Cabinet nod for BL reservation in Panchayat, Municipal bodies
GANGTOK, June 10 (IPR): The cabinet today met and approved several proposals of various departments.
Rural management and development dept
The cabinet approved the reservation within the State for both Panchayat and urban bodies as
BL 22 percent
ST 14 percent
OBC 21 percent
MBC 21 percent
SC 7 percent
UR 15 percent.
40 percent seat reservation for women remain unchanged.
Under the UR category 5 percent is also reserved for the local business community for higher education purposes only.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
FROM SIKKIM EXPRESS
GANGTOK, June 11 (IPR): The Government of Sikkim has constituted a One Man Administrative Reforms Commission.
The Commission will be headed by Dr. K. Sreedhar Rao, IAS (Retd.), Ex-Chief Secretary of Sikkim & Ex-Member, National Security Advisory Board as its Chairman while R Chewang Bhutia, Joint Secretary, Social Justice, Empowerment and Welfare Department has been appointed Member Secretary of the Commission.
A State Government Notification said that the Administrative Reforms Commission is constituted to bring about substantial, measurable and comprehensive improvements in the performance levels of the administrative machinery at the disposal of the Government of Sikkim and to enhance effectiveness, efficiency and responsiveness of the delivery systems at all levels.
It also aims to formulate recommendations with respect to each of the areas of Governmental activity, calculated to achieve all round improvement in the apparatus along with strategies and programmes for implementation.
The terms of reference of the Commission include the following:
1. Study in detail current practices and procedures in each of the department of the Government of Sikkim and the field offices and suggest reforms wherever required.
2. Examine the legal and administrative regulations, rules and executive orders as well as operation procedures and suggest modifications wherever required.
3. Assess the employment of technology for all operations.
4. Assess the methodology for decision-making and implementation of Government’s policies.
5. Prepare a detailed report covering each of the areas of Governmental activity to achieve.
(a) Simplification of procedures,
(b) Elimination of delays,
(c) Ensuring speedier dispensation of justice and redressal of grievances,
(d) Transparency and equity with respect to all of Government’s actions.
(e) Sharp up-gradation of the efficiency, effectiveness and responsiveness of all Governmental activities.
(f) Improving delivery capability at all levels.
(g) Establish e-governance system in all areas of administration.
(h) Improve performance levels in all PSU’s including exploring necessity and possibility of disinvestment.
6. Prepare a Citizen’s Charter detailing entitlements of the people of the State.
7. Any other matter connected, relevant and incidental to the objectives of establishing the Commission.
IV. The Commission is empowered to call for assistance and information and examine documents from all the Government Departments wherever considered necessary.
V. The term of the Commission shall be two years. The Commission will be assisted by a Secretary and necessary staff.
GANGTOK, June 11 (IPR): The Government of Sikkim has constituted a One Man Administrative Reforms Commission.
The Commission will be headed by Dr. K. Sreedhar Rao, IAS (Retd.), Ex-Chief Secretary of Sikkim & Ex-Member, National Security Advisory Board as its Chairman while R Chewang Bhutia, Joint Secretary, Social Justice, Empowerment and Welfare Department has been appointed Member Secretary of the Commission.
A State Government Notification said that the Administrative Reforms Commission is constituted to bring about substantial, measurable and comprehensive improvements in the performance levels of the administrative machinery at the disposal of the Government of Sikkim and to enhance effectiveness, efficiency and responsiveness of the delivery systems at all levels.
It also aims to formulate recommendations with respect to each of the areas of Governmental activity, calculated to achieve all round improvement in the apparatus along with strategies and programmes for implementation.
The terms of reference of the Commission include the following:
1. Study in detail current practices and procedures in each of the department of the Government of Sikkim and the field offices and suggest reforms wherever required.
2. Examine the legal and administrative regulations, rules and executive orders as well as operation procedures and suggest modifications wherever required.
3. Assess the employment of technology for all operations.
4. Assess the methodology for decision-making and implementation of Government’s policies.
5. Prepare a detailed report covering each of the areas of Governmental activity to achieve.
(a) Simplification of procedures,
(b) Elimination of delays,
(c) Ensuring speedier dispensation of justice and redressal of grievances,
(d) Transparency and equity with respect to all of Government’s actions.
(e) Sharp up-gradation of the efficiency, effectiveness and responsiveness of all Governmental activities.
(f) Improving delivery capability at all levels.
(g) Establish e-governance system in all areas of administration.
(h) Improve performance levels in all PSU’s including exploring necessity and possibility of disinvestment.
6. Prepare a Citizen’s Charter detailing entitlements of the people of the State.
7. Any other matter connected, relevant and incidental to the objectives of establishing the Commission.
IV. The Commission is empowered to call for assistance and information and examine documents from all the Government Departments wherever considered necessary.
V. The term of the Commission shall be two years. The Commission will be assisted by a Secretary and necessary staff.
SIKKIM: 21618 BPL families will benefit from Universal Financial Inclusion project – Dahal
FROM SIKKIM EXPRESS
GANGTOK, June 11: The Chief Minster’s Press Advisor, Bhim Dahal today said that the works for the State government’s ambitious project, Sikkim Universal Financial Inclusion project will begin immediately as per the decision of the State cabinet.
The State cabinet had yesterday approved the project and had earmarked a sum of Rs. 14.74 crores for the project.
Highlighting the decision as an exemplary social welfare of the State government, Mr. Dahal said the Sikkim Universal Financial Inclusion project was per the promise made by the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party before the elections.
The Chief Minister had promised before the elections to implement the project for the welfare of the Sikkimese people, said Mr. Dahal. He said that around 1 lakh families in Sikkim will benefit from the project. Families having members in government service will not be included in the project, he said.
Mr. Dahal said that around 21618 BPL families will get health and property insurance. In case of accidental death, the surviving family members will get Rs. 1 lakh as insurance cover, he said. Around 50,000 APL families will also get insurance cover of Rs. 30,000 each, he added.
Damages suffered by houses of BPL families during natural calamities will also be compensated from the project. Rs. 1 lakh will be provided to damages of permanent houses while Rs. 50,000 will be provided for damaged kachha houses, said Mr. Dahal.
Leading banking institutions will be deputed in the project.
Mr. Dahal pointed out that as per the universal financial inclusion project, bank accounts will be opened for the selected beneficiaries. Other government benefits and largesse like old age pension and widow grants will go directly to these accounts thus benefiting the beneficiary immensely, he said.
FROM SIKKIM EXPRESS
GANGTOK, June 11: The Chief Minster’s Press Advisor, Bhim Dahal today said that the works for the State government’s ambitious project, Sikkim Universal Financial Inclusion project will begin immediately as per the decision of the State cabinet.
