Drukair to fly from Bagdogra - Airbase stopover for international flights
Siliguri, Feb.5: Come March 29, the Bagdogra Airport will see for the first time an international flight landing and taking off.
Drukair, the Royal Bhutan Airlines, has chosen the airport for a stopover of its flights from Bhutan to Bangkok and back. “We are pleased to inform you that taking our cordial relations with India a little further, Drukair, the national airlines of Bhutan, will operate its services from Bagdogra. Our first flight from here to Bangkok will be on March 29 and we are eagerly looking forward for that day when we will see our flag fluttering at this airport,” Tshering Penjore, the general-manager of the airlines said at Bagdogra today.
An agreement with the civil aviation ministry of India last year allows the airline to operate its services from Bagdogra. Penjore was part of a four-member team from the Drukair that inspected the aerodrome today. “This is a strategic location sharing proximity to Nepal, Bangladesh and China. It has prospects as a regional hub for Saarc activities in future,” said Penjore.
The airline will operate out of Bagdogra four days a week. “While flights from Bhutan will land and take off in Bagdogra - en route to Bangkok - on Tuesday and Saturday, those from the Thai capital will arrive on Sunday and Wednesday. We will use an Airbus with 30 seats in first class and 94 in economy class. As we are not here with any commercial interest, there will be services even with a single passenger on board,” he added.
The airline said the flights would help promote tourism in north Bengal and Bhutan. Penjore also said the flights from Paro (the only airport in Bhutan) to Bagdogra would take only 30 minutes, whereas the time for travel by road from one place to the other would be 14-15 hours.
Welcoming the new airline, the airport authority officials at Bagdogra said arrangements would be made soon to upgrade the airport to one with international standard. “Immigration and customs facilities will be set up soon before the airline starts operating from here. After that, we hope other neighbouring countries, too, will opt for Bagdogra for flight service,” said K.K. Bhowmik, the airport director.
Bagdogra, the only functional airport in the state apart from Dum Dum, is an Indian Air Force base with limited access for civilians. Squadron Leader, IAF, A.A. Khan, said as the ministry of aviation had given its permission, they had no objection, but there were some formalities which needed to be fulfilled.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
FILM ON SIKKIM SINCE 1642
Short documentary on Sikkim’s saga from 1642 to present times
Thursday, 05 February 2009 06:29 SANJAY AGARWAL
RANGPO, February 4: A dedicated local filmmaker has completed a documentary that captures the history of this Himalayan State from 1642 till this present era.
The 60 minute documentary has been made by Kishore Rai Dungmali for the interest of the coming generation.
The documentary is titled ‘Parivartan-Journey with a Dream’ with a catch line of ‘A documentary about ‘The Man’ and his dream for Sikkim’ and is of one hour duration.
Mr. Dungmali has produced and shot the documentary and was assisted by Radha Thapa (production manager), Smriti Rai and Shena Rai (production controller). Binod Serang has narrated, written and directed the project while music coordinator and assistant director is Vibek Serang. The editor is Rajendra Khadka while Rita Subba has given the English narration.
The filmmaker said that a sum of Rs. 2.5 lakhs were spent in making the documentary and all the expenses were borne by himself. The documentary includes the history of Sikkim from 1962 to the present times, he said.
Mr. Dungmali expressed his thanks to Nirman Publications who have provided him with relevant documents and data.
MLAs KB Chamling, CB Karki and AS Baraily had also extend their full support and encouragement to the filmmaker for this project. Similar support was also received from former MP Bhim Dahal, former MLA SK Pradhan and Prem Karik, he said.
Thursday, 05 February 2009 06:29 SANJAY AGARWAL
RANGPO, February 4: A dedicated local filmmaker has completed a documentary that captures the history of this Himalayan State from 1642 till this present era.
The 60 minute documentary has been made by Kishore Rai Dungmali for the interest of the coming generation.
