Buddhist Monk of Bhutan- 1880's
source:ebay
Saturday, March 26, 2011
The dirty side of money
A new study published in the latest edition of Current Science has found that every single currency note and 96 per cent of coins carry various strains of bacteria, of which at least three species are highly infectious.
If that weren't enough, this widely handled article may be assisting in the spread of drug-resistant strains of bacteria, found the paper, one of few such studies conducted on Indian currency.
The research paper, titled ‘Screening of currency in circulation for bacterial contamination' was authored by Akshay Sharma and B. Dhanashree of Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University.
As part of their study, the researchers each collected 25 samples of currency notes and coins, using a random sampling technique.
Responsible for diseases
Microbial screening showed that a surprising 96 per cent of coins and 100 per cent of the currency notes were found to be contaminated with different bacterial species. Of these, three pathogenic species — Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella spp and Escherichia coli – were found to be responsible for various gastric and respiratory diseases.
Antibiotic-resistant
Tests showed that the bacteria were considerably resistant to commonly used antibiotics. For instance, S. aureus showed 100 per cent resistance to penicillin, while 50 per cent of Klebsiella spp were resistant to piperacillin. E. coli was resistant to ampicillin and piperacillin.
Bacteria such as Klebsiella spp. were known to cause hospital-acquired infections, and are most commonly involved in respiratory tract infections.
The paper advised medical professionals and food handlers, in particular, to sanitise their hands after handling currency to prevent cross-contamination.
Medicines which are banned all over the world but are sold in India
| 01. | Oxyfin Botazon, Oxypoz, Larjesic, Neurojesin, Sungril, Oxyzen, Parabutazon, Kliocvinal, Phynil Butazon, Actimal, Aljiril, Aristopyrin, Butacartidan, Butaproxyvan, | Britain, Japan, Germany,Sweden, Finland, America, Italy,Bangladesh, Australia,Maylasia, Israel, Jordan | By taking a small amount of this medicine the intestine get small Punctures and can cause blood cancer.These medicines have taken more than 15000 lives. It has been given ‘B’ where it is banned |
| 02. | Ambkvinal, Eliqueen, Embijayam Fort, Emicure, Emicleen, Emigil Plus, Choloropectiden, Dyedoqueen, Introgyem, Aydojol, Aydocyclin, Metaqueen, Neutrojyem, Aydohydroxyqueen, Queenijol, Analjin, | Japan, Norway, Sweden,Germany, Denmark, Nepal,Bangladesh, Spain, France,Sri Lanka | Paralysis in legs, blindness. Because of these 10000 people got paralysed in Japan |
| 03. | Beralgun Buskapan, Butaljin Farjesic Marlajin Oxypoz Sinaljesic Jimaljin Altrajin Finoljin Pamajin | Australia, Austria, Belgiun,Billi, Denmark, France,Grease,Israel,Italy,Japan,Korea,Mexico, Nepal,Sweden,America,Britain,Germany, Denmark, Nepal, | It destroys the White Blood Cells in the body of the human body due to it the structure of the bones and the muscles of the human beings gets effected and can cause death of a person |
| 04. | A.T.Fort, Mayestrojanfort, Orosekronfort, Orgalotin, Ostron, S.G.Fort, Cholorostrap, Cuper Strap, holoromfenical and Straptamysin, Introstrap, Intestostrap, Straptophinakle, | Australia, Austria, Belgiun, Denmark, Greece, Italy,New Zealand, Norway,South Africa, Thailand, Britain, Singapore,America, Germany, Bangladesh | If it is given to a pregnant woman then makes the child handicap. It also effect in the production of the white blood Cells in the body of the human |
| 05. | Drooling Drooling, Dekadyurabolin, Brufen, Ivabolin, Novaljin, Aspirin, Kaimer, Kaimoral, Kaimoral Fort, Alfapsin, | Bangladesh, Britain and all of the country of the world | It effects the immune system of the body and the person soon dies |
| 06. | Acetophenetideen, Fenasitin, Acromysine, Docabolin, Histaprade, Pericart, Parydron, Irgofen, Mygril, Mygrenil, Stiptoment, | Canada, Chili, Cyprus, Denmark etc | They effects the liver of the humans The Vitamin present in these medicines only increase the cost of the medicine and nothing other than that. |
| 07. | Tetracyclene Thoron Trynarjick Restil Kamaslip Plasidox 2 Plasidox 10 Plasidox 5 | Bangladesh, Denmark, Italy, Jayen, New Zealand, Peru,Greece, Italy, Norway, Spain,Venezuela, Bangladesh, Nepal etc. | The colour of the teeth of the children gets brown and gives severe damage to the body. |
Prime Minister Gives away Business Standard Awards
The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh gave away the Business Standard Awards for 2009-10 in New Delhi today.
Following are the excerpts of Prime’s Speech on the occasion.
“I am delighted to be here this evening to give away the Business Standard Awards. I believe today’s awardees have been selected by a jury of business leaders, headed by Mr. K. V. Kamath. There is no award more precious than one given by one’s peers. I compliment each of the individuals and companies that have been selected for this year’s awards.
I believe before my arrival here, there was a discussion that marked the 20th anniversary of the economic reforms of 1991. All the speakers – Mr. Chidambaram, Dr. Rangarajan, Mr. Montek Ahluwalia and Dr. Shankar Acharya – have been at the forefront of policymaking and continue to shape the destiny of our great country.
There were several others who played a vary important role in shaping our thinking on economic policies. There were people, like Vadilal Dagli, who produced learned reports on the need to end the regime of controls and subsidies that were holding India back. My friends Jagdish Bhagwati and Padma Desai were among the first to write about how our policies were stunting industrialization. There were fiscal experts like Raja Chelliah who shaped our thinking on taxation. There were talented officers in various ministries who did the ground work for reform.
But the reforms we carried out were not just the handiwork of economists and officials. That historic change would not have been possible without the visionary political leadership of the time. The first political leader to grasp the importance of re-orienting our economic policies, to accelerate economic growth with social justice, was Indiraji herself.
Her initial steps were greatly taken forward by Rajivji, who grasped the importance of the arrival of the new information age. Finally, we must pay tribute to the boldness with which Narasimha Raoji grasped the nettle.
I was able to do whatever I did, as finance minister, because I had the political support and backing of Narasimha Raoji and the help of my colleagues.
On this occasion, when we are marking the 20th anniversary of that historic turn in our economic policies we must salute them all for taking India into a new orbit of opportunities.
It was not as if we were walking down a blind alley. It was not as if we were merely experimenting. It is also not correct to imagine that we did what we did only because we were under pressure, in a crisis.
We had a body of intellectual opinion that guided our thinking. There was the experience of many countries – countries that succeeded in East and South-east Asia, and countries that had not, like the Soviet Union and the economies of east Europe.
Both intellectual opinion and international experience told us that we must shift gears and change directions.
In these past two decades we have seen an acceleration of India’s economic growth. We have seen the unshackling and unleashing of the animal spirits of Indian enterprise. We have seen the emergence of new businesses. We have seen the empowerment of a new middle class.
But, this process of growth has brought with it new problems, and accentuated old ones.
Inequality has widened – between rich and poor, between town and country, between one region and another. That is why our government has made the principle of “Inclusive Growth” the corner stone of all our policies. If growth is not inclusive, it is not sustainable.
The end of the Licence-Permit Raj ended old opportunities for corruption and favouritism. Let us not forget that there was a time when we could not get a telephone connection without bribing someone. The telecom revolution has ended that era. Today, some of our poorest citizens are able to afford a mobile phone connection and get it easily.
But, human ingenuity and the desire to make a quick buck are such that the greedy are able to tap into new sources of corruption.
Our government is firmly committed to greater transparency in governance and to ending discretionary powers that foster cronyism. I welcome the national focus on corruption, because it will, as it already has to an extent, generate public pressure in favour of more reform.
Clearly, we cannot rest on our oars. The battle against corruption is a relentless one, and eternal vigilance is the price of freedom.
On this occasion, when you are celebrating two decades of economic reform and liberalization, I affirm our commitment to a new wave of reform. I am aware of the fact that much more needs to be done to make our economy more competitive.
Last week it was reported that China has over-taken the United States to become the world’s biggest manufacturing nation. China has regained this status after 115 years. I do believe India too will catch up. Our government will continue to implement policies that will give a push forward to Indian manufacturing and job creation.
In some key areas of reform we need a wider political consensus. I urge Indian business, the media and civil society to play a constructive role in facilitating that consensus.
I sincerely hope that we will be able to consider and approve long pending economic legislation that will widen business opportunities. For that to happen, Parliament must be allowed to run normally.
I hope State governments run by opposition political parties will take a national view and work with us to complete tax reforms. A nationwide goods and services tax is long overdue and we are committed to its implementation from 2012.
We have already taken several initiatives through this year’s budget that will sustain growth while reducing inflationary pressures. I assure you that our government is committed to sustaining high growth, with low inflation.
Our economic management, in turbulent times and through uncharted waters, has won the respect of the international community of investors and policy makers. The world acknowledges that India is rapidly emerging as one of the engines of global growth. Our successful re-integration into the global economy has given us re-assurance at home, but it has also strengthened our relations globally.
India has economic and strategic partnerships with all the major powers and economies of the world. India has come closer to the economies of East and South-east Asia, and is now an active member of the East Asian Summit. We have been actively engaged in the economic rise of West Asia and Africa.
Long years ago Jawaharlal Nehru sought to rediscover our Asian identity and our Asian destiny. I reiterate today what I said in Parliament in February 1995, that it is our vision of “a resurgent India taking her rightful place as an economic power house in Asia, which has inspired our economic reforms.”
The challenge before us is to ensure the sustainability of our economic rise and the efficacy and fairness of democratic governance.
I value the impatience and the irreverence of the young. These can be forces for good if the energy is channelized, and the idealism is translated into constructive action.
Let me assure you that I do have my finger on the pulse of India today. I sense a mood for renewal, as I did 20 years ago. We did not disappoint India in the summer of 1991. We will grasp the nettle once again.
India stands at the threshold of new opportunities. It is my firm conviction that we can and we will grasp these opportunities. For posterity’s sake, we will overcome.”
The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh gave away the Business Standard Awards for 2009-10 in New Delhi today.
Following are the excerpts of Prime’s Speech on the occasion.
“I am delighted to be here this evening to give away the Business Standard Awards. I believe today’s awardees have been selected by a jury of business leaders, headed by Mr. K. V. Kamath. There is no award more precious than one given by one’s peers. I compliment each of the individuals and companies that have been selected for this year’s awards.
I believe before my arrival here, there was a discussion that marked the 20th anniversary of the economic reforms of 1991. All the speakers – Mr. Chidambaram, Dr. Rangarajan, Mr. Montek Ahluwalia and Dr. Shankar Acharya – have been at the forefront of policymaking and continue to shape the destiny of our great country.
There were several others who played a vary important role in shaping our thinking on economic policies. There were people, like Vadilal Dagli, who produced learned reports on the need to end the regime of controls and subsidies that were holding India back. My friends Jagdish Bhagwati and Padma Desai were among the first to write about how our policies were stunting industrialization. There were fiscal experts like Raja Chelliah who shaped our thinking on taxation. There were talented officers in various ministries who did the ground work for reform.