The State cabinet had yesterday approved the project and had earmarked a sum of Rs. 14.74 crores for the project.
Highlighting the decision as an exemplary social welfare of the State government, Mr. Dahal said the Sikkim Universal Financial Inclusion project was per the promise made by the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party before the elections.
The Chief Minister had promised before the elections to implement the project for the welfare of the Sikkimese people, said Mr. Dahal. He said that around 1 lakh families in Sikkim will benefit from the project. Families having members in government service will not be included in the project, he said.
Mr. Dahal said that around 21618 BPL families will get health and property insurance. In case of accidental death, the surviving family members will get Rs. 1 lakh as insurance cover, he said. Around 50,000 APL families will also get insurance cover of Rs. 30,000 each, he added.
Damages suffered by houses of BPL families during natural calamities will also be compensated from the project. Rs. 1 lakh will be provided to damages of permanent houses while Rs. 50,000 will be provided for damaged kachha houses, said Mr. Dahal.
Leading banking institutions will be deputed in the project.
Mr. Dahal pointed out that as per the universal financial inclusion project, bank accounts will be opened for the selected beneficiaries. Other government benefits and largesse like old age pension and widow grants will go directly to these accounts thus benefiting the beneficiary immensely, he said.
FROM SIKKIM EXPRESS
GANGTOK, June 11: The State forest department has forwarded a proposal to the State government for establishment of a ‘Transition Zone’ in the periphery of the buffer zones of the world famous Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve (KBR).
The KBR is one of the world highest ecosystems and spreads over an area of 2619.92 sq kms in the South, West and North districts of Sikkim. The KBR which includes Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP) and several buffer zones accounts for 36.92 percent of the total area of Sikkim which is 7096 sq kms.
The need for setting up the proposed ‘Transition Zone’ comes in order to strengthen Sikkim’s chances for inclusion of KBR in the world network of biosphere reserve of UNESCO.
It may be recalled that a proposal report for nomination of KBR for inclusion in the world network of biosphere reserve of UNSECO had been prepared jointly by the forest department and GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment. The approval of the State government was accorded during 2007 after which the proposal was submitted to the Ministry of Environment and Forest.
Subsequently the report was recommended to the UNESCO for the inclusion of KBR in the world heritage sites where the lack of a transition zone in the KBR was pointed out.
GANGTOK, June 11: The State forest department has forwarded a proposal to the State government for establishment of a ‘Transition Zone’ in the periphery of the buffer zones of the world famous Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve (KBR).
The KBR is one of the world highest ecosystems and spreads over an area of 2619.92 sq kms in the South, West and North districts of Sikkim. The KBR which includes Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP) and several buffer zones accounts for 36.92 percent of the total area of Sikkim which is 7096 sq kms.
The need for setting up the proposed ‘Transition Zone’ comes in order to strengthen Sikkim’s chances for inclusion of KBR in the world network of biosphere reserve of UNESCO.
It may be recalled that a proposal report for nomination of KBR for inclusion in the world network of biosphere reserve of UNSECO had been prepared jointly by the forest department and GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment. The approval of the State government was accorded during 2007 after which the proposal was submitted to the Ministry of Environment and Forest.
Subsequently the report was recommended to the UNESCO for the inclusion of KBR in the world heritage sites where the lack of a transition zone in the KBR was pointed out.
KNOWLEDGE COMMISSION IN SIKKIM
SIKKIM: Sikkim constitutes Knowledge Commission
FROM SIKKIM EXPRESS
GANGTOK, June 11 (IPR): The State Government has today constituted a Knowledge Commission in keeping with the vision articulated by the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling with Ex-Chief Secretary and Ex-Member, National Security Advisory Board Dr K Sreedhar Rao, IAS (Retd) as its Chairman.
The Commission has MP, Lok Sabha PD Rai and Secretary of the State Human Resource Development Department R Telang as its members.
The terms of reference of the Knowledge Commission as mentioned in the notification dated June 11 are as follows:
1. Prepare a Vision document – Sikkim 2025 – defining the long terms goals for all round development of the State of Sikkim.
2. Prepare a detailed blue print and an action plan for making Sikkim a knowledge economy and a knowledge society.
3. Prepare plans for comprehensive up-gradation of standards at all levels of school education.
4. Suggest specific programmes for skill development, capacity enhancement and up-gradation of the competitive ability of students coming out of educational institutions and enable establishment of institutions to implement such programmes.
5. Recommend measures for reforms in the regulatory environment, governing the State’s education system.
6. Promote -
(a) Establishment of Centres of Excellence in the field of school level
education, as also measures to promote higher education, research and development;
(b) Private Sector participation in the field of education, with select institutions having credible record of excellence in education.
(c) Establishment of knowledge based industries conducive to the ecology and environment of the State, taking advantage of abundant availability of power in the State and its investor friendly climate.
(d) Setting up specialized training establishments to impart training in the fields of employment, relevant to the growing economy.
(e) Promote training opportunities in the rest of India for students in specialized industries/establishments.
7. Promote the spirit of entrepreneurship in the State to enable the younger generation to participate and contribute to the growth process.
8. Suggest measures to upgrade the educational infrastructure of the State.
9. Formulate a comprehensive policy for Development of human intellectual capital of the State.
10. Function as the Think Tank and Brain Trust for the Government of Sikkim and advise the Chief Minister on matters relevant to fulfilling the objectives mentioned above.
The Commission may add any other relevant areas of action if considered appropriate for the development of the State with the approval of the State Government.
III. The term of office of the Knowledge Commission shall be for a period of two years and may be extended at the discretion of the Government of Sikkim.
IV. The Commission is empowered to call for assistance and information and examine documents from all the Government Departments wherever considered necessary.
V. The detailed terms and conditions of appointment of the Chairman and Members shall be notified separately.
FROM SIKKIM EXPRESS
GANGTOK, June 11 (IPR): The State Government has today constituted a Knowledge Commission in keeping with the vision articulated by the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling with Ex-Chief Secretary and Ex-Member, National Security Advisory Board Dr K Sreedhar Rao, IAS (Retd) as its Chairman.
The Commission has MP, Lok Sabha PD Rai and Secretary of the State Human Resource Development Department R Telang as its members.
The terms of reference of the Knowledge Commission as mentioned in the notification dated June 11 are as follows:
1. Prepare a Vision document – Sikkim 2025 – defining the long terms goals for all round development of the State of Sikkim.
