4TH NORTH EAST BUSINESS SUMMIT AT GUWAHAT

4th North East Bussiness Summit to begin in Guwahati on Monday, the 15th of September
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The 4th North East Business Summit is to be held in Guwahati on 15-16th September 2008. The fourth North East Summit is to be organized by the Department of North East Region, DoNER in collaboration with the Indian Chamber of Commerce, ICC, Kolkata.

The main objective of the summit is to showcase the potential of the NE States and to promote private sector investments. The fourth summit will primarily focus on sectors such as tourism, food processing, power, infrastructure, information technology, handloom and cottage industries especially in the context of the Look East Policy on trade and investment linkages with ASEAN and SAARC countries. A special session on "North East on Fast Track - Building International Partnership" with special reference to Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia and Philippines to discuss mutual cooperation will be the main attraction of the Summit. Governors and Chief Ministers of all NE States are likely to attend. Eight foreign Ambassadors and about 50 foreign delegates would be attending the event. More than 200 private participants from North East region and near about 175 outside the North East region will also participate in the event. The highlights of the summit include Chief Minister’s Conclave, International Session with Minister of Commerce of Cambodia, Ambassadors from Thailand, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, Laos, Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Czech Republic, Arab League and Bhutan, Special Thai Investment Session, Specific sessions on Infrastructure, Agro & Food Processing, Tourism, IT & Skill Development, One-to-One discussions among prospective investors (both from Northeast & Foreign), banks, government officials, and corporate representatives, State Government Investment Hubs and an Exhibition-showcasing Northeast. Cultural evening will be based on the rich art, culture and heritage of the people of the North Eastern States – and to bring about a cultural integration with the rest of the country. “Thai Night” reception and cultural show is being organized by the Royal Thai Embassy, New Delhi.

The 4th. Business Summit has been brought closer to the people and the Governments in the North East. It is expected that the Summit would focus the problems of the region with greater emphasis and try to find an integrated development programme in line with the “VISION 2020” document released by the Prime Minister recently.

This year, emphasis has been given on the trade and economic relations of the North East with the neighbours with a focus on the ASEAN countries. The North East is considered a gateway to the East for the Indian sub-continent and hold a brighter future.

The new Industrial policy of the Government for the North East is exclusive for the 8 states and offers a host of attractive incentives for the investors to tap the vast natural resources of the region.

The NER is not only suitable for large investments in manufacturing in the traditional areas where it has enjoyed competitive advantages but also in the sectors of agriculture, education, health and tourism, where private investment has immense opportunity. Agro processing, post harvest technology and transportation, super-specialty health care, higher education, and tourism are amongst the most promising sectors for investment. As 80% of the population of the region is engaged in agriculture, investment in infrastructure, manufacturing and services will provide alternative off-farm sources of employment and create a tertiary and service sector that is so essential for development. Investors and governments must participate in the development of infrastructure through the Public Private Partnership model, particularly in the construction and communication sectors.

Source: PIB, New Delhi)

Sikkim Cabinet Meeting held on 30th August 2008

Proceedings of the Cabinet Meeting held on 30th August, 2008, at 3.00 PM in the Cabinet Hall, Tashiling Secretariat, Gangtok, Sikkim.

The following Cabinet Members were present.

1. Dr. Pawan Chamling, Chief Minister of Sikkim, Department - Home, Finance, Revenue and Expenditure, Development Planning, Economic Reforms & North East Council Affairs etc.

2. Shri Dorjee Dazom Bhutia,Minister (Department-Land Revenue& Disaster Management; Urban Development & Housing Irrigation and flood Control)

3. Shri Garjaman Gurung, Minister, (Department Human Resource Development Cultural Affairs & Heritage)

4. Shri Hishey Lachungpa, Minister, (Department-Health Care, Human Services and Family Welfare; Social Justice, Empowerment and Welfare)

5. Shri Prem Singh Tamang, Minister, (Department - Building and Housing; Sports and Youth Affairs)

6. Shri Ram Bahadur Subba,Minister (Department -Law, Parliamentary Affairs

Commerce and Industries Department)

7. Smt. Kalawati Subba, Minister, (Department-Animal Husbandry, Live Stock, fisheries & Veterinary Services; Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs).

8. Shri Menlom Lepcha, Minister, (Department-Water Security & Public Health Engineering; Transport).

9. Shri Somnath Poudyal, Minister, (Department-Food Security & Agriculture Development ; Horticulture an~ Cash Crops Development).

10. Shri Karna Bahadur Chamling, Chief Whip

SOCIAL JUSTICE, EMPOWERMENT & WELFARE DEPARTMEN

Proposal seeking sanction and approval to release Rs.1 00.00 lakh (Rupees one hundred lakhs) only for construction of twenty five Bhutia and Lepcha houses. The unit cost of each house as approved by the Cabinet on 17.05.08 is Rs. 3, 97,000/- (Rupees three lakhs ninety seven thousand) only, The cabinet approved and sanctioned the above proposal.