But the reforms we carried out were not just the handiwork of economists and officials. That historic change would not have been possible without the visionary political leadership of the time. The first political leader to grasp the importance of re-orienting our economic policies, to accelerate economic growth with social justice, was Indiraji herself.
Her initial steps were greatly taken forward by Rajivji, who grasped the importance of the arrival of the new information age. Finally, we must pay tribute to the boldness with which Narasimha Raoji grasped the nettle.
I was able to do whatever I did, as finance minister, because I had the political support and backing of Narasimha Raoji and the help of my colleagues.
On this occasion, when we are marking the 20th anniversary of that historic turn in our economic policies we must salute them all for taking India into a new orbit of opportunities.
It was not as if we were walking down a blind alley. It was not as if we were merely experimenting. It is also not correct to imagine that we did what we did only because we were under pressure, in a crisis.
We had a body of intellectual opinion that guided our thinking. There was the experience of many countries – countries that succeeded in East and South-east Asia, and countries that had not, like the Soviet Union and the economies of east Europe.
Both intellectual opinion and international experience told us that we must shift gears and change directions.
In these past two decades we have seen an acceleration of India’s economic growth. We have seen the unshackling and unleashing of the animal spirits of Indian enterprise. We have seen the emergence of new businesses. We have seen the empowerment of a new middle class.
But, this process of growth has brought with it new problems, and accentuated old ones.
Inequality has widened – between rich and poor, between town and country, between one region and another. That is why our government has made the principle of “Inclusive Growth” the corner stone of all our policies. If growth is not inclusive, it is not sustainable.
The end of the Licence-Permit Raj ended old opportunities for corruption and favouritism. Let us not forget that there was a time when we could not get a telephone connection without bribing someone. The telecom revolution has ended that era. Today, some of our poorest citizens are able to afford a mobile phone connection and get it easily.
But, human ingenuity and the desire to make a quick buck are such that the greedy are able to tap into new sources of corruption.
Our government is firmly committed to greater transparency in governance and to ending discretionary powers that foster cronyism. I welcome the national focus on corruption, because it will, as it already has to an extent, generate public pressure in favour of more reform.
Clearly, we cannot rest on our oars. The battle against corruption is a relentless one, and eternal vigilance is the price of freedom.
On this occasion, when you are celebrating two decades of economic reform and liberalization, I affirm our commitment to a new wave of reform. I am aware of the fact that much more needs to be done to make our economy more competitive.
Last week it was reported that China has over-taken the United States to become the world’s biggest manufacturing nation. China has regained this status after 115 years. I do believe India too will catch up. Our government will continue to implement policies that will give a push forward to Indian manufacturing and job creation.
In some key areas of reform we need a wider political consensus. I urge Indian business, the media and civil society to play a constructive role in facilitating that consensus.
I sincerely hope that we will be able to consider and approve long pending economic legislation that will widen business opportunities. For that to happen, Parliament must be allowed to run normally.
I hope State governments run by opposition political parties will take a national view and work with us to complete tax reforms. A nationwide goods and services tax is long overdue and we are committed to its implementation from 2012.
We have already taken several initiatives through this year’s budget that will sustain growth while reducing inflationary pressures. I assure you that our government is committed to sustaining high growth, with low inflation.
Our economic management, in turbulent times and through uncharted waters, has won the respect of the international community of investors and policy makers. The world acknowledges that India is rapidly emerging as one of the engines of global growth. Our successful re-integration into the global economy has given us re-assurance at home, but it has also strengthened our relations globally.
India has economic and strategic partnerships with all the major powers and economies of the world. India has come closer to the economies of East and South-east Asia, and is now an active member of the East Asian Summit. We have been actively engaged in the economic rise of West Asia and Africa.
Long years ago Jawaharlal Nehru sought to rediscover our Asian identity and our Asian destiny. I reiterate today what I said in Parliament in February 1995, that it is our vision of “a resurgent India taking her rightful place as an economic power house in Asia, which has inspired our economic reforms.”
The challenge before us is to ensure the sustainability of our economic rise and the efficacy and fairness of democratic governance.
I value the impatience and the irreverence of the young. These can be forces for good if the energy is channelized, and the idealism is translated into constructive action.
Let me assure you that I do have my finger on the pulse of India today. I sense a mood for renewal, as I did 20 years ago. We did not disappoint India in the summer of 1991. We will grasp the nettle once again.
India stands at the threshold of new opportunities. It is my firm conviction that we can and we will grasp these opportunities. For posterity’s sake, we will overcome.”
Friday, March 25, 2011
DEALING WITH NEGATIVE SITUATIONS.......
When there is a negative situation that you cannot change, accept it and focus your thoughts and energy elsewhere.
When there is a pain that will not go away, overwhelm it with an even greater amount of joy.
HAVE THE COURAGE TO CHANGE WHAT YOU CAN, SERENITY TO ACCEPT WHAT YOU CANNOT CHANGE AND THE WISDOM TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE. COMMON SENSE IN AN UNCOMMON DEGREE IS WISDOM.
It serves no useful purpose to get mired in despair over things you cannot control.
It makes much more sense to do the very best, to achieve the very most, with those things you do control.
You can choose where to focus your energy and attention.
Focus on those areas where you can have a powerful positive impact.
Yes, it can be easy to get caught up in the negativity of the moment.
Yet it also can be surprisingly easy to shift your focus toward the positive, productive things you can do.
UNHAPPINESS IS NOT KNOWING WHAT WE WANT AND KILLING OURSELVES TO GET IT. HAPPINESS IS A CONSCIOUS CHOICE, NOT AN AUTOMATIC RESPONSE. YOU CANNOT PREVENT THE BIRDS OF SADNESS FLYING OVER YOUR HEAD, BUT YOU CAN PREVENT THEM FROM NESTING IN YOUR HAIR. KEEP YOURSELF BUSY. A BUSY PERSON NEVER HAS TIME TO BE UNHAPPY. YOU SIMPLY CANNOT BE UNHAPPY UNLESS YOU HAVE DECIDED TO BE UNHAPPY. MAKE UP YOUR MIND TO BE HAPPY. DISCOVER AND KNOW JOYS IN THE SMALLEST AND THE MOST INSIGNIFICANT THINGS. LEARN TO FIND PLEASURE IN SIMPLE THINGS.
NO ONE IS IN CHARGE OF YOUR HAPPINESS EXCEPT YOU. MOST PEOPLE WOULD RATHER BE CERTAIN THEY ARE MISERABLE, THAN RISK BEING HAPPY. YOU ARE NEVER OBLIGATED TO BE MISERABLE. NOBODY REALLY CARES IF YOU ARE MISERABLE. SO YOU MIGHT AS WELL BE HAPPY.
If you really want to contribute to life, set your sights on the value you're able to create.
Don't despair over the darkness that is beyond your control.
Instead, shine your own light so brightly that the darkness is overwhelmed.
LIFE IS NOT LIVED IN THE TOMB OF THE DEAD MOMENTS OF THE PAST, NOR IN THE WOMB OF THE UNBORN MOMENTS OF THE FUTURE. LIFE IS LIVED DYNAMICALLY IN THE PRESENT MOMENT. LIVE IN THE NOW AND ENJOY THE PRESENT MOMENT. WE CANNOT CHANGE A SINGLE MOMENT OF OUR PAST. SO MAKE PEACE WITH YOUR PAST SO THAT IT DOESN’T MESS-UP THE PRESENT. LIVING IN THE PRESENT MEANS CONSCIOUS ACTION NOT MECHANICAL MOVEMENT.
Old TB drugs, older tests driving spread of drug resistance: Gates
source:The Hindu
The Hindu Bill Gates appreciated India's success in reducing TB-related deaths through the Directly Observed Treatment Short (DOTS) course. Photo: Sandeep Saxena
Microsoft chairman and philanthropist Bill Gates on Thursday said the large number of deaths in the world due to tuberculosis was unacceptable and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation was all for supporting a low-cost affordable vaccine for the disease.
“Whatever helps the poorest, we are committed to it,'' Mr. Gates said at an interaction with the media here on “Maximising India's Capacity: Creating an Ecosystem of Innovation and Research to Address Public Health Concerns,'' organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology.
Mr. Gates appreciated India's success in reducing TB-related deaths through the Directly Observed Treatment Short (DOTS) course. The Foundation was committed to working with India in research and development, drugs, vaccines and expanding to more areas like agriculture. “We can back young scientists in India in their research,'' he said.
Tweeting soon after his visit to a TB facility here to mark the World TB Day, he said the major problem was outdated tools. TB was preventable and treatable, but the most common TB test was more than 125 years old and it missed half the cases. By the time most TB patients were correctly diagnosed and treated, they may have unknowingly infected many others — creating an endless cycle.
He said:
“At the same time, today's TB drugs are more than 40 years old and take six months to work. The combination of poor tests and outdated treatments is driving the spread of drug resistance, undercutting global efforts to stop the epidemic.
“Fortunately, there is a promising pipeline of new TB diagnostics, drugs and vaccines under development. And we are starting to see results. Just today, I saw how India is using these innovations. I marked World TB Day by visiting the state-of-the-art L.R.S.Institute of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases, which uses a new molecular test, GeneXpert, which can accurately determine whether a patient has TB in about two hours.
“Molecular diagnostics could revolutionise TB care, and things would continue to improve as the price comes down and new tests are developed. This is where India could have a global impact. India is a leader in developing low-cost health technologies and it could produce high-quality, inexpensive molecular TB diagnostics. This will increase access at home and across the globe.''
Union Science and Technology Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal said the Department of Science and Technology was collaborating in several programmes with the Gates Foundation and would soon broaden its scope to the agriculture sector also.
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) was working with 4,500 young scientists globally to find a treatment for TB under its Open Source Drug Discovery programme, he said.
3 Bills on 1st day of Sikkim Budget Session, 2011
Gangtok 23rd March:
Sikkim Legislative Assembly (SLA) Budget Session 2011 started from Wednesday. On the first day of the budget session of eighth assembly’s fifth session three bills were introduced. Minister, cooperative societies Ran Bahadur Subba introduced the amendment bill, Bill No.3 of 2011 where as the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling introduced the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, Bill No 4 of 2011 and the Sikkim Transport Infrastructure Development Fund (Amendment) Bill, Bill No. 5 of
2011 was also introduced in the house.
The bills introduced on the first day of the assembly will be passed on 25th March after discussion. The assembly also observed two minutes silence for the victims of Tsunami in Japan.
Earlier, while addressing the house Governor Balmiki Prasad Singh said that he felt very happy to announce that Sikkim’s Annual plan outlay for the year 2011-2012 which has been fixed at 1400 crores, against the revised plan outlay 863.72 crores for the year 2010-2011. Governor further said that the revision was necessitated because of the implementation of the Fiscal Reforms and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2010 from 1st January 2011 in the state. The outlay of 1400 crores for the year 2011-2012 represents massive increase of 62.09% over the previous year. This is in recognition of the progress and development achieved by the state with good governance and effective delivery of services.