2. Prepare a detailed blue print and an action plan for making Sikkim a knowledge economy and a knowledge society.
3. Prepare plans for comprehensive up-gradation of standards at all levels of school education.
4. Suggest specific programmes for skill development, capacity enhancement and up-gradation of the competitive ability of students coming out of educational institutions and enable establishment of institutions to implement such programmes.
5. Recommend measures for reforms in the regulatory environment, governing the State’s education system.
6. Promote -
(a) Establishment of Centres of Excellence in the field of school level
education, as also measures to promote higher education, research and development;
(b) Private Sector participation in the field of education, with select institutions having credible record of excellence in education.
(c) Establishment of knowledge based industries conducive to the ecology and environment of the State, taking advantage of abundant availability of power in the State and its investor friendly climate.
(d) Setting up specialized training establishments to impart training in the fields of employment, relevant to the growing economy.
(e) Promote training opportunities in the rest of India for students in specialized industries/establishments.
7. Promote the spirit of entrepreneurship in the State to enable the younger generation to participate and contribute to the growth process.
8. Suggest measures to upgrade the educational infrastructure of the State.
9. Formulate a comprehensive policy for Development of human intellectual capital of the State.
10. Function as the Think Tank and Brain Trust for the Government of Sikkim and advise the Chief Minister on matters relevant to fulfilling the objectives mentioned above.
The Commission may add any other relevant areas of action if considered appropriate for the development of the State with the approval of the State Government.
III. The term of office of the Knowledge Commission shall be for a period of two years and may be extended at the discretion of the Government of Sikkim.
IV. The Commission is empowered to call for assistance and information and examine documents from all the Government Departments wherever considered necessary.
V. The detailed terms and conditions of appointment of the Chairman and Members shall be notified separately.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Competition Commission of India to play crucial role in the vibrant Indian market – Salman Khurshid
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20:26 IST
The Minister for Corporate Affairs, Shri Salman Khurshid here today inaugurated the first National Conference on ‘State of Competition in the Indian Economy’ after the Competition Commission of India (CCI) became functional. The two-day conference is being jointly organized by the CCI, World Bank, FIAS and DFID.
In his inaugural address, the Minister emphasized upon the avowed objective of the Government – ‘Growth with equity’ and the crucial role the Competition Commission of India is expected to play in promoting and ensuring free and fair competition in the market. He appreciated the good work being done by the CCI in the field of competition advocacy and expressed faith in the capabilities of the Commission in achieving the objectives of the Competition Act, 2002.
Shri Khurshid also informed the gathering, which included eminent experts on competition policy and law from different parts of the world, about the various reform measures being taken by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs which would give the required impetus to the growth process at a time when the world is passing through a difficult financial crisis. Re-codification of the company law and its early passage by the parliament, notification of Accounting Standards and their intended convergence with IFRS by 2011 & successful implementation of the e-governance program and expansion of its coverage were amongst the main initiatives mentioned by the Minister. The new law being developed by his Ministry on Valuation Professionals also found a mention.
The Conference is having six Technical Sessions spread over two days covering the ‘state of competition in the Indian economy, ‘issues relating to application of competition law’, ‘legal issues of relevance to competition Act’, and the ‘techniques and application of competition assessment’. The Conference also covers six studies encompassing competition issues in seven sectors and also competition issues in concessions in the infrastructure. The sector specific studies on competition issues that would be covered in the conference include: air transport sector – both airlines and airports; sea ports and railways; energy sector; steel; petroleum refining; and the pharmaceutical industry. Competition issues in ‘concession’ agreements are covered by one of the studies which will be presented..
The Conference is part of the competition advocacy mandate of the Commission. Since its inception 18 research studies were commissioned and of these 16 have been completed. Two studies are in the process of being finalized. The objective of these studies is threefold: to assist in capacity building for research on competition issues among Indian researchers; to enable the Commission to understand the state of competition in different sectors of the economy; and to use the results of the studies for competition advocacy with central and state governments and with industry.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20:26 IST
The Minister for Corporate Affairs, Shri Salman Khurshid here today inaugurated the first National Conference on ‘State of Competition in the Indian Economy’ after the Competition Commission of India (CCI) became functional. The two-day conference is being jointly organized by the CCI, World Bank, FIAS and DFID.
In his inaugural address, the Minister emphasized upon the avowed objective of the Government – ‘Growth with equity’ and the crucial role the Competition Commission of India is expected to play in promoting and ensuring free and fair competition in the market. He appreciated the good work being done by the CCI in the field of competition advocacy and expressed faith in the capabilities of the Commission in achieving the objectives of the Competition Act, 2002.
Shri Khurshid also informed the gathering, which included eminent experts on competition policy and law from different parts of the world, about the various reform measures being taken by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs which would give the required impetus to the growth process at a time when the world is passing through a difficult financial crisis. Re-codification of the company law and its early passage by the parliament, notification of Accounting Standards and their intended convergence with IFRS by 2011 & successful implementation of the e-governance program and expansion of its coverage were amongst the main initiatives mentioned by the Minister. The new law being developed by his Ministry on Valuation Professionals also found a mention.
The Conference is having six Technical Sessions spread over two days covering the ‘state of competition in the Indian economy, ‘issues relating to application of competition law’, ‘legal issues of relevance to competition Act’, and the ‘techniques and application of competition assessment’. The Conference also covers six studies encompassing competition issues in seven sectors and also competition issues in concessions in the infrastructure. The sector specific studies on competition issues that would be covered in the conference include: air transport sector – both airlines and airports; sea ports and railways; energy sector; steel; petroleum refining; and the pharmaceutical industry. Competition issues in ‘concession’ agreements are covered by one of the studies which will be presented..
The Conference is part of the competition advocacy mandate of the Commission. Since its inception 18 research studies were commissioned and of these 16 have been completed. Two studies are in the process of being finalized. The objective of these studies is threefold: to assist in capacity building for research on competition issues among Indian researchers; to enable the Commission to understand the state of competition in different sectors of the economy; and to use the results of the studies for competition advocacy with central and state governments and with industry.
Wide ranging issues discussed at pre-budget meeting
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18:43 IST
Union Finance Minister, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, held a Pre-Budget Meeting with States and Union Territories with Legislature here today. During the day-long Conference with the Chief Ministers and Finance Ministers, the suggestions which were put forward ‘inter alia’, included:
- General macro-economic issues
- FRBM and Devolution issues
- Allocation of funds for various schemes and programmes of Government of India
- Implementation related problems
- Sectoral issues relating to Agriculture, Irrigation, Credit, MSME, Road infrastructure, etc.
- Tax related matters.
