SIKKIM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
GANGTOK
PRESS RELEASE DT.1 MAY 2009
Nathu la trade enters the fourth season beginning 4th May 2009 when Department of Commerce, Government of Sikkim is organsing a function wherein traders have been invited to participate in the opening function to be held at Sherathang Trade Mart on the Indian Side. The timing of the programme has been fixed at 9 AM on 4th May 2009.
Around 50 applications have already been submitted at DC office for issue of Trade Pass.
These trade passes are issued to those residents of Sikkim who have got a trade licence issued by Local Self Government, Government of Sikkim. The traders can also get permission to take their vehicle upto Chinese trade post located 14 km down Nathu la..
The participation in the past three years have chiefly been from the residents of border areas of Sikkim. The trade lists which was notified by a public notice No 20(RE-2006)2004-2009 dt 13th June 2006 remains the same even for the current season allowing 15 items for import and 29 items for export from Sikkim,India.
The list remains obsolete
We urge Commerce Ministry to review this list immediately so that a viable and vibrant trade can start over Nathu la.
S.K.Sarda
President
Sikkim Chamber of Commerce
Gangtok
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Friday, May 1, 2009
INDO-CHINA TRADE THRU NATHULA TO RESUME ON 4TH MAY 2009L
Gangtok:1 may 2009: Bilateral trade between Asian giants India and China will resume through the Nathu La pass in Sikkim on the famed Silk Route Friday, with the government promising traders a new mart near the border, officials said.
Nathu La is one of the three trading border posts between India and China, the other two being Shipkila in Himachal Pradesh and Lipulekh in Uttarakhand.
While the list of items allowed for the border trade will remain unchanged this season, traders can expect a new trade mart at the border, work on which has already been started, said Sikkim Industries Secretary M.G. Kiran.
"The central government has promised us Rs.8.5 crore ($1.7 million) to construct the mart. Of this, we have already received Rs.1 crore ($202,600)," Kiran said.
He also said the trade mart was coming up at Sherthang near Nathu La pass.
An eight-room hotel is also being built in the area primarily for Indian traders. The state industries authorities are also building a new car park and more shops as part of the mart.
The department is also planning to construct cargo space in view of the expected enhanced volume of trade this year. A check post is being built at the Nathu La border, where immigration and customs checks will be under one roof.
Kiran added that the construction work would be supervised and managed by the roads and bridges department of the state government.
The sluggish border trade between the two countries is due to restrictions in tradable items - India can import 15 items from China including silk, yak pelts and horses, and export 29 goods that include textiles, tea, rice, vegetables and herbs.
However, as the government has now provided most favoured nation (MFN) status to trade through the Nathu La route, the trade volume is expected to increase this season, officials said.
The two Asian giants in July 2006 reopened trade across the 15,000-feet (4,545-metre) Nathu La pass, 52 km east of Sikkim's capital Gangtok, as part of a broader rapprochement.
The move marked the first direct trade link between the nuclear-armed neighbours since a bitter border war in 1962.
Under an agreement reached between India and China, trade takes place four days a week - Monday to Thursday - beginning May each year and lasting until Nov 30, when snow closes down the pass.
Bilateral trade in 2006 through Nathu La saw business worth about Rs.20 lakh ($40,200), with Indian traders doing business worth about Rs.11 lakh ($22,250). In 2007, the volume of trade was to the tune of Rs.26 lakh ($52,100).
Although two-way trade was slow in the first three seasons, last year about 1,900 Chinese traders crossed the border separated by a rusty barbed wire marker to the bazaar of Sherathang, 5 km below the pass on the Indian side. The total trade stood at Rs.96 lakh ($194,400) in 2008.
About 1,200 Indian traders headed to the Renqinggang interim market in Tibet on the Chinese side, 16 km from the border, during the first three seasons. (IANS)
Nathu La is one of the three trading border posts between India and China, the other two being Shipkila in Himachal Pradesh and Lipulekh in Uttarakhand.
While the list of items allowed for the border trade will remain unchanged this season, traders can expect a new trade mart at the border, work on which has already been started, said Sikkim Industries Secretary M.G. Kiran.
"The central government has promised us Rs.8.5 crore ($1.7 million) to construct the mart. Of this, we have already received Rs.1 crore ($202,600)," Kiran said.
He also said the trade mart was coming up at Sherthang near Nathu La pass.