Governor added that the 11th plan (2007-08 to 2011-12) had sought to build on the gains achieved in the 10th plan and shift the economy on a path of faster and more inclusive growth. Inclusiveness is now a critical element in the strategy to achieve broad based growth aimed at overcoming deficiencies in critical areas which affected a large number of vulnerable sections of our population, particularly the scheduled castes and the scheduled tribes, the other backward classed women and minorities.
The 11th plan sought to deal with these deficiencies through programmes aimed at providing access to health, education, clean drinking water and other essential services, including extending livelihood support to every nook and corner of the state.
The Governor said that the state government has laid special focus on poverty eradication and great emphasis is also being given to the rural sector for the development and upliftment of the people of rural areas. As a result the percentage of families living below the poverty line has been steadily decreasing. This explains the positive impact of the poverty alleviation programmes being undertaken by the
government since 1994 when a policy decision was taken to allocate 70% of the plan budget for the rural sector. The same policy continues to guide our attention towards social commitment by way of introducing a range of social safety nets to guarantee basic minimum needs to the deprived and disadvantaged section of the society stated Governor.
The Governor further said that present government accords topmost priority to the health sector. Existing health infrastructure facilities are being upgraded and innovative steps involving preventive and curative measures which encompass diagnostic facilities for timely detection of ailments for all age-group are being undertaken. The most recent initiative has been the launching of the Chief Minister’s
Comprehensive Annual and Total Check for Healthy Sikkim (CATCH) campaign.
“We need to be adequately equipped with a comprehensive data covering the health profile of each and every citizen in the state. This will be monitored and updated annually so that the required delivery mechanism for timely intervention in providing health care and treatment can be organized more efficiently”. He added that such an exercise will involve upgrading the technical expertise of our doctors and the paramedics as well as improving the physical facilities for diagnostics services covering the entire network of our medical centers. Presently, 575 bedded multi-special
hospital is under construction in the vicinity of the state capital. Once completed, it will fulfill the ambition of government to provide the best medical treatment facility within the state.
Speaking on education Governor Balmiki Prasad Singh said that Education is a top priority of government. Almost 20% of the plan is allocated for this sector in our quest to provide quality education to student. The government seeks to eradicate illiteracy and achieve a high educational status at par with the best in the country. Under the Chief Minister’s Meritorious Scholarship Programme the state government is sponsoring
free education to the promising students at the class five state levels to the premier public school within as well as outside the state. Already 150 students have benefited under this programme. Though education is accessible to everybody in the state, a mechanism has been evolved to monitor and implement the school programme so that
visible outcomes can be achieved. State government realizes that teachers are very important to impart quality education and to that extent it is crucial to provide proper training to the teachers. Every effort is being made to improve education in the state be it at school level or in colleges both in terms of hardware and software.
Governor concluded by saying that it is heartening to note that per capita income of Rs.57, 637 at current prices for 2009-10 has shown a healthy increase of 17.14% when compared to Rs.49, 201 of financial year 2008-09. In this background, he further stated that as the state embarks on to the 12th five year plan, it can look forward to starting the next plan on a right note to work for giving economic freedom to the people and for making Sikkim a prosperous state.
Courtesy: Sikkim Mail
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bills introduced and motion of thanks passed unanimously
March 24, 2011
On the second day of Sikkim Legislative Assembly two major amendment bills on Fiscal responsibility & Budget Management and the Sikkim Casinos (Control and Tax) amendment Bill, 2011 were introduced. Both the bills were introduced by the Chief Minister who is also the Minister-in-Charge of Finance, Revenue and Expenditure Department.
The Fiscal responsibility & Budget Management (Amendment) act includes the provision to reduce debt stock to 55.9% of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) within a period of five year commencing from the year 2010-2011 and ending on 2014-2015.
Year Max. debt stock as per centum of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP)
2010-2011 68.4
2011-2012 65.2
2012-2013 62.1
2013-2014 58.8
2014-2015 55.9
(Target of debt reduction every year)
This amendment has come after the 13th Finance Commission has made it mandatory to enact the Fiscal responsibility & Budget Management legislation. This act is directly linked with the release of funds from the centre. Ministry of Finance, Government of India already instructed the state to target debt reduction.
With this bill becoming an act, State Government will have to make sure that fiscal deficit remains in check. This will also limit the State Government borrowings including off-budget borrowings. The act is aimed to bring more transparency in fiscal operations along with reduction in debt.
It’s an important bill for Sikkim in the light of increased annual plan outlay of state. It has been increased exorbitantly by Rs. 1,400 for the year 2011-2012 compared to Rs.863.72 cr for the year 2010-2011. If state debt not controlled properly it is very likely that most of the funds won’t be released by the Central Government.
The other bill which tabled for the amendment was Sikkim Casino (Control and Tax) Amendment bill, 2002. As per the new changes the definition of “Casino Games” will mean all or any such games of entertainment or chance as may be notified by the State Government from time to time and which is played by means of any machine or instrument.
Also if casino license holder aggrieved by any order, he may appeal to Appellate Authority against the order within period of 60 days. In all these matters authority decision would be final and cannot be called in question in any court.
30 members out of 32 were present in today’s seesion. P.S Tamang of Burtuk constituency applied for leave for the entire budget session on health grounds. T.T Bhutia of Kabi Lunchuk constituency was also absent from the proceedings because of bad health.
Assembly also passes motion of thanks on H.E. Governor’s address unanimously. The discussions on the placed bills will take place on 25th March, 2011. Assembly was adjourned till tomorrow.
source:isikkim
Gangtok 23rd March:
Sikkim Legislative Assembly (SLA) Budget Session 2011 started from Wednesday. On the first day of the budget session of eighth assembly’s fifth session three bills were introduced. Minister, cooperative societies Ran Bahadur Subba introduced the amendment bill, Bill No.3 of 2011 where as the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling introduced the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, Bill No 4 of 2011 and the Sikkim Transport Infrastructure Development Fund (Amendment) Bill, Bill No. 5 of
2011 was also introduced in the house.
The bills introduced on the first day of the assembly will be passed on 25th March after discussion. The assembly also observed two minutes silence for the victims of Tsunami in Japan.
Earlier, while addressing the house Governor Balmiki Prasad Singh said that he felt very happy to announce that Sikkim’s Annual plan outlay for the year 2011-2012 which has been fixed at 1400 crores, against the revised plan outlay 863.72 crores for the year 2010-2011. Governor further said that the revision was necessitated because of the implementation of the Fiscal Reforms and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2010 from 1st January 2011 in the state. The outlay of 1400 crores for the year 2011-2012 represents massive increase of 62.09% over the previous year. This is in recognition of the progress and development achieved by the state with good governance and effective delivery of services.
Governor added that the 11th plan (2007-08 to 2011-12) had sought to build on the gains achieved in the 10th plan and shift the economy on a path of faster and more inclusive growth. Inclusiveness is now a critical element in the strategy to achieve broad based growth aimed at overcoming deficiencies in critical areas which affected a large number of vulnerable sections of our population, particularly the scheduled castes and the scheduled tribes, the other backward classed women and minorities.
The 11th plan sought to deal with these deficiencies through programmes aimed at providing access to health, education, clean drinking water and other essential services, including extending livelihood support to every nook and corner of the state.
The Governor said that the state government has laid special focus on poverty eradication and great emphasis is also being given to the rural sector for the development and upliftment of the people of rural areas. As a result the percentage of families living below the poverty line has been steadily decreasing. This explains the positive impact of the poverty alleviation programmes being undertaken by the
government since 1994 when a policy decision was taken to allocate 70% of the plan budget for the rural sector. The same policy continues to guide our attention towards social commitment by way of introducing a range of social safety nets to guarantee basic minimum needs to the deprived and disadvantaged section of the society stated Governor.
The Governor further said that present government accords topmost priority to the health sector. Existing health infrastructure facilities are being upgraded and innovative steps involving preventive and curative measures which encompass diagnostic facilities for timely detection of ailments for all age-group are being undertaken. The most recent initiative has been the launching of the Chief Minister’s
Comprehensive Annual and Total Check for Healthy Sikkim (CATCH) campaign.
“We need to be adequately equipped with a comprehensive data covering the health profile of each and every citizen in the state. This will be monitored and updated annually so that the required delivery mechanism for timely intervention in providing health care and treatment can be organized more efficiently”. He added that such an exercise will involve upgrading the technical expertise of our doctors and the paramedics as well as improving the physical facilities for diagnostics services covering the entire network of our medical centers. Presently, 575 bedded multi-special
hospital is under construction in the vicinity of the state capital. Once completed, it will fulfill the ambition of government to provide the best medical treatment facility within the state.
Speaking on education Governor Balmiki Prasad Singh said that Education is a top priority of government. Almost 20% of the plan is allocated for this sector in our quest to provide quality education to student. The government seeks to eradicate illiteracy and achieve a high educational status at par with the best in the country. Under the Chief Minister’s Meritorious Scholarship Programme the state government is sponsoring
free education to the promising students at the class five state levels to the premier public school within as well as outside the state. Already 150 students have benefited under this programme. Though education is accessible to everybody in the state, a mechanism has been evolved to monitor and implement the school programme so that
visible outcomes can be achieved. State government realizes that teachers are very important to impart quality education and to that extent it is crucial to provide proper training to the teachers. Every effort is being made to improve education in the state be it at school level or in colleges both in terms of hardware and software.
Governor concluded by saying that it is heartening to note that per capita income of Rs.57, 637 at current prices for 2009-10 has shown a healthy increase of 17.14% when compared to Rs.49, 201 of financial year 2008-09. In this background, he further stated that as the state embarks on to the 12th five year plan, it can look forward to starting the next plan on a right note to work for giving economic freedom to the people and for making Sikkim a prosperous state.
Courtesy: Sikkim Mail
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bills introduced and motion of thanks passed unanimously
March 24, 2011
On the second day of Sikkim Legislative Assembly two major amendment bills on Fiscal responsibility & Budget Management and the Sikkim Casinos (Control and Tax) amendment Bill, 2011 were introduced. Both the bills were introduced by the Chief Minister who is also the Minister-in-Charge of Finance, Revenue and Expenditure Department.
The Fiscal responsibility & Budget Management (Amendment) act includes the provision to reduce debt stock to 55.9% of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) within a period of five year commencing from the year 2010-2011 and ending on 2014-2015.
Year Max. debt stock as per centum of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP)
2010-2011 68.4
2011-2012 65.2
2012-2013 62.1
2013-2014 58.8
2014-2015 55.9
(Target of debt reduction every year)
This amendment has come after the 13th Finance Commission has made it mandatory to enact the Fiscal responsibility & Budget Management legislation. This act is directly linked with the release of funds from the centre. Ministry of Finance, Government of India already instructed the state to target debt reduction.
With this bill becoming an act, State Government will have to make sure that fiscal deficit remains in check. This will also limit the State Government borrowings including off-budget borrowings. The act is aimed to bring more transparency in fiscal operations along with reduction in debt.
It’s an important bill for Sikkim in the light of increased annual plan outlay of state. It has been increased exorbitantly by Rs. 1,400 for the year 2011-2012 compared to Rs.863.72 cr for the year 2010-2011. If state debt not controlled properly it is very likely that most of the funds won’t be released by the Central Government.
