendment, as who themselves do not get food rich in nutrients is Constitution, - ests of the different sections of the may be necessary or expedient, anybody’s guess. population of Sikkim make provi- and thereupon, every such law There is no doubt that the Parliament has been a bit high- (a) the Legislative Assembly of the sion for the number of seats in the shall have effect subject to the handed on the issue. Instead of encouraging a woman to State of Sikkim shall consist of not Legislative Assembly of the State adaptations and modifications so breast-feed her baby and create an environment that is more less than thirty members; of Sikkim which may be filled by made, and any such adaptation or conducive to breast feeding, it has robbed the Indian women candidates belonging to such sec- modification shall not be ques- of another choice. It has thrust breast-feeding on them. The (b) as from the date of commence- tions and for the delimitation of the tioned in any court of law; benefits of breast-feeding need no reiteration and there ment of the Constitution (Thirty- assembly constituencies from (m) neither the Supreme Court nor would be few mothers who deny their child their milk for sixth Amendment) Act, 1975 which candidates belonging to any other court shall have jurisdic- reasons other than those that are justified. The present Bill (hereafter in this article referred to such sections alone may stand for tion in respect of any dispute or is largely unnecessary and serves only to antagonize as the appointed day) - election to the Legislative Assem- other matter arising out of any women. After all, now, a mother who knows what’s best for bly of the State of Sikkim; treaty, agreement, engagement or her baby has to grapple with a government which wants to (i) the Assembly for Sikkim other similar instrument relating to force her to think and act in a particular way. This is definitely formed as a result of the elections (g) the Governor of Sikkim shall Sikkim which was entered into or overstepping of jurisdiction. held in Sikkim in April, 1974 with have special responsibility for executed before the appointed day Interestingly, while the Parliamentary debate hovered around thirty-two members elected in the peace and for an equitable ar- and to which the Government of the rural Indian woman and her destituteness which could said elections (hereinafter referred rangement for ensuring the social India or any of its predecessor see them committing a crime [not breast-feeding], truth is to as the sitting members) shall be and economic advancement of dif- Governments was a party, but that for mothers of rural India, breast-feeding is often the deemed to be the Legislative As- ferent sections of the population nothing in this clause shall be con- only means of nourishing the infant. They do not need any sembly of the State of Sikkim duly of Sikkim and in the discharge of strued to derogate from the provi- law to force them to breast-feed their child, their poverty, constituted under this Constitu- his special responsibility under sions of article 143; which takes most supplementary diets available for children tion; this clause, the Governor of Sik- beyond their reach, takes care of that. The legislation, by kim shall, subject to such direc- (n) the President may, by public proposing to prohibit all kinds of advertisements and (ii) the sitting members shall be tions as the President may, from notification, extend with such re- promotion of infant milk substitutes and even feeding bottles, deemed to be the members of the time to time, deem fit to issue, act strictions or modifications as he could go a long way in taking supplementary diets even Legislative Assembly of the State in his discretion; thinks fit to the State of Sikkim any further beyond the reach of poorer mothers. In their ardour of Sikkim duly elected under this enactment which is in force in a to enforce breast-feeding, our parliamentarians seem to Constitution; and (h) all property and assets State in India at the date of the have forgotten that even children above the age of 6 months (whether within or outside the ter- notification; need to be fed. And, more than just mother’s milk. (iii) the said Legislative Assembly ritories comprised in the State of One also wonders how the powers-that-be plan to implement of the State of Sikkim shall exer- Sikkim) which immediately before (o) if any difficulty arises in giv- the proposal. Since mother-to-mother check is not possible, cise the powers and perform the the appointed day were vested in ing effect to any of the foregoing the only way out seems to be to make supplementary foods functions of the Legislative As- the Government of Sikkim or in provisions of this article, the Presi- available only on prescription. Not only will this lead to a sembly of a State under this Con- any other authority or in any per- dent may, by order (62), do any- hike in the prices of such supplementary foods, it could also stitution; son for the purposes of the Gov- thing (including any adaptation or lead to a situation where some babies are denied any ernment of Sikkim shall, as from modification of any other article) supplement at all. Where is the mechanism to guard against (c) in the case of the Assembly the appointed day, vest in the Gov- which appears to him to be neces- this scenario? In the absence of advertisements, mothers deemed to be the Legislative As- ernment of the State of Sikkim; sary for the purpose of removing will also be unable to tell a genuine product from spurious sembly of the State of Sikkim un- that difficulty: concoctions. This could only lead to further complications. der clause (b), the references to the (i) the High Court functioning as Provided that no such order shall And, how sane is it to make breast-feeding compulsory for period of four years and the said such immediately before the ap- be made after the expiry of two six months when working mothers are allowed only three period of four years and the said pointed day in the territories com- years from the appointed day; months maternity leave. Unless all expecting mothers quit period of four years shall be prised in the State of Sikkim shall, (p) all things done and all actions their jobs or offices set aside rooms for lactating mothers to deemed to commence from the on and from the appointed day, be taken in or in relation to the State feed their babies and a creche to take care of the babies appointed day; deemed to be the High Court for of Sikkim or the territories com- when they are not feeding, this law will definitely be broken the State of Sikkim; prised therein during the period all over the country. Of what use is a law which cannot be (d) until other provisions are made commencing on the appointed day implemented? by Parliament by law, there shall (j) all courts of civil, criminal and and ending immediately before the There is no doubt that mother’s milk is best for the baby be allotted to the State of Sikkim revenue jurisdiction, all authorities date on which the Constitution for it is supposed to contain the right nutrients in the right one seat in the House of the Peo- and all officers judicial, executive (Thirty-sixth Amendment) Act, proportions. A mother not only passes nutrients, but also ple and the State of Sikkim shall and ministerial, throughout the ter- 1975, receives the assent of the antibodies that are needed to bolster the child’s immunity form one parliamentary constitu- ritory of the State of Sikkim shall President shall, in so far as they in the initial years. The government should have shown ency to be called the parliamen- continue on and from the ap- are in conformity with the provi- some flexibility as well as some consideration for the tary constituency for Sikkim; pointed day to exercise their re- sions of this Constitution as demographic make-up of the country instead of going spective functions subject to the amended by the Constitution ahead with such a proposal. It is all right to stress the (e) the representative of the State provisions of this Constitution; (Thirty-sixth Amendment) Act, importance of breast-feeding but what needs to be ensured of Sikkim in the House of the Peo- 1975, be deemed for all purposes first is proper nutrition for the mother. For only healthy ple in existence on the appointed (k) all laws in force immediately to have been validly done or taken mothers can feed healthy babies. day shall be elected by the mem- before the appointed day in the under this Constitution as so bers of the legislative Assembly of territories comprised in the State amended.