In his concluding remarks, the Finance Minister informed that he would consider the valuable suggestions and ideas generated during the deliberations while formulating the Budget proposals for 2009-10.
The conference was attended by Chief Ministers of Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Rajasthan and Goa and Finance Ministers of States/UTs. The Ministers of State for Finance, Shri S.S. Palanimanickam and Shri Namo Narain Meena participated in the meeting. The opening remarks were made by Finance Secretary Shri Ashok Chawla. Senior officials from Ministry of Finance and State/UT Governments also attended the meeting.
BSC/BY/DN -146/09
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18:43 IST
Union Finance Minister, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, held a Pre-Budget Meeting with States and Union Territories with Legislature here today. During the day-long Conference with the Chief Ministers and Finance Ministers, the suggestions which were put forward ‘inter alia’, included:
- General macro-economic issues
- FRBM and Devolution issues
- Allocation of funds for various schemes and programmes of Government of India
- Implementation related problems
- Sectoral issues relating to Agriculture, Irrigation, Credit, MSME, Road infrastructure, etc.
- Tax related matters.
In his concluding remarks, the Finance Minister informed that he would consider the valuable suggestions and ideas generated during the deliberations while formulating the Budget proposals for 2009-10.
The conference was attended by Chief Ministers of Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Rajasthan and Goa and Finance Ministers of States/UTs. The Ministers of State for Finance, Shri S.S. Palanimanickam and Shri Namo Narain Meena participated in the meeting. The opening remarks were made by Finance Secretary Shri Ashok Chawla. Senior officials from Ministry of Finance and State/UT Governments also attended the meeting.
BSC/BY/DN -146/09
FM MEETING WITH STATE FMS
FM’s meeting with State Finance Ministers
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11 JUNE 2009 12:0 IST
Following is the text of the speech of Finance Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee at the Conference of the Finance Ministers of States held as part of pre-budget discussions here today:
“I am very happy to see the Chief Ministers and Finance Ministers of States and Union Territories here today. In a federal set up like ours, pre Budget consultation with the State Finance Ministers is of paramount importance. Today’s pre Budget meeting is perhaps the first of its kind.
Our Country has witnessed unparalleled average growth of 8.5 per cent during the last five years. The process of fiscal consolidation also gained momentum during this period. The combined fiscal deficit for Centre as well as States was brought down from 8.9 per cent of GDP in 2003-04 to about 5 per cent in 2007-08.
While the Country was riding on a high growth trajectory, the World economy was hit by three unprecedented crises during 2008-09 - first, the petroleum price rise; second, rise in prices of food grains; and third, the breakdown of the financial system. The combined effect of these crises of high magnitude in developed countries was bound to affect the developing economies and our Country was no exception.
When the problem hit us in the second half of the financial year 2008-09, we immediately responded by announcing three stimulus packages on 7th December 2008, 2nd January and 24th February, 2009. These fiscal measures were supplemented by various monetary initiatives from the Reserve Bank of India. Consequently, in a difficult year like 2008-09, when most of the economies struggled to stay afloat, India has recorded GDP growth rate of 6.7 per cent and is the second fastest growing economy in the world. The recent data release on the performance of six core industries namely crude oil, petroleum refinery products, coal, electricity, cement and finished steel during April 2009 gives us further confidence of bringing back the economy on to growth path.
You may recall that in our stimulus packages special emphasis was given on increased capital expenditure and rural infrastructure. Additional resources were transferred to States for implementing programmes like NREGS, IAY, JNNURM, AIBP etc. Further, State Governments were allowed to raise additional market borrowings of 0.5% of their Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) both in 2008-09 and 2009-10. The idea was to help the States in maintaining the momentum of public expenditure. I would like to get a feedback from the Chief Ministers and Finance Ministers about the outcome of these initiatives at the State level. The Cabinet Secretary will also hold periodic video conferences with the Chief Secretaries to monitor these initiatives.
I also request you to highlight the action taken by the States for reinvigorating the economy so that we can deliberate on these interventions.
The stimulus measures by the Central Government had a cost in terms of deterioration of Centre’s fiscal deficit which went up to 6.2 per cent of GDP in 2008-09. High levels of fiscal deficit are not sustainable in the medium to long term, both for the States and the Centre. We have to deliberate on ways and means to bring back the economy to higher growth trajectory without fiscal profligacy. We have to resume the process of fiscal consolidation at the earliest.
While doing so, our focus should be on “Aam Aadmi” i.e. the common man. We have to ensure that the growth process is not only accelerated but also inclusive. There are rising expectations among the citizen of our country and we have to live up to those expectations. We need to give full attention to sectors like infrastructure, agriculture, employment generation etc.
We also need to focus on the introduction of GST from 1st April 2010. This is a critical part of our economic reforms. I request all the Chief Ministers and Finance Ministers to resolve the pending issues expeditiously. As in the case of VAT, the Centre continues to play the role of a facilitator for GST also. I am happy to inform this august gathering that the request of the States for elimination of double counting of revenue benefits to the States for both the VAT and CST compensation packages, has been accepted by me and the related circulars have also been issued.
During today’s deliberations, I request you to concentrate on macroeconomic issues which the country requires to address at this stage. I look forward to your valuable inputs during today’s deliberations, which will help me in giving shape to the Union Budget 2009-10.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11 JUNE 2009 12:0 IST
Following is the text of the speech of Finance Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee at the Conference of the Finance Ministers of States held as part of pre-budget discussions here today:
“I am very happy to see the Chief Ministers and Finance Ministers of States and Union Territories here today. In a federal set up like ours, pre Budget consultation with the State Finance Ministers is of paramount importance. Today’s pre Budget meeting is perhaps the first of its kind.
Our Country has witnessed unparalleled average growth of 8.5 per cent during the last five years. The process of fiscal consolidation also gained momentum during this period. The combined fiscal deficit for Centre as well as States was brought down from 8.9 per cent of GDP in 2003-04 to about 5 per cent in 2007-08.
While the Country was riding on a high growth trajectory, the World economy was hit by three unprecedented crises during 2008-09 - first, the petroleum price rise; second, rise in prices of food grains; and third, the breakdown of the financial system. The combined effect of these crises of high magnitude in developed countries was bound to affect the developing economies and our Country was no exception.
When the problem hit us in the second half of the financial year 2008-09, we immediately responded by announcing three stimulus packages on 7th December 2008, 2nd January and 24th February, 2009. These fiscal measures were supplemented by various monetary initiatives from the Reserve Bank of India. Consequently, in a difficult year like 2008-09, when most of the economies struggled to stay afloat, India has recorded GDP growth rate of 6.7 per cent and is the second fastest growing economy in the world. The recent data release on the performance of six core industries namely crude oil, petroleum refinery products, coal, electricity, cement and finished steel during April 2009 gives us further confidence of bringing back the economy on to growth path.
