PM reconstitutes Planning Commission
20:36 IST 5June 2009
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has approved the reconstitution of the Planning Commission as follows :
Deputy Chairman - Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia
Member - Dr. Saumitra Chaudhuri
Member -Prof. Abhijit Sen
Member - Dr. (Ms) Syeda Hameed
Member - Dr. Mihir Shah
Member - Dr. Narendra Jadhav
Member - Shri B.K. Chaturvedi
The Prime Minister is the chairman of the Planning Commission.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Ministry of Urban Development to launch North Eastern Urban Development Programme
New Delhi 5 June 2009
A meeting to review implementation of projects under 10% lumpsum provision for Infrastructure Development in towns in North East was held under the Chairmanship of Dr. M. Ramachandran, Secretary (UD) here today.
Speaking at the meeting the Secretary informed that the Ministry will Launch North Eastern Urban Development Programme assisted by Asian Development Bank in Aizawl, Shillong, Gangtok, Kohima, and Agartala in the first phase very shortly.
He said that the programme at a total cost of Rs. 1371.4 crore will help improve basic municipal services in the identified cities. He also stated that every effort shall be made to expedite launching of Phase - II of the Programme to cover cities in remaining three States in the North East.
The Scheme was launched in the year 2001-02 and 213 projects at an estimated cost of Rs. 1,700 crore have been sanctioned under the scheme out of which 1080 crore have been released as Central Assistance. Over 40% projects have been completed under the scheme so far. During the course of discussion, Dr. M. Ramachandran highlighted the need for early completion of ongoing projects and requested the States to adhere to the timelines committed by them for completion of projects. He also highlighted the fact that during two consecutive years, Ministry has been providing more than 10% for the development of urban areas in North East. He emphasized the need for early completion of projects. TFK/RK
New Delhi 5 June 2009
A meeting to review implementation of projects under 10% lumpsum provision for Infrastructure Development in towns in North East was held under the Chairmanship of Dr. M. Ramachandran, Secretary (UD) here today.
Speaking at the meeting the Secretary informed that the Ministry will Launch North Eastern Urban Development Programme assisted by Asian Development Bank in Aizawl, Shillong, Gangtok, Kohima, and Agartala in the first phase very shortly.
He said that the programme at a total cost of Rs. 1371.4 crore will help improve basic municipal services in the identified cities. He also stated that every effort shall be made to expedite launching of Phase - II of the Programme to cover cities in remaining three States in the North East.
The Scheme was launched in the year 2001-02 and 213 projects at an estimated cost of Rs. 1,700 crore have been sanctioned under the scheme out of which 1080 crore have been released as Central Assistance. Over 40% projects have been completed under the scheme so far. During the course of discussion, Dr. M. Ramachandran highlighted the need for early completion of ongoing projects and requested the States to adhere to the timelines committed by them for completion of projects. He also highlighted the fact that during two consecutive years, Ministry has been providing more than 10% for the development of urban areas in North East. He emphasized the need for early completion of projects. TFK/RK
BIGGEST INVESTMENT STORY FOR THE NEXT 20 YEARS
Biggest investment story for the next 20 years
If you want to become a proud owner of a Lamborghini or a Ferrari, please do not join the finance industry and instead become a farmer. No, this isn't a figment of our imagination but is a candid assessment of the world that we would live in 10 to 20 years from now and it has been made by one of the world's most successful and outspoken investors. The man in question is Jim Rogers. Speaking to India's leading business daily, the bow-tie sporting maverick opined that the world is shifting away from the financial types to producers of real goods and the transition could last for several years. Hence, ten years from now, it could be the farmers who will drive fancy cars while stock brokers will move around in tractors and taxis. Rogers also said that if the Indian government really gets serious about reforms this time around, then India would be the one of the biggest investment stories for the next twenty years or so. He was also worried about the fact that few of the developed countries like the US and UK are in real mess and could also have a run on their currencies. As for his investment ideas, Rogers continued to remain bullish on commodities as he felt it was the safest thing to do what with countries around the world resorting to printing of money.
(sOURCE:EQUITYMASTER)
If you want to become a proud owner of a Lamborghini or a Ferrari, please do not join the finance industry and instead become a farmer. No, this isn't a figment of our imagination but is a candid assessment of the world that we would live in 10 to 20 years from now and it has been made by one of the world's most successful and outspoken investors. The man in question is Jim Rogers. Speaking to India's leading business daily, the bow-tie sporting maverick opined that the world is shifting away from the financial types to producers of real goods and the transition could last for several years. Hence, ten years from now, it could be the farmers who will drive fancy cars while stock brokers will move around in tractors and taxis. Rogers also said that if the Indian government really gets serious about reforms this time around, then India would be the one of the biggest investment stories for the next twenty years or so. He was also worried about the fact that few of the developed countries like the US and UK are in real mess and could also have a run on their currencies. As for his investment ideas, Rogers continued to remain bullish on commodities as he felt it was the safest thing to do what with countries around the world resorting to printing of money.
(sOURCE:EQUITYMASTER)
NATHU LA BORDER TRADE GRINDS TO A HALT
Nathu-la border trade grinds to a halt
(TibetanReview.net, Jun 04, 2009) —
No trade had taken place so far between the Indian state of Sikkim and the Dromo (Yatung) County of Tibet across the Nathu-la pass since it opened for business this year, the fourth, on May 4, reported the UNI news service Jun 2.
Traders from both the sides complain that the number of items they are allowed to trade with each other under the terms of the Sino-India deal for the opening of the Nathu-la pass were obsolete, the report said. The deal, signed in 2006 allows Indians to export only 29 items can be exported to TAR from the Indian side while the Chinese traders can export only 15 items as per the prescribed scheduled items allowed for the border trade.Most of these items listed in the schedule are obsolete and do not have commercial value, a fact which both the Chinese and Sikkimese traders have highlighted in the past three years demanding that these be increased, the report said.
No traders from Dromo had crossed the mountainous border of 14,400 feet to reach Sherathang trade mart on the Sikkim side to do business since May 4, the opening day of the fourth Nathu La border trade, the report said. Sikkimese traders too hacstopped crossing the border and going to the Renquinngang (Tibetan: Rinchengang) trade mart located on the Tibetan side, the report said.
The development has effectively brought the border trade into a standstill and the PROBLEM lies in the list of trade items, the report added.
(TibetanReview.net, Jun 04, 2009) —
No trade had taken place so far between the Indian state of Sikkim and the Dromo (Yatung) County of Tibet across the Nathu-la pass since it opened for business this year, the fourth, on May 4, reported the UNI news service Jun 2.
Traders from both the sides complain that the number of items they are allowed to trade with each other under the terms of the Sino-India deal for the opening of the Nathu-la pass were obsolete, the report said. The deal, signed in 2006 allows Indians to export only 29 items can be exported to TAR from the Indian side while the Chinese traders can export only 15 items as per the prescribed scheduled items allowed for the border trade.Most of these items listed in the schedule are obsolete and do not have commercial value, a fact which both the Chinese and Sikkimese traders have highlighted in the past three years demanding that these be increased, the report said.
No traders from Dromo had crossed the mountainous border of 14,400 feet to reach Sherathang trade mart on the Sikkim side to do business since May 4, the opening day of the fourth Nathu La border trade, the report said. Sikkimese traders too hacstopped crossing the border and going to the Renquinngang (Tibetan: Rinchengang) trade mart located on the Tibetan side, the report said.
The development has effectively brought the border trade into a standstill and the PROBLEM lies in the list of trade items, the report added.
CHAMBER URGES UPA TO INCLUDE SIKKIM IN UNION CABINET
PRESS RELEASE
4.JUNE 2009
SIKKIMCHAMBER OF COMMERCE urges the UPA Government to include the lone representative from Sikkim in the Union Cabinet. Honorable Member of Parliament Shri P D Rai is a talented, young and energetic personality having profound vision for upgradation in various fields. He is the lone MP in the Lok Sabha who comes from IIT-IIM club . He is a graduate from Indian Institute of Technology and Indian Institute of Management. This is also a moment of pride for the IIT and IIM because they are finding representation for the first time in Lok Sabha. Shri Rai has the unique distinction of being the first ever IIT-IIMer in the Lok Sabha and will contribute his bit in changing the way Parliament and MPs are viewed in the country.
