06-12 August, 2003; NOW! 1 EUROPE editorial MERGER LIKE AN ITEM SONG? TOUR , WEDNESDAY, 06-12 August, 2003 CALL FOR BOOKING: Tashila TOURS & TRAVELS 94341-53567 Telephone: 229842 / 222978 NOW!NOW! MATTERS VOL 2 NO 07  Rs. 5 SIKKIM’S PHOOLMAYA THE SPYING TAMANG CREATES HISTORY ENDS TURN TO pg 12 FOR DETAILS Sangram’s conversion HEREGANGTOK: Sikkim and the troops deployed here were lucky that Dilip Kr. Roy was nabbed the day he arrived in Sikkim. A tip-off led to the arrest of this Bangladeshi national who has to Congress already made 5 spying missions to for the Pak secret service, ISI. Seeking to ferret out information on troop de- ployment and movement, Roy could have proved more dan- comes An gerous down the line had he managed to set up a network of artist’s impression informers in the region. A retired Bangladeshi soldier, Roy of Dilip K. Roy, speaks fluent Hindi and his Hindu background helps him re- through the suspected ISI operative main unnoticed. His luck ran out in Gangtok on 2 August, last arrested by Sikkim Police on 2 Saturday. TURN TO pg 3 FOR DETAILS TURN TO pg 5 August, last saturday. FOR DETAILS SALE SALE SALE ‘Good news for you first time in Sikkim’ Bombay Saree & Dress Materials The first exchange over 50% DISCOUNT ON SAREES AND KURTA PYJAMAS Pure Chiffon, Dani Chiffon, Apoorva Silk, Georgette, Rasgull Crabe, Kanjeevaram, Pure Silk, Pure Cotton, Banarasi Saree & Kurta, Italian Silk, Embroidery Saree, 40 gm silk, Pure Cotton, Devdas Saree & many more varieties. Nathula OPEN EVERYDAY TURN TO pg 4 FOR DETAILS Hotel Bayul, MG Marg

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NOWSIKKIM MATTERS ! T.V. OR NOT T.V. ne of the many things that being cosmetically overhauled by makes the life of a high VIEWPOINT a casual command or a click. The Merger As An Item Number? Oschool teacher an endless PRAVEEN MOKTAN new technology does not create litany of complaint is not the bad content, that has to come from an The “merger” that has been in the offing for so long has fi- deal that he gets from the govern- reading. Yes, the television has intelligence that is not artificial. nally materialised. Sikkim Sangram Parishad and its Presi- ment or his downward slide in the robbed most of our young ones And that still needs old-fashioned dent, Nar Bahadur Bhandari, are finally acceptable to the society’s pecking order where the of this simple pleasure and it does pre-digital attributes such as imagi- Cong [I] high-command. With this development, Cong [I] respectability quotient of his pro- so with that cynical satisfaction of nation, clarity and vision. The re- makes it back to the State Assembly on the wings of an alli- fession has long since been over- not even letting them know about sult of all this is that, today, while ance. Mr. Bhandari gets the boost that he required urgently shot by new careers such as those it. The telly today has morphed the very best make use of both the to infuse some vigour into his supporters in a buildup to his of the councillor and the commis- into baby sitter, best friend and worlds and create a happy marriage fifth bid at power from the outside in the Assembly elections sioner, it is the decreasing atten- bastardised many a household. In of sorts, the lesser among us are slated for end-2004. Although the decision comes too close tion span of his pupils. the US, as a recent report sug- left with the crutches of an assorted to the Cong [I]’s Sikkim in-charge, Salman Khursheed’s visit The remote wielding genera- gests, the situation is worse. There collection of software but little or to the State, the state unit has managed to salvage some tion of reluctant scholars know are many who think that Homer no originality to provide that seed pride. It had remained insistent that the merger could not be Simpson head of a dysfunctional crystal of creativity that these could given the nod until they were consulted. Mr. Khursheed was precisely what they would rather family of animated idiots is the embellish. After all computers can here, he consulted and made the announcement within days do with their time. And, it is this of his return. All he extracted from his party-men in Sikkim sure-shot cockiness that is making most famous American. Roll over aid in art but the fire has to be was an “unofficial” statement that they had no objections to classrooms an ordeal both to the Mike Tyson there is just so much stoked by humans who at least in the merger. As for Mr. Bhandari, although he lost face in the imparter of knowledge and the al- that a flesh and blood ‘baddest’ some of our classrooms are any- run-up to the merger, he has still salvaged some pride in the leged learner. In the past, when the man on earth can do that Homer thing but inspired. fact that the merger did eventually happen. Both sides now present generation of teachers Simpson can do even better. So where can we head from seem comfortable in each other’s company. were themselves students, there Back to the bickering. here? Is there any hope that our Now, to get down to the actual business of what the merger was no escaping the classroom. The worst thing that TV does pupils will get back to the book - has in store for the Sikkimese people. The electorate had After all, there was nowhere else is that it kills creativity. Let’s take that agency of enlightenment both refused SSP the mandate to rule. It did, however, entrust it that you could learn and there was the example of Kusum. Now, if intellectual and spiritual? with the responsibility to play the watchdog - the Opposition. little else that you could do with aunty was reading Kusum instead While there does seem to be Mr. Bhandari could not keep his flock together and was even- your time. Now the situation is not of watching it there is a constant some winds of resurgence in read- tually reduced to becoming the lone MLA not sitting on the so bleak. There is an information effort that she has to put in to im- ing with the larger storm being cre- treasury bench. The Congress, which did not even win the overload and the deck is stacked agine things like the colour of her ated by the Harry Porter series, the trust to play the watchdog will now play the role officially till heavily against the orthodox hair or the nature that the intrigue fundamentals still seem weak. the present Assembly lasts. Be that as it may, the new com- teacher, who, as the Time magazine takes on from the previous page. Harry Porter after all is mere en- position of the Opposition will have to show a much better says, is about to be extinct anyway. And she can do all this notwith- tertainment. Its appeal is that of the face than it has done thus far. After all, apart from supporting Learning online is one of the standing the power cut, the cable fantastic. Of course, later day crit- what were seen as anti-ruling party organisations and their many options at the disposal of a wars and CAS. But the telly puts ics may dissect the tomes for what- demands, what has the Opposition really done in Sikkim ex- student. This not only has the paid to all that and reduces aunty ever they are worth and extract the cept scripting lengthy memorandums? The time when the merit of being eminently flexible to a one-dimensional entity that last drop of the polemic juice, but merger negotiations were at their peak was also the time as far as the course selection is can just soak in the soap. our lads read it because (a) there is when Sikkim was going through its most trying phase. Two concerned, but also allows one to In the classroom the hangover so much hype about it (b) it’s fash- self-professed “apolitical and non-communal” organisations do things at his own pace. Add to of the remote is reflected in the ionable (c) they do not read it, they - GAC and SIBLAC - had managed to cleave the Sikkimese that the glamour and novelty of eagerness of the pupils to switch just buy it, glance at the cover and society and Geyzing had developed as a flash-point. The doing things digitally and you be- channels in the mind and virtually go to play pool. Or, they would matter was eventually resolved, but kept the State on tenter- gin to realise that it is only a mat- shut out the teacher. The other rather wait till the movie is made. hooks for quite some time. Although fringe players had a ter of time before we begin to wit- problem with the digital technol- So, till such time when the ne- field day issuing press releases, levelling allegations and ness an exodus from the class- ogy of today is that too much stock cessity of reading is realized be- counter-allegations, the established institutions of the Op- room to the cubicle. is put in the presentation of things yond the plane of a past-time, we position remained silent. Neither Cong [I], nor SSP made But in the meantime, when all rather than the content. will for a long time reap a harvest any comments or observations on the development. The that has not happened, we can af- It was Oscar Wilde who once of scholars who will bear the bur- monsoon Assembly session passed off without any ques- ford to meditate on the state of said that style is more important