SIKKIM: Buddha statue to wait another year
Posted by barunroy on August 6, 2009
FROM THE STATESMAN
GANGTOK, 5 AUG: Work to set up the 90 ft tall Buddha statue at Rabong in South Sikkim would take a year more. Architects and sculptors continue to toil to complete the statue at Sangkhola near Singtam. The proposed 125 ft statue of Sangay Chomden Dey (Lord Buddha in Sikkim) in a sitting position would be the tallest Buddha statue in the world.
Twenty workers (eight from Jaigoan in West Bengal and 12 from Kathmandu, Nepal) have been working for over 12 hours daily on the project for the past two years.
Mr Krishna Khati, a metal worker at the work site in Sangkhola said that the nickel-aluminum bronze alloy statue with steel frame inside would weigh over 57 tonnes.
After completion, the structure would be dismantled into pieces and transferred to Rabong, the site for the statue.
The Sakyamuni project started in 2006 to mark the 2550th birth anniversary of Lord Buddha. The project covering an area of 22.5 acres would have an eco-garden and other tourist amenities along with the giant statue.
Interestingly, relics of Lord Buddha would be offered to the statue to enhance its significance and add Rabong to the Buddhist religious circuit in India. Last November, relics of Lord Buddha were collected from across eight Southeast Asian countries for the project. Somdet Phra Nyanasaamvara, the 19th supreme patriarch of the Buddhist order in Thailand had offered the relics. Besides, Thailand, Myanmar, Japan, South Korea, Cambodia, Laos, Taiwan and Vietnam have also offered relics. Those are under tight security at the newly built Karma Thekchenling Monastery.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
REVISE GUIDELINES FOR HOTELS
REVESED CLASSIFICATION NORMS FRIENDLIER FOR THE DIFFERENTLY ABLED PERSONS BY ADOPTING THE INTERNATIONAL BEST PRACTICES
ISSUES REGARDING SAFETY AND SECURITY HAVE ALSO BEEN ADDRESSED IN THE REVISED GUIDELINES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11:8 IST
In order to keep abreast with the contemporary requirements of the hospitality industry, the Union Ministry of Tourism has recently reviewed the norms for approval of hotel projects and Guidelines for Classification of hotels.
The changing requirements of international and domestic travelers clubbed with an emerging safety and security consciousness in view of the recent incidents in the country, necessitated a review of the hotel Classification norms which were last reviewed in 2003. These Guidelines have been finalized after several rounds of interaction with and inputs from the hotel industry and the related stakeholders.
The Ministry of Tourism has tried to address major concerns to make the Classification norms friendlier for the differently abled persons by adopting the international best practices. Existing and new hotels of all categories all over the country would now have to comply with the requirements for the differently abled persons in respect of accessibility, special rooms with bathrooms and facilities etc. in the public area by 1st September, 2010.
Issues regarding safety and security have also been addressed in the revised Guidelines as per which depending on the star category, hotels are now required to have metal detectors, CCTVs, X-Ray machines, under belly scanners to screen vehicles, verification of staff and suppliers etc. Food & Beverage outlets (restaurants) in the hotel have also been rationalised. For this purpose, the minimum number and type of restaurants / Food & Beverage (F&B) service has been allocated depending on the location of the hotel in the country based on a system of Grade A and Grade B cities.
The Grade A cities would comprise of major metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad/ Secunderabad and Delhi. (Delhi would include the hotels falling in Gurgaon, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, NOIDA and Greater NOIDA). Grade B cities would comprise all other cities not covered in Grade A. Hotels located in Grade A cities would require to offer more types of cuisine / number of F&B outlets compared to Grade B cities. Hotels located in Grade B cities would not be required to offer the same number of F&B outlets as that of Grade A due to the lesser demand.
With a view to provide high standards of service, it has been made mandatory for hotels to have minimum percentage of trained supervisory and skilled staff possessing degree / diploma / skilled training certificate from Central / State Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) / Food Craft Institute (FCI) or from National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT) affiliated IHM or from other reputed hospitality schools etc.
Detailed Guidelines can be viewed on the Ministry’s website at
www. incredibleindia.org
ISSUES REGARDING SAFETY AND SECURITY HAVE ALSO BEEN ADDRESSED IN THE REVISED GUIDELINES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11:8 IST
In order to keep abreast with the contemporary requirements of the hospitality industry, the Union Ministry of Tourism has recently reviewed the norms for approval of hotel projects and Guidelines for Classification of hotels.
The changing requirements of international and domestic travelers clubbed with an emerging safety and security consciousness in view of the recent incidents in the country, necessitated a review of the hotel Classification norms which were last reviewed in 2003. These Guidelines have been finalized after several rounds of interaction with and inputs from the hotel industry and the related stakeholders.
The Ministry of Tourism has tried to address major concerns to make the Classification norms friendlier for the differently abled persons by adopting the international best practices. Existing and new hotels of all categories all over the country would now have to comply with the requirements for the differently abled persons in respect of accessibility, special rooms with bathrooms and facilities etc. in the public area by 1st September, 2010.
Issues regarding safety and security have also been addressed in the revised Guidelines as per which depending on the star category, hotels are now required to have metal detectors, CCTVs, X-Ray machines, under belly scanners to screen vehicles, verification of staff and suppliers etc. Food & Beverage outlets (restaurants) in the hotel have also been rationalised. For this purpose, the minimum number and type of restaurants / Food & Beverage (F&B) service has been allocated depending on the location of the hotel in the country based on a system of Grade A and Grade B cities.
The Grade A cities would comprise of major metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad/ Secunderabad and Delhi. (Delhi would include the hotels falling in Gurgaon, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, NOIDA and Greater NOIDA). Grade B cities would comprise all other cities not covered in Grade A. Hotels located in Grade A cities would require to offer more types of cuisine / number of F&B outlets compared to Grade B cities. Hotels located in Grade B cities would not be required to offer the same number of F&B outlets as that of Grade A due to the lesser demand.
With a view to provide high standards of service, it has been made mandatory for hotels to have minimum percentage of trained supervisory and skilled staff possessing degree / diploma / skilled training certificate from Central / State Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) / Food Craft Institute (FCI) or from National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT) affiliated IHM or from other reputed hospitality schools etc.
Detailed Guidelines can be viewed on the Ministry’s website at
www. incredibleindia.org
Gangtok, Aug 5 (PTI) In a bid to woo tourists, the Sikkim government has proposed to build a skywalk at Baleydunga Cliff in the state's south at a tentative cost of Rs 1200 crore.
The skywalk, to be set up at an altitude of 10,100 feet, has been proposed on the lines of the Grand Canyon Skywalk in the US, tourism department officials said today.
International consultancy firm Grant Thornton has already presented a pre-feasibility report to Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling besides other ministers and top officials.
According to the firm, an estimated Rs 500 crore would be required for constructing the skywalk, while Rs 700 crore would be needed for construction of various infrastructure like cable car, tourist complex, accommodation centre and other amenities for the tourists.
The skywalk, to be set up at an altitude of 10,100 feet, has been proposed on the lines of the Grand Canyon Skywalk in the US, tourism department officials said today.
