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TEESTA TAKES A

DETOUR

STOP-PRESS

GANGTOK: Sikkim Tourism onNovember 19, unveiled the firstTouch Screen Information Kiosk inSikkim and in fact the region at afunction organised here at the Tour-ist Information Centre at MG Marg.

Among the seven North Easternstates and West Bengal, Sikkim is thefirst State to boast such a facility. TheKiosk provides all the information avisitor needs to know about Sikkim.All you have to do is use your fingerto point out what you exactly wantto see.

It has information ranging frommountains to lakes, from various dis-tricts to cultural programmes andfolk dances and the monasteries. Italso has a glossary of commonly usedNepali phrases which should helpthe tourists to get through the Sik-kim experience comfortably.

The Kiosk, made at a cost of Rs.20 lakhs, was designed and devel-oped by the Hard and Soft Technolo-gies Private Limited from Chennai.Apart from Gangtok, there are nineother places where the Kiosk hasbeen installed. These are the TouristLodge Rangpo, Tourist InformationCentre Namchi and Siliguri, PellingPicket Post, Mt. PandimPemayangtse, Lingdum and SikkimHouse Kolkata and New Delhi.

Minister Tourism and Land Rev-enue, KT Gyaltsen, presided over thefunction as the chief guest while theopening speech was made by theAdditional Secretary, KK Pradhan,followed by a speech from the Prin-cipal Secretary, Karma Gyatso.

Mr. Pradhan revealed that theropeway project from Namchi toSamduptse has been sanctioned andapproved by the Government. He alsoadded that seventy to eighty percentof the work for the Samduptse statuehas been completed.

Mr. Gyatso in his speech pointed outthe achievements of the Tourism Depart-ment. Commenting on the inaugurationfunction of the Kiosk he said, “ It is small,but has tremendous mileage.”

He also said that the main pur-pose of the Touch Screen Informa-tion Kiosk was to give “pin pointcorrect” information to the tourists.

From now on the tourists will beable to have a glance at Sikkim witha simple touch of their finger.

SMALL KIOSK,

TREMENDOUS

MILEAGEa NOW REPORT

PROVE COMMITMENT AND

TAKE ALL THE STAGES

CHAMLING MAKES NHPC AN OFFERTURN TO pg 3 FOR DETAILS

PETROLIMPASSE

RESOLVED,FOR NOW

a NOW REPORT

GANGTOK: Petroleum retailersin the East district have called atemporary truce with the IndianOil Corporation after theintervention of the DC (East)’soffice here on Tuesday. [Fordetail report of what caused theconfrontation, turn to pg 4]The retailers had stopped liftingPOL products after IOC sealedtwo petrol pumps alleged to havestored adulterated petroleumproducts.Protesting the move, petrolpumps all over East Sikkim hadstopped lifting consignmentsfrom the suppliers. The droughtof petrol on Gangtok streetsforced even the Food & CivilSupplies Department to step in,but it was only after the DC(East), VB Pathak, urged IOC toresume supply to the two sealedpetrol pumps that the outlets hererelented. The IOC has soughttime till November 22 to decideon the matter.The petrol pumps are thus openpending IOC’ final decision. “Ifa favourable decision is not takenby 22nd, petrol pumps all overSikkim will stop lifting petrol,”warned Sikkim PetroleumDealers Association memberswhile talking to NOW!

SIGNED&SEALED

The confusion over

the shifting of Lall

Bazaar has been

resolved. Niggling

issues could still

trouble, but shifting is

now a surety

TURN TO pg 2 FOR DETAILS

The 534th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikh religion,who also shares many myths with Guru Rimpoche in Sikkim, wasobserved here at the Gurudwara at Libing Golai. a NOW! pic

2 NOW! 20-26 Nov, 2002

SEALEDSIGNED &

FOCUS

GANGTOK: After a 1000-strongmob barricaded the Urban Devel-opment and Housing Departmenton November 12, an Agreementwas finally drawn out the next dayand the issue of relocating the LallBazaar traders was resolved. Rentand the allotment, the two conten-tious issues, have been looked andeven though the “official” date ofevacuation remains the same atNovember 23, DC (East), VBPathak, who officiated as the me-diator between the traders and theDepartment told NOW! that thedate was not “hard and fast.” Theofficials, it appears, are willing tostretch it another week till the endof the month.

Interestingly, now that the mat-ter is resolved, the Lall Bazaartraders have denied that the No-vember 12 incident was a gherao.“We only wanted to be heard,” saysMalchand, President of the LalBazaar Hawkers Association,while adding, “We are not againstthe developmental activities andwe have also apologized to the

Secretary. We offered a Khada tohim as a mark of apology. Now wehave decided to work in cooperationwith the department.”

Explaining the reason behind theattrition, the DC, East, said that thedifferences were caused only becausethere was nothing in writing. The ear-lier negotiations had ended with theDepartment assuring that allotmentsin the new complex would be “con-sidered” - a phrase vague enough toinduce insecurity among the traders.The latest agreement between the LallBazaar traders & hawkers, theUD&HD Department and the DC(East) assures that all “trade licenceholders who have been given shoprooms at the Old Children Park TaxiStand will be given shop rooms in themultiplex at Lall Baazar after com-pletion of construction. On the newrent structure, the agreement assuresthat the rent would be a “reasonable”rate “approved” by the Government.Similarly, all hawkers accommodatedat Old Children Park Taxi Stand willbe given space in the new multiplex.

Though the issue appears resolvedon the surface, it’s still early days toput away the thinking caps. There areseveral niggling issues which could

put the spanner in the works again.One possible irritant could come

in the form of differences betweenassociation members and non-affili-ates who have trade licences to op-erate in Lall Bazaar. Since it was theAssociation which protested theeviction notices and then brokereda deal, it is only expected of them toprioritise the allotment of floor-space at the Old Children’s Parkcomplex (where the traders will beshifted till the new complex is con-structed) to association members.Non members are bound to protest.

The DC, East, however dis-misses chances of any further con-fusion on account of temporary ac-commodation or subsequent allot-ments in the new complex. “I havevisited the site and there is enoughspace there to fit everyone. Thereshould be no problems on thatcount,” he said. In fact, Mr. Pathakassured that even those traders whohave licences, but are yet to startbusiness at Lall Bazaar will be ac-

commodated in the new complex.What the UD&HD plans to do is

allot shop-space at Old Children’sPark to all trade licence holders whilevegetable vendors will be accommo-dated in the open space above. In-formed sources reveal that theUD&HD has also agreed to install agenerator at the Old Children’s Parkcomplex. The makeshift complexturns pitch dark during load sheddingeven during daytime. Fears wereraised that power-cuts, a routine oc-currence during winters, would leadto avoidable incidents of eve-teasingor even theft. The generator, as perthe latest information will be installedby the Department but maintainedand operated by the Lall Bazaar Trad-ers and Hawkers Association.

But there are more chances of mis-communication in this exercise. Takefor example the different figuresquoted by different agencies on thenumber of hawkers and traders in-volved. While reports at one time sug-gested that there were 400 vendors and

DC (East), VB Pathak, signs the Agreement he mediated betweenUD&HD and the Lall Bazaar Traders Associations [right] and HawkersAssociation [top right]

a NOW REPORT

212 traders at Lall Bazaar, the Na-tional Building Construction Corpo-ration, the agency implementing theproject, claims to have calculated440 vendors and 241 shops. TheDC’s office claims that there are 262hawkers and 225 “Hard Sheds” atLall Bazaar while the traders asso-ciation sticks to a figure of 350hawkers and 230 traders.

The actual evacuation mightstill take some time, but it is boundto happen now and the mood is fi-nally upbeat at the NBCC. The Rs.14.47 crore entrusted to NBCCwhich has been used to start worksince June when the first deadlinefor evacuation was set. SCBurman, the NBCC Deputy Gen-eral Manager, while talking toNOW! was confident that theevacuation would be complete byNovember 23. “If they vacate theplace by the 23rd - which is a Sat-urday- then we can start work onNovember 25,” he said.

He said that the project has twophases, the first having a budgetof Rs. 14.47 crores which wouldbe completed in two years. Thesecond phase with a budget of Rs.1.54 crores and has a scheduletime of one year. But he says thatthey want to complete the projectby two years.

The traders, since the rather un-comfortable episode of the gherao,have also met the Chief Ministerand returned reassured. The Asso-ciation office-bearers present at themeeting with the CM revealed thatthey were convinced by the CM thatthe project was for the poor andneedy. Apart from assuring every-one an allotment at the new com-plex, the CM is also reported tohave asked them to approach himwhenever they required help.

DC (EAST) MEDIATES TO RESOLVE LALL BAZAAR IMPASSE

GANGTOK: The Cabinet has ap-proved the proposal of the Irrigationand Flood Control Department to un-dertake construction of protective

walls at two places in South Sikkimand one in West Sikkim.

An amount of Rs. 2 Lakhs eachhas been sanctioned by the Cabinetfor the construction of protectivewalls at Temi and Kewzing in theSouth District. The works will be

carried out near the houses of KarmaDechen Bhutia at Temi and SonamPinsto at Chujachen, Kewzing.

A similar protective wall willcome up at 5th Mile,Gerethang-Yuksam Road at the Labing slip atthe cost of Rs. 5 Lakhs.

a NOW REPORT

CABINET OKs PROTECTIVE WALLS FORSOUTH AND WEST SLIP ZONES

a 4 pagesupplement forthe youth FREEwith every issueof NOW!

3NOW!20-26 Nov, 2002 UP-FRONT

HARDLINE by PANKAJ THAPA

DIKCHU: Chief Minister, PawanChamling has said that his govern-ment is ready to hand over the re-maining stages of the Teesta basinhydroelectric projects to NationalHydroelectric Power CorporationLtd (NHPC), provided it “fully re-spected the sentiments of the localpeople and their needs.”

