CII India Business Forum launched in China
[Beijing, 16 April,2009] "A well-functioning financial system is necessary for the revival of the world economy" said Mrs Nirupama Rao, Ambassador of India to China, while delivering the keynote address at the Conference on "Impact of the Global Economic Crisis : Challenges and Opportunities for India and China" organized by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in association of Embassy of India in Beijing. The event also became the platform for the launch of the India Business Forum (IBF) in China, an initiative of CII."Countries need to have effective credible fiscal stimulus, resumption of credit flows, cleaning up of the balance sheet of the financial institutions to tackle the current economic crisis" observed Mrs Nirupama Rao.
"Protectionism has to be avoided - protectionism in goods as well as services, as also financial protectionism" said Mrs Rao. In this time of global financial and economic crisis, there is need for stronger cooperation and coordination between India and China. The crisis must be turned into an opportunity by tackling it with the key commodity of confidence, opined Ambassador Rao.Both the countries, she added, are convinced of the need for continued and concerted economic liberalization that balances globalization with equitable and balanced growth that benefits the weaker and economically disadvantaged sections of our populations. Because of these strong fundamentals, both India and China has not been affected by the crisis as much compared to the western countries. Both are working together at the G-20 framework to help restore global growth and confidence and to address the systematic risks in the global financial system. The bilateral trade has increased ten-folds in the last six years and China has becomes the largest trading partner for India in 2008. She opined, by 2025, it is highly probable that China-India economic ties through trade, investment and technology linkages may be one of the most important bilateral relationship in the world. There is also a need to rectify the trade imbalance where India's trade deficit stood at USD 11.2 bln in 2008. On Indian side, there is a need to broaden and diversify the export basket. At the same time, India is seeking greater market access for its products where India has competitive advantage. She felt one of the focus areas for India Business Forum should be to address this issue.
Mr Wang Jinzhen, Vice Chairman, China Council for Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) in his inaugural address said that like India, inflicted by the global financial crisis, China's both financial market and real economy has declined. The shutting down of small scale export oriented enterprises and cutting down of work workforce is evident in the fall of bilateral trade by 37% in January 2009 compared to the same period last year. China adopted a proactive fiscal policy and moderately easy monetary policy also introduced ten measures to expand domestic demand and put in place a series of related policies to stimulate the domestic economy, he informed.Mr Wang felt that to minimize damages and achieve early recovery both the Indian and Chinese Government should cooperate closely to enhance Trade Liberalisation and facilitation and eliminate trade barrier and trade protectionism. He also called the non-governmental organizations to play an active role to facilitate enterprises in mutual investment and trade apart from developing a SME network which will help in seeing opportunities in China-India economic interaction.
Earlier, Mr Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII in his welcome address stressed on shifting of "India or China" strategy to "India and China", which will help in deriving benefits from advantages offered by both the emerging economies. He hoped that this Forum will help in bringing together the Industry and economies of both the countries together. IBF, an initiative of CII has been earlier launched in USA, South Africa and Singapore, which is providing an excellent platform for bringing together the various Indian companies based in the country, for better cooperation, networking and knowledge sharing added Mr Banerjee. It will act as a forum for promoting India China trade through collective and consensual approach to common issues. It will also act as a platform for networking with Chinese companies interested in the doing business with India, think tanks and other policy makers in China.
Mr J J Shrikhande, Chairman, CII IBF China also touched upon the various activities the forums intends to take up in the future. One of the key focus areas of IBF will be to work with Embassy and others towards building "Brand India" by creating platforms to showcase the sectoral strengths of India, areas of cooperation for trade and investment and share good practices to learn from each other, he said.The conference was well attended with more than 120 representatives from various Chinese and Indian companies based in China apart from officials from the Government departments and Embassy. The conference also has session focusing on the success stories of Indian companies in China and Chinese companies in India and investment opportunities for Chinese companies in India.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
SDF MANIFESTO-2009- PROMISE TO OLD BUSINESS COMMUNITY OF SIKKIM
SDF MANIFESTO 2009
• reservation in education and appointments:
Our Government has strengthened the mechanism of reservation of seats. In the higher education the Old Business Community will be provided 5% reservation.
• Complete safeguard of dignity of Sikkimese Bhutia, Lepcha, Nepali and the_old businessmen and traders.
The first responsibility of our government is to safeguard the identity and dignity of Sikkim and the Sikkimese people. Our government through its pro people policies and programs has won many accolades which has enhanced the image of Sikkim at the national and intern national level.Our business community has contributed immensely toward the overall development of our State. This has been made possible by their hard work in an atmosphere of peace and security which has been provided by our Government. Their hard work has been recognized by our Government and citations and awards have been given to several and old citizens of the community. We will continue to adopt the same policy and shall protect their interest in the State. We will pass a resolution in the Legislative Assembly for exempting them from Central Income Tax for the Old Business Community. Our SDF party has also ratified this stand with the support of the people of Sikkim.In schools and colleges, they enjoy the same privileges at par with other communities in the State. Reservation is granted to them in higher education. The same shall continue.