The other bill which tabled for the amendment was Sikkim Casino (Control and Tax) Amendment bill, 2002. As per the new changes the definition of “Casino Games” will mean all or any such games of entertainment or chance as may be notified by the State Government from time to time and which is played by means of any machine or instrument.
Also if casino license holder aggrieved by any order, he may appeal to Appellate Authority against the order within period of 60 days. In all these matters authority decision would be final and cannot be called in question in any court.
30 members out of 32 were present in today’s seesion. P.S Tamang of Burtuk constituency applied for leave for the entire budget session on health grounds. T.T Bhutia of Kabi Lunchuk constituency was also absent from the proceedings because of bad health.
Assembly also passes motion of thanks on H.E. Governor’s address unanimously. The discussions on the placed bills will take place on 25th March, 2011. Assembly was adjourned till tomorrow.
source:isikkim
Thursday, March 24, 2011
H.E. The Governor of Sikkim's speech at Budget Session of Sikkim Assembly
Hon’ble Speaker and Hon’ble Members of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, I convey my warm greetings to you, to your families and to the people of Sikkim.
To begin with let me express my appreciation for the all round development and the efforts made by the government in maintaining peace, communal harmony and security in the State. These are the hallmarks of the State which are acknowledged both within the country and abroad. There is no doubt that socio-economic development is the main ingredient for peace and security of a nation.
For the past several years we are one of the best performing States in the country with a number of positive indicators in crucial sectors such as Health, Rural Management & Development, Human Resource Development, and Tourism. These achievements have been possible because of peace, tranquility, good governance and the prevailing security environment. The government’s proactive leadership and vision have made a positive impact on socio-economic growth.
The dedication exhibited by the leadership of the government in discharging its duties is worthy of praise. A large number of innovative ideas and projects have been launched by the government with a view to usher in meaningful change in the lives of the people. Truly Sikkim has a forward looking and progressive government, resolute in its approach to transform the State’s economy. This has been appreciated by the Central government and rewards have come in the form of enhanced budget allocation for the current fiscal year.
Budget Allocation:
I am happy to announce that Sikkim’s Annual Plan outlay for the year 2011-12 has been fixed at 1400 crores, against the revised Plan outlay of 863.72 crores for the year 2010-11. The revision was necessitated because of the implementation of the Fiscal Reforms and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2010 from 1st January 2011 in the State. The outlay of 1400 crores for the year 2011-12 represents massive increase of 62.09% over the previous year. This is in recognition of the progress and development achieved by the State with good governance and effective delivery of services. I am sure the tempo of the development dynamism will continue and flourish in the 12th Plan period also.
The 11th Plan (2007-08 to 2011-12) had sought to build on the gains achieved in the 10th Plan and shift the economy on a path of faster and more inclusive growth. Inclusiveness is now a critical element in the strategy to achieve broadbased growth aimed at overcoming deficiencies in critical areas which affect a large number of vulnerable sections of our population, particularly the scheduled castes and tribes, the other backward classes, women and minorities. The 11th Plan sought to deal with these deficiencies through programmes aimed at providing access to health, education, clean drinking water and other essential services, including extending livelihood support to every nook and corner of the State.
I am pleased to record that my Government has made all possible efforts to harmonize the sectoral approaches inherent in the Plan document. The National focus on growth, prospects for agriculture, poverty reduction, access to education and health care including skill development have been kept in view while deciding schemes and projects for the State. We have followed the National perspective and policies while tailoring it to suit our own specific requirements and priorities. Benefits have percolated to the grassroot level and greatly improved the socio-economic condition of the weaker sections of the population. But this should not make us complacent as more needs to be done as we have set for ourselves a higher level of development profile.
Rural Sector:
The budget document has been framed with a view to reconcile growth and development targeting the poor and vulnerable sections of the society. The urban-rural disparity and the consequent migration is to be controlled by vigorous implementation of all the 15 National Flagship programmes. The anti-poverty programmes have also been launched with a similar objective of ensuring inclusive growth.
Under the rural housing scheme my government is focused on providing a roof over the head of every family in the State. This is to be achieved by constructing new houses and upgrading those already constructed. The scheme will benefit the homeless and the rural poor who are living below the poverty line.
The MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) implementation in the State has been a huge success. Under this scheme, the dhara (spring) vikash programme has been introduced to conserve natural water bodies originating from deep aquifers. Harnessing modern technology, water harvesting is being done in the drought prone areas of south and west districts of the State.
MGNREGA being a programme to improve rural areas has helped in transforming the rural scenario. Construction of concrete footpaths to connect rural habitations, construction of minor irrigation channels and play grounds for children, land leveling and shaping, terrace farming as well as re-plantation and regeneration of orange, ginger and cardamom are some of the rural schemes taken up under the programme. Direct monitoring by the Gram Panchayats as well as system of social audit have enhanced the quality of work.
Poverty Alleviation:
The State Government has laid special focus on poverty eradication. A great deal of emphasis is being given to the rural sector for the development and upliftment of the people of rural areas. As a result the percentage of families living below the poverty line has been steadily decreasing. This explains the positive impact of the poverty alleviation programmes being undertaken by my government since 1994 when a policy decision was taken to allocate 70% of the plan budget for the rural sector. The same policy continues to guide our attention towards social commitment by way of introducing a range of social safety nets to guarantee basic minimum needs to the deprived and disadvantaged sections of the society.
Health Sector:
My government accords topmost priority to the health sector. Existing health infrastructure facilities are being upgraded and innovative steps involving preventive and curative measures which encompass diagnostic facilities for timely detection of ailments for all age-groups are being undertaken. The most recent initiative has been the launching of the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Annual and Total Check-up for Healthy Sikkim (CATCH) campaign. We need to be adequately equipped with a comprehensive data covering the health profile of each and every citizen in the State. This will be monitored and updated annually so that the required delivery mechanism for timely intervention in providing health care and treatment can be organized more efficiently. Such an exercise will involve upgrading the technical expertise of our doctors and the paramedics as well as improving the physical facilities for diagnostic services covering the entire network of our medical centres. Action in this regard will be initiated with careful planning and by preparing a realistic road map to achieve the goals.
Presently, a 575 bedded multi-specialty hospital is under construction in the vicinity of the State Capital. Once completed, it will fulfill the ambition of my government to provide the best medical treatment facility within the State.
Education Sector:
Education is a top priority of my government. Almost 20% of the plan is allocated for this sector in our quest to provide quality education to our children.
My government seeks to eradicate illiteracy and achieve a high educational status at par with the best in the country. Under the Chief Minister’s Meritorious Scholarship Programme the State Government is sponsoring free education to the promising students at the class V State level to the premier public schools within as well as outside the State. Already 150 students have benefited under this programme. I consider this as a unique innovative programme directly benefiting the children of the rural areas.
Though education is accessible to everybody in the State, a mechanism has been evolved to monitor and implement the school programmes so that visible outcomes can be achieved. My government realizes that teachers are very important to impart quality education and to that extent it is crucial to provide proper training to the teachers. Every effort is being made to improve education in the State be it at school level or in colleges both in terms of hardware and software.
Tourism Sector:
In the tourism sector, Sikkim is a leader not only among the north-eastern states but its performance has been better than some of the bigger states, also. The achievement of the tourism sector has been recognized in the form of 8 or more national and other awards. This is a fast growing industry in the State. Last year, the State registered 7 lakhs domestic tourist arrivals and 29,000 international visitors. This represents nearly 14% (domestic) and 17% (international) growth in arrivals over the previous year. My government aims to make the State number one in all year round eco-tourism tourist destination.
Tourism and hospitality industry have tremendous employment potential. Eco-tourism, rural tourism, adventure tourism and culture tourism are our main strengths. More concerted efforts and focus need to be put in place to capitalize on these strengths in order to create avenues both for self employment and resource generation.
In the 12th Five Year Plan period my government’s priority would be to move on the path of sustainable economic development and self-reliance by harnessing the State’s well endowed natural resources. Towards this end, priorities of my government are promotion and development of environmental as well as eco-friendly tourism with specific emphasis on the promotion of horticulture and floriculture as also production of low volume but high value organic agricultural produce.
Power and Energy Sector:
My government realizes that energy is a vital input for any development and as we make progress we require more and more energy. The Central Water Commission has estimated that Sikkim has 8000 Mws of hydro-power potential. The government has formulated a vision document to tap 5000 Mws of power by the year 2015, putting in place efficient and well planned evacuation and transmission system while improving the transmission and distribution networks to bring down the technical and commercial loss to 15% by 2015.
My government has allotted hydro power projects to private power developers and NHPC on Build Own Operate and Transfer (BOOT) and Build Own and Operate (BOO) basis, respectively with agreements to supply free power which is likely to generate substantial revenue for the State. But the task ahead to achieve the goals of the vision document is both challenging and formidable as it calls for maintaining a delicate balance between ecological conservation and revenue generation to avert adverse environmental impacts. My government is fully aware of the need to preserve its rich natural heritage while pursuing its development goals to make the State prosperous and self reliant.
Connectivity Infrastructure:
The elements of infrastructure such as telecommunication, transportation networks and power supply are important for creation of a stable and peaceful society. It is also necessary to usher in progress and prosperity and to keep poverty, illiteracy and unemployment at bay.
My government has made consistent efforts to improve the road connectivity, the evidence of which are everywhere throughout the State. Internally Sikkim today is one of the most well connected States in the country with roads providing vital link to even the remotest villages in the State. As a result of the efforts of my government, improvement upon and widening of NH 31A, are taking place and by 2015 work on this entire stretch of road from Siliguri to Nathula and to north Sikkim will be completed. The progress is being monitored on a regular basis at the highest levels in the State. The construction of the airport at Pakyong is progressing. Likewise the first phase of the railway project to link Rangpo town to Sevoke has been sanctioned and by the year 2015 Gangtok hopes to be on the railway map of the country. Telecommunication and internet connectivity too are being monitored to improve the situation throughout the State.
Decentralization:
Democratic decentralization with inclusive and participative governance has been put in place in every panchayat administrative unit throughout the State. With the creation of the 27 Block Administrative Centres, the process of decentralized district planning for every micro unit of administration within the State has been brought into operation. The bottoms-up approach to the planning process involving District level officials and elected representatives of all Gram Panchayats and Zilla Panchayats has now become a reality. With a view to empowering the Panchayat institutions, the State Government has continued to earmark 10% of the plan outlay from every developmental sector as decentralized allocation to the Zilla and Gram Panchayats. This is to be utilized under their discretion and control for schemes to be taken up within their respective jurisdiction. The State government is also in the process of preparing Village Development Action Plan (VDAP) for every Gram Panchayat to facilitate need-based perspective planning.
Capacity Building:
The Skill Development Initiative that my government launched in 2003 has become an effective programme to make our educated youth employable and skilled enough to harness diverse opportunities available both within and outside the State. Apart from the existing Directorate of Capacity Building, an Institute of Capacity Building has also been established in the State to expand the scope of capacity building prospects. The launching of the Chief Minister’s Self-Employment Scheme has been instrumental in carrying forward the initiatives taken under the Skill Development Mission and a large number of youth have benefited from vocational ventures including agro-based activities, IT related vocations, and eco-tourism services.
