Revisiting Sikkim — the Last Shangrila
By Seema Sengupta
During his recent trip to India, South Korean President Lee Myung-bak emphasized the necessity to promote tourism and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
His desire to encourage people to people contact actually emboldened me to transcend the strategic realm of the Indo-Korean relationship, and venture into a subject that draws my imagination frequently.
In spite of running the risk of authoring a tourist guide, I am tempted to share my exclusive thoughts of a mystic land called Sikkim with the Korean audience.
Sikkim, an Indian province that often hit the headlines alongside Arunachal Pradesh for the bickering that India has with China over territorial disputes is virtually my second home.
Though I do not own a property there, the picturesque place nestled in the Himalayan foothills is one destination I crave to return to.
Amidst the brouhaha over territorial rights that evoke nationalistic sentiment, I always discover myself engrossed completely in the serene landscape endowed with immense natural beauty and resources.
In fact I fell in love with Sikkim and its endearing people at first sight during my maiden visit two decades back and can vividly recollect strolling down the meandering roads through the lovely hills.
The history of Sikkim dates back some thousands of years to prehistoric times when it was inhabited by three tribes, namely the Naong, Chang and Mon. The Lepchas, a peace loving, deeply religious and shy people who entered Sikkim sometime later absorbed them completely.
In the 18th century British India successfully befriended Sikkim to curtail the expanding power of the Gurkhas who became a threat to the British Imperial Forces. The British also looked forward to establishing a trade link with Tibet and for that the route through Sikkim was most feasible.
When Claude White was appointed as the first political officer in Sikkim in 1889, the Monarch of Sikkim Chogyal Thutob Namgyal became virtually subservient to him. After India's independence in 1947 the then Chogyal Tashi Namgyal obtained a special status of protectorate for Sikkim.
This princely state finally merged into the Indian Union in 1975 with the establishment of a democratically elected government. In spite of Beijing's refusal to accept Sikkim's accession to India de jure, the Sikkimese culture symbolizes Indian ethos and the tradition of unity in diversity.
Small but eternally blissful, Sikkim ― a land of pristine and unspoilt natural beauty ― is situated in the eastern Himalayas and spreads over an area of 7,300 square kilometers. The province lies below her protective deity, Mount Khangchendzonga or popularly known as Mount Kanchenjungha, the third-highest peak in the world.
With an elevation varying from 244 meters to 8,540 meters above sea level, Sikkim offers a heavenly experience amidst the grandeur of majestic mountain peaks, lush valleys, torrential rivers, gorgeous waterfalls, blooming flowers, colorful orchids and terraced hills.
Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim bears a unique ambience derived from the happy blend of tradition and modernity. For first timers in Gangtok, there are several places to observe a visual treat.
The Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom; Oo-Orul-Chorten, one of the most important Stupas of Sikkim; the Research Institute of Tibetology; the 200-year-old Enchey Monastery; Phodong Monastery; Ganesh Tok; and Saramsa Garden demands tourist attention.
The Tsongo Lake, 40 kilometers from Gangtok at an altitude of 12,210 feet offers an impressive display of flowers like rhododendrons and primulas in full bloom between May and August. One can also enjoy the youthful experience of yak and pony rides around the wondrous lake after a hot momo feast.
West Sikkim is also ready to welcome guests with a bouquet of rich cultural heritage and exotic orchids in stunning sizes and colors. The Rumtek Monastery in Pemyangtse and a panoramic early morning view of Mount Pandim will leave anybody spellbound.
Khechopalri Lake; Yuksam, the ancient capital of Sikkim; Tashiding; Singshore Bridge, the highest gorge bridge in Asia; and the Rimbi and Sangay waterfalls are worth visiting in this part of the province.
A drive of five hours from Gangtok along winding roads in North Sikkim takes you to the Yumthang Valley ― the ``Hidden Paradise on Earth."
Popularly referred to as the Switzerland of the East, this charming location surrounded by high mountains is simply unforgettable. Though it is a restricted area, the Tourist Information Center at Gangtok makes necessary arrangements for the exquisite journey and accommodation.
Therefore, all that one needs is to make up their mind and take off to the Valley of Flowers, as Yumthang is locally known. Sikkim, the last Shangrila with a panorama of diverse culture, fauna and flora is a unique world in itself and easily accessible by air and road.
To listen to the sound of the wind whistling through the tall coniferous trees, watch the dazzling splendor of snow clad peaks and savor the colorful extravaganza that this province offers, who knows my friends ― this might be the experience of your lifetime.
(Seema Sengupta is a journalist based in Kolkata, India. Her articles have been published by The Tribune, The Telegraph, The Pioneer, The Asian Age and other newspapers. She can be reached at seemasengupta@vsnl.net.)