International consultancy firm Grant Thornton has already presented a pre-feasibility report to Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling besides other ministers and top officials.
According to the firm, an estimated Rs 500 crore would be required for constructing the skywalk, while Rs 700 crore would be needed for construction of various infrastructure like cable car, tourist complex, accommodation centre and other amenities for the tourists.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
SKY WALK IN SIKKIM
GANGTOK, 4 AUG: The Sikkim chief minister Mr Pawan Chamling today said that his government was keen to present the state with a skywalk at Bhaleydhunga. The project is expected to propel Sikkim into the international tourism map besides becoming a landmark of its own in the Himalayan state. An international consultancy firm has in its pre-feasibility report pegged the estimated cost for the proposed skywalk at Rs 1200 crore approximately.
The lump sum cost involves construction of three finger-shaped glass skywalks connected through a tunnel in the rocky spur of Bhaleydunga cliff at an elevation of 10,102 feet.
Mr Chamling has been interested in the realization of the tourism project atop a mountain cliff on the lines of the Grand Canyon Skywalk. In this regard, the state government had engaged the services of Grant Thornton, an international consultancy firm to draft a feasibility study on the project.
The company’s representatives in India today presented the pre-feasibility on the Bhaleydunga Skywalk project at Chintan Bhavan in Gangtok in presence of the chief minister and other ministers.
According to the firm representatives, the skywalk would cost around Rs 500 crore while the rest amount would be spent on allied supporting infrastructures like cable car, tourist complex, accommodation centre, nature and spiritual complex and other tourism amenities. The firm has already submitted the interim and draft report of the project to the state government.
The proposed glassy skywalk at Bhaleydunga would be a three-fingered fork at an elevation of 10,102 feet and a ropeway from the nearby hamlet of Yangang would connect to it.
The lump sum cost involves construction of three finger-shaped glass skywalks connected through a tunnel in the rocky spur of Bhaleydunga cliff at an elevation of 10,102 feet.
Mr Chamling has been interested in the realization of the tourism project atop a mountain cliff on the lines of the Grand Canyon Skywalk. In this regard, the state government had engaged the services of Grant Thornton, an international consultancy firm to draft a feasibility study on the project.
The company’s representatives in India today presented the pre-feasibility on the Bhaleydunga Skywalk project at Chintan Bhavan in Gangtok in presence of the chief minister and other ministers.
According to the firm representatives, the skywalk would cost around Rs 500 crore while the rest amount would be spent on allied supporting infrastructures like cable car, tourist complex, accommodation centre, nature and spiritual complex and other tourism amenities. The firm has already submitted the interim and draft report of the project to the state government.
The proposed glassy skywalk at Bhaleydunga would be a three-fingered fork at an elevation of 10,102 feet and a ropeway from the nearby hamlet of Yangang would connect to it.
SIKKIM: Sikkim team flies to Bangkok
GANGTOK, 4 AUG: To study development-oriented projects in Thailand, the Sikkim government yesterday sent a four-member delegation to Bangkok. The team, led by Mr Hishey Lachungpa, political advisor to the Sikkim chief minister, has the development commissioner cum principal secretary, planning and development, Mr Karma Gyatso, secretary, culture and heritage department, Mr DR Kharel and director, Namgyal Institute of Technology, Mr T Densapa.
The Royal Thai Embassy has organised the visit for the delegates to study the development projects in Thailand. The embassy would also organise the fifth seminar on Indo-Thai historical and cultural linkage on 9 September at Gangtok. The seminar would include various presentations on culture and development in Thailand by organizations like Doi Tung Development Project, Department of Community Development, Thailand, Mahidol University etc. The Sikkim government, UNDP – India /UNESCO, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology would also be making presentations on culture and development in India. Other highlights of the seminar are programmes on exchange of
GANGTOK, 4 AUG: To study development-oriented projects in Thailand, the Sikkim government yesterday sent a four-member delegation to Bangkok. The team, led by Mr Hishey Lachungpa, political advisor to the Sikkim chief minister, has the development commissioner cum principal secretary, planning and development, Mr Karma Gyatso, secretary, culture and heritage department, Mr DR Kharel and director, Namgyal Institute of Technology, Mr T Densapa.
The Royal Thai Embassy has organised the visit for the delegates to study the development projects in Thailand. The embassy would also organise the fifth seminar on Indo-Thai historical and cultural linkage on 9 September at Gangtok. The seminar would include various presentations on culture and development in Thailand by organizations like Doi Tung Development Project, Department of Community Development, Thailand, Mahidol University etc. The Sikkim government, UNDP – India /UNESCO, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology would also be making presentations on culture and development in India. Other highlights of the seminar are programmes on exchange of
BHALEDHUNGA SKYWALKS DEMAND ROAR IN PARLIAMENT
SIKKIM: Demand to make Sikkim a world class tourist destination placed at Rajya Sabha
GANGTOK 5TH AUGUST 2009: Raising lack of infrastructure in the State to correspond with the kind of potential of tourism available, Sikkim’s lone MP Rajya Sabha OT Lepcha today briefed the Union Minister of Tourism about Skywalk Project at the top of Bhaley Dhunga in the State and requested her for an all out support so that the State is able to install its successfully in stipulated time which will tremendously leverage trade in the State.
Mr Lepcha also requested the Government to give support for the installation of Skywalk Poject and extend financial and technical help through centrally sponsored schemes and otherwise also for the development of the State of Sikkim as a world class tourist destination.
Besides the infrastructure, somehow the popularity of Sikkim Tourism is also limited. Government of Sikkim is doing its best to develop the infrastructure for tourism and popularize it but the need for central assistant is felt on this account, he said in the Rajya Sabha today.
Recently, the chief minister of Sikkim has met with the Union Minister of Tourism and apprised her about the unexploited tourism potential of the State.
In response to Mr. Lepcha’s written request, the Union Minister queries, assured the requisite help for the accelerated development of tourism in the State
GANGTOK 5TH AUGUST 2009: Raising lack of infrastructure in the State to correspond with the kind of potential of tourism available, Sikkim’s lone MP Rajya Sabha OT Lepcha today briefed the Union Minister of Tourism about Skywalk Project at the top of Bhaley Dhunga in the State and requested her for an all out support so that the State is able to install its successfully in stipulated time which will tremendously leverage trade in the State.
Mr Lepcha also requested the Government to give support for the installation of Skywalk Poject and extend financial and technical help through centrally sponsored schemes and otherwise also for the development of the State of Sikkim as a world class tourist destination.
Besides the infrastructure, somehow the popularity of Sikkim Tourism is also limited. Government of Sikkim is doing its best to develop the infrastructure for tourism and popularize it but the need for central assistant is felt on this account, he said in the Rajya Sabha today.
Recently, the chief minister of Sikkim has met with the Union Minister of Tourism and apprised her about the unexploited tourism potential of the State.
In response to Mr. Lepcha’s written request, the Union Minister queries, assured the requisite help for the accelerated development of tourism in the State
SIKKIM ENTREPRENEUR FOR A BEER PLANT IN ASSAM
CELEBRITY WATCH: Danny Denzongpa outbids UB for Rhino Breweries
BANGALORE:5TH AUGUST 2009:
Bollywood’s illustrious gangster Danny Denzongpa is bolstering his beer story in eastern India. Denzongpa-owned Yuksom Breweries has acquired Rhino Breweries in Assam in a move thwarting industry leader United Breweries’ (UB) plans for a bigger play in North East (NE) markets, said sources.