den of books on the back and not tions being posed by the Opposition bench. Either the Oppo- affairs that are so irksome to those than sincerity. This is coming true in the mind. In a recent movie The sition in the State was too occupied with the process of their pedantically inclined. The fore- today, as the PageMaker, the Corel Matrix the boundary between the identity switch, or did not consider the developments serious most is the fact that the pupil to- Draw, Avid and Maya have made real reality [if there is such a enough. Both reasons are unjustified. day is so very disinclined towards even the worst content capable of turn to pg 8 The SSP-Cong merger may have got the blessing of the bosses in Delhi; to win the endorsement of the people, how- ever, they will have to perform much better, be more diligent. Should they fail, the merger will play out like a Hindi movie item-number - something that excites interest, is catchy and “A” FOR AIDS entertaining, but has no contribution to the grander narra- What do HIV and AIDS stand mindlessly optimistic denial of the tive. The days when the Sikkimese people could be swayed for? HIV stands for Human Im- ground realities and an equally by plain rhetoric are over. In the last elections they gave the munization Syndrome. AIDS is DEEP mindless concern for sexual mo- ruling party a clear majority and the Opposition enough Ammonia Deficiency some- rality. Naturally, none of this made strength [seven] to be a formidable voice. Their politicians thing… the slightest difference to let them down. The SSP-Cong combine will have to do more How do you get it? When young FOCUS Pavannama, an AIDS-infected than just join forces if they want to be seen as contenders. people have a lot of sex. RANJIT SINGH single mother of two in rural Just weaning away leaders from the ruling front is no show Is there a cure? There are Andhra Pradesh, who was beaten of support or strength. At the end of the day, they need to vaccines, medicines to cure it. it’s growing because our films and then thrown out of her home convince the Sikkimese people that they can be a good Op- Drugs are tax-free. show 80 per cent nudity; you can by her family. She suffered alone, position. Then, and only then, can they even suggest that How do you prevent HIV/AIDS? get it by sharing food – but don’t beaten up until her last moments they should be given a shot at power. Not only do the Politicians should be tested for worry, vaccines can cure it.” Ac- and then taken to be funeral when Sikkimese deserve a good Opposition, but the two players AIDS. Then they can ask people cording to one MLA, “HIV is not she was probably still alive. Her also owe it to the people. It will be interesting to watch how to abstain and we’ll be AIDS-free. popular, AIDS is popular” among isolation from her community, the the merger plays out - like a promising twist to a gripping his is what emerged from the people of his state. healthcare system, local adminis- story or an entertaining but inconsequential item-song... delegates, mostly MPs, And these are the people who tration and the non-governmental TMLAs, and zilla parishad will be spreading “awareness” organizations serving her area was Everyone’s got complaints and the best thing about a democracy is that presidents at the Parliamentary about the disease countrywide? complete. This in spite of Andhra these complaints can be voiced. “Action Mail,” is a platform where the Forum on HIV/AIDS. Among It’s not even amusing. Pradesh HIV/AIDS programme public mails us their grievances and we get them the replies from the other enlightened views to emerge Political leaders have always receiving Rs. 20 crore every year. concerned authorities. If you too have a problem that needs redressal, from our honourable leaders – had lots to say about this sober- Such cases are happening just mail your complaint to us at NOW! Gairi Gaon, Tadong, Gangtok, “it’s a disease that spreads through ing disease. The more knowledge- everywhere in urban and rural East Sikkim or email us at sikkimnow@ rediffmail.com. people who mingle with ladies; able ones alternate between a turn to pg 8

24 06-12 August, 2003; NOW! 3 UP-FRONTUP-FRONT

A timely tip-off led Recruited in Dhaka; Operative in to the arrest of a suspected ISI agent in Gangtok. A Bangladeshi Siliguri; Arrested in Gangtok national, Dilip Kumar Roy had already visited India five times in as many months and was collecting defence THE JOURNEY related secrets for the Pak secret service a NOW REPORT GANGTOK: Dilip Kumar Roy, 40, has led an interesting life. A OF AN ISI SPY Hindu in Bangladesh, he joined such information was used when he was not and managed to extract used many covers to ferret out in- suspected to be the main “link- the Bangladesh army in 1974, re- planning terrorist attacks in the a lot of information from gullible formation during his stay here. man” between extremist organi- tired as Havaldar Major in 1991 region. The NJP railway station people. Some more time and he Roy’s arrest and his subse- sation in the northeast and ISI and instead of leading a simple re- bomb-blast a couple of years would have become very damag- quent interrogation have also re- bosses in Pakistan. tired life, got recruited into the In- back, it is learnt, was timed to ing for national security,” Mr. vealed more details on how ISI Roy, who is being jointly in- ter Services Intelligence [the Pa- “hit” as many soldiers as possi- Negi told NOW! recruits spies for the “human in- terrogated by several agencies at kistan secret service] in 2002. His ble. Even the bomb, sources in the It is obvious that even though telligence” network it is building present, might not make any grand journey as a spy, which started in intelligence agencies reveal, was Roy is a minor player, no is tak- in the Siliguri corridor. Under in- revelations about ISI activities in Dhaka last year when Farooq placed at a spot where the “mili- ing the ISI threat lightly in Sik- terrogation, Roy is reported to the region, but could provide cru- Khan, the military attache at the tary bogey” would stop and where kim. While Sikkim Police’s inten- have squealed the name of a cial leads on its style of operating Pakistan Embassy in Dhaka in- most soldiers rested. sified checks at the Rangpo are Bangladesh National Party activ- and areas of interest in the region. ducted him, ended in a Sikkim Po- Among the “incriminating” still subtle, the sandbagged secu- ist who also runs an NGO in He has been booked under Sec- lice lockup on 2 August, Saturday, evidence recovered from Roy rity in army installations here are Bangladesh, as the person who tions 3 and 9 of the Official Se- when his inquisitive nature trig- were also a number of addresses a more overt reminder of how no introduced him to Farooq Khan, crets Act, 1922, read with Section gered the suspicion of some peo- and phone numbers. Since he was one is taking security lightly in the ISI operative in the Pakistan 120b of the IPC and is currently ple he met, who tipped off the also expected to develop contacts, Sikkim any more. embassy in Dhaka. Farooq is also under police custody. cops leading to his arrest. Roy, it appears, made it a point to Information available thus far The first ISI operative to be take down contact numbers of suggests that between March to UNIVERSITY OF NORTH BENGAL arrested in Sikkim, Roy had not everyone he met - even casual July, Roy had already visited In- progressed very high in the game acquaintances made on a bus jour- dia five times on a Bangladeshi Admission Notice: 3rd Batch: 2003 - 04 Session and was being used by the ISI to ney. The fact that he was seriously passport. Sources also reveal that confirm troop movement and de- working towards developing he has distant relatives in Kolkata B. Sc in Internet Science (3 Years) ployment details which they had moles in the Indian army are from where he would head for B. Sc in Software Systems (3 Years) already received. borne out by his offer to sponsor Siliguri and make forays into Diploma in Multimedia (1 Year) “The diary recovered from the marriage of girl he had met in , , Binaguri  Roy had details of Indian army de- Siliguri if she married an Indian and Gangtok. It is learnt that al- Application are invited from (10+2) passed / appeared candidates in any stream or Graduate in any stream. army personnel. though Roy has visited Gangtok ployment in the region. He admit-  Regular classes are held in authorised centres (ZED CA) under continous super- ted during interrogation that one “Roy was in the process of twice [once in June and then again vision of the University. his primary briefs was to confirm cultivating contacts and sources in on the day of his arrest], he never  Study materials are provided byu the University. the information that ISI had gath- Gangtok and other places in the stayed over in Sikkim, heading  Scholarship discounts will be given to meritorious students. ered,” DIG [Range] SD Negi told region. Armed with a friendly dis- back the same day both times.  