You may recall that in our stimulus packages special emphasis was given on increased capital expenditure and rural infrastructure. Additional resources were transferred to States for implementing programmes like NREGS, IAY, JNNURM, AIBP etc. Further, State Governments were allowed to raise additional market borrowings of 0.5% of their Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) both in 2008-09 and 2009-10. The idea was to help the States in maintaining the momentum of public expenditure. I would like to get a feedback from the Chief Ministers and Finance Ministers about the outcome of these initiatives at the State level. The Cabinet Secretary will also hold periodic video conferences with the Chief Secretaries to monitor these initiatives.
I also request you to highlight the action taken by the States for reinvigorating the economy so that we can deliberate on these interventions.
The stimulus measures by the Central Government had a cost in terms of deterioration of Centre’s fiscal deficit which went up to 6.2 per cent of GDP in 2008-09. High levels of fiscal deficit are not sustainable in the medium to long term, both for the States and the Centre. We have to deliberate on ways and means to bring back the economy to higher growth trajectory without fiscal profligacy. We have to resume the process of fiscal consolidation at the earliest.
While doing so, our focus should be on “Aam Aadmi” i.e. the common man. We have to ensure that the growth process is not only accelerated but also inclusive. There are rising expectations among the citizen of our country and we have to live up to those expectations. We need to give full attention to sectors like infrastructure, agriculture, employment generation etc.
We also need to focus on the introduction of GST from 1st April 2010. This is a critical part of our economic reforms. I request all the Chief Ministers and Finance Ministers to resolve the pending issues expeditiously. As in the case of VAT, the Centre continues to play the role of a facilitator for GST also. I am happy to inform this august gathering that the request of the States for elimination of double counting of revenue benefits to the States for both the VAT and CST compensation packages, has been accepted by me and the related circulars have also been issued.
During today’s deliberations, I request you to concentrate on macroeconomic issues which the country requires to address at this stage. I look forward to your valuable inputs during today’s deliberations, which will help me in giving shape to the Union Budget 2009-10.”
SIKKIM: Sikkim offers free insurance
FROM THE TELEGRAPH
Gangtok, June 11: The Sikkim cabinet has approved the Universal Financial Inclusion Project that will bring people under a state-sponsored health, property and accident insurance.
After the cabinet nod to the project yesterday, the press adviser to the chief minister, Bhim Dahal, said here today that one lakh families — half of them are above poverty level (APL) —would be included in the scheme in the first phase.
“APL families will be benefited by a health insurance scheme with a cover of up to Rs 30,000 per year. The number of BPL families to be covered under the scheme is 21,618,” said Dahal.
He added that over 94,000 BPL people would have additional insurance coverage of up to Rs 1 lakh per annum in case of accidents, disabilities and damage to houses.
The government will also open bank accounts for over one lakh people to pay old age pension, disability pension, rural housing grants and wages under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.
The press adviser added that a monthly pension of Rs 500 would be given to widows.
The government also announced separate reservations for those belonging to the Bhutia and Lepcha communities. They will now be getting a 22 per cent reservation in higher studies, jobs and urban and rural bodies.
Dahal said the cabinet had also revised the dearness allowance for state government employees from the existing 54 per cent to 64 per cent with retrospective effect from January 1 this year.
The spokesperson said the government would open a paramedical centre and a training centre for ground and air crew for civil aviation.
FROM THE TELEGRAPH
Gangtok, June 11: The Sikkim cabinet has approved the Universal Financial Inclusion Project that will bring people under a state-sponsored health, property and accident insurance.
After the cabinet nod to the project yesterday, the press adviser to the chief minister, Bhim Dahal, said here today that one lakh families — half of them are above poverty level (APL) —would be included in the scheme in the first phase.
“APL families will be benefited by a health insurance scheme with a cover of up to Rs 30,000 per year. The number of BPL families to be covered under the scheme is 21,618,” said Dahal.
He added that over 94,000 BPL people would have additional insurance coverage of up to Rs 1 lakh per annum in case of accidents, disabilities and damage to houses.
The government will also open bank accounts for over one lakh people to pay old age pension, disability pension, rural housing grants and wages under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.
The press adviser added that a monthly pension of Rs 500 would be given to widows.
The government also announced separate reservations for those belonging to the Bhutia and Lepcha communities. They will now be getting a 22 per cent reservation in higher studies, jobs and urban and rural bodies.
Dahal said the cabinet had also revised the dearness allowance for state government employees from the existing 54 per cent to 64 per cent with retrospective effect from January 1 this year.
The spokesperson said the government would open a paramedical centre and a training centre for ground and air crew for civil aviation.
SIKKIM AND SOLAR ECLIPSE THIS 22 JULY 2009
SIKKIM: Last total solar eclipse in your lifetime
Gangtok
11 June 2009
Miss this and you won’t see another in your lifetime. India will be in the path of a total solar eclipse on July 22 and the next one to pass by will be 105 years later.
A large part of Sikkim will be able to witness the total eclipse this time. The next total solar eclipse that can be viewed from India will happen on June 3, 2114.
The eclipse will begin at 6:23 am in India’s Gulf of Cambay and last till 7:30 am. The total eclipse will last nearly four minutes from 6.26 am to 6.30 am when the sun will not be visible at all. “This is quite a long duration. At places where the eclipse is total, people will be able to witness the phenomenal diamond ring’,” said Debiprosad Duari, director, research and academics, of the MP Birla Planetarium.
A total eclipse occurs when the moon covers the sun. The patch of earth on which the shadow of the moon falls experiences an eclipse, Duari said. “The diamond ring’ is seen just before a complete eclipse. When you see the sun getting covered, a small bright spot stands out and looks exactly like a diamond ring.”
Not all places will see the eclipse in totality and will have to be content with witnessing a partial eclipse.
The first to view the total eclipse will be Surat. “The umbral shadow will move at a tremendous speed and pass through Vadodara, Indore, Ujjain, Bhopal, Varanasi, Gaya, Patna, Darjeeling, Siliguri, Gangtok, Dibrugarh and Itanagar,” explained Duari. North Bengal (Jalpaiguri, Siliguri, Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, Darjeeling, Raiganj and Dinhata towns) and Sikkim will see total eclipse. South Bengal, including Kolkata, will see 91% eclipse, deemed “near total”. Mumbai will see 90% eclipse and Delhi 85%.