Saturday, February 20, 2010
SIKKIM: Head count of Sikkim’s population for 2011 census to begin
FROM ZEENEWS.COM
The exercise for updating the population of Sikkim as part of the 2011 census will begin in April this year with as many as 1600 enumerators visiting the households to collect necessary details in this regard, according to the Directorate of Census (Sikkim) Joint Director D K Dey.
The enumerators will make a door-to-door visit of all households from April 7 to May 22 in order to collect details like the number of houses and people for cataloguing them on the national population register, he said.
The Directorate of Census has already conducted a training-cum-workshop for the enumerators earlier this month in order to gear them to undertake the challenging task of census in an efficient manner, Dey said.
The enumeration process about the identification of houses and the number of people living in each house will be a continuous process in the run up to the final head count of the state’s population to be carried out in February next year, the Joint Director said.
The 2011 census will be the 15th in the country, but only the fourth for Sikkim following its merger with the Union of India in 1975.
FROM ZEENEWS.COM
The exercise for updating the population of Sikkim as part of the 2011 census will begin in April this year with as many as 1600 enumerators visiting the households to collect necessary details in this regard, according to the Directorate of Census (Sikkim) Joint Director D K Dey.
The enumerators will make a door-to-door visit of all households from April 7 to May 22 in order to collect details like the number of houses and people for cataloguing them on the national population register, he said.
The Directorate of Census has already conducted a training-cum-workshop for the enumerators earlier this month in order to gear them to undertake the challenging task of census in an efficient manner, Dey said.
The enumeration process about the identification of houses and the number of people living in each house will be a continuous process in the run up to the final head count of the state’s population to be carried out in February next year, the Joint Director said.
The 2011 census will be the 15th in the country, but only the fourth for Sikkim following its merger with the Union of India in 1975.
SIKKIM:The legend of Baba Harbhajan
MeriNews.com|CJ:Keerat
‘Harbhajan Baba ki Jai’, says the taxi driver as he crosses the rickety bridge over the Teesta River. ‘Harbhajan Baba’ is revered across Sikkim as a sacred entity. And this is his story.
LATE SEPOY Harbhajan Singh was enrolled into the Punjab Regiment on Fbruary 9, 1966. Born in the village of Browndal in Kapurthala district of Punjab, he enlisted in the army at an early age and found himself posted on the misty heights of the Sino- Indian border near Nathula Pass.
The year 1968 saw heavy rainfall and vicious floods in the region. On 4 October, 1968, while escorting a mule caravan from his battalion headquarters at Tukla to Deng Chukla, he fell into a fast- flowing stream and was washed away. The search for his body continued for a couple of days but was abandoned due to inclement weather.
And one day, Harbhajan Singh appeared in the dream of one of the sepoys in his unit. In the dream, he informed his colleague that he was no longer alive and told him the exact spot where his body would be found. He asked him to construct a Samadhi at the spot where his body would be found. After saying that he will always patrol in the area and never give up being a soldier, he disappeared. The man woke up and dismissed the dream as a manifestation of his grief for Harbhajan Singh’s loss.
It wasn’t until another member of the same unit had the same dream down to the last detail that suspicions were aroused. It seemed an incredible coincidence that two people could have dreamed the same sequence of events. When a search party was dispatched to the spot that had been described in the dream, late Sepoy Harbhajan Singh’s body was found. He was cremated with full military honours and a Samadhi was made at Chhokya Cho as per the wishes that he had expressed in his dream. The first part of the dream had been accurate and what about the second half about remaining a soldier forever?
Soon reports of a man seen patrolling the area began filtering in. Soldiers deployed in the area would talk of a lone uniformed man on horse patrolling the region. Forces on the other side of the border confirmed these reports and claimed that they too had seen the ghost rider. Over the years, soldiers in the area began seeing Harbhajan Singh in their dreams where he instructed them of loopholes and unprotected areas from where the Chinese could attack. His instructions generally proved to be accurate and the legend of Baba Harbhajan Singh grew.
Meanwhile, the popularity of the shrine was also growing. It gained significance as a religious spot and people came with the faith of having their problems solved or their infirmities cured by the Baba who had come back from the dead. The Samadhi dedicated to Harbhajan Singh consisted of a three room complex where a bed would be laid out for him and his uniform and boots would be displayed for the visitors. Caretakers of the Samadhi would swear that each morning the bed sheets would be crushed as if someone had slept in the bed the previous night and the carefully polished boots would be soiled and covered with mud. This conundrum only added to the Babas followers, who came in truckloads.
The Indian army realised the importance of Late Sepoy Harbhajan Singh and in honour of his contribution, he was promoted to Honorary Captain. A pay check would be sent home to Kapurthala every month and more interestingly, he would go home on annual leave on September 14 every year.