24 May 14-20, 2003; NOW! 3 RECAPRECAP SIKKIMSIKKIM JUSTICE DEFENDS ALLEGATIONS A PLOY TO INTIMIDATE AN INDEPENDENT IS HEM LALL JUDICIARY, CLAIM COURT OFFICIALS IN CAHOOTS WITH “A Publicity Interest Litigation NAGPAL? he writ petition filed by Hem TLall Bhandari on May 9 in the garb of a PIL” shares six paragraphs “in verba- tim” with the petition filed by in the State. When Mr. Dayal took over as Chief Justice in 1999, crimi- Gulshan Rai Nagpal [a person by PEMA WANGCHUK nal cases as old as thirteen years were pending. Now, such cases are against whom unbailable warrants being decided within a year and expeditious initiatives are plugging the have been issued in connection GANGTOK: The respondents in the Sikkim Sangram Parishad Vice- various loopholes used to delay the legal process. This, obviously does with three criminal cases and two President, Hem Lall Bhandari’s writ petition accusing the Chief Justice not sit well with many who would want their cases to stretch out longer. contempt of court cases in Sikkim] R. Dayal of “illegal drawal and appropriation of public money,” have The improved performance of the Courts, many feel, has “affected the in the Supreme Court. challenged the very “maintainability” of the writ petition and prayed interests” of those “in conflict with the interests of the common man by While the High Court’s deci- that it be dismissed “in limin with exemplary cost”. delivery of speedy and fair justice”. The only option left was intimida- sion on the maintainability of Mr. Sources in the judiciary insist that the writ petition is not to “fur- tion, they feel. Bhandari’s case was not delivered ther” any public interest, but to “frustrate it at the instance of those who “This petition has been filed with false allegations in order to in- at the filing of this report, Mr. do not want the High Court and the subordinate judiciary in the State to timidate and terrorise the judicial officials of the State in an attempt so Nagpal’s case was “dismissed as work efficiently, impartially and independently.” that in their own interest they may deal with judicial cases to serve the withdrawn” by the Supreme Court The fact that the Mr. Bhandari’s petition filed on May 9, last Fri- private interest which the petitioner seeks to serve in the garb of Public on December 2, 2003. day, “has no feet to stand on” is driven home by the fact that a near Interest,” a response to Mr. Bhandari’s petition reportedly reads. Two more paragraphs of Mr. identical petition filed in the Supreme Court by one Gulshan Rai Nagpal, The response goes on to level some even more serious allegations Bhandari’s petition are allegedly himself facing three criminal charges and two contempt of court cases and reportedly suggests: “The petitioner is a briefless lawyer so far as “modified” versions of a section in Sikkim and who jumped bail about a year back, has already been the High Court is concerned and he has full interest in influencing the of the Nagpal pliant. “dismissed as withdrawn” by the Apex Court. subordinate judiciary by attacking the High Court in order to give the Like mentioned earlier, Mr. Court documents reveal that the allegation that a government vehicle message to the members of the judicial service that the petitioner can Nagpal’s allegations, echoed with was passed off as the Chief Justice’s private car are unfounded. The CJ did bring the judicial officers also in controversy and so they should work some variation by Mr. Bhandari, not have an official vehicle provided to him till August 2002. Till then, he according to his wishes.” found no takers in the Supreme had been using his personal vehicle and was hence eligible for conveyance The respondents also seem convinced that the writ petition is “prejudi- Court. Why this withdrawal is of allowance in a practise also being followed elsewhere in the country. cial” to public interest since “the petitioner, at the behest of others, has importance in the present case is Mr. Bhandari was perhaps confused by the fact that the earlier CJ’s attempted to cause serious detriment to the independence of the judiciary.” the fact that PILs are not normally “official” car [the one provided by the State Government] and the present Senior observers also fear that the petition is a ploy to shake the allowed to be withdrawn. The in- incumbent’s personal car [which was allotted the official number of the people’s faith in what is seen as the last defence for the common man in ference drawn by many when it Chief Justice’s vehicle] were of the same colour and make. The earlier the present times. was allowed to be withdrawn is car, being old [1990 model] and unfit for use by a Chief Justice, was “By maligning such a senior functionary with such obviously un- that the no person can “re-agitate” returned to the State Government and was later allotted to the Joint Reg- tenable charges, someone is trying to tarnish the administration of the same matter again. istrar by the time Mr. Justice Dayal took office. His personal car [1994 justice in Sikkim. Should people get taken in by the arguments and Although Mr. Bhandari has model] was then used as the official car until one was provided to him. lose confidence in the judiciary, anarchy would prevail as people will added the charge of tampering In a submission sworn to be the truth, Mr. Bhandari has also incor- start taking law into their own hands if their faith in the judiciary is records to Mr. Nagpal’s double rectly submitted that the vehicle was also used by the late Justice Anup shaken. This can benefit only a few people,” said a senior member of claim of improper Housing Allow- Deb when in fact the High Court’s administrative documents reveal the judiciary. ance and Conveyance Allowance that the vehicle he used was not even of the same make. The very fact that the news of the petition was “planted” in a local reimbursements, the basic struc- The most serious allegation levelled by Mr. Bhandari is that of “tam- English weekly a day in advance is now being presented as proof that ture of his petition hardly differs pering” of registration records of the vehicle in question to “depict” a Mr. Bhandari was interested “solely” in spreading “adverse publicity from Mr. Nagpal’s government car as a private car.” Even this is dismissed by records of the High Court” and was not ventilating public interest as he claimed. The respondents in the case available with the High Court which make it clear that no “tampering” The news of Mr. Bhandari’s petition was first flashed in an edition believe that “if clever drafting by was effected and that the vehicle was always recorded as the CJ’s pri- of a local English weekly dated May 9. Interestingly, it was not until the making some differences in the re- vate car and not made so on an afterthought. In fact, the vehicle was second-half of the same day that the petition was actually filed. lief is to have consequence of pro- purchased by the Justice in Kolkata in 1998 and brought to Sikkim “The fact that the petition has been filed motivatedly for glare of longing the same controversy, there when he was posted here. publicity can be made out from the fact that although the writ petition would be no end to any controversy As for the allegation of withdrawing housing allowance where none was filed in the afternoon on 9.5.2003, a local English weekly of 9.5.2003 as by clever drafting, the contro- was mandated, the rules allow that such allowance be forwarded when carried the news article in its front page stating that the same had been versy can be kept alive forever, a CJ resides in accommodation “unfit” to be declared the official resi- filed on 8.5.2003, thus clearly indicating that the article had been planted which would be against the public dence of a Chief Justice. The Bungalow at VIP colony allotted to Mr. one day in advance for being published for the purpose of maligning policy which requires finality.” Justice Dayal did not meet the specifications required and hence the the office of the Chief Justice,” one of the respondents has reportedly While pointing out that the pe- State Government provided him with a housing allowance. The exist- submitted. tition is mala fide since Mr. Bhandari ing official residence of the Chief Justice at Baluwakhani was also Mr. Bhandari’s hurry to approach a newspaper “when even the news is seeking to challange the validity deemed “unfit” for the CJ since the structure was old and dilapidated was not born” is now being hurled back at him as his filing of a “Pub- of the notifications dated Decem- since it lay vacant for close to 18 months since the last CJ left. The licity Interest Litigation” in the garb of a Public Interest Litigation that ber 15, 1998 in 2003 after the con- bungalow at VIP colony was officially marked as a temporary arrange- he claims his petition to be. troversy was set to rest by the Su- ment and hence the allowance. Senior functionaries of the judiciary further point out that the fact preme Court, a respondent in the While the High Court’s arguments appear on sound ground, court offi- that the entire exercise is nothing but a publicity stunt to browbeat the case further alleges: “This necessar- cials made respondents in the case are convinced that the petition should be lower judiciary is borne out by the fact that Mr. Bhandari had not re- ily leads to the inference that the dismissed at the admission stage itself since it is “not filed in Public Interest”. turned to the High Court to find out the dates set for hearing the case petitioner is working at the instance “Rather it was filed to the detriment of public interest with false and had instead called Press conferences to announce his petition. “Any of those who did not get favourable allegations and activated by mala fide motive even when the matter lawyer who files a petition checks routinely on the dates set for hearing orders from the High Court and had got finality in the Hon’ble Supreme Court,” they contend. his plea. Mr. Bhandari never returned after May 9 and we had to depute whose interest the petitioner seeks So, why does the judiciary feel that the writ was filed in the first place? a peon to serve him the dates,” revealed a judicial functionary. to serve in a clandestine manner.” Informed sources maintain that an obvious intention is to jettison The petition comes up for hearing on the date of filing this report turn to pg 4 for details on perjury the strides made by the judiciary in the delivery mechanism of justice [May 13, Tuesday]. case filed against Hem Lall Bhandari

35 4; NOW! May 14-20, 2003 POWERPOWER PLAYPLAY HEM LALL ACCUSED FOR PERJURY APPLICATION ACCUSES HEM LALL OF “INTENTIONALLY MAKING the Application, which comes up for hearing on May 14 [since the FALSE ALLEGATIONS” TO BRING HIGH COURT TO “DISREPUTE” hearing was deferred by a day on tion filed by the Registrar General drawal of conveyance allowance [since dismissed as withdrawn] filed the request of Mr. Bhandari’s law- a NOW REPORT accuses Mr. Bhandari of “inten- by the Hon’ble Chief Justice.” in the Supreme Court in 2002. The yers], goes on to stress that “such tionally making false allegations” Mr. Bhandari has alleged that present Application contends that action is imperative in order to en- GANGTOK: Not satisfied with against the Chief Justice. These the Chief Justice drew conveyance Mr. Bhandari, since he was aware sure that the dignity and majesty of just pleading for the dismissal of allegations, the Application con- allowance by showing the official of the contents of SC petition, the Office of The Hon’ble Chief Hem Lall Bhandari’s writ petition tends have been levelled “to bring cas his private car. He also alleges should “necessarily” also be aware Justice, the Hon’ble High Court alleging inappropriate conduct by the High Court in disrepute so that that the record of registration of of the counter affidavit filed in that and the entire judiciary is not ad- the Chief Justice of the Sikkim the judiciary in the State may not the said car have been tampered. case. He still went ahead and filed versely affected at the instance of High Court, the Registrar General function smoothly, independently The vehicle in question was in the same allegation and should thus persons who want the judiciary to of the High Court, made a respond- and without fear.” fact the CJ’s private vehicle being be “prosecuted for intentinally giv- sub-serve their personal interest to ent in Mr. Bhandari’s petition, has The Registrar General submits used for official purposes, Court ing false evidence in respect of the the detriment of public interest and moved the Court to “prosecute” Mr. that “it is not necessary to take documents reveal [see A Publicity allegations,” the Registrar General in order that the faith of the public Bhandari under section 193 of the action in respect of all the false Interest Litigation in the garb of pleads, since Mr. Bhandari “knew” in the institution of justice delivery Indian Penal Code on charges of allegations and it would be suffi- PIL, on pg 3 for details]. his allegations to be “false”. sytem is kept intact.” perjury [lying under oath]. cient if action is taken in respect The same confusion had already While reiterating the plea to The crime of perjury reportedly The Criminal Misc. Applica- of false allegations concerning the been cleared in a similar petition prosecute Mr. Bhandari for perjury, attracts a sente nce of seven years. ADITYA CONSULTANCIES FIRST TIME IN SILIGURI SIKKIM TO USE FREE POWER STUDIES ABROAD GRE / GMAT / SAT / TOEFL / IELTS USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Cyprus, Switzerland, Singapore, etc. QUOTA TO BAIT INVESTORS VISU CONSULTANTS proposals for new schemes should be viding potable drinking water to eas on priority basis. Chungbong, ADMISSIONS IN INDIAN COLLEGES & a NOW REPORT taken up on priority basis and the pro- the villages by the government for Lungchok, Assigthang, Chakung, UNIVERSITY ALSO GUARANTEED posals submitted to the Cabinet for which the department has been Phalidara, Lunkya, Rong, Vasmay, Contact: Babita Bihani (M-94340 12532) GANGTOK: The Chief Minister approval by June 9, 2003. asked to submit a need-based Tarpin and Mapang in the West B.Bihani & Associates, Above Kiran Optics, has proposed that the 12 percent The department informed the scheme for the Cabinet’s approval. and South Districts have been se- Hill Cart Rd., Siliguri, free power that the State will re- CM that the 3 MW Lachung Chu Roof water harvesting will be lected for this scheme for the cur- Ph: 2430650, 2434538 (O), 2434528(R) Also BE in Computing from Stafford Shire University ceive with the commissioning of Micro Hydroelectric Project would taken up in semi-arid and dry ar- rent financial year. UK. iin India itself - APIIT SD INDIA the 510 MW Teesta Hydro-elec- be completed by 2005, along with tric Power Project Stage-V be used the 3 MW Ravong Chu, while the 6 to attract prospective investors to MW Relli Khola and 5MW Rongli set up industrial units in the State. Chu Micro Hydroelectric Projects Mr. Chamling said this at a would be completed in 2006. review meeting of the Power De- The department registered an partment, which was held at his increase in the revenue realisation, chamber in the State Secretariat which has gone up from Rs. 8.24 Buy an ALTO before here on May 9. He said that the 12 crores in 1999-2000 to Rs. 13.31 percent free power could be used crores in 2002-2003. The Chief to provide cheap power to indus- Minister, while expressing satis- Win with ALTO trial units, which will in turn gen- faction over the increase, hoped 31st May 2003 erate allied activities and boost that the department will be able to Rs. 11,00000 local employment and economy. meet the target of Rs. 15 crores for Get Rs. 8,000 CASH The CM directed the depart- the current financial year. BUMPER ment to take up new schemes and The Minister for Power, PRIZE DISCOUNT projects only if they were viable, Hishey Lachungpa, and Secretary, with production and generating Power Department, DP Kharel on every costs reasonable and competitive were also present at the meeting,