This summer, Denzongpa quietly acquired Rhino Agencies, as his nearly three-decade-old Sikkimese brewing company scripted its first takeover to defend the core markets where it sells beers, such as Dansberg, Hit and He-Man.
Yuksom is learnt to have paid over Rs 40 crore for the brewery that started operations only two months back.
In 2007, UB had signed a technical consultancy and licence agreement with Guwahati-based Rhino Agencies to etch its manufacturing footprint in the rapidly growing NE market.
Denzongpa, who has starred in over 150 films including several memorable roles opposite Amitabh Bachchan, is showing the first signs of aggression, possibly to defend his home turf, after dabbling in the brewing industry from 1982 onwards.
A top Yuksom official confirmed the acquisition of Rhino Breweries, but declined to divulge further details of the development. “We are one of the leaders in NE, but we are just a small player otherwise,” said Madan Arora, executive director, Yuksom.
Denzongpa, who made a big screen comeback in a re-invented avatar this year, has characteristically kept his cards close to his chest while systematically building the NE market and even training his focus overseas with brews, such as Himalayan Blue and Yeti.
Yuksom, which has three breweries in Sikkim, Orissa and Assam, sells over three million cases making it one of the few independent survivors in an industry carved up between UB and SABMiller. It must be mentioned that UB is already well entrenched in West Bengal and had significantly raised its presence in Orissa last year.
Eastern India has emerged as an attractive market for brewers with sales reporting robust double-digit growth in recent years. With over 17 million cases in volume, eastern states now account for roughly 10% of the overall national consumption, pegged at 174 million cases in FY09.
Unlike the strong southern beer market, where the state governments reserve the right to price alcoholic beverages, eastern states have a flexible pricing system. The under-developed logistics and lower purchasing power of this market have, however, kept national brewers away so far, said an official working with a beer major.
SOURCE;ECONOMIC TIMES
BANGALORE:5TH AUGUST 2009:
Bollywood’s illustrious gangster Danny Denzongpa is bolstering his beer story in eastern India. Denzongpa-owned Yuksom Breweries has acquired Rhino Breweries in Assam in a move thwarting industry leader United Breweries’ (UB) plans for a bigger play in North East (NE) markets, said sources.
This summer, Denzongpa quietly acquired Rhino Agencies, as his nearly three-decade-old Sikkimese brewing company scripted its first takeover to defend the core markets where it sells beers, such as Dansberg, Hit and He-Man.
Yuksom is learnt to have paid over Rs 40 crore for the brewery that started operations only two months back.
In 2007, UB had signed a technical consultancy and licence agreement with Guwahati-based Rhino Agencies to etch its manufacturing footprint in the rapidly growing NE market.
Denzongpa, who has starred in over 150 films including several memorable roles opposite Amitabh Bachchan, is showing the first signs of aggression, possibly to defend his home turf, after dabbling in the brewing industry from 1982 onwards.
A top Yuksom official confirmed the acquisition of Rhino Breweries, but declined to divulge further details of the development. “We are one of the leaders in NE, but we are just a small player otherwise,” said Madan Arora, executive director, Yuksom.
Denzongpa, who made a big screen comeback in a re-invented avatar this year, has characteristically kept his cards close to his chest while systematically building the NE market and even training his focus overseas with brews, such as Himalayan Blue and Yeti.
Yuksom, which has three breweries in Sikkim, Orissa and Assam, sells over three million cases making it one of the few independent survivors in an industry carved up between UB and SABMiller. It must be mentioned that UB is already well entrenched in West Bengal and had significantly raised its presence in Orissa last year.
Eastern India has emerged as an attractive market for brewers with sales reporting robust double-digit growth in recent years. With over 17 million cases in volume, eastern states now account for roughly 10% of the overall national consumption, pegged at 174 million cases in FY09.
Unlike the strong southern beer market, where the state governments reserve the right to price alcoholic beverages, eastern states have a flexible pricing system. The under-developed logistics and lower purchasing power of this market have, however, kept national brewers away so far, said an official working with a beer major.
SOURCE;ECONOMIC TIMES
TUNNEL OF 12 KM LENGTH IN KASHMIR PLANNED
Lok Sabha
To improve connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, two tunnels have been proposed to be constructed by the Union Government in the State. One of the tunnels will be constructed in Zozila Pass between Sonamag and Drass on the Srinagar-Ladakh Highway. The tunnel at Zozila will be 12 km long and another tunnel of 3.10 km length at Z Morh is also proposed . This information was provided by Shri R.P.N.Singh, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways in Lok Sabha today.
He further informed that the contract for feasibility study and preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) of Zozila Tunnel together with Z Morh Tunnel has been awarded to M/s iBilt Technology, New Delhi on 29th April 2009. The feasibility study will be completed within a period of 18 months.
RS:PM
To improve connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, two tunnels have been proposed to be constructed by the Union Government in the State. One of the tunnels will be constructed in Zozila Pass between Sonamag and Drass on the Srinagar-Ladakh Highway. The tunnel at Zozila will be 12 km long and another tunnel of 3.10 km length at Z Morh is also proposed . This information was provided by Shri R.P.N.Singh, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways in Lok Sabha today.
He further informed that the contract for feasibility study and preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) of Zozila Tunnel together with Z Morh Tunnel has been awarded to M/s iBilt Technology, New Delhi on 29th April 2009. The feasibility study will be completed within a period of 18 months.
RS:PM
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN SIKKIM
Sustainable development
The concept of sustainability is now widely accepted for any type of development, including tourism. Sustainable development means development without degrading and depleting the resources that make development possible. It is conservation of resources for use and enjoyment of the present generation as well as the generations yet unborn. Sustainable development is based on ecological, socio-cultural and economic sustainability. It demands changes in behaviour patterns so that it is more conservation than consumption oriented. It is important that community and local residents receive satisfying benefits. More the benefits, the more will they become motivated and responsible to protect the area's cultural heritage and thus support tourism.
However, frequently, the community may lack a realistic understanding of what is involved in achieving this development. Hence, it is essential to educate and inform them to promote consensus, understanding and agreement on the most appropriate forms and extent of development. The official enactments and regulations are necessary but they cannot replace the people's participation as the most effective approach to sustainable development. And this holds true for Sikkim in more than one ways.
Most of the developing nations have defined sustainability in tourism in terms of maintaining the levels of tourist arrivals and receipts. This approach is narrowly focused as it ignores the need for ameliorating its ecological and socio-cultural impact. It is not the tourist volume per se that causes ecological and socio-cultural damage but the absence of adequately thought-out policies to handle any form of growth. The environment's carrying capacity is quite elastic and can withstand considerable tourism growth provided it is carefully planned and managed. The absence of inter-sectoral linkages hinders enforcement and implementation of sustainable policies. Further, the community and its resident groups usually have low levels of income, education and skills.