Mr. Chamling was speaking atthe diversion of the Teesta River ofthe 510 MW Teesta HydroelectricPower Project Stage V here on No-vember 18.

Mr. Chamling said that his gov-ernment, impressed with NHPC’s “ex-cellent track record”, was preparedto hand over the remaining projects toit. He said that his government has had“extensive discussions” in this regardand has decided in principle to send aletter of intent to the NHPC soon. Hesaid that Stages I to III maybe handedover to the NHPC.

This would be possible providedthe NHPC fulfil the terms and con-ditions “in letter and spirit” and en-sure that the locals extracted maxi-mum benefit from the projects.

While appreciating the speedand efficiency with which Stage Vis being executed, Mr. Chamlingsaid that the Corporation was thebest as far as hydroelectric projectswere concerned, hence the decisionto hand them the remaining stages.

He, however, categorically saidthat the NHPC has to ensure maxi-mum benefit to the locals and takeinto consideration environmentaland social concerns of the State.

“The focus should be on mini-mum damage to the fragile environ-ment of the State, its ethnicity andthe society. Priority should be givento local businesses and local contrac-

Applications are invited for filling up 7 (seven)posts of Asst. Programmer under the Deptt. OfInformation Technology in the scale of Rs. 5500-175-9000 from local Sikkimese Candidates.The post will be filled up from the following cat-egories of candidates:a. Un reserved - 2b. Un reserved - 2 (women)c. ST (women) - 1d. SC - 1e. OBC (Women) - 12. Minimum educational qualifications:

B.E. (Computer Science) B.E. (ComputerEngg.) B.E. (Electronics) or specialized Tech-nical Qualification in software, Net-Working andprogramming from a recognised institute.

3. Age limit - 18 years to 30 years on 1.2.2003.Upper age limit shall be relaxed by 5 years incase of SC/ST and 3 yrs for OBC candidates.

4. Local Employment Card holder5. The selection will be made through an open

competitive examination on computer and pro-gramming followed by interview.

6. Application forms complete in all respect alongwith attested copies of the following documentsmust reach the Additional Director, Dept. Of In-formation Technology, Annexure-I Top Floor,Near Power Secretariat on or before16.01.2003:(a) Certificate of Degree of a recognised Uni-versity / along with Class X Certificate contain-ing the date of birth of the applicant.(b) Valid Local Employment Card in case of un-employed candidate.(c) SSC / Certificate of Identification as the casemay be(d) SC/ST/OBC certificate as the case may be(e) No objection certificate certificate from theHead of Department in case of in service can-didates.

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tors. Maximum jobs should go to thelocals and influx of people from out-side the State should be minimum. IfNHPC is willing to fulfil all theseconditions, then we can work out themodalities for Stages I to III,” he said.

Mr. Chamling was rather criti-cal of the way the societal implica-tions of Stage V were handled by theCorporation.

“NHPC did not fully respect theterms laid down in the MoU signedwith the government. There weremany concerns voiced by the localpeople which were not fully re-spected. Naturally, I had doubts andapprehensions about NPHC. Sinceas the Chief Minister, I am answer-able to the people. I have to makesure that the Corporation does notviolate in any way the local senti-ments and concerns,” he said.

“What we promise, we must ful-fil. Any agreement should be not juston paper but also in letter and spirit,”he said.

“Given Sikkim’s great hydroelec-tric power potential, it would makesense if this potential is harnessed toits fullest. This will not only push theState towards rapid economic devel-opment, but also immensely contrib-ute to the power sector of the coun-try,” Mr. Chamling said.

Chairman and Managing Direc-tor of NHPC, Yogendra Prasad saidthat Sikkim would greatly benefit interms of power and revenue.

“The project has provided directand indirect employment to the lo-

cals. Class III and IV jobs have beengiven to the locals as well as smallcontract works. Apart of the 12 per-cent free power (65 MW), the Statewill also get 15 percent of its shareof power. The focus is on qualitywork and efficiency,” he said.

Mr. Prasad said that NHPC’sexpertise in this field is evident fromthe fact that even after 25 years inthe line, it has excellent safetyrecords. “None of our dams havedeveloped cracks even in earthquakeprone zones and our projects poseno danger of any kind,” he said.

“NHPC has been awarded ISO14001 and 9001 certifications. Thishas led to a Japanese company pro-viding us with a loan of Rs. 7.5crores at an interest of just 0.67 per-cent. This will mean that the powergenerated from Teesta Stage V willbe 36 paise less,” he added.

Mr. Prasad said that although theCorporation gives top priority to en-vironment protection, if there are anycomplaints, the people should in-form the Corporation immediately.“NHPC will fulfil its commitmentsto the State and its people to the full-est,” he assured.

Earlier, Mr. Chamling initiatedthe process of the diversion of theTeesta River at the Dam Site areaby pushing the lever of an earth-mover which scooped bits of theearth to take Teesta on its detour. Thediversion will dry out that section ofthe river where the actual dam is tocome up.

ENSURE LOCAL INTERESTS

TAKE ALL THE TEESTA PROJECTSCHAMLING’S OFFER TO NHPCSARIKAH ATREYA on the

confidence Chamling has

in NHPC and reservations

he harbours..

The “earth-mover” gets to work [above] while a Lepcha Bongthing prayson the banks of Teesta at the Stage V site on the day of the diversion

4 NOW! 20-26 Nov, 2002RECAP SIKKIM

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Given the deplorable condition of the State highways,news that the government is

finally doing something about themis welcome. It is no secret that theworst continuous stretches of badpatches are in South and West dis-tricts and despite the Chief Minis-ter, Pawan Chamling’s repeatedharsh words aimed at the contrac-tors for the delays and in most cases,non-implementation of the contractsfor road repairs awarded to them,nothing has really been done to givethe roads the much-needed repairs.

While fingers point at “non avail-ability of funds” or “erring contrac-tors” to “bad weather conditions” forthe lack of maintenance of the State’sroad network, it is more the compro-mising attitude of the locals which

allows the concerned department tocontinue ignoring the much-neededrepairs. At times, even after the prob-lem has been identified, redressaltakes for ever as the files get snaredin bureaucratic red tape.

This time around, however, theroads in South and West districts arefinally up for the face-lift whichshould have come its way long back.The Cabinet recently sanctionedabout Rs. 12 crores for this purpose.

The revised estimate of a pro-posal of the Roads & Bridges De-partment for the improvement of theroads in South and West Sikkim hasbeen given the nod by the State Cabi-net. The Nayabazar-Daramdin Road,Nayabazar-Legship Road, theLegship-Geyzing Road, Namchi-Phong Road, Namchi-Manpur Roadand Namchi-Nayabazar Road willbe covered by the amount sanc-tioned.

Rs. 12 croressanctioned for South,

West roadsa NOW REPORTGANGTOK: Petrol pumps in the East district are re-

fusing to lift petrol from the suppliers following the In-dian Oil Corporation’s decision to seal two outlets whichhad been found storing “adulterated” pe-troleum products during a raid conductedin April by the Sikkim Police CrimeBranch.

The petroleum dealers have groupedunder the banner of Sikkim PetroleumDealer’s Association and written to IOCclaiming that no Sikkimese dealer hadviolated the Dealership Agreement &Retail Marketing Discipline Guidelinewhich the IOC has quoted to seal the twopetrol pumps, one at Singtam and theother at Ranipool. While urging IOC toresume supply to the two pumps, the Sik-kim petroleum dealers had threatened to“stop upliftment” of POL products fromMonday onwards. The dealers stuck totheir stands and when supply was notresumed, they stopped lifting consign-ments too.

The dealers, while talking to NOW!alleged that the IOC action sought tobrand them even before the investigation(by Crime Branch) was completed. “Allwe can check at the outlet is density. Wehave not been provided with any equip-ment to check for other impurities, so how can we beheld responsible if impurities were found. What guar-antee is there that the consignment was not adulterateden route,” they claim.

It might be recalled that six of the nine pumpschecked by Crime Branch on April 28 earlier this yearhad failed the purity test. The IOC initiative comes in

response to the intial findings of that raid, albiet sixmonths too late.

Even as the face-off between the dealers and thesuppliers continues, Gangtok has been acutely hit bythe scarcity of petrol. Serpentine queues of vehiclescould be seen outside the Ratiram Bansilal petrol pump

near the private bus stand which was theonly pump with petrol left in its tankerson Tuesday. Even though hectic parleyscontinued between the dealers, districtofficials and Food & Civil Supplies De-partment, the deadlock did not appearany closer to getting resolved at the timeof going to print.

Incidentally, IOC had written toF&CS Dept. last month itself intimatingit of its decision to seal the pumps. Whileonly two pumps had been sealed on Tues-day afternoon, IOC planned to seal theremaining four in the second phase.F&CS Dept. had managed to delay themove by asking IOC to wait until the fes-tival season was over. On November 13,however, IOC, without any prior notice,sealed the two pumps.

The Department, it is learnt has re-quested IOC to postpone the secondphase till adequate alternative arrange-ments have been put into place. It re-mains to be seen whether IOC heeds therequest. In the meantime, the petrolpump owners are up in arms against IOC

and are complaining that they are being punished evenbefore the law has found them guilty. They also pointaccusingly at the Crime Branch for first having rushedand botched the raids and then delaying the investiga-tion, which they are convinced will absolve them. Evenas allegations fly two and fro, Gangtok suffers a self-induced drought of petrol.

GANGTOK: The Gastroenterologysection of the STNM Hospital is all setto become even more well-equipped.With the green signal from the Cabinetcoming in the form of an award of Rs.1 crore, Gastroenterology in Sikkim allset to go state-of-the art.

Dr. TR Gyatso, Secretary, Health& Family Welfare, informed NOW!that the Department has been sanc-tioned a sum of Rs 1,05,52,399 topurchase two pieces of latest equip-ment - an Endoscope and a Colon-scope.

