AIZWAL, MIZORAM: Mizoram Gorkhas Long For OBC Status
FROM SINLUNG.COM
Aizawl, Jul 14 : The Gorkha community in Mizoram has eagerly been waiting for the state government’s nod to grant Other Backward Class (OBC) status to them.
The promise of the then Mizo National Front (MNF) ministry to include Gorkhas in Mizoram in the OBC category is yet to materialise, a Gorkha leader said here today.
It was on July 14,2008 that the then Rural Development minister H Vanlalauva said the MNF ministry would do ‘everything’ to grant the Gorkhas the long-awaited OBC status.
The Gorkhas reiterated their long-standing demand to Parliamentary Secretary Lal Thanzara, who graced the 196th birth anniversary of Adikavi Bhanu Bhakta Acharya, a renowned Nepali poet, at Kolasib on Tuesday.
Mr Thanzara assured the Gorkhas that he would do whatever he could to include the community in the OBC list in Mizoram.
Mr Thanzara said though Mizos and Gorkhas are not from the same ancestry, there is a good brotherhood between them. ”Gorkhas have been living in the state for more than hundred years and have built a good brotherhood with the majority Mizos,” he said. The declaration of Gorkhas, who had settled before 1950 and their descendants as bonafide citizens of Mizoram, was made during the Lal Thanhawla-led Congress ministry, Mr Thanzara said.
The Parliamentary Secretary praised the honesty of Gorkha people and urged to keep up this quality and maintain the harmonious coexistence with the Mizos.
Speaking at the function, B S Thappa, a Gorkha youth leader and lecturer at Government Kolasib College, recounted the loyalty of the Gorkhas towards Mizoram.
”The fact that 21 Gorkhas went underground and joined the Mizo National Front (MNF), when the latter was fighting for independence from the country, showed the solidarity of the community with the Mizo people,” he said.
When Mizoram was elevated to statehood in 1987, the Constitution of India included the Gorkhas in the OBC list, depriving the Gorkhas of all privileges they had enjoyed before, the Gorkha leader said.
”If Mizoram government includes us in the OBC list, we will be able to enjoy certain rights and privileges without encroaching
THE OLD SETTLERS OF SIKKIM....................e.newsletter of the old settlers living in Sikkim prior to its merger with India who have a history of 130 years in Sikkim: .....Editor: S K Sarda
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Thursday, July 1, 2010
The meeting also discussed the Monitoring of implementation of schemes and flow of funds in respect to schemes such as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act , Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar yojana(SGSY) , Indira Awaas Yajana (lAY) ,DRDA Administration, Pradhan Mantra Grameen Sadak Yojana(PMGSY),Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme, Rural Sanitation Programme (Total Sanitation Campaign, Progress of Indira Gandhi Old Age Pension Scheme, Watershed Development Programme under DPAP, DDP and IWDP (Hariyali), Computerization and Modernization of Land Records Scheme etc.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
What is our identity
by Hamrosikkim
When we talk of identity, we are essentially asking the age old question of who we are? Or individually who am I? This question has baffled great minds of history since the beginning of time. In fact it directly relates to a very deep rooted subject called “self realization” or as Maslow puts it “self actualization”. When we deeply analyze history of philosophy and the sciences, we find that great minds have defined our identity in different ways.
The great saints and religions of the world teach us different practices, processes, karmas, dharma and rituals to basically understand this question. Who am I? How can I be happy, satisfied and peaceful? It is not just a question of theoretically understanding of who we are, but a real concrete realization or experience of who we feel and know who we are. For instance I really feel I am a bhutia and I know it well enough to identify with it completely. On the other hand great scientists like Rene Decart have said “I think, therefore I am”. And then there are other modern reductionist scientists who say that we are basically made up of atoms and molecules. And then there still others who believe that we have just evolved from the apes, not to mention the many existencial writers of the present century.
So where do we start this search, and who do we really believe?
I feel the best approach to this question would be to answer it at different levels. Depending on a person’s wisdom or evolution he’ll relate to this question of his identity at his own level. In other words our understanding of identity depends on our own state of consciousness. So what are the different levels of this realization?
A. At the broadest universal level –
We are intrinsically spiritual beings, a part and parcel of the universe. So as citizens of the universe we are individually and collectively, responsible for our actions of polluting the environment, destroying the biodiversity, effecting climate change and exploiting other living beings the right to live, creating suicide genes etc...
B. At the International level –
Internationally we are Indians, because of our passport. Even the Chogyal before or after the merger traveled on an Indian passport. Why? Because the Indian Government was responsible for “protecting” our suzerainty. How the Indian Government under Srimati Indra Gandhi, exercised her protectorate responsibility is a question of debate and for history to decide. But for now legally we are natural Indian citizens, because we became a part of India along with our individual and state owned land.
Baichung Bhutia is the football captain of India. When there is a cricket match, we cheer for India. Why? Because we identify with the Indian team, not Bangladesh or England.
C. At the national level –
Now days we first belong to the North East and then we belong to the state of Sikkim. During any national games, we represent Sikkim not Nepal or Bengal or Bhutan or Tibet.
D. Now at the state level –
The confusion starts here. Here we find 3 sets of identities getting misunderstood and a fourth one trying to add further twist to the confusion.
1. Our Constitutional identity: The Constitution of India (Article 371f) defines our identity as “Bhutia, Lepcha and Sikkimese of Nepali origin”. So legally or constitutionally we are “Bhutia, Lepcha or Nepali of Sikkimese origin”.