My government has formulated a multi-pronged approach for securing employment oriented development skills over the decade. This measure has helped to spur economic growth in the State. The capacity building initiative of the Government has witnessed commendable success with impressive placement figures particularly in the hospitality sector.
Many young boys and girls are also undergoing different kinds of vocational upgradation training in 31 Livelihood Schools, established almost in every constituency. These schools are providing vocational training to absorb the youth in the local service sector in such areas as school repairs, making of furniture and fixtures, etc.
Demands of the State Government:
My Government is sincerely and vigorously pursuing with the Central Government :
(i) to increase the number of seats in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly from 32 to 40;
(ii) to provide for reservation of seats for the enlisted tribals of Limboo and Tamang communities without disturbing the 12 seats reserved for the Bhutia-Lepcha communities ;
and
(iii)to grant Income Tax exemption to the old settlers in the State of Sikkim.
I may add that as requested by the people and the Government of Sikkim the Chief Minister has been raising all the above mentioned issues repeatedly for early resolution before the Central leadership during his meetings with them.
Missions & Visions:
My Government has identified number of missions to be achieved by the year 2015. These missions such as Literacy mission, Organic mission, Poverty free mission, Power and Energy Sector vision mission, Social Security and Cooperative mission, and Forestry and Environment mission have been designed to make the State self-reliant. Let the government and the people work together to bring about rapid development of the State by 2015.
Recognitions:
We have to our credit more than 20 national and other awards in various categories conferred by the Government of India and other agencies in the field of tourism, primary education, security, justice and health. On 2nd February, 2011 in a sammelan held in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the UPA Chairperson, Smt. Sonia Gandhi conferred the National Awards in the categories of the best performing Gram Panchayats, District MGNREGA teams, and NGOs to Sikkim; the only State to have achieved this triple distinction.
While congratulating ourselves for what we have achieved inspite of formidable constraints, we must not forget that all of us are here to serve the people. The people have given us the mandate to occupy public offices. Hence it is our duty to make every effort to live upto their expectations. This becomes particularly challenging as we have miles to climb.
Concluding Observations:
It is heartening to note that the per capita income of 57,637 at current prices for 2009-10 has shown a healthy increase of 17.14% when compared to that of 2008-09 financial year which was 49,201.
In this background, as we embark on to the 12th Five Year Plan, we can look forward to starting the next Plan on a right note to work for giving economic freedom to our people and for making Sikkim a prosperous State. Towards this end my Government will make every effort to accelerate the pace of development.
The State has given due fiscal priority to the developmental, social sector and infrastructure requirements. In fact, we are moving on the path of effective delivery of services for and economic freedom of the people of Sikkim. Let deliberations of this budget session be in furtherance of that movement. I wish your endeavors all success.
JAI HIND
********
Hon’ble Speaker and Hon’ble Members of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, I convey my warm greetings to you, to your families and to the people of Sikkim.
To begin with let me express my appreciation for the all round development and the efforts made by the government in maintaining peace, communal harmony and security in the State. These are the hallmarks of the State which are acknowledged both within the country and abroad. There is no doubt that socio-economic development is the main ingredient for peace and security of a nation.
For the past several years we are one of the best performing States in the country with a number of positive indicators in crucial sectors such as Health, Rural Management & Development, Human Resource Development, and Tourism. These achievements have been possible because of peace, tranquility, good governance and the prevailing security environment. The government’s proactive leadership and vision have made a positive impact on socio-economic growth.
The dedication exhibited by the leadership of the government in discharging its duties is worthy of praise. A large number of innovative ideas and projects have been launched by the government with a view to usher in meaningful change in the lives of the people. Truly Sikkim has a forward looking and progressive government, resolute in its approach to transform the State’s economy. This has been appreciated by the Central government and rewards have come in the form of enhanced budget allocation for the current fiscal year.
Budget Allocation:
I am happy to announce that Sikkim’s Annual Plan outlay for the year 2011-12 has been fixed at 1400 crores, against the revised Plan outlay of 863.72 crores for the year 2010-11. The revision was necessitated because of the implementation of the Fiscal Reforms and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2010 from 1st January 2011 in the State. The outlay of 1400 crores for the year 2011-12 represents massive increase of 62.09% over the previous year. This is in recognition of the progress and development achieved by the State with good governance and effective delivery of services. I am sure the tempo of the development dynamism will continue and flourish in the 12th Plan period also.
The 11th Plan (2007-08 to 2011-12) had sought to build on the gains achieved in the 10th Plan and shift the economy on a path of faster and more inclusive growth. Inclusiveness is now a critical element in the strategy to achieve broadbased growth aimed at overcoming deficiencies in critical areas which affect a large number of vulnerable sections of our population, particularly the scheduled castes and tribes, the other backward classes, women and minorities. The 11th Plan sought to deal with these deficiencies through programmes aimed at providing access to health, education, clean drinking water and other essential services, including extending livelihood support to every nook and corner of the State.
I am pleased to record that my Government has made all possible efforts to harmonize the sectoral approaches inherent in the Plan document. The National focus on growth, prospects for agriculture, poverty reduction, access to education and health care including skill development have been kept in view while deciding schemes and projects for the State. We have followed the National perspective and policies while tailoring it to suit our own specific requirements and priorities. Benefits have percolated to the grassroot level and greatly improved the socio-economic condition of the weaker sections of the population. But this should not make us complacent as more needs to be done as we have set for ourselves a higher level of development profile.
Rural Sector:
The budget document has been framed with a view to reconcile growth and development targeting the poor and vulnerable sections of the society. The urban-rural disparity and the consequent migration is to be controlled by vigorous implementation of all the 15 National Flagship programmes. The anti-poverty programmes have also been launched with a similar objective of ensuring inclusive growth.
Under the rural housing scheme my government is focused on providing a roof over the head of every family in the State. This is to be achieved by constructing new houses and upgrading those already constructed. The scheme will benefit the homeless and the rural poor who are living below the poverty line.
The MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) implementation in the State has been a huge success. Under this scheme, the dhara (spring) vikash programme has been introduced to conserve natural water bodies originating from deep aquifers. Harnessing modern technology, water harvesting is being done in the drought prone areas of south and west districts of the State.
MGNREGA being a programme to improve rural areas has helped in transforming the rural scenario. Construction of concrete footpaths to connect rural habitations, construction of minor irrigation channels and play grounds for children, land leveling and shaping, terrace farming as well as re-plantation and regeneration of orange, ginger and cardamom are some of the rural schemes taken up under the programme. Direct monitoring by the Gram Panchayats as well as system of social audit have enhanced the quality of work.
Poverty Alleviation:
The State Government has laid special focus on poverty eradication. A great deal of emphasis is being given to the rural sector for the development and upliftment of the people of rural areas. As a result the percentage of families living below the poverty line has been steadily decreasing. This explains the positive impact of the poverty alleviation programmes being undertaken by my government since 1994 when a policy decision was taken to allocate 70% of the plan budget for the rural sector. The same policy continues to guide our attention towards social commitment by way of introducing a range of social safety nets to guarantee basic minimum needs to the deprived and disadvantaged sections of the society.
Health Sector:
My government accords topmost priority to the health sector. Existing health infrastructure facilities are being upgraded and innovative steps involving preventive and curative measures which encompass diagnostic facilities for timely detection of ailments for all age-groups are being undertaken. The most recent initiative has been the launching of the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Annual and Total Check-up for Healthy Sikkim (CATCH) campaign. We need to be adequately equipped with a comprehensive data covering the health profile of each and every citizen in the State. This will be monitored and updated annually so that the required delivery mechanism for timely intervention in providing health care and treatment can be organized more efficiently. Such an exercise will involve upgrading the technical expertise of our doctors and the paramedics as well as improving the physical facilities for diagnostic services covering the entire network of our medical centres. Action in this regard will be initiated with careful planning and by preparing a realistic road map to achieve the goals.
Presently, a 575 bedded multi-specialty hospital is under construction in the vicinity of the State Capital. Once completed, it will fulfill the ambition of my government to provide the best medical treatment facility within the State.
Education Sector:
Education is a top priority of my government. Almost 20% of the plan is allocated for this sector in our quest to provide quality education to our children.
My government seeks to eradicate illiteracy and achieve a high educational status at par with the best in the country. Under the Chief Minister’s Meritorious Scholarship Programme the State Government is sponsoring free education to the promising students at the class V State level to the premier public schools within as well as outside the State. Already 150 students have benefited under this programme. I consider this as a unique innovative programme directly benefiting the children of the rural areas.
Though education is accessible to everybody in the State, a mechanism has been evolved to monitor and implement the school programmes so that visible outcomes can be achieved. My government realizes that teachers are very important to impart quality education and to that extent it is crucial to provide proper training to the teachers. Every effort is being made to improve education in the State be it at school level or in colleges both in terms of hardware and software.
Tourism Sector:
In the tourism sector, Sikkim is a leader not only among the north-eastern states but its performance has been better than some of the bigger states, also. The achievement of the tourism sector has been recognized in the form of 8 or more national and other awards. This is a fast growing industry in the State. Last year, the State registered 7 lakhs domestic tourist arrivals and 29,000 international visitors. This represents nearly 14% (domestic) and 17% (international) growth in arrivals over the previous year. My government aims to make the State number one in all year round eco-tourism tourist destination.
Tourism and hospitality industry have tremendous employment potential. Eco-tourism, rural tourism, adventure tourism and culture tourism are our main strengths. More concerted efforts and focus need to be put in place to capitalize on these strengths in order to create avenues both for self employment and resource generation.
In the 12th Five Year Plan period my government’s priority would be to move on the path of sustainable economic development and self-reliance by harnessing the State’s well endowed natural resources. Towards this end, priorities of my government are promotion and development of environmental as well as eco-friendly tourism with specific emphasis on the promotion of horticulture and floriculture as also production of low volume but high value organic agricultural produce.
Power and Energy Sector:
My government realizes that energy is a vital input for any development and as we make progress we require more and more energy. The Central Water Commission has estimated that Sikkim has 8000 Mws of hydro-power potential. The government has formulated a vision document to tap 5000 Mws of power by the year 2015, putting in place efficient and well planned evacuation and transmission system while improving the transmission and distribution networks to bring down the technical and commercial loss to 15% by 2015.
My government has allotted hydro power projects to private power developers and NHPC on Build Own Operate and Transfer (BOOT) and Build Own and Operate (BOO) basis, respectively with agreements to supply free power which is likely to generate substantial revenue for the State. But the task ahead to achieve the goals of the vision document is both challenging and formidable as it calls for maintaining a delicate balance between ecological conservation and revenue generation to avert adverse environmental impacts. My government is fully aware of the need to preserve its rich natural heritage while pursuing its development goals to make the State prosperous and self reliant.
Connectivity Infrastructure:
The elements of infrastructure such as telecommunication, transportation networks and power supply are important for creation of a stable and peaceful society. It is also necessary to usher in progress and prosperity and to keep poverty, illiteracy and unemployment at bay.