With India's need for faster economic growth and more foreign exchange, the planners jumped on the bandwagon of tourism development ignoring the considerations of heritage preservation and that of the socio-cultural environment. The demand for the fast pace of development of facilities was further accentuated by the impact of mass tourism. As a result, development process was imposed upon local communities without gaining their confidence and participation. They were relegated to the status of mere bystanders.
In many states in the country, the array of governmental agencies and the lack of coordination between them are nullifying the impact of the conservation regulations and the conservation of heritage monuments that are the main tourism resource is suffering. Despite all the drawbacks, the time is ripe for formulating a creative approach to heritage preservation, environmental conservation and people's participation so that the goal of sustainable tourism development is attained.
The State Government should take the following steps for a healthy, coordinated and planned development of all the tourism sites in the State. It should set up administrative machinery for closer rapport between central government agencies and the district and local administration for preserving heritage centres and creatively use the decentralised powers of district and local Panchayats for developing infrastructure. Efforts should be also made to create awareness about the benefits of heritage preservation and tourism development among the local community through imaginative programmes of education and information. It should also ensure that the aspects of heritage preservation, environmental conservation and people's participation are given due weightage. Involving the corporate sector, especially the major power project developers in the State in preserving heritage sites that are prime tourism resources should also be looked into.
Courtesy- Editorial board-Sikkim Express
The concept of sustainability is now widely accepted for any type of development, including tourism. Sustainable development means development without degrading and depleting the resources that make development possible. It is conservation of resources for use and enjoyment of the present generation as well as the generations yet unborn. Sustainable development is based on ecological, socio-cultural and economic sustainability. It demands changes in behaviour patterns so that it is more conservation than consumption oriented. It is important that community and local residents receive satisfying benefits. More the benefits, the more will they become motivated and responsible to protect the area's cultural heritage and thus support tourism.
However, frequently, the community may lack a realistic understanding of what is involved in achieving this development. Hence, it is essential to educate and inform them to promote consensus, understanding and agreement on the most appropriate forms and extent of development. The official enactments and regulations are necessary but they cannot replace the people's participation as the most effective approach to sustainable development. And this holds true for Sikkim in more than one ways.
Most of the developing nations have defined sustainability in tourism in terms of maintaining the levels of tourist arrivals and receipts. This approach is narrowly focused as it ignores the need for ameliorating its ecological and socio-cultural impact. It is not the tourist volume per se that causes ecological and socio-cultural damage but the absence of adequately thought-out policies to handle any form of growth. The environment's carrying capacity is quite elastic and can withstand considerable tourism growth provided it is carefully planned and managed. The absence of inter-sectoral linkages hinders enforcement and implementation of sustainable policies. Further, the community and its resident groups usually have low levels of income, education and skills.
With India's need for faster economic growth and more foreign exchange, the planners jumped on the bandwagon of tourism development ignoring the considerations of heritage preservation and that of the socio-cultural environment. The demand for the fast pace of development of facilities was further accentuated by the impact of mass tourism. As a result, development process was imposed upon local communities without gaining their confidence and participation. They were relegated to the status of mere bystanders.
In many states in the country, the array of governmental agencies and the lack of coordination between them are nullifying the impact of the conservation regulations and the conservation of heritage monuments that are the main tourism resource is suffering. Despite all the drawbacks, the time is ripe for formulating a creative approach to heritage preservation, environmental conservation and people's participation so that the goal of sustainable tourism development is attained.
The State Government should take the following steps for a healthy, coordinated and planned development of all the tourism sites in the State. It should set up administrative machinery for closer rapport between central government agencies and the district and local administration for preserving heritage centres and creatively use the decentralised powers of district and local Panchayats for developing infrastructure. Efforts should be also made to create awareness about the benefits of heritage preservation and tourism development among the local community through imaginative programmes of education and information. It should also ensure that the aspects of heritage preservation, environmental conservation and people's participation are given due weightage. Involving the corporate sector, especially the major power project developers in the State in preserving heritage sites that are prime tourism resources should also be looked into.
Courtesy- Editorial board-Sikkim Express
SKYWALK PROJECT AT BHALEDHOONGA
GANGTOK, August 3: Raising lack of infrastructure in the State to correspond with the kind of potential of tourism available, Sikkim’s lone MP Rajya Sabha OT Lepcha today briefed the Union Minister of Tourism about Skywalk Project at the top of Bhaley Dhunga in the State and requested her for an all out support so that the State is able to install its successfully in stipulated time which will tremendously leverage trade in the State.
Mr Lepcha also requested the Government to give support for the installation of Skywalk Poject and extend financial and technical help through centrally sponsored schemes and otherwise also for the development of the State of Sikkim as a world class tourist destination.
Besides the infrastructure, somehow the popularity of Sikkim Tourism is also limited. Government of Sikkim is doing its best to develop the infrastructure for tourism and popularize it but the need for central assistant is felt on this account, he said in the Rajya Sabha today.
Recently, the chief minister of Sikkim has met with the Union Minister of Tourism and apprised her about the unexploited tourism potential of the State.
In response to Mr. Lepcha’s written request, the Union Minister queries, assured the requisite help for the accelerated development of tourism in the State.
Mr Lepcha also requested the Government to give support for the installation of Skywalk Poject and extend financial and technical help through centrally sponsored schemes and otherwise also for the development of the State of Sikkim as a world class tourist destination.
Besides the infrastructure, somehow the popularity of Sikkim Tourism is also limited. Government of Sikkim is doing its best to develop the infrastructure for tourism and popularize it but the need for central assistant is felt on this account, he said in the Rajya Sabha today.
Recently, the chief minister of Sikkim has met with the Union Minister of Tourism and apprised her about the unexploited tourism potential of the State.
In response to Mr. Lepcha’s written request, the Union Minister queries, assured the requisite help for the accelerated development of tourism in the State.
VISION 2020 DOCUMENT FINALISED
Vision 2020 document for the development of the North-Eastern Region
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3 august 2009
16:53 IST
LOK SABHA
The North Eastern Region Vision 2020 document has been finalized. The document was adopted by the North-Eastern Council in its 56th meeting held at Agartala, on 12-13 May 2008. The document was also formally released by the Honourable Prime Minister on 2nd July 2008.
The Vision document sets up the goals, identifies the challenges and suggests regional and sectoral implementation strategies for promoting the socio-economic prosperity of the region. The following objectives are proposed to be achieved.
1. Improve the standard of living of the people of North-Eastern.
2. Structural transformation by effecting significant changes in development strategies to achieve growth rates of GSDP equal to National Averages.
3. Poverty eradication based on participatory planning.
4. Maximizing self-governance by building capacity in people and traditional/local institutions.
5. Harnessing available local resources for development.
6. Substantial strengthening of infrastructure.
7. Expand trade and commerce in the region.
8. Effective governance for establishing peace and harmony in the region.
The document suggests a six-fold strategy for the comprehensive developments of the region.
• Empowering people by maximizing self-governance and participatory development through grass-roots planning to promote inclusive development.
• Creation of development opportunities for the rural areas through enhancing productivity in agriculture and allied activities such as animal husbandry, horticulture, floriculture, fisheries and generation of livelihood options through rural non-farm employment.