2. Our community: We may be newar, rai, bahun, bhutia, lepcha, limbo or tamang etc.
3. Mondal Commission’s idea of identity - Tribal, OBC, and NBC, SC
4. Another ridiculous twist: Gorkha
Unscrupulous Governments and politicians in the past and more so now are trying to confuse these three sets of identities for selfish gain and are playing with our sentiments and emotions. Some foolish people are further trying to add another foreign identity Gorkha, We don’t need the British to tell us who we are, neither do we need politicians and beaurocrats from Delhi to tell us who we are. We already know our own community and how to respect all other communities in our society, like we have done in the past and lived in harmony.
The Constitution already provides us with our identity as BL& Nepali of Sikkimese Origin .Now why do we want to confuse our constitutional identity with another set of identities like OBC or Tribal or NBC? This only confuses our people and further complicates or dilute our constitutional identity and in the process further breaks down our already fragmented society and culture into these OBC and NBC and tribal etc. Sikkimese people should be wise enough to understand that Sikkim subjects are already protected by the Constitutions. Otherwise, why would GOI be partial to Sikkim subjects and not to the others, by implementing an extremely complicated Income Tax Act to only a certain section of the people even after 33 years of merger? Why? Because of 371 f. Article 371f is only 2 pages and anyone who can read English can understand the protection and safeguard that it give our Sikkim subjects.
The real issue should be are you a Sikkimese or not a Sikkimese? Local or non local? If this line gets blurred, there will be no one questioning influx of Bangladeshis in the future? Result will be another bodoland or Manipur, with separatist agendas and bomb blasts. Aren’t we already finding thousands of detonators just lying around our jungles?
Sikkimese people should understand that all the people who are trying to amplify the different trade associations like, SCC, SAATO, taxi drivers etc and the community associations Newars, Chettri , Rai , Limbu etc or through active members of certain political parties are people who do not understand the value and importance of the Sikkim Subject certificate and hence are trying to enter the local Sikkimese social circle and are usually "OUTSIDERS". Of course our communal cultural identity is there and it is important to respect our cultural heritage, traditions, customs, language and literature etc. This shows the greatness of our cultural history and diversity and we must work hard to preserve and develop it further. However we must be careful not to confuse political rights with communal issues. The politicians are succedding in playing their communal vote bank politics and exploiting the future of the peaceful Sikkimese people.
So please don’t let selfish and short term politicians exploit our emotions and dilute our constitutional identity. All Sikkim subjects should unite irrespective of their community and then there is ample opportunity, communal harmony and progress. We are Sikkim subjects first and then we are Rai or Limboo or Lepcha after that. We cannot have the cake and eat it too. Either we are Bhutia or Tribal, OBC /NBC or Sikkimese of Nepali origin. If we want to go the tribal or OBC way, we should follow the Mandal Commission instead of Sikkim Subject Act of 1961. Outsiders and politicians will want us to believe in the Mandal Commission so that they can get their votes or dilute our constitutional identity and merge with us. Sikkimese people should choose. Let us not allow the next generation to go through what we are facing now - communal fragementation. Our parents already made a big mistake. Let us not aggravate the situation and make another troubled state like the north east. Let us not get bewildered by the temporary, short term benefits but unite and respect all communities in Sikkim for the future of our children.
E. At the local community/social level ?
At the society level we are recognized by our family and community. Let us respect all communities and their individual cultural heritage. Each and every one of us have a responsibility and role to play in our society. Let us give everyone an opportunity to exercise their responsibility. Just across the boarder from Rangpo, we don’t see fragmentation of the different communities. They all live peacefully as brothers and sisters. They don’t politically differenciate between Rai or Lepcha or Chhetri. We were the same earlier ? But what happened in the recent past ? Let us also learn from our Gorkha brothers and sisters from across the state.
F. At the individual level?
How do we identify ourselves individually? We have our name, sex, age, beauty, faith, degrees, qualifications, education, wealth, status, belongings like house and cars, connections and contacts, occupation or position, residence and the thousands of identities that we cover our selves with every day right down to the style and clothes we wear, mobiles we carry , music we listen to , books we read etc etc .
by Hamrosikkim
When we talk of identity, we are essentially asking the age old question of who we are? Or individually who am I? This question has baffled great minds of history since the beginning of time. In fact it directly relates to a very deep rooted subject called “self realization” or as Maslow puts it “self actualization”. When we deeply analyze history of philosophy and the sciences, we find that great minds have defined our identity in different ways.
The great saints and religions of the world teach us different practices, processes, karmas, dharma and rituals to basically understand this question. Who am I? How can I be happy, satisfied and peaceful? It is not just a question of theoretically understanding of who we are, but a real concrete realization or experience of who we feel and know who we are. For instance I really feel I am a bhutia and I know it well enough to identify with it completely. On the other hand great scientists like Rene Decart have said “I think, therefore I am”. And then there are other modern reductionist scientists who say that we are basically made up of atoms and molecules. And then there still others who believe that we have just evolved from the apes, not to mention the many existencial writers of the present century.
So where do we start this search, and who do we really believe?
I feel the best approach to this question would be to answer it at different levels. Depending on a person’s wisdom or evolution he’ll relate to this question of his identity at his own level. In other words our understanding of identity depends on our own state of consciousness. So what are the different levels of this realization?
A. At the broadest universal level –
We are intrinsically spiritual beings, a part and parcel of the universe. So as citizens of the universe we are individually and collectively, responsible for our actions of polluting the environment, destroying the biodiversity, effecting climate change and exploiting other living beings the right to live, creating suicide genes etc...