He has to his credit as being the pioneer who brought Computer age to Sikkim. He also contributed to Sikkim’s upliftment as Deputy Chairman of Sikkim Planning Commission.
Already hundred of IIMs and IITs have congratulated Shri P D Rai and Sikkim’s electorate to make his entry to Indian Parliament . He not only will take up the cause of Sikkim and North East but will be a great asset for the Indian Parliament as he will be able to place his views to upgrade and make India more competitive with his vast knowledge.
We hope his brilliance and achievements will find place in the Union Cabinet to add value to governance in the country. SCC therefore urges UPA to kindly include this young and unique personality from this strategic border state a part of the Union Government structure to further the process of integration of this backward State into the national mainstream.
S.K.Sarda
President
SikkimChamber Of Commerce
Gangtok
Sikkim
4.JUNE 2009
SIKKIMCHAMBER OF COMMERCE urges the UPA Government to include the lone representative from Sikkim in the Union Cabinet. Honorable Member of Parliament Shri P D Rai is a talented, young and energetic personality having profound vision for upgradation in various fields. He is the lone MP in the Lok Sabha who comes from IIT-IIM club . He is a graduate from Indian Institute of Technology and Indian Institute of Management. This is also a moment of pride for the IIT and IIM because they are finding representation for the first time in Lok Sabha. Shri Rai has the unique distinction of being the first ever IIT-IIMer in the Lok Sabha and will contribute his bit in changing the way Parliament and MPs are viewed in the country.
He has to his credit as being the pioneer who brought Computer age to Sikkim. He also contributed to Sikkim’s upliftment as Deputy Chairman of Sikkim Planning Commission.
Already hundred of IIMs and IITs have congratulated Shri P D Rai and Sikkim’s electorate to make his entry to Indian Parliament . He not only will take up the cause of Sikkim and North East but will be a great asset for the Indian Parliament as he will be able to place his views to upgrade and make India more competitive with his vast knowledge.
We hope his brilliance and achievements will find place in the Union Cabinet to add value to governance in the country. SCC therefore urges UPA to kindly include this young and unique personality from this strategic border state a part of the Union Government structure to further the process of integration of this backward State into the national mainstream.
S.K.Sarda
President
SikkimChamber Of Commerce
Gangtok
Sikkim
INDIA THREATENED BY CLIMATE CHANGE
India threatened by changes to the Monsoon
Greenpeace calls on Manmohan Singh to act on climate change
June 04, 2009
On the eve of World Environment Day, Greenpeace activists hang a banner from the Mankhurd-Vashi bridge in Mumbai, urging Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to put India’s climate policy on track and stop climate change. The bridge links Mumbai and Thane, the two cities in South Asia that are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Greenpeace simultaneously released a scientific paper describing the impacts of climate change on the Indian monsoon, which would result in enormous social and economic impacts for over a billion people. Enlarge Image
Mumbai, India — The Indian monsoon – lifeline of the subcontinent - will be significantly affected by climate change, according to a Greenpeace paper titled ‘Monsoon Wager: Climate change and the Indian Monsoon’, released on the eve of World Environment Day. To drive home the point, eight Greenpeace activists hung an 80 foot banner with a message to the Indian Prime Minister, that read, “Dr Manmohan Singh, Save our Monsoon” from the Mumbai-Thane bridge linking the two cities which are amongst the most vulnerable to cyclones, sea level rise and flooding in the South Asian region (1).
The stability and predictability of the monsoons are critical to India’s economy, society and ecology, and changes in the monsoon will have far reaching social and economic impacts. The Greenpeace paper, a compilation of current climate science on the Indian monsoon, concludes that climate change could bring about significant change to the intensity, geographic distribution and inter seasonal breaks in the monsoon, which would have enormous social consequences(2). “The lives of millions of Indians, farmers, city dwellers, even those trading on the Mumbai Sensex, depend on the monsoon. The unprecedented flooding that Mumbai experienced in 2005 is estimated to have caused a direct loss of about Rs. 450 crores (US$100 million). Mumbai and India cannot allow the delicate balance of the monsoon to be thrown awry; we cannot afford to adapt if the monsoons are impacted, we simply have to stop that from happening”, said Vinuta Gopal, Climate & Energy campaigner Greenpeace. The predictions made by the IPCC in the 4th Assessment Report suggest that warming is likely to be above the global average for South Asia, with an increase in summer precipitation and an increase in the frequency of intense precipitation in some parts. The report states that more extreme rainfall and winds may result from tropical cyclones. Though the rainfall would increase by an overall 20% in the summer monsoon, it will not be spread evenly across the country. “India has not been a historical contributor to the problem of climate change, but it has a lot to lose from the effects that climate change will have on its land and people. Given that the science calls for drastic action to prevent a climate catastrophe, even developing countries such as India cannot afford to ignore the situation and need to move away from a ‘business as usual’ carbon intensive growth path” said Siddharth Pathak, Climate and Energy Campaigner, Greenpeace who is in Bonn, Germany to keep an eye on the Climate negotiations meeting. Greenpeace demanded that the Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh put India’s climate policy on track and urge world leaders such as Obama, Hu, Merkel, Sarkozy, Brown and Lula to do the same. “The Climate Summit to be held in Copenhagen in December needs to come up with an agreement that will save the planet. The longer the climate negotiators delay the greater the threat to India’s one billion inhabitants. With only six months to go, time is running out.“ added Siddharth.
Greenpeace calls on Manmohan Singh to act on climate change
June 04, 2009
On the eve of World Environment Day, Greenpeace activists hang a banner from the Mankhurd-Vashi bridge in Mumbai, urging Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to put India’s climate policy on track and stop climate change. The bridge links Mumbai and Thane, the two cities in South Asia that are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Greenpeace simultaneously released a scientific paper describing the impacts of climate change on the Indian monsoon, which would result in enormous social and economic impacts for over a billion people. Enlarge Image
Mumbai, India — The Indian monsoon – lifeline of the subcontinent - will be significantly affected by climate change, according to a Greenpeace paper titled ‘Monsoon Wager: Climate change and the Indian Monsoon’, released on the eve of World Environment Day. To drive home the point, eight Greenpeace activists hung an 80 foot banner with a message to the Indian Prime Minister, that read, “Dr Manmohan Singh, Save our Monsoon” from the Mumbai-Thane bridge linking the two cities which are amongst the most vulnerable to cyclones, sea level rise and flooding in the South Asian region (1).