• To develop sectors in the region which have a comparative advantage such as agro processing, hydro power generation.
• Enhancing the skills and competencies of the people and building the capacities for institutions within the Government and outside.
• Creating a hospitable investment climate to encourage investment by private sector particularly for infrastructure.
• Harnessing the resources of the Government and the private sector to realize the objectives of the Vision.
It has been estimated in the Vision document that additional investment of Rs. 13,29,891 crores would be required to achieve the objectives enshrined in the Vision document and to bring the North Eastern Region at par with the rest of the country.
The Ministry of Development of North-Eastern Region has constituted 17 Thematic Working Groups which are headed by officials of the line Ministries and also includes representatives of State Governments of the North-Eastern States, various other organisations and eminent experts.
These Thematic Working Groups has been constituted on various sectors which include Panchayati Raj & Loacal Self Government, Poverty Eradication, Human Resource Development, Industry, Connectivity (major roads), Connectivity (inland waterways), Connectivity (air), Connectivity (railways), Co0nnectivity (rural roads), Tourism, IT enabled services and Cyber Connectivity, Power, Health Rural Sector, Financial Services Sports, Art & Culture and Look East Policy. These Thematic Working Groups have prepared sectoral Plans of Action based on the objectives in the Vision Document. These plans of action were presented before public representative and media of the North East in Shillong in 2008. The action plans of these Thematic Groups will be finalized in consultation with the concerned Ministries and ‘in principle’ approval of the Planning Commission will be taken for funding the same.
After the Action Plans are finalized by the Thematic Groups, these will be implemented by different Ministries in the North Eastern region from the gross budgetary allocation made to them by the Planning Commission.
The Vision 2020 document projects a time frame for implementation over the period of Eleventh Five Year Plan upto first three years of 13th Five Year Plan, i.e. upto 2020.
This information was given by the Minister of Mines and Minister of Development of North Eastern Region, Shri B.K. Handique in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.
****
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3 august 2009
16:53 IST
LOK SABHA
The North Eastern Region Vision 2020 document has been finalized. The document was adopted by the North-Eastern Council in its 56th meeting held at Agartala, on 12-13 May 2008. The document was also formally released by the Honourable Prime Minister on 2nd July 2008.
The Vision document sets up the goals, identifies the challenges and suggests regional and sectoral implementation strategies for promoting the socio-economic prosperity of the region. The following objectives are proposed to be achieved.
1. Improve the standard of living of the people of North-Eastern.
2. Structural transformation by effecting significant changes in development strategies to achieve growth rates of GSDP equal to National Averages.
3. Poverty eradication based on participatory planning.
4. Maximizing self-governance by building capacity in people and traditional/local institutions.
5. Harnessing available local resources for development.
6. Substantial strengthening of infrastructure.
7. Expand trade and commerce in the region.
8. Effective governance for establishing peace and harmony in the region.
The document suggests a six-fold strategy for the comprehensive developments of the region.
• Empowering people by maximizing self-governance and participatory development through grass-roots planning to promote inclusive development.
• Creation of development opportunities for the rural areas through enhancing productivity in agriculture and allied activities such as animal husbandry, horticulture, floriculture, fisheries and generation of livelihood options through rural non-farm employment.
• To develop sectors in the region which have a comparative advantage such as agro processing, hydro power generation.
• Enhancing the skills and competencies of the people and building the capacities for institutions within the Government and outside.
• Creating a hospitable investment climate to encourage investment by private sector particularly for infrastructure.
• Harnessing the resources of the Government and the private sector to realize the objectives of the Vision.
It has been estimated in the Vision document that additional investment of Rs. 13,29,891 crores would be required to achieve the objectives enshrined in the Vision document and to bring the North Eastern Region at par with the rest of the country.
The Ministry of Development of North-Eastern Region has constituted 17 Thematic Working Groups which are headed by officials of the line Ministries and also includes representatives of State Governments of the North-Eastern States, various other organisations and eminent experts.
These Thematic Working Groups has been constituted on various sectors which include Panchayati Raj & Loacal Self Government, Poverty Eradication, Human Resource Development, Industry, Connectivity (major roads), Connectivity (inland waterways), Connectivity (air), Connectivity (railways), Co0nnectivity (rural roads), Tourism, IT enabled services and Cyber Connectivity, Power, Health Rural Sector, Financial Services Sports, Art & Culture and Look East Policy. These Thematic Working Groups have prepared sectoral Plans of Action based on the objectives in the Vision Document. These plans of action were presented before public representative and media of the North East in Shillong in 2008. The action plans of these Thematic Groups will be finalized in consultation with the concerned Ministries and ‘in principle’ approval of the Planning Commission will be taken for funding the same.
After the Action Plans are finalized by the Thematic Groups, these will be implemented by different Ministries in the North Eastern region from the gross budgetary allocation made to them by the Planning Commission.
The Vision 2020 document projects a time frame for implementation over the period of Eleventh Five Year Plan upto first three years of 13th Five Year Plan, i.e. upto 2020.
This information was given by the Minister of Mines and Minister of Development of North Eastern Region, Shri B.K. Handique in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.
****
Monday, August 3, 2009
DR YOGESH VERMA PRESENT PAPER IN WORLD SCIENTIFIC CONGRESS
SIKKIM: Dr. Verma presents paper at 31st Annual Scientific Congress
GANGTOK, August 2: The chief consultant of STNM hospital, Dr. Yogesh Verma who is also the principal investigator of the Population Based Cancer Registry has presented a paper in the 31st Annual Scientific Congress held at New Orleans, USA.
The convention had been organized by International Agency for Research on Cancer of World Health Organization from June 3 to June 5.
The WHO body had invited Dr. Verma for the meet where he presented a paper ‘ethnic variation in the occurrence of cancer of stomach, esophagus and liver in Sikkim’.
Dr. Verma is the principal investigator of Population Based Cancer Registry, a unit under National Cancer Registry of the Indian Council of Medical Research established in 2003.
In his paper, Dr. Verma outlined the different ethnic groups of Sikkim with different culture and food habits.
An attempt was made to examine the possible variation in cancer incidence by different ethnic groups and the cancer incidence data collected for the years 2003-07 was utilized for the analysis, informs a press release issued by Dr. Verma.
In his presentation, Dr. Verma pointed out that the comparison of average annual incidence rate among Bhutias as against other ethnic groups revealed that the Bhutias have registered the higher incidence of stomach, Oesophagus and liver among males. In the case of females, the higher incidence was registered for the site of stomach and Oesophagus.
The data analysis showed a significant variation in the incidence of stomach, Oesophagus and liver in Bhutias as compared to other ethnic group.
No study on ethnic variation in cancer has been done so far in these groups and this study could lead to future evidence based studies on factors leading to this ethnic variation, the release says.
Dr. Verma has also expressed his gratitude for the support given by the State government, DESME, doctors and staff of Health department and SMIMS. The study was supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research
GANGTOK, August 2: The chief consultant of STNM hospital, Dr. Yogesh Verma who is also the principal investigator of the Population Based Cancer Registry has presented a paper in the 31st Annual Scientific Congress held at New Orleans, USA.