Soldiers would pack his trunk with basic essentials and ‘Capt Harbhajan’ would be accompanied by two soldiers all the way to Kapurthala by train and brought back after a month the same way. This tradition continued for years until he was retired a few years back.
Following the twisting narrow roads at a steep incline, taxis and cars snake their way to 14000 ft to visit Harbhajan Baba every year. Devout believers from all over Sikkim and Bengal visit the Samadhi bringing the sick and the elderly in the hope of a miracle. They bring bottles of water and take back those lying there. It is believed that water left at the Samadhi over a period of time turns to holy water and is capable of curing ailments. Food is served to the devotees who make the arduous journey by the soldiers looking after the Samadhi.
The Samadhi dedicated to Harbhajan Baba is located amidst a beautiful panorama of high mountains broken in places by gushing waterfalls and dotted by multi-coloured shrubs. En route, one crosses beautiful lakes and hamlets that resemble something out of a picture postcard. One such village is Kyangnosla. The ascent is steep and often takes skilled driving. In order to reach the Samadhi, a detour must be taken along the road that leads to the Sino- Indian border post of Nathula which was opened for trade recently. The Samadhi attracts people from all religions – In its own way, it has promoted a certain secular equanimity in the region – a rare feat in today’s world.
Taxi drivers and soldiers passing through the area generally stop at the Samadhi to pay obeisance to the revered Baba. Not doing so is supposed to bring bad luck. In a society that is dictated by tradition and supported on the pillars of superstition, it is not uncommon to find a legend of this kind. Perhaps the Chinese are just as superstitious as we are because at the monthly flag meetings between the two nations at Nathula, the Chinese set a chair aside for Harbhajan Baba.
And as the red flag bespeckled with stars flaps in the icy wind next to the tricolour, a lone figure perhaps stands and watches- ever alert, ever watchful, ever zealous, and ever protective of his country’s honour. A zeal that has lasted beyond death.
MeriNews.com|CJ:Keerat
‘Harbhajan Baba ki Jai’, says the taxi driver as he crosses the rickety bridge over the Teesta River. ‘Harbhajan Baba’ is revered across Sikkim as a sacred entity. And this is his story.
LATE SEPOY Harbhajan Singh was enrolled into the Punjab Regiment on Fbruary 9, 1966. Born in the village of Browndal in Kapurthala district of Punjab, he enlisted in the army at an early age and found himself posted on the misty heights of the Sino- Indian border near Nathula Pass.
The year 1968 saw heavy rainfall and vicious floods in the region. On 4 October, 1968, while escorting a mule caravan from his battalion headquarters at Tukla to Deng Chukla, he fell into a fast- flowing stream and was washed away. The search for his body continued for a couple of days but was abandoned due to inclement weather.
And one day, Harbhajan Singh appeared in the dream of one of the sepoys in his unit. In the dream, he informed his colleague that he was no longer alive and told him the exact spot where his body would be found. He asked him to construct a Samadhi at the spot where his body would be found. After saying that he will always patrol in the area and never give up being a soldier, he disappeared. The man woke up and dismissed the dream as a manifestation of his grief for Harbhajan Singh’s loss.
It wasn’t until another member of the same unit had the same dream down to the last detail that suspicions were aroused. It seemed an incredible coincidence that two people could have dreamed the same sequence of events. When a search party was dispatched to the spot that had been described in the dream, late Sepoy Harbhajan Singh’s body was found. He was cremated with full military honours and a Samadhi was made at Chhokya Cho as per the wishes that he had expressed in his dream. The first part of the dream had been accurate and what about the second half about remaining a soldier forever?
Soon reports of a man seen patrolling the area began filtering in. Soldiers deployed in the area would talk of a lone uniformed man on horse patrolling the region. Forces on the other side of the border confirmed these reports and claimed that they too had seen the ghost rider. Over the years, soldiers in the area began seeing Harbhajan Singh in their dreams where he instructed them of loopholes and unprotected areas from where the Chinese could attack. His instructions generally proved to be accurate and the legend of Baba Harbhajan Singh grew.
Meanwhile, the popularity of the shrine was also growing. It gained significance as a religious spot and people came with the faith of having their problems solved or their infirmities cured by the Baba who had come back from the dead. The Samadhi dedicated to Harbhajan Singh consisted of a three room complex where a bed would be laid out for him and his uniform and boots would be displayed for the visitors. Caretakers of the Samadhi would swear that each morning the bed sheets would be crushed as if someone had slept in the bed the previous night and the carefully polished boots would be soiled and covered with mud. This conundrum only added to the Babas followers, who came in truckloads.