An eight-room hotel is also being built in the area primarily for Indian traders. The state industries authorities are also building a new car park and more shops as part of the mart.
The department is also planning to construct cargo space in view of the expected enhanced volume of trade this year. A check post is being built at the Nathu La border, where immigration and customs checks will be under one roof.
Kiran added that the construction work would be supervised and managed by the roads and bridges department of the state government.
The sluggish border trade between the two countries is due to restrictions in tradable items - India can import 15 items from China including silk, yak pelts and horses, and export 29 goods that include textiles, tea, rice, vegetables and herbs.
However, as the government has now provided most favoured nation (MFN) status to trade through the Nathu La route, the trade volume is expected to increase this season, officials said.
The two Asian giants in July 2006 reopened trade across the 15,000-feet (4,545-metre) Nathu La pass, 52 km east of Sikkim's capital Gangtok, as part of a broader rapprochement.
The move marked the first direct trade link between the nuclear-armed neighbours since a bitter border war in 1962.
Under an agreement reached between India and China, trade takes place four days a week - Monday to Thursday - beginning May each year and lasting until Nov 30, when snow closes down the pass.
Bilateral trade in 2006 through Nathu La saw business worth about Rs.20 lakh ($40,200), with Indian traders doing business worth about Rs.11 lakh ($22,250). In 2007, the volume of trade was to the tune of Rs.26 lakh ($52,100).
Although two-way trade was slow in the first three seasons, last year about 1,900 Chinese traders crossed the border separated by a rusty barbed wire marker to the bazaar of Sherathang, 5 km below the pass on the Indian side. The total trade stood at Rs.96 lakh ($194,400) in 2008.
About 1,200 Indian traders headed to the Renqinggang interim market in Tibet on the Chinese side, 16 km from the border, during the first three seasons. (IANS)
SIKKIM REGISTERS 83% HIGHEST VOTING IN INDIA
Sikkim registers record 83 percent voting
Gangtok, April 30 (IANS) Sikkim registered a record voter turnout of 83 percent Thursday as it held simultaneous assembly elections and balloting for its lone Lok Sabha seat in the third phase of the elections.The percentage Thursday is higher than the 82 percent registered in 1999. The figure had declined to 80 percent in 2004. Sikkim joined the Indian Republic in 1975.
In Thursday’s elections, the West district saw a total voting turnout of approximately 84.16 percent, South district a turnout of 82.38 percent, North district a voting turnout of 81 percent, while the East district witnessed 80 percent.
Chief Electoral Officer T.T. Dorjee said the elections in Sikkim, including for its 32 assembly constituencies, were a “smooth and peaceful affair”.
During the day at some places in the South and West districts, the electronic voting machines (EVMs) had to be changed due to technical malfunction, and due to the bad weather some polling officers could not reach their polling booths on time, delaying voting in some areas.
The CEO also stated here that as of now there were no negative reports from any of the presiding officers which meant that there was no question of re-polling in any of the polling stations.
Gangtok, April 30 (IANS) Sikkim registered a record voter turnout of 83 percent Thursday as it held simultaneous assembly elections and balloting for its lone Lok Sabha seat in the third phase of the elections.The percentage Thursday is higher than the 82 percent registered in 1999. The figure had declined to 80 percent in 2004. Sikkim joined the Indian Republic in 1975.
In Thursday’s elections, the West district saw a total voting turnout of approximately 84.16 percent, South district a turnout of 82.38 percent, North district a voting turnout of 81 percent, while the East district witnessed 80 percent.
Chief Electoral Officer T.T. Dorjee said the elections in Sikkim, including for its 32 assembly constituencies, were a “smooth and peaceful affair”.
During the day at some places in the South and West districts, the electronic voting machines (EVMs) had to be changed due to technical malfunction, and due to the bad weather some polling officers could not reach their polling booths on time, delaying voting in some areas.
The CEO also stated here that as of now there were no negative reports from any of the presiding officers which meant that there was no question of re-polling in any of the polling stations.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
saving bank account holders to watch
- Around 41% of India’s population, those that have savings bank accounts with Indian banks will be a happier lot come April 1, 2010. This is considering the RBI’s latest directive to banks who have been asked to calculate interest on savings account balances on a daily basis rather than for the period between 10th and last day of every month as is the ritual now.