• Exemption of Central Income Taxes to Sikkimese People
The Sikkim Subject Certificate holders have been exempted from paying Central Income Tax and this demand has been fulfilled by SDF Government during the last term. This achievement can be called historic as the demand was pending for a long time. While protecting this achievement of securing exemption from the Central Income Tax, Our Government has not lost sight of the genuine demand of the Old Business Communities, old residents and Old Government employees, both State and Central. Our Government is seized of this problem and we are going to strongly plead for equal rights of the old business community of Sikkim
• Protection and respect to Old Business Community of Sikkim
The SDF Government has given respect and justice to the old business people of Sikkim along with the rest of the Sikkimese Communities. This community which has contributed a great deal to the overall development of Sikkim has been recognized for the first time by our Government. They have also been given a proper business environment to flourish in a democratic manner and set up. They have been given dignity, respect and rights to live and practice their business in the State. We will continue and ensure that our business community members receive this respect and positive business environment. In addition to other facilities and rights provided to our business community it is the SDF Government which has for the first time provided higher education facilities (quota) for their children. This will continue. They do not have to face any obstruction, disrespect or difficulty in carrying on their business and exercising their fundamental rights.SDF’
MANIFESTO15TH LOK SABHA AND 8TH ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS 2009
• reservation in education and appointments:
Our Government has strengthened the mechanism of reservation of seats. In the higher education the Old Business Community will be provided 5% reservation.
• Complete safeguard of dignity of Sikkimese Bhutia, Lepcha, Nepali and the_old businessmen and traders.
The first responsibility of our government is to safeguard the identity and dignity of Sikkim and the Sikkimese people. Our government through its pro people policies and programs has won many accolades which has enhanced the image of Sikkim at the national and intern national level.Our business community has contributed immensely toward the overall development of our State. This has been made possible by their hard work in an atmosphere of peace and security which has been provided by our Government. Their hard work has been recognized by our Government and citations and awards have been given to several and old citizens of the community. We will continue to adopt the same policy and shall protect their interest in the State. We will pass a resolution in the Legislative Assembly for exempting them from Central Income Tax for the Old Business Community. Our SDF party has also ratified this stand with the support of the people of Sikkim.In schools and colleges, they enjoy the same privileges at par with other communities in the State. Reservation is granted to them in higher education. The same shall continue.
• Exemption of Central Income Taxes to Sikkimese People
The Sikkim Subject Certificate holders have been exempted from paying Central Income Tax and this demand has been fulfilled by SDF Government during the last term. This achievement can be called historic as the demand was pending for a long time. While protecting this achievement of securing exemption from the Central Income Tax, Our Government has not lost sight of the genuine demand of the Old Business Communities, old residents and Old Government employees, both State and Central. Our Government is seized of this problem and we are going to strongly plead for equal rights of the old business community of Sikkim
• Protection and respect to Old Business Community of Sikkim
The SDF Government has given respect and justice to the old business people of Sikkim along with the rest of the Sikkimese Communities. This community which has contributed a great deal to the overall development of Sikkim has been recognized for the first time by our Government. They have also been given a proper business environment to flourish in a democratic manner and set up. They have been given dignity, respect and rights to live and practice their business in the State. We will continue and ensure that our business community members receive this respect and positive business environment. In addition to other facilities and rights provided to our business community it is the SDF Government which has for the first time provided higher education facilities (quota) for their children. This will continue. They do not have to face any obstruction, disrespect or difficulty in carrying on their business and exercising their fundamental rights.SDF’
MANIFESTO15TH LOK SABHA AND 8TH ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS 2009
NANO TECHNOLOGY
Nanotechnology Business; "The Giant in Dwarfs"
CII and DST will celebrate Indian Nanotechnology Products in near future- T Ramasami Ensure nanotechnology remains valuable for the society, and be an effective media to address the global climatic concern