The Indian army realised the importance of Late Sepoy Harbhajan Singh and in honour of his contribution, he was promoted to Honorary Captain. A pay check would be sent home to Kapurthala every month and more interestingly, he would go home on annual leave on September 14 every year.
Soldiers would pack his trunk with basic essentials and ‘Capt Harbhajan’ would be accompanied by two soldiers all the way to Kapurthala by train and brought back after a month the same way. This tradition continued for years until he was retired a few years back.
Following the twisting narrow roads at a steep incline, taxis and cars snake their way to 14000 ft to visit Harbhajan Baba every year. Devout believers from all over Sikkim and Bengal visit the Samadhi bringing the sick and the elderly in the hope of a miracle. They bring bottles of water and take back those lying there. It is believed that water left at the Samadhi over a period of time turns to holy water and is capable of curing ailments. Food is served to the devotees who make the arduous journey by the soldiers looking after the Samadhi.
The Samadhi dedicated to Harbhajan Baba is located amidst a beautiful panorama of high mountains broken in places by gushing waterfalls and dotted by multi-coloured shrubs. En route, one crosses beautiful lakes and hamlets that resemble something out of a picture postcard. One such village is Kyangnosla. The ascent is steep and often takes skilled driving. In order to reach the Samadhi, a detour must be taken along the road that leads to the Sino- Indian border post of Nathula which was opened for trade recently. The Samadhi attracts people from all religions – In its own way, it has promoted a certain secular equanimity in the region – a rare feat in today’s world.
Taxi drivers and soldiers passing through the area generally stop at the Samadhi to pay obeisance to the revered Baba. Not doing so is supposed to bring bad luck. In a society that is dictated by tradition and supported on the pillars of superstition, it is not uncommon to find a legend of this kind. Perhaps the Chinese are just as superstitious as we are because at the monthly flag meetings between the two nations at Nathula, the Chinese set a chair aside for Harbhajan Baba.
And as the red flag bespeckled with stars flaps in the icy wind next to the tricolour, a lone figure perhaps stands and watches- ever alert, ever watchful, ever zealous, and ever protective of his country’s honour. A zeal that has lasted beyond death.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
NE MP Forum Summit in Gangtok “Without peace nothing is possible”: CM
Gangtok: In the Summit of North East Members of Parliament Forum held at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok on February 12, keynote address was delivered by Sikkim Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling.
At the outset he said, “the theme you have chosen for this summit ‘Ushering in people centric progress and development through peace’ is very apt and we welcome it. Without peace nothing is possible”.
He continued: “When the people of Sikkim mandated us to form the government with absolute majority in the 1994 election, the State’s socio-economic condition was in tatters. On the formation of the people’s Government on December 12, 1994, we accepted a tough challenge to regain the status of people as the real masters and the fountainhead of all power in a democratic set up offering myself as the first servant - both in the abstract and the absolute sense of the term. After years of struggle, we have been able to transform the democratic fabric, democratic functioning, values and spirit to guide the collective destiny of Sikkim and its people”.
“After we took over, we sought to remedy the lackluster approach to development and make it vibrant by duly introducing professional and practical approach with special emphasis on designing long-term programs based on our natural resources. As a State rich in natural resources, we identified certain areas as our priority sectors for comprehensive development of the State. They include eco-friendly tourism, hydro-power generation, organic farming, horticulture and floriculture, agro-based industry, hospitality services, small scale clean industry including pharmaceutical units on a sustainable basis. The people of Sikkim are aware that we have made conscious effort in developing these sectors and have made much headway at present. We are now looking at the knowledge sector which will include biotechnology in a major way.
Due to our vision, policy and programs Sikkim has emerged as the State with one of the best livelihood opportunities both within and outside the government establishment, with relatively large scale opportunities in the services sector, private sector, eco-tourism, hydro power generation etc.”
Mr. Vincent Pala, Chairman, North East MP’s Forum in his address said, the region is geographically and historically has a character distinct from other states of the country. This forum is for sustainable development of the region and will unite the people with mainstream. Conservation of forest, clean environment and its preservation to protect our resources ought to be a priority he said. NE is a resourceful area of the country and shall play a lead role in economic integration of South East Asia, he added.
“We have to think how north east can develop as a gateway to South East Asia without compromising with the internal and external security of the country”, Mr. Pala said. He stressed on coordination among the sister states in the region.
Earlier, Lok Sabha Member from Sikkim nd General Secretary, NE MP’s Forum Mr. PD Rai in his welcome address said, Sikkim is doing remarkable work in various fields under the leadership of Dr. Pawan Chamling. North Eastern region has faced terrorism and insurgency for decades and because of this it has lost its pace of development. “This summit will help us to recognize our potential as we are rich in flora and fauna and other resources”, Mr. Rai said. He stressed on peace, development and formulation of a common programme among the states of the region. Mr. Mukut Mithi, also spoke on the occasion.