This would mean that you’d get interest even if you keep money in your savings account just for one day in a month. Currently, if you keep money between the 1st and the 10th of a month, but withdraw it after that, you get zero interest even though the bank had your money deposited for nine days. While banks have been opposing such a move arguing that this would involve high levels of computerisation, the fact is that most of them now boast of technology implementation across 100% of their branches. And RBI has taken notice of this fact. .
APPLY 80/20 RULE FOR SUCCESS
Here's a small sampling in Brian's chapter titled:
Apply the 80/20 Rule to Everything. Enjoy!
The 80/20 Rule is one of the most helpful of all concepts of time and life management. It is also called the "Pareto Principle" after its founder, the Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto, who first wrote about it in 1895. Pareto noticed that people in his society seemed to divide naturally into what he called the "vital few", the top 20 percent in terms of money and influence, and the "trivial many", the bottom 80 percent.
He later discovered that virtually all economic activity was subject to this principle as well. For example, this principle says that 20 percent of your activities will account for 80 percent of your results, 20 percent of your customers will account for 80 percent of your sales, 20 percent of your products or services will account for 80 percent of your profits, 20 percent of your tasks will account for 80 percent of the value of what you do, and so on. This means that if you have a list of ten items to do, two of those items will turn out to be worth five or ten times or more than the other eight items put together.
Number of Tasks versus Importance of TasksHere is an interesting discovery. Each of the ten tasks may take the same amount of time to accomplish. But one or two of those tasks will contribute five or ten times the value of any of the others.
Often, one item on a list of ten tasks that you have to do can be worth more than all the other nine items put together. This task is invariably the frog that you should eat first.
Focus on Activities, Not AccomplishmentsThe most valuable tasks you can do each day are often the hardest and most complex. But the payoff and rewards for completing these tasks efficiently can be tremendous. For this reason, you must adamantly refuse to work on tasks in the bottom 80 percent while you still have tasks in the top 20 percent left to be done.
Before you begin work, always ask yourself, "Is this task in the top 20 percent of my activities or in the bottom 80 percent?"
The hardest part of any important task is getting started on it in the first place. Once you actually begin work on a valuable task, you will be naturally motivated to continue. A part of your mind loves to be busy working on significant tasks that can really make a difference. Your job is to feed this part of your mind continually.
Motivate YourselfJust thinking about starting and finishing an important task motivates you and helps you to overcome procrastination. Time management is really life management, personal management. It is really taking control of the sequence of events. Time management is having control over what you do next. And you are always free to choose the task that you will do next.
Your ability to choose between the important and the unimportant is the key determinant of your success in life and work.
Effective, productive people discipline themselves to start on the most important task that is before them. They force themselves to eat that frog, whatever it is. As a result, they accomplish vastly more than the average person and are much happier as a result. This should be your way of working as well.
Apply the 80/20 Rule to Everything. Enjoy!
The 80/20 Rule is one of the most helpful of all concepts of time and life management. It is also called the "Pareto Principle" after its founder, the Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto, who first wrote about it in 1895. Pareto noticed that people in his society seemed to divide naturally into what he called the "vital few", the top 20 percent in terms of money and influence, and the "trivial many", the bottom 80 percent.
He later discovered that virtually all economic activity was subject to this principle as well. For example, this principle says that 20 percent of your activities will account for 80 percent of your results, 20 percent of your customers will account for 80 percent of your sales, 20 percent of your products or services will account for 80 percent of your profits, 20 percent of your tasks will account for 80 percent of the value of what you do, and so on. This means that if you have a list of ten items to do, two of those items will turn out to be worth five or ten times or more than the other eight items put together.
Number of Tasks versus Importance of TasksHere is an interesting discovery. Each of the ten tasks may take the same amount of time to accomplish. But one or two of those tasks will contribute five or ten times the value of any of the others.
Often, one item on a list of ten tasks that you have to do can be worth more than all the other nine items put together. This task is invariably the frog that you should eat first.
Focus on Activities, Not AccomplishmentsThe most valuable tasks you can do each day are often the hardest and most complex. But the payoff and rewards for completing these tasks efficiently can be tremendous. For this reason, you must adamantly refuse to work on tasks in the bottom 80 percent while you still have tasks in the top 20 percent left to be done.
Before you begin work, always ask yourself, "Is this task in the top 20 percent of my activities or in the bottom 80 percent?"
The hardest part of any important task is getting started on it in the first place. Once you actually begin work on a valuable task, you will be naturally motivated to continue. A part of your mind loves to be busy working on significant tasks that can really make a difference. Your job is to feed this part of your mind continually.