with national rates. along with the Development Com- purchase He also stressed that the focus missioner and the Principal Sec- should be on improving the exist- retary, Finance Department. of Alto ing power infrastructure in the During a similar review meet- State. He said that the department ing with the Rural Development Win with ALTO should now concentrate on Department, it was decided to pro- Rs. 10,000 upgradation of transformers and vide Rs. 2 crores from the Non- Rs. 3,000 transmission lines and carry out Plan fund for the repair of bridges, extensive repair and maintenance water supply lines and Panchayat Rs. 2,000 of existing lines. ghars. Decision was taken to con- Rs. 1,000 “This effort will help in avoid- struct ten panchayat ghars and one Assured Prizes ing frequent power failures and multi-purpose community center for every ALTO loss during transmission and dis- in each constituency in the State customer worth

tribution. Continuous power sup- during the current financial year. ALTO CELEBRATION ply is also essential if we want to These community centers and Rs. 500 take the State towards industriali- Panchayat ghars will be provided zation,” he said, adding that no with all basic amenities like librar- compromise should be made on ies and reading rooms. the quality of work executed. Mr. Under the Jawahar Gram Chamling asked the department to Samridhi Yojna, 166 Panchayats ensure that the installed capacity will be provided with Rs. 2 crores of all commissioned power for avenue and community plan- projects are utilized fully. tation programme, setting up nurs- ENTEL MOTORS He further said that all on-going eries and repair of water supply 6TH MILE, TADONG. schemes of the department should be network. An amount of Rs. 20 PH: 231828, 232341, 232059 completed within three months and crores has been earmarked for pro-

4 May 14-20, 2003; NOW! 5 ON-RECORDON-RECORD PATH FINALLY CLEARED FOR SIKKIM’S OWN MUSEUM

In spite of a rich cultural herit- age and a wealth of traditional “The museum will not only attract artefacts, Sikkim does not have a centre to showcase these. But all that is to change soon. tourists, but will also be of great The State Cabinet has ap- proved the setting up of a full- educational value for students” fledged State Museum at the rector General, Indian National Trust for Art White Memorial Hall, Gangtok. CHUMDEN and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). He is also CHUMDEN NANGPA, Joint Secre- NANGPA, the winner of the ACROM award which is Joint Secretary, the highest award in the field of conserva- tary, Department of Culture, Department of tion. Dr. Usha Agarwal, who is Museum who has tirelessly worked Culture, speaks Director with the Indian Council of Conser- towards conservation of the to NOW! vation Institute (ICCI) will also guide us. State’s artefacts speaks to What kind of funds will you need to start MITA ZULCA about Sikkim’s first the museum? State Museum... The Culture Department is funding the mu- seum. At present we have kept a token budget Why has it taken so long for Sikkim to get of Rs. 5 lakhs. Dr. Chodenla T. Mishra, Joint a museum of its own? Secretary, Department of Culture, Govern- It is a shame actually. Every state has at least ment of India has given verbal assurance that two museums but Sikkim, in spite of its rich they will financially assist us in not only es- cultural heritage, has nothing to show for tablishing the museum but also in setting up it. Although talk of starting a museum has archives and archaeology sections. been going on since 1976, nothing materi- alized till recently. Many sites were pro- What will be the exhibits that you are plan- posed, from the old children’s park to the ning to display? AIR quarters at Arithang, but none were Sikkim has great traditional wealth and an- appropriate. We have now been allotted the cient artefacts so there will be enough items White Memorial Hall and work has begun for show. We plan to make models of tradi- to convert it into the state museum. partments about the place? ing and have future extensions. We are ready tional houses of different communities and Is White Hall the right place for a museum? There is no dispute. We have been allotted to start the museum immediately provided display them. Some of this kind of architec- Whitehall is ideal for a number of reasons. It the place by Cabinet approval to set up a we are given the place. ture is dying now. We will make models of meets all the requirements of the museum museum there. The others have to vacate Do we have the required technical exper- historical places like the Labrang monastery, policy. Apart from being a historical monu- and make place for us. This is not a matter tise to start a museum? which is unique but in a very fragile state. ment, it is also easily accessible. There is between one department or the other, but a Designing and running a museum calls for We will also display traditional costumes and enough parking space and also a garden like matter of pride for the state. But having said different technical expertise. Sending a per- ancient artefacts. Even a coin gallery, which national museums do. From the security point that I must admit that the main hall is being son for training for a year is not enough. We will have coins from all over the world. A of view, it cannot be better located being right used as a thoroughfare. We cannot start our had asked the National Museum to send us a separate section on archeology and prehis- next to Mintokgang and also the palace. work until we are in possession completely. museologist but they have asked us to create tory is also planned. A museum like this will At present we have two halls and three a post first. This we could not do. Now we not only attract the tourists but also be of great What about the dispute between other de- rooms upstairs but we can go on develop- have an agreement with Mr. OP Agarwal, Di- educational value for students.

SIKKIM DIGITAL MEDIA ACADEMY 65-year-old is Sikkim’s Presents in collaboration with Globsyn Entertainment & Media Management School a NOW REPORT 1. Fundamentals Of Digital Video Making GANGTOK: Enchung Loday Bhu- best artisan (1 Week Program) tia, a 65 year old artist from Tashiding Gumpa won the State Award and a 2. Television Direction and Production cash prize of Rs. 10000/- in the re- (6 Weeks Certificate Course) cently concluded artisan’s competi- 3. Post Graduate Diploma in Entertainment & Media tion, held by the Directorate of Handi- Management craft and Handlooms for his excel- (2 Years Diploma Course) lent work in stone carving. The 65 year-old artist has lived Counselling for courses will be given from at the Tashiding Monastery for Date: 19th to 24th May decades and has almost single- between 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM handedly carved all the stone in- scriptions there. photo courtesy: MILESTONES NEXT and 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM at Tadong The selection of awards was held in Gangtok on May 7, 2003. Please contact: A total of 27 participants from the Tripty Rasaily, Suresh Pandit, Phone: 231822 / 231032 four districts of Sikkim took part Sikkim Digital Media Academy in the competition. The various categories in which the partici- Division of Sikkim Computers & Systems (P) Ltd. pants showed their skill were car- Tadong, Daragaon - 737102 pet weaving, metal works, stone web: www.sikkiminfo.net/digital E-mail: [email protected] carving, bamboo and cane, wood carving, handloom etc. Out of these various catego- BSNL INTERNET BOOKING OPEN FOR ONE WEEK ries six were selected for entries Of peak hours Call Rate only one call in 600 seconds for National Awards 2002. Enchung Loday Bhutia at his workspace at tashiding Monastery, West Sikkim Now New Internet connection provided, for details kindly contact Asha Maya Gurung of Burtuk the PCO Booth Holder and Zoom Color Lab, Contact Mobile No: took the second place for her skill tion prizes and certificates of appre- lections for the National Award 2002 94340-12088 & 12099 for the internet form in carpet weaving. Various consola- ciation were also given out. The se- are to be held in June at New Delhi.