[New Delhi, 14 April 2009] Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) along with Department of Science & Technology, (DST), Government of India, Gwangju Institute of Science & Technology (GIST) and Tamil Nadu Technology Development Promotion Council has inaugurated the fourth Nanotechnology Conclave 2009, a two-day conference that brings together Nanotechnology experts from across the globe to share their expertise and latest technology advances as well as reflect on the future trends in this field.Nanotechnology with its wide array of applications in the fields of agriculture, textiles, cleaning, housing materials, clean drinking water, etc, has plenty to offer to the business fraternity. A landscape of industry representatives today are talking about creating wealth from the knowledge formed through Nanotechnology. Nanotechnology revenues are estimated to reach $1 Trillion worldwide by 2015. It is often considered as a new revolution, as was the industrial revolution, because nanotechnology manipulates matter at the atomic scale to create new applications in materials, medicine, robotics, electronics and energy.The fastest growing segments of the market are scanning probe microscopes, with a CAGR of 19.4% between 2007 and 2012, and charged particle microscopes with a CAGR from 2007 to 2012 of 9.0%. Optical microscopes are projected to have the lowest growth rate of any major market segment (5.6% CAGR). As a result, charged particle microscopes, which have the largest market share of any product segment, are projected to increase their market share further, from 52% in 2006 to 52.1% in 2012. Optical microscopes are projected to lose market share, from 26.2% in 2006 to 21.9% in 2012. In 2006, semiconductor manufacturing was the dominant end-user market for microscopes, with 31% of the total market, followed by life sciences (27%) and materials (24%), and nanotechnology (10%). Nanotechnology and semiconductor manufacturing are the fastest-growing end-user markets with CAGRs of 19.4% and 10.2% respectively. Speaking at the Inaugural session, Dr. T Ramasami, Chairman, TNTDPC Governing Body & Secretary to Government, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, stated that a lot of efforts are being taken by the Research Community, Academia and Industry, but much of these are not collaborative. He challenged we need to stop working in silos and work together towards effectively translating knowledge generation into wealth generation. Reinstating the huge opportunities created by Department of Science and Technology's NanoMission through which almost Rs 1000 crores is planned to be released over a period of 5 years, he invited the Industry to come forward and take advantage of this opportunity, and evolve more Public-Private-Partnership mode businesses in Nanotechnology. He also challenged the various R&D efforts in Nanotechnology to focus on providing solutions to various social problems. He said that CII has to play an important role in bringing the nanotechnology products to market by working with various stakeholders. He said that CII and DST will join hands together to celebrate Indian Nanotechnology Product in the near future.Dr. V. Rao Aiyagari, Mission Director (Nano Mission) & Head - Science and Engineering Research Council, DST, Government of India said that since 2001, total investments made in Nanotechnology by DST have been $144 million. The eleventh five year plan has dedicated investments worth US$ 200 million for the technology. The department has setup 11 centres of excellence and proposed three institutes on Nanotechnology in Mohali, Bangalore and Kolkata. Dr. Dipankar Banerjee, Chief Controller, R&D (AMS), & Distinguished Scientist, DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Government of India, New Delhi stated that India is positioned on the strategic map for Nano products as Indian investments in the technology match that of Ireland, Canada and Switzerland. Mr. Ajai Chowdhry, Chairman, CII National Committee on Technology & Chairman & CEO, HCL Infosystems Ltd, stated that Nanotechnology is already being applied in industrial applications, production technology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture, transportation and electronics among others. It is yet to come of age, and presents huge scope for business. Market for Nanotechnology is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 33% between 2008 and 2015. In the welcome remarks, Dr. M Vidyasagar, Chairman, Nanotechnology Conclave 2009 & Executive Vice President, TATA Consultancy Services, listed Nanotechnology amongst the genre of Information Technology and Biotechnology. He believes that Nanotechnology is going to be an important activity for future. His opined that as Nanotechnology needs capital, it is yet to make much impact on business prepositions. He remained optimistic about India forging an effective identity for Nanotechnology products, given proactive initiatives taken by the Government and industry. Prof. Kurt E. Geckeler, Chair, Department of Nanosystems Engineering (DNE) Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) suggested that Nano materials have become the driving force for the world, despite the ongoing downturn. Industry must maintain a constant dialogue with science and engineering fraternity, to keep up with leading performance in this field. Summing up the Inaugural session, Mr. Anjan Das, Sr. Director & Head - Technology & IPR, CII said that CII, along with DST will look forward to celebrating Industry-Academia joint research in the future Nanotechnology Conclaves. He stressed on the serious need for shaping innovative PPP business models in Nanotechnology, as hinted by Dr. Vidyasagar, Chairman, Nanotechnology Conclave 2009 & Executive Vice President, TATA Consultancy Services.