The documentary is titled ‘Parivartan-Journey with a Dream’ with a catch line of ‘A documentary about ‘The Man’ and his dream for Sikkim’ and is of one hour duration.
Mr. Dungmali has produced and shot the documentary and was assisted by Radha Thapa (production manager), Smriti Rai and Shena Rai (production controller). Binod Serang has narrated, written and directed the project while music coordinator and assistant director is Vibek Serang. The editor is Rajendra Khadka while Rita Subba has given the English narration.
The filmmaker said that a sum of Rs. 2.5 lakhs were spent in making the documentary and all the expenses were borne by himself. The documentary includes the history of Sikkim from 1962 to the present times, he said.
Mr. Dungmali expressed his thanks to Nirman Publications who have provided him with relevant documents and data.
MLAs KB Chamling, CB Karki and AS Baraily had also extend their full support and encouragement to the filmmaker for this project. Similar support was also received from former MP Bhim Dahal, former MLA SK Pradhan and Prem Karik, he said.
MOU WITH JAPAN ON DEVELOPMENT OF SIKKIM FORESTS
Sikkim signs MoU with Japan for sustainable development of forest resources
Thursday, 05 February 2009 06:38 SIKKIM EXPRESS
GANGTOK, February 4: Sikkim government has signed a MoU with a Japanese agency for carrying out feasibility study for ‘Integrated Project for Sustainable Development of Forest Resources in Sikkim’.
The MoU was signed between the State forest department and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) yesterday.
A JICA team lead by Ryotaro Hayashi who is the deputy assistant director, South Asia division of JICA Tokyo office had visited Gangtok to finalize the terms of reference for the preparatory study and signed the document, informs an IPR release.
Nami Shinohara and Vanit Sarin from JICA (Delhi Office) were also in the team.
The project submitted by the State forest department has already been officially listed in the rolling plan for Japanese assistance after obtaining clearance from the Union Forest Ministry and Department of North Eastern Region (DONER), Department of Economic Affairs and other Central agencies, the release adds.
“The main objective of the study that will commence early in next financial year is to formulate the scope of the work and details for the forthcoming project. The main project on implementation would uplift the living standard of the local inhabitants as well as conserve forest resources and biodiversity by supporting entry point activities, eco-tourism and participatory biodiversity conservation and forest protection, thereby contributing to the environmental protection and poverty reduction in Sikkim”, the release states.
The project will thus envisage improving the economic status of communities living in fringe forest areas through non-consumptive management of the forest areas under their control.
The sense of ownership among the communities has already been developed through ongoing projects of the State forest department and Joint Forest Management (JFM) committees and Eco Development Committee (EDC) functioning in various areas.
The externally aided project which is proposed to be implemented soon is further set to revive the pride and interest of the people in their rich natural and cultural heritage thereby steering them towards the conservation and preservation of these common resources, the release said.
Thursday, 05 February 2009 06:38 SIKKIM EXPRESS
GANGTOK, February 4: Sikkim government has signed a MoU with a Japanese agency for carrying out feasibility study for ‘Integrated Project for Sustainable Development of Forest Resources in Sikkim’.
The MoU was signed between the State forest department and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) yesterday.
A JICA team lead by Ryotaro Hayashi who is the deputy assistant director, South Asia division of JICA Tokyo office had visited Gangtok to finalize the terms of reference for the preparatory study and signed the document, informs an IPR release.
Nami Shinohara and Vanit Sarin from JICA (Delhi Office) were also in the team.
The project submitted by the State forest department has already been officially listed in the rolling plan for Japanese assistance after obtaining clearance from the Union Forest Ministry and Department of North Eastern Region (DONER), Department of Economic Affairs and other Central agencies, the release adds.
“The main objective of the study that will commence early in next financial year is to formulate the scope of the work and details for the forthcoming project. The main project on implementation would uplift the living standard of the local inhabitants as well as conserve forest resources and biodiversity by supporting entry point activities, eco-tourism and participatory biodiversity conservation and forest protection, thereby contributing to the environmental protection and poverty reduction in Sikkim”, the release states.
