Friday, January 18, 2013

Thursday, January 17, 2013

January 17, 2013,

A Conversation With: Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling

Courtesy of Sambuddha Mitra Mustafi Pawan Kumar Chamling.

Tucked away in the Himalayas, India’s Sikkim state has averaged an annual growth of 12.6 percent over the last eight years. The state of 600,000 people is of strategic importance to India, surrounded by China, Nepal and Bhutan on three sides. The former monarchy of Sikkim joined the Indian federation of states in 1975 and has been the most peaceful among India’s strife-torn northeastern states.

The chief minister, Pawan Kumar Chamling, has been in power since December 1994, making him the second longest-serving state chief in India’s history. In an interview with India Ink, Mr. Chamling explained how his government has managed to build a development consensus that has eluded Sikkim’s neighboring states.

Sikkim is India’s fastest-growing state since 2004, but somehow its growth story has not been in the limelight as much as Gujarat or Bihar, for example.

Yes, we do not get as much recognition because we are a small state, in a remote part of the country. But we are a sensitive border state – landlocked by China, Nepal and Bhutan. Yet we are among the most peaceful and progressive states of India. The general impression of border states in India is that they are not peaceful, there is lack of development, leading to unemployment and strife. Sikkim, through its example, has changed that perception. Within five years Sikkim will become a poverty-free state, and it will become the first state to have 100 percent concrete houses.

But fast economic growth often comes with environmental hazards, especially in a state that is part of the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot. Has Sikkim’s environment taken a beating in the state’s pursuit of fast growth?

Our development mantra is innovative, based on natural resources, hydropower, organic farming, ecotourism, floriculture and clean industries. Only 14 percent of our land is inhabitable – the rest is taken up by Himalayan glaciers and jungles. But we have turned our locational disadvantage into an opportunity by protecting our biodiversity and inviting tourists to come and enjoy Sikkim’s natural beauty. We have banned grazing, killing of wildlife and eliminated deforestation. Every time we cut a tree for a development project, we plant 20 saplings elsewhere. We have banned pesticides, and in two years we will become a fully organic state. We have promoted clean industries – we have removed the polluting silicon industry out of the state. If the world adopts Sikkim’s model, global warming can be tackled.

How have you brought about the development consensus among people, particularly in the rural areas, in what is still a very traditional society? In many parts of India we see the biggest impediment to development is that locals do not want to give up on land or traditional means of livelihood.

I consider the rural people my overlords – I tell them that I am their main servant. Sikkim is ours; we must build it together. I tell them we have to use our natural resources – our land, our water. If the government wants their land for a road or other construction, I am ready to pay them more than the market price. I don’t believe in compulsory taking away. I negotiate. I engage in dialogue. That is why people are with me in this quest for development. And our state is investment friendly – we invite industries as development partners of our state. They get good, secure conditions to invest, while locals are happy because it creates jobs.

Some of your critics say that perhaps development has happened too fast for the local population. They claim that locals are not getting jobs, which are being taken away by immigrants.

Those people are backward in their thinking. We are just about entering India’s development mainstream and we have a lot of catching up to do to enter the global mainstream. We are still in the agricultural age, not even manufacturing. We are still way behind in terms of education, health and other social indicators. We have a long way to go, and it is my obsession that we do it quickly.
As for immigrants, if there is manpower demand there will be supply from outside sometimes. Sikkimese people do not like to do manual labor, so outsiders will come. But old laws still protect the right of Sikkimese people over land and other resources. So I do not see immigration as a problem.

Trade with China’s Tibet Autonomous Region through the Nathu La Pass was one of your dream projects and the route finally opened up in 2005 for restricted trade. Has the project lived up to your expectations?

I strongly believe that trade through Nathu La should become full-fledged, and all items should flow across the border. People should also be allowed to cross the border for tourism – that can only bring benefits to Sikkim. I am actually unhappy with the Border Roads Organization (of the Indian Army) for not maintaining the road properly. Landslides have caused damage and affected trade more than we would want. On the Chinese side, the road looks in great condition, and this disparity has national security implications as well.

You have now been in power for 18 years, which is quite unique in India, where state governments generally change every four years. Do you see yourself more as an Asian-style figurehead, or even a neo-royal in this former monarchy?

In a democracy, people are supreme. I have been elected four times because people have liked my work. Because our model is working, so people are happy with this model. I don’t think I am a royal figure or a father figure. I think Sikkimese people feel that this is their government. They believe that if their parents could not educate them, the government will. If we cannot eat, the government will provide. That is why they have faith in this government. And they think I am the top man in this government.