Gangtok: In the Summit of North East Members of Parliament Forum held at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok on February 12, keynote address was delivered by Sikkim Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling.
At the outset he said, “the theme you have chosen for this summit ‘Ushering in people centric progress and development through peace’ is very apt and we welcome it. Without peace nothing is possible”.
He continued: “When the people of Sikkim mandated us to form the government with absolute majority in the 1994 election, the State’s socio-economic condition was in tatters. On the formation of the people’s Government on December 12, 1994, we accepted a tough challenge to regain the status of people as the real masters and the fountainhead of all power in a democratic set up offering myself as the first servant - both in the abstract and the absolute sense of the term. After years of struggle, we have been able to transform the democratic fabric, democratic functioning, values and spirit to guide the collective destiny of Sikkim and its people”.
“After we took over, we sought to remedy the lackluster approach to development and make it vibrant by duly introducing professional and practical approach with special emphasis on designing long-term programs based on our natural resources. As a State rich in natural resources, we identified certain areas as our priority sectors for comprehensive development of the State. They include eco-friendly tourism, hydro-power generation, organic farming, horticulture and floriculture, agro-based industry, hospitality services, small scale clean industry including pharmaceutical units on a sustainable basis. The people of Sikkim are aware that we have made conscious effort in developing these sectors and have made much headway at present. We are now looking at the knowledge sector which will include biotechnology in a major way.
Due to our vision, policy and programs Sikkim has emerged as the State with one of the best livelihood opportunities both within and outside the government establishment, with relatively large scale opportunities in the services sector, private sector, eco-tourism, hydro power generation etc.”
Mr. Vincent Pala, Chairman, North East MP’s Forum in his address said, the region is geographically and historically has a character distinct from other states of the country. This forum is for sustainable development of the region and will unite the people with mainstream. Conservation of forest, clean environment and its preservation to protect our resources ought to be a priority he said. NE is a resourceful area of the country and shall play a lead role in economic integration of South East Asia, he added.
“We have to think how north east can develop as a gateway to South East Asia without compromising with the internal and external security of the country”, Mr. Pala said. He stressed on coordination among the sister states in the region.
Earlier, Lok Sabha Member from Sikkim nd General Secretary, NE MP’s Forum Mr. PD Rai in his welcome address said, Sikkim is doing remarkable work in various fields under the leadership of Dr. Pawan Chamling. North Eastern region has faced terrorism and insurgency for decades and because of this it has lost its pace of development. “This summit will help us to recognize our potential as we are rich in flora and fauna and other resources”, Mr. Rai said. He stressed on peace, development and formulation of a common programme among the states of the region. Mr. Mukut Mithi, also spoke on the occasion.
SIKKIM-;CM lays foundation stone of 575 bedded Multi Specialty Hospital
Rs 400 Crore Hospital to be ready by 2013
GANGTOK, February 10: Taking forward the Sikkim Government’s policies to improve health care facilities in the State, a new multi-speciality hospital will soon come up in the State to cater to the growing population.
The Chief Minister Pawan Chamling laid the foundation stone of a new 575 bedded Multi Specialty Hospital at Suchakgang Sichey located in the outskirts of the State Capital, today.
The Hospital is part of the expansion plans of the existing government-run Sir Tashi Namgyal Memorial Hospital (STNM) in Gangtok, which was built in 1917.
The new STNM hospital will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 400 Crores and the plinth area of the hospital will be approximately 6 lakhs square feet. The 575-bedded Hospital has provisions for expansion up to 900 beds and is expected to be completed by March, 2013.
The Hospital will have 18 departments which include Forensic and Oncology departments. Special Medical Services such as Emergency Medical and Disaster Management are part of the Hospital infrastructure.
“The focus of the State Government is to establish a fully functional, community owned, decentralised health delivery system with inter sectoral convergence at all levels,” State health Secretary, VP Pathak said. “We have to ensure simultaneous action on a wide range of determinants of health like water, sanitation, education, nutrition, social and gender equality within the fragmented health sector. We have to achieve outcomes on important health determinants and necessary institution infrastructure and human resources measured against Indian Public Health standard for all health facilities,” he said.
“The policy of the State Government aim at sustainable human development by ensuring equity in health care throughout the State. The present STNM Hospital premises have been stretched to its limits. Renewal of health care facilities will create a sustainable health care system in the State,” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister called the occasion as “a historic one” and appealed to the personnel from the health department and doctors to make the hospital “life centric and people friendly” when it gets completed. “Real development is when the benefits reach the people in form of happiness and health, and when government machinery is used in the favour of general public,” he said adding that doctors and specialists should come forward with plans and advices to the government to make this hospital an exemplary one, not only in the North East but in the nation itself.