Students appearing for compartmental exams are also eligible. a Press briefing here on Saturday. position, Roy could quickly gain Although Roy always entered Prospectus and application forms available at: Zed Career Academy (Gang- Apart from confirming troop people’s confidence and befriend India legally, he would immedi- tok & Namchi) on payment of Rs. 200/- deployment in the region, Roy them,” the DIG [Range] added. ately start posing as an Indian na- Last Date for submission of forms: was also commissioned by the Officials who have interro- tional once he had cleared the 31 August 2003. Pak intelligence agency to get de- gated Roy admit that although he immigration check-post at Course Starts: September 2003 tails on movement and training was a minor link in the spy chain, Kolkata. Being a Hindu and flu- AUTHORISED N.B.U. STUDY CENTRES IN SIKKIM. programmes of army units. another year and he would have ent in Hindi also helped Roy avoid GANGTOK: NAMCHI: When asked how information developed into a major player. suspicion. From posing as an ex- Paro Building, Opp. Arambagh’s Above Dokham Hotel, Near S.B.I. on troop movement would help “This man continuously fooled Indian army personnel to an NGO NH 31 / A, Deorali Namchi Bazaar, South Sikkim. the ISI, Mr. Negi explained that people into believing something worker, Roy is reported to have Ph: 281039 Ph: 264686 PC now at MONSOON OFFER!!!unbelievable price Intel Pentium 4 Processor - 1.9 GHz just for AMD Athlon XP_Processor 2000 128 MB DDR SD RAM, 40 GB HDD + Quanti Speed architecture just for 48X CD DRIVE + 1.44 FDD Rs. 36,990/- 128 MB DDR SD RAM, 40 GB HDD Compaq MV5500 Color Monitor (15”) 48X CD DRIVE + 1.44 FDD Rs. 31,990/- JBL Platinum Speakers with Digital Audio Port Compaq MV5500 Color Monitor (15”) Optical Mouse + Internet Keyboard JBL Platinum Speakers with Digital Audio Port USB 2.0 Ports Optical Mouse + Internet Keyboard USB 2.0 Ports

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35 4; NOW! 06-12 August, 2003 FOCUSFOCUS CM MAKES SPOT-ASSESMENT OF NATHULA HINDI-CHINI BHAI-BHAI AGAIN Chamling for “comprehensive The first exchange over Nathula by TINA RAI onics of aggression on display here. In fact, the only hostile mo- and thorough” NATHULA: “Come here, do not tif at the Indo-Chinese border is be afraid, we are all brothers,” said the barbed wire there. In fact Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, when the press members infrastructure extending his hand in a friendly reached the spot ahead of the gesture to a Chinese soldier across CM’s entourage, there were for trade over the barbed wire that marks the no Chinese personnel on duty Indo-China border at Nathula. on the other side. After a warm handshake, Mr. Later, two rather shy, Nathula Chamling proceeded to take off by SARIKAH ATREYA his wristwatch [always a popular gift with Chinese] and gifted it to young Chinese soldiers NATHULA: Chief Minister the People’s Liberation Army sol- made their way to the Pawan Chamling believes that dier. The soldier accepted the fence and posed for pho- from its place as an irritant in Sino- watch and gifted the CM [a non- tographs with the hordes Indian relations, Sikkim, with the smoker] a pack of cigarettes in re- of VIPs, officials and jour- resumption of trade over Nathula, turn. With this, in a way, trade re- nalists who had descended on could develop into the medium of turned to Nathula after a gap of Nathula on 1 August. improving relations between the almost forty years. All this took place under the two Asian giants. “Trade over On his first official visit to watchful eyes of the Indian army Nathula can foster a better under- Nathula, Mr. Chamling was seen personnel, who were seen con- a NOW pic in very high spirits. And, he had versing with the Chinese soldiers standing between the two coun- Nathula, 1 August: Chief Minister tries. Improved economic ties will reason to be happy. Nathula is in fluent Chinese. Judging by the that the two countries have actu- Pawan Chamling extends a hand of further strengthen our traditional very unlike a border outpost. friendly atmosphere that exists ally fought a war against each friendship across the border fence to ties,” Mr. Chamling said. There are no Wagah-like histri- here, it’s almost hard to believe other in the past. a Chinese soldier. He was talking to media per- sons at the border check-post here pen Nathula for trade, Mr. Sherathang and Kupup. seriously and that road widening globalisation. on 1 August, last Friday. Mr. Chamling said that it was now Accepting that the existing works have already begun on the “We are gearing up to meet the Chamling was here on a spot as- imperative that the process of set- road network was incapable of side. Sikkim, too, appears challenges of trading with China. sessment visit necessitated by the ting up the infrastructure was handling increased traffic, Mr. committed to preparing Nathula We need the Centre’s full support Sino-India joint-declaration agree- “comprehensive and thorough.” Chamling said that an alternative as early as possible. Shortly after in this regard and are ready to ex- ing to return trade to Nathula after “We will make a suggestion to highway from Siliguri to Gangtok his Nathula visit, the CM also tend all cooperation from our a 41 year hiatus. the Centre to ensure that infrastruc- was needed to facilitate easy made a trip to Siliguri on 3 Au- side,” Mr. Chamling said. The Chief Minister was ac- ture development in Sikkim is movement of traffic. The Centre, gust, Sunday, to take stock of Sik- On being asked to comment on companied by a power-packed comprehensive and takes all sec- he said, will be approached with kim Government property there the environmental concerns that team comprising of the members tors into consideration. Both the a proposal for an alternative high- and see whether these assets could such trade throws up, the CM said of the high-level committee countries have constituted high- way. The State is also pressing for be worked into commercial hold- that environmental safeguards [headed by the Chief Secretary, level committees in this regard to an alternative road to Nathula ings involved in the trade. would be the “top priority” of his SW Tenzing] constituted to work study the requirements for trading which would by-pass the Capital. Benefits for Sikkim, the CM government and that all precautions out the modalities of the trade and to resume. We will also look into While speaking on the ben- said, would accrue from the serv- to protect the “fragile biodiversity” its infrastructural requirements, his other areas that might benefit from efits of Nathula, Mr. Chamling ices it can offer to facilitate trade of the area will be taken. cabinet colleagues, MLAs, the opening of Nathula and not just said that the pass breaks down the through its borders. “My govern- Earlier, upon his arrival to Panchayats, senior party members, trade. We need a holistic approach geographical barriers which limit ment’s focus is now on capacity Nathula, Mr. Chamling was re- government officials and repre- here,” he said. the volume of trade between the building and human resource ceived by members of the Travel sentatives from the Border Roads A heavy downpour notwith- two countries. “The distance be- management to empower the Agents Association of Sikkim and Organization and the Army. standing, Mr. Chamling and his tween Lhasa and Kathmandu is Sikkimese to tap opportunities panchayat and party members Mr. Chamling was at Nathula entourage stopped over at all cru- some 2,100 kms. Gangtok is that international trade through from 20-Pathing, led by area to look into the logistic and cial junctions on the JN Road barely 500 kms from Lhasa and Sikkim offers them,” he said. MLA, Sonam Dorjee. Mr. infrastructural requirements of the from Gangtok to Nathula and dis- the port of Kolkata another 600 It is in this regard that Sikkim Chamling also took the opportu- State to handle the demands of in- cussed such issues as setting up kms away. Nathula is the best op- will soon be getting the nation’s nity to meet and interact with the ternational trade and conduct a of warehouses along the stretch, tion available for trade between first WTO centre. Mr. Chamling local people. survey of the area for a master need for improved communica- the two countries,” he said. Mr. revealed that the United Nation’s The CM also held a closed- plan on the same. This Master tion links and possible environ- Chamling is convinced that Conference for Trade and Devel- door meeting with the GOC 17 Plan will then be submitted to the mental concerns of increased traf- Nathula will help India bridge its opment (UNCTAD) will soon set Mountain Div, Maj. Gen. Deepak Centre for clearance. fic along the route. Later, the CM trade deficit vis-a-vis China. up a “World Trade Office Centre Anand. The two discussed secu- While expressing his gratitude revealed that it was decided that Sources reveal that the Chi- of Excellence” to help prepare the rity concerns and how adequate ar- to the Centre for agreeing to reo- warehouses be set up at nese are taking the Nathula option state in meeting the challenges of rangements could be put into place.