Friday, January 11, 2013

On the passing away of Chhaganlall Sarda:

KC PRADHAN, a Senior Citizen.

On the demise of octogenarian Chhaganlall Sarda, Sikkim is poorer for his sage advice on all matters related to health. He was neither a doctor nor a pharmacist by profession, yet, his was the sound advice for treatment of any illness.
He was a tall figure at MG Marg in his own right and every senior citizen of Gangtok, or Sikkim for that matter, knew him well and in turn he knew them all very intimately and greeted them with grace whenever they stepped into his shop or passed by. Later, the little shop was named Life Line Medical Centre. In keeping with the times almost all the shops on the MG Marg donned a new avatar but he and his family continued to lead an unpretentious lifestyle and the shop too retained its simplicity with the traditional gaddi covered with white cloth – big enough for four to sit on. It was a real adda for the Gangtokians with the jovial Late PC Yapla topping the list of regulars. He was such a frequent visitor that he knew where the various types of medicines were stacked.
The shop was a hub for gossip to gather the latest news around town and collect mails and all sundries – virtually a post office – besides, of course, collecting the monthly course of medicines. Everybody relies on their meticulousness and in times where spurious drugs tend to sneak in, their supply is considered safe and reliable without an iota of doubt.
Interestingly, the old man with all his sagacity used to advise one and all to refrain from taking too much medication. As an old timer, and knowing how the pharmaceutical companies are taking us for a ride, his sage advice was samai ko phal khanu hos. In other words, develop the habit of eating fresh vegetables and fruits that Sikkim’s bountiful climate produces seasonally. This was his mantra for good health.
The Late Changanlall Sarda, and for that matter the reputed families of Motilal Lakhotia, late Khyaliram Singhi, late Chiranjilal Khatri, late Mamraj Agarwal, late Ridhkaran-Madangopal, the well extended Sarda-clan and many others are all part of a very old business community settled in Sikkim many generations ago. Their contribution to Sikkim in the field of trade is great. In the passing away of Chaganlall ji, a dignified personality and gentleman in the truest sense, we lost another stalwart. We pray that his soul rests in peace and his family continues to serve the people of Gangtok in the field of medicine as usual in the high standards set by their patriarch over decades of perseverance.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

‘Vriddha Ashram’ inaugurated at Lower Samdong

FACILITY TO OFFER FREE BOARD TO ELDERLY PILGRIMS

source:Sikkim Now

MANGAN, 09 Jan: The Minister for Forest and Environment cum Tourism, Bhim Dhungel today inaugurated the newly constructed Vriddha Ashram here at Hareshwar Shivalay Mandir premises at Lower Samdong in East Sikkim. The Minister was present as the chief guest accompanied by area MLA cum Chief Whip, Ugen T Gyatso Bhutia as special guest.
The Vriddha Ashram, which is to serve as a free guest house for senior citizens visiting the area as pilgrims, has been funded by Madhya Bharat Power Corporation Ltd under its CSR activities. During the function, area MLA Ugen T Gyatso Bhutia, GM NHPC, DK Ray and ED Madhya Bharat, GK Changani were felicitated by the panchayat and public of Lower Samdong for their dedication and contribution in the development of Lower Samdong.
Executive Director, Madhya Bharat in his speech highlighted that Madhya Bharat will construct another additional floor of the Vriddha Ashram in the coming days.
The GM NHPC, DK Ray informed that the NHPC is ready to help people anytime for the development of the village and further added that apart from power generation, NHPC is involved in many other community services in the state for the welfare of the people in the field of health, education and sports etc. The GM highlighted that the construction of cold storage will be completed within the next year.
Area MLA, Ugen T Gyatso Bhutia in his address appealed to the people to change their mindset and involve themselves in the progress of the constituency and state as well. “We have no personal agenda or vested interest but we are working for the welfare of the people”, he said.
Mr. Bhutia reiterated that due to some people with vested interests there have been some hindrances in early sanctioning of the Ramayan Village. He also appreciated the development facilitated by the NHPC in the area and Madhya Bharat as well and further urged for their constant support in the future as well.
Addressing the function, the chief guest Minister Bhim Dhungel stressed that all the people of Tumin-Lingee constituency should be united in delivering their contribution to complete the three mega projects in the constituency which are Jantar Mantar Tantar, Ramayan Village and Chauridara Green Village project.
He further said that 96% hotels in Sikkim are being sublet and run by outsiders where only 4% are being run by the locals. Unless, there is positive thought, there will not be development, he added. Earlier, the function was welcomed by Dharmaraj Adhikari and ended with vote of thanks by Dheeraj Bhattarai.
Also present in the function were officials from NHPC, GM, DK Ray, officials from Madhya Bharat headed by GK Changani, Executive Director, Chief Engineer State Tourism Deptt, zilla member Saraswati Regmi, panchayat members and the local public.