Motivate YourselfJust thinking about starting and finishing an important task motivates you and helps you to overcome procrastination. Time management is really life management, personal management. It is really taking control of the sequence of events. Time management is having control over what you do next. And you are always free to choose the task that you will do next.
Your ability to choose between the important and the unimportant is the key determinant of your success in life and work.
Effective, productive people discipline themselves to start on the most important task that is before them. They force themselves to eat that frog, whatever it is. As a result, they accomplish vastly more than the average person and are much happier as a result. This should be your way of working as well.
Monday, April 20, 2009
MURTHY OF INFOSYS PLEDGES WEALTH FOR SOCIAL PROJECTS.
Murthys pledge wealth for social welfare projects20 Apr 2009, 0605 hrs IST, Asha Rai, TNN | |||||||
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BANGALORE: Taking a leaf out of investment moghul Warren Buffett's social initiatives, Infosys co-founder and chief mentor N R Narayana Murthy and "There are lots of fabulous initiatives in the field being executed by some wonderful people to address the issues that interest us," said Murthy. "So, Sudha and I will give financial help to these people rather than doing it directly." Buffett, the Berkshire Hathaway chairman, has similarly pledged his multi-billion dollar fortune to Microsoft founder Bill and his Melinda Gates' foundation. Although Sudha is also the chairperson of Infosys Foundation, Murthy said they wanted to keep their personal philanthropy separate from the work of the company's initiative. The Infosys foundation is funded by a percentage of Infosys' profits that accrue to it annually. The Murthy family's combined worth as per the latest price of Infosys scrip, is Rs 4,000 crore. The couple is worth Rs 1,750 crore, two-thirds of which belong to Sudha. A larger chunk of Rs 2,250 crore belongs to their two children, Akshata and Rohan. While Rohan is a doctoral student at Harvard University, Akshata is with a clean-tech firm in the US after completing her MBA from Stanford. Murthy's share holding in Infosys is less than 1%. As he's been quietly giving away chunks of it, his equity stake in the company is just 0.56%, and at today's price is valued at Rs 445 crore. Sudha's 1.63% stake is worth Rs 1,300 crore. Murthy has always disclaimed beneficial ownership of shares held by his family. The Murthys also believe in giving away the income  | |||||||
Saturday, April 18, 2009
INDIA BUSINESS FORUM IN CHINA LAUNCHED BY CII
CII India Business Forum launched in China
[Beijing, 16 April,2009] "A well-functioning financial system is necessary for the revival of the world economy" said Mrs Nirupama Rao, Ambassador of India to China, while delivering the keynote address at the Conference on "Impact of the Global Economic Crisis : Challenges and Opportunities for India and China" organized by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in association of Embassy of India in Beijing. The event also became the platform for the launch of the India Business Forum (IBF) in China, an initiative of CII."Countries need to have effective credible fiscal stimulus, resumption of credit flows, cleaning up of the balance sheet of the financial institutions to tackle the current economic crisis" observed Mrs Nirupama Rao.
"Protectionism has to be avoided - protectionism in goods as well as services, as also financial protectionism" said Mrs Rao. In this time of global financial and economic crisis, there is need for stronger cooperation and coordination between India and China. The crisis must be turned into an opportunity by tackling it with the key commodity of confidence, opined Ambassador Rao.Both the countries, she added, are convinced of the need for continued and concerted economic liberalization that balances globalization with equitable and balanced growth that benefits the weaker and economically disadvantaged sections of our populations. Because of these strong fundamentals, both India and China has not been affected by the crisis as much compared to the western countries. Both are working together at the G-20 framework to help restore global growth and confidence and to address the systematic risks in the global financial system. The bilateral trade has increased ten-folds in the last six years and China has becomes the largest trading partner for India in 2008. She opined, by 2025, it is highly probable that China-India economic ties through trade, investment and technology linkages may be one of the most important bilateral relationship in the world. There is also a need to rectify the trade imbalance where India's trade deficit stood at USD 11.2 bln in 2008. On Indian side, there is a need to broaden and diversify the export basket. At the same time, India is seeking greater market access for its products where India has competitive advantage. She felt one of the focus areas for India Business Forum should be to address this issue.