Mr. Chamling also hoped that the new hospital will also have the facilities like yoga and meditation centre among others.
“My priority is to make the future of the people of Sikkim safe and secure and for
this I will work tirelessly towards my goals,” the CM stressed.
Taking in consideration the overflow of the patients in the OPD department, he said the Government has plans to start evening shift of OPD from 3pm to 5pm especially for treatment of rural people who are left unattended in the morning session, he said.
At the same time, the Chief Minister raised the need for State medical professionals who have been working out of the State to come back and serve the State. He also assured the medical professionals of reviewing the cadre very shortly.
The State Health Minister DN Takarpa in his address informed of starting GNM and ANM training centres at Sabji Mandi with 50 students in each batch. He also informed of constructing 20 bedded trauma centre at present STNM complex until the new hospital gets ready. “21, 600 categorized BPLs in Sikkim will get the health insurance benefits along with other Chief Minister’s Health scheme with free distribution of
hearing aids and spectacles,” Mr. Takarpa added.
Rs 400 Crore Hospital to be ready by 2013
GANGTOK, February 10: Taking forward the Sikkim Government’s policies to improve health care facilities in the State, a new multi-speciality hospital will soon come up in the State to cater to the growing population.
The Chief Minister Pawan Chamling laid the foundation stone of a new 575 bedded Multi Specialty Hospital at Suchakgang Sichey located in the outskirts of the State Capital, today.
The Hospital is part of the expansion plans of the existing government-run Sir Tashi Namgyal Memorial Hospital (STNM) in Gangtok, which was built in 1917.
The new STNM hospital will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 400 Crores and the plinth area of the hospital will be approximately 6 lakhs square feet. The 575-bedded Hospital has provisions for expansion up to 900 beds and is expected to be completed by March, 2013.
The Hospital will have 18 departments which include Forensic and Oncology departments. Special Medical Services such as Emergency Medical and Disaster Management are part of the Hospital infrastructure.
“The focus of the State Government is to establish a fully functional, community owned, decentralised health delivery system with inter sectoral convergence at all levels,” State health Secretary, VP Pathak said. “We have to ensure simultaneous action on a wide range of determinants of health like water, sanitation, education, nutrition, social and gender equality within the fragmented health sector. We have to achieve outcomes on important health determinants and necessary institution infrastructure and human resources measured against Indian Public Health standard for all health facilities,” he said.
“The policy of the State Government aim at sustainable human development by ensuring equity in health care throughout the State. The present STNM Hospital premises have been stretched to its limits. Renewal of health care facilities will create a sustainable health care system in the State,” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister called the occasion as “a historic one” and appealed to the personnel from the health department and doctors to make the hospital “life centric and people friendly” when it gets completed. “Real development is when the benefits reach the people in form of happiness and health, and when government machinery is used in the favour of general public,” he said adding that doctors and specialists should come forward with plans and advices to the government to make this hospital an exemplary one, not only in the North East but in the nation itself.
Mr. Chamling also hoped that the new hospital will also have the facilities like yoga and meditation centre among others.
“My priority is to make the future of the people of Sikkim safe and secure and for
this I will work tirelessly towards my goals,” the CM stressed.
Taking in consideration the overflow of the patients in the OPD department, he said the Government has plans to start evening shift of OPD from 3pm to 5pm especially for treatment of rural people who are left unattended in the morning session, he said.
At the same time, the Chief Minister raised the need for State medical professionals who have been working out of the State to come back and serve the State. He also assured the medical professionals of reviewing the cadre very shortly.
The State Health Minister DN Takarpa in his address informed of starting GNM and ANM training centres at Sabji Mandi with 50 students in each batch. He also informed of constructing 20 bedded trauma centre at present STNM complex until the new hospital gets ready. “21, 600 categorized BPLs in Sikkim will get the health insurance benefits along with other Chief Minister’s Health scheme with free distribution of
hearing aids and spectacles,” Mr. Takarpa added.
NE MPs demand adequate compensation for protecting Himalayan ECOLOGY
GANGTOK, February 12: Asserting that the underdeveloped Northeastern region is shouldering the Himalayan environmental and bio-diversity responsibilities of the country, the Parliamentary members of the region today collectively iterated its demand for adequate compensation from the Union government.
The role of Northeastern region has increased for protecting the nation’s biodiversity and we have been conserving our forests for clean environment and sake of humanity, said Mukut Mithi, chairman of North East MPs’ Forum (NEMPF) in his opening remarks of the one day NEMPF summit here at Gangtok.
“We have already banned the commercial felling of trees from forests but we need to be compensated. This forum will work to demand the Centre for adequate compensation to the region”, said Mithi who is also the Rajya Sabha member from Arunachal Pradesh.