extended in Sikkim

Employees’ State Insurance Act extended in Sikkim

Private work force can claim benefits for sickness, maternity, injuries

Gangtok, January 10, 2013:

The Employees’ State Insurance Act 1948 has been enforced in Sikkim with effect from December 1 last year, informs an IPR release. The Act provides certain benefits to employees in case of sickness, maternity and employment injuries.

The IPR release informs that under the Act, shops, factories, industries, hotels, restaurants, private educational institutions, road motor transport establishments, cinemas, news paper establishments, private medical institutions, nursing homes, diagnostics centres and others are to be registered under the scheme.

A team of officials from Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) regional office of Kolkata reached Gangtok today to meet the State government officials on the implementation of the Act. The meeting is scheduled on January 10. When contacted, deputy chief labour officer DS Kunwar said there is a need for generating awareness on the Employees State Insurance Act 1948 as it has been newly extended in Sikkim. The Act is applicable to private enterprises which have a minimum of 10 working staff members, he said. “The Act is not applicable for construction workers such as those working in hydel power projects. We are waiting for more insight from the ESIC officials of the regional office”, said Kunwar.

As per the Act, all employees in those private enterprises coming under its purview, are to be insured with contributions made to the ESIC by the employer. The rates are prescribed by the Central government. The employees can claim benefits to him and his dependants for sickness, maternity and injuries while working.

Sikkim Express

Momos amid downpour in Sikkim

Published: Thursday, Jan 10, 2013, 12:55 IST
Place: Mumbai | Agency: DNA


(Top) A spellbinding view of the mountains around Sikkim and (below) Sushma Reddy in traditional Sikkimese costume before getting sporty on a yak back!

It’s really hard to zero in on the “last frontiers” of India, especially if you are using my parameters, which can be summed up in three words: Virgin, quiet and clean. Inaccessibility has a major role to play in protecting a paradise. Hence, for me, the Lakshadweep, Andaman-Nicobar, Uttarakhand, the Seven Sisters of the North East and Sikkim, are Paradise Found.

A few years ago, I bumped my way from Bagdogra to Gangtok, getting into Sikkim’s busy capital at midnight. Gangtok proved to be disappointing, and I ambled around looking for a hotel among the many perched dangerously on the edge of small cliffs. The flash downpour at night, with the dazzling lightning show, and the low lying clouds wafting through my room reinforced my belief that I would be washed away!

The next morning, my Sikkim jaunt began in earnest: I went to Rumtek Monastery, less to see the beautiful monastery, and more to unabashedly gawk at the image of my teenage crush, the Karmapa, the in-absentia head of Rumtek.

I first set off eastwards towards Changu Lake. The ascent to Changu was stunning, with snowed-in embankments, steep curving roads and looming peaks. Changu Lake, with it’s still-water reflections of the peaks, was unforgettable, as was my first yak ride around the lake. The final ascent to see the magnificent mountain ranges flanked on two sides by India and China, and to watch the Chinese patrols was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

There is something to be said for the 4 am sunrise that bathes the peak of Kanchenjunga in a golden halo. The peaks felt like they were rising in my back garden! I also undertook the long, hilly walk in West Sikkim to the Rabdentse Ruins. The ruins were excellent, and my head was literally in the clouds.

Next, I wound my way to Yuksam, the starting point for the Dzongri trek, at the edge of the Kanchenjunga National Park. I threw dirty glances at the trekkers preparing in the village on the way, jealous that I wasn’t going with them. Instead, I was being driven to the beautiful Dubdi Monastery, which entailed a mini trek to the top of a small hill. I also went to the Khecheopalri Lake, sacred to both the Hindus and the Buddhists. It was quiet and serene as I entered the pier lined with Tibetan prayer flags and bells, and I filled a few bottles withholy waters to take back with me.