5 6; NOW! May 14-20, 2003 FOCUSFOCUS RECOVERING ADDICT DIES - FRIENDS ALLEGE NEGLECT, DOCTORS DENY

orbu was 38 years old. A recover- ing addict, he was admitted to NSTNM Hospital here following ADDICTION, THE STIGMA WHICH complications arising from undefined fe- ver and stomach ailments. In hospital for eleven days, Norbu showed no signs of improvement. He died on April 27, 2003. HAUNTS EVEN IN DEATH Sounds like any other unfortunate pa- A 38-year-old recovering addict died at STNM Hospital on April 27. tient. But today, Norbu’s friends and those contacted said, “The patient was in a bad who cared for him during his stay in hospi- While friends who were with him in his final moments insist he state when he came here. He had severe tal are levelling serious charges of negli- was “neglected” because being an addict automatically made fungal infection. How can anyone say the gence on the doctors of STNM Hospital. him HIV suspect, doctors insist there was no such discrimination. nurses did not attend to him? You can check “They left him to die in the most mis- the hospital records. He was regularly given erable way. They refused to even come The allegations and denials notwithstanding, the incident should saline drips and medicines. As for doctors near him, fearing, he was HIV positive,” get us thinking on how the society views and handles addiction. not going near the patient for fear of HIV, recollects a friend who refuses to be iden- MITA ZULCA with more its too ridiculous to even respond to. We tified for obvious reasons. were also caring for “fully blown” AIDS treat patients suffering from Hepatitis C and According to them, the doctors were did not matter. Norbu was beyond the realm cases without any complaints. B which are far more infectious.” too scared to come near him and treated of earthly judgements. He passed away at 6:55 This might be so, but what Norbu faced The consultant medical specialist goes him with contempt for being an addict. AM the next morning just as his parents were was not so much ignorance on AIDS as it on to add: “If people have any specific “The fact that he was a recovering addict preparing to take him away. was the society’s judgemental streak which complaints against a doctor or nurse, they was obviously lost on them,” they contend. NOW! spoke to the doctors at STNM, looks at suffering addicts [recovering or oth- can write to the Department for redressal. In fact, an anonymous letter in a local who vehemently denied the above charges. erwise] as people who “deserve it”. Going to the Press with general allegations weekly says this about the case: “On 27 “Yes, we conducted an HIV test on him AIDS and drugs awareness pro- will not help anyone.” April, the Recovering Fellowship had to and it came out negative. But it is totally wrong grammes may be a common feature at the It is beyond the purview of this article taste the bitter experience and yet ‘accept’ to say that the doctors were afraid of going hospital, but how well does this percolate. to determine guilt in this particular episode. the fact of a surprising death of a recover- near him. All our doctors and nurses are trained According to Norbu’s friends, attendants on What is, however, apparent is that addicts ing addict... he took his last breath in the and sensitised towards handling HIV cases. duty would get angry when asked to attend and recovering addicts have to live with a hospital bed. He was in fact, left there to In fact, HIV cases are not supposed to be kept to the patient. stigma which does not help their attempts die the death of an untouchable. It was in isolation and are treated normally in the Getting emotional when asked to re- at rehabilitation. Prejudice against addic- there he survived for 11 days facing con- general ward. We regularly have AIDS aware- count their experience, they say, “He was tion is something that demands a behav- tempt from those who were supposed to ness programmes and this kind of allegations denied dignity even in death. Why? Just ioural change in the society. That this take care of him.” just cannot be true,” says Dr. Yogesh Verma, because he was an addict and so automati- change should come first among the medi- Norbu was also made to undergo an HIV Senior Pathologist, STNM. cally, also an HIV suspect. They did not care cal fraternity needs no further stressing. test when the doctors could not diagnose his The Health Secretary, Dr. TR Gyatso, whether he lived or died.” Norbu might not have been a victim of ne- illness. The test results came negative. This when queried on the allegation maintained Dr. Namgyal T. Sherpa, who was one of glect, but did live and die with the stigma was on April 26 and by the next morning, it that it could not be true since his doctors the doctors attending to the patient, when of having been an addict.

☯ A FRESH CAREER OPTION Fresh batch of Sikkimese Peackeepers leave for Kosovo tour-of-duty Gangtok, DSP Sonam Gyatso. a NOW REPORT Three SIs - Eden Subba, Bishal Rai and Kushal Gajmer are DJs earn more in a night than what GANGTOK: A fresh batch of po- the other police officers in the lice officers selected from Sikkim present batch. a common man earns in a month. for the UN Mission as Peace “Besides monitoring peace in E Monitors in Kosovo have left for Kosovo they are also required to SE FE UR /- the pre-induction training at ITBP do a bit of police work,” informs CO 00 Its a fact and have the chance to be 0 th Delhi. After completion of this DIG [Range], SD Negi. Rs. 2 on YOU r M training they will head for Kosovo Even as the present batch Pe ONE for a period of one year. leaves, the next set of Peace Moni- Midas Touch Inc. NOW! managed to talk with tors selected from Sikkim com- some of these police officers be- prising of Karma Chidup Bhutia presents for the very first time in Sikkim, fore they left town. [SI], Karma Loday [DSP, Vigi- “I am feeling very excited. It lance], Pratap Pradhan [ADC to two & half months course with is a new experience for all of us,” Governor] and Sridhar Rao. It was said Ongmu Bhutia, OC Mangan. further learnt that these officers DJ POISON AKA Raman Dadhichi, Her enthusiasm was equally would also leave for training dur- the man with the midas touch! shared by her colleague Tashi ing the month of September. Lenday Bhutia, an SI, who said Sikkim Police personnel were Learn and Train with the man who has been For details Contact: that she was very “happy, excited first picked for UN Peace-Keeping TASHI WANGYAL and totally prepared to face all the missions in 1997 when a set of four the Resident DJ at Conclave and at Midas Touch Inc. challenges ahead.” left for Bosnia Herzogovina. Since Incognito, Taj Bengal, Kolkata. 220677 / 225521 “The examination part was the then 17 local cops have patrolled The man who has made many celebrities dance to his rhythm. & 9434020677. most grilling session. I am glad we all the streets of Bosnia, 12 have main- got through and though I will miss my tained law and order in Kosovo work here I am also looking forward and another 12 has served in Si- ENROLMENT FROM 10.05.2003 TILL 18.05.2003 to serving in Kosovo,” said SDPO erra Leone.

INSIDE SMOOTH CHICKEN extras OPERATOR DIAL-A-CAB ANYONE?