B. At the International level –
Internationally we are Indians, because of our passport. Even the Chogyal before or after the merger traveled on an Indian passport. Why? Because the Indian Government was responsible for “protecting” our suzerainty. How the Indian Government under Srimati Indra Gandhi, exercised her protectorate responsibility is a question of debate and for history to decide. But for now legally we are natural Indian citizens, because we became a part of India along with our individual and state owned land.
Baichung Bhutia is the football captain of India. When there is a cricket match, we cheer for India. Why? Because we identify with the Indian team, not Bangladesh or England.
C. At the national level –
Now days we first belong to the North East and then we belong to the state of Sikkim. During any national games, we represent Sikkim not Nepal or Bengal or Bhutan or Tibet.
D. Now at the state level –
The confusion starts here. Here we find 3 sets of identities getting misunderstood and a fourth one trying to add further twist to the confusion.
1. Our Constitutional identity: The Constitution of India (Article 371f) defines our identity as “Bhutia, Lepcha and Sikkimese of Nepali origin”. So legally or constitutionally we are “Bhutia, Lepcha or Nepali of Sikkimese origin”.
2. Our community: We may be newar, rai, bahun, bhutia, lepcha, limbo or tamang etc.
3. Mondal Commission’s idea of identity - Tribal, OBC, and NBC, SC
4. Another ridiculous twist: Gorkha
Unscrupulous Governments and politicians in the past and more so now are trying to confuse these three sets of identities for selfish gain and are playing with our sentiments and emotions. Some foolish people are further trying to add another foreign identity Gorkha, We don’t need the British to tell us who we are, neither do we need politicians and beaurocrats from Delhi to tell us who we are. We already know our own community and how to respect all other communities in our society, like we have done in the past and lived in harmony.
The Constitution already provides us with our identity as BL& Nepali of Sikkimese Origin .Now why do we want to confuse our constitutional identity with another set of identities like OBC or Tribal or NBC? This only confuses our people and further complicates or dilute our constitutional identity and in the process further breaks down our already fragmented society and culture into these OBC and NBC and tribal etc. Sikkimese people should be wise enough to understand that Sikkim subjects are already protected by the Constitutions. Otherwise, why would GOI be partial to Sikkim subjects and not to the others, by implementing an extremely complicated Income Tax Act to only a certain section of the people even after 33 years of merger? Why? Because of 371 f. Article 371f is only 2 pages and anyone who can read English can understand the protection and safeguard that it give our Sikkim subjects.
The real issue should be are you a Sikkimese or not a Sikkimese? Local or non local? If this line gets blurred, there will be no one questioning influx of Bangladeshis in the future? Result will be another bodoland or Manipur, with separatist agendas and bomb blasts. Aren’t we already finding thousands of detonators just lying around our jungles?
Sikkimese people should understand that all the people who are trying to amplify the different trade associations like, SCC, SAATO, taxi drivers etc and the community associations Newars, Chettri , Rai , Limbu etc or through active members of certain political parties are people who do not understand the value and importance of the Sikkim Subject certificate and hence are trying to enter the local Sikkimese social circle and are usually "OUTSIDERS". Of course our communal cultural identity is there and it is important to respect our cultural heritage, traditions, customs, language and literature etc. This shows the greatness of our cultural history and diversity and we must work hard to preserve and develop it further. However we must be careful not to confuse political rights with communal issues. The politicians are succedding in playing their communal vote bank politics and exploiting the future of the peaceful Sikkimese people.
So please don’t let selfish and short term politicians exploit our emotions and dilute our constitutional identity. All Sikkim subjects should unite irrespective of their community and then there is ample opportunity, communal harmony and progress. We are Sikkim subjects first and then we are Rai or Limboo or Lepcha after that. We cannot have the cake and eat it too. Either we are Bhutia or Tribal, OBC /NBC or Sikkimese of Nepali origin. If we want to go the tribal or OBC way, we should follow the Mandal Commission instead of Sikkim Subject Act of 1961. Outsiders and politicians will want us to believe in the Mandal Commission so that they can get their votes or dilute our constitutional identity and merge with us. Sikkimese people should choose. Let us not allow the next generation to go through what we are facing now - communal fragementation. Our parents already made a big mistake. Let us not aggravate the situation and make another troubled state like the north east. Let us not get bewildered by the temporary, short term benefits but unite and respect all communities in Sikkim for the future of our children.
E. At the local community/social level ?
At the society level we are recognized by our family and community. Let us respect all communities and their individual cultural heritage. Each and every one of us have a responsibility and role to play in our society. Let us give everyone an opportunity to exercise their responsibility. Just across the boarder from Rangpo, we don’t see fragmentation of the different communities. They all live peacefully as brothers and sisters. They don’t politically differenciate between Rai or Lepcha or Chhetri. We were the same earlier ? But what happened in the recent past ? Let us also learn from our Gorkha brothers and sisters from across the state.
F. At the individual level?
How do we identify ourselves individually? We have our name, sex, age, beauty, faith, degrees, qualifications, education, wealth, status, belongings like house and cars, connections and contacts, occupation or position, residence and the thousands of identities that we cover our selves with every day right down to the style and clothes we wear, mobiles we carry , music we listen to , books we read etc etc .
Friday, June 25, 2010
SIBLAC approaches Himachal Chief Minister Dhumal for upkeep of Tso-Pema
source; VoiceofSikkim on Jun 25, 2010
SIBLAC meets approaches Himachal Chief Minister Dhumal for upkeep of Tso-Pema
25 June, New Delhi: The Siblac delegation led by its Convener Mr. Tseten Tashi Bhutia today approached the Hon’ble Chief Minister Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal at Himachal Bhawan, New Delhi and raised matters pertaining to the upkeep of the Rewalsar Lake alias Tso Pema and its sanctity vide submission of a memorandum.