Mr Wang Jinzhen, Vice Chairman, China Council for Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) in his inaugural address said that like India, inflicted by the global financial crisis, China's both financial market and real economy has declined. The shutting down of small scale export oriented enterprises and cutting down of work workforce is evident in the fall of bilateral trade by 37% in January 2009 compared to the same period last year. China adopted a proactive fiscal policy and moderately easy monetary policy also introduced ten measures to expand domestic demand and put in place a series of related policies to stimulate the domestic economy, he informed.Mr Wang felt that to minimize damages and achieve early recovery both the Indian and Chinese Government should cooperate closely to enhance Trade Liberalisation and facilitation and eliminate trade barrier and trade protectionism. He also called the non-governmental organizations to play an active role to facilitate enterprises in mutual investment and trade apart from developing a SME network which will help in seeing opportunities in China-India economic interaction.
Earlier, Mr Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII in his welcome address stressed on shifting of "India or China" strategy to "India and China", which will help in deriving benefits from advantages offered by both the emerging economies. He hoped that this Forum will help in bringing together the Industry and economies of both the countries together. IBF, an initiative of CII has been earlier launched in USA, South Africa and Singapore, which is providing an excellent platform for bringing together the various Indian companies based in the country, for better cooperation, networking and knowledge sharing added Mr Banerjee. It will act as a forum for promoting India China trade through collective and consensual approach to common issues. It will also act as a platform for networking with Chinese companies interested in the doing business with India, think tanks and other policy makers in China.
Mr J J Shrikhande, Chairman, CII IBF China also touched upon the various activities the forums intends to take up in the future. One of the key focus areas of IBF will be to work with Embassy and others towards building "Brand India" by creating platforms to showcase the sectoral strengths of India, areas of cooperation for trade and investment and share good practices to learn from each other, he said.The conference was well attended with more than 120 representatives from various Chinese and Indian companies based in China apart from officials from the Government departments and Embassy. The conference also has session focusing on the success stories of Indian companies in China and Chinese companies in India and investment opportunities for Chinese companies in India.
[Beijing, 16 April,2009] "A well-functioning financial system is necessary for the revival of the world economy" said Mrs Nirupama Rao, Ambassador of India to China, while delivering the keynote address at the Conference on "Impact of the Global Economic Crisis : Challenges and Opportunities for India and China" organized by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in association of Embassy of India in Beijing. The event also became the platform for the launch of the India Business Forum (IBF) in China, an initiative of CII."Countries need to have effective credible fiscal stimulus, resumption of credit flows, cleaning up of the balance sheet of the financial institutions to tackle the current economic crisis" observed Mrs Nirupama Rao.
"Protectionism has to be avoided - protectionism in goods as well as services, as also financial protectionism" said Mrs Rao. In this time of global financial and economic crisis, there is need for stronger cooperation and coordination between India and China. The crisis must be turned into an opportunity by tackling it with the key commodity of confidence, opined Ambassador Rao.Both the countries, she added, are convinced of the need for continued and concerted economic liberalization that balances globalization with equitable and balanced growth that benefits the weaker and economically disadvantaged sections of our populations. Because of these strong fundamentals, both India and China has not been affected by the crisis as much compared to the western countries. Both are working together at the G-20 framework to help restore global growth and confidence and to address the systematic risks in the global financial system. The bilateral trade has increased ten-folds in the last six years and China has becomes the largest trading partner for India in 2008. She opined, by 2025, it is highly probable that China-India economic ties through trade, investment and technology linkages may be one of the most important bilateral relationship in the world. There is also a need to rectify the trade imbalance where India's trade deficit stood at USD 11.2 bln in 2008. On Indian side, there is a need to broaden and diversify the export basket. At the same time, India is seeking greater market access for its products where India has competitive advantage. She felt one of the focus areas for India Business Forum should be to address this issue.
Mr Wang Jinzhen, Vice Chairman, China Council for Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) in his inaugural address said that like India, inflicted by the global financial crisis, China's both financial market and real economy has declined. The shutting down of small scale export oriented enterprises and cutting down of work workforce is evident in the fall of bilateral trade by 37% in January 2009 compared to the same period last year. China adopted a proactive fiscal policy and moderately easy monetary policy also introduced ten measures to expand domestic demand and put in place a series of related policies to stimulate the domestic economy, he informed.Mr Wang felt that to minimize damages and achieve early recovery both the Indian and Chinese Government should cooperate closely to enhance Trade Liberalisation and facilitation and eliminate trade barrier and trade protectionism. He also called the non-governmental organizations to play an active role to facilitate enterprises in mutual investment and trade apart from developing a SME network which will help in seeing opportunities in China-India economic interaction.