6 May 14-20, 2003; NOW! 7 FROM-THE-SPOTFROM-THE-SPOT

LEGSHIP: Rivers are an integral part of the Sikkimese ethos. As most ethnic societies, the snow-fed streams and It dos not take much to snuff out a riverine system which has evolved over millions of rivers of the State have given birth to numerous folk-lores, years. Just a dam will do the job, as SARKAH ATREYA finds out while focussing on what a the vibrancy in the culture and traditions of the different 60MW “run of the river” hydel project has wrought on Rangit... ethnic communities and the richness in the biodiversity. Teesta and Rangit are synonymous to Sikkim and the indigenous Lepchas and Bhutias hold them in high rever- ence and consider its water sacred. For the people of Sik- kim, these rivers are not just sources of water - they are their very identity. DAMMED OUT OF Both the Teesta and the Rangit descend from a height of more than 6,000 metres. The cascading waters of the two rivers and their “great” descent offer huge potential for hy- droelectric generation. The combined hydel potential of the rivers of Sikkim has been pegged at about 7,000 MW. a NOW! pic But we are not here to talk about the hydro-power po- EXISTENCE tential of the rivers of the State. This article is an attempt to look at the social and environmental impacts that dams have even in the chemical and physical characteristics of the had, especially that of the 60 MW Rangit Hydro Electric water. Besides, by interrupting the flow of the water, eco- Power Project at Legship. logical continuity is broken. This is most obvious in the The Rangit river originates from the Rathong Glacier case of those species of fish whose passage up to their breed- in West Sikkim and is joined by numerous small rivulets ing grounds is blocked by the dam. Many other species get before it finally joins the Teesta near Melli. It flows through affected too, when the level of the water in the river is dras- the sacred areas of Yuksam and Tashiding, where Guru tically reduced during the dry season when low volume is Rinpoche is said to have concealed sacred treasures. At discharged into the river from the reservoir. the base of the Tashiding hill, Rangit is joined by the Dams also drastically impact the biodiversity down- Rathong Chu river. stream. By interfering with a river’s flow, dams adversely The 60 MW Rangit Hydel Power Project, a project ex- affect downstream flora and fauna. There is a popular mis- ecuted by the NHPC was commissioned in February 2000 after conception that since dams supplement dry season flows spin trial in December 1999. The Rangit Project is situated near and only partially curtail rainy season flows, their impact Legship, at the confluence of Rathong Chu and Rangit. downstream is negligible or even, sometimes, positive. In At the time of execution, the Rangit Hydel Power Project fact, riverine ecology needs heavy rainy season flows, as it was the biggest project of its kind in the State. The project, a is during this time that many fish species breed. By curtail- run-of-the-river scheme located 362 metres downstream of the ing the rainy season flow, the dam inhibits the ability of the confluence of the Rangit and Rathang Chu, was to contribute ecosystem to regenerate itself. greatly to the economic development of the State, until it was Heavy monsoon flow also acts as a flush for the river- overshadowed by the 510 MW Teesta Project at Dikchu- bed and river mouth, clearing them of accumulated silt, Sherwani. The project was completed at a cost of Rs. 492 crores. garbage and stale water. The absence of such a flow cre- The Project, in operation for the third year now, is cur- ates significant problems downstream and decreases the rently generating about 10 percent more than the installed capacity of the riverbed to accommodate peak flows, lead- capacity of 60 MW. The powerhouse was synchronized to ing to larger floods in the case of cloudbursts or sudden the Eastern Grid in February 2002. It was now generating releases of water. Also, a large proportion of the nutrients The dry-as-a-bone Rangit riverbed as it snakes out about Rs. 82 crores worth of power annually. This will rise that flow down the river and form an essential part of the of the damsite at Legship. Puddles remain where to Rs. 100 crores in the coming years. The Sikkim Govern- a river once flowed. food-chain of the river’s ecosystem get trapped by the dam ment is receiving 12 per cent of the generate power free. thereby starving the ecosystem. Commissioned during the previous Bhandari govern- has to be maintained during the lean seasons to adequately The variations and reduction in water flow in the river ment, the project took off without much protest from either run the turbines. Therefore, hardly any water is discharged adversely affects water availability downstream. It also re- the locals or the environmentalists, although a small group into the river. This is killing the river,” a resident of Legship sults in the increased concentration of pollutants down- of people from the area had raised muffled concerns. After said on the condition of anonymity. stream, especially during dry season. The impact of dams nearly a decade, the impact has started to show. The blame is falling on NHPC, for failing to discharge does not stop here. In those river valleys where farmers The portion of the Rangit that passes through Legship adequate amount of water into the river from the reservoir. rely on the annual flood to irrigate their crops and to bring town from the dam site till the powerhouse at Sagbari on In fact, environment strictures make it mandatory for dams the nutrient-rich silt that fertilizes their land, dams can have the Legship-Jorethang road has virtually dried up. The once to adequately maintain the permissible level of water in a disastrous impact. Held back by the dam, neither the flood cascading waters of the Rangit are now reduced to a rivu- the rivers after it has been dammed. not its precious silt reaches the flood-plains downstream, let so small at some places that a small child can easily The damming of rivers have major adverse impacts on jeopardizing the livelihoods of thousands of farmers. Down- wade and cross it to the other side. Indigenous varieties of the aquatic ecosystem, by the way of construction activities, stream fisheries too are affected. fish have obviously disappeared and the surrounding land- including the diversion of the river through a tunnel. Vulner- The Rangit has already started to show the provable scape has undergone a drastic change. able species, with either limited distribution or low tolerance, impacts that dams have on rivers. The local people of the Locals blame the low discharge of water from the res- could become extinct even before the dam is completed. South-West Districts are already feeling the pinch, although ervoir at the dam site for the present state of affairs. The blocking of a river and the formation of a lake the moans are barely audible. The taming of the Teesta is “Since the rivers are snow-fed, the level of the water significantly alters the ecological condition of the river, already on; with five more dams to be built across the mighty automatically decreases during the winter months. A cer- adversely impacting species and the ecosystem. There are river that has till today nourished and sustained the State, tain amount of water is stored in the reservoir and the level changes in pressure, temperature, and oxygen levels and her people and their rich and vibrant culture and traditions. Battle against Iodine deficiency Viva Voce Examination VIVA VOCE EXAMINATION FOR THE POST OF Sikkim [where iodine deficiency GRADUATE TEACHERS UNDER ‘SARVA SHIKSHA shifts to Kewzing was highest] revealed that the inci- ABHIYAN’ FOR THE EAST DISTRICT IS SCHED- a NOW REPORT the whole State had been covered. dence of Goiter cases had come ULED ON THE 17 MAY 2003. LIST CONTAINING Dr. TR Gyatso, Secretary down to 16 per cent and incidence THE NAMES OF SELECTED CANDIDATES IS KEWZING: When the Depart- of Cretinism down to 1 per cent. Health informs that this programme HUNG ON THE NOTICE BOARD OF THE EDUCA- ment of Health conducted a survey was launched to ban the sale of com- This year, the IDDP will be way back in the 70’s and early 80’s mon salt in the state. held at Kewzing and is scheduled TION SECRETARIAT. CANDIDATES ARE DI- it was found that nearly half the “Our water lacks iodine and so to continue for a beginning on May RECTED TO REPORT FOR VIVA VOCE ON THE population of Sikkim was suffer- the only way to supplement it is to 11. The Secretary further informed 17 MAY 2003 AT 10:30 AM AT THE STATE INSTI- ing from Goiter with the rate of Cre- take iodized salt in our diet. Today, that IDD officers will sensitize the TUTE OF EDUCATION, TATHANGCHEN, tinism alarmingly high at 4 per cent. Sikkim receives only iodized salt,” people on the importance of iodised GANGTOK ALONG WITH REQUIRED DOCU- Goiter and Cretinism are he said. The doctor further added salt at this programme. The doctor MENTS IN ORIGINAL. NO CLAIM FOR RE-INTER- caused due to iodine deficiency that this programme has been very further stated that Sikkim receives VIEW WILL BE ENTERTAINED IF FAILED TO AP- hence the Department launched successful in Sikkim and has even salt from Bhawnagar, Gujarat and PEAR ON THE SCHEDULED DATE AND TIME. the Iodine Deficiency Disease been an exemplary case as a sur- all the whole sellers and food offi- JOINT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (EAST) Programme in 1984 and by 1985 vey carried out in 1999 in South cials have already been sensitized.

15 8; NOW! May 14-20, 2003 DESPATCHESDESPATCHES rather ridiculously altruistic notion - that the Iraqis were allowed to loot plunder and van- dalise so that they could vent their pent up MONOPOLISING DEMOCRACY frustrations. A more sinister reason could be that it run would have had the economic stamina suits the purpose of the capitalistic vultures THE AMERICAN EXPERIMENT IN IRAQ to sustain that kind of an American on- if Iraq was reduced to stone age as rebuild- A spectacle monopolised watching CNN at that very juncture must slaught. ing it would, on the one hand, give Ameri- The camera’s eyes on choice dis- have heard being echoed by commentators It is, I guess, a prerogative of a super- can Corporations big business for a long guised reluctantly trying to couch their comments power to always seize the initiative whether time and, on an equally cynically note, the Was it cast for the mass who burn and in that vegetarian garb of neutrality) to re- it be on the ground or air or the cyberspace. dollars that the Iraqis get from selling their toil? place it with an old Iraqi flag, now not to It is no surprise then that they should be the oil will at least for a considerable length of Or for the vultures who thirst for blood blindfold the already bewildered monolith ones on the moral high ground with the time not be available for buying some out- and oil? but to wrap it around the neck like some loaded presumption to inflict upon the rageously expensive weapons which the (from “Testify” by Rage Against sissy- scarf or a noose. This was, I guess, countless millions opposed to the conflict Americans anyway are inevitably going to The Machine) the real triumph of the American machine the pejorative title of a ‘focus’ group. That sell to some dictator that they are inevita- that there should be in war infested Iraq, they should make the Faustian bargain to bly going to prop up in some distant future. more intemperate gesture that a people with a sense of television, (a sense spend their best brains perfecting weapon It is then no wonder why the hawks at marine could not have indulged in that can only come from spending hours systems that will kill with the cold, stylish Washington call this one the American cen- Awas to wrap for a brief moment watching the spate detachment that tury. After all they have managed by some (now dilated infinitely by TV) the face of of reality TV shows pressing a button United Nations scale gerrymandering to ex- Saddam Hussein in the Stars and the Stripes. that reduces the VISITORSGALLERY entails. And now port democracy and weapons at the same A photo-op not entirely to the liking of the spectator to a vo- PRAVEEN MOKTAN when all the smoke time and that too with a clear Christian con- Pentagon or other vested interests who are yeur) to project to has cleared and the science that at the moment on some kind of a military the world an instant digitised reality of a victors, notwithstanding the fact that this George Bush and moral high what with all the electronic dissenting category of people who will not was a 21st century war fought with futuris- claims he has. gizmos at their disposal to bring down the mind the smoke and horror of war at their tic weapons, go through that medieval mo- casualty figures in the conflict to the same doorstep to jump up and down a symbolic tion of sharing the spoils we realise what levels that may perhaps occur if an Algara statue to make a symbolic point. this war was all about. bound jeep was to fall off the 16th Mile S- Of course the Americans are past mas- The first hint of this came when the ma- golai. However that gesture was sympto- ters at using anything and everything to de- rauding American troops instead of mak- matic of the Hollywood level farce that is feat their enemies. Reagan for example used ing things a little easier for the people being enacted in the name of a just and lib- the Star Wars programme to bankrupt the that they set out to liberate made it their erating war. socialist Soviet Union out of existence. top priority to secure the oil wells To begin with, what is quite worth tak- Communist China, taking a cue from that while Baghdad burned, caught in the ing note of is the fact that there should be a example, is forced to sucker up to their capi- anarchic helter-skelter of their new Stars and Stripes readily available like some talistic antitypes knowing fully well that found freedom. drama prop for an emotional marine to wrap money is more potent a weapon than ideol- However America with perhaps the around the capital end of the bust of a buc- ogy to win wars. largest number of think tanks per square caneering Arab that his own government The same tactic is being used by George mile came out with another very prob- helped to give the status of a desert Don Bush to bring North Korea down to its heels, able face saving explanation, one that Corleone. And that there should be a kind a ploy that would not have worked in Iraq attributed their apparent laxity in of a second thought (which those of us or Libya- oil rich countries which in the long bringing order in Baghdad, to this “LOST” - FICTION WITH SOUL Some More Of The Same
bring development alongwith LETTERS preservation of tradition. In- ne of the evils of coalition electorate for a fresh verdict. But ost, by Chetan Raj Shrestha creased terrorist activities all politics is the politics of it was never implemented because L[featured in litNOW!, Extras, around us makes Sikkim suscep- Oappeasement. Trying to DEEP parties found it convenient to add NOW! issues date May 7-13, tible to unrest and tension. Poli- accommodate everyone in the cor- to their numbers by luring legisla- 2003] is the most marvelous piece tics with its present flavour of ridors of power not only results in tors from their rivals. of creative writing that I have communalism could affect the fu- the promulgation of mediocre poli- FOCUS Now that no ministry can be come across in recent times. I re- ture generations. The State’s ca- cies but also in ministries contra- RANJIT SINGH larger that 10 per cent of the total ally enjoyed it. It’s an unbelievable pacity to provide employment is dicting each other. This is due to strength of the House the ability but true hypothesis. The all round saturated. Agriculture is suffring lack of harmony among the many or an assembly appears promising. of the parties to entice newcom- progress in line with the recent with yield going down and avail- ministers as also due to the fre- This proposal follows from a rec- ers will be limited. R&D manifesting the possibilities ability of land decreasing. quent changes in the cabinet. ommendation of the national com- Knowing Indian politics and of enabling one remain traditional There are lots of possibilities It is the case of the fish get- mission for the review of the work- politicians it would only be fool- while incorprating change and de- for Sikkim and at the same time, ting too big for the pond. The ing of the Constitution and can be hardy to expect the new amend- velopment. The vision of Sikkim mishaps could happen. Only God council of ministers grows too big useful in the state assemblies in ment to work wonders for the pol- by 2008, if it really happens to fol- knows what will happen. We, in to justify the size of the Assembly many of which, the council of min- ity. The new amendment instead low the trajectory proposed in the meantime, can only hope for and efficient and coherent policy isters comprise up to 50 per cent of of making necessary reductions “Lost” could be one where no body the best and prepare for the worst. formulation and governance get the house, which is an absurd pro- will probably add nicer nuances in lags behind. Tourism, the only ray Thanks NOW! for “Lost.” scuttled. A lean cabinet is the es- portion from the point of view of portfolio multiplication. of hope and an ultimate means of Congrats CR Shrestha, you have sence of efficient governance. The efficiency and accountability. It has Coalitions are strung on the earning in Sikkim is interpreted truly won my heart! size of the Union Cabinet is ex- been proposed that in assemblies thread of promised plums, and a maginificently through “Lost” on Dilip Kr. Darjee, Chalisay traordinarily large by any stand- of small states, comprising 60 limiting of ministerial portfolios the one hand and the recepient of Busty, Rhenock ards, and seems wholly pointless members or less, there would be at may well put the leading political Padma Shri, Danny Denzongpa, and wasteful when viewed in light most seven in the council of minis- party in a tight spot. A government on the other hand with his obser- SURVEY VRS of the efforts at economic reforms. ters including the chief minister. of 10 ministries, like that of Japan, vation of lack of infrastructure our paper had a little space If approved by the Parliament, Under the existing law, only for example, which puts economy, in an interview in the same is- Yfor the people opting for VRS the proposed laws to stop defec- those defections which added up trade and industry under one head, sue. Both hope and despair ap- and I was waiting to see some tions and limit the size of the cabi- to a third of the membership of a cannot be expected in India. It will pear balanced in NOW!, who comments on these people. Why nets should introduce a measure party’s legislature wing was per- not only mean that fewer people knows what actually will be the they left the job? For Money? Ill- of sanity to the country’s political missible. The idea was to make can sit in council, but also that the fate of Sikkim. ness? Monotony? Dissatisfaction? life. The anti-defection law has be- floor crossing somewhat difficult. huge numbers of personnel in the I say this because: It will be appreciated if suit- come something of a joke and it’s Instead of this charade, any viola- departments under the various Sikkim falls in risk zone IV able survey reports be published high time that it was amended. tion of the party whip will now ministries will have to be drasti- which means that so much as a in your paper after taking inter- The proposed amendment to entail expulsion from the House. cally cut down. tremor could send panic across the views with these people, as, now the Representation of Peoples Act This suggestion has long been in What we can expect from the world. There is also the govern- they are public. to limit the strength of a council of the air since it was believed that a implementation of the new amend- ment’s ambition to project the con- KPS Toomrock, Sichey Busty, ministers to 10 per cent of the person switching his allegiance to ment, if implemented at all, is cept of model villages in a hope to Gangtok number of members of Parliament a new party should return to his some more of the same.