CII and DST will celebrate Indian Nanotechnology Products in near future- T Ramasami Ensure nanotechnology remains valuable for the society, and be an effective media to address the global climatic concern
[New Delhi, 14 April 2009] Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) along with Department of Science & Technology, (DST), Government of India, Gwangju Institute of Science & Technology (GIST) and Tamil Nadu Technology Development Promotion Council has inaugurated the fourth Nanotechnology Conclave 2009, a two-day conference that brings together Nanotechnology experts from across the globe to share their expertise and latest technology advances as well as reflect on the future trends in this field.Nanotechnology with its wide array of applications in the fields of agriculture, textiles, cleaning, housing materials, clean drinking water, etc, has plenty to offer to the business fraternity. A landscape of industry representatives today are talking about creating wealth from the knowledge formed through Nanotechnology. Nanotechnology revenues are estimated to reach $1 Trillion worldwide by 2015. It is often considered as a new revolution, as was the industrial revolution, because nanotechnology manipulates matter at the atomic scale to create new applications in materials, medicine, robotics, electronics and energy.The fastest growing segments of the market are scanning probe microscopes, with a CAGR of 19.4% between 2007 and 2012, and charged particle microscopes with a CAGR from 2007 to 2012 of 9.0%. Optical microscopes are projected to have the lowest growth rate of any major market segment (5.6% CAGR). As a result, charged particle microscopes, which have the largest market share of any product segment, are projected to increase their market share further, from 52% in 2006 to 52.1% in 2012. Optical microscopes are projected to lose market share, from 26.2% in 2006 to 21.9% in 2012. In 2006, semiconductor manufacturing was the dominant end-user market for microscopes, with 31% of the total market, followed by life sciences (27%) and materials (24%), and nanotechnology (10%). Nanotechnology and semiconductor manufacturing are the fastest-growing end-user markets with CAGRs of 19.4% and 10.2% respectively. Speaking at the Inaugural session, Dr. T Ramasami, Chairman, TNTDPC Governing Body & Secretary to Government, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, stated that a lot of efforts are being taken by the Research Community, Academia and Industry, but much of these are not collaborative. He challenged we need to stop working in silos and work together towards effectively translating knowledge generation into wealth generation. Reinstating the huge opportunities created by Department of Science and Technology's NanoMission through which almost Rs 1000 crores is planned to be released over a period of 5 years, he invited the Industry to come forward and take advantage of this opportunity, and evolve more Public-Private-Partnership mode businesses in Nanotechnology. He also challenged the various R&D efforts in Nanotechnology to focus on providing solutions to various social problems. He said that CII has to play an important role in bringing the nanotechnology products to market by working with various stakeholders. He said that CII and DST will join hands together to celebrate Indian Nanotechnology Product in the near future.Dr. V. Rao Aiyagari, Mission Director (Nano Mission) & Head - Science and Engineering Research Council, DST, Government of India said that since 2001, total investments made in Nanotechnology by DST have been $144 million. The eleventh five year plan has dedicated investments worth US$ 200 million for the technology. The department has setup 11 centres of excellence and proposed three institutes on Nanotechnology in Mohali, Bangalore and Kolkata. Dr. Dipankar Banerjee, Chief Controller, R&D (AMS), & Distinguished Scientist, DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Government of India, New Delhi stated that India is positioned on the strategic map for Nano products as Indian investments in the technology match that of Ireland, Canada and Switzerland. Mr. Ajai Chowdhry, Chairman, CII National Committee on Technology & Chairman & CEO, HCL Infosystems Ltd, stated that Nanotechnology is already being applied in industrial applications, production technology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture, transportation and electronics among others. It is yet to come of age, and presents huge scope for business. Market for Nanotechnology is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 33% between 2008 and 2015. In the welcome remarks, Dr. M Vidyasagar, Chairman, Nanotechnology Conclave 2009 & Executive Vice President, TATA Consultancy Services, listed Nanotechnology amongst the genre of Information Technology and Biotechnology. He believes that Nanotechnology is going to be an important activity for future. His opined that as Nanotechnology needs capital, it is yet to make much impact on business prepositions. He remained optimistic about India forging an effective identity for Nanotechnology products, given proactive initiatives taken by the Government and industry. Prof. Kurt E. Geckeler, Chair, Department of Nanosystems Engineering (DNE) Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) suggested that Nano materials have become the driving force for the world, despite the ongoing downturn. Industry must maintain a constant dialogue with science and engineering fraternity, to keep up with leading performance in this field. Summing up the Inaugural session, Mr. Anjan Das, Sr. Director & Head - Technology & IPR, CII said that CII, along with DST will look forward to celebrating Industry-Academia joint research in the future Nanotechnology Conclaves. He stressed on the serious need for shaping innovative PPP business models in Nanotechnology, as hinted by Dr. Vidyasagar, Chairman, Nanotechnology Conclave 2009 & Executive Vice President, TATA Consultancy Services.
INSPIRING QUOTES
A quote says:
"Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass...
it's about learning to dance in the rain!"
