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Rs. 5 E-MAIL: [email protected] BENEFITS OF NEC STATUS TAKENAlmostAlmost TURN TO pgs 4 & 10 FOR DETAILS rajdhaniIN FOR A ROYAL BONDS REINFORCED AT GIRLS SCHOOL RIDE It does not qualify to be a scam yet, but perhaps only because it was detected way in advance. It had all the makings of a master fraud, but bank officials derailed it in time. The UTI bank is now warning all prospective clients against approach- ing free-wheelers when planning to open accounts with them... TURN TO pg 3 FOR DETAILS simultaneoussimultaneous releaserelease fromfridayfriday 2020thth Dec,Dec, 0202 DENZONG AL SURROUND EX kaantekaantekaanteDOLBY DIGIT amitabh bachchan sanjay dutt, sunil shetty kumar gaurav, lucky ali SHOW TIMINGS: 11 AM, 2:15 PM, 5:30 PM & sanjay manjrekar SCREENING OF “KAANTE” ON CABLE TV AND VCD IS ILLEGAL

1 2; NOW! 18-24 Dec, 2002 RECAPRECAP SIKKIMSIKKIM PERMITLESS IN INNER LINE GOLDEN GLOW FOR MANGAN SCHOOL CHUNGTHANG: It is surprising how people can slip through to pro- tected areas where even Sikkimese by SARIKAH ATREYA from elsewhere require permits to MANGAN: Mangan Senior Sec- CHAMLING LAYS STRESS proceed. Some months back, a sus- ondary School marked its Golden pected Bangladeshi national was Jubilee here on December 11 in the picked for travelling without permits presence of the Chief Minister, Pa- up at Chungthang and now again, wan Chamling as the Chief Guest. ON HUMAN RESOURCE Sikkim Police have arrested one Apart from the local dignitaries, in Dilip Kumar Subba in Chungthang attendance for the gala event were on December 8 for having entered a the Political Advisor to the CM, BB DEVELOPMENT FOR SIKKIM protected area without the requisite Gooroong, area MLA and Power permit or identity card. Minister, Hishey Lachungpa, Zilla In another incident at Adhyakshya, North, Lobzang Chungthang the dead body of Tenzing, Minister for Education and Narendra Basnett, a pioneer with Law, RB Subba, senior officials from the 86 RCC GREF was found on the district and ex-students of the the road side near the bazaar on School. December 14. The police are in- On the day, the Chief Minister vestigating the case. inaugurated the girls hostel and also the exhibition-cum-sale of PROJECT LOOT handicrafts and the science exhibi- ne Tulshi Chettri was picked up tion put up by the students. Ofrom Dalep Busty in South Sik- In her welcome address, the kim recently in connection with a Principal, Ms. L Pradhan highlighted theft case registered against them by the “glorious” fifty years of the Jai Prakash Industries, one of the School’s existence. The School had contractors in the Teesta Stage V humble beginnings in 1895, when a hydel project coming up between Finnish missionary Father Philco Dikchu and Singtam. He is accused Pilcanan started a primary school of having stolen construction mate- with classes up to standard 2, along only in 1952 that the School actu- ing in various state as well as na- the society and make concrete ef- rial from the project site on Decem- with a Church near the Gumpa ally started to function. Thus the es- tional level science competitions and forts to serve the society. He in- ber 8. He was obviously not operat- Ringhem. The late Thargel Tshering tablishment of the School is taken the participating students have formed that his government had ing alone and the police are on the Lucksom was then a teacher at the to be as 1952,” Ms. Pradhan said. brought laurels not only to the taken a policy decision to set up a lookout for his accomplices. School and some of the prominent Classes of the Middle English School but to the entire State as well. college in each district and that 17 citizens who studied at the primary School were held in a wooden house, Ms. Pradhan also took the oppor- percent of the budget has been set HIT & RUN school were Khyaliramji, Chanam with late Emanuel Lucksom as the tunity to place some of the demands aside for education only. Mul, Kulman Pradhan and the late headmaster and about fifty students. of the School before the Chief Minis- Mr. Chamling said that the State NAMCHI: One N Kumar Pariyar Singi Kazi. In 1970, the School was up- ter. These included introduction of boasts of some of the best school 45, was rushed to the Namchi Hos- The School was then shifted to graded to higher secondary level. Commerce stream, repair of the Staff buildings in the entire country. He pital on December 15 requiring the horticultural area. Ms. Pradhan Late DC Agnihotri was the first prin- quarters, construction of a multipur- said that his government’s focus treatment for injuries sustained in a said that when the government de- cipal of the Mangan Higher Second- pose School hall and a playground, would be on human resource devel- suspected hit and run case. cided to take over the entire “devel- ary School. The School was up- electrification of the School buildings, opment and channelising the energy opment area” of Mangan, the School graded to Senior Secondary level in transport facilities for the principal and of the youth in the right direction. ACCIDENT was again shifted to a private rented 1977. government sponsored excursions and Area MLA, Hishey Lachungpa, CLAIMS house in 1952. Principal Pradhan said that educational tours for the students. and Minister for Education and Law, “As per available records, espe- MSSS is the only Senior Secondary Speaking on the occasion, the RB Subba, also spoke on the occasion. HANDYBOY cially the resolutions passed by the School in North Sikkim with Science Chief Minister agreed in principle The students put up a colourful SINGTAM: A handy boy servicing then School Managing Committee, stream. At present, there are 605 stu- to grant the demands placed before cultural show. Souvenirs were pre- a Nissan (SK-03-0631) died on the the Sikkim Darbar was pleased to dents in the Senior Secondary level him and suggested that expenses for sented to ex-students on the occa- spot when the vehicle met with an grant the permission to run the Mid- and 301 students in the primary educational tours and excursions sion. Mr. Chamling also gave away accident here at Balutar on Decem- dle English School up to Class VIII level, she said. should be shared by the School and the School’s annual prizes and ber 15. The police are on the look in 1950 in a private house belong- Dwelling on the various activi- the parents. awards to the students. He also re- out for the driver who fled the scene ing to Supan Kazi. Although the per- ties of the School, Ms. Pradhan said Mr. Chamling said that the stu- leased a souvenir of the School to after the accident. mission was granted in 1950, it was that the School had been participat- dents should be responsible towards commemorate the occasion.

2 18-24 Dec, 2002; NOW! 3 UPFRONTUPFRONT “These people are ALMOST TAKEN FOR A RIDE taking innocent people for a ride by making false promises and When Sea Rock promises misusing our to solicit business for us and people name and still trust strangers with their reputation,” and UTI denies money,” the exclaim. Anyway, the duo in question was Jayanta K. Chatterjee, the client started getting jittery. His involved in this racket. Their game Branch Head, UTI Bank, a NOW REPORT story started cracking and suspicions was much more enticing. Gangtok were aroused. Soon the marketing Bank officials reveal that on fur- GANGTOK: What does a Bank do exec was insisting that he accom- ther questioning, the duo admitted to when a person walks into a bank and pany the duo to their department and being part of a home merchandising demands twenty application forms explain the bank’s services better network supposedly called Sea Rock to open accounts? Excitement would that the “scam” came out in the open. Ship Management with their office be a normal reaction. And it was with They did not work in any govern- in Tibet Road. The account opening the same excitement that a market- ment department and they did not forms were add-ons they were offer- ing executive at UTI Bank ap- have a set of twenty friends wanting ing clients who purchased items from proached a pair of prospective cli- to open an account with UTI Bank. them. Promises of zero-balance ac- ents who walked into the bank’s The duo was allowed to leave counts, debit cards and other impres- Naya Bazaar branch with a similar (without the application forms), but sive banking jargon were to be used mum deposit with the bank has been the so-called Sea Rock Ship Man- demand on December 16, Monday. the bank was worried. Some time to embellish their services. stipulated at Rs. 2,500 without excep- agement people here defended that Enrolling twenty accounts in one go back they had come across cases Jayanta K. Chatterjee, Asst. Vice- tions, the Branch Head revealed. they were going to open the accounts would excite any marketing exec. where, when they approached pro- President, Branch Head, UTI Bank, In fact, the episode troubled the in a Delhi branch of UTI bank with The “prospective” client’s story spective clients, they found they had Gangtok, told NOW! that such prac- bank enough to issue a Caution No- which the parent company, Funway, held out for some time. He claimed filled out application forms which tices were unscrupulous. “There is no tice wherein it announces that they had an understanding for offering he was from a government depart- had not been taken from the bank. guarantee that the payment you make have “no sales agents or outside similar services. ment and that he had convinced all Someone had apparently collected to such people will result in an ac- agency for business development”. When Mr. Chatterjee called up his friends to open an account with these forms and was soliciting busi- count. They could just make away “Only staff members of UTI the Delhi office in the presence of this the new bank in town with the ness on UTI’s behalf. People should with all your money,” he warns. Bank are authorised to solicit busi- reporter, he was told that UTI Bank swankiest office. It was only when not be so gullible, point out the bank Also the promise of zero-balance ness from the public,” the Notice does have a similar understanding the marketing exec persisted with his staff. “We have a proper team of accounts promised by the group is not reiterates. with Funway in some parts of New questions, searching for details that marketing people who are authorised possible in Sikkim where the mini- Interestingly, in their defence, turn to pg 9 for details