The stability and predictability of the monsoons are critical to India’s economy, society and ecology, and changes in the monsoon will have far reaching social and economic impacts. The Greenpeace paper, a compilation of current climate science on the Indian monsoon, concludes that climate change could bring about significant change to the intensity, geographic distribution and inter seasonal breaks in the monsoon, which would have enormous social consequences(2). “The lives of millions of Indians, farmers, city dwellers, even those trading on the Mumbai Sensex, depend on the monsoon. The unprecedented flooding that Mumbai experienced in 2005 is estimated to have caused a direct loss of about Rs. 450 crores (US$100 million). Mumbai and India cannot allow the delicate balance of the monsoon to be thrown awry; we cannot afford to adapt if the monsoons are impacted, we simply have to stop that from happening”, said Vinuta Gopal, Climate & Energy campaigner Greenpeace. The predictions made by the IPCC in the 4th Assessment Report suggest that warming is likely to be above the global average for South Asia, with an increase in summer precipitation and an increase in the frequency of intense precipitation in some parts. The report states that more extreme rainfall and winds may result from tropical cyclones. Though the rainfall would increase by an overall 20% in the summer monsoon, it will not be spread evenly across the country. “India has not been a historical contributor to the problem of climate change, but it has a lot to lose from the effects that climate change will have on its land and people. Given that the science calls for drastic action to prevent a climate catastrophe, even developing countries such as India cannot afford to ignore the situation and need to move away from a ‘business as usual’ carbon intensive growth path” said Siddharth Pathak, Climate and Energy Campaigner, Greenpeace who is in Bonn, Germany to keep an eye on the Climate negotiations meeting. Greenpeace demanded that the Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh put India’s climate policy on track and urge world leaders such as Obama, Hu, Merkel, Sarkozy, Brown and Lula to do the same. “The Climate Summit to be held in Copenhagen in December needs to come up with an agreement that will save the planet. The longer the climate negotiators delay the greater the threat to India’s one billion inhabitants. With only six months to go, time is running out.“ added Siddharth.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
TAAS IN SIKKIM
Tuesday, June 02, 2009, 11:00 Hrs [IST]
TAAS opens its training institute in Gangtok to train local youths to boost tourism in the state
BY TBM Staff Mumbai
Sikkim is all set to boost its tourism industry with highly trained manpower. The Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS), the tour operators’ body has branched out its venture to train local youths through a dedicated institute. Earlier known for its rescue operations to help accident-trapped or stranded tourists, the TAAS has now set up a fully equipped training institute in Gangtok. The institute, which trains local youths for tourism and allied industries are prepared to provide training to tour operators, guides and other tourism related professionals in the Himalayan state, where tourism is the main industry. According to a report in Statesman News Service, TAAS has seven of its members recognised as inbound tour operators by the Ministry of Tourism. The TAAS training institute was officially inaugurated by the NK Subba, Chairman, Sikkim Tourism Development Board. The first batch of 25 youths commenced their training last week. “As per the training programme, sponsored by the state tourism department, TAAS will be offering month-long training to 25 youths who will be familiarised with alpine trekking and be given other basic knowledge of tourism products,” said Lokendra Rasaily, General Secretary, TAAS. He further informed that the trainees representing all parts of the state are set to be exposed to the ever-changing world of tourism during the training period. Study visits and treks to high altitude tourism spots like Green Lake and Dzongri is also included in the training module, while first-aid and safety methods at high altitudes will also be taught as a pre-requisite. Furthermore, in order to woo foreign tourists and make them feel comfortable, the youths will also be taught foreign languages. TAAS has decided to place meritorious trainees into the tour agencies run by its members. “The tour operators under the TAAS will also be employing those trainees who excel themselves during the training programme. We will give them further specialised training. We also want to pass a message to the other educated youths about the enormous potential of tourism,” said Rasaily. Paljor Lachungpa, President, TAAS said, “Along with the state government and Pawan Chamling, Chief Minister, Sikkim who has prioritised the tourism sector, we have succeeded in attracting tourists and making Sikkim the most favourable tourism destination in the nation. As the Chief Minister has given priority to tourism, we - as members of the TAAS - feel encouraged and committed to serve tourists and make Sikkim the best possible destination.” He further added, “Since May 2001, TAAS has sent more than 1.1 lakh tourists to Nathu La and has deposited Rs 1.3 crore to the state exchequer. This is our biggest achievement.” Reiterating the state government's commitment to tourism in Sikkim, Subba, said that it is the responsibility of every person in the state to maintain the tourist-friendly image of Sikkim. “Everybody must participate for the growth of tourism here. The state government has declared 2010 as ‘Tourism Year’ and the TAAS has already started planning for preparation.”
TAAS opens its training institute in Gangtok to train local youths to boost tourism in the state
BY TBM Staff Mumbai
Sikkim is all set to boost its tourism industry with highly trained manpower. The Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS), the tour operators’ body has branched out its venture to train local youths through a dedicated institute. Earlier known for its rescue operations to help accident-trapped or stranded tourists, the TAAS has now set up a fully equipped training institute in Gangtok. The institute, which trains local youths for tourism and allied industries are prepared to provide training to tour operators, guides and other tourism related professionals in the Himalayan state, where tourism is the main industry. According to a report in Statesman News Service, TAAS has seven of its members recognised as inbound tour operators by the Ministry of Tourism. The TAAS training institute was officially inaugurated by the NK Subba, Chairman, Sikkim Tourism Development Board. The first batch of 25 youths commenced their training last week. “As per the training programme, sponsored by the state tourism department, TAAS will be offering month-long training to 25 youths who will be familiarised with alpine trekking and be given other basic knowledge of tourism products,” said Lokendra Rasaily, General Secretary, TAAS. He further informed that the trainees representing all parts of the state are set to be exposed to the ever-changing world of tourism during the training period. Study visits and treks to high altitude tourism spots like Green Lake and Dzongri is also included in the training module, while first-aid and safety methods at high altitudes will also be taught as a pre-requisite. Furthermore, in order to woo foreign tourists and make them feel comfortable, the youths will also be taught foreign languages. TAAS has decided to place meritorious trainees into the tour agencies run by its members. “The tour operators under the TAAS will also be employing those trainees who excel themselves during the training programme. We will give them further specialised training. We also want to pass a message to the other educated youths about the enormous potential of tourism,” said Rasaily. Paljor Lachungpa, President, TAAS said, “Along with the state government and Pawan Chamling, Chief Minister, Sikkim who has prioritised the tourism sector, we have succeeded in attracting tourists and making Sikkim the most favourable tourism destination in the nation. As the Chief Minister has given priority to tourism, we - as members of the TAAS - feel encouraged and committed to serve tourists and make Sikkim the best possible destination.” He further added, “Since May 2001, TAAS has sent more than 1.1 lakh tourists to Nathu La and has deposited Rs 1.3 crore to the state exchequer. This is our biggest achievement.” Reiterating the state government's commitment to tourism in Sikkim, Subba, said that it is the responsibility of every person in the state to maintain the tourist-friendly image of Sikkim. “Everybody must participate for the growth of tourism here. The state government has declared 2010 as ‘Tourism Year’ and the TAAS has already started planning for preparation.”
INDIA WIDE SUPPORT TO P D RAI FOR GETTING BERTH IN UNION CABINET
Readers Opinions
In a first, an IIT-IIMer as MP
J.B.Lal,NOIDA - U P ..,says:INDIA need Such qualified MPs of Mr Rai's calibre to take the reins of Country towards prosperity. His remarks abour Mr B.B.Lal's valued advise which he followed and admired is appreciable. All the best for him in life. [2 Jun, 2009 1208hrs IST]
Venkata,texas,says:come on IITans and IIMS where are you all. Its time for you to rule the country and the country needs you. Its yours time to say good bye for to the old fashioned politians with criminal background and family ploitians whit only goal and aim to suck the country funds and run away. you all have to take over the future of the country. jai hind . . . .[2 Jun, 2009 1204hrs IST]
Roja,IIT,kgp,says:after few years of job ,both IIT and IIM students can focus on politics,country needs intellectual brain for sustinable development. [2 Jun, 2009 1204hrs IST]
Shashikant Deshpande,Mumbai,says:Thank you Mr. Das.We really appreaciate your act. I think it will inspire many others like you. And in next parliamant we may find more MP like you. Our future is bright. Thanks again[2 Jun, 2009 1202hrs IST]
Manik Sharma,Doha,qatar,says:Great,I think this time people voted for a bright future for Indians back home and abroad. Kudos for Mr Das.[2 Jun, 2009 1159hrs IST]
Subash roy,hyderabad,says:It is great to hear of an IIT/IIM graduate making it to parliament. Having interacted with this rather special group during national youth festivals like `mardi gras' and `mood indigo', where thinking out-of-the-box is the norm, I'm certain that Mr Rai will make it count when it matters. Wishing him luck and may his tribe increase.[2 Jun, 2009 1149hrs IST]