The convention had been organized by International Agency for Research on Cancer of World Health Organization from June 3 to June 5.
The WHO body had invited Dr. Verma for the meet where he presented a paper ‘ethnic variation in the occurrence of cancer of stomach, esophagus and liver in Sikkim’.
Dr. Verma is the principal investigator of Population Based Cancer Registry, a unit under National Cancer Registry of the Indian Council of Medical Research established in 2003.
In his paper, Dr. Verma outlined the different ethnic groups of Sikkim with different culture and food habits.
An attempt was made to examine the possible variation in cancer incidence by different ethnic groups and the cancer incidence data collected for the years 2003-07 was utilized for the analysis, informs a press release issued by Dr. Verma.
In his presentation, Dr. Verma pointed out that the comparison of average annual incidence rate among Bhutias as against other ethnic groups revealed that the Bhutias have registered the higher incidence of stomach, Oesophagus and liver among males. In the case of females, the higher incidence was registered for the site of stomach and Oesophagus.
The data analysis showed a significant variation in the incidence of stomach, Oesophagus and liver in Bhutias as compared to other ethnic group.
No study on ethnic variation in cancer has been done so far in these groups and this study could lead to future evidence based studies on factors leading to this ethnic variation, the release says.
Dr. Verma has also expressed his gratitude for the support given by the State government, DESME, doctors and staff of Health department and SMIMS. The study was supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research
ST COMMUNITIES MAY PROFESS ANY RELIGION
ST communities may profess any religion
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16:56 IST
RAJYA SABHA
3 Aug 2009
The communities notified as Scheduled Tribes under Article 342 of the Constitution may profess any religion. The list of Scheduled Tribes is State/UT specific and any inclusion/exclusion/modification in the list of Scheduled Tribes of any State/UT may be done only after the concerned State Government/UT Administration sends the proposal and is agreed by the Registrar General of India and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes. Further, all communities notified as Scheduled Tribes, irrespective of the religion being professed by their members, are entitled to avail the benefits meant for the Scheduled Tribes.
This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs Dr. Tushar A. Chaudhary in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
VBA/BS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16:56 IST
RAJYA SABHA
3 Aug 2009
The communities notified as Scheduled Tribes under Article 342 of the Constitution may profess any religion. The list of Scheduled Tribes is State/UT specific and any inclusion/exclusion/modification in the list of Scheduled Tribes of any State/UT may be done only after the concerned State Government/UT Administration sends the proposal and is agreed by the Registrar General of India and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes. Further, all communities notified as Scheduled Tribes, irrespective of the religion being professed by their members, are entitled to avail the benefits meant for the Scheduled Tribes.
This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs Dr. Tushar A. Chaudhary in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
VBA/BS
NEED TO SIMPLIFIY INCOME TAX-UDAY VED
In line with its earlier policies and the pre-poll mandate, the United Progressive Alliance government has already initiated steps to revive the Indian economy. The thrust, as far as tax policies are concerned, has been on simplifying and rationalizing the tax structure, moderating tax rates, stabilizing tax policies and enhancing efficiency in tax administration.
Some of the seeds for such tax reforms have already been sown by finance minister Pranab Mukherjee in the 2009-10 Budget in July.
As you read this, the government is believed to be giving final touches to a new direct taxes code, which will soon be released in the public domain for comments. The Incometax (I-T) Act, 1961, and the Wealth Tax Act, 1957 are--the proposal goes--to be replaced with a unified direct taxes code.
Over the years, the I-T Act has developed into a complex legislation due to the introduction of several new provisions and explanations each year. With the passage of time, many provisions have become redundant and need to be deleted.
Similarly, the provisions of the Wealth Tax Act have been considerably diluted since it was first introduced: Earlier, almost all assets belonging to an assessee were chargeable to wealth tax; now, only a few are considered to qualify as wealth.
The new code is expected to clear the numerous complexities and interpretation issues that shroud the present I-T law. It is also believed that complex provisions and tedious explanations may be replaced with mathematical formulae as far as computational provisions are concerned for, say, tax holidays. The objective is to provide the common man with a simple law, without complex tax jargon. The new code could draw on the experience of developed and emerging countries and simplify the tax law provisions as they stand today--although not all countries are known to have simple tax laws.
However, one imagines that the five-decade-old I-T Act cannot be completely replaced. For example, we may still need to characterize whether income is part of business earnings, salary, capital gains, or has accrued from other areas. Furthermore, the I-T law in India has for a long time been--to a large degree--reliant on judicial precedents and interpretations that vary from case to case. This has often led to prolonged litigation, which not only results in loss of revenue for the government, but also leads to investors losing interest due to uncertainty on tax positions. The government's approach while drafting the new code could be to simplify provisions and to provide guidance on the interpretation of these provisions, wherever feasible, by relying on such judicial precedents. Additionally, the new code could increase the potential base of assessees that could rely on the presumptive basis of taxation--that is, say, their taxable income could be determined based on a certain percentage of gross revenues/turnover, at the option of the assessee. This could obviate the need to maintain an elaborate set of accounts and make it simple to administer. Currently, the I-T Act already provides a presumptive basis of taxation for businesses that have difficulty in maintaining records or determining profits that should be taxable in India, such as the road transport business or oil exploration. One can already see in the Budget the introduction of presumptive basis of taxation for individuals, Hindu undivided families and partnership firms whose total turnover does not exceed Rs40 lakh. Under the new provision, eligible taxpayers may choose to pay income tax on 8% of the total turnover. Such provisions, if introduced for a larger base of assesses, would relieve taxpayers of the task of maintaining a complete set of books of accounts, freeing them of administrative hassles, and also reducing the costs of tax collection.
It is also believed that the new code would embody a "low incentive-low tax rate" system, which would essentially offset an expansion in the tax base against a drop in the rate at which income is taxed.
The Kelkar Committee that was set up for tax reforms also recommended this approach in its 2002 report.
It is also essential that the new tax code bring with it a reduction in the quantum of litigation. While the government has already introduced the alternative dispute resolution mechanism and the safe harbour rules in the Budget, the next area that the government should target to reduce litigation and bring more certainty should be the introduction of advance pricing arrangements.
Also, the implementation of the National Tax Tribunal would be a good step towards dispute resolution.
There's much else a new tax code could provide: Rearrangement of chapters in the I-T Act to lend flow to step-by-step tax computation, deletion of redundant provisions, presumptive basis of taxation for foreign companies and easy language.
It is said, "Well begun is half (job) done." The government has indeed started on a good note with the new tax policy initiatives introduced in the Budget. We hope that it continues this by bringing clarity to the new direct taxes code.
Uday Ved is head of tax at KPMG in India. Comments are welcome at theirview@livemint.com
EMAIL
Some of the seeds for such tax reforms have already been sown by finance minister Pranab Mukherjee in the 2009-10 Budget in July.
As you read this, the government is believed to be giving final touches to a new direct taxes code, which will soon be released in the public domain for comments. The Incometax (I-T) Act, 1961, and the Wealth Tax Act, 1957 are--the proposal goes--to be replaced with a unified direct taxes code.
Over the years, the I-T Act has developed into a complex legislation due to the introduction of several new provisions and explanations each year. With the passage of time, many provisions have become redundant and need to be deleted.