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3 4; NOW! 18-24 Dec, 2002 POWER-PLAYPOWER-PLAY Rumtek meet, an informal gathering of like-minded ‘’THEY ARE JEALOUS people; Bhandari a NOW REPORT GANGTOK: The debate over the a NOW REPORT pros and cons of Sikkim joining the North Eastern Council refuses to die GANGTOK: Contrary to what down. Now with even the Lok Sabha some leaders who attended the De- having passed the Bill, only Presi- cember 9 meeting of Opposition dential assent is required before the party members at Rawte-Rumtek, amendment becomes an Act and Sik- former Chief Minister and Sikkim kim an official member of the NEC. Sangram Parishad leader, Nar Even the Chief Minister has been Bahadur Bhandari, sees the meeting drawn into the slanging match and as an “informal gathering of like- he sees envy in the protest against minded people” getting together to the latest development. discuss common issues. “Sikkim is now a member of the Some who had attended the meet- North Eastern Council but I hear that ing maintained that the Opposition some people in town are spreading mains protected and independent of 150 Crores and we are looking into had unanimously decided to forge an is trying to strengthen SSP in order vicious rumours that by doing so Sik- which other tribes might join the ST various new avenues through which alliance under the leadership of Mr. to stay afloat in the State’s fluid po- kim will lose its identity. These are list. The special protections in Sik- we can generate more revenue. We Bhandari. The former CM, however, litical scenario, now that national the very same people who had tried kim are specifically for BLs and not will earn Rs. 786 crores in seven years shies from admitting to any such reso- parties have cold-shouldered his ad- to get membership when they were tribals per se who have their own set from the on-line lottery of which we lutions. The oppsition anyway has vances for merger. in power but failed. They are jeal- of benefits and safeguards,” he said. have already received Rs. 30 crores. few choices with Mr. Bhandari the On the subject of the merger of ous now and not acknowledging the “My job as the Chief Minister is We will hand over the Teesta-Rangit only elected Opposition member in the SSP with the BJP, Mr. Bhandari fact that by becoming a member of to protect the people of Sikkim and hydroelectric projects to any private the State Assembly. blamed the SDF government for the NEC, Sikkim will receive many ad- the day I am not able to do so I will party on the basis of their capabili- The alliance, as Mr. Bhandari talks having fallen through. ditional benefits from the centre,” not only retire from politics but will ties. Our state is blessed with a rich sees it, is more of an “open forum “The SSP talks with the BJP Chief Minister Pawan Chamling excommunicate myself from Sik- bio-diversity and we could utilise which any like-minded leader is failed because of the interference of said recently while addressing a kim,” the CM promised. these resources,” he added. welcome to join.” Mr. Chamling. He is trying to op- gathering at the launch of smart card Taking the opportunity to re- He also talked about the Chief Talking to NOW!, Mr. Bhandari pose national parties who want to set driving licences here at the SNT spond to all the allegations levelled Minister’s Self Employment Scheme said that the meeting was called to ar- up a base here. If there is a strong complex on December 12. against his government, the CM then and said that the youth of Sikkim rive at a consensus to create a new plat- Congress or BJP in the State, it will Mincing no words in his harsh addressed the criticism of his gov- should make use of this scheme. form that could unitedly voice their definitely weaken his position in Sik- assault on the Opposition, Mr. ernment’s decision to wind up the They are the future and our only hope protest against the SDF government. kim,” Mr. Bhandari alleged. Chamling went on to comment on operations of HUDCO. and they should be shown the right “We discussed subjects of mu- The latest political alignments the whisper campaign launched “We are facing huge losses as we path, he said. tual interests, such as the present po- which have surfaced with the against the recent decision to include have been paying loans taken by the He also informed that chemical litical atmosphere in the State. We Rumtek meeting still needs time to Limbu and Tamang communities in previous government as far as fertilizers have now been banned in all feel that a concrete opposition is settle into a stable form. The task the Scheduled Tribes list. HUDCO and Sikkim Vanaspati is the state and henceforth only organic badly needed in the State to combat would be tough Mr. Bhandari given He said that rumours that the concerned. We will also have to pay fertilizers should be used. the castiest, communal and corrupt the fact that no one in the group inclusion of two new communities the Rs. 78 Crores debt of the Power “Sikkim should march ahead with SDF government. We feel that this comes with any public following to in the ST list would endanger the Department,” he added. the changing times and the Sikkimese is the voice of the people of Sikkim,” speak of since the only leaders with safeguards enjoyed by Bhutias and The Chief Minister said that his people too must recognise their re- Mr. Bhandari said. the votes (except of course, Mr. Lepchas in Sikkim were aimed at government was working towards sponsibilities and perform their duties Political observers feel that by Bhandari himself), now sit on the fomenting communal trouble. “The making Sikkim a self-reliant state. towards the state,” he added. calling this meeting, Mr. Bhandari treasury bench. safeguards for BLs in Sikkim re- “At present the state revenue is Rs Upreti returns with a rebuttal made by the Political Advisor to the also cited the pamphlet he published em’s THE NEC DEBATE CM, BB Gooroong at a press confer- in May, 1998 protection inclusion J a NOW REPORT ence called soon after Mr. Upreti had under NEC as proof of his contin- C ollec- voiced his concerns over Sikkim’s in- ued opposition to the move. GANGTOK: Former minister and clusion in the NEC. Mr. Gooroong had While inclusion under NEC is tionpresents Congress leader, KN Upreti has ac- accused Mr. Upreti of double stand- now more or less complete, what cused the ruling Sikkim Democratic ards, pointing out that the former min- those in opposition to the move do Front government of creating con- ister was one of the signatories to the not mention is how the new status Home Elegance fusion over his stand on the issue of demand for inclusion when it was first dilutes Article 371F. This in the face Sikkim’s inclusion in the North East- raised by the Sikkim Sangram of documented findings of constitu- ern Council (NEC). Parishad government back in 1989. tional experts who see no threat to ...an exhibition-cum-sale FROM Mr. Upreti, who had earlier is- “The resolution to press for in- either the Article of Constitution in of lightweight December sued a press statement likening Sik- clusion of Sikkim in the NEC, to question or the special privileges kim’s inclusion in the NEC to the which Mr. Gooroong alleges that I enjoyed by the Sikkimese people washable duvets “last nail” in the coffin of the distinct was a signatory was not that of the should Sikkim be made part of the (quilts), 142002 identity of Sikkim, issued a fresh SSP party but a private member’s NEC. It might be recalled that both patchword bedspreads, HOTEL statement clarifying his stand further. resolution moved in the State As- the former Solicitor General of In- “I wish to clarify my position on sembly,” Mr. Upreti said. dia (1998), N. Santosh Hegde and pillow cases BAYUL Sikkim’s entry into the NEC. The “As for the memorandum sub- noted Constitutional expert, KK GANGTOK of unmatched HURRY! confusing posture taken by Mr. mitted to the then prime minister, the Venugopal, had both advised that quality Gooroong on behalf of the SDF gov- emphasis was on availing of the fa- Sikkim should have no reservations LAST COUPLE ernment needs not only rebuttal but cilities being available to the States about joining the NEC since the at special exhibition also putting the facts straight,” Mr. in the NEC and not for Sikkim’s in- Council was essentially a develop- prize. OF DAYS!!! Upreti said in a press statement. clusion,” he now claims. ment coordinating agency and could He was referring to the comments To justify his claim, Mr. Upreti not dilute Sikkim’s status in any way.