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4 The Transport 06-12 August, 2003; NOW! 5 Department workshop at Jalipool RECAPRECAP SIKKIMSIKKIM loves vehicles. It a NOW! pic sometimes keeps From the CAG Report them for more than 3 years for repairs... The repair specialists a NOW REPORT buses and trucks underwent ma- daisical attitude and its fallouts. GANGTOK: How long would jor engine repairs at the work- The CAG Report now ob- you leave your vehicle with the shop. Of these, 126 vehicles [93 serves that such “abnormal hold- mechanic when you put it in for a per cent] exceeded the 22-day up” at the workshop “in excess of complete overhaul? A month, limit set by ASRTU by periods industry norms” adversely affected maybe two at the most. If you are ranging from 4 days to a phenom- the fleet deployment and resulted someone who will start missing enal 1230 days. A more detailed in an estimated revenue loss of Rs. your drive within a month of two, break-up reveals that 41 buses and 99.63 lakhs to the State exchequer. then make sure that it does not end 43 trucks took between 4-200 In its defence, the Department up at the Jalipool workshop of the days more than mandated, 9 buses argued that the delays occurred due Transport Department. The Comp- overstayed their welcome at the to “non-availability” of skilled troller Auditor General’s Report for workshop by 400-600 days and manpower and “overage” of vehi- Sikkim for year ended 31 March, two buses were being repaired for cles. It also pointed out that stipu- 2002, reveals that not only has the more than three years! lated 22-day deadline is for engine Department “not considered it nec- The casual approach of the and gearbox overhauling while the essary to fix any norms of the time Department is even more con- workshop at Jalipool also under- required by the workshop to under- founding when seen in light of the took complete renovation of body take various types of repairs,” it is fact that this is not the first time and repainting jobs too. “Even af- also unlikely to complain even if a the issue is being raised. The CAG ter considering departmental reply, vehicle remains at the workshop for Report for 1994-95 and an In- the detention of 42 vehicles for more than three years. spection Report in October 1999 more than 200 days was incompre- “Abnormal” delays in repair had already pointed out this lacka- hensible,” the Report records. LINED AND FORGOTTEN: Vehicles at the Transport Deptt workshop at Jalipool works at the Jalipool workshop, the CAG Report claims has resulted in a revenue loss of almost a crore. Since the Department does not consider it necessary to stipu- Court gives Bhandari and co. “benefit of the doubt” late deadlines, auditors adopted the standards fixed by the Asso- ciation of State Road Transport acquits them in Employment Exchange case Undertakings [which stipulates a maximum of 22 days for major breaching Section 144 and riot- the judgement order gives Mr. former Deputy Chief Minister PT engine repairs of heavy vehicles] a NOW REPORT ing in the tumultuous week of Bhandari and co. the “benefit of Lucksom and the two SSP MLAs to evaluate the efficiency [!] of the 1997 which saw protests against the doubt” in the charges framed who now sit in the ruling bench, workshop. They checked the GANGTOK: Former Chief Min- the extension of central employ- against them in the role they Sonam Dorjee and JK Bhandari. books there from April 199 to ister and Opposition Sikkim ment exchange act to Sikkim have played in leading the sometimes The protests, which were September 2001. Sangram Parishad president, Nar been acquitted by the Chief Judi- violent protest marches against threatening to run out of control, Their findings are embarrassing. Bahadur Bhandari and fifteen cial Magistrate [West]. the Act back in 1997. ended with a lathi-charge near During the check-period, 135 other politicians booked for Informed sources reveal that Apart from Mr. Bhandari, Paljor Stadium. After the voices other Opposition leaders booked of dissent simmered down under in the case were Congress lead- the lathi blows of Sikkim Police The IBM ThinkPad T Series ers Thukchuk Lachungpa, KN and RAF, the State Government Carried by those who carry companies Upreti, PD Namgyal, Sikkim Ekta too withdrew the extension of the Manch president and former Act and booked the opposition Power Secretary, LP Tewari and leaders. panies ThinkPad T Ser SBI NOW PRESENTS: ose who car teacher CAR LOANS PLUS IBM HOUSING  LOANS The powerful, wireless IBM ThinkPad T40 notebook. With the all new Intel Centrino mobile technology for spirited performance, anywhere. 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5 6; NOW! 06-12 August, 2003 POWERPOWER PLAYPLAY SIBLAC invokes guardian deities to sustain BL unity Kabi-Longtsok prayers a NOW! pic a curtain-raiser to SIBLAC’s Delhi yatra their organisation’s continued si- a NOW REPORT lence on issues concerning the KABI-LONGTSOK: “Vested ethnic minority group of Sikkim. interests have been trying to di- Owing to the road conditions, vide the and Lepchas and the prayer meet at Kabi drew by invoking the guardian deities fewer people than expected, but and the ancestors through this the invocations went off well in prayer, we hope to re-establish the the bright weather that held bonds of blood-brotherhood that throughout. Among those present the two communities swore cen- for the prayer were SIBLAC of- turies ago,” said Tenzin C’wang, fice-bearers including its conven- spokesperson for SIBLAC which ors Tseten Tashi Bhutia and Nima organised a Sol-kha at Kabi- Lepcha, SPCC [I] President, Longstok on 3 August, Sunday. Namkha Gyaltsen and former The prayers at Kabi, con- Ambassador, Karma Topden. ducted jointly by Bongthings and Talking to NOW!, Mr. monks, invoked the guardian dei- C’wang added that the prayers ties of Sikkim and the ancestors, were a “curtain-raiser” to the de- demand for increasing the Assem- The gathering at Kabi-Longtsok for the SIBLAC-spon- in a bid to buttress the BL unity, parture of SIBLAC members to bly strength to 40 get accepted. It sored Sol Kha[above]. [right] A Lepcha Bongthing which SIBLAC fears is fragment- Delhi [scheduled for later this has also demanded that the reser- from Dzongu invokes the guardian deities and spir- its of the ancestors to bless the Bhutia-Lepcha ing under the influence of those month] where they plan to hold a vation formula of the Assembly tryst of blood brotherhood. who view it as a threat. series of sit-ins and dharnas in a seats be followed even at the Mr. C’wang insisted that even bid to spread awareness about and panchayat level and also replicated The prayer meet ended though Lepcha organisations had win support for their demands. in reservations for higher studies with SIBLAC members withdrawn support from The latest list of SIBLAC’s 4- and employment opportunities. In undertaking an oath to SIBLAC, the apex committee point resolution includes a demand its fourth demand, SIBLAC calls “continue” with continued to enjoy the support of for commensurate increase in seats for such a delimitation that ensures their struggle a sizeable number of Lepchas in reserved for BLs [up from 12 to that BL voters are in majority in for BL “sur- Sikkim who are unhappy with 17] should the State Government’s BL constituencies. vival”. BHARAT BASNET QUITS SDF SANGRAM’S CONVERSION TO CONGRESS COMES THROUGH GANGTOK: Former Congress- man, Bharat Basnet, who had ear- High-command compensates Arunachal with lier quit Cong [I] to join the ruling party has now also quit from SDF. Sikkim, Sangramis to now wear Cong colours In a resignation letter dated 1 Au- on it within a week of Salman “haste”. In fact, in conversation fingers at her,” he said. gust, copies of which were circu- a NOW REPORT Khursheed’s [Special Invitee CWC with NOW!, Mr. Khursheed even All these considerations now lated among the Press, Mr. Basnet GANGTOK: A fax-message and party in-charge for Meghalaya, hinted that a lot more thought appear a thing of the past. A for- has quoted the State Government’s scrolled into the Sikkim Pradesh Tripura and Sikkim] Sikkim visit. needed to be applied to the pro- mal announcement on the merger failure to “give justice” to victims Congress Committee late on Satur- The announcement took eve- posal since Mr. Bhandari came is expected on 7 August, by which of post-poll violence on 1999, its day night announcing the Congress ryone by surprise in light of Mr. with a “lot of excess baggage”. time the SSP President accompa- “tacit support” for GAC and what high-command’s “in-principle” Khursheed’s comments in Sikkim “Mrs. Gandhi’s popularity is on a nied by his supporters will reach he calls the “5 Cs formula” of the clearance of the SSP-Congress where he suggested that the high at present, we would not Delhi. The merger, an SSP leader ruling party [Chamling, corruption, merger which has been pending for merger would not be decided in want to do anything that points confirmed is “unconditional”. casteism, communalism and capi- some two years now. After months talism] as the reasons prompting of vacillating over the issue, the Con- his decision. gress high-command finally decided Sikkim Football Association [Affiliated to AIFF] NOTICE TO MEMBERS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The Annual General Meeting of the mem- bers of Sikkim Football Association has been convened for 4:30 PM on Saturday, the 16th of August 2003 at Hotel Gochala, below Power Office, Gangtok. Hence, all the members are requested to kindly make it convenient to attend the meeting. [B. K. Roka] General Secretary