Around 27 MPs from the Northeast region are participating in this one day summit.
In his opening remarks, Mithi said that NEMPF has been formed to influence policy decisions of the Centre in the interests of the Northeast. This is a platform of mutual interests to deliberate in issues which impact or likely to impact the people of Northeast, he said.
Highlighting the importance of Northeast region which is connected with the mainstream India through the narrow strategic ‘Chicken Neck’ zone, Mithi said that the region share five international borders including with China. We are like buffer region and this has to be discussed and suggestions must come from the seminar, he said.
Mithi said that the growth rate of the Northeastern region is lower than the national average because of corruption, insurgency and absence of industries due to extortion. Undeniably peace is the precursor for development and the Centre must talk directly with the insurgent groups for peace in the region, he said. He expressed his hopes that the summit would come up with practical and implemental resolutions and be a milestone in the development of the region.
Minister of State (Water Resources) Vincent Pala said that there should be collective intensive efforts to stop the environmental degradation of the hills of the Northeastern region. There is a need for afforestation through local governments and to improve the hill development, he said.
We need appropriate technologies to bring sustainable development and alternate employment opportunities in the region to reduce pressure on our forests, said Pala.
He said that the region desperately needs sustainable development through creation of jobs, eco industries, clean energy and new technology.
The Minister of State also praised Sikkim government for the rapid progress the State has made over the years. It is imperative that other States should follow the tourism model of Sikkim, he said.
Sikkim Lok Sabha member and also the NEMPF general secretary, PD Rai said that NEMPF is a collective forum of all the MPs from the Northeast cutting across political lines. We would be trying to take out outcome driven agendas for the next four and half years for the development of the region, he said.
GANGTOK, February 12: Asserting that the underdeveloped Northeastern region is shouldering the Himalayan environmental and bio-diversity responsibilities of the country, the Parliamentary members of the region today collectively iterated its demand for adequate compensation from the Union government.
The role of Northeastern region has increased for protecting the nation’s biodiversity and we have been conserving our forests for clean environment and sake of humanity, said Mukut Mithi, chairman of North East MPs’ Forum (NEMPF) in his opening remarks of the one day NEMPF summit here at Gangtok.
“We have already banned the commercial felling of trees from forests but we need to be compensated. This forum will work to demand the Centre for adequate compensation to the region”, said Mithi who is also the Rajya Sabha member from Arunachal Pradesh.
Around 27 MPs from the Northeast region are participating in this one day summit.
In his opening remarks, Mithi said that NEMPF has been formed to influence policy decisions of the Centre in the interests of the Northeast. This is a platform of mutual interests to deliberate in issues which impact or likely to impact the people of Northeast, he said.
Highlighting the importance of Northeast region which is connected with the mainstream India through the narrow strategic ‘Chicken Neck’ zone, Mithi said that the region share five international borders including with China. We are like buffer region and this has to be discussed and suggestions must come from the seminar, he said.
Mithi said that the growth rate of the Northeastern region is lower than the national average because of corruption, insurgency and absence of industries due to extortion. Undeniably peace is the precursor for development and the Centre must talk directly with the insurgent groups for peace in the region, he said. He expressed his hopes that the summit would come up with practical and implemental resolutions and be a milestone in the development of the region.
Minister of State (Water Resources) Vincent Pala said that there should be collective intensive efforts to stop the environmental degradation of the hills of the Northeastern region. There is a need for afforestation through local governments and to improve the hill development, he said.
We need appropriate technologies to bring sustainable development and alternate employment opportunities in the region to reduce pressure on our forests, said Pala.
He said that the region desperately needs sustainable development through creation of jobs, eco industries, clean energy and new technology.
The Minister of State also praised Sikkim government for the rapid progress the State has made over the years. It is imperative that other States should follow the tourism model of Sikkim, he said.
Sikkim Lok Sabha member and also the NEMPF general secretary, PD Rai said that NEMPF is a collective forum of all the MPs from the Northeast cutting across political lines. We would be trying to take out outcome driven agendas for the next four and half years for the development of the region, he said.
SIKKIM;Governor calls upon NEC to look into emulating Sikkim’s plans in other NE States
SE Report
GANGTOK, February 13: Underlining the all round progress made by Sikkim over the years, Governor B.P. Singh has called upon North Eastern Council (NEC) to look into emulating Sikkim’s plans including multi-specialty hospital and capacity building institute with a view to create such facilities in the rest of the North East States.
“These are first of their kind in the region and crucial for proper development. In these two cases, Sikkim’s plan needs to be emulated by NEC with a view to create such facilities in the rest of the northeast states,” Governor Singh said this during the 58th NEC meeting held in Guwahati on February 9.