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5 6;GANGTOK NOW! 18-24 Dec, 2002 18-24 DEC, 2002 ED-SPACE SAARC SUCKS s it the “lack of interest” on the tention to operate a two-track policy SIKKIM MATTERS part of India as alleged by Paki on trade in the region. Free trade with Istan or the “lack of sincerity” on DEEP others while blocking out India. This TAKING OVER FROM NEPAL the part of Pakistan as alleged by is evident from the fact that the list India which is the real reason for the enumerating the items on which trade Tourism is ailing in Nepal as is the carpet industry which had over- damp squib that was the 12th FOCUS between the two countries is allowed taken tourism as the largest foreign exchange earner for the th Himalayan nation. While one can sympathise with the travails of a SAARC summit. The 12 summit RANJIT SINGH has been frozen on the number 581 neighbouring country, it would be sinful to not try and redirect the meet of the member nations of the since the mid-nineties. This, despite tourists and the industry to Sikkim. regional body has been postponed Pakistan’s commitment under the Let’s talk tourism first. Save the Indian tourists who fly to Nepal for its indefinitely by Pakistan which was WTO to accord India Most Favoured casinos and shopping malls stacked with foreign goods, the real spend- to host the summit from January 11 Nation status. ing western tourist arrives at Kathmandu for the exotic appeal that the to 13. Both sides have accused each The summit could still have gone land holds. What draws foreigners to Nepal is a collection of USPs other of scuttling the process with ahead despite this. Till now, SAARC like a third world charm, unique culture, cosmopolitan attitude, the Pakistan accusing India of acting summits have been held as sched- mountains and the treks. Sikkim can easily offer itself as a second deviously and playing games. The uled despite the inability of one or choice now that travelling in Nepal is no longer safe or advisable. winds blowing from New Delhi give two countries to attend. India’s other Buddhism is a major draw with Westerners and few other places can the impression that India is through grouse against Pakistan is its inabil- rival the grandeur of the monasteries in Sikkim or the equal the sheer as far as SAARC is concerned sin- ity to check cross border terrorism. profusion of these places of worship in so small an area. Tibet will gling out Pakistan’s obdurate stance This is no doubt a bilateral issue and remain the first choice for a tourist making rounds of places of inter- as the culprit holding back the regional body should in no est for Buddhists, but the entry formalities to Tibet are so strict that SAARC from becoming a way be made to bear the brunt Sikkim should score over even the roof of the world. The other attrac- meaningful forum. of it. tion in Nepal are its treks. While Sikkim might not be able to offer as If India-Pakistan relations There has been some big a range, it does have some of the most recommended treks with have reached some kind of stale- talk lately to form Asia Five the Singalila Trek endorsed unanimously as the best trek in the world. mate both countries have to share which is to be an association Sikkim should perhaps direct its tourism marketing thrust to areas the blame. Also to be blamed is of south Asian countries who that Nepal has lost out on. There is no way it will not click. the back-seat mothering of Paki- are member states of SAARC. Then there is the carpet industry. For all the criticism of this industry stan by the US of A. Pakistan, of course, does not employing child labour and causing pollution, it was the largest rev- When SAARC was established find a place in Asia Five. It is yet enue generator for Nepal. It is also a misconception that the industry in 1985, the optimism surrounding to be seen whether this talk ma- was in Nepal just because labour was cheap. If that be the case, then its formation was not entirely un- terialises into another regional as- Bangladesh should have long overtaken its SAARC partner. Despite justified. The South Asian Associa- sociation of nations. If it does, stiff competition, it could not. Carpets made in Nepal sold the world tion of Regional Nations was to over because of its exotic roots. Much like the Darjeeling Tea, it be- then it could pay rich dividends came a brand and drew clients with such promises as being crafted have benefited all member-coun- to the nations involved as the by traditional loom masters in the laps of the Himalaya. With busi- tries by permitting goods and serv- centre stage would no longer be ness becoming impossible in Nepal, many carpet manufacturers are ices to move relatively freely in the occupied by two nations bent on on the lookout for alternatives. Benaras has offered itself as an alter- region. Cultural exchanges, which working out their agenda for native as has Ladakh which is drawing more interest because of its by the way seem to be the only flag each other for want of a forum to possible appeal with the audience the carpets are manufactured for. carrier for the regional association, stan will only serve to reinforce the do so. Sikkim could score over Ladakh in its accessibility and the peace it have been reduced to lame efforts sense that the forum is essentially dys- On the other hand isolating Pa- promises. For investors fleeing a civil-war like situation, there is no held in a sort of knee-jerk reaction to functional and an ego-battling ground kistan by cold shouldering tactics promise more appealing than that of peace. Yes, Sikkim should sell the passage of time. Intra-SAARC in- for the two obnoxious neighbours. would only help aggravate an al- its promise of peace. It will go down well with both tourists as well as vestments may also have helped re- It is obvious that neighbourly hos- ready numb and sore relationship. investors. Even if we succeed in weaning some away from Nepal, we duce the cost of capital for member- tilities lie at the bottom of the deci- One possible move by Pakistan would have put our economy on safe grounds... states. The indefinite postponement sion to postpone the summit. India would be to float a proposal for simi- of the SAARC summit by host Paki- was disoriented with Pakistan’s in- lar association sans India.