Another quote from Sarah Breathnack ...
"When we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that's present....we experience heaven on earth."
"Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass...
it's about learning to dance in the rain!"
Another quote from Sarah Breathnack ...
"When we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that's present....we experience heaven on earth."
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Resolution will be passed at Sikkim Legislative Assembly for I T exemption- Chamling
RANGPO, April 13: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today announced that his government will provide 15 percent reservation to Limboo-Tamang communities in government service and in Panchayati Raj.
Addressing a public meeting as part of the party’s election campaign, he said LTs were accorded the Scheduled Tribe status during the SDF regime and that the seat reservation would also be done by the SDF government.
Stressing developing activities as the basis of the party, SDF chief also said that
resolution will be passed at Sikkim Legislative Assembly for exemption of Central Income Tax Act to all the old business communities of Sikkim.
On the developmental front, Mr Chamling said that 10 percent of the total State budget would be used for capacity building programme.
Regarding West Pendam, the SDF chief promised to immediately solve the water problem faced by the residents. The beautification of West Pendam and its sewerage problem may be given priority, he said. He added that the 91 families whose houses were dismantled by the forest department will be given the site and loan in low interest rate.
Talking about development in Rangpo, Mr Chamling said the border town was fully developed as far as economic sector was concerned with a number of industrial units set up in the area. He said that a double lane national Highway and a new alternative road from Sikkim to Siliguri via Chalsa is under process. The Pakyong Airport may be completed within 34 month, the CM added.
Also present were MLA Somnath Poudyal, SDF candidate for West Pendam Constituency Niru Sewa, SDF Lok Sabha candidate PD Rai, youth secretary GM Gurung (Ranpgo), general secretary SK Pradhan, vice-president Dr. DP Kharel and other party leaders, supporters and the general public.
Source: Sikkim Express
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Addressing a public meeting as part of the party’s election campaign, he said LTs were accorded the Scheduled Tribe status during the SDF regime and that the seat reservation would also be done by the SDF government.
Stressing developing activities as the basis of the party, SDF chief also said that
resolution will be passed at Sikkim Legislative Assembly for exemption of Central Income Tax Act to all the old business communities of Sikkim.
On the developmental front, Mr Chamling said that 10 percent of the total State budget would be used for capacity building programme.
Regarding West Pendam, the SDF chief promised to immediately solve the water problem faced by the residents. The beautification of West Pendam and its sewerage problem may be given priority, he said. He added that the 91 families whose houses were dismantled by the forest department will be given the site and loan in low interest rate.
Talking about development in Rangpo, Mr Chamling said the border town was fully developed as far as economic sector was concerned with a number of industrial units set up in the area. He said that a double lane national Highway and a new alternative road from Sikkim to Siliguri via Chalsa is under process. The Pakyong Airport may be completed within 34 month, the CM added.
Also present were MLA Somnath Poudyal, SDF candidate for West Pendam Constituency Niru Sewa, SDF Lok Sabha candidate PD Rai, youth secretary GM Gurung (Ranpgo), general secretary SK Pradhan, vice-president Dr. DP Kharel and other party leaders, supporters and the general public.
Source: Sikkim Express
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Congress makes poll promises on Income Tax in its manifesto
Congress makes poll promises on Income Tax in its manifesto
Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, April 13: The Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC) has singled out the Income Tax exemption issue as the most prominent agenda of the party in the coming Assembly elections in Sikkim.
“The discrimination made by the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) government on the income tax exemption issue to the old business community and non Sikkim subject holders is our chief agenda for the upcoming Assembly elections”, said SPCC president Nar Bahadur Bhandari while releasing the party manifesto today at the party headquarters here in Gangtok.
Mr. Bhandari vowed to return back the Income Tax Act that has been implemented since 2008 in Sikkim. We will restore our old law of Sikkim, the Income Tax Manuel Act of 1948 when we form the Congress government, he said.
The Congress manifesto states that the old laws of Sikkim will be implemented on all communities of Sikkim including the business and government employees as the direct taxes have been implement in an illegal manner in Sikkim by the SDF government.
“The old business community and a section of State government employees have been given Constitutional injustice. The Congress government will give justice”, the manifesto reads.
The Congress party also committed to conduct fresh delimitation in Sikkim to provide reservation to Limboo and Tamang communities and for the Nepali communities in the State Assembly. The manifesto reminds that only Congress party can deliver political rights to the Limboo Tamang communities.
The delimitation will be also conduct to provide justice to the old business community who has been given a raw deal by the 2006 delimitation where the business community dominated areas have been reserved for SC and ST communities.
The Congress party has also committed for declaring a cut off year to prevent influx in Sikkim.