Giridhar,Faridabad,says:I can say a valuable learning for us about a great person Mr. Rai who will be seeing in our Parliament House. Thanks to the TOI for providing us this knowledge.[2 Jun, 2009 1135hrs IST]
Naresh Dhiman,Kuwait,says:Congatulations !!! Mr.Prem Das Rai. I am sure you would make a difference. Most politician have reputation of being corrupt. I hope you spend most for the development of your state and control corruption. Good luck[2 Jun, 2009 1102hrs IST]
Ajay,sonepat,says:its unbelievable............. [2 Jun, 2009 1102hrs IST]
Atul Jain,IIT Kanpur,says:This is a proud day for all Sikkimese students like me. Sp. those who are privileged enough to get quality education. I too am from Sikkim and from IIT Kanpur. Thus i feel more proud today[2 Jun, 2009 1054hrs IST]
Vipul,bangalore,says:Looks like my search of a role model will end now.[2 Jun, 2009 1048hrs IST]
Bhupendra Basera,Dehradun,says:Dear Sir, Mr. Rai is really a patriot for this country, because I saw many people who got success in life, but they did not serve his own land or locality. Usually they migrated form his actual place but Mr. Rai did not do so. He went back his state and did job even cut off salary by one fourth. I think it is a good sacrifice for his state's sake. If one fourth person will think like so, our country will rise like a sunflower.[2 Jun, 2009 1047hrs IST]
Suresh pramar,noida,says:Prem Das Rai is possibly the most qualified person sent to the Lok Sabha from Sikkim. He has an excellent opportunity to help the state join the national mainstream in the true sense. I wish him the best of luck Suresh Kr Pramar[2 Jun, 2009 1044hrs IST]
Amitava Sanyal,Mumbai,says:This is it ! It is time we should get learned people in these institituons. We have had too many illiterates,old haggards and scoundrels in the LS for a long time ![2 Jun, 2009 1036hrs IST]
Bheema,USA,says:I am so happy about it. Its beginning of new India[2 Jun, 2009 1032hrs IST]Gugan,Mumbai,says:Thank you! We will help you in all the ways possible! [2 Jun, 2009 1028hrs IST]
M S Afzal,New Delhi,says:Kudos to Prem Das. He has wonderfully taken a step with a difference to improvise the tarnished image of a ordinary parliamentary so called netaji. Usually IIT-IIMers land in a corporate sector only for their personal career and advancements, but there will be rare people like Mr Das to think for the nation and we the people of India are always with persons like Mr Das so that we can have better governance and well established efficient administration in the country.[2 Jun, 2009 1023hrs IST]
Niklesh,California,says:This is really good news.. We needed a start and we got it .. The network of IIMers and IITians will allow the influx of views of high intellectuals at first and soon we will see more like you taking the posts in the parliament.. IIT and IIM are great challenges and you over come them.. I am sure you will excel in this field too ![2 Jun, 2009 1023hrs IST]
Prabhu,Bangalore,says:India needs this sort of professionals into politics and I am sure he will be able to add a great value sitting in the Parliment. Congrats on this achievement and very nice of ET to come up with an inspiring article.[2 Jun, 2009 1001hrs IST]
Amit,california,says:India needs more intellectuals and highly qualified people like this running the government, not candidate with criminal cases lodged against them. I wish Mr. Rai the best![2 Jun, 2009 1001hrs IST]
Allen Paul,Sydney,says:We definitely need more MP's like him! To take a three-fourths salary cut is no mean thing! The politics-shy middle class should take the cue and change the way politics and politicians are seen by the people![2 Jun, 2009 0959hrs IST]
Purnachandra Rath,Khallikote(Orissa),says:Mr Prem Das Ray should be taken in appropriate important Parliament Committees and his managerial skills should be utilised. Of late Mr Pawan Kumar Chamling was lamenting that no body from his State has been given a ministerial post for the last 33 years. Why the PM not try with this educated MP ? This will increase the sense of belonging to the Nation by the Sikkimese people.[2 Jun, 2009 0952hrs IST]
Dev,australia,says:well done..just some good tech degree itself is enough. we need more tech educated in parliament..as technology is big part of lives these days[2 Jun, 2009 0949hrs IST]
D K Pradhan,Hyderabad,says:Rai is a great indian citizen and his joining the politics will certainly encourage intelectuals to think his way and definitely many more will come forward in coming years for the betterment of this country. [2 Jun, 2009 0942hrs IST]
Rahul Ner,Singapore,says:Heartily Congratulations Mr. Rai. I hope you bring great IITian way of thinking and analysis in our parliament. This should inspisre more IITian and may be more techie people to handle power positions which they hopefully provide a path for more fast and clean progress. Jai Ho ! [2 Jun, 2009 0927hrs IST]
Nilay,NRI,says:Don't get over excited, give him time he will be turned into Politician, then will start his success path and he will use his managerial skill to become a best politician(Syn: corruption) ... cheers[2 Jun, 2009 0919hrs IST]
Sunny Guglani,R.,says:best of luck sir...i would rather say that India needs you.... not only Sikkim. Regards sunny.guglani@gmail.com[2 Jun, 2009 0907hrs IST]
Khoda,sydney,says:way to go...this was needed[2 Jun, 2009 0853hrs IST]
Capt.A.S.Sehmi,USA,says:Mr.Rai sacrifice is well admiring & should expected from the young generation of IIT which has given the intellectual proof of superiority of input, analysis & performance heights & horizon in all sectors of industry in home & abroad but lack of nationalistic characteristics have not been noticed which Mr.Rai has displayed & deserves to be admired by all in parliament with members learning from his methodology to the responsibilities of Member of Parliament of India.His induction should also bring more soberity,stability & sanity in conduct of business of the house unlike earlier times which people of India are tired to see impeding the developement efforts of Congress & UPA alliance.[2 Jun, 2009 0832hrs IST]
Mindspeak,San Jose, California,says:I feel great about the future of our country. It is time that we move to the next level of governance. Leaders should have greater vision than the people they are leading. Our country missed a beat or two as knowledge and awareness grew among the masses. Politics in not for thugs and dynasties alone, and MPs like Mr.Rai augur well for the change in perception of the stigma associated with being a politician or should I say "people's representative". More people from the intelligentsia should follow suite and take up leadership positions in governance.[2 Jun, 2009 0820hrs IST]
Ravindran K,Chennai,says: Congrats to Mr Rai and Sikkim Democratic Front. Lok Sabha Joint Entrance Exam or IIT JEE should be made a qualifying standard at the earliest. [2 Jun, 2009 0807hrs IST]
Anil Raj Rai,Gangtok,says:I am proud to have Prem Das Rais as Sikkim's lone MP. I have a lot of expectation from him. I hope he succeeds in improving the education system in Sikkim which is of prime concern[2 Jun, 2009 0756hrs IST]
Manish,India,says:One of the happiest news I ever heard in Indian politics. I wish and hope that Mr Prem Das will deliver what anyone will expect from an IIT-IIMer and will open eyes of all fellow Indians that educated persons in our parliament are very much required and also that choosing a right politician does matter. Further, I also wish that your work and virtues will open eyes of more educated persons to plunge in this field to take our country to the path of progress. Wish you all the best.[2 Jun, 2009 0742hrs IST]rahul,USA,says:kudos..[2 Jun, 2009 0714hrs IST]
Sri-Indian,USA,says:This is a welcome sign but will not help if he can't make a difference or joins the rest and become one of them. We would like to see him bring some changes.[2 Jun, 2009 0709hrs IST]
Nabanita Datta,Michigan USA,says:As an IIT-ian myself, I congratulate this IIT-IIM MP on his election. I also wish, that all the 545 members are IIT-IIM alumni, for at least one term of the Lok Sabha. It will create a REAL difference to this country. The IIT-ians' party, Bharat Punarnirman Dal, needs to gather momentum in the subsequent elections.[2 Jun, 2009 0624hrs IST]
AM,A,says:We need people like Rai in Indian Parliament. Congrats Rai. You have done India, IITians, Sikkimmers proud by deciding to dedicate your time for people. More People like Rais, and Jaya Prakash Narayan (of Andhra Pradesh, Loksatta party)are needed now in the country. Rai , you pl try to join forces nationally with Loksatta party and attract more genuine, intelligent individuals into Indian polity. [2 Jun, 2009 0611hrs IST]
Prof.R.Krishnamurthy,Hosur,says:...Once Kamaraj was asked that whether lack of education led to religious and caste feelings. He immediately replied that many a times education alone couldn't eradicate this social stigma citing the example of Kerala where religious educational institutions and parties have a say ,unfortunately ,till this day.What is necessary is a change in mind set ...[2 Jun, 2009 0606hrs IST]
suresh kr pramar,noida,says:P.D.Rai is possibly the youngest and the best qualified person from Sikkim to be sent to the Lok Sabha. He has an excellent opportunity to help the state to grow in the right direction One hope he will be able to perform better than those who preceeded him.Good Luck Suresh Kr Pramar[2 Jun, 2009 0516hrs IST]
In a first, an IIT-IIMer as MP
J.B.Lal,NOIDA - U P ..,says:INDIA need Such qualified MPs of Mr Rai's calibre to take the reins of Country towards prosperity. His remarks abour Mr B.B.Lal's valued advise which he followed and admired is appreciable. All the best for him in life. [2 Jun, 2009 1208hrs IST]
Venkata,texas,says:come on IITans and IIMS where are you all. Its time for you to rule the country and the country needs you. Its yours time to say good bye for to the old fashioned politians with criminal background and family ploitians whit only goal and aim to suck the country funds and run away. you all have to take over the future of the country. jai hind . . . .[2 Jun, 2009 1204hrs IST]
Roja,IIT,kgp,says:after few years of job ,both IIT and IIM students can focus on politics,country needs intellectual brain for sustinable development. [2 Jun, 2009 1204hrs IST]