Proposal seeking approval and sanction Rs.3, 09, 78,188.00 lakhs (Rupees three crores nine lakhs seventy eight thousand one hundred and eighty eight) only to implement sixty schemes covering 5585 Scheduled Tribes beneficiaries of 30 Constituencies of the State. Due emphasis has been given to the development of diary, horticulture and agriculture sectors in line with the policy of State Government. The cabinet approved the above proposal and sanctioned the said amount.

Proposal seeking approval and sanction of the following ;

1. Approval and sanction of Rs.24.00 lakhs (Rupees twenty four lakhs) only for construction of eight Model Houses for eight Lepcha families of Yuksom Constituency in West Sikkim under Tribal Sub-Plan. The cabinet approved the above proposal and sanctioned the said amount.

2. Approval and sanction of Rs. l, 55, 20,125/- (Rupees one crore fifty five lakhs twenty thousand one hundred and twenty five) only for implementation of “Total Sanitation Campaign “in East and West District of Sikkim under Tribal Sub-Plan, has been approved and sanctioned by the cabinet.

3. Approval and sanction of Rs.204.10 lakhs (Rupees Two hundred four lakhs and ten thousand only for implementation of “Special Programmes for Rural Development under Tribal Sub -Plan (TSP) and Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP)”.The cabinet approved the above proposal and sanctioned the said amount.

4. Approval and sanction of Rs.88.69 lakhs (Rupees eighty eight lakhs sixty nine thousand) only for construction of motorable approach road from Tashiding- Labdang SPWD road to Residential Tribal School at Gangyab in West Sikkim at an estimated cost ofRs.43.69Iakhs (Rupees forty three lakhs sixty nine thousand) only and Extension and augmentation of RWSS at Yangthang at an estimated cost of Rs.45.00 lakhs (Rupees forty five lakhs) only under Tribal Sub-plan.The cabinet approved the above proposal and sanctioned the said amount.

5. Proposal seeking approval and sanction of Rs.857.78 lakhs (Rupees eight hundred fifty seven lakhs and seventy eight thousand) only and 80% advance to STCS in respect of purchase of GCI sheets, under Tribal·-Sub Plan and Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan. The cabinet approved the above proposal and sanctioned the said amount.

6.Proposal soliciting sanction and approval to transfer Rs.130.00 lakhs (Rupees one hundred thirty lakhs) only to Water Security & Public Health Engineering Department for implementation of schemes under Scheduled Caste Sub -Plan Schemes under two chargeable head:

1. 2215-01.789- 00.00.51 Urban Water Supply: Four schemes (4) Total Rs. 113.25 lakhs (Rupees one hundred thirteen lakhs and twenty five thousand) only

2. 2215-02.789-61.00.53 PHE Urban Sanitation.: Three schemes (3) Total Rs. 16.75 lakhs (Rupees sixteen lakhs and seventy five thousand) only. The cabinet approved the above proposal and sanctioned the said amount.

7.Proposal soliciting approval and sanction of Rs.190.00 lakhs (Rupees one crores ninety lakhs) under TSP and Rs.63.50 lakhs (Rupees sixty three lakhs and fifty thousand) only under SCSP, to conduct demonstration on balanced and integrated use of Bio- fertilizers and Organic Manures in the private agricultural holdings of ST and SC farmers. The demonstration will cover 6333 hectares of ST land in the State.15832 Scheduled Tribes farmer are proposed to be benefited. Similarly, the department proposes to cover 2117 hectares of Scheduled Caste land directly benefiting 5292 SC farmers. The cabinet approved the above proposal and sanctioned the said amount.

8.Proposal seeking approval and sanction of Rs. 74, 50,000/-(Rupees seventy four lakhs fifty thousand) only for construction of Tribal Community Hall at Tathangchen, Gangtok under Tribal Sub Plan. The cabinet approved the above proposal and sanctioned the said amount.

ENERGY AND POWER DEPARTMENT

Proposal seeking administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs.36.79 lakhs (Rupees thirty six lakhs seventy nine thousand) only providing street lights along the road from Deorali Bazar to Chorten/ Tibetology compound, Deorali, Gangtok. The cabinet approved the above proposal and sanctioned the said amount.

FINANCE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE DEPARTMENT

Proposal seeking approval of the Draft rules namely, ‘The Sikkim Ecology Fund and Environment Cess (Amendment) Rules, 2008’ to amend the Sikkim Ecology Fund and Enviroment Cess Rules, 2007. The cabinet has approved the above proposal.