Incidentally, STNM Hospital al-ready has an endoscopy machine inplace, but this, the Secretary in-

forms, has become old and its timefor an even newer version.

The Colon-scope, however, isbeing introduced in Sikkim for thefirst time. Dr Gyatso stated that thismachine would be of great help forthe Sikkimese since the incidence ofcolon cancer was quite high here.The new machine would help in de-tecting tumors in the large intestinebefore they reached an advancedstage, he said.

As far as the handling of thesemachines is concerned, the Secretarysaid that Dr Siddharth Kotwal, Headof the Gastro-enterology section,was trained to use these machines.

The machines are expected to beinstalled by the end of this year atSTNM Hospital.

a NOW REPORT

Gastroenterology sectiongoes high-tech

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YOU SEAL, WE CEASEby PEMA LHADEN

5NOW!20-26 Nov, 2002While Kabir Mulchandini completely revolution-ized the Indian CTV market with the Akaibrand, the seeds of a mini revolution were

quietly being sown in our very own Gangtok. The year1995 heralded the arrival of a 300 sq ft showroom onM.G.Marg that rode the Akai wave, introducingGangtokians to their first MNC brand on their own turf.Later the National Panasonic brand was also includedin the product range.

Christened ‘ Amber Enterprises’ , the new show-room was located on the ground floor of the Dzongbuilding. But it took the connotation of its name- liter-ally The Skies - very seriously. It aimed high and neverlooked back.

In 1997, Amber Electronics made a major and mo-mentous move, physically and strategically. The exist-ing showroom on the ground floor was converted intoa computer section while the electronics section wasrelocated in a swank first floor showroom in the samebuilding. Amber Enterprises was now spread over 1500sq ft, about 5 times its initial size and boasted two sepa-rate sections under the ‘Amber Enterprises’umbrella.

The move was a turning point for Amber. By shift-ing to the first floor, Amber Enterprises shattered tosmithereens the existing myth that it was critical forthe survival and success of a business that it be lo-cated on the road level. At that time, the general per-ception was that location was the all important factoras far as customers were concerned.

But the proprietors were unfazed. They went on togive Gangtok a showroom that would not be out ofplace in any major Indian city even. With huge glasspanels that overlooked the main M.G.Marg thorough-fare, several CTV’s that flickered and mesmerized witha multiple attack on the senses and neon signs thatproclaimed ‘Amber Enterprises’ and the brands on dis-play within, Amber was in business with a bang.

Most importantly, Amber Enterprises sent out a sub-tle message to all its stakeholders-suppliers, competitors, customersand the general public- of its con-fidence in its own ability to not onlydraw the customers but to servicethem to satisfaction. Thus it wasthat Amber became one of the pio-neers of the ‘pull strategy’ wherethe customers themselves soughtto buy their products from Amberrather than Amber making a con-certed pitch to them.

In marketing, the choice of aname for one’s enterprise is im-portant. It should be short, easyto pronounce and remember, andit should mean something to thecustomers. Today ‘Amber Enter-prises’ personifies quality andservice.

The computer section thatstarted with the low end Zenithbrand is today the authorizeddealer for Compaq, now mergedwith and acquired by HP. IBM or‘Big Blue’ as it is known in the cor-porate world, another high endbrand that includes one lakh pluslaptops in its product portfoliomakes a powerful statement forAmber Enterprises. Apart fromcomputer sales and peripherals, you also get good aftersales service. Raman or another professional butfriendly serviceman will ensure your machine’s prob-lem is speedily diagnosed and rectified.

The computer section would not be complete with-out a mention of our affable Satish Agarwal. This per-petually jovial father of two (who are themselves adeptat computers!) makes business a pleasure and eventhat is an understatement.

The electronics showroom is well stocked at alltimes with an amazing array of CTV’s, washing ma-chines, both front loading and top loading, music sys-tems, refrigerators, microwaves and the most recentaddition- mobiles. Amber is the authorized distributorfor Samsung and Godrej but other well known brandslike BPL, Sony, IFB and Onida share pride of place intheir showroom. If it’s a white good or a electronicgadget that you’re contemplating buying, whether

f o r e v e r

you’re price conscious or status driven or juggling the twovalues, there’s something for you at Amber.

Hoping to cash in on the mobile boom especially inthe aftermath of the much-heralded entry of BSNL in themobile fray as also to increase their product range, Am-

ber decided to go mobile as well.Never one to be complacent, AshokSarda of the electronics section pointsout that there is very little or no differ-ence in the prices of mobiles-Samsung, Nokia, Motorola ,Sony, Sie-mens- in Gangtok and Siliguri but yousave on the after sales service. Oth-erwise you would have to make twotrips to Siliguri in case your mobileneeds servicing- one to drop the mo-bile and another trip to collect the serv-iced mobile. Detractors can comparetheir prices with that of Mobile Worldin Siliguri. Some models are actuallycheaper at Amber.

With product features becomingstandardized and market structuresflat, service is the all important factorin the consumer buying decision.Something Amber understands onlytoo well. The authorized service pro-vider for Samsung and Godrej , Am-ber has a service centre and pridesitself in after sales service.

In an interesting corollary, thesalesforce, their personal selling arm,has been thoroughly trained to under-stand the nuances of consumer buy-ing behaviour. For 1-2 minutes afterthe customer has entered the show-

room, he/she is left to look around at leisure and in peace.While the salespeople are in the background, ever readyto answer any queries the potential customer might have,they never make their presence intrusive.This probablygoes a long way in reinforcing their belief that that theyhave come to the right place, to one that respects theirneed for space.

In order to reduce post purchase dissonance where acustomer starts doubting whether he made the right choiceafter all, Amber has a unique proposition whereby the cus-tomer is allowed a one-time 15 day trial period to checkout his purchase- music systems and televison sets- andruminate on it. The warranty card is filled up only when thecustomer is sure he is happy with the product and brand.Otherwise should he so desire, he is allowed the option ofswitching brand loyalty and swapping one brand for an-other.

Amber recently undertook the mother of all sales

SPOTLIGHTSPOTLIGHT

Amber

promotions to mark its anniversary as well asDiwali. In addition to the company run sales pro-motions schemes, Amber promised a surprise giftfor all purchases above Rs. 5000/- during the pro-motional period. Up for grabs were sundry giftsworth Rs.1 lac ranging from washing machines totrolleys to fridges to TV video games. It also hosteda display of highly desirable products like largescreen tv’s, LCD projectors, computers, computersoftware and books where booking were also ac-cepted.

Today Amber has two showrooms in addition to themain MG Marg showroom, one at Tadong under theeponymous name and another - Shreya Traders - inSingtam. By continuously innovating and redefining‘value’ for its customers, Amber stands tall in its eighthyear of operations as a heavyweight in the electronicsand computers segment. Like they say, ‘Sky’s the limit’.And the skies? They are a brilliant Amber, in more waysthan one!

6 NOW! 20-26 Nov, 2002GANGTOK 20-26 NOV, 2002

SIKKIM MATTERS

DEEPFOCUS

RANJIT SINGH

ED-SPACE

VISITORSGALLERYCARMASUTRAZ

This is a world filled with hypoc-risy and hypocrites.We condemn religious extremism

and yet amongst us thrive fanaticalgroups such as the VHP and its coun-terparts in the Muslim community.Even some Christian missionar-ies, I dare say, commit them-selves to religious extremism,albeit of a less violent more sub-tle kind, when their primary aimis to convert, not proselytise. It is fineif a person converts after the preach-ing, but to focus too much on the con-versions while ignoring the preach-ing is wrong. It is no secret that manynot so privileged people convert formaterial gains that the new faithpromises and not really because of thephilosophy it espouses.

What I fail to understand is why wecan’t allow people their private space.Religion is after all a private experience(or realisation, if you will) and so shouldthe decision to convert be.

What I also fail to comprehendis this urge to convert. If I believe in

SPLIT NOT QUITE WIDE OPENHas the GNLF hegemony over the Darjeeling Hills finally started itssplit with the latest developments in Kalimpong? Not quite, althoughit is still early days to really draw any conclusions. Even the promotersof the GNLF (C) admit that they are in no real hurry to shake thingsup and given the way things work in the hills, everyone is biding theirtime. Why the formation of GNLF (C) cannot be termed a “split” inthe real sense of the word is because it has not pulled away anysitting leader away from the parent organisation. It is as yet a collectionof CK family members and disgruntled elements of the GNLF. Whilethe joining of these “disgruntled elements” could be construed as asplit, it is at best a crack since this lot had already been sidelined bythe party high-command. Or, as the Kalimpong unit’s GNLF President,Dawa Pakhrin, points out, “condemned”. This, however, does not goto prove that GNLF is the most popular outfit in the Hills. There is nodenying that the party has delivered little on its promises. Of theGorkhaland liberation that it draws its name from, the party has soldout for Hill Council which is smaller than the original Darjeeling district.As for development, which is what the people really want, itscredentials are as dubious as the track-record of its Writers Buildingpredecessors. The only reason why the people have not taken topromises doled out by the various avataars that the DarjeelingOpposition has taken in the past years is because none came acrossas a genuine provider of change. The cliche of the old wine and thenew bottle has been played to the bone in the hills and the peopleare not buying. Their experience with the GNLF experiment has madethem wary and they would rather carry on with a monster of theirown creation rather than create another and then watch a replay ofbroken promises all over again.Then again, it does not mean that the people don’t want change.Everyone wants an alternative, but the Darjeeling Hills have not beenprovided one thus far. Look at the composition of the new GNLF.The bracketed C does not hide the fact that most of its members areformer partymen who have had their share of the developmentalpie. The murder of CK Pradhan, deplorable as it was, could havesparked a change, but the opportunity was wasted when no newleaders, faces or issues could be found. Taking Sikkim’s example,the toppling of Bhandari in 1994 would not have heralded the changewhich the Assembly elections six months later achieved had Chamlingnot taken to the streets with a fresh lot of faces and issues. The thendisgruntled elements of Sikkim politics who engineered the toppleare all in political exile today. Col. DK Pradhan, the slain leadersbrother, who heads GNLF (C) at present could be the new face of atleast Kalimpong politics. While his literary skills vis a vis Ghising’stryst with pulp are unknown, he does outrank the GNLF supremo bya mile in services. But does he have the grit to take on the entrenchedpower in the Hills? Not with the people who surround him. No matterwhat the “disgruntled” elements claim, no sitting leader of the DGHCwill even consider the crossover option till such time that the newface of Darjeeling politics gets seen only in Kalimpong. Thissubdivision just does not matter. Even if GNLF were to wiped off inKalimpong, it would still control DGHC. And Kalimpong is not foolishenough to risk it’s share of whatever little development Darjeelingtosses its way by becoming the renegade yet again. After all, despitehis popularity, not too many people came out openly in his supportwhen CK was first shunted out of important portfolios by Lal Kothi.Fact remains that the hill people understand the politics of their leaderstoo well to succumb to half-baked initiatives. They have fallen for itonce in the past; its highly unlikely that they will do so again. Offerthem some real hope and then maybe things could change...