To
Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal Ji
Hon’ble Chief Minister
Government of Himachal Pradesh
Shimla
Himachal Pradesh.
Sub: Restoration / Renovation of the sacred Rewalsar Lake @ Tso Pema at Rewalsar, District: Mandi, Himachal Pradesh.
Hon’ble Sir,
It is a matter of great appreciation that the State of Himachal Pradesh has turned into a must visit destination for tourist visiting India while at the same time the State has off late evolved as the tourist hotspot under your stable leadership. We further appreciate the conspicuous quality of surface transport networks that is an uncompromising requirement to boost tourism development to such an extent.
Furthermore, for Sikkim and the Sikkimese Buddhists, your State is one of its most sacred pilgrimage centre by virtue of being the land of the above mentioned Rewalsar Lake alias Tso Pema, a sacred lake associated with great Buddhist Master Mahaguru Padmasambhava, the second Buddha who was arrested and put to burning flame by the then King Indrabodhi of Jahor in the 8th century A.D. The Mahaguru converted the flame into the present day Rewalsar Lake alias Tso Pema and miracled himself seated on a lotus amid the lake and thus the name Tso Pema meaning “Lotus Lake”.
Under the circumstances, may I solicit your dynamic leadership’s kind attention and intervention to ensure the following:
1. Renovating and maintaining the Lake befitting to its significance to the entire Buddhist world. This shall not only go a long way in addressing to our concern but shall also highly be yielding in the furtherance of your State’s Tourism potential to even further higher level.
2. Further more boating and other human activites in the Lake in the past has created a massive unrest and a sense of religious genocide amongst the Buddhist the world over which however could not be traced during our last week visit to Rewalsar. In this regard, we would also solicit your support and cooperation to make the Lake free of any such human activity thus ensuring the sanctity and sacredness of the same. Such development shall definitely put the Rewalsar Lake amongst world’s prominent Tourist circuit.
Submitted for your most considerate deliberations and sympathetic favour please.
Sarva Mangalam
Tseten Tashi Bhutia
Former Minister, Sikkim
Dated: June 25, 2010 Cum
Camp: New Delhi Convener, SIBLAC
source; VoiceofSikkim on Jun 25, 2010
SIBLAC meets approaches Himachal Chief Minister Dhumal for upkeep of Tso-Pema
25 June, New Delhi: The Siblac delegation led by its Convener Mr. Tseten Tashi Bhutia today approached the Hon’ble Chief Minister Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal at Himachal Bhawan, New Delhi and raised matters pertaining to the upkeep of the Rewalsar Lake alias Tso Pema and its sanctity vide submission of a memorandum.
To
Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal Ji
Hon’ble Chief Minister
Government of Himachal Pradesh
Shimla
Himachal Pradesh.
Sub: Restoration / Renovation of the sacred Rewalsar Lake @ Tso Pema at Rewalsar, District: Mandi, Himachal Pradesh.
Hon’ble Sir,
It is a matter of great appreciation that the State of Himachal Pradesh has turned into a must visit destination for tourist visiting India while at the same time the State has off late evolved as the tourist hotspot under your stable leadership. We further appreciate the conspicuous quality of surface transport networks that is an uncompromising requirement to boost tourism development to such an extent.
Furthermore, for Sikkim and the Sikkimese Buddhists, your State is one of its most sacred pilgrimage centre by virtue of being the land of the above mentioned Rewalsar Lake alias Tso Pema, a sacred lake associated with great Buddhist Master Mahaguru Padmasambhava, the second Buddha who was arrested and put to burning flame by the then King Indrabodhi of Jahor in the 8th century A.D. The Mahaguru converted the flame into the present day Rewalsar Lake alias Tso Pema and miracled himself seated on a lotus amid the lake and thus the name Tso Pema meaning “Lotus Lake”.
Under the circumstances, may I solicit your dynamic leadership’s kind attention and intervention to ensure the following:
1. Renovating and maintaining the Lake befitting to its significance to the entire Buddhist world. This shall not only go a long way in addressing to our concern but shall also highly be yielding in the furtherance of your State’s Tourism potential to even further higher level.
2. Further more boating and other human activites in the Lake in the past has created a massive unrest and a sense of religious genocide amongst the Buddhist the world over which however could not be traced during our last week visit to Rewalsar. In this regard, we would also solicit your support and cooperation to make the Lake free of any such human activity thus ensuring the sanctity and sacredness of the same. Such development shall definitely put the Rewalsar Lake amongst world’s prominent Tourist circuit.
Submitted for your most considerate deliberations and sympathetic favour please.
Sarva Mangalam
Tseten Tashi Bhutia
Former Minister, Sikkim
Dated: June 25, 2010 Cum
Camp: New Delhi Convener, SIBLAC
Thursday, June 24, 2010
SIBLAC urges HRD Ministry for inclusion of Bhutia,Lepcha & Limbu languages in NIOS school curriculum
The Siblac continues its hectic schedules in New Delhi approaching with different authorities of the Union Government. Today it submitted a memorandum to Mr. Kapil Sibal, Union Minister for the Human Resource Development at his Shastri Bhawan Office, New Delhi.
To
Mr. Kapil Sibal Ji
Hon’ble Union Minister
Human Resource & Development Ministry
Government of India
301, C-Wing, Shastri Bhawan
New Delhi
Sub: Inclusion of Sikkimese Bhutia, Lepcha & Limbu languages in the curriculum of the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) in Class X & XII and Indian School Certificate Examination (ISCE)’s school curriculum.