6 06-12 August, 2003; NOW! 7 DEVELOPMENTDEVELOPMENT The first field trip took the Naga guides to Pasatanga in Assam Lingzey. Lodged in Nepalese households, this was their first experience in village home-stays. Ecotourism lessons from Sikkim Next, they headed to Dzongu for a one- a NOW! pic on-one with the Lepchas of the region. The Naga tour operators first stop was at Namprikdang, where the par- ticipants visited the traditional Lepcha House. learn the tricks of the Tingvong village in Upper Dzongu played host to the visiting Naga delegation, ecotourism trade from kicking off the Tingvong village home-stay Sikkim experts project. The villagers put up a colourful cultural show for the visitors, show-casing by SARIKAH ATREYA their traditional songs and dances. A friendly football match was also held be- GANGTOK: Tsanchingla Imlong can hardly tween the Naga visitors and the hosts. wait to go home in Mokokchung, Nagaland. “It has been an eye-opener for me in The young tour operator is eager to put into many ways. There are so many things about practise the training she received here during village home-stays, which we can replicate her two-week stay. She is confident that the in our own villages in Nagaland. It is all training would give the much-needed impe- about involving the local community in tus to the nascent tourism industry in her State. such income-generating schemes which “I have learnt so much. Nagaland is will supplement their traditional sources of similar to Sikkim in so many ways. I learnt income and preserve their culture, tradition a great deal. I hope to use my experience and the environment at the same time,” felt Naga tour operators take tips on ecotourism from Dzongu Ecotourism Develop- here to contribute to the development of Tsangchingla. ment Committee member, Sherab Lepcha, en route to Tingvong. my State, through tourism, which I hope The rest of their itinerary consisted of will in turn contribute to the development from Nagaland. The first training pro- “This training programme was aimed visits to the Martam Resort and Kewzing, of my own community,” she told NOW! gramme on adventure tourism was held at improving the basic skills of the guides, where the trainees were again exposed to She is not alone. here in June, earlier this year. and train them in responsible rural eco-tour- village home stays. In Kewzing, they were Thirty enthusiasts like her from Tsangchingla and her team-mates got ism practices, which they can implement treated to traditional Sikkimese Bhutia hos- Nagaland share the same feeling. They first-hand experience of village tourism in their State,” Renzino Lepcha, executive pitality and culture. The last leg of their train- were part of the two-week Rural Tourism management through the exhaustive train- secretary, ECOSS and the main facilitator ing took them to Legship for river rafting Guides Training programme conducted by ing programme, which included field trips, of the training programme said. and then to Namchi, where the valedictory the Ecotourism & Conservation Society of and dwelt upon subjects like role of rural Mr. Lepcha is of the opinion that such function was held on 1 August, last Friday. Sikkim (ECOSS), which was held from 19 guides, village home-stays, arrival and de- training programmes will immensely con- “At the end of the day, its all about sus- July to 2 August and sponsored by the Gov- parture briefing techniques, customer serv- tribute to the development of ecotourism of tainable development. Sikkim is leading the ernment of Nagaland. ice interpretation, marketing, medical and the entire region and will also help in mar- way in ecotourism and sustainable develop- This was the second such training pro- first aid, hygiene and sanitation, garbage keting Sikkim as an ecotourism destination, ment efforts of the country. We hope to follow gramme conducted by ECOSS for trainees and trash management etc. with the focus on village home stays. in the same steps,” summed up Tsanchingla. TAAS upbeat about Nathula, concerned over Anthyesthi Kriya mushrooming of “unauthorised” operators The Anthyesthi Kriya of Late (Shri) Nandalall Rasaily a NOW REPORT by the State government,” Mr. blame us when things go wrong.” (ex-Councillor) falls on 9 August 2003 at Rautey Lachungpa said. TAAS has also requested the Rumtek. All relatives, friends and well wishers are re- GANGTOK: Although not yet Elaborating TAAS’ concerns, State government to open the quested to attend in the prayer for the departed soul. opened for tourism, the an- Mr. Lachungpa said, “We have Gangtok-Nathula-Gnathang- Dhan Kumar Rasaily (Thulo Bhai) & Brothers. nouncement that Nathula will be found that we are gradually being Phademchen-Rongli-Rhenok Rita & Meena (daughters) & Other Relatives. opened for trade has still got those swamped by irresponsible and un- route so that people along this Ph: 52319 in the travel industry in a euphoric authorised travel agents, tour op- route get an additional source of mood, confident that tourism will erators and hoteliers from outside income. receive a boost with the opening the State. They have no social or It has also pleaded for a sin- of Nathula for trade. environmental concerns for the gle window-system for issuing And, when the Chief Minis- state. They come here, make quick permits for high altitude treks and ter made his first official visit to money, add to the garbage, set has also suggested that “minor Nathula since the announcement, wrong examples and leave. We peaks” which do not fall under the TAAS members were present in have therefore asked the State gov- sacred category be opened for full force to welcome him there. ernment to disallow outside travel mountaineering expeditions. The The TAAS delegation, led by its agents and tour operators from memorandum also advocates the president, Paljor Lachungpa, fe- conducting package tours in Sik- need for opening Tourist Informa- licitated the CM at Nathula and kim without a tie-up with a recog- tion centres in Mumbai, expressed their “heartfelt grati- nised local partner. This will en- Bangalore and Chennai to tap po- tude” to the State government for sure that visitors to the State do not tential markets there. successfully advocating the need to reopen Nathula for trade. ADMISSION NOTICE - 2003 - 2004 “TAAS has been supporting the issue and now, our long-cher- For Direct Admission in Management seats, contact Mrs. Soma Dey of ished dream has been realised. ‘Career’s Counselling’, Tibet Road, opp. Election Office, Gangtok, tele - The entire sector is overjoyed,” 226510 (R) 9434153355 (M). Mr. Lachungpa said. MBBS, BDS, BSc (Bio-Tech, Micrp-Bio, Comp. Sc, Genetics) BSc (Nursing), Hotel TAAS also took the opportu- Management, BPT, BE (E&C, E&E, Mech., Civil Etc.) MBA, BBA, MCA, BCA. nity to submit a 10-point memo- WE DEAL IN COLLEGES: ACHARYA INST., DAYANAND SAGAR, M.S. randum to the CM during his RAMIYA, OXFORD INSTITUTE, AMC, CMR, REVA, PRESIDENCY Nathula visit. COLLEGE (BANGALORE), SRI SIDDHARTHA MEDICAL COLLEGE “While we are happy with the (TUMKUR), KDK ENGG. & UMRER ENGG (NAGPUR), SURYA DUTTA prospects of increased tourism- INSTT. FOR MBA & MCA (pune). related activities after trade SPECIAL OFFER: RESERVE WITHIN 7 DAYS , BSc, (Bio-tech/ Micro-Bio/ Ge- resumes from Nathula, we also netics = NO DONATION , BE (NO DONATION), BPT (NO DONATION), BSc (Nurs- have fears. We have highlighted ing)= 50 thousand Donation + Fees them in our memorandum. We are N.B: COMPART STUDENTS (ANY SUBJECT) CAN CONTACT TO RESERVE YOUR SEATS FOR HIGHER STUDIES.LATERAL ADMISSION IN 2ND YEAR B.E. FOR hopeful that our fears and con- DIPLOMA HOLDERS. cerns will be received positively

15 8; NOW! 06-12 August, 2003 A for AIDS RECAP SIKKIM Contd from pg 2 RECAP SIKKIM India, in spite of the President, a NOW REPORT Prime Minister and sundry politi- Tendong-Lho-Rum-Faat- the ancient festival cal leaders regularly signing all GANGTOK: Tendong Lho Rum sorts of high-minded and more or Faat, one of the oldest festival of less utopian declarations. New the Lepchas falls on 8 August, Fri- Lepcha youth promise grand celebrations HIV infections are increasingly day. The Sikkim Lepcha Youth As- concentrated among the illiterate sociation, in collaboration with the In the wake of a heavy earth- flow southwards, thus saving the and the poor, especially among department of Cultural Affairs and quake which damaged the lakes, Lepchas from the great deluge. young, poor and illiterate women. Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre, the legend goes that Parilbu [King Since that time, the Lepchas Such lives have little value among Kolkata is planning a celebration at Serpant] and Tutfo guided the two have observed the “Tendong Lho the Indian political leadership be- Community Hall, Gangtok, to mark new rivers to their confluence at Rum Faat” or worship of Mt. tween elections. the occasion. The celebratory func- Pozok [now Peshok). Tendong. India is home to the regions’ tions will begin from 6 am with a Unfortunately, the rivers Till a few years back the fes- largest epidemic. About 4 million prayers. Apart from other cultural flooded Mayel Lyang [Sikkim]. tival was celebrated privately at Indians now have HIV and events, a Lepcha audio cassette and The Lepchas residing near Mt. homes, but now, not only is it a 3,00,000 more become infected magazine are to be released on the Tendong, to save their lives State holiday, but the celebrations each year. Yet our representatives day. Several social and cultural climbed up to its peak and prayed continue to grow larger in scale. are still stung with warped con- awards will also be given away. to It-Bu-Rum [the almighty God]. This year, Lepcha representatives cepts about its spread and preva- State-wide celebrations will It is believed that a Kohomfo [a are expected from all the districts lence. In the absence of wide- actually start even earlier. On 7 Partridge] appeared and offered of Sikkim, as well as from spread access to quality informa- August, Thursday, Bongthings prayers with Mongcheebeb Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Nepal