Shashikant Deshpande,Mumbai,says:Thank you Mr. Das.We really appreaciate your act. I think it will inspire many others like you. And in next parliamant we may find more MP like you. Our future is bright. Thanks again[2 Jun, 2009 1202hrs IST]
Manik Sharma,Doha,qatar,says:Great,I think this time people voted for a bright future for Indians back home and abroad. Kudos for Mr Das.[2 Jun, 2009 1159hrs IST]
Subash roy,hyderabad,says:It is great to hear of an IIT/IIM graduate making it to parliament. Having interacted with this rather special group during national youth festivals like `mardi gras' and `mood indigo', where thinking out-of-the-box is the norm, I'm certain that Mr Rai will make it count when it matters. Wishing him luck and may his tribe increase.[2 Jun, 2009 1149hrs IST]
Giridhar,Faridabad,says:I can say a valuable learning for us about a great person Mr. Rai who will be seeing in our Parliament House. Thanks to the TOI for providing us this knowledge.[2 Jun, 2009 1135hrs IST]
Naresh Dhiman,Kuwait,says:Congatulations !!! Mr.Prem Das Rai. I am sure you would make a difference. Most politician have reputation of being corrupt. I hope you spend most for the development of your state and control corruption. Good luck[2 Jun, 2009 1102hrs IST]
Ajay,sonepat,says:its unbelievable............. [2 Jun, 2009 1102hrs IST]
Atul Jain,IIT Kanpur,says:This is a proud day for all Sikkimese students like me. Sp. those who are privileged enough to get quality education. I too am from Sikkim and from IIT Kanpur. Thus i feel more proud today[2 Jun, 2009 1054hrs IST]
Vipul,bangalore,says:Looks like my search of a role model will end now.[2 Jun, 2009 1048hrs IST]
Bhupendra Basera,Dehradun,says:Dear Sir, Mr. Rai is really a patriot for this country, because I saw many people who got success in life, but they did not serve his own land or locality. Usually they migrated form his actual place but Mr. Rai did not do so. He went back his state and did job even cut off salary by one fourth. I think it is a good sacrifice for his state's sake. If one fourth person will think like so, our country will rise like a sunflower.[2 Jun, 2009 1047hrs IST]
Suresh pramar,noida,says:Prem Das Rai is possibly the most qualified person sent to the Lok Sabha from Sikkim. He has an excellent opportunity to help the state join the national mainstream in the true sense. I wish him the best of luck Suresh Kr Pramar[2 Jun, 2009 1044hrs IST]
Amitava Sanyal,Mumbai,says:This is it ! It is time we should get learned people in these institituons. We have had too many illiterates,old haggards and scoundrels in the LS for a long time ![2 Jun, 2009 1036hrs IST]
Bheema,USA,says:I am so happy about it. Its beginning of new India[2 Jun, 2009 1032hrs IST]Gugan,Mumbai,says:Thank you! We will help you in all the ways possible! [2 Jun, 2009 1028hrs IST]
M S Afzal,New Delhi,says:Kudos to Prem Das. He has wonderfully taken a step with a difference to improvise the tarnished image of a ordinary parliamentary so called netaji. Usually IIT-IIMers land in a corporate sector only for their personal career and advancements, but there will be rare people like Mr Das to think for the nation and we the people of India are always with persons like Mr Das so that we can have better governance and well established efficient administration in the country.[2 Jun, 2009 1023hrs IST]
Niklesh,California,says:This is really good news.. We needed a start and we got it .. The network of IIMers and IITians will allow the influx of views of high intellectuals at first and soon we will see more like you taking the posts in the parliament.. IIT and IIM are great challenges and you over come them.. I am sure you will excel in this field too ![2 Jun, 2009 1023hrs IST]
Prabhu,Bangalore,says:India needs this sort of professionals into politics and I am sure he will be able to add a great value sitting in the Parliment. Congrats on this achievement and very nice of ET to come up with an inspiring article.[2 Jun, 2009 1001hrs IST]
Amit,california,says:India needs more intellectuals and highly qualified people like this running the government, not candidate with criminal cases lodged against them. I wish Mr. Rai the best![2 Jun, 2009 1001hrs IST]
Allen Paul,Sydney,says:We definitely need more MP's like him! To take a three-fourths salary cut is no mean thing! The politics-shy middle class should take the cue and change the way politics and politicians are seen by the people![2 Jun, 2009 0959hrs IST]
Purnachandra Rath,Khallikote(Orissa),says:Mr Prem Das Ray should be taken in appropriate important Parliament Committees and his managerial skills should be utilised. Of late Mr Pawan Kumar Chamling was lamenting that no body from his State has been given a ministerial post for the last 33 years. Why the PM not try with this educated MP ? This will increase the sense of belonging to the Nation by the Sikkimese people.[2 Jun, 2009 0952hrs IST]
Dev,australia,says:well done..just some good tech degree itself is enough. we need more tech educated in parliament..as technology is big part of lives these days[2 Jun, 2009 0949hrs IST]
D K Pradhan,Hyderabad,says:Rai is a great indian citizen and his joining the politics will certainly encourage intelectuals to think his way and definitely many more will come forward in coming years for the betterment of this country. [2 Jun, 2009 0942hrs IST]
Rahul Ner,Singapore,says:Heartily Congratulations Mr. Rai. I hope you bring great IITian way of thinking and analysis in our parliament. This should inspisre more IITian and may be more techie people to handle power positions which they hopefully provide a path for more fast and clean progress. Jai Ho ! [2 Jun, 2009 0927hrs IST]
Nilay,NRI,says:Don't get over excited, give him time he will be turned into Politician, then will start his success path and he will use his managerial skill to become a best politician(Syn: corruption) ... cheers[2 Jun, 2009 0919hrs IST]
Sunny Guglani,R.,says:best of luck sir...i would rather say that India needs you.... not only Sikkim. Regards sunny.guglani@gmail.com[2 Jun, 2009 0907hrs IST]
Khoda,sydney,says:way to go...this was needed[2 Jun, 2009 0853hrs IST]
Capt.A.S.Sehmi,USA,says:Mr.Rai sacrifice is well admiring & should expected from the young generation of IIT which has given the intellectual proof of superiority of input, analysis & performance heights & horizon in all sectors of industry in home & abroad but lack of nationalistic characteristics have not been noticed which Mr.Rai has displayed & deserves to be admired by all in parliament with members learning from his methodology to the responsibilities of Member of Parliament of India.His induction should also bring more soberity,stability & sanity in conduct of business of the house unlike earlier times which people of India are tired to see impeding the developement efforts of Congress & UPA alliance.[2 Jun, 2009 0832hrs IST]
Mindspeak,San Jose, California,says:I feel great about the future of our country. It is time that we move to the next level of governance. Leaders should have greater vision than the people they are leading. Our country missed a beat or two as knowledge and awareness grew among the masses. Politics in not for thugs and dynasties alone, and MPs like Mr.Rai augur well for the change in perception of the stigma associated with being a politician or should I say "people's representative". More people from the intelligentsia should follow suite and take up leadership positions in governance.[2 Jun, 2009 0820hrs IST]
Ravindran K,Chennai,says: Congrats to Mr Rai and Sikkim Democratic Front. Lok Sabha Joint Entrance Exam or IIT JEE should be made a qualifying standard at the earliest. [2 Jun, 2009 0807hrs IST]
Anil Raj Rai,Gangtok,says:I am proud to have Prem Das Rais as Sikkim's lone MP. I have a lot of expectation from him. I hope he succeeds in improving the education system in Sikkim which is of prime concern[2 Jun, 2009 0756hrs IST]
Manish,India,says:One of the happiest news I ever heard in Indian politics. I wish and hope that Mr Prem Das will deliver what anyone will expect from an IIT-IIMer and will open eyes of all fellow Indians that educated persons in our parliament are very much required and also that choosing a right politician does matter. Further, I also wish that your work and virtues will open eyes of more educated persons to plunge in this field to take our country to the path of progress. Wish you all the best.[2 Jun, 2009 0742hrs IST]rahul,USA,says:kudos..[2 Jun, 2009 0714hrs IST]
Sri-Indian,USA,says:This is a welcome sign but will not help if he can't make a difference or joins the rest and become one of them. We would like to see him bring some changes.[2 Jun, 2009 0709hrs IST]
Nabanita Datta,Michigan USA,says:As an IIT-ian myself, I congratulate this IIT-IIM MP on his election. I also wish, that all the 545 members are IIT-IIM alumni, for at least one term of the Lok Sabha. It will create a REAL difference to this country. The IIT-ians' party, Bharat Punarnirman Dal, needs to gather momentum in the subsequent elections.[2 Jun, 2009 0624hrs IST]
AM,A,says:We need people like Rai in Indian Parliament. Congrats Rai. You have done India, IITians, Sikkimmers proud by deciding to dedicate your time for people. More People like Rais, and Jaya Prakash Narayan (of Andhra Pradesh, Loksatta party)are needed now in the country. Rai , you pl try to join forces nationally with Loksatta party and attract more genuine, intelligent individuals into Indian polity. [2 Jun, 2009 0611hrs IST]
Prof.R.Krishnamurthy,Hosur,says:...Once Kamaraj was asked that whether lack of education led to religious and caste feelings. He immediately replied that many a times education alone couldn't eradicate this social stigma citing the example of Kerala where religious educational institutions and parties have a say ,unfortunately ,till this day.What is necessary is a change in mind set ...[2 Jun, 2009 0606hrs IST]
suresh kr pramar,noida,says:P.D.Rai is possibly the youngest and the best qualified person from Sikkim to be sent to the Lok Sabha. He has an excellent opportunity to help the state to grow in the right direction One hope he will be able to perform better than those who preceeded him.Good Luck Suresh Kr Pramar[2 Jun, 2009 0516hrs IST]
AS P D RAI, IIT-IIM CLUB MAKES ENTRY INTO LOK SABHA OF INDIA
NEW DELHI:1st june 2009
It is Indian education system's ultimate ticket to the corporate boardroom. According to one study, around 50% of all CEOs in India have Prem Das Rai those magic letters on their CVs — IIT-IIM. But for all their brilliance and achievement in the corporate world, not a single member of the IIT-IIM club had so far entered Parliament as a member.