Hon’ble Sir,
In the best interest of the aspiring students of the Sikkim and the adjacent Himalayan region and driven by your conspicuous zeal to turn the Indian education system to a more practical and accessible one in consistent to the all-pervading global changes by initiating some of the best concept alias judicious revolution, I would like to submit the following:
That;
1. Sikkimese Bhutia, Lepcha and Limbu languages are the recognised official tribal languages of the State of Sikkim and lingua franca of the Sikkimese people.
2. That all the three languages have its own well developed language, scriptures, grammars with considerable progression in their respective art and literature fields.
3. These languages are incorporated in all the academic curriculum / syllabus of the Central Board of Secondary School (CBSE)’s Class X and Class XII programmes.
4. These languages are also included and taught upto the Degree level programme of the Sikkim University.
5. Unfortunately, these three languages remained unrecognised and unincorporated in any of the NIOS programmes curriculum and syllabus, thus denying a bulk number of under privileged students belonging to the above cited categories of Sikkimese Bhutia, Lepcha and Limbu languages.
Under the circumstances, I solicit your most considerate intervention to the effect that:
1. The above mentioned languages of the Sikkimese Bhutia, Lepcha and Limbu is immediately recognised and incorporated in the Class X and Class XII programmes, curriculum and syllabus of the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) and in all the Jawahar Nabodaya Vidhalaya Institutes operating in the State of Sikkim from their academic sessions 2011.
2. The Sikkimese Bhutia and Limbu languages are immediately recognised and incorporated in the Class XII and Class X programmes, curriculum and syllabus of the Indian School Certificate Examination (ISCE) with immediate effect from the ensuing session of 2011.
With highest regards.
Tseten Tashi Bhutia
Former Minister, Sikkim
Dated: June 24, 2010 Cum
Camp: New Delhi Convener, SIBLAC
The Siblac continues its hectic schedules in New Delhi approaching with different authorities of the Union Government. Today it submitted a memorandum to Mr. Kapil Sibal, Union Minister for the Human Resource Development at his Shastri Bhawan Office, New Delhi.
To
Mr. Kapil Sibal Ji
Hon’ble Union Minister
Human Resource & Development Ministry
Government of India
301, C-Wing, Shastri Bhawan
New Delhi
Sub: Inclusion of Sikkimese Bhutia, Lepcha & Limbu languages in the curriculum of the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) in Class X & XII and Indian School Certificate Examination (ISCE)’s school curriculum.
Hon’ble Sir,
In the best interest of the aspiring students of the Sikkim and the adjacent Himalayan region and driven by your conspicuous zeal to turn the Indian education system to a more practical and accessible one in consistent to the all-pervading global changes by initiating some of the best concept alias judicious revolution, I would like to submit the following:
That;
1. Sikkimese Bhutia, Lepcha and Limbu languages are the recognised official tribal languages of the State of Sikkim and lingua franca of the Sikkimese people.
2. That all the three languages have its own well developed language, scriptures, grammars with considerable progression in their respective art and literature fields.
3. These languages are incorporated in all the academic curriculum / syllabus of the Central Board of Secondary School (CBSE)’s Class X and Class XII programmes.
4. These languages are also included and taught upto the Degree level programme of the Sikkim University.
5. Unfortunately, these three languages remained unrecognised and unincorporated in any of the NIOS programmes curriculum and syllabus, thus denying a bulk number of under privileged students belonging to the above cited categories of Sikkimese Bhutia, Lepcha and Limbu languages.
Under the circumstances, I solicit your most considerate intervention to the effect that:
1. The above mentioned languages of the Sikkimese Bhutia, Lepcha and Limbu is immediately recognised and incorporated in the Class X and Class XII programmes, curriculum and syllabus of the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) and in all the Jawahar Nabodaya Vidhalaya Institutes operating in the State of Sikkim from their academic sessions 2011.
2. The Sikkimese Bhutia and Limbu languages are immediately recognised and incorporated in the Class XII and Class X programmes, curriculum and syllabus of the Indian School Certificate Examination (ISCE) with immediate effect from the ensuing session of 2011.
With highest regards.
Tseten Tashi Bhutia
Former Minister, Sikkim
Dated: June 24, 2010 Cum
Camp: New Delhi Convener, SIBLAC
Pinking of the Sikkimese populace Whatever one might say, replacement of Sikkim Subject Certificate, a sacrosanct document with coloured cards should not have been done on the following reasons:
1. Pre-empting the Crooks. Argument that discovery of 30,000 fake SSCs necessitated Pink Cards, is akin to saying, “The thief has been identified, now lock the doors”, instead, we should be catching the crook. What was required was strengthening of the rules, regulations and processes related SSC rather than pinking the SSC itself.
2. Pink Cards producing Pink Cards. SSC is an historical sacrosanct document, now never replicable and is like the main root of the tree. There can only be one main root and, correctly, branches have been created in the form of Domicile Certificates and the Certificate of Identification which would ultimately trace the genuineness of their origin, thereby keeping the sanctity of the root intact. But today we are making the branches to act the root. It will take just one brother holding a Pink Card to make all his brothers, sons, and grandsons Ad Infinitum eligible to possess the Pink Card. The roots stand forgotten. But in the process, a single wrong brother will also create a mistake of similar magnitude. Just imagine a scenario. One takes out Sikkim Subject Certificate and other flashes the Pink Card with a pink smile and this fellow got the Pink Card because his brother possessed one, and he himself was borne in Bangladesh and is the son of his father’s third wife. Pinking of SSC has lowered its dignity and improved chances of fraudulence.