tion about HIV transmission and will conduct prayers at Mt. the were in infancy and [brewed millet] and another earth- and . prevention, and with the contri- Tendong from 2 am onwards. the rivers Teesta and Rangit, were quake shook the earth, creating To the Lepchas, this festival is bution of social prejudices and Tendong has deep religious sig- yet to start their respective jour- several high mountains around the a matter of pride because they are silence from political leaders, mis- nificance for the Lepchas. Lepcha neys downward from their northern zone of Mayel Lyang among the few ancient people who information flourishes and plays folklore describes the time when sources, Naho and Nahor lakes. which forced the flood waters to have records of the great Deluge. havoc with the lives of those har- bouring the disease. That’s why the Parliamentary Convention on HIV/AIDS was made to be such an important event – a model for other nations in the region. This convention was appar- ently the first of its kind, getting together more than a thousand political leaders from across the Buy any Samsung Washing Machine and get country. But social workers and activists will regard it with mixed feelings. The director of the joint 2 CARPETS FREE! FREE!! FREE!!! United Nations programme of HIV/AIDS considers political leadership a “vital tool” in turn- ing back the epidemic. But if the convention throws up any indica- tor, it is that our political class needs to be “vitally schooled” on this subject. A gender-sensitive and human rights-based approach that in- cludes anti-discrimination laws to protect people living with HIV/ AIDS is imperative for India since only such a measure would ensure Free awareness at the highest levels of decision-making. VCD Player* with SAMSUNG 20 CTV T.V. OR for Rs. 9,990/- Buy any Frostfree Refrigerator and get a NOT T.V. (4’ X 6’) CARPET Contd from pg 2 phrase] and virtual reality is only distinguished by the colour tinge FREE! FREE!! FREE!!! imparted to the images of incidents OFFER AVAILABLE ONLY AT: that take place in the latter sphere. THOMSON 1. Rajeev Electronics Sitting sometimes in a class, I sometimes suspect that our pupils 21” FLAT TV P.S. Road, Gangtok too are in some matrix of their own completely shut out from the imme- WITH 223779 / 223590 2. Rajeev Electronics Pvt. Ltd diate environment of books and DVD* PLAYER knowledge and the teacher. Only in M. G. Marg, Gangtok this case there is no cinematic con- JUST FOR Ph: 224879 / 221778 venience to distinguish the plane that Rs. 16,990/- 3. Rajeev Distributors the particular learner is in. For this, the teacher will still have to ask ques- National Highway, Tadong tions. And perhaps the long hard one  Conditions Apply Ph: 231992 / 270583 that he may hazard is the query that  Scheme at the Sole Discretion he may put to his self. After all the of the Dealer 4. Rajeev Electronics majority of us too are being swept  No cash will be given in lieu of Singtam, East Sikkim away by the crosscurrents of that the Prizes  No Scheme on Mobile Phones 233618 / 235202 cultural flood that has held us as ea- *Medal VCD/DVD ger hostages to the mistress of the modern mind - the TV. 06-12 August, 2003; NOW! 9 ACTION-MAILACTION-MAIL for a recharge of just Rs. 143 of talk time. Middle-Camp Secondary School WHO CARES??? And, it is not as if the serv- care and you should care ices are anything to write home too… A major mobile serv- about. The messaging service Students suffer through teacher transfers ice provider is having a roll from one service provider to an- I Wangchuk, points out that the were already lagging behind and in Sikkim by charging more than other, for example, takes a day and 50 per cent as service and admin- at times maybe more to get a NOW REPORT transfers in question were ordered now they have taken away the istrative charges on every recharge. through. on the request of the concerned teacher,” they complained. It surprises me how people Staying connected, which is a MIDDLE-CAMP, Singtam: The teachers themselves. “It is a wrong policy of the here are so indifferent to this day- necessity, has become a luxury class X students of Middle Camp Additional Secretary DT Bhu- department of relieving teachers light robbery, specially since a ma- with mobile phones frequently in Secondary School are an unhappy tia reiterated that transfers are in the mid session because of this jority of the people of Sikkim have “network search” mode. It’s time lot. They also know the exact date conducted only during the winter our children are suffering,” ex- been to metropolitan cities where the company explained this policy when their woes began - 5 July, vacations between December to claimed one angry parent. the mobile service providers which seems to be reserved exclu- 2003 when two science teachers early February. He, however, ad- Their irritation with the De- charge approximately 10 per cent sively for this region. from the school were transferred mitted that at times, mid-session partment should not last much of every recharge as their admin- -a disgruntled customer out. A month down the line, they transfers were also forced by ad- longer since the Assistant Direc- istrative/ service charges. Hutch, The only official of the private still await replacements. ministrative reasons or on re- tor assured that they were in the Airtel, Spice and many of the serv- mobile service provider NOW! Everytime the students had to quests from teachers who request process of arranging a replace- ice providers in Delhi do not de- could get in touch with claimed sit through a Chemistry class with- transfers on “health grounds.” ment posting. It is, however, learnt duct more than 10 per cent as he was not in a position to com- out a teacher they were reminded While these explanations that only one more science teacher service charge. ment on the company’s poli- of how inconsiderate those issu- might hold while clearing files, will be provided for the Middle- I wonder why the mobile cies. The mobile number pro- ing such orders can be. “How can they are lost on students at Mid- Camp school since a Secondary servcie provider we are straddled vided for the other official rou- they transfer a teacher in the mid- dle-Camp who have lost more School gets only two science with charging more than 50% on tinely returned one message: dle of an academic session,” ques- than a month of classes. Chemis- teachers as per rules. How they every recharge voucher where the “The number you have dialed tioned one student while talking to try classes resumed for them on 3 got three earlier, even the Depart- customers end up paying Rs. 300 is currently not in service...” NOW! They might not be aware August, but that is hardly any con- ment does not seem to know. of the Education Department’s ex- solation since the subject is being The woes for the students are, pressed policy decision not to taught by the Biology teacher [!] however, not completely over. Re- transfer teachers mid-session, but When NOW! visited the ports suggest that a faculty mem- Fraud and irregularities at are bright enough to see that school, the students poured out ber at the school is unhappy that marching orders after a session has more grievances. while two teachers were trans- Sikkim Manipal University started are unfair on the students. “We had no text books for ferred out when they requested, his The Assistant Director, Edu- Maths, Social Science and Sci- application for a transfer has not cademics is supposed to be NRI and foreign students to make cation Department, KT ence till the first week of June. We been cleared thus far. Athe main activity of Sikkim even more money. Manipal University. But behind This, in light of the fact that the scenes, there are many dark the central government seats for Sikkim Manipal University responds corners. This University is hiding Sikkimese students have been re- a host of fraudulent activities de- duced. These lost seats have not signed to fool the Government of been made up at SMU and even No falsification of records at SMU Sikkim, the Medical Council of if this is done, the Sikkimese stu- n a reply to the accusations cerned, the MCI inspections are has been no faculty transfer. All these India and the public. dents will have to pay much Imade on Manipal Medical Col- not lenient. They know their job are false accusations. During the MCI inspections, higher fees than at other govern- lege and hospital, the Dean, RP and do not leave any loopholes. It STNM and Manipal are work- plane-loads of faculty from the ment medical colleges in India. Singh said: is not easy to fool them. ing hand in hand, our objectives Manipal medical colleges in It is high-time the government “I do not want to comment on During my tenure, I have invited are the same. Eleven consultants Manipal and Mangalore are trans- and people of Sikkim wake up to any of the allegations made. All only one Dr. BA Kumar, an Ortho- from STNM are attending ses- ported overnight to Sikkim so that the devious strategies of the the MCI inspections have taken paedic Surgeon, who is considered sions at Manipal and the doctors adequate faculty can be shown to Manipal group. place before my tenure, which the best in the country. He performed from Manipal hold regular clin- the unsuspecting inspectors. This All of the statements in this started on July 3 2003. surgeries and treated patients. He ics at STNM. We are working for “mobile” faculty has been brought letter can be verified from SMU Tampering with the records brought his expertise and did a spe- the same purpose.” for the last six inspections. The and other records. If the MCI from the MRD section is not easy cialised job. Apart from him, there As to told to NOW! SMU records are falsified, staff finds out about the inspection and the staff there are highly quali- attendance records are created. tomfoolery