Now, Prem Das Rai, elected to the 15th Lok Sabha as the lone member from Sikkim, has the unique distinction of being the first ever IIT-IIMer in the Lok Sabha. Rai, 54, hopes to contribute his bit in changing the way Parliament and MPs are viewed in the country. For the moment though, this IIT Kanpur (chemical engineering) and IIM Ahmedabad alumnus just wants to familiarize himself with the new job.
As he puts it, ‘‘First, I need to look at the benchmarks of what constitutes a good MP. We are at a crossroads. People this time have voted for stability but they have also voted for better parliamentarians and parliamentary processes,’’ says the Sikkim Democratic Front MP, who early in his career chucked a cushy job as a multinational banker and later gave up opportunities in the US in favour of returning to his home state, Sikkim. And what does an IIT-IIMer bring to Parliament? ‘‘I look at the entire IIT-IIM community as part of my support system. We have a very strong network. Through it I would be able to funnel a lot of intellectual capital. Then there is the skill set. In IITs and IIMs, you develop a certain way of learning, analysis and presentation. These would be handy in Parliament,’’ he says.
Rai, however, admits he is entering uncharted territory. ‘‘These are, as yet, just hypotheses. I don’t know how it will actually play out. Down the road you would be able to find out how I add value to governance.’’ Rai had been marked for brilliance early in life. As a boy growing up in the then sovereign kingdom of Sikkim, he was sent to an elite school in Mussoorie by the king as part of the royal policy of promoting bright kids. After school, he cracked the JEE to go directly to IIT and then to IIM. ‘‘Life in Sikkim was very feudal but in Mussoorie I learned that you are no more and no less than anybody else. That’s a value I imbibed early,’’ he says.
In the midst of his BTech course, Sikkim merged with India and Rai become an Indian. After completing his MBA in 1978, Rai landed himself a ‘‘great job’’ at the American Bank in Calcutta. A meeting with B B Lal, the then Governor of Sikkim, changed the course of his life. ‘‘Lal told me, ‘Young man what are you doing in Calcutta? Come back, Sikkim needs you.’ That finally helped me make up my mind and I returned to join a state government enterprise with a three-fourth cut in salary.’’
( sOURCE:TOI)
It is Indian education system's ultimate ticket to the corporate boardroom. According to one study, around 50% of all CEOs in India have Prem Das Rai those magic letters on their CVs — IIT-IIM. But for all their brilliance and achievement in the corporate world, not a single member of the IIT-IIM club had so far entered Parliament as a member.
Now, Prem Das Rai, elected to the 15th Lok Sabha as the lone member from Sikkim, has the unique distinction of being the first ever IIT-IIMer in the Lok Sabha. Rai, 54, hopes to contribute his bit in changing the way Parliament and MPs are viewed in the country. For the moment though, this IIT Kanpur (chemical engineering) and IIM Ahmedabad alumnus just wants to familiarize himself with the new job.
As he puts it, ‘‘First, I need to look at the benchmarks of what constitutes a good MP. We are at a crossroads. People this time have voted for stability but they have also voted for better parliamentarians and parliamentary processes,’’ says the Sikkim Democratic Front MP, who early in his career chucked a cushy job as a multinational banker and later gave up opportunities in the US in favour of returning to his home state, Sikkim. And what does an IIT-IIMer bring to Parliament? ‘‘I look at the entire IIT-IIM community as part of my support system. We have a very strong network. Through it I would be able to funnel a lot of intellectual capital. Then there is the skill set. In IITs and IIMs, you develop a certain way of learning, analysis and presentation. These would be handy in Parliament,’’ he says.
Rai, however, admits he is entering uncharted territory. ‘‘These are, as yet, just hypotheses. I don’t know how it will actually play out. Down the road you would be able to find out how I add value to governance.’’ Rai had been marked for brilliance early in life. As a boy growing up in the then sovereign kingdom of Sikkim, he was sent to an elite school in Mussoorie by the king as part of the royal policy of promoting bright kids. After school, he cracked the JEE to go directly to IIT and then to IIM. ‘‘Life in Sikkim was very feudal but in Mussoorie I learned that you are no more and no less than anybody else. That’s a value I imbibed early,’’ he says.
In the midst of his BTech course, Sikkim merged with India and Rai become an Indian. After completing his MBA in 1978, Rai landed himself a ‘‘great job’’ at the American Bank in Calcutta. A meeting with B B Lal, the then Governor of Sikkim, changed the course of his life. ‘‘Lal told me, ‘Young man what are you doing in Calcutta? Come back, Sikkim needs you.’ That finally helped me make up my mind and I returned to join a state government enterprise with a three-fourth cut in salary.’’
( sOURCE:TOI)
SIKKIM DESERVES A CABINET BERTH IN UNION CABINET
By Darshan Desai & Shweta SrinivasanNew Delhi, June 2 (IANS) Sikkim’s sole Lok Sabha MP, P.D. Rai, feels it is “high time” the central government made the strategic border state a part of the government structure with a berth in the union cabinet.
“I feel it is high-time that India gives Sikkim a berth and allows it to be a part of the government structure,” Rai, 54, told IANS in an interview.
A graduate of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Rai threw up a cushy job in Kolkata with the Bank of America to move to Sikkim in the early 1980s with his Chinese wife Jean, whom he had met in Kolkata.
In Sikkim, he set up Sikkim Computers and is widely credited with ushering in the computer age in the state.
Rai insists that neither he nor his Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) had ever hankered for central ministerial berths. He said rather philosophically, “We are not one of those states who bargain for ministerial berths.”
Asked if given a ministry what would he prefer, he said, “tourism would be good.” Sikkim, an erstwhile protectorate, became part of India in April 1975.
Rai is now putting his efforts towards gathering all northeast MPs together to influence national policy and get the region its due.
“I am hoping to bring together all the northeast MPs to affect policy at the national level. The eastern side of India is neglected.”