ithin an hour’s drive from Kharka.’ The trek is both difficult and Gangtok, lies the serene steep, but well worth it. Wvillage of Assam Lingzey The Lingering Appeal of Also, in the midst of the jungle at a distance of barely 21 kms. one can spy two “secret” lakes. These Several taxi-jeeps ply to Assam lakes are the source of Roruchu and Lingzey from Ranipool and a ride Assam Lingzey other smaller streams, a lifeline of in one of them can be truly reward- The carefully terraced paddy puter Centre here which strives to Thus far a private affair, I feel it is Assam Lingzey. There is a belief that ing. The drivers invariably entertain fields are a sight to behold specially make the people computer literate. time that Assam Lingzey’s obvious if you see ducks on the lake, then all passengers with jokes and pranks during harvest time when the golden As for the economy, cardamom attributes should get exploited now. your wishes would be fulfilled. and most times even the passengers hue celebrates nature itself. is the richest cash crop here. It con- Go exploring with a local escort and Another attraction near Assam chip in with anecdotes of their own As we move further upwards we tributes to the prosperity of the vil- you will know what I am talking about. Linzey is ‘Gorujuray.’ A tough climb making the journey fun. As the ve- come across a school which was Escape into the forest that crowns over a cliff is rewarded with a rare hicle approaches Assam Lingzey built way back in 1935. Well VISITORSGALLERY Assam Lingzey and you will be and wonderful view of Darjeeling young boys invariably climb to the maintained, the Assam Lingzey keeping company with such wild- and Kalimpong. A breathtaking pas- roof and sing their lungs out. Senior Secondary School boasts RACHANA RAI life as deers, bears and colourful ture land called Daralay can be seen The road which bifurcates for As- of every facility to ensure all round de- lage. Beside cardamom, rice and gin- birds like Dafey Munal. below. Once on top, you begin won- sam Lingzey at Setipool does so with velopment of its wards. The teaching ger are also grown in abundance. This Khedi, a pasture land nearby, is dering whether you can scale your a proud graffiti: “Afno gaon afai faculty is conscious of its responsibil- clearly showcases the fertility of land simply magnificent. Khedi attracts way down. No worries, you can. banaon.” This call to craft one’s pros- ity towards the future generation and and of course the hard work infused people by the hundreds once a year Whatever demands the terrain perity through community service en- is thus very co-operative. The school in it. Though Assam Lingzey is a vil- when the locals gather there to ob- might make on you, make sure that you shrines what the entire area is about. has a big ground and the infrastruc- lage, it is modern in every way. Elec- serve Ram Nawami. Be there at that make a visit to Assam Linzey. The place The ride itself is very pleasant ture is beautiful in its own way. Al- tricity, telecommunications, transport time if you can. Mind you, it is not is the perfect panacea for the weary with Roruchu flowing alongside the though it is old, the school has kept or entertainment, it has everything. easy to reach Khedi. A trek along the boredom that city life can afflict. road all along and the sight of kids pace with times and has a well ap- The people of Assam Lingzey route to Nathula is required and the The writer is a Class XII student playing in the stream a pleasant dis- pointed computer section for its stu- are known for their hospitality. They locals normally camp out at a place of TNA and a resident of Assam traction. The road soon winds into dents. Thousands of students have suc- are polite, friendly, affectionate and called ‘Dhungel Kharka’ or ‘Choudi Lingzey the suburbs of Assam Lingzey. The cessfully passed out and are now en- what is now a rare virtue, eco- houses are built close to the road and gaged in various professions. Of late, friendly. Well cultured and disci- Everyone has an opinion. All of us have a take on things. We all have something that’s worth one can see children at play all sharing. NOW! offers you the platform to do the sharing. “Visitors Gallery” is space on the some English medium schools have plined, a chance to join in on their opinion/essays page reserved for original essays by NOW! readers. Use it as you please. along. A welcome smile and exuber- also come up here and the education conversation should never be ig- The essays may however, be edited for length and content. Send all entries to NOW!, Gairi ant waves are reserved for all vehi- seems to be headed in the right direc- nored - one could learn much from Gaon, Tadong, Gangtok. Or email: [email protected]. The views expressed in this cles that pass these children. tion. There is even a Community Com- these sons of the soil. column are the writer’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial opinion of the weekly.

6 GOVERNMENT OF SIKKIM 18-24 Dec, 2002; NOW! 7 ROADS & BRIDGES DEPARTMENT GANGTOK (Sikkim) NOTICE INVITING TENDER Dated: 16.12.2002 Sealed percentage rate tenders are invited on behalf of the Governor of Sikkim from the contractors of APPROPRIATE CLASS enlisted in SPWD (Roads & Bridges) belonging to respective Gram Panchayat Units for the works listed hereunder. Tender forms and related documents can be obtained from the office of the Divisional Engineer (North) of the Roads & Bridges Department, Gangtok from 26.12.2002 to 27.12.2002 during office hours. The tender forms will not be issued to person other than the intending tenderers. The sealed tenders should reach the office of the Divisional Engineer (North) from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm on 28/12/2002. The tenders will be opened on 28/12/2002 at 4:00 pm, in the presence of the concerned contractors or their representative(s). The intending tenderers/contractors should apply in writing for the tender documents which should reach the office of the Divisional Engineer (Planning) of the Roads & Bridges Department, Nirman Bhawan, Gangtok on 20/12/02 to 21/12/02 accompanied by the copies of the Latest Sales Tax and Income Tax Clearance Certificate, attested copy of the validated / updated Contractor Enlistment Certificate and the Bank Challan, which may be collected from Accounts Section during office hours in original for depositing the amount in the Bank, towards the cost (non-refundable) of the tender documents as indicated below, duly deposited in the State Bank of Sikkim under the receipt head “0059-80-800-cost of Tender Forms (Roads)”.

The tender documents should be placed in sealed cover with the name of the tenderer and the name of the work super scribed on it. The tender documents should be accompanied by the following documents / certificates. 1. T.D.R. in favour of the Senior Accounts Officer, Roads & Bridges Department, Gangtok deposited in the State Bank of Sikkim towards the Earnest Money of the works as under: i. @ 2.50% for those not having the prescribed fixed deposit with the Roads & Bridges Department. ii. 1.00& for those having the prescribed fixed deposit with the Roads & Bridges Department. Copy of the prescribed (Rs. 60,000/Rs.20,000) Fixed Deposit Certificate wherever applicable be enclosed with the tender. Further, one F.D.R. will be applicable to only one tender. If any tenderer desire to bid for more works in addition to one work for which the tenderer’s sole F.D.R is already assigned, then 2.50% E.M. has to be deposited for each additional bid. 2. Attested copy of the validated / updated Contractor Enlistment Certificate. The tenderer should sign on every page of the tender document. The rate quoted should be both in figures and words and should be inclusive of Sales Tax and all other taxes. Over writing and corrections should be avoided and if it occurs then it should be signed. Incomplete tender shall be summarily rejected.

Sl. NO. Name of Work Work Value Put E.M. @ 2.5% E.M. @ 2.5 % Completion time Cost Of Tender to tender Rs. Rs. Rs. (in months) Form. Rs.

1. Restoration works drains and carpeting of D.A.C. Road from N. Sikkim Highway to District Administrative Centre, Mangan, North Sikkim. 20,00,000/- 20,000/- 20,000/- 9 months 2,000/-

2. Restoration works, drains and carpeting of approach road to ZIlla Bhawan, Carpetting of approach road to Mangan Bazar and re- construction of 3 mtr. span RCC Culvert on D.A.C. Road, Mangan, N.Skm. 13,17,838/- 32,946/- 13,178/- 9 months 2,000/-

3. P/Protective works and carpetting on approach road to Tinchim village (1st km) North Sikkim. 14,73,260/- 36,832/- 14,732/- 9 months 2,000/-

4. P/Protective works and carpetting on approach road to Tinchim village (2nd km) North Sikkim. 15,78,740/- 39,469/- 15,787/- 9 months 2,000/-

5. P/ Works & surface renewal of approach road from Zilla- Panchayat Bhawan to Zimchung Village (Busty) at North Sikkim. 9,59,456/- 23,986/- 9,595/- 6 months 1,000/-