16 May 14-20, 2003; NOW! 9 DESPATCHESDESPATCHES GHISING BRINGS VOICE THERAPY TO THE HILLS that listening to the mantras help promoted as voice therapy and her processions on May 16. nearly a year. by AMITAVA BANERJEE bring solace to all and also spread followers claim she has success- “The voice of Ani is bestowed Along with giving various re- love and compassion. fully helped many individuals suf- with divine attributes and bestows ligious directives, Ghising also DARJEELING: Tourists coming The GNLF supremo had appar- fering from acute depression and manifold boons,” said Mr. Ghising. stressed on “Good Karma (deeds) to Darjeeling as also its residents ently heard the chants of the Ani other sicknesses. “It brings prosperity, drives out being the true Dharma (religion).” are in for some spiritual healing on Channel Nepal and had invited Dubbing the mantras as medi- evil and even releases tormented “Only developmental activi- this season. Acting on instructions her to Darjeeling. A congregation cines, Mr. Ghising said that eve- souls showing them the path to ties and handing out schemes is of the Chairman, Darjeeling was organised at Chowrasta on rybody, irrespective of caste, creed Nirvana,” added the Chairman. He not enough, esoteric development Gorkha Autonomous Hill Council April 21 in which the Ani chanted or religion should take full advan- was addressing a large gathering is equally important,” he said. (DGAHC), cassettes of mantras mantras which were also recorded. tage of it. He also asked the lamas today at the Municipality Hall in Clearing misconceptions he chanted by Ani Choying Drolma Ani Choying, who has a large to play the cassette during the a function organized by the added, “I am not a Dharmaguru of the will be played at Gangamaya Park following all over the world has upcoming Buddha Purnima in the Darjeeling Municipality in what is Hills. I am just doing my duty of shar- and other tourist spots of the visited most of the South Asian monasteries as well as during the his first public appearance in ing my knowledge with the masses.” Queen of the Hills. and European countries and has Dubbing it as “Voice Therapy,” recited Tibetan hymns and mantras Mr. Ghising on May 11 announced in the US of A. The mantras are Army Chief visits Sikkim GANGTOK: Gen. NC Vij, PVSM,UYSM,AVSM,ADC, Almost a Prince Chief of Army Staff arrived in Sikkim on May 6 for a two-day District Magistrate. A formal com- visit. He was accompanied by from OUR CORRESPONDENT plaint was lodged at the Darjeeling Mrs. Rita Vij, President Sadar Police Station by the AWWA. The Army Chief along DARJEELING: Just a day has Nazarath Deputy Collector (NDC) with President AWWA visited passed since the arrest of Bula on instructions from the DM. Act- forward troops deployed in Dutta Gupta and Sanjoy for pos- ing on this a case was registered high altitude areas. He ing as the West Bengal Chief Min- against Aditya under section 417 complemented the troops for ister’s niece and her fiancée from and 419 IPC and the man was ar- the dedication to duty and high a Hotel at Malda after having rested from the Darjeeling Circuit morale despite serving in taken the North Dinajpur District House yesterday evening. inhospitable terrain and harsh Magistrate’s Office for a ride, and On interrogation, Police found weather conditions. This is the a similar incident has also oc- out that this man, an avid traveler, first visit of the General to The Chief of Army Staff, GEN NC VIJ ,PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, ADC and Corps curred at Darjeeling. had visited different places in Sikkim since his taking over as Commander 33 Corps, Lt. Gen. Avatar Sing, VSM, along with other officers at This time the imposter decided Rajasthan, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh Chief of the Army Staff. Gangtok before leaving for the forward areas of Sikkim. to avoid political connections and and Alleppi in Kerala. Though he is chose instead blue blood to further not a Doctorate, he appears to have his nefarious advantage. The 31 year sound knowledge of wildlife and APPOINTMENTS old imposter posing as the Prince of even carried wildlife photo-slides. The Advanced Technical Training Centre (ATTC) and The Centre for Computers and Communication Cooch Behar and a Wild Life ex- Police believe that his formal Technology (CCCT) are two technical training institute located and functioning from Bardang, East Sikkim, pert with the National Georgraphic education is upto the level of Stand- offering AICTE approved 3 year Diploma courses. The institutes are registered societies with the State was on the verge of settling down ard 9. Having fluency in English, Government of Sikkim. The institutes are under the administrative control of Directorate of Technical comfortably at the Darjeeling Cir- Hindi and even Nepali, it was easy Education, Education Department, Government of Sikkim and are funded under the Third Technical cuit House when luck ran out on him for the imposter to operate without Education Project of the World Bank. The Institute requires qualified and competent personnel to fill up . Presenting a personal card arousing any suspicion. the following posts: introducing him as “Dr. Aditya The Police have already con- Sl. Post Vacancy Minimum Requirement Pay Scale Narayan Chowdhury, His Royal tacted other police stations in ar- 1. Instructor in Computer 4 posts BE/B.Tech in Computer Science/BE in Highness The Prince of Cooch eas of his former visit, specially Science Information Technology/MCA with 1st Class 8000-275-13500 Bihar” and a director of Wild Life Alleppi to trace his past records. 2. Instructor in Electronics 5 posts BE/B. Tech in Electronics and Documentaries, this man visited a They believe that he is a resident & Telecommunication Communications or BE in Electronics & reputed girls’ college at Darjeeling of 2 Mile, Siliguri. Incidentally the Electrical with 1st Class 8000-275-13500 wanting to hold a workshop on imposter during interrogation ad- 3. Lab Instructor in 2 posts Diploma in Computer Science/IT with 1st Class wild life. Monday was fixed as the mitted of his mistake but also Computer Science from any State Board of Technical Education 5500-175-9000 day for the workshop. stated that he had not indulged in 4. Lab Instructor in 4 posts Diploma in Electronics and Electrical A slip during a conversation any criminal activity. Electronics with 1st Class 5500-175-9000 with the Principal of the College Aditya Narayan was produced 5. Instructor in Mechanical/ 2 posts BE in Mechanical Engineering / resulted in her becoming suspicious in the court on May 11 and was Mechatronics Mechatronics/Production Engineering and she immediately informed the sent to Judicial Custody. Manufacturing Technology with 1st Class 8000-275-13500 6. Lab Instructor in 5 posts Diploma in Tool & Die Making/ Mechanical COURSES IN Mechanical/Tool & Dye Making Engineering/ Mechanotronics with 1st class 5500-175-9000 7. Associate Instructor in 1 post Post Diploma in Tool & Dye Making with Tool & Dye Making 1st Class 5500-175-9000 SPOKEN FRENCH FOR ALL THE POSTS PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO CANDIDATES WITH MINIMUM 3 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN TEACHING/INDUSTRIAL FIELDS TERMS AND CONDITIONS: at 1. The selected candidates will be offered 1 year contract term with consolidated pay and based on work performance after completion of contract period will be considered fro regularization to AICTE pay scale. ‘Superb’ Tutorial Home 2. Consolidated par for Instructor Rs. 10,000/- plus additional increment if the candidate has more than from June 2003!!!!!! 3 years teaching/Industrial experience. Consolidated pay for Lab Instructor/Associate Instructor Rs. To learn quickly and effeciently, select from: 8000/- plus additional increment if the candidate has more than 3 years relevant experience in the
3-month compact course
6-month compact course field.
3. The Institute reserves all rights to the selection procedure and appointments. 12-month compact course 4. Local candidates will be given preference. 5. Candidates should be fluent in the use of Englsih with good communication skills and a good Contact over: Phone - 231961 & Mobile - 9434117398 temperament. 6. Candidates will have to accept work place at Bardang, Chisopani, South Sikkim. 7. Selection will be made on the basis of interview by the selection panel. 8. Late date of submission of application, 10th June 2003. Interested candidates must send thier applications with typed copy of complete bio-date and attested copies of relevant certificates to the following address: Panorama The Principal, ATTC/CCCT, COLOR LAB, GANGTOK WE DO NOT HAVE ANY BRANCH IN THE ‘NEIGHBOURHOOD’... Sawney Busty, Golitar, PO Singtam, Pin: 737134, East Sikkim WE ARE LOCATED AT THE ORIGINAL SHOWROOM ONLY FOR DETAILS CONTACT PH. (03592) 233482, 235382, 221610 AFX-233482. email: [email protected]