The project will thus envisage improving the economic status of communities living in fringe forest areas through non-consumptive management of the forest areas under their control.
The sense of ownership among the communities has already been developed through ongoing projects of the State forest department and Joint Forest Management (JFM) committees and Eco Development Committee (EDC) functioning in various areas.
The externally aided project which is proposed to be implemented soon is further set to revive the pride and interest of the people in their rich natural and cultural heritage thereby steering them towards the conservation and preservation of these common resources, the release said.
SKILL DEVELOPMENT IN SIKKIM
Commission concerned over low skills development
By chennaivision at 5 February, 2009, 5:45 pm
Gangtok, A high-level Commission on Human Development of Sikkim today expressed concern over the low entrepreneurship growth despite human development measures adopted by the state government.
”Several departments have been imparting training to develop entrepreneurship skills. However, only 20 per cent of the trainees have been able to make use of the training,” rued Prof BK Roy Burman, chairman of the Commission for Review of Environmental and Social Sector Policies, Plans and Programmes for Human Development (CRESP-HuD) here at Chintan Bhavan.
The noted social scientist heads CRESP-HuD, constituted in December last, for recommending measures to strengthen the state plan for human development.
Special funds have been set up towards this end since 2007, besides each department allocating at least 2 per cent of the annual expenditure for their respective capacity building programmes.
Expressing his concern over the low delivery of the entrepreneurship development, Prof Burman said that the Union government has set up a committee with him as its chairman to coordinate entrepreneurship studies by seven northeastern Universities.
”The study reveals that the position of all other states and northeast India in not better than Sikkim . We propose to introduce an action research programme in the state to gain more insight,” Prof Burman said.
According to Prof Burman, most of the industries had set up their establishments in Sikkim by being attracted by the incentive of tax holiday under North East Industrial Promotion and Policy package. Some of them had their establishments in other states from where they moved out when tax holiday period was expiring, he said.
Except for unskilled labour, they hardly employ any local people at administrative and skilled labour levels, said the CRESP-HuD chairman adding the position is same in other NE states.
He also pointed out at the problem of food grain security in Sikkim which has limited storage capacity and disruptive communication links.
The Prof also proposed the Sikkim government to host an international level discourse on ‘war and peace’ with involvement of religious and educational institutions.
UNI
By chennaivision at 5 February, 2009, 5:45 pm
Gangtok, A high-level Commission on Human Development of Sikkim today expressed concern over the low entrepreneurship growth despite human development measures adopted by the state government.
”Several departments have been imparting training to develop entrepreneurship skills. However, only 20 per cent of the trainees have been able to make use of the training,” rued Prof BK Roy Burman, chairman of the Commission for Review of Environmental and Social Sector Policies, Plans and Programmes for Human Development (CRESP-HuD) here at Chintan Bhavan.
The noted social scientist heads CRESP-HuD, constituted in December last, for recommending measures to strengthen the state plan for human development.
Special funds have been set up towards this end since 2007, besides each department allocating at least 2 per cent of the annual expenditure for their respective capacity building programmes.
Expressing his concern over the low delivery of the entrepreneurship development, Prof Burman said that the Union government has set up a committee with him as its chairman to coordinate entrepreneurship studies by seven northeastern Universities.
”The study reveals that the position of all other states and northeast India in not better than Sikkim . We propose to introduce an action research programme in the state to gain more insight,” Prof Burman said.
According to Prof Burman, most of the industries had set up their establishments in Sikkim by being attracted by the incentive of tax holiday under North East Industrial Promotion and Policy package. Some of them had their establishments in other states from where they moved out when tax holiday period was expiring, he said.
Except for unskilled labour, they hardly employ any local people at administrative and skilled labour levels, said the CRESP-HuD chairman adding the position is same in other NE states.
He also pointed out at the problem of food grain security in Sikkim which has limited storage capacity and disruptive communication links.