He added: “The media talks about us joining the mainstream… we are already part of the mainstream… we are a part of the country.
“The media reports only the violence (in parts of northeast) and this gives a very unfair skewed picture.”
He has a three-point agenda for his state - to make it into a hub for education, horticulture and tourism.
Rai and his SDF have demonstrated how youth-centric and development-oriented governance could change the face of the state. And this gave the party its fourth consecutive victory in the assembly elections.
The state has achieved a literacy rate of 82 percent, its per capita gross state domestic product of Rs.23,786 is above the national average, the infant mortality rate has come down to 30 per 1,000 against India’s average 60.
All in just about a decade.
The government is powering its self-employment schemes by micro-financing and has pumped in a whopping Rs.30,000 crore in tourism, agriculture, horticulture and floriculture.
“The banks were harassing our young beneficiaries and not giving loans. We started financing them to such effect that their projects became bankable later,” said Rai, who also chaired the Sikkim Industrial Development Corporation.
The SDF pocketed all the 32 seats in the state where anti-incumbency seems to be an alien word. “It’s pro-incumbency in Sikkim,” says Rai, who himself won by a margin of 85,000 votes with his share being 64 percent, a tall order in a small state.
Being tech savvy, Rai finds the parliamentary procedures like filling in entry-information at 10 different places as cumbersome and a waste of time.
He joined politics and Chief Minister Pavan Chamling’s SDF in 1994. He graduated from IIT-Kanpur in 1976 and IIM-Ahmedabad 1978 and has worked with various civil society organisations and NGOs.
“It was way back in 1980 that the then governor of Sikkim B.B. Lal told me that Sikkim needs me,” recalls Rai.
On joining politics, he said: “I had it in the back of my head that I wanted to be in politics and governance at some point - even when I was at IIT and IIM. It’s just that a plethora of professional opportunity comes your way. In that sense a lot had to be sacrificed, but I have no regrets as it has always been my dream to serve the people of Sikkim.”
His wife Jean was initially apprehensive about his jumping into the hurly burly of politics.
“I was a bit hesitant, but I gradually adjusted and now I am enjoying it,” Jean said with a grin, looking up from her laptop in their room at the New Sikkim House in Delhi.
(Darshan Desai & Shweta Srinivasan can be contacted at darshan.d@ians.in & shweta.s@ians.in)
“I feel it is high-time that India gives Sikkim a berth and allows it to be a part of the government structure,” Rai, 54, told IANS in an interview.
A graduate of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Rai threw up a cushy job in Kolkata with the Bank of America to move to Sikkim in the early 1980s with his Chinese wife Jean, whom he had met in Kolkata.
In Sikkim, he set up Sikkim Computers and is widely credited with ushering in the computer age in the state.
Rai insists that neither he nor his Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) had ever hankered for central ministerial berths. He said rather philosophically, “We are not one of those states who bargain for ministerial berths.”
Asked if given a ministry what would he prefer, he said, “tourism would be good.” Sikkim, an erstwhile protectorate, became part of India in April 1975.
Rai is now putting his efforts towards gathering all northeast MPs together to influence national policy and get the region its due.
“I am hoping to bring together all the northeast MPs to affect policy at the national level. The eastern side of India is neglected.”
He added: “The media talks about us joining the mainstream… we are already part of the mainstream… we are a part of the country.
“The media reports only the violence (in parts of northeast) and this gives a very unfair skewed picture.”
He has a three-point agenda for his state - to make it into a hub for education, horticulture and tourism.
Rai and his SDF have demonstrated how youth-centric and development-oriented governance could change the face of the state. And this gave the party its fourth consecutive victory in the assembly elections.
The state has achieved a literacy rate of 82 percent, its per capita gross state domestic product of Rs.23,786 is above the national average, the infant mortality rate has come down to 30 per 1,000 against India’s average 60.
All in just about a decade.
The government is powering its self-employment schemes by micro-financing and has pumped in a whopping Rs.30,000 crore in tourism, agriculture, horticulture and floriculture.
“The banks were harassing our young beneficiaries and not giving loans. We started financing them to such effect that their projects became bankable later,” said Rai, who also chaired the Sikkim Industrial Development Corporation.
The SDF pocketed all the 32 seats in the state where anti-incumbency seems to be an alien word. “It’s pro-incumbency in Sikkim,” says Rai, who himself won by a margin of 85,000 votes with his share being 64 percent, a tall order in a small state.
Being tech savvy, Rai finds the parliamentary procedures like filling in entry-information at 10 different places as cumbersome and a waste of time.
He joined politics and Chief Minister Pavan Chamling’s SDF in 1994. He graduated from IIT-Kanpur in 1976 and IIM-Ahmedabad 1978 and has worked with various civil society organisations and NGOs.
“It was way back in 1980 that the then governor of Sikkim B.B. Lal told me that Sikkim needs me,” recalls Rai.
On joining politics, he said: “I had it in the back of my head that I wanted to be in politics and governance at some point - even when I was at IIT and IIM. It’s just that a plethora of professional opportunity comes your way. In that sense a lot had to be sacrificed, but I have no regrets as it has always been my dream to serve the people of Sikkim.”
His wife Jean was initially apprehensive about his jumping into the hurly burly of politics.
“I was a bit hesitant, but I gradually adjusted and now I am enjoying it,” Jean said with a grin, looking up from her laptop in their room at the New Sikkim House in Delhi.
(Darshan Desai & Shweta Srinivasan can be contacted at darshan.d@ians.in & shweta.s@ians.in)
Monday, June 1, 2009
SIKKIM: Sikkim govt considering official decree to ‘Himalayan Viagra’ collection
Caterpillar Fungus
GANGTOK, May 31: Sikkim is seriously considering following the footsteps of its Himalayan neighbours, Nepal and Bhutan, by legalizing the collection of the medicinal herb, Cordyceps Sinensis from the forest areas.
For the uninformed, Cordyceps Sinensis is popular known as ‘caterpillar fungus’, widely known in the Himalayan belt as ‘Yarcha-Gombuk’ and its connoisseurs do not tire to sing the aphrodisiac properties of this ‘Himalayan Viagra’.
With one kg of raw caterpillar fungus fetching as much as 2000 US dollars, Cordyceps Sinensis had reportedly funded the successful Maoist battle against the monarchy in Nepal. Now the collection and trading of this medicinal herb is legal in Nepal.
Cordyceps Sinensis is also widely found in the highlands of Bhutan which made the collection and trading of the herb legal only in 2004. Only communities living in and around the high lands are allowed to collect it and sell it to traders through government organized auctions.
Bhutan sells this product in 3 grades, A, B and C at prices ranging from US $ 2685 to US $ 2485. Collection of the herb is strictly regulated and is done on rotation basis.
Nestled between Nepal, Bhutan and another giant producer of ‘Yarcha-Gombuk’ China, the Himalayan State of Sikkim also has fair quantities of this medicinal herb in its high altitude areas of North, East and West districts.
Now belatedly realizing that its bio revenue source has been lying untapped, the State government is now chewing over a proposal from the State forest department to legalize collection and trading of Cordyceps Sinensis abundantly stored in its highlands.
Sources from the State forest department inform that the department has sent a draft proposal for legalizing collection of Cordyceps Sinensis in the State. Collection of medicinal plants from the wild is prohibited in Sikkim.
The proposal is now being vetted by the State law department and after proper scrutiny, a government notification will be issued in due course of time, it is informed.
Apart from the enormous revenue potential for locals and government, the bid to legalize collection of this medicinal herb could have been prompted by an incident of not so recent past where around 17 kgs of ‘Yarcha-Gombuk’ had been seized from two smugglers by the forest officials.
On July last year, the forest officials seized the consignment derived from the highlands of the State at Singtam meant for delivery outside the State. The incident had created a furore in the State and demands for bringing this clandestine business above-board had been made leading to this latest bid of the State forest department.
Though the various points in the proposal are still under scrutiny, it is learnt that the department is keen to legalize collection of this medicinal herb in a controlled manner in the high altitude areas of Sikkim.
Cordyceps sinensis, a rare combination of a caterpillar and a fungus is found in the altitudes above 4,500 m in the Himalayas. In Sikkim, it is found in areas like Green Lake, Dzongri, Thamjey, Nathu La Pass, Doman Valley, Tholung Pass and other areas above 8,000 ft. All these areas are under the forest department.