The Congress party has also pledged in the manifesto that it not politicize the Panchayati Raj Institution in Sikkim and added that it will give pension and certificate to the retired Panchayats.
Targeting the youths who form 40 percent of voters in Sikkim, the Congress party promised to provide them employment and priority in all private business sectors including contract works. The Bhoomiputra (sons of soil) policy will be implemented in Sikkim and there will be a government employee in each house in Sikkim, the party promised. The Bhoomiputra policy will be implemented in all the Central establishments, national banks, private companies and industries during the Congress government, the party said.
“We will give direct democracy to Sikkim people. All voters in Sikkim will be entitled to equal share in all the Central and State schemes. We will maintain uniform treatment to all in Sikkim”, said Mr. Bhandari.
‘Bikash Patrika’ (development document) occupies a major portion in the 38 pages Congress manifesto. The Congress party said that it will give the Bikash Patrika to all the BPL families in Sikkim which will provide government largesse and benefits to them at their doorsteps during the Congress government.
Those holding Bikash Patrika will not have to pay electricity bills while those without this document will have to pay power bills at Rs. 2 per unit. Water will be supplied free in all rural areas while only low charges will be there in urban areas, the manifesto promises.
The Congress government will also shut down all lottery shops, discos, casinos and other gambling dens, the manifesto states. The party also promised a monthly starting salary of Rs. 3600 to each labourer while the salary of the workcharged employees will be enhanced to Rs. 6000 besides a grant of Rs. 10,000 after they retire. The Home Guards will get a monthly salary of Rs. 9000 besides getting opportunities in the vacant posts of Sikkim police, the manifesto commits.
Even if a government employee does not get promoted, his or her salary will be increased, Congress said.
Congress candidate for the Lok Sabha seat KN Upreti said that the party has tried its best to include all the aspirations and dreams of the poor people of Sikkim in the party’s election manifesto released today.
“Most of the points mentioned in the manifesto reflects the aspirations of the Sikkimese people and also includes where the SDF government has failed”, said Mr. Upreti.
Chamling announces to provide 15 % reservation to LTs in government service & Panchayati Raj
‘Resolution will be passed in SLA to exempt all business communities from IT’
Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, April 13: The Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC) has singled out the Income Tax exemption issue as the most prominent agenda of the party in the coming Assembly elections in Sikkim.
“The discrimination made by the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) government on the income tax exemption issue to the old business community and non Sikkim subject holders is our chief agenda for the upcoming Assembly elections”, said SPCC president Nar Bahadur Bhandari while releasing the party manifesto today at the party headquarters here in Gangtok.
Mr. Bhandari vowed to return back the Income Tax Act that has been implemented since 2008 in Sikkim. We will restore our old law of Sikkim, the Income Tax Manuel Act of 1948 when we form the Congress government, he said.
The Congress manifesto states that the old laws of Sikkim will be implemented on all communities of Sikkim including the business and government employees as the direct taxes have been implement in an illegal manner in Sikkim by the SDF government.
“The old business community and a section of State government employees have been given Constitutional injustice. The Congress government will give justice”, the manifesto reads.
The Congress party also committed to conduct fresh delimitation in Sikkim to provide reservation to Limboo and Tamang communities and for the Nepali communities in the State Assembly. The manifesto reminds that only Congress party can deliver political rights to the Limboo Tamang communities.
The delimitation will be also conduct to provide justice to the old business community who has been given a raw deal by the 2006 delimitation where the business community dominated areas have been reserved for SC and ST communities.
The Congress party has also committed for declaring a cut off year to prevent influx in Sikkim.
The Congress party has also pledged in the manifesto that it not politicize the Panchayati Raj Institution in Sikkim and added that it will give pension and certificate to the retired Panchayats.
Targeting the youths who form 40 percent of voters in Sikkim, the Congress party promised to provide them employment and priority in all private business sectors including contract works. The Bhoomiputra (sons of soil) policy will be implemented in Sikkim and there will be a government employee in each house in Sikkim, the party promised. The Bhoomiputra policy will be implemented in all the Central establishments, national banks, private companies and industries during the Congress government, the party said.
“We will give direct democracy to Sikkim people. All voters in Sikkim will be entitled to equal share in all the Central and State schemes. We will maintain uniform treatment to all in Sikkim”, said Mr. Bhandari.
‘Bikash Patrika’ (development document) occupies a major portion in the 38 pages Congress manifesto. The Congress party said that it will give the Bikash Patrika to all the BPL families in Sikkim which will provide government largesse and benefits to them at their doorsteps during the Congress government.
Those holding Bikash Patrika will not have to pay electricity bills while those without this document will have to pay power bills at Rs. 2 per unit. Water will be supplied free in all rural areas while only low charges will be there in urban areas, the manifesto promises.