played by Manipal, fied. No falsification of documents Everyone’s got complaints and the best thing about a democracy is that Even more alarming is the the college will be derecognized and records is possible. these complaints can be voiced. “Action Mail,” is a platform where the falsification of patient records to and the future of the students is As far as the question of plane- public mails us their grievances and we get them the replies from the con- cerned authorities. If you too have a problem that needs redressal, just mail show MCI high occupancy in the in great danger. loads of faculty being brought in your complaint to us at NOW! Gairi Gaon, Tadong, Gangtok, East Sikkim Central Referral Hospital teach- A concerned Parent during the MCI inspections is con- or email us at sikkimnow@ rediffmail.com. ing hospital. The staff nurses are forced to create false figures for each ward for the whole year. Fake patients are made to oc- If a man hasn’t cupy some of the beds during the discovered somthing MCI inspections. The average daily inpatient is 35-40, but the that he will die counterfeit records show them at about 200. for, he isn’t SMU has taken Rs. 30 crores from the Sikkim government and fit to live. has put up such a shabby build- ing, which is incomplete in parts Martin Luther King Jr. and requires extensive repair and fresh everyday maintenance. Not only that, SMU has failed to install the PRESENTS superspeciality equipment for cancer and heart patients as prom- ised in the agreement. On the other hand, the Manipal hospitals in Bangalore and Pokhara are SLICEof state-of-the-art institutions. SMU is reportedly trying to squeeze more money out of the govern- ment for the hospital. LIFE Now the latest Manipal trick is to reserve 33 per cent seats for

17 10; NOW! 06-12 August, 2003 A FAMILY THAT ‘POSES’ TOGETHER... BUSINESSBUSINESS NEDfi hopes to catalyse economic development in Sikkim that the thrust areas identified by the cies here have always been con- a NOW REPORT Corporation for Sikkim included strained by inadequate financial re- ecotourism, handicrafts and sources. With the coming of NEDfi, GANGTOK: The North Eastern handlooms, aromatic and medicinal this gap can be bridged,” he said. Development Finance Corporation plants plantation and processing, The Chief Secretary, in his ad- Ltd., (NEDfi) is all set to start busi- food processing and biotechnology, dress said that Sikkim was a “hap- ness in the State. It held its first among others. pening State” and the need of the Business Meet, inaugurated by the NEDfi has also commissioned hour was entrepreneurship building. ... STAYS TOGETHER! Chief Secretary SW Tenzing here Price-Water Coopers, Kolkata, to “NEDfi has a critical role to CAPTURE YOUR FAMILY’S CLOSENESS FOR POSTERITY IN A PROFESSIONALLY on 5 August, Tuesday. prepare a “Pre-Investment Feasibil- play in Sikkim. We have the land COMMISIONED ‘FAMILY PORTFOLIO’ AT The Meet, held to interact with ity Study on Industrial Potential for and the labour and NEDfi can pro- the State’s entrepreneurs and “thor- Sikkim” which equips the Corpo- vide the capital. The present gaps oughly” understand Sikkim’s re- ration with information on devel- in the infrastructure will be filled PHONE: quirements in the finance and in- opment potential of the State. “We further aiding the economic 225082 vestment sectors, saw a good at- come to Sikkim prepared and with growth of the State,” he said. The 228840 tendance by members of the busi- an open mind. We hope to contrib- CS, however, warned that Sikkim ness community, the Travel Agents ute to the economic development should be “wary” of “fly-by-night our fully DIGITAL studio also prepares individual Association of Sikkim, the Sikkim of the State,” Dr. Deka said. operators” who target the immense portfolios, undertakes product shoots etc. Hotel and Restaurant Association, While emphasising on impor- subsidies the State enjoys after it young entrepreneurs and govern- tant role NEDfi can play in Sik- joined the North Eastern Council. ment officials. kim, the Guest of Honour, Chair- NEDfi was recently awarded Speaking on the occasion, man SIDICO, PD Rai, said that the ISO 9000 certificate, making NOW!classifieds NEDfi GM, Dr. Deka said that the there was a need to look into all it the first agency of its kind in the reopening of Nathula for trade has core issues of human resource North-East to receive one. It plans provided the State with the much- development of the State. to focus on small and medium en- needed fillip for industrial develop- “NEDfi could supplement terprises in Sikkim. It has ap- Strawberry ment. While outlining NEDfi’s vari- some of the projects and schemes pointed Ugen Tashi [a local with ous schemes and projects aimed at initiated by other financial and banking experience, having GRAND CLEARANCE SALE “catalysing economic development banking institutions in the State. worked with IDBI] as the Nodal of the North East,” Dr. Deka said The financial institutions and agen- Officer for Sikkim. 30 - 50% OFF PRICES CUT DOWN TO LOWEST ON ALL GARMENTS, SHOES FOR LADIES, GENTS & CHILDREN, AND ALSO ON HOUSEHOLD GOODS. Centre allocates Rs. 17 crores for spices in northeast FROM 1 AUG TO 20 AUG. NAMNANG, CONTACT: 226982 large cardamom in these states. to bring 3,835 ha under organic a NOW REPORT The Board, it is learnt, will sup- pepper cultivation in the region at HURRY! LIMITED STOCKS ardamom growers in Sik- port the State governments and a cost of Rs. 4 crores. Herbal spices kim get a shot in the arm NGOs for multiplication of plant- such as rosemary, thyme, parsley, Cwith the new Central ing materials and maintenance dur- oregano, basil etc. are also pro- Government scheme which allo- ing gestation period subject to a posed to be brought under culti- LAND FOR SALE cates Rs. 17 crores for export-ori- maximum of Rs.17,500 per hectare. vation in 100 ha during the current ented development of spices in the Large cardamom which is plan at an outlay of Rs. 30 lakhs. 20 Khattas of registered land available for sale at Bagajatin Colony, Pradhan Nagar, Siliguri. North-Eastern states. grown in Sikkim requires special The Board proposes to give Interested persons may contact immediately at: The programme will consider type of curing chambers to dry and 25 per cent of the cost for setting MR. D. N. PRADHAN the potential of improving pro- Spices Board proposes to construct up of vermi-compost units subject PRADHAN NAGAR, SILIGURI duction and productivity of a 15 community curing houses with to a maximum of Rs. 1,250 per PH: 0353 - 2511476 number of spices grown in this a capacity of 1,000 kg each at a unit. About 5,000 units at a cost region. The Spices Board also total outlay of Rs. 75 lakhs. of Rs. 62 lakhs will be set up dur- SERVICES WANTED proposes to take up cultivation of The Board has also proposed ing the Plan period, it is learnt. MOBILE PHONE REPAIR/ A PRIVATE TUTOR wanted EXCHANGE Repair or Ex- to teach students of class 5 and 2. Contact S. Thapa at 226401. ACADEMY change your Mobile Phone GANGTOK, SIKKIM at Reasonable Cost. A VOLUNTEER required for Music classes being conducted Internet Point, Yama House, by an NGO for children. Contact: ADMISSION NOTICE Gangtok. ph: 222166 224451 1. Entrance Test for Admission in Lower Kindergarten for the academic session - 2004 will be LEARN Fine Arts, Oil Paints, BUY/ SELL conducted on SUNDAY - 2 NOVEMBER 2003 at 9:00 AM Glass Painting, Fabric Painting, Pot Painting, Artificial FLower Making. WANTEDA Second hand 2. Prospectus / Application forms would be available in the school office from 15th September 2003 Contact: Upper Arithang, Ph - Pulsar or CBZ Motorcycle in on payment. 221587. mobile: 98320 33451 good condition. CALL: 227006 3. For LKG age should be +4 (plus four) years but below 5 years as on 1st January 2004 and For Maths & after 5 PM. student should not have studied in UKG in 2003 session. TUITIONS Physics For classes IX, X, XI & XII FOR SALEAn old type- 4. The last date for submission of application form would be 31 November 2003 by 3 PM along with at Deorali. Contact: Ph 281039 / writer. Contact: 270949 the following documents. 221587 mobile: 98320 33451 (a) Date of Birth Certificate in original and in duplicate copy obtained from the Office of the Chief Space in NOW! Classifieds Registrar of Births and Deaths Department. TO-LET can be booked for as cheap as (b) Latest passport and stamp size photographs. TO LET A four room flat Rs. 50 [for personal classified (c) Registration fee of Rs. 2000/- (Rupees Two Thousand) only (non-refundable) to be depos- suitable for private residence of up to 20 words and 50 paise ited in the State Bank of India, Zero Point Branch, Gangtok. Pay in slip can be obtained from the in the heart of the town. Con- for every extra word] and Rs. school office after due verification of application form. tact: NOW! at 270949. 75 [commercial classifieds of (d) Attested copy of (parent’s) SSC or certificate of identification from DC’s office. up to 20 words, Rs. 1 per extra TO LET a 1,000 sq. ft. & word]. Commercials classifieds 5. PLEASE NOTE THAT NAME AND DATE OF BIRTH OF THE STUDENT ONCE ENTERED IN 500 sq. ft. commercial godown of a 5cmX2 col box can also be THE APPLICATION FORM SHALL NOT BE CHANGED. space on NH 31-A. Call placed for a concessional rate 6. Mere registration is no guarantee of admission. It only entitles a student to take the entrance 229835 for details of Rs. 350 per insertion. test. The school does not let parents to check / compare the scripts, however, it would ensure that the test is fairly and efficiently conducted. Classifieds advertisments can be booked at the follow- 7. Test will be conducted in basic skills of English and Number Works and Viva-Voce. ing collection centres: Porky’s, Super Market; Oberois, PRINCIPAL Naya Bazaar; Baker’s Cafe, MG Marg; Cafe Tibet, NH-31A.