3. SSC a harmless document. In the long run, perhaps SSC will mean very little in terms of facilities and freebies that would come along with it. Even today with or without SSC everyone is enjoying every bit of facilities available here - jobs, contract works, right to purchase dokaan, makaan, land, business opportunities, BPL rice, etc. As for the jobs, just read the papers. For about 1000 jobs there were tens of thousands of applicants! So where are the jobs that we should be banking on Sikkim Subjects for? And for how long? One may point out Income Tax exemption. But, how wealthy and for how long are the people of Sikkim? A few who have moderate business will just feel not so rich if they cross Rangpo, reach Siliguri and meet Mittals and Agarwals. Basically, IT imposition would have hardly any impact. And remember tax paying is a process of nation building. SSC is neither harming anyone nor it will make anyone billionaire overnight. So, it should have been left alone.
4. Tied with our emotions. Today when we have lost so much, what remains is - this old mould infested and colour faded paper which - as a precious inheritance, we keep in our boxes padlocked and with which we are so emotionally bound to. So, this paper has significance of very different nature, like papyrus or parchment on which Valmiki wrote the original Ramayana. So how can this sacrosanct precious parchment can be replaced with any other coloured paper?
5. SSC gives us a unique Identity. SSC does give people of Sikkim a unique status. Its Power has been immensely amplified and elucidated not only by 371F, but also by the recent Income Tax Act. Ours is a small place, always has been the abode of Gods, epitome of peace, tranquillity, brotherhood and prosperity. Our misfortune - that in one sense, we have lost everything. It is not impossible that in future the Pink cards will overtake SSC and will spread from Gangtok to Bhagalpur to Taplejung. So let us not dilute and consign this last vestige of our identity which we called Sikkim Subject Certificate, a Symbol of bygone Sikkim – a rock solid reminder that once we were a Nation – to oblivion.
6. Is Pink Card to Safe Guard people of Sikkim? Finally, a writer has hinted whether the card is for security reason. And does he mean security from influxes? (We have been facing an unprecedented influx. Are we now trying to cap it by the use of Pink Card?). But our constitution declares – “Though shall not close the Rangpo gate to anyone entering Sikkim!” Alas, 371F is also getting self-destructive while we bring in sometime utterly un-necessary rules, regulations and Acts in the name of earning money, and oblivious to damages that such acts are causing. Whereas every time Government of India fling a few drops of honey of money from its cup of coffer, the entire state gets inundated. After all, Sikkim with 5 lakhs people and 50% of which residing in Gangtok, is about 50 km by 50 km in area, remove forests, etc, then, it is comparable to district of Patna or Darjeeling. The latter having population of about 20 lakhs, is run by a single DC and has a budget of about 2-300 crores. And don’t forget Darjeeling (with influx) now was once what Sikkim is today !
Globalization, Industries, free market and so on are the essential modern mantra. But these should not be gobbled-up like hot potato, lest your mouth will get blistered. What we do today must have holistic perspective and ingredient of truth towards the coming generation to make them live in harmony and not with frustration. Else, we have done nothing good. So, if the writer is right, and if we are concerned about the extinction of people of Sikkim, and if we feel SSC is not working (unless it is given a new avatar), and if we are aware of the underlying problem, then this CARD ( perhaps a means to remedy the problem) is OK, but starting it by pinking the Sikkim Subject Certificate ? This cannot be a correct thing to do.
D. Subba, Gangtok
source; voice of sikkim
1. Pre-empting the Crooks. Argument that discovery of 30,000 fake SSCs necessitated Pink Cards, is akin to saying, “The thief has been identified, now lock the doors”, instead, we should be catching the crook. What was required was strengthening of the rules, regulations and processes related SSC rather than pinking the SSC itself.
2. Pink Cards producing Pink Cards. SSC is an historical sacrosanct document, now never replicable and is like the main root of the tree. There can only be one main root and, correctly, branches have been created in the form of Domicile Certificates and the Certificate of Identification which would ultimately trace the genuineness of their origin, thereby keeping the sanctity of the root intact. But today we are making the branches to act the root. It will take just one brother holding a Pink Card to make all his brothers, sons, and grandsons Ad Infinitum eligible to possess the Pink Card. The roots stand forgotten. But in the process, a single wrong brother will also create a mistake of similar magnitude. Just imagine a scenario. One takes out Sikkim Subject Certificate and other flashes the Pink Card with a pink smile and this fellow got the Pink Card because his brother possessed one, and he himself was borne in Bangladesh and is the son of his father’s third wife. Pinking of SSC has lowered its dignity and improved chances of fraudulence.
3. SSC a harmless document. In the long run, perhaps SSC will mean very little in terms of facilities and freebies that would come along with it. Even today with or without SSC everyone is enjoying every bit of facilities available here - jobs, contract works, right to purchase dokaan, makaan, land, business opportunities, BPL rice, etc. As for the jobs, just read the papers. For about 1000 jobs there were tens of thousands of applicants! So where are the jobs that we should be banking on Sikkim Subjects for? And for how long? One may point out Income Tax exemption. But, how wealthy and for how long are the people of Sikkim? A few who have moderate business will just feel not so rich if they cross Rangpo, reach Siliguri and meet Mittals and Agarwals. Basically, IT imposition would have hardly any impact. And remember tax paying is a process of nation building. SSC is neither harming anyone nor it will make anyone billionaire overnight. So, it should have been left alone.