Though no resource survey of this medicinal herb has been conducted in Sikkim, the forest department says that it knows where the herb is found in Sikkim.
One of the silent features of the proposal is that only Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) registered with the forest department will be allowed to collect the caterpillar fungus. The JFMC will have to be from that area where the herb is found.
Collection from sanctuaries will not be allowed. A 25-75 percentage share has been proposed by the department which is being screened by the law department. The JFMCs will get 75 percent of the total Cordyceps sinensis they have collected while the remaining 25 percent will go to the State forest department. The department is also keen to market the forest produce through authorized dealers.
Experts on medicinal plants here have welcomed the proposal of the department. They also said that foreign technology is readily available to artificially produce the medicinal herb in Sikkim.
The experts have also endorsed the rationale behind the proposal. “People are already collecting Cordyceps sinensis and other forest produce from the forest. By legalizing the collection will mean that the present clandestine operations will come above-board leading to control and regulation. The locals will also benefit by earning money which will mean that they will have a stake in protecting the biodiversity. Right now they don’t have any stakes”, said one expert.
( source: sikkim express)
Caterpillar Fungus
GANGTOK, May 31: Sikkim is seriously considering following the footsteps of its Himalayan neighbours, Nepal and Bhutan, by legalizing the collection of the medicinal herb, Cordyceps Sinensis from the forest areas.
For the uninformed, Cordyceps Sinensis is popular known as ‘caterpillar fungus’, widely known in the Himalayan belt as ‘Yarcha-Gombuk’ and its connoisseurs do not tire to sing the aphrodisiac properties of this ‘Himalayan Viagra’.
With one kg of raw caterpillar fungus fetching as much as 2000 US dollars, Cordyceps Sinensis had reportedly funded the successful Maoist battle against the monarchy in Nepal. Now the collection and trading of this medicinal herb is legal in Nepal.
Cordyceps Sinensis is also widely found in the highlands of Bhutan which made the collection and trading of the herb legal only in 2004. Only communities living in and around the high lands are allowed to collect it and sell it to traders through government organized auctions.
Bhutan sells this product in 3 grades, A, B and C at prices ranging from US $ 2685 to US $ 2485. Collection of the herb is strictly regulated and is done on rotation basis.
Nestled between Nepal, Bhutan and another giant producer of ‘Yarcha-Gombuk’ China, the Himalayan State of Sikkim also has fair quantities of this medicinal herb in its high altitude areas of North, East and West districts.
Now belatedly realizing that its bio revenue source has been lying untapped, the State government is now chewing over a proposal from the State forest department to legalize collection and trading of Cordyceps Sinensis abundantly stored in its highlands.
Sources from the State forest department inform that the department has sent a draft proposal for legalizing collection of Cordyceps Sinensis in the State. Collection of medicinal plants from the wild is prohibited in Sikkim.
The proposal is now being vetted by the State law department and after proper scrutiny, a government notification will be issued in due course of time, it is informed.
Apart from the enormous revenue potential for locals and government, the bid to legalize collection of this medicinal herb could have been prompted by an incident of not so recent past where around 17 kgs of ‘Yarcha-Gombuk’ had been seized from two smugglers by the forest officials.
On July last year, the forest officials seized the consignment derived from the highlands of the State at Singtam meant for delivery outside the State. The incident had created a furore in the State and demands for bringing this clandestine business above-board had been made leading to this latest bid of the State forest department.
Though the various points in the proposal are still under scrutiny, it is learnt that the department is keen to legalize collection of this medicinal herb in a controlled manner in the high altitude areas of Sikkim.
Cordyceps sinensis, a rare combination of a caterpillar and a fungus is found in the altitudes above 4,500 m in the Himalayas. In Sikkim, it is found in areas like Green Lake, Dzongri, Thamjey, Nathu La Pass, Doman Valley, Tholung Pass and other areas above 8,000 ft. All these areas are under the forest department.
Though no resource survey of this medicinal herb has been conducted in Sikkim, the forest department says that it knows where the herb is found in Sikkim.
One of the silent features of the proposal is that only Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) registered with the forest department will be allowed to collect the caterpillar fungus. The JFMC will have to be from that area where the herb is found.
Collection from sanctuaries will not be allowed. A 25-75 percentage share has been proposed by the department which is being screened by the law department. The JFMCs will get 75 percent of the total Cordyceps sinensis they have collected while the remaining 25 percent will go to the State forest department. The department is also keen to market the forest produce through authorized dealers.
Experts on medicinal plants here have welcomed the proposal of the department. They also said that foreign technology is readily available to artificially produce the medicinal herb in Sikkim.
The experts have also endorsed the rationale behind the proposal. “People are already collecting Cordyceps sinensis and other forest produce from the forest. By legalizing the collection will mean that the present clandestine operations will come above-board leading to control and regulation. The locals will also benefit by earning money which will mean that they will have a stake in protecting the biodiversity. Right now they don’t have any stakes”, said one expert.
( source: sikkim express)
BHAICHUNG WINS JHALAK DIKHHLA JAA
Bhaichung Bhutia wins 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa'
Bhaichung wins 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa'
Sun, May 31 11:07 PM
Mumbai, May 31 (IANS) After showing his legwork on the field, football star Bhaichung Bhutia has proved he can dance well too as he walked away with the winner's trophy after the grand finale of third season of Sony TV's reality show 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa' here Sunday night.
Bhutia, who was one of the weaker contenders when the show began over three months back, beat model Gauhar Khan and actor Karan Grover to win the Rs.4 million prize money as well as the audience's adulation.
His victory has not only been backed by improved performance, but also by the SMS frenzy in his home state of Sikkim.
Several women from an organisation called Sahayta Club chipped in with Rs.30,000 to buy mobile cash cards so that they could facilitate 10,000 SMS votes for Bhutia last week.
Another campaign was undertaken by a social organisation called Citizens Forum that had set up a massive tent in Sikkim to conduct mass voting. Many booths were also set up in various localities in and around the state and neighbouring West Bengal hills to boost Bhutia's vote count.
Even the United Sikkim Sporting Soccer Club, whose chief patron is Bhutia, organised a mass voting at a discotheque in Gangtok.
Bhutia was recently slapped with a show-cause notice by Mohun Bagan, the club for which he plays football, for missing their practice sessions.
But he went on to perfect his dance moves for 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa'.
The special episode was a glitzy event with performances from the participants, choreographers as well as celebrity guests, actors Malaika Arora Khan and Mallika Sherawat.
The show's judges - star choreographers Saroj Khan and Vaibhavi Merchant - as well as actress Juhi Chawla graced the event.
A run-down of the journey of the three finalists too was showcased.
Indo Asian News Service
Bhaichung wins 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa'
Sun, May 31 11:07 PM
Mumbai, May 31 (IANS) After showing his legwork on the field, football star Bhaichung Bhutia has proved he can dance well too as he walked away with the winner's trophy after the grand finale of third season of Sony TV's reality show 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa' here Sunday night.
Bhutia, who was one of the weaker contenders when the show began over three months back, beat model Gauhar Khan and actor Karan Grover to win the Rs.4 million prize money as well as the audience's adulation.
His victory has not only been backed by improved performance, but also by the SMS frenzy in his home state of Sikkim.
Several women from an organisation called Sahayta Club chipped in with Rs.30,000 to buy mobile cash cards so that they could facilitate 10,000 SMS votes for Bhutia last week.
Another campaign was undertaken by a social organisation called Citizens Forum that had set up a massive tent in Sikkim to conduct mass voting. Many booths were also set up in various localities in and around the state and neighbouring West Bengal hills to boost Bhutia's vote count.
Even the United Sikkim Sporting Soccer Club, whose chief patron is Bhutia, organised a mass voting at a discotheque in Gangtok.
Bhutia was recently slapped with a show-cause notice by Mohun Bagan, the club for which he plays football, for missing their practice sessions.
But he went on to perfect his dance moves for 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa'.
The special episode was a glitzy event with performances from the participants, choreographers as well as celebrity guests, actors Malaika Arora Khan and Mallika Sherawat.
The show's judges - star choreographers Saroj Khan and Vaibhavi Merchant - as well as actress Juhi Chawla graced the event.
A run-down of the journey of the three finalists too was showcased.
Indo Asian News Service
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)