The Planetarium and Positional Astronomy Centre are the two primary organizations that predict all celestial happenings along with their timings and specialities. This time, the Planetarium has worked out the timings for viewing the solar eclipse for at least 400 places and has also prepared guidelines as to how the eclipse should be viewed.
The eclipse should never be viewed with the naked eye. It will cause irreparable damage to the cornea, Duari said. When the eclipse is in progress, it should be viewed through a solar filter or a No. 14 welder’s glass. “If you stare at the sun at the time of the eclipse for just six to eight seconds, the cornea can get burnt,” Duari warned.
Gangtok
11 June 2009
Miss this and you won’t see another in your lifetime. India will be in the path of a total solar eclipse on July 22 and the next one to pass by will be 105 years later.
A large part of Sikkim will be able to witness the total eclipse this time. The next total solar eclipse that can be viewed from India will happen on June 3, 2114.
The eclipse will begin at 6:23 am in India’s Gulf of Cambay and last till 7:30 am. The total eclipse will last nearly four minutes from 6.26 am to 6.30 am when the sun will not be visible at all. “This is quite a long duration. At places where the eclipse is total, people will be able to witness the phenomenal diamond ring’,” said Debiprosad Duari, director, research and academics, of the MP Birla Planetarium.
A total eclipse occurs when the moon covers the sun. The patch of earth on which the shadow of the moon falls experiences an eclipse, Duari said. “The diamond ring’ is seen just before a complete eclipse. When you see the sun getting covered, a small bright spot stands out and looks exactly like a diamond ring.”
Not all places will see the eclipse in totality and will have to be content with witnessing a partial eclipse.
The first to view the total eclipse will be Surat. “The umbral shadow will move at a tremendous speed and pass through Vadodara, Indore, Ujjain, Bhopal, Varanasi, Gaya, Patna, Darjeeling, Siliguri, Gangtok, Dibrugarh and Itanagar,” explained Duari. North Bengal (Jalpaiguri, Siliguri, Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, Darjeeling, Raiganj and Dinhata towns) and Sikkim will see total eclipse. South Bengal, including Kolkata, will see 91% eclipse, deemed “near total”. Mumbai will see 90% eclipse and Delhi 85%.
The Planetarium and Positional Astronomy Centre are the two primary organizations that predict all celestial happenings along with their timings and specialities. This time, the Planetarium has worked out the timings for viewing the solar eclipse for at least 400 places and has also prepared guidelines as to how the eclipse should be viewed.
The eclipse should never be viewed with the naked eye. It will cause irreparable damage to the cornea, Duari said. When the eclipse is in progress, it should be viewed through a solar filter or a No. 14 welder’s glass. “If you stare at the sun at the time of the eclipse for just six to eight seconds, the cornea can get burnt,” Duari warned.
WE BECOME WHAT WE THINK ABOUT
George Bernard Shaw said, "People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can't find them, they make them."
Well, it's pretty apparent, isn't it? And every person who discovered this believed (for a while) that he was the first one to work it out. We become what we think about.
Conversely, the person who has no goal, who doesn't know where he's going, and whose thoughts must therefore be thoughts of confusion, anxiety and worry - his life becomes one of frustration, fear, anxiety and worry. And if he thinks about nothing... he becomes nothing.
How does it work? Why do we become what we think about? Well, I'll tell you how it works, as far as we know. To do this, I want to tell you about a situation that parallels the human mind.
Suppose a farmer has some land, and it's good, fertile land. The land gives the farmer a choice; he may plant in that land whatever he chooses. The land doesn't care. It's up to the farmer to make the decision.
We're comparing the human mind with the land because the mind, like the land, doesn't care what you plant in it. It will return what you plant, but it doesn't care what you plant.
Now, let's say that the farmer has two seeds in his hand- one is a seed of corn, the other is nightshade, a deadly poison. He digs two little holes in the earth and he plants both seeds-one corn, the other nightshade. He covers up the holes, waters and takes care of the land...and what will happen? Invariably, the land will return what was planted.
As it's written in the Bible, "As ye sow, so shall ye reap."
Remember the land doesn't care. It will return poison in just as wonderful abundance as it will corn. So up come the two plants - one corn, one poison.
The human mind is far more fertile, far more incredible and mysterious than the land, but it works the same way. It doesn't care what we plant...success...or failure. A concrete, worthwhile goal...or confusion, misunderstanding, fear, anxiety and so on. But what we plant it must return to us.
You see, the human mind is the last great unexplored continent on earth. It contains riches beyond our wildest dreams. It will return anything we want to plant.
Well, it's pretty apparent, isn't it? And every person who discovered this believed (for a while) that he was the first one to work it out. We become what we think about.
Conversely, the person who has no goal, who doesn't know where he's going, and whose thoughts must therefore be thoughts of confusion, anxiety and worry - his life becomes one of frustration, fear, anxiety and worry. And if he thinks about nothing... he becomes nothing.
How does it work? Why do we become what we think about? Well, I'll tell you how it works, as far as we know. To do this, I want to tell you about a situation that parallels the human mind.
Suppose a farmer has some land, and it's good, fertile land. The land gives the farmer a choice; he may plant in that land whatever he chooses. The land doesn't care. It's up to the farmer to make the decision.
We're comparing the human mind with the land because the mind, like the land, doesn't care what you plant in it. It will return what you plant, but it doesn't care what you plant.
Now, let's say that the farmer has two seeds in his hand- one is a seed of corn, the other is nightshade, a deadly poison. He digs two little holes in the earth and he plants both seeds-one corn, the other nightshade. He covers up the holes, waters and takes care of the land...and what will happen? Invariably, the land will return what was planted.
As it's written in the Bible, "As ye sow, so shall ye reap."
Remember the land doesn't care. It will return poison in just as wonderful abundance as it will corn. So up come the two plants - one corn, one poison.
The human mind is far more fertile, far more incredible and mysterious than the land, but it works the same way. It doesn't care what we plant...success...or failure. A concrete, worthwhile goal...or confusion, misunderstanding, fear, anxiety and so on. But what we plant it must return to us.
You see, the human mind is the last great unexplored continent on earth. It contains riches beyond our wildest dreams. It will return anything we want to plant.
sikkim gets showroom on titans
Sikkim gets its first 'World of Titan' showroom
Thursday, June 11th, 2009 AT 10:06 AM
GANGTOK: Sikkim became a part of the Titan global family with the launch of 'World of Titan' at Gangtok.
Rajiv Verma, regional sales manager of the Titan Industries Ltd, inaugurated the exclusive Titan showroom here opposite Tenzing and Tenzing along the NH 31-A yesterday.