The Prof also proposed the Sikkim government to host an international level discourse on ‘war and peace’ with involvement of religious and educational institutions.
UNI
Tourism in Sikkim gets a leg up
Tourism in northeast gets a leg up, courtesy govt employees
5 Feb 2009, 0550 hrs IST, Himanshi Dhawan, TNN
NEW DELHI: At a time when domestic tourism is experiencing sluggish growth, central government employees have bucked the trend to make the northeast
a much sought after tourism destination. About 3 lakh government employees — nearly 8% of the workforce — visited the northeast region (NER) between May 2008-January 2009 taking advantage of facilities like complimentary airfare and leave encashment.
The relaxation in the leave travel concession (LTC) rules introduced in May 2008 has contributed in the increased traffic in states that had otherwise been marred by violence, poverty and lack of development.
The ministry of development of northeast region has relaxed leave travel allowance for central government employees so that group A and B are entitled to travel from their place of posting or nearest airport to a city in the northeast region or nearest airport.
All other categories of employees are entitled to travel by air to a city in northeast from Guwahati or Kolkata. There were subsequent alterations in the policy by which only the cheapest economy sector airfare for that sector was to be reimbursed.
Not to be left behind, foreign tourist arrivals have been increasing steadily. Foreign travellers in Assam -- a major gateway -- have increased from 12,899 in 2007 to 14,426 while Sikkim has seen an increase from 17,498 to 19,154 for the same period. Mizoram has also seen a 35% jump in tourism in just the past year.
Tourism joint secretary Leena Nandan said, "The northeast region is using tourism to realise great economic potential. In fact, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh have reported a 20% increase in tourism since last year."
But statistics apart, visitors are floored by the untouched natural beauty and the depth of experience. A central government employee who travelled to Sikkim under the scheme said, "It was a wonderful holiday at such a reasonable expense. After the visit I recommended the trip to other colleagues."
In fact, travellers speak of not only spending a quiet time at the Rumtek monastery in Sikkim but also enjoying a `plantation holiday' in Arunachal Pradesh amidst apple, kiwi and asparagus orchards. Mizoram and Manipur have, on the other hand, opened up rivers for rafting, kayaking and other adventure sports. Aggressive promotion and better air connectivity has also given a positive push to the region.
Avinash Kohli, a pioneer in adventure tourism and currently advisor to the Assam government, said the northeast had tremendous potential. "We are training people in rafting and kayaking. There is great future in the high end value tourism," Kohli said.
However, this influx has led to a severe shortage of accommodation and lack of infrastructure. A northeast council member said, "Since October 2008, the number of visitors has increased to a large extent. In fact, very often accommodation becomes a problem as most of the hotels are packed."
Kohli added that the lack of infrastructure and leadership could kill the destination. "We need to keep the backpackers out who are looking for drugs and cheap fun. They have ruined Goa and they will spoil the beauty of the northeast also," he said.
5 Feb 2009, 0550 hrs IST, Himanshi Dhawan, TNN
NEW DELHI: At a time when domestic tourism is experiencing sluggish growth, central government employees have bucked the trend to make the northeast
a much sought after tourism destination. About 3 lakh government employees — nearly 8% of the workforce — visited the northeast region (NER) between May 2008-January 2009 taking advantage of facilities like complimentary airfare and leave encashment.
The relaxation in the leave travel concession (LTC) rules introduced in May 2008 has contributed in the increased traffic in states that had otherwise been marred by violence, poverty and lack of development.
The ministry of development of northeast region has relaxed leave travel allowance for central government employees so that group A and B are entitled to travel from their place of posting or nearest airport to a city in the northeast region or nearest airport.
All other categories of employees are entitled to travel by air to a city in northeast from Guwahati or Kolkata. There were subsequent alterations in the policy by which only the cheapest economy sector airfare for that sector was to be reimbursed.