OF VANISHING CULTURESA culture which disappears because of neglect should be allowed todo so. Maybe its time is up. What we have to guard against is thesnuffing out of a culture due to persecution. Given the more informedtimes we live in, such persecution is rare. Yet, we should not dismissa culture as ripe for disappearance even before we have understoodit. There are several initiatives being taken by the government to“preserve” Sikkimese culture. That is all a government can do. But aculture cannot just be preserved - that would mean that it stagnates.A culture has to thrive and for that we need to nurture it. To preservewould mean we are preparing it for the museum. While theestablishment can only support an initiative, it is up to the people toactually do the nurturing. For a culture to thrive, it has to be practised.Stop practising it and a culture is lost within a generation. Even quickerin the present times. Sikkim is dangerously close to such a stage. Itis time to rise beyond the rhetoric. If the Sikkimese fail to do so, thenmaybe it is time we adopted a new culture.

We never had anydoubts about it everbeing a gentleman’sgame. Ever witness

the Aussie sledge machine in opera-tion? Or the indiscretions of Paki-stan when it came to ball fondling?And what about match-fixing? Ourvery own Azharuddin – one timeblue-eyed boy of Indian cricket -caught in the whirlpool of avariceand untailored professionalism.Hansie Cronje too…

But now it is spilling over be-yond the boundaries of the field andliterally too. Whatever makes a sportwhat it is? What is sportsmanship?Whatever else it may be it includesboth the integrity of the players andfans combined. Cricket in India, orat least the one-day variety of thegame is now paying the price of be-coming a mass phenomenon. Threeconsecutive one-day internationalsin the on-going series against theWest Indies – in Jamshedpur,Nagpur and Rajkot – have been dis-rupted by unruly crowd behaviour.

The way the spectators behavedat these venues during the matchesneed to be laundered. The incidentof a spectator throwing a plastic bot-tle at West Indian player VasbertDrakes was absolutely shameful. Inthe previous two fixtures, it was leftto the crowd to steal the match. In-dia’s reputation as a cricketing na-tion is at stake. While there may bereasons for crowd disgruntlement –poor facilities at the grounds etc.,there is nothing, which justifiesmatches being ruined because of theboorish behaviour of spectators.

India was awarded the match by

It’s All In The Game

the Duckworth-Lewis system. But thatmeans little beyond the record books.Why Indian supporters would thwartwhat looked like a probable victory forthe home team defies logic.

This is not the first time thatcrowds have stopped a match. Dur-ing the 1996 World Cup, in the semi-final match between India and SriLanka, the latter won by defaultwhen they Calcutta crowd startedpelting the fielding side with bottleswhen the smelt an Indian defeat.That wasn’t the only time either. TheEden Garden crowd has gained no-toriety for its rowdiness. A few yearsago a test match in the same venuewith Pakistan had to be played toempty galleries after the policeforcefully emptied the stadium forthe peaceful resumption of play.

Apart from the disgrace of harbour-ing stupidly partisan crowds, Indiais also in the danger of beingblotched with the reputation of be-ing a country where it is impossiblefor visitors to play cricket.

Cricket fans ignorant of the his-tory and the niceties of the game ex-pect the Indian team to win and theirstars to perform all the time. Disap-pointment leads to violence and dis-ruption. As crowd composition andattitudes have changed so should thearrangements. Crowd behaviour canreally alter the ambience in which agame is played. Arrangements ingrounds around the country have tobe altered to suit the demands of thechanged times. Here we can take aleaf out of some other countries’sporting arrangements books. In someLatin American countries, machine-gun totting policemen sit facing thecrowd; crowds are distanced from theplaying arena by high fencing andsometimes even by a trench. Only onevenue in the country – Mohali in Pun-jab – has a trench around the field.

Cricket is the only game in In-dia which has acquired mass popu-larity and consequently, mass hyste-ria. These aspects grow out of anumber of factors. First, the impactthat television has had in populariz-ing the game across the country. Sec-ond, the iconization of some of thecricketers through advertisementsand endorsements. And finally, theinvolvement of big money, which inturn has made cricketers into stars.And added to this is the burden ofever-rising expectations. This is theprice tag for popularity.

a particular God, why should every-one else follow suit? Why this sepa-ratist attitude?

Even as I say this I realise that itis a fact that no matter how much wetry to hide it, we do relate better with

people of the same faith. While thismight have more to do with the ethosthat we imbibe from our religion, itis this same bonding with those of ourkind which ends up promoting dis-harmony in a society. We have cometo a point where we have becomeslaves to our religion. We have mis-understood all tenets of our respec-tive faiths and misinterpreted all ofits preaching. Where religion should

have been a part of us; we have be-come parts of the religion and openedourselves to the wicked contortionsof the ones who now control religion.

I, for one, am convinced that theprogenitors of various faiths would

have controlled their theologi-cal urges had they known howtheir words would get misinter-preted in the generations tocome. We have failed the great

minds which laid out the original setof principles and beliefs, based upontheir own enlightenment. Theystarted out believing that they couldmake the world a better place withtheir teachings and look what wehave done. We have carved out aGodhra, a Gujarat and a September-11 from the tools which these greatminds handed us in hopes of facili-tating a more tolerant mankind.

FAITH NO MORE

Everyone has an opinion. All of us have a take on things. We all have something that’s worth

sharing. NOW! offers you the platform to do the sharing. “Visitors Gallery” is space on the

opinion/essays page reserved for original essays by NOW! readers. Use it as you please.

The essays may however, be edited for length and content. Send all entries to NOW!, Gairi

Gaon, Tadong, Gangtok. Or email: sikkimnow@rediffmail.com

7NOW!20-26 Nov, 2002 ESSAYS

FACT: Mohammad Ifsal, 12, works in a fast food

joint. He starts early - at about six or seven in

the morning - and works till seven or eight at

night. He gets no holidays and has no friends to

play with.

LAW: The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regula-

tions) Sikkim Rules 1994, published on May 25,

1995 clearly outlines the conditions of child

labour. The Rules stipulates that “no child shall

be permitted to work for more than six hours

including the interval for rest on any day.”

Should we infer that the law is being broken all the time inSikkim or is Mohammad Ifsal an exception?The 1994 Rule also states that: “The child should be given

one day in a week as a holiday, that child labour shall be paidwages at a rate equal to the daily average of his wages.”

Here, it goes without saying that Ifsal’s master is not break-ing the law knowingly. He is just unaware of the rights Ifsal isaccorded by law. No one has told him. Save the empty rhetoricwhich the concerned departments indulge in on specific daysof the year by way of posters and banners, no one has tried toinform the people on the rights of a working child.

While officials maintain that since there are no real indus-tries in Sikkim, there is no real child labour either. But that isa very weak excuse to cover up for the thousands who work atshops and go through the domestic chores at homes all overthe State. Abolishing child labour completely, whether in In-dia or in Sikkim, will take more than just Acts and Laws. Theeconomic exigencies which create this embarrassment are toocomplicated to offer an easy solution. The least that the soci-ety can do is see to it a child labours under better conditionsand that the rights he/ she is entitled to are guaranteed.

But are they?Mary Tamang, a fifteen year old girl looks after the child

of her employers and also helps in the household chores. Shegets up early in the morning and prepares bed tea for the peo-ple of the house. The six-month-old baby in her care requiresconstant attention even as she labours through preparing break-fast for her masters.

She doesn’t know how much she is being paid. That’s amatter settled between her father and her master.

Mary works through the day. The time she retires to beddepends on the people of the house. She has absolutely nochoice. Yes, she is taken for an “outing” sometimes, but neverfor herself. She always has the baby to look after.

The law requires that no child be made to work for morethan two and half hours in a stretch. While this might be easyto enforce in a factory, there are no labour inspectors doing therounds maintaining logbooks on the working conditions ofdomestic helps.

LAW vs REALITY

Then we have Ajay Rai next on the list. He is 10 and broughtto a Gangtok household to look after two kids aged seven andten. He gets to eat the same food as the children in his care andalso plays with them. While it might appear a benign employ-ment, these kids are not his friends, they are the bullies. He issupposed to say yes to all that he is asked to do.

His employer claims he is educating Ajay. But Ajay goesto government school where his master isn’t required to spenda penny on him. Ajay’s school starts at 10, but he is up at six.

The two kids he looks after have school at eight, but get out ofbed only at around seven. After rising, Ajay sweeps the house,the kids are still sleeping. He throws the trash out and by thetime he is back the kids are up. He cleans them up and getsthem ready for school, reaches them to school then starts hispreparations. Where is his break?