In case of any discrepancies in rate(s) printed in the Schedule of rates and quantities issued with the tender form, then rates as approved Standard Schedule of Rates wull be taken as correct. The work should be commenced within 15 days from the date of issue of Work Order. All the works are time bound schemes and hence must be completed within the stipulated time period as above. Penalty will be levied if the work is not completed within the stipulated time, without valid reasons. The Department reserves the right to accept or reject any or all tenders without assigning any reasons thereof. ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS: 1. Quality will not be compromised and if works were not upto the specifications, penal action as per agreement, would be taken. 2. Earnest Moneywill be released only after one year from the date of completion of work. 3. The Department reserves the right to alter the estimated cost without assigning any reasons whatsoever and it also reserves the right to include further conditions during the course of execution of the works, which would be equally binding on the contractor as above. 4. Rates are based on 2001 SOR, strict adherence to standard specification, IRC technical parameters and good engineering practice shall be insisted upon during each stage of execution of the works. 5. In case the department is unable to provide roaqd machineries on hire the contractor should make his/her own arrangement. 6. USE OF EXPLOSIVES: a) Procurement, transportation, handling, storage and use of explosives (if necessary) shall be the sole responsibility of the respective contractors. teh contractors should ensure this while blasting operation is taken up. b) Visible signs such as red flages are conspicuously disploayed around periphery of the operation area. c) High pitch whistle or siren is blownto warn the people to retreat to safe distances. d) Service of police personals is to be arranged by the contractor for supervision. e) Detailed and correct account of explosives, received and used should be maintained by the contractor. f) The rules andregulationsissued by the Sikkim P.W.D or any other competent authority shall strictly be adhered to, with regar d to procurement, transportation, storage, handling anduse of explosives at all times. Proper daily record of receipt and issue of explosives shall be maintained by teh contractor. 7. The contractor shall also make arrangements to have photographs of the road taken at least at thre stages of the of the construction period i.e. beginning, middle and completion stage. 8. Quarrying of stones shallbe allowed only from designated approved quarries. where work of WBM is also involved. Binding materials for WBM will strictly be in accordance with specifications, both in quality and quantity. Works such as compaction, consolidation, stabilization, etc., will be required to be done on trial stretches to ensur e that materials, procedure, and equipments are producinghte desired results. 9. Damages to properties in and around the work site must be avoided at all cost. The contractor shallbe held responsible for any acts of negligence and shall be made to make good the damages. 10. Any additional expenditure involved for quality verification of materials and procedures used in the works, viz, cube strength of concrete, crushing strength of road metals, etc., at site or in laboratories in or outside the State, shall be borne by teh contractor. The contractor shallalso make necessarjy arrangements accordingly as and when called upon to do so. Divisional Engineer (North), Roads & Bridges Department, Govt. of Sikkim, Gangtok. Release Order No: 232 / IPR / 02-03. Dt: 18.12.2002

15 8; NOW! 18-24 Dec, 2002 DESPATCHESDESPATCHES EXPERTS WARN OF GET SANTA TO DELIVER X’MAS GOODIES A MAOIST SPILLOVER TO INDIA Darj and Gangtok Christmas post to a NOW REPORT epal’s Maoist insurgency be delivered by Santa himself is likely to spill over Nto India’s northeast, warns December 23 onwards. tions for the coming festivities. nowadays and will remain open all the Washington-based think tank, Centre for Strategic International from AMITAVA BANERJEE Going a step further the Post Of- “Darjeeling has always been known round the year except for the three fice at Darjeeling will also offer a for its lavish Christmas celebrations National holidays. Registered Post, Studies (CSIS). It said in a report that DARJEELING: Don’t be surprised range of Christmas cakes which can right from the days of the Raj and Speed Post and selling of Postal instability in Nepal is already aggra- if your bell rings post Christmas in be sent directly from the post office the Post Office wants to be an ac- Stamps are the facilities available on vating the security situation in In- the evening and you find Santa de- as a gift. The person has to bear the tive part of it,” said Samuel Johnson, Sundays. dia’s northeast. CSIS says Nepal’s livering you a Christmas card or cost of the cake and an addi- Post Master General, “We are doing good business on security forces are unlikely to be able Christmas goodies from your near tional Rs. 50 towards de- North Bengal and Sik- Sundays. Darjeeling being a tourist to defeat the Maoists, even with US and dear ones. Well it’s the Christ- livery charges. kim. He also informed that destination with a lot of foreign tour- military assistance, and the only sus- mas gift from the Postal Department. Santa will all the letter boxes will be ists this has been a very good move,” tainable solution lies in a negotiated This year the Postal Department take care getting a new said Mr. Johnson. settlement. has decided to make Christmas of the coat of paint The PMG, who wants to promote “The prospect of a confrontation memorable for the residents of rest. within the postal services to international stand- between the king and political par- Darjeeling and Gangtok. Christmas Christmas ards, also conducted a two-day work- ties while the Maoist insurgency cards and gifts sent by speed post and New shop on “Excellence in Postal Serv- continues is a dangerous one,” said from Darjeeling to any address Year’s ices” starting from December 14. South Asia experts Mandavi Mehta within the Municipality area of cards Twenty postal employees from and Nisala Rodrigo in their paper in Darjeeling will be delivered the will the Darjeeling Head Post Office are the CSIS magazine, South Asia same evening by Santa. being trained in excellence in cus- Monitor. The card or parcel has to be tomer orientation, business orienta- Mehta and Rodrigo argue that marked on the outside specifically tion and people orientation. This is India has the most to lose from the as a Christmas card or gift to get this the first of its kind workshop any- Maoist threat in Nepal. Maoist col- special service and there are no ad- also be avail- where in the country. After the lusion with insurgents across the ditional charges except the normal able at the post office, training the staff will get special as- porous Indo-Nepal border, as well as speed post charges. This facility will which do not require a postal stamp next 15 days. signments in customer care and the assistance they receive from In- be available in Darjeeling from De- for ordinary postage. In accordance with a previous marketing, informed the Post Mas- dia’s large Nepali population, make cember 22 to 25. The same facility The Post Office will also be commitment the Darjeeling Post ter General. it even more difficult to act effec- will be available at Gangtok but from decorated with Christmas decora- Office is kept open even on Sundays tively against them, they say.

hey come across the border by the thou- ness, and transport operators in Nepal and In- sands every day. Young, old, men and dia have a lot of customers. Wealthier people Twomen fleeing the fighting in Nepal for from the northern districts have moved per- safety and jobs in India. It is happening in most manently here, buying property and building towns along Nepal’s 1,800 km frontier with THEEXODUS houses on the outskirts of Nepalganj. India, but the exodus is most visible here on Satta Prakash Singh, who operates a pri- the Indian side of the border from Nepalganj. vate bus service in India out of Rupediya, told They emerge from under Nepal’s welcome us: “I have had to double my fleet to accom- arch at the border, and head straight for the modate the Nepalis.” Singh’s company used bus park or the railway station in Rupediya on to operate eight buses from Rupediya to Delhi, the Indian side. This is not new, Nepali hill Hardwar and Simla daily till a few months ago. farmers have been migrating for decades af- “Now, we operate a total of 20 buses every ter their harvests to find seasonal work in In- day,” he said. Ten three-wheelers used to ferry dia. But what is different this year is the sheer passengers from Nepalganj to Rupediya till last volume of displaced people, and the fact that year, now there are over 25. they are not seasonal migrants - many are not Go to Rupediya on any given day, and you going to return until Nepal returns to normal. can see hundreds of Nepalis boarding buses It is obvious that added up, there is a massive Tens of thousands of Nepalis are fleeing to India every week. here. One bus we saw this week with a capac- humanitarian crisis brewing here. KARUNA THAPA reveals more... ity of 70 passengers was carrying 100—all of The outflow of villagers from insurgency- them Nepalis bound for Lucknow. As Nepali hit mid-western districts has now reached a Tanka used to farm his family’s terraces. and Surkhet to queue up for their papers. nationals do not need a passport or visa to travel peak. Officials at the border police post at This year, the situation deteriorated after the Tilak Oli is a labour broker in Nepalganj to India and it is much cheaper to travel by land Nepalganj told us they counted more than army launched an operation, and he left even who tries to connect Nepali workers with In- route across the border, India is the destination 8,000 people passing through during the week without harvesting the winter crop. He thinks dian employers. Indian contractors hired a group of choice. As long as the insurgency continues, 4-11 December, the highest weekly figure that the harvest would have been looted by the of 66 of his workers who said they had to pay a it is clear that this migration will not stop, and they have ever recorded. Maoists anyway, so there was no point staying. bribe of Rs 1,800 to the local authorities at perhaps it will even intensify. Those leaving Nepal range from three- Many of the Nepalis end up as apple pickers Chhinchu VDC in Surkhet district. When con- The question is: can the Nepali hills sustain month old children in the lap of mothers to in Simla, where they have friends. Others find tacted, VDC secretary of Chhinchu, Guman losing 16,000 mostly-able bodied men every 60-year-old villagers. Clad in torn jackets, dirty work as construction crew, kitchen help in res- Singh Neupane, said his office did not charge month? Who will plant crops, maintain terraces, caps, slippers and jute sacks full of belong- taurants, or even rickshaw-pullers in cities of any fees for issuing clearance papers. Our in- take care of the families who remain behind? ings, they have been travelling on foot and bus north India. “In India they can not just earn some vestigation showed that lower level staff at the This humanitarian crisis also highlights the for days to reach this border. money, but they will also have security,” explains local police post had indeed raised money from trans-boundary nature of the conflict in Ne- “We left because it was getting more and Niraj Acharya, former member of the Jajarkot the 66 villagers to provide them the letter of pal. So far, there have not been any reports of more dangerous. The soldiers come and want district development committee who has him- safe passage. Incidents like this make many vil- Nepalis being prevented from entering India, to know about Maoists, and the Maoists come self fled for the relative safety of Nepalganj. lagers glad to be leaving a land where there is but officials here say that with the tight job and punish us for talking to soldiers,” says Those leaving their villages need letters no justice anymore, and where they are ex- market in India which is already full of its own Tanka Shahi, 24, who has left his home vil- from the authorities to prove to Nepali and ploited by both the government and the rebels. internally displaced people and the possibil- lage of Jamla in Jajarkot and is headed to In- Indian police that they are not Maoists. But Paradoxically, the unfolding human trag- ity of more Nepali migrants moving down, the dia. He doesn’t know where he is going, or since most VDCs and police posts don’t exist, edy of the mid-western districts has resulted situation needs to be carefully monitored by what type of work he will get. All he knows is refugees have to travel to the district head- in an urban boom in Nepalganj. Roadside both governments. that he wants to be somewhere safe. quarters of Dailekh, Jajarkot, Rukum, Rolpa lodges and restaurants are doing a roaring busi- courtesy: Nepali Times, Kathmandu