Similarly, the provisions of the Wealth Tax Act have been considerably diluted since it was first introduced: Earlier, almost all assets belonging to an assessee were chargeable to wealth tax; now, only a few are considered to qualify as wealth.
The new code is expected to clear the numerous complexities and interpretation issues that shroud the present I-T law. It is also believed that complex provisions and tedious explanations may be replaced with mathematical formulae as far as computational provisions are concerned for, say, tax holidays. The objective is to provide the common man with a simple law, without complex tax jargon. The new code could draw on the experience of developed and emerging countries and simplify the tax law provisions as they stand today--although not all countries are known to have simple tax laws.
However, one imagines that the five-decade-old I-T Act cannot be completely replaced. For example, we may still need to characterize whether income is part of business earnings, salary, capital gains, or has accrued from other areas. Furthermore, the I-T law in India has for a long time been--to a large degree--reliant on judicial precedents and interpretations that vary from case to case. This has often led to prolonged litigation, which not only results in loss of revenue for the government, but also leads to investors losing interest due to uncertainty on tax positions. The government's approach while drafting the new code could be to simplify provisions and to provide guidance on the interpretation of these provisions, wherever feasible, by relying on such judicial precedents. Additionally, the new code could increase the potential base of assessees that could rely on the presumptive basis of taxation--that is, say, their taxable income could be determined based on a certain percentage of gross revenues/turnover, at the option of the assessee. This could obviate the need to maintain an elaborate set of accounts and make it simple to administer. Currently, the I-T Act already provides a presumptive basis of taxation for businesses that have difficulty in maintaining records or determining profits that should be taxable in India, such as the road transport business or oil exploration. One can already see in the Budget the introduction of presumptive basis of taxation for individuals, Hindu undivided families and partnership firms whose total turnover does not exceed Rs40 lakh. Under the new provision, eligible taxpayers may choose to pay income tax on 8% of the total turnover. Such provisions, if introduced for a larger base of assesses, would relieve taxpayers of the task of maintaining a complete set of books of accounts, freeing them of administrative hassles, and also reducing the costs of tax collection.
It is also believed that the new code would embody a "low incentive-low tax rate" system, which would essentially offset an expansion in the tax base against a drop in the rate at which income is taxed.
The Kelkar Committee that was set up for tax reforms also recommended this approach in its 2002 report.
It is also essential that the new tax code bring with it a reduction in the quantum of litigation. While the government has already introduced the alternative dispute resolution mechanism and the safe harbour rules in the Budget, the next area that the government should target to reduce litigation and bring more certainty should be the introduction of advance pricing arrangements.
Also, the implementation of the National Tax Tribunal would be a good step towards dispute resolution.
There's much else a new tax code could provide: Rearrangement of chapters in the I-T Act to lend flow to step-by-step tax computation, deletion of redundant provisions, presumptive basis of taxation for foreign companies and easy language.
It is said, "Well begun is half (job) done." The government has indeed started on a good note with the new tax policy initiatives introduced in the Budget. We hope that it continues this by bringing clarity to the new direct taxes code.
Uday Ved is head of tax at KPMG in India. Comments are welcome at theirview@livemint.com
SIKKIM: Chamling is institutionalized ‘Dr. Pawan Chamling Study and Research Centre’ constituted to give globalize CM
Posted by barunroy on August 2, 2009
FROM SIKKIM EXPRESS
GANGTOK, August 1: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, who is in his 15th straight year running the government of Sikkim and breaking several records along his chequered political career, has been now been institutionalized.
An institution, ‘Dr. Pawan Chamling Study and Research Centre’ has been formed here in Sikkim with the sole purpose of globalizing the thoughts and missions of the Chief Minister, informs a press note from the convener of the interim committee of the centre.
The international committee of the centre is headed by renowned journalist and writer Damber Kumar Giri of Nepal. The other members of the committee will be nominated from all parts of the nation while distinguished personalities will be included in the advisory of the committee, the release informs.
The objectives of the centre are to give global publicity to the cultural plurality and new revolutionary thinkings and principles of the Chief Minister. The centre will try to inspire the global community on the historic initiatives taken by the Chief Minister in the fields of environment and green mission, the release adds.
Apart from the above objectives to sensitize the global community, the centre will also highlight the conservation and promotion steps taken by the Chief Minister for the cultural, language and tradition of the Nepali community so that the Nepali community spread all over the world is inspired from him, the release adds.
The centre will also conduct interactions and deliberations among the Nepali community of the world to preserve the ‘Nepali’ identity.
Distinguished personalities will be felicitated and bestowed with the ‘Dr. Pawan Chamling’ awards to honour their works in environment, human rights, creating peace, language, literature and other fields by the centre. The centre will also study and publish the principles advocated by an organization or an individual on democracy, human rights and justice.
Posted by barunroy on August 2, 2009
FROM SIKKIM EXPRESS
GANGTOK, August 1: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, who is in his 15th straight year running the government of Sikkim and breaking several records along his chequered political career, has been now been institutionalized.
An institution, ‘Dr. Pawan Chamling Study and Research Centre’ has been formed here in Sikkim with the sole purpose of globalizing the thoughts and missions of the Chief Minister, informs a press note from the convener of the interim committee of the centre.
The international committee of the centre is headed by renowned journalist and writer Damber Kumar Giri of Nepal. The other members of the committee will be nominated from all parts of the nation while distinguished personalities will be included in the advisory of the committee, the release informs.
The objectives of the centre are to give global publicity to the cultural plurality and new revolutionary thinkings and principles of the Chief Minister. The centre will try to inspire the global community on the historic initiatives taken by the Chief Minister in the fields of environment and green mission, the release adds.
Apart from the above objectives to sensitize the global community, the centre will also highlight the conservation and promotion steps taken by the Chief Minister for the cultural, language and tradition of the Nepali community so that the Nepali community spread all over the world is inspired from him, the release adds.
The centre will also conduct interactions and deliberations among the Nepali community of the world to preserve the ‘Nepali’ identity.
Distinguished personalities will be felicitated and bestowed with the ‘Dr. Pawan Chamling’ awards to honour their works in environment, human rights, creating peace, language, literature and other fields by the centre. The centre will also study and publish the principles advocated by an organization or an individual on democracy, human rights and justice.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
WORLD'S LARGEST SOLAR STEAM SYSTEM INSTALLED IN INDIA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUG 1, 2009
The world’s largest solar steam system has been installed at Sri Sai Baba Sansthan, Shirdi. The Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy, Dr. Farooq Abdullah inaugurated it recently. The solar system has been designed for cooking food for devotees visiting the sansthan. The total cost of the solar steam system is estimated at Rs. 133.00 lakhs. A subsidy of Rs. 58.40 lakhs has been provided by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) for it. The solar system will enable the sansthan to cook food for 20,000 people / day, resulting in an annual savings of one lakh kg of LPG, translating to nearly Rs.20,00,000 per year. The system has been installed within a record time of 10 months.