ROADS AND BRIDGES DEPARTMENT

Proposal seeking revised administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs.1,63,95,214/­(Rupees one crore, sixty three lakhs, ninety five thousand, two hundred and fourteen) only with an additional financial sanction of Rs. 3,14,0.00/-(Rupees three lakhs, fourteen thousand) only for the work “Surface Strengthening and Carpeting of Ravangla -Ralang Road km1st to 13th in South Sikkim has been approved and sanctioned by the Cabinet.

Proposal seeking administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs.28, 06,000/- (Rupees twenty eight lakhs, six thousand) only, for the work “Surface improvement, widening, drainage, carpeting and protective work on Tarku Damthang road Km 13th to19th in South Sikkim has been approved and sanctioned by the cabinet

Proposal seeking approval and sanction of Rs.37,52,400/-(Rupees thirty seven lakhs, fifty two thousand, four hundred)only for carry out protective works on Approach road to JNV school at Phodong in North Sikkim has been approved and sanctioned by the cabinet.

TOURISM DEPARTMENT

Proposal seeking administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs. 85, 35, 365 (Rupees eighty five lakhs, thirty five thousand, three hundred and sixty five) only for payment of land compensation for development of tourist spot at Dalapchand in East Sikkim and Cultural Village at Tharpu in West Sikkim has been approved and sanctioned by the cabinet.

PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT

Proposal seeking administrative approval to revise the TA/DA admissible to the members of cabinet, Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Members of Sikkim Legislative Assembly in accordance with the recommendation of Special Review Committee and to bring necessary amendments in the Sikkim Ministers, Speaker, Deputy Speaker and members(TA) Rules, 1977 has been approved by the cabinet.

FOOD SECURITY & AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

Proposal seeking administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs.24.00 lakhs(Rupees twenty four lakhs )only for the implementation of Establishment of Agency for Reporting Agriculture Statistics (EARAS) for 2008-09. The cabinet approved the above proposal and sanctioned the said amount.

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

Proposal seeking administrative approval and financial sanction to create proposed 121 post of teaching and non teaching staff with the financial implication per annum to the tune of Rs. 178. 12 lakhs( Rupees one crore seventy eight lakhs and twelve thousand) only subject to allocation of fund under supplementary grant, the cabinet approved the above proposal and sanctioned the said amount.

COOPERATION DEPARTMENT

Proposal seeking confirmation of the approval to sign Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) by the State Govetnment with Government of India and ‘NABARD ‘for implementation of Vaidyanathan Committee Report for revival of Short Term Cooperative Credit Structure, has been approved by the cabinet.

URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING DEPARTMENT

Proposal seeking administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs.743.32 lakhs (Rupees seven hundred forty three lakhs thirty two thousand) only for development of Infrastructures at Bazars and Rural Marketing Centers in the State under Rural Infrastructure Development fund-XIII which is sanctioned by NABARD has been approved and sanctioned by the cabinet.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CARE, HUMAN SERVICES &FAMILY WELFARE

Proposal seeking administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs.62.56 lakhs (Rupees sixty two lakhs fifty six thousand) only for procurement of Operating Microscope of Moller- Wedet for Ophthalmic Surgery at STNM Hospital Gangtok, has been approved and sanctioned by the cabinet.

TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT

Proposal seeking administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs.2.20 crore (Rupee, two crore fifty lakhs) only for fleet replacement and augmentation under Sikkim Nationalized Transport and to release advance payment as per the terms of offer accepted by the Department has been approved and sanctioned by the cabinet.

CULTURAL AFFAIRS AND HERITAGE DEPARTMENT

The Proposal of the department to introduce a new scheme called “Samajeek. Sewa Bhatta covering an average of 30 beneficiaries from each constituencies .The. total I beneficiaries for this scheme shall be 960 in the current financial year and this will be continuing scheme for future. Each of the beneficiaries shall be given an allowance of Rs.500/-(Rupees five hundred) only per month. The scheme shall be implemented w.e.f 1 st September 2008. The total financial liability shall be Rs.28.80 lakhs (Rupees twenty eight lakhs and eighty thousand) only in the current financial year.

It is now’, submitted for according approval and sanction to implement the scheme under the name and style as “Samajeek Sewa Bhatta”, The cabinet approved the above proposal and sanctioned the said amount.

Proposal seeking approval and sanction of four traditional houses at the rate of Rs. 50.00 lakhs (Rupees fifty lakhs) only to Newar, Tamang, Scheduled Caste and Mangar and to release 50% of the grant as first installment has been approved and sanctioned by the cabinet.

HORTICULTURE AND CASH CROPS DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

Proposal seeking approval and sanction of Rs. 410.00 lakhs (Rupees four hundred and ten lakhs only for the construction of low cost Bamboo Playhouses under “Plan Programme” and Technology Mission 2008-09 has been approved and sanctioned by the cabinet.