4. Tied with our emotions. Today when we have lost so much, what remains is - this old mould infested and colour faded paper which - as a precious inheritance, we keep in our boxes padlocked and with which we are so emotionally bound to. So, this paper has significance of very different nature, like papyrus or parchment on which Valmiki wrote the original Ramayana. So how can this sacrosanct precious parchment can be replaced with any other coloured paper?
5. SSC gives us a unique Identity. SSC does give people of Sikkim a unique status. Its Power has been immensely amplified and elucidated not only by 371F, but also by the recent Income Tax Act. Ours is a small place, always has been the abode of Gods, epitome of peace, tranquillity, brotherhood and prosperity. Our misfortune - that in one sense, we have lost everything. It is not impossible that in future the Pink cards will overtake SSC and will spread from Gangtok to Bhagalpur to Taplejung. So let us not dilute and consign this last vestige of our identity which we called Sikkim Subject Certificate, a Symbol of bygone Sikkim – a rock solid reminder that once we were a Nation – to oblivion.
6. Is Pink Card to Safe Guard people of Sikkim? Finally, a writer has hinted whether the card is for security reason. And does he mean security from influxes? (We have been facing an unprecedented influx. Are we now trying to cap it by the use of Pink Card?). But our constitution declares – “Though shall not close the Rangpo gate to anyone entering Sikkim!” Alas, 371F is also getting self-destructive while we bring in sometime utterly un-necessary rules, regulations and Acts in the name of earning money, and oblivious to damages that such acts are causing. Whereas every time Government of India fling a few drops of honey of money from its cup of coffer, the entire state gets inundated. After all, Sikkim with 5 lakhs people and 50% of which residing in Gangtok, is about 50 km by 50 km in area, remove forests, etc, then, it is comparable to district of Patna or Darjeeling. The latter having population of about 20 lakhs, is run by a single DC and has a budget of about 2-300 crores. And don’t forget Darjeeling (with influx) now was once what Sikkim is today !
Globalization, Industries, free market and so on are the essential modern mantra. But these should not be gobbled-up like hot potato, lest your mouth will get blistered. What we do today must have holistic perspective and ingredient of truth towards the coming generation to make them live in harmony and not with frustration. Else, we have done nothing good. So, if the writer is right, and if we are concerned about the extinction of people of Sikkim, and if we feel SSC is not working (unless it is given a new avatar), and if we are aware of the underlying problem, then this CARD ( perhaps a means to remedy the problem) is OK, but starting it by pinking the Sikkim Subject Certificate ? This cannot be a correct thing to do.
D. Subba, Gangtok
source; voice of sikkim
SIBLAC submits Memorandum to the Union Home Minister, P. Chidambaram in N.Delhi
source: VoiceofSikkim on Jun 23, 2010
22 June, New Delhi: In furtherance to its meeting with the UPA Chairperson Ms. Sonia Gandhi, a high level delegation comprising of various BL organisations including the SIBLAC, NASBO 371 F and the Denzong Chyarig Chogpo led by the SIBLAC Convener Mr. Tseten Tashi Bhutia has submitted a memorandum to the Hon’ble Union Home Minister Mr. P. Chidambaram here today i.e. Monday, June 22, 2010.
To
Mr. P Chidambaram ji
Hon’ble Union Home Minister
Government of India
North Block
New Delhi
Sub: Proportionate Increase of Bhutia Lepcha (BL) seat in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly.
With reference to the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)’s communication no: Sikkim-2/Inclusion/Service/2006/RU-II dated: 01.12.2009, addressed to the Union Home Secretary (Annexure I), I would like to submit the following;
1. That the content of the said letter is unclear as regard our numerous representations for increase in the total number of BL seats in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly under the circumstances, the strength of the Assembly is increased to any extent.
2. Please refer to Hon’ble Chief Minister’s letter nos. SH/4(29)SCM/129 dated:01.09.2007 and SH/4(29)SCM/121 dated: 28.08.2007 and, addressed to the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the then Union Home Minister respectively (Annexure II & III), in which he emphasised as “ however if the Government of India still feels that the present strength of 32 seats in Sikkim Legislative Assembly should remain at 32, then the Limboo and Tamang communities may be provided reservation of seats in Sikkim Legislative Assembly within the strength of 32 before the April-May, 2009 Elections without disturbing the seats of Bhutia-Lepchas and Sangha.” It is pertinent to note here that the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s emphasis goes in consistent with the Union Home Ministry’s option number (i) of the letter D.O. No. IV/11015/1/2005-CSR.11 New Delhi, the 30th July, 2005 (Annexure IV). This arrangement is acceptable to us.
3. The Home Ministry must verify on the courses of actions following its repeated queries and stand to the State Government of Sikkim vide letter D.O. No IV/11015/1/2005-CSR.11 New Delhi, the 1st May, 2006 (Annexure IV) wherein the Ministry has emphasised on ensuring that no single section of the population acquires dominating position due mainly to its ethnic origin as given in the Tripartite May 8 Agreement of 1973 as also upheld by Article 371 F and enhanced by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India (RC Poudyal Vs Union of India & others)
4. Please refer to the crucial meeting held in the Conference Room No.119, North Block, New Delhi on 24.04.2006 at 12.30.PM, chaired by the then Union Home Secretary and also attended by the then Sikkim Chief Secretary and other senior officials that reiterated to uphold the BLs interests and the action taken report on the same if any.
5. We appreciate the then NCST Chairperson’s D.O.letter no. Sikkim-2/Inclusion/Service/2006/RU-II dated: 03.-9.2008 and its contents to the then Union Home Minister (Annexure V). However, there appears to have been lack of coordination and communication between varying parties involved in such a significant and sensitive matter of constitutional significance armed by legal authentications of the Supreme Court of India. It is very unfortunate that the stakeholders in the matter including the Governments of India and Sikkim should not update itselves on the matter fully and timely.