16 18-24 Dec, 2002; NOW! 9 18-24 Dec, 2002; NOW! 9 FOCUSFOCUS Former faujis press their Namgyal demands in Delhi Institute of Tibetology presents Thangka Exhibition of the Institute

Sikkim’s ex-servicemen at dharna in New Delhi on December 12, 2002. pensioners; removal of 33 years service for- mula; restoration of self-respect for ex-serv- a NOW REPORT icemen; and separate pay commission for the GANGTOK: Indian ex-services League un- Defence Forces ex-servicemen. der the leadership of its President, Brig. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party had been & Mohinder Singh, staged one of the biggest ral- very vocal and sympathetic for the cause of lies ever organised by a non-political body at ex-servicemen of the country, but has started Jantar Mantar in Delhi on December 9 fol- dilly-dallying on pressing concerns now that lowed by a chain of dharnas staged by the ex- it is in power. However, during the dharna, on servicemen from all States in turn from 10-13 December 12, representatives of the Central BuddhaBuddha December, 2002 to press for their long-pend- Government along with Chairman of the De- ing demands. The ex-servicemen from the fence Estimate Committee, Madan Lall eastern states including Bengal and Sikkim sat Khurana, of BJP came and addressed the ex- AwakeningAwakening on dharna on the first day from 1030 hrs to servicemen and assured that the government 1700 hrs. One officer, two JCOs and 5 NCOs was aware of demands and that he would put art exhibition represented the ex-servicemen of Sikkim. the matter to the House on December 18, it- The demands pertain to personnel from all self. The ex-servicemen could expect some- Contemporary paintings of three services and to enumerate some: One thing out of it, he assured. KARMA PHUNTSOK, Australia Rank, one pension; medical facilities; en- During the rally and the dharna, MPs from hancement of pensions for lower ranking per- many states addressed and expressed their sonnel; continuation of same pension for the sympathy and solidarity with the soldiers. widows; streamlining of the medical category Inauguration by Almost taken for a ride His Excellency Shri V. Rama Rao to solicit clients. If tomorrow the company de- Governor of Sikkim and President, camps with the money, what will happen to the Contd from pg 3 people who have been promised accounts in NIT Delhi, but there was no arrangement in any part our bank? We will be in no way responsible if of the Northeast. In fact the Delhi office made something goes wrong,” Mr. Chatterjee said. it clear that UTI Bank had not entered into simi- Luckily for UTI Bank, no one has approached lar arrangements anywhere else in the country. the Bank as yet with documents to claim that an on 20th December 2002 at 11:00 What Mr. Chatterjee stressed was that if account promised to him has not come along as accounts opened by unauthorised persons were yet. The Bank is wary though and constantly in A.M. at the to develop problems, then even the bank would touch with the Delhi office to keep tabs whether have no one to hold accountable. any account from Sikkim has been opened there. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, “These people are taking innocent people As for a formal complaint, since collecting forms for a ride by making false promises and misus- is not an offence, the Bank has not filed a report ing our name and reputation. The lucrative in- with the police and have resorted to sensitising Gangtok, Sikkim centives provided by our bank are only for a people through the media and through posters of select group of educational institutions in the possible frauds that might be played on them us- followed by Seminar on Thangka State and only our sales persons are authorised ing the bank’s services as bait Painting Please Contact: Gautam- with resident artists of Sikkim a great grand offer Mafatlal, Near Rs. 2160 Star Cinema, SUIT PIECE COMPLETE WITH STITCH- Gangtok. ph: OCM ING CHARGES AND MANY MORE ITEMS 222238 The Exhibition will be opened from 20th to 23rd December, 2002 between