In the evenings, he undresses the kids and plays with them.There are no breaks in Ajay’s working day and yes, even hedoes not know what the remunerations are for his labour. Hedoes admit, that the living condition at his work-place is muchbetter than back home.

The stories recounted above are true and not half as trau-matic as what many children employed all over Sikkim haveto suffer. And no, the society cannot take the high moral groundby claiming their employing a child at home as an act of mag-nanimity to the poor. They are not adopting the children, theyare using them. They are stealing someone’s childhood andthere can be no compensating that. The least they can do is letthe child be a child sometimes. The middle-class for all itsmisplaced prudence continues to see the child as labour. Theyare not. They are employed and they enjoy some rights. Let’sat least give them what is their right by law.

The concerned department could do well by launching amass information campaign educating people on the rightsenjoyed by a working child. While this might not end theirexploitation completely, it will at least replace the condescend-ing attitude, which many of us still retain, with some guilt.Maybe things will change then.* Names have been changed to protect the identity of the children

THE TRUTH ABOUTCHILD LABOUR

Actually reservations wouldn’t be so badIf prior to my entryI could reserveMy mom and dad.

We are in the thick of it. Our whole life re-volves around it. The nation revolves aroundit. Indian politics revolves around it. Our poli-ticians revolve around it. So much so it re-volves around itself. Period.

It all started with Mandal. Of course theprovisions for reservations are enumerated inthe Indian Constitution but it is only provi-sional. The makers of our Constitution, whichis the basis of every aspect of our polity, envi-sioned an India where everybody would beequal, where everybody would be accordedequality of opportunity without any distinc-tion made on the basis of caste, sex or creedand where the laws of the land would affecteverybody in an identical fashion. This, notso idealistic yearning of the progenitors of ourindependence, precluded the condition of res-ervations as a vast number of people lived indeprived conditions. In other words they werebackward. And the way for their progress andintegration with the mainstream was suppos-edly to be channeled through the provision ofreservations.

Come to think of it this yearning of ourconstitutional fathers was a wee bit too ideal-

To Preserve, WeReserve

PEMA LHADEN LAMA rips through the shroud

of moralistic veneer which covers the

society’s acceptance of Child Labour...

istic. They thought that with this tool the ho-mogeneity of population – as far as access toopportunities in employment and education isconcerned – could be achieved and that toowithin a period of ten years. When it was notto be so, the provision for reservations wasextended another ten years and then anotherten years and so it continues to this day andthreatens to see us to extinction. What theydid not bargain in the process was the crea-tion of a monster called Reservation whoseonly concern is self-preservation. The politi-cians have ensured that. This has been the caseever since the Mandal Commission’s Reportwas accepted by VP Singh. It sort opened upthe Pandora’s box.

The provision for reservation is no longerseen as a tool for the salvation of the back-ward classes in the eyes of the general public.It has of late acquired the quality of a drinkguaranteeing political youthfulness. For this

we can thank Mandal and VP Singh who inthe late eighties decided to follow the Com-mission’s report for whatever mileage it couldgive his political career. It is a stark illustra-tion of the ugly under-belly of the politics ofacquiescence that VP Singh has, since then,gone on record regretting the fallouts ofMandal.

And then we have a distinguished Bahujangentleman who gets sore at the Supreme Courtfor limiting reservations at 50%. Well if it gotany more then the general population woulddeserve minority status. He is of the opinionthat the “brahmanical force” was never seri-ous about implementing the provisions for res-ervations in the Constitution. Well what aboutthis: Today the one national party worth itsname is almost at third place as far as major-ity in the Parliament is concerned.

Reservations in a country like India is amust but we can do without it becoming a

political weapon. Politicians in their “mission-ary zeal” are always trying to dig up new cat-egories, create new divisions and rediscoversub-divisions within existing ones in a vainattempt to create vote-banks which in turnserve as ego-enhancers.

Sure, the legislative councils inAmbedkar’s words are a “battle ground for theacquisition of rights, destruction of privilegesand the prevention of injustice,” but aren’t westretching it a bit too far. Can reservationsalone do away with special privileges and in-justice. What about personal integrity, ethics,principles, codes of conduct etc?

The rate at which different categories aredemanding reservations, the general publicwill soon become a scarce commodity. Thereis not an area left untouched by the specificact exposing the gracious goodwill of our con-stitutional fathers. There are reservationswithin reservations. There’s reservations forbackward classes in the Rajya Sabha, in theLok Sabha, in schools, in colleges, in govern-ment jobs, in the military. There’s also reser-vations for the handicapped. And joining thefray now are women.

What about the aged and the children?After all they’re part of the community too.And if you want a bigger picture we could in-clude the zoo. How many more to go?

turn to pg 10

8 NOW! 20-26 Nov, 2002DESPATCHES

LETTERS�

Readers are invited to share their views, opinions and reactions tonews-items carried in NOW! The letters may be edited for languageand content and the name of the writer withheld on request. Personalattacks will not be carried, but letters raising pertinent issues will beshared with readers. Please mail all feedback to NOW, Gairi Gaon,Tadong, Gangtok East Sikkim; email: sikkimnow@rediffmail.com

NEEDY INDEED

The 12th issue of NOW! mentioned that the Taktse Nyingma

Institute distributed clothes donatedby Taiwanese students for monksand needy people of Sikkim. Theclothes came all right, all 13 boxesas claimed, but you should have beenthere to capture on film the ‘needypeople’ who turned up to receive theclothes.

While the areas surroundingTaktse, like Bhojoghari for examplecomprises many poor and needy peo-ple who rightly deserved to get theclothes meant for them, we were dis-gusted to see women who run for-eign shops take away the best of theclothes.

By the way, the clothes werepractically new. I hope our peoplewill not be buying these donatedgoods thinking they are new.

Yours truly, a disgusted resident

NOW! TO DELHI

I am a Sikkimese student, studying in New Delhi. I recently came

across your paper when I went toSikkim House to meet someone. Iread every line since I was hungryfor news from home. I cannot tellyou enough how much I enjoyedreading it. I took it back to the hos-tel and all my friends read it too. Weare hooked for life. You are doingan excellent job. Is it possible to havea few copies sent across? Either youcan make an arrangement with Sik-kim House or send it to our address.

KALIMPONG:

A new chapter in hill politicsstarted on November 16here with the declaration of

a new party. A 500-strong rally ledby Sheela Pradhan, the murderedGNLF leader CK Pradhan’s widow,Col (retd) DK Pradhan (CK’s elderbrother), NT Moktan (formerKalimpong MLA), DK Pradhan(Former Darjeeling MunicipalityChairman and MLA), MaximusKalikotey (Former Kalimpong Mu-nicipality Chairman) and some dis-gruntled leaders, started from theMunicipality office area and wentthrough all the major thoroughfaresof town including 10th mile,motorstand and Dambar Chowk.The rally culminated at a publicmeeting presided by Col. Pradhan.

The meeting formally an-nounced the formation of a newparty - the Gorkha National Libera-tion Front (C). The flag of the partywould have an olive-green back-ground with four golden horizontalstripes at the bottom and two crossedgolden khukuris. The khukuris willbe crested by a single golden star.The significance of the single star,

explained the Colonel was the mainissue of Gorkhaland.

Most of the speakers in the pub-lic rally criticized the administrationfor having failed to nab the culpritand the mastermind behind theKalimpong leader’s murder till date.Said Col. Pradhan: “Even thoughthere are some media reports of theculprit being nabbed the Police aredenying it, it seems that there aresome big names involved as master-minds.” He also gave a call for all tofight unitedly against the rulingGNLF party and to oust them fromthe Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Councilfor having run the DGHC improperly.

The other speakers urged all tounitedly carry forward CK’s dreamfor Gorkhaland.

Maximus Kalikotey questioned:“When there is no security for theleaders, how will the public feelsafe?” He also said that as SubashGhising, the Chairman DGHC wasincapable of doing anything for thehills any more and that it was timefor a new strength to emerge andfulfil the dreams of the hill people.

Later, while speaking to thepress Col. Pradhan revealed that theGNLF (C) would be meeting withina week to decide on the portfolios.

Mr. Kalikotey, a CK loyalist and

dissident GNLF leader of Kalimpong,accused the GNLF supremo, SubashGhising of “killing” CK with the helpof his local councillors. He allegedthat the slain leader was the only ear-witness of several ‘deals’ carried outbetween Ghising and governmentagencies to compromise the issue ofGorkhaland.

The Kalimpong leader’s widow,while expressing her concern overthe failure of administration to nabthe assassin so far, alleged thatGhising was afraid of CK and hadpanicked when he learnt that he wasabout to start a new political partyfor the cause of Gorkhaland. Sheeven alleged that an attempt wasmade on her husband’s life earlieron February 3, when his vehicle wasfired upon by unknown miscreantsalong the Salugara highway.

Interestingly, Leslie John Chater,shed light on another issue which theparty could take up in the near fu-ture - the merger of Kalimpong withSikkim. This, he said, was necessarysince the Darjeeling leadership hadcontinuously betrayed the aspira-tions of the people of Kalimpong.

All the speakers maintained thatthe administration had already ar-rested Neerey Gurung the main sus-pect in the murder case but have not

from AMITAVA BANERJEE

disclosed it due to “outside” pressure.Meanwhile reacting to the for-

mation of the new party, GNLFheavy weights maintained that theysaw no threat in it. Dawa Pakhrin,president, GNLF Kalimpong BranchCommittee, alleged that the newparty had started its political jour-ney with lies. “Taking advantage ofa gathering which had come to at-tend the 45th day last rites of CKPradhan, they announced a newparty,” he said. Further, Mr. Pakhrinpointed out, no one from the exist-ing GNLF hierarchy had joined thenew group. Only people who havealready been sidelined showed up,he alleged.