The Sikkimese are warm people. The population consists of Nepalese, Lepchas, Bhutias and the Lachung people. I am a country girl at heart, and totally enjoy good old country living. The North of Sikkim is stunningly wild and inaccessible. I had the good fortune of staying at a Lachung homestay, shovelling in copious quantities of hot dal and rice (the cold and the fresh country air really builds an appetite!), and never really leaving the kitchen, the warmest place in the house!

The Doma, the grandmother or the big boss of the house, made sure I was comfortable, and even offered me fresh chaang beer made from fermented millet drunk with a bamboo straw. Yumthang valley was beautiful, the ground covered with frost and tiny colourful flowers trying to peep out. I spent my time in this haven, drinking salty yak tea, and eating chhurpi, a soft cheese made from yak’s milk. The homestays served the most delicious meals, while in other parts of Sikkim, I subsisted on hot momos and the outstanding Nepali thalis!

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Temi Tea – The Flavor of Sikkim

by Khagendramani Pradhan
source:isikkim.

Amidst the backdrop of picturesque and mighty Mt. Khanchan Dzonga refreshed by the gentle breeze of river Teesta brews the morning sip of Sikkim – the Temi tea. Spread over 180 hectares of gentle slope with altitude ranging from 4500 to 6316 feet, the Temi tea garden produces one of the finest orthodox tea that promises the appreciation of tea connoisseur.
The Temi Tea estate was established in 1969 during the erstwhile regime of Chogyal and the commercial production started in the year 1977. In the year 1974 Tea board was formed to govern the day to day functioning of the estate and later it went on to become the subsidiary of Industries Department under Sikkim government. Temi Tea which apart from providing direct employment to over four hundred labors and thirty personnel, also is a major employer in the Government sector.
The gentle slopes that originate from the Tendong hill range has loamy soils condition with slope of 30–50% that suits best for tea plantation and produces nearly 100 tons of tea annually. Although the quantity of produce may seem insignificant in terms of major tea producing estates, the quality and the flavor it produces has been able to win the heart of tea aficionados within India and the world.
The tea produced by the Temi Tea estate is packaged under many brand names like “Temi Tea” which is of the best quality consisting of pure tea golden flowery orange pekoe. The next in quality is the popular brand of ‘Sikkim Solja’ followed by ‘Mystique’ and ‘Kanchanjunga Tea’. It is also sold in the form of ‘Orthodox dust tea’. While nearly 70 percent of the produce is sold in public auction at Kolkata through its authorized broker, the rest is converted into retail packets and sold in the local market.
The geographical location and the young plantation supplemented by organic method of production have further added to the value and flavor of tea leaves produced from this estate. Temi Tea garden closely followed the guidelines issued by IMO, Switzerland and with the completion of observation period, Temi Tea Estate was certified 100 percent organic by IMO India, a member group of IMO Switzerland in 2008. In addition, it is also a HACCP certified estate as per ISO -22000 standard under Food Safety Management System ensuring finest of quality product reaching the market. It may be noted that Temi tea garden is also the recipient of All India Quality Award from Tea Board of India for the two consecutive years.
The conversion of entire production process from conventional to organic with inputs like bio-fertilizers and pesticides like vermin-compost manure, neem cakes and castor cakes, have not only opened bigger market in international market, but has also seen a surge in demand amongst the tourist visiting Sikkim. Nearly one hundred acres of forest land at its disposal amply supplies the bio-mass to the estate making it self-reliant for required inputs.
By abandoning the use of agro-chemical and adopting organic means of production, the Temi tea estate has not only curtailed the cost of production, but also has opened wider arena of market preferring organic produce free from harmful chemicals. The Temi Tea board boasts of coming to breakeven point and substantially contributing to the State exchequer.
While Germany, United Kingdom, America and Japan constitute the major buyer, efforts are on way to further diversify the product in view of growing demand for green teas including redesigning of more attractive packets for value addition. This apart, efforts are underway to source direct buyers in foreign market for tea produced in Sikkim. The Tea Board of late has started directly exporting small quantities of organic tea to Canada and Japan where it has been fetching comparatively competitive and attractive prices.
Though, the expansion of tea plantation has been thwarted due to non availability of suitable land, Temi tea estate has been offering assistance to small scale grower and producers by providing quality planting materials and other technical knowhow. The garden nursery produces some of the best clone planting material, which is distributed among the small tea growers’ cooperatives in the state.
Though Temi Tea has lived up to expectation of many tea connoisseurs, given the climatic condition in the estate, there still is scope for production of high value and high return finest tea leaves