My government has made consistent efforts to improve the road connectivity, the evidence of which are everywhere throughout the State. Internally Sikkim today is one of the most well connected States in the country with roads providing vital link to even the remotest villages in the State. As a result of the efforts of my government, improvement upon and widening of NH 31A, are taking place and by 2015 work on this entire stretch of road from Siliguri to Nathula and to north Sikkim will be completed. The progress is being monitored on a regular basis at the highest levels in the State. The construction of the airport at Pakyong is progressing. Likewise the first phase of the railway project to link Rangpo town to Sevoke has been sanctioned and by the year 2015 Gangtok hopes to be on the railway map of the country. Telecommunication and internet connectivity too are being monitored to improve the situation throughout the State.
Decentralization:
Democratic decentralization with inclusive and participative governance has been put in place in every panchayat administrative unit throughout the State. With the creation of the 27 Block Administrative Centres, the process of decentralized district planning for every micro unit of administration within the State has been brought into operation. The bottoms-up approach to the planning process involving District level officials and elected representatives of all Gram Panchayats and Zilla Panchayats has now become a reality. With a view to empowering the Panchayat institutions, the State Government has continued to earmark 10% of the plan outlay from every developmental sector as decentralized allocation to the Zilla and Gram Panchayats. This is to be utilized under their discretion and control for schemes to be taken up within their respective jurisdiction. The State government is also in the process of preparing Village Development Action Plan (VDAP) for every Gram Panchayat to facilitate need-based perspective planning.
Capacity Building:
The Skill Development Initiative that my government launched in 2003 has become an effective programme to make our educated youth employable and skilled enough to harness diverse opportunities available both within and outside the State. Apart from the existing Directorate of Capacity Building, an Institute of Capacity Building has also been established in the State to expand the scope of capacity building prospects. The launching of the Chief Minister’s Self-Employment Scheme has been instrumental in carrying forward the initiatives taken under the Skill Development Mission and a large number of youth have benefited from vocational ventures including agro-based activities, IT related vocations, and eco-tourism services.
My government has formulated a multi-pronged approach for securing employment oriented development skills over the decade. This measure has helped to spur economic growth in the State. The capacity building initiative of the Government has witnessed commendable success with impressive placement figures particularly in the hospitality sector.
Many young boys and girls are also undergoing different kinds of vocational upgradation training in 31 Livelihood Schools, established almost in every constituency. These schools are providing vocational training to absorb the youth in the local service sector in such areas as school repairs, making of furniture and fixtures, etc.
Demands of the State Government:
My Government is sincerely and vigorously pursuing with the Central Government :
(i) to increase the number of seats in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly from 32 to 40;
(ii) to provide for reservation of seats for the enlisted tribals of Limboo and Tamang communities without disturbing the 12 seats reserved for the Bhutia-Lepcha communities ;
and
(iii)to grant Income Tax exemption to the old settlers in the State of Sikkim.
I may add that as requested by the people and the Government of Sikkim the Chief Minister has been raising all the above mentioned issues repeatedly for early resolution before the Central leadership during his meetings with them.
Missions & Visions:
My Government has identified number of missions to be achieved by the year 2015. These missions such as Literacy mission, Organic mission, Poverty free mission, Power and Energy Sector vision mission, Social Security and Cooperative mission, and Forestry and Environment mission have been designed to make the State self-reliant. Let the government and the people work together to bring about rapid development of the State by 2015.
Recognitions:
We have to our credit more than 20 national and other awards in various categories conferred by the Government of India and other agencies in the field of tourism, primary education, security, justice and health. On 2nd February, 2011 in a sammelan held in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the UPA Chairperson, Smt. Sonia Gandhi conferred the National Awards in the categories of the best performing Gram Panchayats, District MGNREGA teams, and NGOs to Sikkim; the only State to have achieved this triple distinction.
While congratulating ourselves for what we have achieved inspite of formidable constraints, we must not forget that all of us are here to serve the people. The people have given us the mandate to occupy public offices. Hence it is our duty to make every effort to live upto their expectations. This becomes particularly challenging as we have miles to climb.
Concluding Observations:
It is heartening to note that the per capita income of 57,637 at current prices for 2009-10 has shown a healthy increase of 17.14% when compared to that of 2008-09 financial year which was 49,201.
In this background, as we embark on to the 12th Five Year Plan, we can look forward to starting the next Plan on a right note to work for giving economic freedom to our people and for making Sikkim a prosperous State. Towards this end my Government will make every effort to accelerate the pace of development.
The State has given due fiscal priority to the developmental, social sector and infrastructure requirements. In fact, we are moving on the path of effective delivery of services for and economic freedom of the people of Sikkim. Let deliberations of this budget session be in furtherance of that movement. I wish your endeavors all success.
JAI HIND
********
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
GOD AND SOCIAL GOOD LURE IITians BY THE DOZENS.....
A significant recruiter at the IIT campuses across the country, completely unheralded at that, is GOD. Scores of IITians are finding a career in spiritualism to be a more uplifting option than i-banking or technology.
Four students from IIT Guwahati and IIT Chennai recently joined Iskcon Bangalore. Many others from IIT are working with Art of Living(AOL), Ramakrishna and Sringeri Mutts, Chinmaya mission, Mata Amritanandmayi ashram, and Shirdi Sai Baba ashram. Iskcon, Bangalore, at 18, has perhaps the largest number of IITians working in one city.
Spiritual Inc is besting India Inc because it offers to these high achievers a combination of personal upliftment and social service. Dinesh Ghodke, who runs the world youth programme at AOL packs a B.Tech Metallurgy from IIT Mumbai. Ghodke gave up a plush Rs 2 lakh per month job at Deloitte Touche to work full time for AOL. "In my second year, I had taken an AOL course. The first day of that course was the turning point in my life. The knowledge imparted was profound. I immediately felt my friends, sister, brother should all try it. The course, I felt was a fantastic platform for individual and social growth. I then organised courses myself. Along the way came the realisation that spirituality was a powerful tool that was replicable, sustainable and meaningful. And once I saw the organisational work that AOL was doing, I immediately felt spirituality was my calling."
For Iskon's Satya Gaura Chandra Dasa --an M.Tech from IIT Chennai, who had worked with American MNC, Novell Software -- a lecture by a muslim, Russian professor, on the Bhagavad Gita, "was the turning point in my life. I took a step to understand life in the spiritual sense."
"And then he gave me a book - Perfect Questions, Perfect Answers. In the book, a foreigner asked Prabhupada - `We speak of perfect answers, but a perfect question, what's that?' Swamiji explains a method of life that completely changed my perception of religion. I was looking for spiritual intellect. I got it there. Service to people and society with God at the centre of it was what moved me. I knew this had to be my quality too."
Spiritualism and social service prove to be hard-to-resist combination to bright young minds fed up with the routine life and wondering `Is this it?'
Bhakta Vikas, M.Tech in Electronics from IIT Guwahati, who was working with Tejas Networks as an hardware engineer, and Bhakta Venkateshwaralu, M.Tech in digital signal processing from IIT Guwahati, who was working with Sony as a software engineer, said routinism of life caught up with them. "Going to work, coming back home, eating, sleeping, back to work again, maintaining some relationships, fighting now and then was all that we were doing. We felt we were wasting our lives. We were experiencing loss of meaning. We wanted wholesomeness. That was when we came in touch with Prabhupada's writings. It changed us completely - the absolute intellectual rigour with which swamiji has articulated happiness and God."
The Aakshay Patra programme was a major hook. "Feeding 13 lakh children with 170 people working for it. We realised Iskcon had the training and knowledge to blend spiritual and social service. After visiting and seeing first-hand the service-oriented nature of the temple, we decided to take the plunge and did so on the same day," they say.
Quote: "Nothing was giving me a sense of completion. Things changed when I took my first meditation course. All aspects of my life became easier and relaxed. Then came the most inspiring moment - when I listened to Sri Sri at the ashram. I felt here was a man living his ideals. I felt I too needed to live my ideals. I finally chose my passion - where I would not feel I had compromised - it had to be spirituality. It was not a hasty decision. Perhaps my IIT background gave me the courage to choose my passion."
Four students from IIT Guwahati and IIT Chennai recently joined Iskcon Bangalore. Many others from IIT are working with Art of Living(AOL), Ramakrishna and Sringeri Mutts, Chinmaya mission, Mata Amritanandmayi ashram, and Shirdi Sai Baba ashram. Iskcon, Bangalore, at 18, has perhaps the largest number of IITians working in one city.
Spiritual Inc is besting India Inc because it offers to these high achievers a combination of personal upliftment and social service. Dinesh Ghodke, who runs the world youth programme at AOL packs a B.Tech Metallurgy from IIT Mumbai. Ghodke gave up a plush Rs 2 lakh per month job at Deloitte Touche to work full time for AOL. "In my second year, I had taken an AOL course. The first day of that course was the turning point in my life. The knowledge imparted was profound. I immediately felt my friends, sister, brother should all try it. The course, I felt was a fantastic platform for individual and social growth. I then organised courses myself. Along the way came the realisation that spirituality was a powerful tool that was replicable, sustainable and meaningful. And once I saw the organisational work that AOL was doing, I immediately felt spirituality was my calling."
For Iskon's Satya Gaura Chandra Dasa --an M.Tech from IIT Chennai, who had worked with American MNC, Novell Software -- a lecture by a muslim, Russian professor, on the Bhagavad Gita, "was the turning point in my life. I took a step to understand life in the spiritual sense."
"And then he gave me a book - Perfect Questions, Perfect Answers. In the book, a foreigner asked Prabhupada - `We speak of perfect answers, but a perfect question, what's that?' Swamiji explains a method of life that completely changed my perception of religion. I was looking for spiritual intellect. I got it there. Service to people and society with God at the centre of it was what moved me. I knew this had to be my quality too."
Spiritualism and social service prove to be hard-to-resist combination to bright young minds fed up with the routine life and wondering `Is this it?'
Bhakta Vikas, M.Tech in Electronics from IIT Guwahati, who was working with Tejas Networks as an hardware engineer, and Bhakta Venkateshwaralu, M.Tech in digital signal processing from IIT Guwahati, who was working with Sony as a software engineer, said routinism of life caught up with them. "Going to work, coming back home, eating, sleeping, back to work again, maintaining some relationships, fighting now and then was all that we were doing. We felt we were wasting our lives. We were experiencing loss of meaning. We wanted wholesomeness. That was when we came in touch with Prabhupada's writings. It changed us completely - the absolute intellectual rigour with which swamiji has articulated happiness and God."
The Aakshay Patra programme was a major hook. "Feeding 13 lakh children with 170 people working for it. We realised Iskcon had the training and knowledge to blend spiritual and social service. After visiting and seeing first-hand the service-oriented nature of the temple, we decided to take the plunge and did so on the same day," they say.
Quote: "Nothing was giving me a sense of completion. Things changed when I took my first meditation course. All aspects of my life became easier and relaxed. Then came the most inspiring moment - when I listened to Sri Sri at the ashram. I felt here was a man living his ideals. I felt I too needed to live my ideals. I finally chose my passion - where I would not feel I had compromised - it had to be spirituality. It was not a hasty decision. Perhaps my IIT background gave me the courage to choose my passion."
Daily dose of safflower oil may help reduce heart disease
source:The Hindu
A safflower plot near Kodumur in Kurnool district. Researcher suggest that a daily dose of safflower oil in the diet is a safe way to help reduce cardiovascular disease risk. File Photo: U. Subramanyam
A dose of safflower oil, a common cooking oil, each day for 16 weeks may help reduce the risk of heart disease, according to a new research.