17 10; NOW! 18-24 Dec, 2002 DEVELOPMENTDEVELOPMENT IT’S A MELA OUT THERE

Earlier he visited all the stalls Chamling kicks off Janata Mela from Sombarey, and thanked the people who made this possible. The stalls reflected the mood and showed marked improve- brings home the benefits of NEC status ment in the quality of items on dis- play – from floriculture to using new According to the SDF party pub- Opposition who were now question- cused only on building Sikkim so technology for building roads and a NOW REPORT licity secretary, PD Rai, “This is in ing many initiatives of his govern- that it could achieve the highest bridges. a way spear heading the work of the ment. In particular he cited the case standard of living for the people. He Through the Janata Mela, the SOMBARIA: The state-wide various departments who also were of Limboo and Tamang communi- said that all will have to work for SDF government is trying to decen- Janata Mela, organized by the rul- directed to put up stalls to dissemi- ties who are being considered for the alleviation of poverty and to up- tralize the process of distribution of ing Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) nate information as well as to dem- being accorded the Scheduled Tribe lift everyone by giving more and welfare schemes and take it right to government began from December onstrate their work. The people of status. He said that propaganda was more opportunities. “And this is pre- the doorsteps of the people at the 15. The Chief Minister and SDF the area got the opportunity to see a being used to try and whip emotions cisely what we are doing,” he said. Districts rather than centralizing it President, Pawan Chamling kicked semblance of the work of the gov- of tribal community to cause friction On the question of opportuni- in the State capital Gangtok. off the programme from the ernment at one place and indeed the within the communities of the State. ties he said that the government was “This way, rural populace need Sombaria Bazar in the Daramdin ‘Year of Implementation’ of the gov- He went on to announce that coming out with innovative not come to Gangtok to avail of the Constituency in West Sikkim. ernment was highlighted.” henceforth even more industrial ben- schemes. The schemes would cover facilities,” Mr. Rai said. The Janata Mela is the initiative efits would accrue to the State, ex- all categories and age profiles, he The SDF party sees the Janata of the SDF party to “reach out to the Mr. Rai said that the Janata Mela cise exemption being just one of assured. Thus in this “golden age” Mela, which will be held through- people at the grass roots level and is basically an “out-reach pro- them. He however, cautioned eve- of Sikkim, he reminded the people, out the State in a phased manner, as avail them of the benefits provided gramme of the party” through which ryone to understand and learn from to foster good will as well as to “a start of a movement” that will by the government.” the ruling party will “assess the the mistakes of the past. He recalled make use of the opportunities to strengthen the democratic move- Mr. Chamling was accorded a ground realities at the grassroots in that because of the misuse of simi- move forward. ment in the State. very big and warm reception by the the year of implementation.” lar incentives in the past, the Centre people of Sombaria. Many had In his speech lasting about an had no option but to clamp the Ex- waited patiently for hours for him. hour and forty-five minutes, the cise Act on Sikkim along with other “GOLDEN JUBILEE More than 700 people from the Chief Minister said that his govern- Acts which the people of Sikkim are Daramdin constituency, which has ment was on a sound footing. Mr. now paying dearly for. CELEBRATION OF HANDICRAFTS RS Subba, Minister PWD, as its Chamling said that his government Mr. Chamling reminded the op- elected representative, received vari- had started many welfare schemes position as well as the bureaucrats RESURGENCE IN INDIA” ous benefits on the day. Amongst the for the people from housing loans to that the people of Sikkim could all people who attended were Kalawati rural electrification programs to the have been very prosperous had the Subba, Speaker, Ministers GM vanaspati factory at Majitar. He said government of the time succeeded Gurung, DD Bhutia, PS Golay, RB that now his government was finan- in utilizing the benefits for the peo- welcomewelcome toto Subba and GC Rai. Many MLAs and cially sound due to its diligent work ple. welcome to Chairmen were also present. and coordination with the Centre and “Instead, we were subjected to During the Mela, rural housing the people. so many Acts that today we are still NAGALAND HANDLOOM schemes, land to landless, Chief Mr. Chamling said that now that reeling under that pressure. It is very Minister’s Self Employment the SDF government had success- unfortunate how at that time they Scheme, gas stoves, old age pension fully got Sikkim into the North East- only served the interests of a chosen & HANDICRAFTS DEVELOPMENT and similar benefits were given to ern Council as a full-fledged mem- few,” he said. many of the below the poverty line ber, this would bring in many more He then went on to remind the CORPORATION LTD. rural people. benefits to the State. He attacked the people that his government was fo- t Dimapur, Nagaland SMART CARD OPERATIVE SYSTEM launched exhibition-cum-sale at Old Children’s Park, Gangtok, Sikkim SIKKIM BECOMES THE from 12th to 21st December NATION’S FIRST 2002 retary, Transport Department while S. Dawarkar, Head of Marketing, a NOW REPORT addressing the gathering said that by SCOSTA, from Delhi who was also becoming the first state to launch the present for the occasion said that it THE PRODUCTS INCLUDE: GANGTOK: Chief Minister Pawan SCOSTA, Sikkim has added yet an- had taken experts two years to cre- boo products, mini Chamling launched the Smart Card other feather to its cap. ate SCOSTA and that the people of wooden, cane, bam Driving License system here at the He then stated that the depart- Sikkim should take pride for being spear, dao, basket, wall hangings, pen, , wooden massager SNT complex on December 12. ment had issued about 40,000 driv- the first state to launch such a pres- stand, tea coaster ooden jeep, broaches etc., naga RK Rai, Senior Regional Trans- ing licenses and registration certifi- tigious project. w ferent sizes, port Officer disclosed that with the cates thus far and that all these The Chief Minister congratu- shawls, cushion covers dif launch Sikkim has become the third would all be converted into smart lated the Department on its success tea cosy, modern stole, ladies stole and state to launch the smart card system cards within a year or so. and expressed hope that it would caps etc. and the first in the country to intro- “This system will benefit not continue serving the public with the duce SCOSTA (Smart Card Opera- only the users but will also help in- same zeal and dedication. tive System). “Smart cards are tamper crease the revenue of the depart- The Transport Minister too proof and since the finger prints and ment,” he added. lauded his Department’s efforts and photographs of the user are fed in the Smart card licenses were then stated that the Chief Minister’s dream SPONSORED BY: computer, chances of impersonation presented to the Chief Minister, of developing Sikkim and bringingt it Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), are even lesser,” he said. Minister for Transport, SB Subedi, to the notice of the nation would come Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, New Delhi TW Barphungpa, Principal Sec- and Chief Secretary, SW Tenzing. true with similar initiatives.