The 'World of Titan' is a chain of exclusive showrooms that offer most desired watch brands from Titan industries.
In his inaugural speech, Verma expressed his confidence that the first Titan showroom in Sikkim will fetch a warm response.
The showroom is spread over 800 sq ft and provides access to innovative and stylish Titan products which feature over 1,000 watches from Titan, Sonata, Fastrack and Tommy Hilfiger.
Verma said Titan has also launched its latest Octane collection which embodies speed, power and energy to catch the spirit of the T20 season. These watches are loaded with features like chronographs, multifunction, retrograde and dual time, he said.
Thursday, June 11th, 2009 AT 10:06 AM
GANGTOK: Sikkim became a part of the Titan global family with the launch of 'World of Titan' at Gangtok.
Rajiv Verma, regional sales manager of the Titan Industries Ltd, inaugurated the exclusive Titan showroom here opposite Tenzing and Tenzing along the NH 31-A yesterday.
The 'World of Titan' is a chain of exclusive showrooms that offer most desired watch brands from Titan industries.
In his inaugural speech, Verma expressed his confidence that the first Titan showroom in Sikkim will fetch a warm response.
The showroom is spread over 800 sq ft and provides access to innovative and stylish Titan products which feature over 1,000 watches from Titan, Sonata, Fastrack and Tommy Hilfiger.
Verma said Titan has also launched its latest Octane collection which embodies speed, power and energy to catch the spirit of the T20 season. These watches are loaded with features like chronographs, multifunction, retrograde and dual time, he said.
85% RESERVATION IN SIKKIM IN PANCHAYATS & URBAN BODIES
Sikkim Cabinet nod for 85% reservation in Panchayat, Municipal bodies
GANGTOK, June 10 : The cabinet today met and approved as under reservation for the Panchayats and Urban Bodies.
Rural management and development dept
The cabinet approved the reservation within the State for both Panchayat and urban bodies as BL 22 percent, ST 14 percent, OBC 21 percent, MBC 21 percent, SC 7 percent and UR 15 percent. 40 percent seat reservation for women remain unchanged.
Under the UR category 5 percent is also reserved for the local business community for higher education purposes only.
GANGTOK, June 10 : The cabinet today met and approved as under reservation for the Panchayats and Urban Bodies.
Rural management and development dept
The cabinet approved the reservation within the State for both Panchayat and urban bodies as BL 22 percent, ST 14 percent, OBC 21 percent, MBC 21 percent, SC 7 percent and UR 15 percent. 40 percent seat reservation for women remain unchanged.
Under the UR category 5 percent is also reserved for the local business community for higher education purposes only.
Monday, June 8, 2009
singapore firm to help sikkim tourism
Singapore firm to draw master plan for Sikkim tourism
Sarikah Atreya
Gangtok, June 5
The State Government has entered into an agreement with a Singapore-based consultancy firm for laying out a 10-year road map for developing the growing tourism sector into another level.
According to a release from the State Information & Public Relations department, the State tourism department has inked the agreement with Master Consult Services Pvt Ltd which is based in Singapore.
The agreement was signed yesterday by the firm’s Managing Director, Mr Chrisopher Khoo, and the State Tourism Secretary, Mr S.B.S. Bhaduria, here. The company will be charging around Rs 65 lakh as consultancy fees, it is learnt.
Blueprint of strategies
The Singapore company’s blueprint for Sikkim tourism development will comprise tourism audit, strategic analysis, market development and promotion, manpower and skill upgradation and upgrading physical infrastructure across the State, the release said.
Other components of the master plan for revamping Sikkim tourism will include strategies for promotion of tourism industry, skill and manpower development of all its stakeholders, the infrastructure (present and proposed) and marketing issues among others, the release informs.
In addition to scientific exploration of the tourism prospect in the State on holistic basis, the firm will also draw blueprint for specific projects including the Uttaray Tourism Development Plan to sell many of the unexplored destinations to the outside tourists for boosting local economy.
In turn, the State Government will propose to build one tourism spot in every constituency, including promotion of adventure tourism, pilgrimage tourism, village tourism and so on, on the basis of recommendations of the consultancy firm. There are 31 territorial constituencies in Sikkim.
Tourism branding
In the proposed tourism master plan for Sikkim, tourism branding will be given special attention along with competency and standards. The State tourism department will function as a regulatory and promotion agency.
Uttaray in West Sikkim has also been given special attention in the road map with the department keen to exploit the tourism potential of this area.
Sarikah Atreya
Gangtok, June 5
The State Government has entered into an agreement with a Singapore-based consultancy firm for laying out a 10-year road map for developing the growing tourism sector into another level.
According to a release from the State Information & Public Relations department, the State tourism department has inked the agreement with Master Consult Services Pvt Ltd which is based in Singapore.
The agreement was signed yesterday by the firm’s Managing Director, Mr Chrisopher Khoo, and the State Tourism Secretary, Mr S.B.S. Bhaduria, here. The company will be charging around Rs 65 lakh as consultancy fees, it is learnt.
Blueprint of strategies
The Singapore company’s blueprint for Sikkim tourism development will comprise tourism audit, strategic analysis, market development and promotion, manpower and skill upgradation and upgrading physical infrastructure across the State, the release said.
Other components of the master plan for revamping Sikkim tourism will include strategies for promotion of tourism industry, skill and manpower development of all its stakeholders, the infrastructure (present and proposed) and marketing issues among others, the release informs.
In addition to scientific exploration of the tourism prospect in the State on holistic basis, the firm will also draw blueprint for specific projects including the Uttaray Tourism Development Plan to sell many of the unexplored destinations to the outside tourists for boosting local economy.
In turn, the State Government will propose to build one tourism spot in every constituency, including promotion of adventure tourism, pilgrimage tourism, village tourism and so on, on the basis of recommendations of the consultancy firm. There are 31 territorial constituencies in Sikkim.
Tourism branding
In the proposed tourism master plan for Sikkim, tourism branding will be given special attention along with competency and standards. The State tourism department will function as a regulatory and promotion agency.
Uttaray in West Sikkim has also been given special attention in the road map with the department keen to exploit the tourism potential of this area.
SINGAPORE FIRM TO FACE LIFT SIKKIM TOURISM
GANGTOK, 4 JUNE: Tourism in Sikkim is set to get a facelift. The state tourism department has struck an agreement with Singapore-based Master Services Private Limited on 3 June and a 10-year tourism master plan is being worked out.
The plan would cover tourism audits, strategic analysis, market development and promotion, as well as manpower, skill and physical infrastructure upgrading programmes across the state.