According to Pakhrin, this wasnot the first time that someone hadtried to challenge GNLF’s hold overthe hills. “Even in the past, the Hillopposition has organized many suchmeetings against the GNLF, but tono effect,” he said.

“The ‘C’ in the new party standsfor condemned,” mused Pakhrin. Onthe other hand DK Pradhan, formerChairman, Darjeeling Municipality,and a dissident GNLF leader and oneof the moving forces behind the for-mation of the new party that he wasalready getting feelers from manysitting GNLF Councillors. “We want

a change in political order inDarjeeling and that too only throughelections, therefore we have formeda new party,” he clarified. The newparty has decided not to hurry things.

“Our one and only agenda is theissue of Gorkhaland and we will goabout it in a democratic manner. Wewelcome any party who support theissue of Gorkhaland sincerely, to joinus,” added Pradhan. According tohim only the word Gorkha is notidentity enough for the hill peopleof the region, only Gorkhaland couldoffer complete identity.

“It is not like the GNLF whichis a party meant for rich contractors.Our party is for the common man.The C in our party name stands forboth CK Pradhan and the Commonman,” said Pradhan. “The GNLF isalways out to silence the voice of theopposition but the State Governmentshould ensure law and order in or-der to allow every party to followtheir own political agenda,” addedDK Pradhan.

Incidentally C.K. Pradhan wasshot in broad daylight from the backwhile he was walking down RC.Mintry Road in Kalimpong at around2:10 pm on October 3, 2002.

With additional inputs fromKaakh

There are many of us from Sikkimhere and we will be very happy toget a copy every week. What betterway to stay in touch with home!Sonam(e-mail)

NO NOW!

Your paper is very good andworth every paisa but you have

to do something to improve your dis-tribution system. There are dayswhen I have searched for it I havefound no paper. The paper is outWednesday morning and by Thurs-day there is none available. It can’tbe that your paper sells out so fastand if it is then please print somemore or have some of the boys sellthe paper for at least 3-4 days.T. Cintury, Arithang

CABLE WARS

This is to bring to your notice andof the readers of how we the

common people are suffering be-cause of the Nayuma-SCTV cablewar. The cable lines at my localityare always giving some problem.Sometimes its not clear, sometimeshalf channels are missing. When wering up they tell us that “competi-tion le line katiyo” which also webelieve because we had no problemsall these years. Nayuma wants tomake its presence felt and take onwhat has long been a monopoly butthere are some rules of the game. Itwill put off a lot of people if theycontinue to do these things. Onlyprice does not matter because SCTV

is also reducing its price now. I am surethere is enough space for both com-petitions is supposed to benefit con-sumers but if they keep cutting eachother’s cable then there will be onlyharassment for the helpless people.S.Pradhan, Gangtok

WHAT’S THE FARE?

Will someone please clarify ifthe rate of shared taxi from

Deorali to town is Rs. 5 or Rs. 7. Somedrivers take Rs. 5 while others insiston Rs. 7. The rate for Gangtok-Deoraliis Rs. 5 so why is it more for returningpassengers . Even if you get off at theLall Bazzar stand you have to payRs.7. Tadong-Gangtok is Rs.10 so whyso much for such a short distance.A harassed commuter

SHIFTING THE MEAT STALLS

The temporary shifting of the Lallmarket shops (fancy & vegeta-

bles) to the centrally located taxistand in the heart of Gangtok townis a welcome move made by theUD&H Department in the interest ofthe consumers as it is the most suit-able and convenient place as there

were rumors that these shops wouldbe shifted and scattered all overChandmari, Development Area &Vajra cinema area due to lack ofspace in town.

And now, there are indicationsand if it is to be believed that themeat stalls are also being shiftedfrom Lall market to Arithang (oldslaughter house area) and not to-gether with Fancy & Vegetablesshops in the taxi stand in town aswe had thought.

As a consumer, I would like topoint out that if there is indeed a pro-posal to do so, it would be extremelyinconvenient for all as it is not onlylocated away from the main townarea but also the approach foot pathand the long flight of steep stairswould be very difficult to be hikedby consumers of all age groups forthe purchase of meat as a daily ba-sis. Added to this, these are alreadythe existing parking problems andonce the construction of the LallMarket area begins, this problemswould multiply. Hence I would liketo suggest that the meat stalls alsobe shifted to the same area alongwith the vegetables and fancy shopsat the taxi stand in town.Consumers of Gangtok

Ck’s ghost returns to haunt GNLF; familyand sympathisers launch new party

rajdhaniIN

WASH?

They scrub, wash and

shine. They do it with

pride and they do it for

a living. At it 24-7, the

washer boys at Paljor

Stadium have many

stories to share.

9NOW!20-26 Nov, 2002 FOCUS

EMPLOYMENT NOTICE

Applications in the prescribed form are invited from the eligible LOCALcandidates for filling up vacancies of Graduate Teachers (Arts/Maths/Biology)under the Department of Education.1. The posts are in the scale of Rs. 5500-175-9000.2. The vacancies are distributed as per the reservation policy and applying

100 Point Roster System as under:-Subj. Unreserved Scheduled Other Scheduled Total

Tribe Backward Caste

Class

G W XS HI G W XS G W XS G W

GTM 3 2 - - 7 7 - 9 7 1 2 2 40

GTB 3 1 - - 1 1 - - 1 - 1 - 08

GTA 10 6 1 1 6 3 1 5 3 1 2 2 41

XS= Ex-Servicemen, HI= Hearing Impairment

The above vacancies include the carry forward vacancies of reserved categories.

The above reservation is subject to the verdict of the Supreme Court in the LP No. 7169

of 1999 regarding the present 100 Point Roster.

3. Conditions of Eligibility:

(a) Educational Qualification: Candidates having passed B.A./ B. Com./ B. Sc. (Maths)/ B.

Sc. (Biology) or equivalent from a recognised University may apply for the above posts.

(b) Desirable: B. Ed. from a recognised University.

(c) Age as on 30.11.2002: Should have attained the age of 18 years but should not exceed

30 years. Relaxation of age for SC/ ST and OBC will be 5 (five) years and 3 (three)

years respectively. However, upper age limit is relaxable for in-service employees by 10

(ten) years.

4. Selection of the cadidates will be made on the basis of written examination through Open

Competitive Examination. Shortlisted candidates who qualify in written examination will

be called for viva-vice.

(a) For Arts Graduate:

1st Paper : General English with General Knowledge (Compulsory) - 88 (Eightyeight)

marks)

2nd Paper : Two subjects in any of History, Georgraphy, Economics, Political Science,

Education - 88 (Eighty eight) marks.

(b) For Science Graduate

1st Paper : General English with General Knowledge (Compulsory) - 88 (Eighty eight)

marks.

2nd Paper : Any 3 (Three) subjects in any of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Botany,

Zoology - 88 (Eighty eight) marks.

Candidates applying for Graduate Teacher (Maths) should attempt Mathematics and

any two from the rest.

(c) Duration of the written examination will be two and half (2 1/2) hours.

5. (a) Written examination will be held on 12th/13th December, 2002.

(b)Venue for Written Examination: TNSSS, Gangtok.

6. No TA/ DA shall be paid for appearing at any examination.

7. Interested candidates should apply in the prescribed form along with the following:

(i) Two copies of latest passport size photograph

(ii) Two self addressed and stamped envelopes

(iii)Indian Postal Order (IPO) for Rs. 75/- only drwan in favour of Joint Director (Adm.),

Department of Education, Government of Sikkim.

8. (a) Prescribed application forms are available in the Headquarter of Education Department,

Gangtok w.e.f. 07.11.2002. The application with supporting documents/ certificates

duly attested should be submitted to the Office of the Director, Education Department

on or before 25.11.2002 during office hours. No application will be entertained after

25.11.2002.

(b) Incomplete application forms shall be summarily rejected.

(c) Panel of merit list will be valid for one year from the date of declaration of result.

Joint Secretary - II

Department of Education

Release Order No: 209/IPR/02-03 Government of Sikkim

Dated: 15.11.02 Gangtok

GANGTOK: The State Cabinet,which met here recently, has ap-proved the proposal of the PowerDepartment to settle outstandingdues to Central Public Sector Utili-ties (CPSUs) and the West BengalState Electricity Board (WBSEB).

The Cabinet has also directed thePrincipal Secretary, Finance, to signa Tripartite Agreement with the Min-istry of Finance, GoI, and the Re-serve Bank of India to work out apayment structure to clear the dues.

The Power Department hasbudgetary provision of Rs. 25.30crores for the current financial year(2002-2003) and assured annual out-lays for the successive years till2016-17 for the settlement of out-standing dues to the CPSUs, basedon the Power Ministry’s scheme andthat of WBSEB.

The Cabinet has also given itsnod to the proposal of issue of bondsto each CPSU by securitization ofassets of the Power Department tothe extent of the principal amount.

While there is no denying thatold dues have to be paid, it is ironi-cal that a State with hydel potentialof 8,000 MW and requirement ofbarely 40MW has chalked up suchphenomenal dues.

This is so because Sikkim gener-ates barely 20 MW by itself and im-ports the rest. A major chunk of thispower comes from the Central Sec-tor Generating Stations. And dueshave accumulated over the years, dueto the obvious funds crunch.

The Department’s inability togenerate adequate revenue from theconsumers over the years has alsoled to its poor financial position.

According to a senior officer, thePower Pepartment owes around Rs.

56 crores to the CPSUs and theWBSEB. The dues have been accu-mulating since 1983. It owes aboutRs. 5 crores to the WBSEB and therest to the CPSUs. Apparently, theDepartment has been knocking thedoors of the Government to provideit with funds to pay off the dues, buthas been ignored thus far. Sikkim hasdefaulted on electricity dues since1985, informs a reliable source. Nowthat the Cabinet has given the ap-proval and sanctioned the amount,the Department will pay off the duesin a phased manner, it is learnt.

The funds have come from bothPlan and Non-Plan money.