18 18-24 Dec, 2002; NOW! 11 BUSINESSBUSINESS the affordable option. for details, contact the Marketing Manager @ 270949 Sikkimese Lawyers to go ahead with Biharis meet strike despite SC ruling classifieds at Melli November 24 in consultation with all state bar councils to go on a strike a NOW REPORT a NOW REPORT on December 18.” MELLI: The 9th annual general meet- NEW DELHI: Despite the Supreme “There is no time to call a joint ing of the Sikkim Bihari Jagran Manch Court ruling that lawyers cannot go meeting or even consult the office- . was held here on December 9. The meet- on strike, the Bar Council of India, bearers of the state bar councils on ing was presided over by Ram Pujan which had called for a nationwide the phone. Naturally our earlier de- Singh, founder of the Manch. About 300 lawyers’ strike on Wednesday to pro- cision stands.” SPECIAL WINTER COURSES FOR CHILDREN members were present in the meeting. test against the Legal Services Au- A five-judge bench had declared (of all ages and sizes) The meeting unanimously passed thorities (Amendment) Act, 2002, that the lawyers’ strike was prejudi- @ SPECIAL CONCESSIONAL RATES@!%* two resolutions. It was resolved to providing for lok adalats in every pub- cial to the interest of administration conduct an early election of the Cen- lic utility service department said that of justice and if any litigant suffered tral Body of the Manch through se- it cannot call off the proposed action. because of the strike, the advocate FUN & EDUTAINMENT GALORE cret ballot under the supervision of Bar Council of India vice-chair- concerned would have to pay dam- with BUMPER GIFTS and PRIZES Mr. Singh and to urge the State gov- man Adish C Aggarwala said, “The ages. Stopping short of declaring the ernment for site allotment for a Bihari judgment is delivered at a juncture strike illegal, the bench said, “The at: CAPITAL CAREER CENTRE Dharamshala at a suitable place in that the council is in no position to weapon of strike does more harm Deorali, Gangtok 737102 South and West Districts. recall the joint decision taken on than good.” Phones: 281043 & 280313 Bermiok Tokal School IN Grand X’Mas & Lossong Offer alumni meets Rs. 1,530/- complete coat & pant also to strengthen the personal and rajdhani with stitching charges a NOW REPORT social relations. Bakhu Piece for Rs. 350/ only The following committee was WHEN IT BERMOIK: An Alumni meeting of constituted to promote the activities Please Contact: Gautam-Mafatlal, Near Star Cinema, Gangtok. ph: 222238 Bermiok Tokal School, South was in the future: Advisers, Diki Lhamu held here on Sunday, 15 Dec. 2002 and H.K Sharma; President, COMES TO at the initiative of BP Poudyal, Prin- L.B.Rai; Vice president, Pem Norbu JOYBELLS SCHOOL cipal as well as an aluminium of the Bhutia; General Secretary, R.N. HARD Tadong, Gangtok. Sikkim school and his alumni friends work- Sharma; Joint Secretary, D.T. Applications are invited for the following posts: ing together. Lepcha; Treasurer, Tilottama 1. TEACHERS The meeting was presided over Bajgain; Asst. Treasurer, M.K CASH a. Mathematics by Diki Lhamu, PP Poudyal and HK Koirala; Publicity Secretary, Y.P. b. Science Sharma, the senior-most alumni Subba and Mahendra Bajgain. c. Social Studies were the special guests. Nearly 100 The execuitive members were BAZAAR d. Computer 2. ACCOUNTANT ex-students attended the meeting. also decided on the day: K.T. Bhutia, 3. DRIVER Addressing the meeting, Mr. K. P. Sharma, D.B. Subba, Navin 4. GUARD Poudyal explained the advantages of Rai, B.R. Subba, B.M.Bhujel, K. Buzz 5. MAID SERVANT FOR THE HOSTEL the meeting and outlined the future Thendup Bhutia. Coordinator, B.P. * Special Preference will be given to local candidates activities of the Alumni Association Poudyal, Principal BTSSS. . . . Applications to be addressed to- to utilize the resources available and THE CHAIRMAN HERE’S THE DEAL OF THE YEAR Joybells School GREENDALE SCHOOL Tadong, Gangtok. TADONG just Rs. 95,500/- for ADMISSION OPEN FOR a SNOOKER table - 5’ X 10’ a great grand offer ACADEMIC SESSION 2003 a POOL table - 4’ X 8’ Rs. 2160 FOR NURSERY TO CLASS - VI CUE sticks - 8 pcs SUIT PIECE COMPLETE WITH STITCHING OCM CHARGES AND MANY MORE ITEMS (PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE BALLS - 2 sets Please Contact: Gautam-Mafatlal, Near Star Cinema, Gangtok. ph: 222238 UPTO CLASS - X) LIGHTS - 2 sets CHALK - 10 Pcs U CONTACT: KARMA (KEDGY Restaurant) NEW YEAR DHAMAKA Contact: Phone No: 284214 & 9832013183 Opp. District Court, Sichey. SALE! SALE!! MOBILE SALE!! 232157 / 231018 @ STOP MOBILE SHOPPE WANTED 1 ANNIE’S HOME NURSERY SCHOOL FREE LUCKY COUPONS WORTH Rs. 10,000/- and EXPERIENCED Pakyong, East Sikkim GIFTS WORTH THOUSANDS with every purchase MATHEMATICS / SCIENCE Applications are invited for the following posts: of Mobile Handsets for TEACHERS preferably 1. Teacher (Nursery) Trained 02 (two) posts BSNL & Reliance Network married couple for 2. Driver 01 (one) post MOBILE PROBLEM??? NO PROBLEM! COMPUTERISED REPAIRING GREENDALE SCHOOL, TADONG, Applications to be addressed to the principal. FACILITY AVAILABLE EXCHANGE YOUR OLD HANDSET GANGTOK For Professional beauty therapy and WITH CALL: 232157 / 231018 haircutting classes, contact Susong A BRAND NEW SET!!! or e-mail: at riesBEAUTY Internet Point, Yama House, Gangtok. [email protected] AAPARLOUR Aries Beauty Parlour, Nam Nang Phones: 222166 Mobile: 9832091332 & 9434012030 19 12; NOW! 18-24 Dec, 2002 RECAPRECAP SIKKIMSIKKIM SC RULING A VICTORY FOR WLL, Health cries foul over misquoted polio figures, SAY ANALYSTS a NOW REPORT maintains no reported cases in past 5 years NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court’s ported in nearby Bagdogra, the Sec- there shift to other areas during win- to the Medical Officer working un- judgement in the case of cellular serv- a NOW REPORT retary had apparently expressed con- ters. The first dose was given to 293 der the National Polio Surveillance ices providers versus fixed telephony cern that the virus had come so close beneficiaries and the second dose Project under WHO based at firms offering limited mobile services GANGTOK: The Health Depart- and might get transmitted into Sik- would be given on January 23, 2003. Siliguri. (or wireless in local loop) is being ment is upset over an apparent mis- kim through migrant labourers. India reported 76 cases of polio If a case of AFP is detected then seen as a guarded victory for WLL. quote where the figures for polio The sudden interest in polio fig- in the year 2001 the figure has now a stool sample of the patient within Analysts say that though the Su- cases in West Bengal were wrongly ures of course stems from the gone up to 1,005 for 2002. a time limit of 48 hours has to be preme Court has not completely vin- appropotioned to Sikkim. upcoming Intensified Pulse Polio “We are fortunate that for the last sent to Kolkata for examination. So dicated the stand of fixed-line opera- While a local weekly reported Immunization (IPPI) in Sikkim five years Sikkim has not had a sin- far there has been no AFP cases in tors offering WLL, its refusal to grant “33 cases of polio in Sikkim,” Health which has been fixed for December gle case of polio, however, we have Sikkim. a stay on the expansion of WLL serv- Department officials are crying foul. 22 with the second round on Febru- to be more cautious since so many Polio, short for Poliomyelitis, is ices and referring the matter back to The said news-item quoted the Sec- ary 9. This IPPI was actually sched- project works have started in Sikkim a crippling disease leading to paraly- the telecom appellate tribunal is a retary, Health as admitting that 33 uled for January 5, but due to the like the NHPC and the migrant la- sis and disability, Sikkim so far has vote for WLL. cases of polio had been detected in Lossong holidays, it has been bourers working there can transmit been quite fortunate and this success Cellular service providers are, Sikkim in the recent past. Depart- preponed. this virus into our state hence sur- says Dr. Ethena goes to the people however, crying foul against the ment officials, however, maintain However, in areas like Nathang, veillance work has to be given more of Sikkim. “The parents are now judgement decrying the lack of a that not a single fresh case of polio Sherathang, Kubuk, Tsomgu, 13th , impetus,” stated Dr T. Ethenpa, Joint more aware of the dangers of this level playing field. The Association has been detected in Sikkim in the 14th , and 15th Mile the first dose was Director, RCH. disease, moreover the commitment of Cellular Service Providers has for past five years. given earlier on December 5 for Surveillance of Acute Flaccid of NGO’s and the health workers too long termed the competition from Apparently, it is West Bengal these areas would be snow bound Paralysis (AFP) is very important are responsible for saving our chil- fixed line operators providing WLL that has a record of 33 polio cases this time of the year and also because and officials at the Health Depart- dren from this deadly disease,” she as ‘unfair.’ and when the latest case was re- most migrant labourers stationed ment have to present weekly reports added. LAND WANTED Spreading the word on A Central Government organisation re- quires about one acre of freehold land AIDS in Ranipool in and around Gantok approachable by a motorable road for construction of a NOW REPORT staff quarters. Interested parties may RANIPOOL: The Himalayan Ashiyana Trust (HAT) organised a submit their written offers along with (i) a AIDS awareness programme here on December 15. copy of non-encumbrance certificate issued by the competent authority, (ii) The resource persons on the oc- casion were Dr. Kalzang Diki, NGO Name, address and phone number of Advisor, Sikkim Aids Control Soci- ety and Dr. CS Rai, STNM Hospi- the woner, (iii) Area of land, (iv) Location tal. The awareness programme was of the land, (v) Patta No./ Dag No. and basically organised to spread aware- ness on HIV/AIDS amongst the lo- (vi) Rate per square feet etc. to Editor cal people, especially migrant work- ers and women. “NOW!”, Near Ayurvedic Clinic, Gairi Karma Dichen, advisor to HAT the threat of HIV/AIDS. Bhutia, Ranipool Panchayat and the Gaon, Tadong, Gangtok, Sikkim - 707 and also a Zilla Panchayat member, Mr. Jorden from Australia also OC, Ranipool Thana for their sup- Rhey Rumtek, informed the gather- spoke on the occasion. The Trust port in organsing the awareness pro- 101 within 31.12.2002 ing in lucid and simple language on expressed its gratefulness to Chunki gramme. DISCOVER YOUR FUTURE TODAY! TRADE-WINGS INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT (TIM). in association with SIKKIM INSTITUE OF MANAGEMENT AND SERVICES (P) LTD., brings Professional Courses to your doorsteps at affordable fees. TIM is the largest Travel and Tourism Institute having more than 70 Training Centres in India WE OFFER THE FOLLOWING COURSES:
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