While Mr Christopher Khoo, managing director, and Mr Teo Puay Kim, senior consultant, represented the Singapore firm, state tourism secretary Mr SBS Bhadauria and other senior officials represented the government of Sikkim for signing the contract.
The development comes at a time when the state government has pledged to create one tourist spot in every constituency. Promotion of adventure tourism, pilgrimage tourism and village tourism has also been included in the master plan. The report and the consultancy provided by the firm, it is hoped, would transform Sikkim into a premiere tourist destination.
Issues related to the historical development of tourism in Sikkim, as well as the state's tourism data, economic value and contribution, would also be covered under the master plan. The role of the tourism department as a regulating and promoting agency will be continued through the master plan to meet global standards.
(SOURCE:STATESMAN)
The plan would cover tourism audits, strategic analysis, market development and promotion, as well as manpower, skill and physical infrastructure upgrading programmes across the state.
While Mr Christopher Khoo, managing director, and Mr Teo Puay Kim, senior consultant, represented the Singapore firm, state tourism secretary Mr SBS Bhadauria and other senior officials represented the government of Sikkim for signing the contract.
The development comes at a time when the state government has pledged to create one tourist spot in every constituency. Promotion of adventure tourism, pilgrimage tourism and village tourism has also been included in the master plan. The report and the consultancy provided by the firm, it is hoped, would transform Sikkim into a premiere tourist destination.
Issues related to the historical development of tourism in Sikkim, as well as the state's tourism data, economic value and contribution, would also be covered under the master plan. The role of the tourism department as a regulating and promoting agency will be continued through the master plan to meet global standards.
(SOURCE:STATESMAN)
GOVERNOR URGED TO SAVE NATHU LA TRADE
Sikkim govt. urges Governor to save Nathu La trade
Gangtok (PTI):6 June 2009
With the much-hyped Sino-India border trade at Nathu La recording no transaction last month, Sikkim government has urged Governor B P Singh to convince the Centre to review the goods on the trade list urgently to save the bilateral trade from becoming a non-event, official sources said on Sunday.
"We have requested the Governor to take up with the comnmerce ministry the review of the goods on the trade list during his proposed visit to New Delhi in order to revive the traders' interests in the border trade", an official of the state commerce and industries department told PTI here.
A delegation of the commerce and industries department led by its director Ujjwal Gurung will visit the national capital soon to take up the matter with the Centre, he said.
At the local level, the state government held a meeting with the army and custom officials two days ago to dwell on the measures to boost border trade by way of the review of the goods list and improvement in the infrastructure between Gangtok and Nathu La, the official said.
The historic Nathu La trade hit its lowest point in May last, the first month of the resumption of trade this season, with no no transaction being recorded nor traders from either side visiting the marts for business purposes apparently to protest against the failure of the two governments to review the list of goods.
The officer said the key to resurrect the border trade lay strictly with the Centre which alone could decide the direction of the Sino-India border trade at Nathu La, he said.
Officials here concede that the traders have a point as the goods on the trade list were not not financially viable considering the costs incurred by them in import of goods.
"The state government has raised this point with the Centre for review of the goods list time and again, but to no avail as the latter appears to be not so keen to take the border trade to the next level for making it a full-fledged trade between the two countries from Nathu La frontier in view of security implications", they said.
The traders, on their part, have been adamant that they will not not take part in the border trade in spite of pressure from the state government agencies as the Nathu La trade was simply not not a judicious business proposition, a representaive of Indo-Chinese Traders Association of Sikkim (ICTAS) said.
Apart from the review of the goods list, the Centre should also consider lifting the restriction on the marketing of the imported goods ouside Sikkim to enable the traders to make some profits as the local market was already choked with Chinese goods, he said.
Nathu La border trade was re-opened by the two countries in 2004 after a gap of about 40 years with India setting up a trade mart at Sherathang and China at Renguingang in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR).
Under the bilateral agreement, India had approved 29 items on the trade list, while the number of items approved by China stood at 15.
In the first two years, the traders had shown tremendous enthusiasm in the bilateral trade which grew substantially at Rs 9.6 million last year, but at the same time the demand for review of goods on the trade list grew louder resulting in no transaction of goods at the border trade last month.
Gangtok (PTI):6 June 2009
With the much-hyped Sino-India border trade at Nathu La recording no transaction last month, Sikkim government has urged Governor B P Singh to convince the Centre to review the goods on the trade list urgently to save the bilateral trade from becoming a non-event, official sources said on Sunday.
"We have requested the Governor to take up with the comnmerce ministry the review of the goods on the trade list during his proposed visit to New Delhi in order to revive the traders' interests in the border trade", an official of the state commerce and industries department told PTI here.
A delegation of the commerce and industries department led by its director Ujjwal Gurung will visit the national capital soon to take up the matter with the Centre, he said.
At the local level, the state government held a meeting with the army and custom officials two days ago to dwell on the measures to boost border trade by way of the review of the goods list and improvement in the infrastructure between Gangtok and Nathu La, the official said.
The historic Nathu La trade hit its lowest point in May last, the first month of the resumption of trade this season, with no no transaction being recorded nor traders from either side visiting the marts for business purposes apparently to protest against the failure of the two governments to review the list of goods.
The officer said the key to resurrect the border trade lay strictly with the Centre which alone could decide the direction of the Sino-India border trade at Nathu La, he said.
Officials here concede that the traders have a point as the goods on the trade list were not not financially viable considering the costs incurred by them in import of goods.
"The state government has raised this point with the Centre for review of the goods list time and again, but to no avail as the latter appears to be not so keen to take the border trade to the next level for making it a full-fledged trade between the two countries from Nathu La frontier in view of security implications", they said.
The traders, on their part, have been adamant that they will not not take part in the border trade in spite of pressure from the state government agencies as the Nathu La trade was simply not not a judicious business proposition, a representaive of Indo-Chinese Traders Association of Sikkim (ICTAS) said.
Apart from the review of the goods list, the Centre should also consider lifting the restriction on the marketing of the imported goods ouside Sikkim to enable the traders to make some profits as the local market was already choked with Chinese goods, he said.
Nathu La border trade was re-opened by the two countries in 2004 after a gap of about 40 years with India setting up a trade mart at Sherathang and China at Renguingang in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR).
Under the bilateral agreement, India had approved 29 items on the trade list, while the number of items approved by China stood at 15.
In the first two years, the traders had shown tremendous enthusiasm in the bilateral trade which grew substantially at Rs 9.6 million last year, but at the same time the demand for review of goods on the trade list grew louder resulting in no transaction of goods at the border trade last month.
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