Power Department officials arealso quick to clarify that the currentshort-fall in power supply is not be-cause of curtailed supply, but due tothe major repairs and renovationgoing on in most of the State’s gen-erating stations. The shortfall is ex-pected to continue till the construc-tion of the 132 KV transmission linefrom Rangit to Melli and the 2X50MVA 132/66 KV Sub-station atMelli is installed. No matter howmuch improvement is made on theexisting capacity, the winter short-fall is expected to hit Sikkim hardand regular load shedding and com-pounding of the outstanding duesdue to import of power will remaina regular feature, the official said.

But things may not after all bethat bad now that the Cabinet hasalso approved the proposal to con-struct the 132 KV transmission linefrom Rangit to Melli and the 2X50MVA 132/66 KV Sub-station-cum-switch yard at Melli. An amount ofRs. 39.79 crores has been sanctionedfor this purpose.

The frequent power cuts may beof a less frequency once the line atMelli is upgraded since that wouldminimise the loss in transmission.

a NOW REPORT

CABINET BAILSPOWER OUT

SIKKIM OWES Rs. 56 CRORES INUNPAID POWER BILLS

10 NOW! 20-26 Nov, 2002DEVELOPMENT

GANGTOK: The All India Coop-erative Week was observed over thepast week – November 14-20. Thiswas the 49th, in a series of such cel-ebrations. The main theme of theCooperative Week this year was“New Generation Cooperatives andEconomic Development.”

The Governor, V Rama Rao inhis message expressed pleasure atthe observance of such a week. Ac-cording to him, “The Cooperativesare the base level agencies for theoverall development of the nation asa whole.” He said that the Coopera-tives being free from social preju-dices have the inherent tendency tousher in peace, opulence, self-reli-ance and self-confidence and “oustthe woes of unemployment.”

In his message, the Chief Minis-ter Pawan Chamling reiterated hisconfidence in Cooperatives as the“ultimate” solution for speedy ruraldevelopment and socio-economictransformation. In his words, coop-eratives can “play an important rolein administrative decentralization andempowerment of the common man.”He believes the Cooperative move-ment to be a tool to transform the livesof millions of poor and to improvethe very fabric of rural society.

KB Chamling, Minister, Food &Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs& Cooperation, in his messagehoped that the people of Sikkimcome closer to each other and “re-vere the theory and concept of Co-operation.”

GANGTOK: The State Cabinet hascleared the proposal of the TourismDepartment seeking approval of theCabinet subcommittee for the trans-fer of land at Pangthang to Royal Or-chids Hotels Limited for the con-struction of a five-star eco-tourismresort at Pangthang.

The Cabinet approved the trans-fer of 25,5080 hectares of land be-longing to the Tourism Departmentto ROHL.

The said plot was earlier mutatedfrom the Animal Husbandry andVeterinary Services Department tothe Sikkim Tourism in 1995. The25,5080 hectares of pristine land isbound by reserved forests on allsides.

ROHL signed a memorandum ofunderstanding with the State govern-ment in November 2001 to build,construct and operate a 5-Star eco-tourism hotel in two phases atPangthang.

According to the MoU, ROHLwill arrange for all the capital re-quired for the construction and op-eration of the hotel, except for theland, which the State governmenthas agreed to provide. The State gov-ernment will allot the land on a per-petual lease for 99 years for the re-sort, which will be of “internationalstandards”.

ROHL will provide 100 percentemployment to the locals as per theagreement signed between them andthe State government. This will be,

With due respect - What aboutme? I think that is a valid question.I look about me and see everybodyentitled to “special privileges” andso I feel the legislative councilswhich Ambedkar, in another era,talked about is taking undue specialinterest in allotting special privilegesto special categories of the popula-tion. That makes me feel very un-special. But still I go about my joband I do it well. I got no take on the

DIKCHU: The Central Govern-ment’s focus is on the Power sector,with emphasis on hydroelectricity.

The Secretary, Union Ministry ofPower, KV Shahi said this here onNovember 18.

Mr. Shahi said that the Ministryhas laid emphasis on hydroelectricpower generation in the current FiveYear Plan. “The Central governmentis doing much for the power sectorwith the help of the State govern-ments,” he added.

“The total power generation inthe country in the last 50 years wasabout One lakh MW. We intend toproduce about 60,000 MW duringthis Five Year Plan and about Onelakh MW in the next Five Year Plan.With more focus on hydroelectricpower generation, this target couldbe easily achieved,” he said.

Mr. Shahi said that the NationalHydroelectric Power Corporation

Ltd (NHPC) was “No. 1” in hydro-electric power projects and the tar-get for the Corporation in this FiveYear Plan has been set at 4000 MWof electricity.

“The Teesta River basin hasgreat potential for hydroelectricpower generation. The Rs. 2,200crores Teesta Stage V project will bean added benefit to the power sec-tor,” he said.

Mr. Shahi, however, said that inorder to tap the tremendouspotentials of the sector to the maxi-mum, the Sikkim government shouldtake certain measures and upgradeits existing infrastructure.

“The State should improve itstransmission and sub-transmissionand distribution network if it is totake in the full load once Stage V ispressed into production,” he said.The benefits of hydroelectric powerprojects, aside, such projects shouldtake full care of environment andsocial concerns, he assured.

HYDEL’S THE WAY TO GO, SAYSUNION SECY FOR POWER

a NOW REPORT

The Diversion Tunnels at the Dikchu Dam site

GANGTOK: The Third Census ofSmall Scale Industries is being con-ducted in Sikkim on the insistenceof the GoI. All registered SSI unitsand some selected unregistered unitswill be surveyed. The enumeratorsauthorized by Industries Depart-ment, will approach the units fordata collection during November-December, it is learnt.

Information on production, em-ployment, exports, fixed assets, plant& machinery, products/services, networth, outstanding loans and a fewclassificatory characteristics will becollected in the Third Census. An as-sessment of sick and incipiently sickSSI units would also be madethrough the Census data.

The Department has called for thecooperation of all concerned entre-preneurs in furnishing the enumera-tors with accurate information. Theinformation collected in Third Cen-sus will be kept confidential and willbe used for statistical purposes only.

Now acensus for

SSI unitsa NOW REPORT

a NOW REPORT

New generation

cooperatives

The Anthyesthi Kriya of our beloved

mother Late Bhawani Devi Agarwal,

who left for her heavenly abode on

9th NOvember 2002, falls on the 21st

November 2002. All relatives, friends

and well wishers are requested to

join us in offering prayers for the

departed soul at our residence at M/

S Sushil Kr. Agarwal, MG Marg,

Gangtok. We would also like to take

this opportunity to thank those who

stood by us in our hour of

bereavement and regret our inability

to thank them individually.

Murali Dhar Agarwal

Bal Krishna Agarwal

Indra Kamal Agarwal

Laxmi Narayan Agarwal

Shyam Sunder Agarwal

Sushil Kumar Agarwal

Ph: 225226, 222703, 226989,

226051

Anthyesthi Kriya

Anthyesthi Kriya of Late SherBahadur Gurung, S/O G. R.Gurung, resident of Dikling,Chalamthang Busty,Pakyong, East Sikkim fallson 21st November 2002(Thursday).All well wishers and relativesare requested to join inoffering prayers for thedeparted soul.

G.R. Gurung (father), Tika

Gurung (brother), Ranjana

Gurung (sister) & Binod Chhetri

(relative)

Ph: 257368, 229631

Anthyesthi Kriya

privileged swell. What I mistrust isthe politician’s breed and I also mis-trust his creed.Get a load of this reservation shitEverybody wants a piece of itThe stink has crossed the seas sevenThe pope wants a seat in heaven!

-OTIS

Contd from pg 7

TO PRESERVE...

NOW!can be reached at

270949email: sikkimnow@rediffmail.com

however, subject to availability oftrained and experience personnel lo-cally. The agreement also stipulatesthat the ROHL give preference tolocal contractors during the con-struction phase, which does not re-quire very high technical expertise.

The State Government has alsoagreed in principle to grant the re-sort permission to run a casino, sub-ject to the condition that an Act isenacted in the Assembly in this re-gard.

ROHL will ensure that theproject takes care of all eco-tourismfacilities as per national and inter-national standards.

Besides providing the land, theState government will undertake thewidening and improvement of the 6km stretch of kuccha road leadingup to the resort site. It will also un-dertake its maintenance and provideillumination along the stretch.

The State government is alsobound by the Agreement to set up apower substation in Pangthang toensure the supply of at least 2 MWof electricity to the resort. It will alsoset up a water supply pipeline to theresort.

The multi-crore resort will havefacilities like a casino, a trekkingcircuit, a tennis court, a spa and anine-hole golf course, amongst oth-ers. Additional facilities at the re-sort would be a helipad and a sew-age treatment plant.

Once the resort comes up, it willbe the first of its kind in the Stateand in fact in the region and willbasically cater to elite tourists.

Royal Orchid landdeal cleared

a NOW REPORT

11NOW!20-26 Nov, 2002

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HAPPY HOURS NURSERY SCHOOL

Dorji Building, Lall Market, Gangtok. Estd: 1986. Ph: 224274

ADMISSIONS OPENADMISSION FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE DURING SCHOOL

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STUDENTS OF CBSE & ISC, XI - XII

UTILISE WINTER VACATION BY JOINING CHEMISTRY CRASH

COURSE BY COMPUTER AND PROJECTOR:

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CONTACT: DEY SIR (CHEMISTRY TEACHER), TIBET ROAD, GANGTOK. Phone: 226510 / 222844

WANTEDFEMALES FOR THE POST OF COUNSELLOR

AT COMPUTER TRAINING CENTRE BASED INGANGTOK.