Steam cooking has been found to be very clean, efficient and hygienic way of cooking, especially when food is cooked for a large number of people. The Shirdi system generates about 3500 kg of steam every day, which is sufficient to cook food for about 20,000 people. The system has been designed in such a way that it will generate steam for cooking even in the absence of electricity to run the feed water pump for circulating water in the system. Some of the other large solar steam cooking systems installed include systems at Mount Abu in Rajasthan for 10,000 people/ day, at Tirupathi in Andhra Pradesh & Satyabhama university in Chennai each for 15,000 people/day
To promote such systems in the country, a scheme is in promotion through Ministry of New and Renewable Energy which provides support upto 50% of the cost of systems to non-profit making bodies and up to 35% to profit making bodies availing depreciation benefits. Over 40 systems covering a dish area of about 12,000 sq. m have been supported by the Ministry so far for various application. Though its major application is cooking only, it is also used to process heat in industries & laundry, sterilization, air conditioning etc.
India is full of sunshine during most part of the year. Solar radiation available during the daytime can be harnessed for generation of steam using automatically tracked solar concentrators. The concentrators focus the sunlight on receivers which convert water into steam flowing through them for use in the kitchen. The system comprising such concentrators is hooked up with existing boilers so as to take care of cloudy days/ non-sunshine hours. The system can help in saving 70 to 80% of the fuel being used for cooking or other steam applications. These installations can help religious places/ ashrams, schools, students’ hostels, canteens of various establishments etc.
SS/ PM
AUG 1, 2009
The world’s largest solar steam system has been installed at Sri Sai Baba Sansthan, Shirdi. The Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy, Dr. Farooq Abdullah inaugurated it recently. The solar system has been designed for cooking food for devotees visiting the sansthan. The total cost of the solar steam system is estimated at Rs. 133.00 lakhs. A subsidy of Rs. 58.40 lakhs has been provided by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) for it. The solar system will enable the sansthan to cook food for 20,000 people / day, resulting in an annual savings of one lakh kg of LPG, translating to nearly Rs.20,00,000 per year. The system has been installed within a record time of 10 months.
Steam cooking has been found to be very clean, efficient and hygienic way of cooking, especially when food is cooked for a large number of people. The Shirdi system generates about 3500 kg of steam every day, which is sufficient to cook food for about 20,000 people. The system has been designed in such a way that it will generate steam for cooking even in the absence of electricity to run the feed water pump for circulating water in the system. Some of the other large solar steam cooking systems installed include systems at Mount Abu in Rajasthan for 10,000 people/ day, at Tirupathi in Andhra Pradesh & Satyabhama university in Chennai each for 15,000 people/day
To promote such systems in the country, a scheme is in promotion through Ministry of New and Renewable Energy which provides support upto 50% of the cost of systems to non-profit making bodies and up to 35% to profit making bodies availing depreciation benefits. Over 40 systems covering a dish area of about 12,000 sq. m have been supported by the Ministry so far for various application. Though its major application is cooking only, it is also used to process heat in industries & laundry, sterilization, air conditioning etc.
India is full of sunshine during most part of the year. Solar radiation available during the daytime can be harnessed for generation of steam using automatically tracked solar concentrators. The concentrators focus the sunlight on receivers which convert water into steam flowing through them for use in the kitchen. The system comprising such concentrators is hooked up with existing boilers so as to take care of cloudy days/ non-sunshine hours. The system can help in saving 70 to 80% of the fuel being used for cooking or other steam applications. These installations can help religious places/ ashrams, schools, students’ hostels, canteens of various establishments etc.
SS/ PM
PHD FOR SIKKIM GIRL IN SWEDEN
SIKKIM: Sikkimese girl selected for PhD course in Sweden
GANGTOK, July 29: Adding to the list of meritorious students in the State, Pema Choden Bhutia has passed her University Entrance for Scholarship in Sweden for M. Research and PhD in Biotechnology (Protein) for the year 2009-1011.
The girl from Gangyap, Namchi in South Sikkim will be joining the prestigious Uppsala University in Sweden for her two year PhD in Biotechnology (Protein).
Born to Pem Chodan Bhutia (retired government driver) and Chheki Bhutia, Pema Choden was an intelligent and hard working student. She passed AISSE in first division from Modern Secondary School, Gangtok and AISSCE in first division from Namchi Girl’s Senior Secondary School, South Sikkim. She joined Regional Institute of Education, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar for her BSc, B.Ed which she passed with first class.
She then joined the prestigious St. Joseph’s Post Graduate Research Centre, Bangalore University for M.Sc (specialization in Microbiology and Physiology) and completed the course again with first class.
After post graduation, she had a short stint in teaching as PG Teacher and taught Biology in Government Senior Secondary School at Hee Yangthang in West Sikkim. Pema Choden was also a Junior Research Fellow for a short period in the State Council of Science and Technology at Gangtok.
To bag the prestigious Scholarship in Sweden, Pema had to go through the rigorous IELTS, GRE and TOFFEL Tests which she passed with outstanding merit.
GANGTOK, July 29: Adding to the list of meritorious students in the State, Pema Choden Bhutia has passed her University Entrance for Scholarship in Sweden for M. Research and PhD in Biotechnology (Protein) for the year 2009-1011.
The girl from Gangyap, Namchi in South Sikkim will be joining the prestigious Uppsala University in Sweden for her two year PhD in Biotechnology (Protein).
Born to Pem Chodan Bhutia (retired government driver) and Chheki Bhutia, Pema Choden was an intelligent and hard working student. She passed AISSE in first division from Modern Secondary School, Gangtok and AISSCE in first division from Namchi Girl’s Senior Secondary School, South Sikkim. She joined Regional Institute of Education, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar for her BSc, B.Ed which she passed with first class.
She then joined the prestigious St. Joseph’s Post Graduate Research Centre, Bangalore University for M.Sc (specialization in Microbiology and Physiology) and completed the course again with first class.
After post graduation, she had a short stint in teaching as PG Teacher and taught Biology in Government Senior Secondary School at Hee Yangthang in West Sikkim. Pema Choden was also a Junior Research Fellow for a short period in the State Council of Science and Technology at Gangtok.
To bag the prestigious Scholarship in Sweden, Pema had to go through the rigorous IELTS, GRE and TOFFEL Tests which she passed with outstanding merit.
RBI AT PELLING IN SIKKIM
The Reserve Bank of India would celebrate its platinum jubilee in 2009 and 2010 through outreach programmes.
Regional Director of RBI (Eastern Region) F R Joseph said that the apex bank had chalked out programmes on a month-wise basis.
As a part of this, RBI would hold meetings with bankers and trade associations like FICCI, CII and Assocham, he told reporters in Kolkata on Friday night.
RBI would also organise financial literacy campaign in places like Pelling in Sikkim. RBI started functioning since April 1935 in accordance with provisions of the Reserve Bank of India Act of that year.
Regional Director of RBI (Eastern Region) F R Joseph said that the apex bank had chalked out programmes on a month-wise basis.
As a part of this, RBI would hold meetings with bankers and trade associations like FICCI, CII and Assocham, he told reporters in Kolkata on Friday night.
RBI would also organise financial literacy campaign in places like Pelling in Sikkim. RBI started functioning since April 1935 in accordance with provisions of the Reserve Bank of India Act of that year.
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