17 10; NOW! May 14-20, 2003 DEVELOPMENTDEVELOPMENT PEMAYANGTSE GETS A NEW KANI LAKHANG Samten Dorjee, the Dorji Lopen by SARIKAH ATREYA [head monk] of the Monastery had expressed his desire to see the Kani PEMAYANGTSE: The Kani Lhakhang at Pemayangtse rebuilt. Lakhang is a traditional gate usu- He had confided his wishes to Mr. ally built a few metres ahead of a ACTING RIGHT Chopel in April 1995. “The Dorji monastery. It occupies a very im- a NOW! pic Lopen passed away a month later portant place in monastic architec- and I felt that it was my responsi- ture since it is believed to purify bility to see that his last wishes were the souls of people arriving at the fulfilled, since he had confided in monastery. Yet, despite its religious me. It took us seven long years to significance, Kani Lhakhangs are fulfil his dream. We dedicate the rarely found in monasteries nowa- Kani Lhakhang in his memory,” days. The pressures of space have Mr. Chopel said. perhaps forced them out. So, in the early hours of May The Kani Lhakhang at 8, against a backdrop of clear blue Pemayangtse Monastery in west skies and calm and serene sur- Sikkim had collapsed some 50 roundings of the Pemayangtse years ago. It remained in the dilapi- Monastery, the purification and dated state till a group of devout inauguration ceremony of the Kani followers of the monastery took it Lhakhang was conducted by the upon themselves to the restore this head monk of the Pemayangtse culturally and religiously signifi- monastery, Ven. Yangthang cant structure to the monastery. Rinpoche and other monks during The Art & Culture Trust [ACT] which, mantras for invoking the of Sikkim, an organization dedi- gods to sanctify the place and for cated to the preservation of the art, universal peace were recited. PEMAYANGTSE’S KANI LAKHANG culture, tradition and the language The entire project was funded of the Bhutias and Lepchas of Sik- ART & CULTURE TRUST OF SIKKIM the Arithang Yargay Tsogpo, which conducts by ACT, who pooled in the funds kim, gifted a spanking new Kani he Art & Culture Trust [ACT] of Sikkim was classes in spoken Bhutia. Others include the res- from various sources. The Depart- Lakhang to Pemayangtse monas- Tformed in 2000 to address the growing con- toration of old photographs, films and manuscripts ment of Culture, Government of tery on May 8, last Thursday. cerns over the degeneration of art, culture, tradi- and storing them in digital format for reference and India, also provided them with a The new Kani Lhakhang at the tion and languages of the people of Sikkim, most research, and conducting song and dance classes grant for the project. Financial as- Pemayangste Monastery is a re- importantly that of the Bhutias and the Lepchas. at Kabi with local NGOs. sistance was also received from construction of the old structure, As a pilot project, the Trust has been working on Act has more projects in the pipeline. It will friends, family and well wishers. preparing a detailed inventory of rare photographs, soon undertake a project to make audio tapes of which stood about 50 metres away The Green Circle, an environmen- films and manuscripts donated to the Trust by Denjong Sunglu and would be working on an ani- from the present structure. Devi- Chogyal Wangchuk Namgyal. mated comic book on “Najor Choeshi,” the early tal group also helped raise Rs. ating only in the implements used The ambitious project, being time-consuming history of Sikkim. It also plans to undertake lan- 50,000 by holding a charity show to construct the gate in that the new as well as technically difficult, has been offered guage and culture classes at Gyalshing Mani of Ugyen Chopel directed Nepali structure is built with stone and assistance by some foreign agencies such as the Lakhang and a workshop to propagate Limboo lan- hit film, Nepali Babu. cement instead of the old method Department of Social Anthropology, University of guage with the Sukhim Yakthung Sapsok ACT was assisted in the Kani of using split bamboo roof, mud Cambridge. The Department of Culture and the Songjumbho (Sikkim Limboo Literary Society) and Lhakhang project by architects and stonewall, but still adheres to Namgyal Institute of Tibetology have also shown Prof. George Van Driem, an ethno-linguist work- Sonam Dadul and Ranjan Pradhan the original design. enthusiasm to help the project. ing on the endangered languages of the Himala- with the layout and the design. A handcrafted stone wall The Trust has also taken up various other yas. ACT will also be working on a project to dub Pemayangtse Monastery is forms the base of the structure with projects into its fold. One of them involves language popular cartoon films in local languages to facili- incidentally the second oldest prominence given to traditional and culture classes at Arithang in collaboration with tate language learning. monastery in Sikkim and is the designs and motifs. The Kani headquarters of the Nyingmapa Lakhang houses 20 handcrafted derneath. The Thongdel consists The Kani Lhakhang will also with rules and regulations for visi- sect and was built in 1705 during prayer wheels on either side and a of six holy syllables and contains serve the purpose of a notice board tors will be put up. the reign of Chakdor Namgyal, copper mandala, Thongdol, com- powerful mantras that are en- for the monks as well as devotees, Noted film director, Ugyen who was guided by Lhatsun mands the ceiling, blessing and graved into it which are believed where information regarding the Chopel, who is the managing trus- Chenpo Rinpoche. The monks of purifying anyone who passes un- to wash away the sins of people. activities of the Monastery along tee of ACT, said that the late, Ven. Pemayangtse are usually from the leading Bhutia families in Sik- kim. There are 108 monks in this “Life is hard.” “Compared to what?” monastery. The monastery houses numerous religious idols and Sydney J. Harris other objects of worship, most of which are precious because of their antiquity. VAJRA GURU MANTRA RECITATION AT PEMAYANGTSE MONASTERY he ancient sanctum of the fresh everyday TPemayangtse Monastery came alive with the chanting of Om Ah Hung Vajra Guru Padme Siddi PRESENTS Hung, the Vajra Guru Mantra, for fifteen days from April 26 to May 11. Over 12,000 devotees and monks from all over the State con- gregated at the Monastery for the SLICEof ceremony, during which 10 crore recitation of the sacred mantra took place for universal peace, good health and prosperity. The cer- This week try out a bread from Baker’s Cafe and you emony culminated on May 11 with LIFE will realise how bread is more than just dough. the offering of one lakh Chogs (of- ferings) to the Gods.