Finally, we once again reiterate with our standing position in condemning the recommendation of Prof. B.K. Roy Burman Commission. In fact, it is put on record that the Burman Commission Report has been protested and castigated tooth and nail by all the socio-politico organisations of Sikkim. A review-report of the S I B L A C on the Burman Commission recommendations has already been submitted to you. Further, a noted national anthropologist Prof. A.C. Sinha, Former Professor of Anthropology and Dean of Social Sciences Faculty, North East Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, Meghalaya has only recently rejected the Burman Commission Report for its inherent partialism and errors as well as contradicting recommendations.
Under the circumstances, it has become crucial that your good self is considerate enough to ponder upon various aspects and facts before coming to any final decisions, since the entire matter pertains to the political survival of a community, the BLs in particular and the Sikkimese in general in the national mainstream. This shall go in the best interest of our National Security and Integrity of our nation.
I hope that your good self would definitely find wisdom in our representation and act considerately at the earliest.
With highest regards.
Tseten Tashi Bhutia
Former Minister
Cum
Convenor
Dated: June 22, 2010.
Camp: New Delhi
source: VoiceofSikkim on Jun 23, 2010
22 June, New Delhi: In furtherance to its meeting with the UPA Chairperson Ms. Sonia Gandhi, a high level delegation comprising of various BL organisations including the SIBLAC, NASBO 371 F and the Denzong Chyarig Chogpo led by the SIBLAC Convener Mr. Tseten Tashi Bhutia has submitted a memorandum to the Hon’ble Union Home Minister Mr. P. Chidambaram here today i.e. Monday, June 22, 2010.
To
Mr. P Chidambaram ji
Hon’ble Union Home Minister
Government of India
North Block
New Delhi
Sub: Proportionate Increase of Bhutia Lepcha (BL) seat in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly.
With reference to the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)’s communication no: Sikkim-2/Inclusion/Service/2006/RU-II dated: 01.12.2009, addressed to the Union Home Secretary (Annexure I), I would like to submit the following;
1. That the content of the said letter is unclear as regard our numerous representations for increase in the total number of BL seats in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly under the circumstances, the strength of the Assembly is increased to any extent.
2. Please refer to Hon’ble Chief Minister’s letter nos. SH/4(29)SCM/129 dated:01.09.2007 and SH/4(29)SCM/121 dated: 28.08.2007 and, addressed to the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the then Union Home Minister respectively (Annexure II & III), in which he emphasised as “ however if the Government of India still feels that the present strength of 32 seats in Sikkim Legislative Assembly should remain at 32, then the Limboo and Tamang communities may be provided reservation of seats in Sikkim Legislative Assembly within the strength of 32 before the April-May, 2009 Elections without disturbing the seats of Bhutia-Lepchas and Sangha.” It is pertinent to note here that the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s emphasis goes in consistent with the Union Home Ministry’s option number (i) of the letter D.O. No. IV/11015/1/2005-CSR.11 New Delhi, the 30th July, 2005 (Annexure IV). This arrangement is acceptable to us.
3. The Home Ministry must verify on the courses of actions following its repeated queries and stand to the State Government of Sikkim vide letter D.O. No IV/11015/1/2005-CSR.11 New Delhi, the 1st May, 2006 (Annexure IV) wherein the Ministry has emphasised on ensuring that no single section of the population acquires dominating position due mainly to its ethnic origin as given in the Tripartite May 8 Agreement of 1973 as also upheld by Article 371 F and enhanced by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India (RC Poudyal Vs Union of India & others)
4. Please refer to the crucial meeting held in the Conference Room No.119, North Block, New Delhi on 24.04.2006 at 12.30.PM, chaired by the then Union Home Secretary and also attended by the then Sikkim Chief Secretary and other senior officials that reiterated to uphold the BLs interests and the action taken report on the same if any.
5. We appreciate the then NCST Chairperson’s D.O.letter no. Sikkim-2/Inclusion/Service/2006/RU-II dated: 03.-9.2008 and its contents to the then Union Home Minister (Annexure V). However, there appears to have been lack of coordination and communication between varying parties involved in such a significant and sensitive matter of constitutional significance armed by legal authentications of the Supreme Court of India. It is very unfortunate that the stakeholders in the matter including the Governments of India and Sikkim should not update itselves on the matter fully and timely.
Finally, we once again reiterate with our standing position in condemning the recommendation of Prof. B.K. Roy Burman Commission. In fact, it is put on record that the Burman Commission Report has been protested and castigated tooth and nail by all the socio-politico organisations of Sikkim. A review-report of the S I B L A C on the Burman Commission recommendations has already been submitted to you. Further, a noted national anthropologist Prof. A.C. Sinha, Former Professor of Anthropology and Dean of Social Sciences Faculty, North East Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, Meghalaya has only recently rejected the Burman Commission Report for its inherent partialism and errors as well as contradicting recommendations.
Under the circumstances, it has become crucial that your good self is considerate enough to ponder upon various aspects and facts before coming to any final decisions, since the entire matter pertains to the political survival of a community, the BLs in particular and the Sikkimese in general in the national mainstream. This shall go in the best interest of our National Security and Integrity of our nation.
I hope that your good self would definitely find wisdom in our representation and act considerately at the earliest.
With highest regards.
Tseten Tashi Bhutia
Former Minister
Cum
Convenor
Dated: June 22, 2010.
Camp: New Delhi
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