The annual NEC meeting chaired by the DONER Minister B.K. Handique was attended by several Governors and Chief Ministers of the northeast states.
The Sikkim Governor also informed the members that the State will have its own airport by 2012, rail connectivity by 2015. He said presently NH 31A widening process was taking place and further construction of an alternative road to NH 31A was on the anvil. He also said that internet and telecommunication connectivity to the State was also to be improved in a phased manner. “These connectivity problems needs to be addressed, he said, to initiate any meaningful development process in the region.
He also advocated NEC to invite heads of S.E. Asian countries to come and spend a night in the region with a view to make the look east policy of the government of India both pragmatic and meaningful by attracting investment for the region from the Asian neighbours.
“The NE States was receiving increasing attention of the central government as well as the private sector and therefore he expressed great hope for the future of NEC,” he added.
In his address he said the constitution of NEC marked the beginning of a new chapter in concerted and planned endeavour for rapid development of the northeast region. He added that connectivity in the northeast region has enormously improved than what it was when the Council was established in 1972 and it had brought the people of the region closer to each other. However, he emphasized that a lot more needs to be done to usher in all round socio-economic and cultural development of the region. Towards this end he said NEC must have shared vision for the future.
Further, the Sikkim Governor advised NEC to focus its attention on several crucial issues, particularly in rice production, to accelerate the pace of literacy in places where it is abysmally low and in environment protection.
According to him, per hectare rice production in North Bengal and Brahmaputra valley has slipped several notches as compared to Bangladesh. “While the production in Bangladesh was 37.8 tonnes/hectare, it was 18.3 and 14.6 tonnes/hectare in north Bengal and Brahmaputra valley, respectively,” he said adding that the reason in fall of productivity needs to be probed in greater depth by NEC.
The Governor also raised the urgent need for protection of environment for future generation. “In the quest to maximize income generation natural resources are being over-exploited, leaving nothing for future generation but with adverse impact to the eco-system. This needs urgent attention,” he said.
He was accompanied by the Additional Chief Secretary cum Development Commissioner of the State Planning Department and Secretary, Raj Bhavan.
SE Report
GANGTOK, February 13: Underlining the all round progress made by Sikkim over the years, Governor B.P. Singh has called upon North Eastern Council (NEC) to look into emulating Sikkim’s plans including multi-specialty hospital and capacity building institute with a view to create such facilities in the rest of the North East States.
“These are first of their kind in the region and crucial for proper development. In these two cases, Sikkim’s plan needs to be emulated by NEC with a view to create such facilities in the rest of the northeast states,” Governor Singh said this during the 58th NEC meeting held in Guwahati on February 9.
The annual NEC meeting chaired by the DONER Minister B.K. Handique was attended by several Governors and Chief Ministers of the northeast states.
The Sikkim Governor also informed the members that the State will have its own airport by 2012, rail connectivity by 2015. He said presently NH 31A widening process was taking place and further construction of an alternative road to NH 31A was on the anvil. He also said that internet and telecommunication connectivity to the State was also to be improved in a phased manner. “These connectivity problems needs to be addressed, he said, to initiate any meaningful development process in the region.
He also advocated NEC to invite heads of S.E. Asian countries to come and spend a night in the region with a view to make the look east policy of the government of India both pragmatic and meaningful by attracting investment for the region from the Asian neighbours.
“The NE States was receiving increasing attention of the central government as well as the private sector and therefore he expressed great hope for the future of NEC,” he added.
In his address he said the constitution of NEC marked the beginning of a new chapter in concerted and planned endeavour for rapid development of the northeast region. He added that connectivity in the northeast region has enormously improved than what it was when the Council was established in 1972 and it had brought the people of the region closer to each other. However, he emphasized that a lot more needs to be done to usher in all round socio-economic and cultural development of the region. Towards this end he said NEC must have shared vision for the future.
Further, the Sikkim Governor advised NEC to focus its attention on several crucial issues, particularly in rice production, to accelerate the pace of literacy in places where it is abysmally low and in environment protection.
According to him, per hectare rice production in North Bengal and Brahmaputra valley has slipped several notches as compared to Bangladesh. “While the production in Bangladesh was 37.8 tonnes/hectare, it was 18.3 and 14.6 tonnes/hectare in north Bengal and Brahmaputra valley, respectively,” he said adding that the reason in fall of productivity needs to be probed in greater depth by NEC.
The Governor also raised the urgent need for protection of environment for future generation. “In the quest to maximize income generation natural resources are being over-exploited, leaving nothing for future generation but with adverse impact to the eco-system. This needs urgent attention,” he said.
He was accompanied by the Additional Chief Secretary cum Development Commissioner of the State Planning Department and Secretary, Raj Bhavan.
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