In the study, researchers found that a dose of safflower oil can improve such health measures as good cholesterol, blood sugar, insulin sensitivity and inflammation in obese postmenopausal women who have Type 2 diabetes.
This finding comes about 18 months after the same researchers discovered that safflower oil reduced abdominal fat and increased muscle tissue in this group of women after 16 weeks of daily supplementation.
This combination of health measures that are improved by the safflower oil is associated with metabolic syndrome, a cluster of symptoms that can increase risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
These new findings have led the chief researcher to suggest that a daily dose of safflower oil in the diet - about 1 2/3 teaspoons - is a safe way to help reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
“The women in the study didn’t replace what was in their diet with safflower oil. They added it to what they were already doing. And that says to me that certain people need a little more of this type of good fat - particularly when they’re obese women who already have diabetes,” said Martha Belury, professor of human nutrition at Ohio State University and lead author of the study.
“I believe these findings suggest that people consciously make sure they get a serving of healthy oil in their diets each day- maybe an oil and vinegar dressing on a salad, or some oil for cooking. And this recommendation can be extended to everyone.”
The research appears online and is scheduled for future print publication in the journal Clinical Nutrition.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
India Equipped to Protect More than Two lakh Formulations Under TKDL: Bansal
TKDL crossed many hurdles and impediments and have been successfully negotiated and benchmarks created and set in place. TKDL team with its organized and objective activity has brought TKDL to this stage of international acceptability. More than 150 experts in the area of traditional medicine, Information Technology, IPRs and Scientists spent almost ten years for this task.Speaking at the inaugural session of the International Conference on Utilization of the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) as a model for the protection of Traditional Knowledge here today, Union Minister of Science and Technology, Earth Sciences and Vice President, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, said, “Today, India is well equipped to protect 2lakh,26 thousand formulations within a time range of ‘days and weeks’ and without any cost, whereas in the cases of ‘Neem’ and ‘Turmeric’ the country had to incur huge cost and it took more than 10 years to get the ‘Neem’ patent revoked at EPO. TKDL has been embraced by the World Intellectual Property Organization and by the EPO and US-PTO as well as other patent offices worldwide who have found in it a powerful weapon to fight biopiracy.”
The Minister explained that Traditional Knowledge is also the basis of the livelihood of a very large population in the world, in particular, in developing countries. He added, “ The issue of Traditional knowledge protection is quite a sensitive one, since traditional knowledge is the information that people in a given community, have developed over generations, on the basis of their experience and which is adapted to local culture and environment. Many countries are struggling to protect their traditional knowledge, against wrongful exploitation, primarily in the pharmaceutical sector. This knowledge is used to sustain the community and its culture, as well as biological resources necessary for the continued survival of the community. As per World Health Organization reports, it is estimated that more than 70% of the population is dependent on traditional medicines for their primary health care needs.”
For the last several years efforts are being made by different International organizations like World Trade Organization, World Intellectual Property Organization and Convention on Biological Diversity, to evolve an implementable solution for protection of Traditional Knowledge, though it is very difficult to bring about a consensus due to diversity of interests at multilateral fora.
Shri Bansal informed, “To ensure that that no wrong patent is granted on India’s traditional knowledge, the access of TKDL database – which breaks the language barriers and converts India’s traditional knowledge of Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha & Yoga, originally written in Sanskrit, Arebic, Persian and Tamil, into five international languages makes information understandable to the International Patent Examiners. Access to TKDL has been given to several international Patent Offices under a non-disclosure agreement.” Expressing deep concern about earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan on 12.3.2011, Shri Bansal said, “We were to sign the TKDL Access Agreement with Japan Patent Office on March 25, 2011, in New Delhi. People of Japan are passing through a difficult and trying times. We express solidarity with the brave and resilient people of Japan.”
TKDL has made waves around the world, particularly in traditional knowledge rich countries by demonstrating the advantages of proactive action and the power of strong deterrence. The idea is not to restrict the use of traditional knowledge, but to ensure that wrong patents are not granted due to lack of access to the prior art for Patent examiners. India developed this much needed tool for protection of Traditional Knowledge. This process began in the year 2000, when wrong patents granted on the wound healing properties of turmeric by US Patent Office and another on the antifungal property of Neem by the European Patent Office, came to notice and were later fought and got revoked.
TKDL crossed many hurdles and impediments and have been successfully negotiated and benchmarks created and set in place. TKDL team with its organized and objective activity has brought TKDL to this stage of international acceptability. More than 150 experts in the area of traditional medicine, Information Technology, IPRs and Scientists spent almost ten years for this task.Speaking at the inaugural session of the International Conference on Utilization of the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) as a model for the protection of Traditional Knowledge here today, Union Minister of Science and Technology, Earth Sciences and Vice President, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, said, “Today, India is well equipped to protect 2lakh,26 thousand formulations within a time range of ‘days and weeks’ and without any cost, whereas in the cases of ‘Neem’ and ‘Turmeric’ the country had to incur huge cost and it took more than 10 years to get the ‘Neem’ patent revoked at EPO. TKDL has been embraced by the World Intellectual Property Organization and by the EPO and US-PTO as well as other patent offices worldwide who have found in it a powerful weapon to fight biopiracy.”
The Minister explained that Traditional Knowledge is also the basis of the livelihood of a very large population in the world, in particular, in developing countries. He added, “ The issue of Traditional knowledge protection is quite a sensitive one, since traditional knowledge is the information that people in a given community, have developed over generations, on the basis of their experience and which is adapted to local culture and environment. Many countries are struggling to protect their traditional knowledge, against wrongful exploitation, primarily in the pharmaceutical sector. This knowledge is used to sustain the community and its culture, as well as biological resources necessary for the continued survival of the community. As per World Health Organization reports, it is estimated that more than 70% of the population is dependent on traditional medicines for their primary health care needs.”
For the last several years efforts are being made by different International organizations like World Trade Organization, World Intellectual Property Organization and Convention on Biological Diversity, to evolve an implementable solution for protection of Traditional Knowledge, though it is very difficult to bring about a consensus due to diversity of interests at multilateral fora.
Shri Bansal informed, “To ensure that that no wrong patent is granted on India’s traditional knowledge, the access of TKDL database – which breaks the language barriers and converts India’s traditional knowledge of Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha & Yoga, originally written in Sanskrit, Arebic, Persian and Tamil, into five international languages makes information understandable to the International Patent Examiners. Access to TKDL has been given to several international Patent Offices under a non-disclosure agreement.” Expressing deep concern about earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan on 12.3.2011, Shri Bansal said, “We were to sign the TKDL Access Agreement with Japan Patent Office on March 25, 2011, in New Delhi. People of Japan are passing through a difficult and trying times. We express solidarity with the brave and resilient people of Japan.”
TKDL has made waves around the world, particularly in traditional knowledge rich countries by demonstrating the advantages of proactive action and the power of strong deterrence. The idea is not to restrict the use of traditional knowledge, but to ensure that wrong patents are not granted due to lack of access to the prior art for Patent examiners. India developed this much needed tool for protection of Traditional Knowledge. This process began in the year 2000, when wrong patents granted on the wound healing properties of turmeric by US Patent Office and another on the antifungal property of Neem by the European Patent Office, came to notice and were later fought and got revoked.
Dalai Lama shows the right path
Dalai Lama shows the right path
March 22, 2011 12:24:58 PM
by Premen Addy
His Holiness combines a rare blend of goodness and greatness that confounds his Chinese adversaries. His decision to devolve power may prove to be a master stroke.
Revered by his people and by communities across the world, the Dalai Lama combines a rare blend of goodness and greatness leavened by shrewd wisdom and humour that confounds his Chinese adversaries. His decision to devolve power to the elected representatives of the Tibetan movement may turn out to be a master stroke. By institutionalising power and authority and separating their temporal aspects from the spiritual, he has lifted the Tibetan people and their cause to an exalted plane, one that will give them a unique niche in the comity of nations. China’s leaders have nothing to fall back on save ritual abuse of the man — their responses expose the vacuity of Chinese statecraft. The low cunning of Dickens’s Artful Dodger and his mentor Fagin comes readily to mind.
Beijing has proposed that future Dalai Lamas would be appointed through a procedure fashioned by the Manchu rulers of China: The names of the contenders to be written down and placed in a receptacle with the Emperor drawing the lot. Politics is thus reduced to a lottery, the 21st century embalmed in the mores of the 18th. Small wonder that the title of historian WF Jenner’s seminal work is entitled, The Tyranny of History: The Roots of China’s Crisis. The country’s dead classicism, underpinned by more than two millennia of centralised authority, is the cross its modern rulers choose to bear. Jenner explains: “Non-Hans win approval to the extent that they allow themselves to be drawn into Han tradition. They could easily be assimilated on paper, even when they were not in reality, by the homogenising device of writing their names in Chinese characters and in a Chinese form. It is very difficult to imagine historical writing being published in China that saw Han Chinese expansionism as genocidal... History as it is written makes it very hard even to consider the possibility that significant numbers of the subjects of Chinese regimes have refused to think of themselves as Chinese or accept the legitimacy of any Chinese rule over them and their territory.”
Jonathan Spence, the Yale historian (The Search for Modern China) writes: “I understand a ‘modern’ nation to be one that is both integrated and receptive, fairly sure of its own identity yet able to join others on equal terms in the quest for new markets, new technologies and new ideas. If it is used in this open sense, we should have no difficulty in seeing ‘modern’ as a concept that shifts with the times as human life unfolds, instead of relegating the sense of the ‘modern’ to our own contemporary world while consigning the past to the ‘traditional’ and the future to the ‘post-modern’. I like to think that there were modern countries — in the above sense — in 1600 or earlier, as at any moment thereafter. Yet at no time in that span, nor at the end of the 20th century, has China convincingly been one of them.” The mismatch of time past and time present surely guarantees a troubled time future.
Such is the canvas of the China-Tibet relationship, from which also arises the challenges that beset China-India ties. Manchu China’s determination to reimpose its defunct authority over Tibet, even in the declining years of the monarchy, is a lesson for our times. “There is a sort of tragic interest,” wrote Lord Bryce — the British Ambassador in Washington, DC, after reading a confidential report from the American traveller and Tibetologist, WW Rockhill, which was made available to him by President Theodore Roosevelt — “in observing how the Chinese Government, like a huge anaconda, has enwrapped the unfortunate Dalai Lama in its coils, tightening them upon him till complete submission has been extorted”. Tibetan defence, he said, had been weakened by the misconceived Younghusband expedition of 1904, hence “a strong, watchful, and tenacious neighbour which one day (could) become a formidable military power” would be ensconced on India’s northern borders. (Bryce to Grey, December 17, 1908).
Two years later, the Thirteenth Dalai fled Lhasa for the sanctuary of India, as columns of the Chinese Army, under Chao Erh-feng’s command, marched into the Tibetan capital. The country’s Buddhist monasteries were looted and priceless scrolls were used to line the boots of the invading troops. The Morning Post (February 28, 1910) in London warned: “...a great Empire, the future military strength of which no man can foresee, has suddenly appeared on the North-East Frontier of India. The problem of the North-West Frontier bids fair to be duplicated in the long run, and a double pressure placed on the defensive resources of the Indian Empire... The Strategic Line has been lost, and a heavy price may be exacted for the mistake. China. In a word, has come to the gates of India, and the fact has to be reckoned with.”