18 06-12 August, 2003; NOW! 11 SPORTSSPORTS more established schools. The unfancied boys from WHEN UNDERDOGS COME UP TOPS a NOW REPORT In the opening Sub-Junior Pachey School were now in the Football match, Pachey school finals. Here they met St. Xavier’s PAKYONG: St. Xavier’s School, beat St. Xavier’s 5-0 to go on to again. Pakyong, recently celebrated its the next round. In the second The 30 July finals saw a repeat Pachey Primary Golden Jubilee. But another round the school beat TNA 1-0 to of the first match. Pachey School school from Pakyong had reason get to the semi finals. Here it met won by a resounding 5-0 margin to celebrate too, on the same oc- St. George School, Pedong. A to lift the cup. Coach PW Lepcha casion. goalless 90 minutes saw the game could not have been happier. The School does a In the Golden Jubilee Memo- going into overtime. Boys from hard work that he and his boys had rial Football Match held by St. Pachey school, led by their cap- put in preparation, showed in the Xavier’s to commemorate the cel- tain, Tempo Gyatso Bhutia took results. The victory was something Lagaan ebrations, little heard Pachey Pri- the game to a penalty shoot out. the Pachey School boys will re- mary School did a “Lagaan” on Here they beat their rivals 4-2. member for a long time. Gear up cricketers, INCENTIVES BACKLOG TO BE CLEARED ON I-DAY Under-19 soccer its trial time tourney gets Deptt. of Sports & Youth Affairs gets underway GANGTOK: Sikkim As- sociation has announced plans to GEYZING: The Sikkim Under- hold trials for selection of players serious about awarding achievers; new 19 Football Tournament 2003 got for the 2003-04 season. Interested underway at Kyongsa Ground, cricketers who are residing in Sik- policy offers Rs. 1 crore for Olympic gold here on 4 August, Monday. The kim, are invited to attend the tournament which was earlier above trials for selection in their place to further encourage and state level competitions have cash slated to start on 2 August has respective districts. In case of a NOW REPORT motivate sports-persons in their incentives worth Rs. 5,000. been organised by the Sikkim players from outside Sikkim, they pursuit of excellence. And the The cash awards will be given Football Association and Depart- are eligible to attend the trials pro- GANGTOK: The 15 August cel- handouts are generous. only to permanent residents of ment of Sports and Youth Affairs. vided they have participated in a ebrations this year will see many A sum of Rs. 1 crore for an Sikkim, who represent the State The inaugural match was domestic tournament of the State. sports-persons from the state get Olympic Gold. And for those who in the notified competitions. A cer- played between Khecheopalri The SCA has called on players to rich cash awards for their per- think that is far-fetched, it is still tificate to this effect issued by the Lake Club and Sinolchu Club. report with their own kits and in formance in the field. within reach for archer Tarun SDM/DM of the concerned area The first three matches will be proper dress. Players are to bear Cash awards for 20 in foot- Deep Rai, our contender for gold must be produced while making played at Kyongsa Ground while their own expenses for the trials. ball, 14 for Tae-Kwon-do, 10 in in the next Olympics, who has the claim. Claims for cash awards the rest of the matches will be The trials for the Under-15, Boxing, 5 in and one qualified in both the team and in- should be made within 1 year of shared between Kyongsa and the Under-17 and Under-19 catego- each for Archery and dividual events for Athens. winning a medal. Bhaichung Stadium in Namchi. ries will be held in the districts on will be handed out by the Depart- A prize in other international August 23 and 24. ment of Sports and Youth Affairs. games will fetch cash-awards SIKKIM FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION Contact Persons: Although cash incentives for worth Rs. 5-15 lakhs. Medals won North- Sonam Palden Bhutia, Phone: good performance have long been in national games organised by the Independence Day Football Tournament for 234819/ 9434117250. the policy, over the years a back- Indian Olympic Association get as SIR TASHI NAMGYAL MEMORIAL CUP 2003 East- Lakpa Chettri, 224527/ log of payments to deserving can- much as Rs. 2-5 lakhs for indi- 9832046621 didates had built up. All such cash vidual events and Rs. 20,000- South- Bikash Pradhan/ Pavitra incentives which are due will be 50,000 for team events while Sharma, 257075/ 276499/ 257089 cleared in one sweep this year. medallists in the North East Sports FIXTURE West- Karma Thendup Bhutia, Along with it a new structure for Festivals will get awards ranging Pre-Quarter 250593/ 9434179387 cash incentives will be put into from Rs. 5000 to 10,000. Even Dzongri Club Munal Club, NEPAL v/s (7.8.03, 3PM) v/s (8.8.03, 3PM) tourney for players A Ghoom Jorebangla Sp. Club B Northerners Quarter Final to smash into limelight Sikkim Police XI Himalshree (Kalimpong) v/s (9.8.03, 3PM) v/s (10.8.03, 3PM) by NIGEL CASHMORE a NOW! pic C WINNER OF ‘A’ D UKFC (Kurseong) SKM United Sp. Club. Thimpu XI GANGTOK: The Independence v/s (11.8.03, 3PM) v/s (10.8.03, 3PM) Day Volley Ball Tournament be- E DSPSA, Durgapur F WINNER OF ‘B’ gan at Burtuk Junior High School on August 4. Five teams are par- Semi Final ticipating in the girl’s category WINNER OF ‘C’ WINNER OF ‘E’ while seven teams are participat- v/s (12.8.03, 3PM) v/s (13.8.03, 3PM) ing in the Junior Boy’s section. G WINNER OF ‘D’ H WINNER OF ‘F’ The tournament has been organ- ized by ST Bhutia, Head Master, Final Burtuk Junior High School. WINNER OF ‘G’ The opening match of the tournament was between TNA v/s (15.8.03, 1:45PM) and PNGSSS. Another two I WINNER OF ‘H’ matches were held on the same day between Tathangchen Sec- N.B.: 1. All the matches will be played at Tashi Namgyal Acad- emy Ground, Gangtok. ondary School and Modern Sec- Although it is difficult to get tournament offers a platform for 2. Games will be played as per the rules of the AIFF. ondary School while the last sponsors, Mr. Bhutia expressed both boys and girls to show their 3. SFA Reserves the right to re-schedule the fixture (if match of the day was between jun- gratitude towards Hari Stores, talent. It is also an opportunity for needed). ior boys in which Burtuk Junior MG Marg, for sponsoring the tro- sports officials of the state to High School took on Tathangchen phies for the tournament. The search for young talent who could MATCH COMMISSIONERS: Secondary School. tournament will also be giving the then be further groomed. 7.8.03 Mr. Karma Wangchuk 11.8.03 Mr. Arjun Roka The tournament is being held most promising team trophy, the At the time of going to the 8.8.03 Mr. Lalit Rai 12.8.03 Mr. Dhondup Lepcha after a gap of three years. ST Bhu- best player trophy and other indi- press, PNGSS beat TNA, in the 9.8.03 Mr. C. C. Bhutia 13.8.03 Mr. Rinchen Bhutia tia who held the last tournament vidual trophies to the players. The second match Tathangchen beat 10.8.03 Mr. P. C. Mundra (1st Match) 15.8.03 Mr. Karma P. Bhutia at Penlong in 1999, has now de- trophies for the junior boys is be- Modern School girls, in another Mr. Kunzang N. (2nd Match) cided to hold the tournament on a ing sponsored by the school itself. match Burtuk School boys beat MENLA ETHENPA Hony. Secretary more regular basis. According to Mr. Bhutia, The Tathangchen School boys.

19 12; 06-12 August, 2003 NOW! A Premier Optical House in Siliguri Since 1990 SPORTSSPORTS HIMALAYAN OPTICAL CENTRE Mangaldeep, Hill Cart Road, Siliguri, Phone: 2433331 The Mountain chooses the Climbers Authorised Dealer: Computerised Eye Testing, Spectacles & Sikkim’s Phoolmaya Tamang creates Contact Lens Clinic. history atop peak in Leh golden jubilee celebrations of the a NOW REPORT ascent of Mt. Everest. The first ForFor BestBest FlooringFlooring mountain she climbed was Lake hoolmaya Tamang from Khangtse in North Sikkim, after WOODEN PARQUET Sikkim created history which there was no looking back. FLOORING, HERITAGE P along with three other Up in the mountains she says she women, when she became part of becomes a completely different SURFACE TEXTURES, the first all-women group to scale person. “Up there all that matters VISTA FLOOR FASHIONS, the virgin Argan Kangri Peak in is the will to reach the top”. MARBLEX SUPER VINYL Ladakh. The nine member all- Phoolmaya, who recently FLOORING, WALL PAPERS, woman team was led by Rita went up to 7467 metres along the Gombu Marwah. 8849 Mt. Everest, said, “Almost SPRAY POLISH, PVC VINYL Four team members, includ- everything went according to FLOOR TILES & WOOD ing Phoolmaya, scaled the peak plan. It was a bit difficult in PLANK TILES after a three week long expedition, stretches because sometimes the hitting the summit on 20 July at ascent was as steep as 75 degrees. CONTACT: 7.45 am. The climb was the In- A file foto of Phoolmaya Tamang at But the team did everything in a TIKA ENTERPRISES, Near Krishi Bhawan Gate, dian Mountaineering Founda- the Everest base camp coordinated way and that’s why 31 A National Highway, UMA Cottage, Tadong. 737102 tion’s (IMF) official commemora- member Yana Banerjee-Bey said, it worked.” After a lull in moun- Ph: 231394 & 9832096499 tion of the golden jubilee of Sir “The mountain chooses the climb- taineering activity in Sikkim, there Edmund Hillary and Sherpa ers. In this case, we decided that seems to be a sudden deluge of Tenzing Norgay’s conquest of Mt. four of us should go to the sum- achievements by Sikkimese Everest. Though at 6,789 metres mit - those four who settled in best climbers. Phoolmaya’s colleague Argan Khangri does not count with the conditions”. at SGMI, Nadre Sherpa among the highest peaks, it has its Phoolmaya, is an instructor at summitted Everest for the second share of perils. Sonam Gyatso Mountaineering time recently and is slated to be On the selection of the even- Institute, and was one of the rep- part of an Indian expedition to K2 August 28th, Community Hall, Gangtok tual summiteers, senior team resentatives of Sikkim at the in Pakistan next year. AMBER,AMBER, nownow withwith anotheranother MONSOON for OFFER

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only at: MG Marg, Gtk. Convoy Ground AMBER Ent. Ph: 228849 & AMBER Tadong. Ph: 232199 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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