Not to be left behind, foreign tourist arrivals have been increasing steadily. Foreign travellers in Assam -- a major gateway -- have increased from 12,899 in 2007 to 14,426 while Sikkim has seen an increase from 17,498 to 19,154 for the same period. Mizoram has also seen a 35% jump in tourism in just the past year.
Tourism joint secretary Leena Nandan said, "The northeast region is using tourism to realise great economic potential. In fact, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh have reported a 20% increase in tourism since last year."
But statistics apart, visitors are floored by the untouched natural beauty and the depth of experience. A central government employee who travelled to Sikkim under the scheme said, "It was a wonderful holiday at such a reasonable expense. After the visit I recommended the trip to other colleagues."
In fact, travellers speak of not only spending a quiet time at the Rumtek monastery in Sikkim but also enjoying a `plantation holiday' in Arunachal Pradesh amidst apple, kiwi and asparagus orchards. Mizoram and Manipur have, on the other hand, opened up rivers for rafting, kayaking and other adventure sports. Aggressive promotion and better air connectivity has also given a positive push to the region.
Avinash Kohli, a pioneer in adventure tourism and currently advisor to the Assam government, said the northeast had tremendous potential. "We are training people in rafting and kayaking. There is great future in the high end value tourism," Kohli said.
However, this influx has led to a severe shortage of accommodation and lack of infrastructure. A northeast council member said, "Since October 2008, the number of visitors has increased to a large extent. In fact, very often accommodation becomes a problem as most of the hotels are packed."
Kohli added that the lack of infrastructure and leadership could kill the destination. "We need to keep the backpackers out who are looking for drugs and cheap fun. They have ruined Goa and they will spoil the beauty of the northeast also," he said.
TAAS SEEKS RECOGNITION FROM MOT
Thursday, February 05, 2009, 11:00 Hrs [IST]
TAAS seeks recognition from MoT and affiliation from travel trade associations
Sikkim government to celebrate 2010 as Tourism Year
By Anish V Punnackattu | New Delhi
The Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS) is in a process to seek recognition from the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), Government of India. It has decided to have a discussion, on receiving recognition from MoT for TAAS, with Roma Singh, Regional Director, India Tourism, Kolkata, in her upcoming visit to Sikkim. This was informed by Palzor Lachungpa, President, Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS), who is also the Managing Director of Blue Sky Tours and Travels located in Sikkim.
Lachungpa further informed that TAAS is also opting for membership from India’s national travel trade associations such as IATO, ADTOI, ATOAI and IMF along with the recognition from MoT. Currently, TAAS has the recognition of Sikkim government. Apart from this, TAAS plans to organise an annual convention in the month of September this year in Sikkim. The main idea of organising the convention in the state is to promote domestic tourism in the state in a bigger way and draw attention of the tourism officials and national and international travel trade associations for promoting tourism in Sikkim. This year, TAAS will invite large number of delegates to the convention,
TAAS seeks recognition from MoT and affiliation from travel trade associations
Sikkim government to celebrate 2010 as Tourism Year
By Anish V Punnackattu | New Delhi
The Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS) is in a process to seek recognition from the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), Government of India. It has decided to have a discussion, on receiving recognition from MoT for TAAS, with Roma Singh, Regional Director, India Tourism, Kolkata, in her upcoming visit to Sikkim. This was informed by Palzor Lachungpa, President, Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS), who is also the Managing Director of Blue Sky Tours and Travels located in Sikkim.
Lachungpa further informed that TAAS is also opting for membership from India’s national travel trade associations such as IATO, ADTOI, ATOAI and IMF along with the recognition from MoT. Currently, TAAS has the recognition of Sikkim government. Apart from this, TAAS plans to organise an annual convention in the month of September this year in Sikkim. The main idea of organising the convention in the state is to promote domestic tourism in the state in a bigger way and draw attention of the tourism officials and national and international travel trade associations for promoting tourism in Sikkim. This year, TAAS will invite large number of delegates to the convention,
Sunday, February 1, 2009
NEW CBDT CHAIRMAN- S S N MOORTHY
Moorthy appointed CBDT chairman
New Delhi, Jan 31: S S N Moorthy, a 1973 batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) Officer has taken over as the chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) following the retirement of N B Singh.