Following the collapse of Manchu monarchy, and on the eve of World War I, British, Chinese and Tibetan negotiators gathered in Simla to discuss Tibet’s status. The talks ended in the fudge of the Simla Convention (July 3, 1914). Nothing was settled in this exercise of British diplomatic casuistry; Tibet was kept warm for Mao Tse-Tung’s hordes half-a-century down the line.
This time the warning broadside came from Sardar Vallabbhai Patel (December 1950): “Chinese irredentism and Communist imperialism ... conceal racial, national and historical claims... While our western and north-western threats to security are still prominent as before, a new threat has developed from the north and north-east... India’s defence has to concentrate itself on two fronts simultaneously. Our defence measures have so far been based on the calculations of a superiority over Pakistan.”
India’s current war doctrine envisages the possibility of a two-front conflict with Pakistan and China: strategic planning having caught up with unfolding ground realities. The surgery of partition had left India in a weakened state in the 1950s; hopefully it’s a radically different situation today. There is full realisation that the Himalayas can offer no ironclad protection to India now than did the Maginot Line for France in 1940.
The flight of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama to India in March 1959 and the sanctuary given him and his followers were taken as a grave affront by Beijing, where concepts such as ‘loss of face’ prevail. The self-perception that the Middle Kingdom is the sole and rightful great power in Asia will be difficult to dispel through sweet reason alone. Beijing will brook no rivals, least of all India, which it affects to despise. But a warmed tributary system from China’s primordial is unlikely to work to Beijing’s satisfaction, however crafty its stitching. We are dealing, after all, with fascism sinified.
source:dailypioneer
March 22, 2011 12:24:58 PM
by Premen Addy
His Holiness combines a rare blend of goodness and greatness that confounds his Chinese adversaries. His decision to devolve power may prove to be a master stroke.
Revered by his people and by communities across the world, the Dalai Lama combines a rare blend of goodness and greatness leavened by shrewd wisdom and humour that confounds his Chinese adversaries. His decision to devolve power to the elected representatives of the Tibetan movement may turn out to be a master stroke. By institutionalising power and authority and separating their temporal aspects from the spiritual, he has lifted the Tibetan people and their cause to an exalted plane, one that will give them a unique niche in the comity of nations. China’s leaders have nothing to fall back on save ritual abuse of the man — their responses expose the vacuity of Chinese statecraft. The low cunning of Dickens’s Artful Dodger and his mentor Fagin comes readily to mind.
Beijing has proposed that future Dalai Lamas would be appointed through a procedure fashioned by the Manchu rulers of China: The names of the contenders to be written down and placed in a receptacle with the Emperor drawing the lot. Politics is thus reduced to a lottery, the 21st century embalmed in the mores of the 18th. Small wonder that the title of historian WF Jenner’s seminal work is entitled, The Tyranny of History: The Roots of China’s Crisis. The country’s dead classicism, underpinned by more than two millennia of centralised authority, is the cross its modern rulers choose to bear. Jenner explains: “Non-Hans win approval to the extent that they allow themselves to be drawn into Han tradition. They could easily be assimilated on paper, even when they were not in reality, by the homogenising device of writing their names in Chinese characters and in a Chinese form. It is very difficult to imagine historical writing being published in China that saw Han Chinese expansionism as genocidal... History as it is written makes it very hard even to consider the possibility that significant numbers of the subjects of Chinese regimes have refused to think of themselves as Chinese or accept the legitimacy of any Chinese rule over them and their territory.”
Jonathan Spence, the Yale historian (The Search for Modern China) writes: “I understand a ‘modern’ nation to be one that is both integrated and receptive, fairly sure of its own identity yet able to join others on equal terms in the quest for new markets, new technologies and new ideas. If it is used in this open sense, we should have no difficulty in seeing ‘modern’ as a concept that shifts with the times as human life unfolds, instead of relegating the sense of the ‘modern’ to our own contemporary world while consigning the past to the ‘traditional’ and the future to the ‘post-modern’. I like to think that there were modern countries — in the above sense — in 1600 or earlier, as at any moment thereafter. Yet at no time in that span, nor at the end of the 20th century, has China convincingly been one of them.” The mismatch of time past and time present surely guarantees a troubled time future.
Such is the canvas of the China-Tibet relationship, from which also arises the challenges that beset China-India ties. Manchu China’s determination to reimpose its defunct authority over Tibet, even in the declining years of the monarchy, is a lesson for our times. “There is a sort of tragic interest,” wrote Lord Bryce — the British Ambassador in Washington, DC, after reading a confidential report from the American traveller and Tibetologist, WW Rockhill, which was made available to him by President Theodore Roosevelt — “in observing how the Chinese Government, like a huge anaconda, has enwrapped the unfortunate Dalai Lama in its coils, tightening them upon him till complete submission has been extorted”. Tibetan defence, he said, had been weakened by the misconceived Younghusband expedition of 1904, hence “a strong, watchful, and tenacious neighbour which one day (could) become a formidable military power” would be ensconced on India’s northern borders. (Bryce to Grey, December 17, 1908).
Two years later, the Thirteenth Dalai fled Lhasa for the sanctuary of India, as columns of the Chinese Army, under Chao Erh-feng’s command, marched into the Tibetan capital. The country’s Buddhist monasteries were looted and priceless scrolls were used to line the boots of the invading troops. The Morning Post (February 28, 1910) in London warned: “...a great Empire, the future military strength of which no man can foresee, has suddenly appeared on the North-East Frontier of India. The problem of the North-West Frontier bids fair to be duplicated in the long run, and a double pressure placed on the defensive resources of the Indian Empire... The Strategic Line has been lost, and a heavy price may be exacted for the mistake. China. In a word, has come to the gates of India, and the fact has to be reckoned with.”
Following the collapse of Manchu monarchy, and on the eve of World War I, British, Chinese and Tibetan negotiators gathered in Simla to discuss Tibet’s status. The talks ended in the fudge of the Simla Convention (July 3, 1914). Nothing was settled in this exercise of British diplomatic casuistry; Tibet was kept warm for Mao Tse-Tung’s hordes half-a-century down the line.
This time the warning broadside came from Sardar Vallabbhai Patel (December 1950): “Chinese irredentism and Communist imperialism ... conceal racial, national and historical claims... While our western and north-western threats to security are still prominent as before, a new threat has developed from the north and north-east... India’s defence has to concentrate itself on two fronts simultaneously. Our defence measures have so far been based on the calculations of a superiority over Pakistan.”
India’s current war doctrine envisages the possibility of a two-front conflict with Pakistan and China: strategic planning having caught up with unfolding ground realities. The surgery of partition had left India in a weakened state in the 1950s; hopefully it’s a radically different situation today. There is full realisation that the Himalayas can offer no ironclad protection to India now than did the Maginot Line for France in 1940.
The flight of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama to India in March 1959 and the sanctuary given him and his followers were taken as a grave affront by Beijing, where concepts such as ‘loss of face’ prevail. The self-perception that the Middle Kingdom is the sole and rightful great power in Asia will be difficult to dispel through sweet reason alone. Beijing will brook no rivals, least of all India, which it affects to despise. But a warmed tributary system from China’s primordial is unlikely to work to Beijing’s satisfaction, however crafty its stitching. We are dealing, after all, with fascism sinified.
source:dailypioneer
Art takes over MG Marg
source:Sikkim Now
GANGTOK: The Blooming Sikkim Public Art festival at MG Marg began Monday evening with curious passers-by crowding over to read the notes explaining the concept behind the installations.
Karma Tenrab Agnihotri’s work titled ‘The Art of Driving’, a battered red car right in front of the Tourism office, drew quite a curious lot towards it. As Souvek Das, a class 12 student of Holy Cross Senior Secondary school, Tadong, puts it, “This is a very new and innovative concept. We see so many TV ads regarding drunken driving but this sight of a wrecked car will actually stay on our minds. I will remember this. I like the idea of this festival and would definitely like to see more of it.”
“The Cosmic World”, an installation by Bangladeshi artist Mahbubur Rahman, which is being set up near the steps going down to Lal bazaar. The installation is likely to be fully functional by tomorrow, it is informed. Delhi based artists, Sreejata Roy and Mrityunjay Chatterjee’s work, “Sound Booth” can be experienced at the far end of MG Marg, in front of the Star cinema along side the light projection work “Illusion in Motion “ by Thomas Eichhorn of Germany and Jitender Yadav of Delhi on the facade of the Star cinema building.
“White Space Shifting / People Have the Power”, a moving art form, by Swiss artists Karin Waelchli and Guido Reichlin went about the MG Marg stretch with coolies carrying white panels made of waste ply interacting with the public along the way.
The festival will be on till 9 PM everyday till the end of this month.
[TSHERING EDEN]
source:sikkimnow
Monday, March 21, 2011
Gates couple to visit India
· T+
AP File photo of Bill and Melinda Gates
They will discuss prevailing health issues with policy-makers, NGOs, business leaders
Bill and Melinda Gates, co-chairs of The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, visit the country this week to meet policy-makers, non-government partners, business and community leaders, and public-health figures to explore ways to build on achievements in health and development and tackle the still prevalent and significant burden of disease.
The challenges and achievements to be highlighted by them will include the eradication of polio, the development and delivery of life-saving vaccines, improved health outcomes for mothers, children and newborns, and innovative approaches to counter the scourge of tuberculosis through public-private partnerships.
India's success with polio, with a 95-per-cent reduction from 741 in 2009 to 42 last year, is just one example of its commitment to improve the lives of the poorest. “I believe there is an excellent chance India will be polio-free very soon,” said Mr. Gates.
India's efforts to halt polio transmission among high-risk migrant populations such as brick-kiln workers are critical to achieving this goal. Concerns still remain in West Bengal, where an outbreak has persisted for over 12 months. “If there is polio anywhere, we are at risk of polio everywhere,” Mr. Gates said. “We encourage India to continue fully funding its own polio program to stop transmission once and for all.”
Another priority would be to urge the Indian government to intensify its progress on vaccination of children. Last year, the couple had called on the global community to help make this the Decade of Vaccines.
It is estimated that pneumonia accounts for 20 per cent of the 1.83 million child deaths in the country each year. Scaling up routine immunisation and access to newer vaccines, such as for measles and certain types of diarrhoea and pneumonia, could prevent hundreds of thousands of childhood deaths in India. A wider introduction of the pentavalent vaccine into routine childhood immunisation efforts would ensure protection against some of the deadliest diseases that children under five are at risk from.
The couple will go to Bihar and visit community health workers and State officials to view, first-hand, the launch of a five-year grant of $80 million made in partnership with the State government and leading Indian and international NGOs. They will see the challenges of maternal and child malnutrition, the benefits of working with private-sector health providers, and the need to develop and deliver new technologies to solve old problems. Bihar's maternal mortality rate and other related indicators are among the highest in India.
During their trip to Bihar, the couple will also visit The Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia (CSISA), which aims to help millions of Indian farmers substantially boost crop yields and incomes within ten years.source:The Hindu.
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