18 May 14-20, 2003; NOW! 11 RECAPRECAP SIKKIMSIKKIM NOW AVAILABLE IN TOWN - the entire range of EPSON Multimedia (LCD) Projectors get your home videos converted to DVDs and VCDs authorised dealers for Sikkim STATE OF THE ART VIDEO EDITING or duplicate them for friends and family. FACILITIES ALSO AVAILABLE PHONE: 225082 / 228840 ACTIONMAIL WHAT’S FINE RSS urges only Swadeshi Anthyesthi his is the second time I place Tthis request before the al- Kriya mighty Sikkim Police. As earlier, “thought” in Sikkim I write regarding the fine com- pounded by traffic officials in the on the final day. Starting from Pri- happiness over the growth and ex- capital. a NOW REPORT vate taxi stand Swayansevaks from pansion of Sangh work in Sikkimese It is not just me, but ask any east district, in full RSS uniform society even though RSS started its motorist and you shall get the same GANGTOK: A 4-day statewide took part in the march. The march activities here only in 1997. response. The fine charged by of- programme of Rashtriya ended in Chhokasum Tibetan Hall He called on everyone to use ficials for the same violation in Swayamsevak Sangh was held in where a public meeting took place. only swadeshi goods and swadeshi different parts (or at times, the the state from May 7-10, 2003. Suresh Rao Ketkar, All India thought. The Sangh claims to have same place) of Gangtok vary. How A Path-Sanchalan or route Joint Organizing Secretary, RSS ad- more than 5,000 Swayamsevaks can it be that A is charged Rs. 500 march was taken out in the capital dressed the meeting. He expressed and 102 sakhas in Sikkim. for illegal parking and B is charged 700 for the same offence? And, in some cases if you know The Anthyesthi Kriya of our be- the official you get off free of cost. TRADITIONAL THEATRICS IN TOWN loved daughter-in-law late Is there any fixed chart with Theatre artists from Gujarat Sushila Sharma (w/o Prem the Sikkim Police which clearly perform the Bhavai Prasad Dabori) who unexptedly states the different amounts that a violator is fined for violation of left for her heavenly abode on certain traffic norms? Does the 07.05.03 falls on Sunday, 18 public have any right to ask the May 2003. officials to produce the chart dur- We request all friends, relatives ing the time when he is depositing and well wishers to join us in of- Traditional Theatre artists prepare be- his fine? fore the show at Community Hall fering prayers for the departed Sanjay P. Chettri, a Driver, soul at our residence, Dabori Gangtok. a NOW REPORT Busty, Lingmoo pepthang, GANGTOK: Sangeet Natak South Sikkim. Kutse Shegu Academy, National Academy of Tanga Nath Dabori (father in law) The Kutse Shegu of our be- Music, Dance and Drama, New Dikura Maya Sharma Delhi in association with the Direc- loved mother late Buddha Draupadi Sharma (mother in law) torate of Cultural Affairs, Assam, Maya Tamang falls on 25th Prem Prasad Dabori (husband) Directorate of Information, Cul- May 2003. All relatives, Rup Narayan, Prahlad, Chetta tural Affairs and Tourism, Tripura, Ram, Khem Lall friends and well wishers are Directorate of Art and Culture, (brothers in law) & requested to join us in offer- Mizoram and Department of Cul- Indrawati Sharma (sister in law) ing prayers to the departed tural Affairs, Sikkim, organised the soul at our residence along Swarnajyanti Paramparik Natya the Upper Syari road (near Samaroh, Festival of Traditional Deorali), East Sikkim. We Theatres of India at the Commu- would also like to thank all nity Hall here from the May 11 to those who stood by us in our 13. 150 participants from 6 states hour of bereavement and re- preformed the Yakshagana from gret our inability to thank in- Karnataka, the Bhavai from On the dividually. Gujarat, the Mach from Madhya Pradesh, the Sang from Harayana, C.S. Tamang (husband), Tiatr from Goa and Dhulia Bhaona Palden Tamang (son), T.T. from Assam. After regalling occasion of Tamang (son), S.T. Tamang Gangtokians, the troupe leaves for (son) and family members Agartala and Aizwal. Sikkim’s State Day, Greendale Tutorials May 16, we rededicate Hallmark of sure success for ICSE and CBSE final students. Classes for Std. VIII to XII start- ourselves to the cause of ing from 1st May, 2003 particularly in Phys- ics, Chemistry, Maths and Biology. democracy and Below Convoy Ground, Opp. Health Department Premises, Tadong. For further details contact Mrs. Ranju Bhujel. development. phones: 232063 (r) and 9434103370.

Wishing all the Sikkimese a happy State Day and FOR SALE a prosperous year ahead A black Hero Honda CBZ in new condition, STATE BANK OF INDIA hardly used. Interested persons can con- Gangtok Branch tact PG Tashi at Nam Nang or call 222981

19 12; NOW! May 14-20, 2003 SPORTSSPORTS TRAINING BOXERS LAST 2 DAYS GANGTOK EXPO Biggest Exhibition 2003 a NOW! pic Cum Sale Pugilists train in Sikkim from Collect Free Coupon on MUMBAI, KOLKATA, BANGALORE, every purchase of Rs. 500/- for date in Germany HYDERABAD, GUJARAT, UTTAR from a stall and win after by the Sports Authority of PRADESH, DELHI, HARYANA, PUNJAB, exciting prizes a NOW REPORT India [SAI] and is being organised ASSAM & OTHER STATES by the Indian Amateur Boxing PRODUCTS: GANGTOK: The National Federation in association with the 1st PRIZE Handlooms & Handicrafts Coaching Camp [Boxing] for jun- Sikkim Amateur Boxing Associa- COLOR TV Home Appliances iors is being held at White Hall. tion. An official communication Kitchenware, Crockery The camp started from May 6. from Delhi also confirmed that the 2nd PRIZE Glassware, Cosmetics The camp will be held for 25 Indian boxing contingent will have WashingMachine Jewelleries, Magic Toys days in Gangtok under the guid- the Minister for Power, Hissey Cotton Socks, Kashmiri Items ance and coaching of former Asian Lachungpa as its Manager. 3rd PRIZE Health Products Gold Medallist and Arjuna The names of the 15 boxers who MobileHandset Iron Furniture & Iron Table Awardee, Jas Lall Pradhan, Sujay are attending the camp for juniors Woolen Carpet & Sofa cum Bed Guha, from Sports Authority Of at Gangtok are Mangesh Yadav India, Kolkata, KK Sharma of [Maharasthra], S Kumar [Arunachal HEAVY DISCOUNTS OF 10% TO 30% Chattisgarh and BB Mohanty from Pradesh], Tseng Wangchuk, Vivek Services Sports Control Board. Ramudamu and Ramesh Chettri Date: 2nd to 15th May 2003 June 15 onwards, another set from Sikkim, Sanjeev Kumar and of boxers will be coached in Pune Manpreet Singh from Punjab, Venue: Whitehall, Gangtok and finally a combined team of Baldev Singh [Madhya Pradesh], D Organised by: North East Consumer Expo, Guwahati, PH (0361) 2226824, Mb: 98640-21222/13024 selected boxers will proceed to Samson Pogumi [Nagaland], B Brandenburg Kamp, to participate Singh [Himalchal Pradesh], Tej in the up-coming world boxing Bhadur Chettri [Assam], Munna tournament to be held in Germany Dube [Jharkhand], Manoj Kumar starting from July 16, 2003. [West Bengal], Manhar Prem Dam The administration and logis- [SPSB] and Krishna Kanshik from tics of the camp are being looked Chattisgarh. PANCHAYATS URGED TO GET Drangchu Beverages OVER “MIDDLEMEN” ANNOUNCES SYNDROME AND BECOME “Under The Crown Scheme” “LEADERS” dition of horticulture and agricultural (for the state of Sikkim only) a NOW REPORT products were discussed. TH TH GANGTOK: The Chief Minister A six-point resolution to promote FROM 15 MAY TO 14 JULY ‘03’ Pawan Chamling called upon the creation of Smriti Vans in every gram panchayats to grow out of their role panchayat; one village in every gram Check the inside of the crown as middlemen between the people panchayat as a tourist destination; There may be a surprise and the government and mature nurseries for every gram panchayat; into leaders who take the people beautification of roads and routes by waiting for you... to development. gram panchayats; promotion of “pro- The CM was speaking at the ductive” schemes at gram panchayat 1st Prize TRIP TO BANGKOK FOR TWO / CASH IN LIEU State Level Panchayat Sammelan, level and making Sikkim an organic 2nd Prize REFRIGERATOR GODREJ (220L) 2003, held here at the Paljor Stadium State were adopted. indoor gymnasium on May 13, On his part the CM assured 30 3rd Prize MOBILE PHONE with GSM Tuesday. About 1,000 panchayat per cent of the budget for the members representing the 166 gram panchayats. While stressing that And over 5000 Consolation Prizes panchayats from all over the State his government was committed to attended this meeting. Also present decentralisation of power to the Caps, Key Chains, T-Shirts, Wall Clocks, Badges, were Ministers, MLAs, the four panchayats, the CM pointed out Coasters, Pens, Pencil Bags, Shopping Bags, School Bags Zilla Adhakshyas and Deputy Chair- this could come about only after and Many Bottles of Free Liquid man of the Sikkim State Planning the panchayats proved themselves Commission, Muchkund Dubey. to be proactive and capable. The main aim of this Sammelan Making an important state- For Details Contact Your Local Distributors / Depot was to propose several schemes and ment, the CM maintained that the work out means on how to implement registration of land given to the lan- them. Schemes like Jai Prakash dless under the land-bank scheme yeh Dil maange m re Rogjar Gramin Yojna were lauded, should be made in the name of the land-based agricultural schemes like beneficiaries. The present practise baby-corn cultivation, off-season of only leasing the land to the lan- Applicable for 300ML PEPSI, MIRINDA and 7UP only These products are available without this scheme offer also vegetable cultivation and value ad- dless is not fair, he said. Published by Lt. Col. (retd) P. Dorjee and printed at Choice International, Daragaon. Editor: Pema Wangchuk. Now! Near Ayurvedi c Clinic, Gairi Gaon, Tadong. East Sikkim. ph: 03592 270949 email: [email protected]

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