The Congress government will also shut down all lottery shops, discos, casinos and other gambling dens, the manifesto states. The party also promised a monthly starting salary of Rs. 3600 to each labourer while the salary of the workcharged employees will be enhanced to Rs. 6000 besides a grant of Rs. 10,000 after they retire. The Home Guards will get a monthly salary of Rs. 9000 besides getting opportunities in the vacant posts of Sikkim police, the manifesto commits.
Even if a government employee does not get promoted, his or her salary will be increased, Congress said.
Congress candidate for the Lok Sabha seat KN Upreti said that the party has tried its best to include all the aspirations and dreams of the poor people of Sikkim in the party’s election manifesto released today.
“Most of the points mentioned in the manifesto reflects the aspirations of the Sikkimese people and also includes where the SDF government has failed”, said Mr. Upreti.
Chamling announces to provide 15 % reservation to LTs in government service & Panchayati Raj
‘Resolution will be passed in SLA to exempt all business communities from IT’
INDIA AND CHINA BY 2025- US INTELLIGENCE VIEW
Vice President releases the book ‘Challenge and Strategy – Rethinking India’s Foreign Policy
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13:51 IST
The Vice-President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari released the book titled ‘Challenges and Strategy: Rethinking India’s Foreign Policy’ authored by Shri Rajiv Sikri, former IFS Officer at a function here today. Addressing on the occasion, he said that in a changing world, foreign policy tactics have to remain flexible. The National Intelligence Council of the United States, in its scenario building for 2025, states that in the next ten years China and India are expected to achieve near parity with the US in two different areas: India in scientific and human capital and China in government receptivity to business innovations. We therefore have to be patient and diligent, work our way up, and not be overtly anxious to get there prematurely.
The Vice President opined that most foreign policy analysts seem to overlook domestic factors and constraints. The pace of our progress would also depend on the speed at which we overcome domestic strives that retard our progress. These questions cannot be wished away; to do so successfully, we have to keep in mind and implement the basic principles of the Indian polity.
The book examines India’s current and looming foreign policy challenges from a strategic and policy oriented perspective. It analysis the long term factors and trends that should determine the country’s foreign policy formulation.
Following is the text of the Vice President’s address:
“Ambassador Sikri has written a book that compels introspection. His basic premise is that the world has changed and continues to change. India’s capabilities and capacities have also changed and are changing. This requires rethinking policy objectives and the methodology for attaining these objectives.
Sikri analyses India’s position in the world in terms of an arc of prosperity to the east, an arc of energy to the west, and an arc of instability extending from West to Central and South Asia. Cutting across there are vital sea lanes and communication channels. His suggestion is that India should be a major player in the complex geo-strategic game that is unfolding. He proposes that India ‘must play its role as conscience keeper of the world,’ and do so by ‘looking beyond the West and its troublesome neighbours like Pakistan and China and find its niche in the world.’
In general terms, Ambassador Sikri’s thesis may be optimistic, even idealistic. For one, states are propelled by Machiavellian impulses and cannot be conscience keepers. Professed nobility of sentiments and piety in purpose generally camouflages more mundane objectives. On specifics, however, he does identify lacunae in the approach that seems to have prevailed in the recent past. One example of it is West Asia; another is Central Asia.
An impression seems to have gained ground that West Asia, particularly the Persian Gulf region, is good for certain purposes only. These are (a) energy supplies (b) employment for our nationals (c) a limited amount of off-shore business. The wider strategic aspects of relationship with a region in proximate neighbourhood appear to have been put aside.
A case in point is Gulf security. The present arrangement of competitive security, based on inclusion and exclusion, is inherently unstable and is increasingly being recognised as such. Sikri suggests an ARF-like approach and proposes a Gulf Regional Forum for dialogue on the question.
In December 2005 a GCC foreign minister suggested a three-pronged gulf security framework. The first would be GCC, Yemen, Iraq and Iran as regional pillars; the second would be a unanimous Security Council guarantee for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all Gulf Countries; the third is to strengthen the international component and necessitate engagement with ‘the emerging Asian powers, especially China and India.’
The proposal hints at an Indian role. This should be premised on our core concerns: (a) stability in the littoral states (b) freedom of navigation in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz (c) security of sea lanes (d) availability of an interdiction capacity to safeguard Indian shipping. An essential prerequisite for such an engagement would be more vibrant political relations with all the states of the Persian Gulf littoral.
The book has a number of interesting insights on economic diplomacy and energy security. The chapter on ‘US and Nuclear Issues’ offers on pages 185-188 a perception somewhat at variance with the public picture.