Proposal seeking approval and sanction of Rs.250.00 lakhs (Rupees two hundred and fifty lakhs) only for providing price support and subsidy to the vegetables, fruits and flower growers in the state of Sikkim, has been approved and sanctioned by the cabinet.

DEPTT. OF PERSONNEL, ADM.REFORMS, TRAINING, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES CAREER OPTIONS &EMPLOYMENT, SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND CHIEF MINISTER’S SELF EMPLOYMENT SCHEME

The proposal seeking approval to transfer the fund of Rs.12.00 crores to the following two schemes meant for the Educated Unemployed:

1. Rs.10.00 crores to the Chief Minister’s Self Employment Scheme (CMSES).

2. Rs.2.00 Crores to the Comprehensive Educational Loan Scheme. The cabinet has approved the above proposal.

The proposal relates to the list of educated unemployed youth of Sikkim, who has been given Comprehensive loan scheme in the year 2007-08 and 2007-08. The scheme was launched in 2007-08.During 2007-08, 46 students were granted loans amounting to Rs.332.80 lakhs and during 2008-09 (till January 2008) 49 students have been granted loans amounting to Rs 4,59. 84 lakhs. The loans were sanctioned from the funds transferred by the Directorate of Capacity Building. The cabinet has approved the above proposal

OTHER BUSINESS

The cabinet also observed two minutes silence in memory of those who lost their lives in the flood at Bihar. The Chief Minister expressed his deep anguish over the loss of so many lives and properties. The Cabinet on behalf of the people and the Government of Sikkim has decided to contribute an amount of Rs. One crore towards the relief and rehabilitation of those affected by this tragic catastrophe. In addition to this, Members of Council of Ministers have also volunteered to contribute their one month’s salary towards this cause.

IPR News Service

IPR No 144/IPR/08-09

INDIA NEW MANTRA-TALK MORE WORK MORE

Nearly 300 million and counting. That's the number of Indians walking around with a cell phone in their pockets. Today, one in four Indians has a mobile. It's said that by 2020, every employed adult in the country would have one.
From the villager sitting atop his half-drowned hut calling for help in flood-hit Bihar, to the kabadiwallah who hands you his number, it’s mobile networking like never before.

It virtually reverses the socialist mantra 'talk less, work more', that many Indians half-believed for years. Now, the new Indian chant may be 'talk more, work more'.

"The mobile is to India what the motor car was to America," says social scientist Shiv Viswanathan. It has opened up the world to the mohalla and vice versa. "There's a tremendous opening up of space," he says. But does more networking automatically mean more productivity?

Yes, says Aditya Dev Sood, CEO of Bangalore-based Centre for Knowledge Societies (CKS), a research and design-consulting company. He says the mobile's "greatest impact would be on those people with professions that are time, location and information sensitive. For example, the owner of a hair salon can manage with just a landline phone, but for a dealer in flowers, the prices of which can vary from morning to evening, the mobile can help keep track of the rates."

The mobile phone in India's pocket can do all this and more — fishermen wanting a weather update or the location of the best catch; hospitals contacting patients without a permanent address; matchmaking companies dispatching profiles of potential mates to subscribers; SMSes on the Sensex. Information, services, profits - you name it, you have it, in the palm of your hand.

It is true that network coverage and mobile penetration are still limited to certain areas. But, interestingly, as a two-year-old study by CKS showed in Maharashtra, UP and Karnataka, many new mobile-users belong to poorer areas with scarce infrastructure and facilities, high levels of illiteracy and low PC and internet penetration. Sood says productivity rises because mobiles help counter the biggest challenge an aspirational society can face - inaccessibility.

"Financial deals done over mobiles reduce transaction costs and enhance productivity. Mobiles are part of the organized sector already; they can also transform the informal economy substantially," says Sood.

Unsurprisingly, there are parts of India where farmers hire mobile phones in the right season, when market prices need constant monitoring and they need to negotiate deals with wholesale buyers.

Is the mobile phone a means of empowering the people, then? Not yet, says C P Chandrashekhar, professor at the Centre for Economic Studies and Planning, JNU. He says the mobile cannot minimize India's crying need for basic infrastructure.

"Why should rural children be happy with getting class lessons via mobile? Why shouldn't they aspire to classrooms, furniture etc?" asks Chandrashekhar.

Viswanathan agrees, saying "All mobiles are not equal." But he adds that the mobile phone is a minor tool of empowerment in that it helps people make their own world better. The mobile is the new equity, concludes Sood, because it facilitates greater participation in the economy.

Why ever not, when the world is in your pocket.

( sOURCE: eCONOMIC tIMES)