Moorthy has also served as the Director General of Income Tax (Investigation) for over two years. He has worked for the Income Tax Department in Kerala, Tamil nadu and Maharashtra.
He has also worked with the Kerala Sales Tax Appellate Tribunal.
Sudhir Chandra, also a 1973 Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, has taken over as a CBDT member.
Chandra has served in various capacities in the department in Mumbai, Delhi, Tamil nadu and in North Western region.
--- ANI
New Delhi, Jan 31: S S N Moorthy, a 1973 batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) Officer has taken over as the chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) following the retirement of N B Singh.
Moorthy has also served as the Director General of Income Tax (Investigation) for over two years. He has worked for the Income Tax Department in Kerala, Tamil nadu and Maharashtra.
He has also worked with the Kerala Sales Tax Appellate Tribunal.
Sudhir Chandra, also a 1973 Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, has taken over as a CBDT member.
Chandra has served in various capacities in the department in Mumbai, Delhi, Tamil nadu and in North Western region.
--- ANI
SAY IT FLOWERS IN SIKKIM
Say it with flowers in Sikkim
GANGTOK, Jan. 30: Floriculture is picking up in Sikkim both in the rural and the urban areas. Many Sikkim residents are now taking to floriculture in the urban areas, growing orchids on terraces, while some are developing nurseries on a commercial scale. Cut orchids are proving to be an alternative source of income. A spike of cymbidium orchid can fetch as much as Rs 1,000 locally.
The government Model Floriculture Centre at Namli is also flourishing. Four greenhouses have been added to it to cultivate flowers like gerbera, rose and phalaenopsis, which, when sold as cut flowers, should fetch decent prices for the growers.
In addition, three large low-cost bamboo poly greenhouses have been set up at Namli to rear rose and lilium. A number of plots have been covered with several varieties of flowers like the bird of paradise, wax ginges and heliconia.
The state government has also set up a cymbidium orchid centre at Rumtek and a model floriculture centre is under way in South District. Gladiolus is the most sought after flower by the small farmers. Peruvian lily is becoming the most popular flower in the higher altitudes. Daramdin in West Sikkim has been developed into a rose village. The rose growers sell their produce in Kolkata and New Delhi, each farmer earning anything between Rs 4,000 to Rs 12,000 per month.
Assam Linjey in East has been declared as a cymbidium village. Once known as the Valley of Rice, Skkim is now turning into a Valley of Flowers. n SNS
GANGTOK, Jan. 30: Floriculture is picking up in Sikkim both in the rural and the urban areas. Many Sikkim residents are now taking to floriculture in the urban areas, growing orchids on terraces, while some are developing nurseries on a commercial scale. Cut orchids are proving to be an alternative source of income. A spike of cymbidium orchid can fetch as much as Rs 1,000 locally.
The government Model Floriculture Centre at Namli is also flourishing. Four greenhouses have been added to it to cultivate flowers like gerbera, rose and phalaenopsis, which, when sold as cut flowers, should fetch decent prices for the growers.
In addition, three large low-cost bamboo poly greenhouses have been set up at Namli to rear rose and lilium. A number of plots have been covered with several varieties of flowers like the bird of paradise, wax ginges and heliconia.
The state government has also set up a cymbidium orchid centre at Rumtek and a model floriculture centre is under way in South District. Gladiolus is the most sought after flower by the small farmers. Peruvian lily is becoming the most popular flower in the higher altitudes. Daramdin in West Sikkim has been developed into a rose village. The rose growers sell their produce in Kolkata and New Delhi, each farmer earning anything between Rs 4,000 to Rs 12,000 per month.
Assam Linjey in East has been declared as a cymbidium village. Once known as the Valley of Rice, Skkim is now turning into a Valley of Flowers. n SNS
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