PLEASE FILE YOUR RESUME BY E-MAIL TOmagedusys@sify.com

For All Music Lovers!!!In the memory of our beloved

father, Late Benjamin Rai(Ranka Sir), who was a very re-

nowned artist from Sikkim, the

whole family is producing a

Healing Songs cassette (Ho-

sanna) and also added the

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ner peace and healing of the

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Producer, Director

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GANGTOK: Located at the fringesof Gangtok, away from its din andcommotion and occupying a vantagepoint, the view from this quaint tour-ist lodge is breathtaking. This hill toplocale is perhaps the only place inGangtok proper to give a panoramicview of the Khangchendzonga andthe surrounding peaks.

Over the years, the SiniolchuTourist Lodge, named so perhapsbecause it offers the best view of thepeak, has housed tourists and visi-tors to Gangtok on a regular basis.Perhaps, the charm and quietude theplace exudes can be gauged from thefact that many regular visitors toGangtok, still insist on putting up atthe Lodge.

But there’s a lot more than whatactually meets the eye. TheSiniolchu Lodge is now literally inshambles. The Lodge, which has ob-viously seen much better days, is ina desperate need of a magic wandthat would put an end to its woes inone go. The present state of theLodge, owned by the Tourism De-partment and run by Sikkim Tour-ism Development Corporation, isproof of the neglect it has sufferedover the years.

Built in the mid-seventies, theLodge is now in a dire need of reno-vation and upgradation. The roomsare murky and damp, the curtainsfaded and the carpets worn out andthe furniture dilapidated. The Lodgeis like an aging beauty, much past

its prime. It is there, but no one wantsto come visiting.

Yet, visitors still come and stayat the Lodge, despite the currentstate of affairs. Many a times, therehave been talks about giving theLodge the much-needed face-lift,but as always, the proposal hits thebrick wall of scarce funds.

Some officers at the TourismDepartment agree that the SiniolchuLodge is in urgent need for some at-tention and care. And they do notdeny the fact that if given the impe-tus it needs to get back on its feet, itcould become one of the biggest rev-enue earners for the Department.

The Lodge has not seen any ma-jor renovation work since it was builtalmost two decades ago.

But now, there is a ray of hope.The State government has finallysanctioned around Rs. 1.08 crore forthe renovation and upgradation of theSiniolchu Lodge. Sources in the De-partment admit that the money was“much-awaited” and that the renova-tion work could now begin by end ofMarch next year. The existing struc-ture of the Lodge will be retained butthe Lodge will undergo a completeoverhaul, it is learnt. Half of the fundsrequired for the initiative will be metthrough Central assistance.

Yet, the entire process of gettingthe Lodge back on track will beginonly once the tendering process iscomplete. And that will take quite awhile for sure.

a NOW REPORT

Siniolchu prepares fora Rs. 1 crore facelift

AVAILABLE FOR RENTA Flat measuring 2,859 sq. ft. situated nearMetro Building at Tadong along the NH 31Awith parking facilities suitable for officeaccomodation available for rent.Interested parties may contact: 98320 46590

rajdhaniIN

SPECIAL DAY

FOR

SPECIAL

CHILDREN

Form No. 3755Life Insurance Corporation of India

Place: Gangtok Date: 12/10/02Re: Policy No. 451159413

Notice having been given of the loss of Policy numbered451159413 on the life of Palden Gyatso Tenzing issuedby Gangtok Branch. Duplicate Policy will be issuedunless objection is lodged with us within one monthfrom this date.

Divisional Manager

12 NOW! 20-26 Nov, 2002SPORTS

Published by Lt. Col. (retd) P. Dorjee and printed at Darpan Publishing House, Siliguri. Editor: Pema Wangchuk. Now! Near Ayurvedic Clinic, Gairi Gaon, Tadong. East Sikkim. ph: 03592 270949 email: sikkimnow@rediffmail.com

GANGTOK: After the Junior Na-tional Boxing Championships it isnow the turn of the State’s Boxingteam to try out its pugilist skills atthe 32nd National Games. This timeit will be the senior boxers who willparticipate in the National meet tobe held in Hyderabad, AndhraPradesh from December 13 to De-cember 22.

The boxing team might be theonly contingent representing Sik-kim in the National Games thisyear as no other sporting team hasqualified for participation. Thoughthe Archery team wanted to par-ticipate, it has not performed tonational level standards. Whetherthe Taekwondo team gets the greensignal will depend on its ranking

GANGTOK: Dawa Lepcha, SanjuPradhan, Sagar Pradhan, KarmaLendup Lepcha and Nirmal Lepcha,these four local lads have been se-lected for selection trials and coach-ing camp for India’s Sub Junior (Un-der-14) football team. These boyswill be participating at the campstarting from November 25 at TataFootball Academy, Jamshedpur. Ifselected there they would get achance to participate at the AsianFootball Confederation Football Fes-tival 2002.

All these boys belong to NamchiSports Hostel and are studying atNamchi’s Government Senior Sec-ondary School at present.

A talent search scheme entitled“Search for more Baichungs” wasstarted by the Department of Sports& Youth Affairs (SYA) way backin the year 1999. Under this scheme30 candidates under the age of 14were selected after screening 6,000boys.

This shortlisted team of NamchiSports Hostel has participated at theSubroto Mukherjee Sub-JuniorFootball Tournament held at NewDelhi for the past two years and this

team was successful in reaching thefinals on both occasions.

The selection of these boys isbased on their performances in theabove-mentioned tournament andalso speaks of the intensive train-ing provided to them by theircoaches.

Karma Yougyal, Deputy Direc-tor (SYA) expressed his happinesswith the selected boys and went onto say that these boys could makeSikkim proud and be as successfulas Baichung Bhutia. He then addedthat the “Scheme for moreBaichungs” has now started bear-ing fruits.

DIKCHU: It is for the local people tomonitor all ongoing projects andschemes and ensure that no lapses takeplace: The Chief Minister PawanChamling speaking at the NHPC TeestaStage V Hydroelectric Power Projectdam site area here on November 18.

Directing his speech towards thelocal people and especially thePanchayats, Mr. Chamling said thatthe people of the State contributetowards the development of the Statein a “positive” way and support thepolicies and programmes of the gov-ernment wholeheartedly, instead ofcriticizing them.

“All decisions of the governmentin regard to development shouldhave the support of the people. Alldecisions we take are done takinginto consideration the benefits to thepeople. Therefore, the governmentshould be supported in its endeav-our to take the State toward eco-nomic self-sufficiency,” he said.

Mr. Chamling made it clear thatthe Central assistance were “grants”and that the people should not con-fuse it with economic prosperity.

“The local people, especially thePanchayats, should constantly moni-tor on-going projects and schemes in

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in the ongoing Federation Cup inthe northeast.

The boxing contingent fromSikkim totals seventeen individu-als - nine men and four women andfour officials. The team will be par-ticipating under the umbrella of theSikkim Olympic Association.

The boxers are at present train-ing at a coaching camp arrangedfor them at White Hall. The coach,Jas Lal Pradhan, the first ArjunaAwardee of the State expects theteam to do well.

Incidentally, Sikkim has man-aged only one bronze in boxing atthe National Games. The reason forhis good spirits is the good perform-ance of the Sikkim boxing contin-gent in the just concluded All IndiaPolice Meet in Haryana whereDambar Subba and Rinzing Bhutiawon two bronze medals for the state.

a NOW REPORT

Sikkim pugilists

eye the

Nationals their area and make sure that thebaidars and thekedars maintain goodquality and the projects are completedon time. Erring contractors should bebrought to the notice of the govern-ment immediately,” he said.

“You, the local people must seeto it that your political and socialrights are not hampered in any way.You also must ensure that largescaleinflux does not take place and nodamage is done to the environment,the traditional society and culture.Also, make sure that the land takenup by a project is compensated ad-equately. The Panchayats should seeto it that the money meant for envi-ronmental protection is utilizedproperly,” he told the locals.

Mr. Chamling criticized the con-tractors for the deplorable road con-ditions in the districts, saying that ten-ders have been awarded to contrac-

tors for the repair of many roads inthe State but there was no sign of anywork in progress. He pointed out thatthe repair work on Pangthang-Dikchuroad, which he admitted was in a verybad condition, should have been com-pleted by now since the work con-tract had been already awarded. “Thecontractor who has been awarded thework should start the repair workimmediately in public interest.”

“The local people, the dailycommuters, should take up the issuewith the authorities. We have sanc-tioned Rs. 13 Crores for the repairof roads. Since the roads are not re-paired every year, the local peoplehave to see that the works are doneproperly and on time. The chief min-ister cannot visit a particular areaoften to monitor the works. The lo-cal people has to the take up the re-sponsibility,” he said.

FOCUS

CHAMLING CALLS FOR MORE

VIGILANT LOCALS

a NOW REPORT

The search for more Baichungs bears fruit, 5

get selected for India’s subjunior team

GANGTOK: The Sikkim Demo-cratic Front party high command hasexpelled two Central ExecutiveCommittee members for anti-partyactivities.

Lakpa Ghising of Namchi andShanti Rai of Nagi, Namthang hasbeen expelled from the party for theirinvolvement in anti-party activities,according to party sources.

SDF expels twoCEC members

DIKCHU: A cluster-level sportsmeet was organized at the DikchuSecondary School ground on No-vember 12. The meet was organizedunder the directives of the Sarva-Shiksha Abhiyan Cell, Rajya Mis-sion, Gangtok.

The participating schools andNGOs were DYWA (Dikchu),

Sangam Club (lower Rakdong),Srijana Club (Tintek Marchak),Tintek Marchak Primary School,Rakdong Sokpay Primary Schooland Dikchu Secondary School.

Special guests on the occasionwere Chungchung Tongden, Princi-pal, Springdale English School andNageshwar Singh of Dikchu Bazar.The programme was presided by YPNepal, Headmaster, Dikchu Second-ary School.

a NOW REPORT

CLUSTER LEVEL SPORTS MEET AT DIKCHU