In a changing world, foreign policy tactics have to remain flexible. The National Intelligence Council of the United States, in its scenario building for 2025, states that in the next ten years China and India are expected to achieve near parity with the US in two different areas: India in scientific and human capital and China in government receptivity to business innovations. We therefore have to be patient and diligent, work our way up, and not be overtly anxious to get there prematurely.
One last point. Most foreign policy analysts seem to overlook domestic factors and constraints. The pace of our progress would also depend on the speed at which we overcome domestic strives that retard our progress. These questions cannot be wished away; to do so successfully, we have to keep in mind and implement the basic principles of the Indian polity”.
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13:51 IST
The Vice-President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari released the book titled ‘Challenges and Strategy: Rethinking India’s Foreign Policy’ authored by Shri Rajiv Sikri, former IFS Officer at a function here today. Addressing on the occasion, he said that in a changing world, foreign policy tactics have to remain flexible. The National Intelligence Council of the United States, in its scenario building for 2025, states that in the next ten years China and India are expected to achieve near parity with the US in two different areas: India in scientific and human capital and China in government receptivity to business innovations. We therefore have to be patient and diligent, work our way up, and not be overtly anxious to get there prematurely.
The Vice President opined that most foreign policy analysts seem to overlook domestic factors and constraints. The pace of our progress would also depend on the speed at which we overcome domestic strives that retard our progress. These questions cannot be wished away; to do so successfully, we have to keep in mind and implement the basic principles of the Indian polity.
The book examines India’s current and looming foreign policy challenges from a strategic and policy oriented perspective. It analysis the long term factors and trends that should determine the country’s foreign policy formulation.
Following is the text of the Vice President’s address:
“Ambassador Sikri has written a book that compels introspection. His basic premise is that the world has changed and continues to change. India’s capabilities and capacities have also changed and are changing. This requires rethinking policy objectives and the methodology for attaining these objectives.
Sikri analyses India’s position in the world in terms of an arc of prosperity to the east, an arc of energy to the west, and an arc of instability extending from West to Central and South Asia. Cutting across there are vital sea lanes and communication channels. His suggestion is that India should be a major player in the complex geo-strategic game that is unfolding. He proposes that India ‘must play its role as conscience keeper of the world,’ and do so by ‘looking beyond the West and its troublesome neighbours like Pakistan and China and find its niche in the world.’
In general terms, Ambassador Sikri’s thesis may be optimistic, even idealistic. For one, states are propelled by Machiavellian impulses and cannot be conscience keepers. Professed nobility of sentiments and piety in purpose generally camouflages more mundane objectives. On specifics, however, he does identify lacunae in the approach that seems to have prevailed in the recent past. One example of it is West Asia; another is Central Asia.
An impression seems to have gained ground that West Asia, particularly the Persian Gulf region, is good for certain purposes only. These are (a) energy supplies (b) employment for our nationals (c) a limited amount of off-shore business. The wider strategic aspects of relationship with a region in proximate neighbourhood appear to have been put aside.
A case in point is Gulf security. The present arrangement of competitive security, based on inclusion and exclusion, is inherently unstable and is increasingly being recognised as such. Sikri suggests an ARF-like approach and proposes a Gulf Regional Forum for dialogue on the question.
In December 2005 a GCC foreign minister suggested a three-pronged gulf security framework. The first would be GCC, Yemen, Iraq and Iran as regional pillars; the second would be a unanimous Security Council guarantee for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all Gulf Countries; the third is to strengthen the international component and necessitate engagement with ‘the emerging Asian powers, especially China and India.’
The proposal hints at an Indian role. This should be premised on our core concerns: (a) stability in the littoral states (b) freedom of navigation in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz (c) security of sea lanes (d) availability of an interdiction capacity to safeguard Indian shipping. An essential prerequisite for such an engagement would be more vibrant political relations with all the states of the Persian Gulf littoral.
The book has a number of interesting insights on economic diplomacy and energy security. The chapter on ‘US and Nuclear Issues’ offers on pages 185-188 a perception somewhat at variance with the public picture.
In a changing world, foreign policy tactics have to remain flexible. The National Intelligence Council of the United States, in its scenario building for 2025, states that in the next ten years China and India are expected to achieve near parity with the US in two different areas: India in scientific and human capital and China in government receptivity to business innovations. We therefore have to be patient and diligent, work our way up, and not be overtly anxious to get there prematurely.
One last point. Most foreign policy analysts seem to overlook domestic factors and constraints. The pace of our progress would also depend on the speed at which we overcome domestic strives that retard our progress. These questions cannot be wished away; to do so successfully, we have to keep in mind and implement the basic principles of the Indian polity”.
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