Earlier, Mr Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII in his welcome address stressed on shifting of "India or China" strategy to "India and China", which will help in deriving benefits from advantages offered by both the emerging economies. He hoped that this Forum will help in bringing together the Industry and economies of both the countries together. IBF, an initiative of CII has been earlier launched in USA, South Africa and Singapore, which is providing an excellent platform for bringing together the various Indian companies based in the country, for better cooperation, networking and knowledge sharing added Mr Banerjee. It will act as a forum for promoting India China trade through collective and consensual approach to common issues. It will also act as a platform for networking with Chinese companies interested in the doing business with India, think tanks and other policy makers in China.
Mr J J Shrikhande, Chairman, CII IBF China also touched upon the various activities the forums intends to take up in the future. One of the key focus areas of IBF will be to work with Embassy and others towards building "Brand India" by creating platforms to showcase the sectoral strengths of India, areas of cooperation for trade and investment and share good practices to learn from each other, he said.The conference was well attended with more than 120 representatives from various Chinese and Indian companies based in China apart from officials from the Government departments and Embassy. The conference also has session focusing on the success stories of Indian companies in China and Chinese companies in India and investment opportunities for Chinese companies in India.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
SDF MANIFESTO-2009- PROMISE TO OLD BUSINESS COMMUNITY OF SIKKIM
SDF MANIFESTO 2009
• reservation in education and appointments:
Our Government has strengthened the mechanism of reservation of seats. In the higher education the Old Business Community will be provided 5% reservation.
• Complete safeguard of dignity of Sikkimese Bhutia, Lepcha, Nepali and the_old businessmen and traders.
The first responsibility of our government is to safeguard the identity and dignity of Sikkim and the Sikkimese people. Our government through its pro people policies and programs has won many accolades which has enhanced the image of Sikkim at the national and intern national level.Our business community has contributed immensely toward the overall development of our State. This has been made possible by their hard work in an atmosphere of peace and security which has been provided by our Government. Their hard work has been recognized by our Government and citations and awards have been given to several and old citizens of the community. We will continue to adopt the same policy and shall protect their interest in the State. We will pass a resolution in the Legislative Assembly for exempting them from Central Income Tax for the Old Business Community. Our SDF party has also ratified this stand with the support of the people of Sikkim.In schools and colleges, they enjoy the same privileges at par with other communities in the State. Reservation is granted to them in higher education. The same shall continue.
• Exemption of Central Income Taxes to Sikkimese People
The Sikkim Subject Certificate holders have been exempted from paying Central Income Tax and this demand has been fulfilled by SDF Government during the last term. This achievement can be called historic as the demand was pending for a long time. While protecting this achievement of securing exemption from the Central Income Tax, Our Government has not lost sight of the genuine demand of the Old Business Communities, old residents and Old Government employees, both State and Central. Our Government is seized of this problem and we are going to strongly plead for equal rights of the old business community of Sikkim
• Protection and respect to Old Business Community of Sikkim
The SDF Government has given respect and justice to the old business people of Sikkim along with the rest of the Sikkimese Communities. This community which has contributed a great deal to the overall development of Sikkim has been recognized for the first time by our Government. They have also been given a proper business environment to flourish in a democratic manner and set up. They have been given dignity, respect and rights to live and practice their business in the State. We will continue and ensure that our business community members receive this respect and positive business environment. In addition to other facilities and rights provided to our business community it is the SDF Government which has for the first time provided higher education facilities (quota) for their children. This will continue. They do not have to face any obstruction, disrespect or difficulty in carrying on their business and exercising their fundamental rights.SDF’
MANIFESTO15TH LOK SABHA AND 8TH ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS 2009
• reservation in education and appointments:
Our Government has strengthened the mechanism of reservation of seats. In the higher education the Old Business Community will be provided 5% reservation.
• Complete safeguard of dignity of Sikkimese Bhutia, Lepcha, Nepali and the_old businessmen and traders.
The first responsibility of our government is to safeguard the identity and dignity of Sikkim and the Sikkimese people. Our government through its pro people policies and programs has won many accolades which has enhanced the image of Sikkim at the national and intern national level.Our business community has contributed immensely toward the overall development of our State. This has been made possible by their hard work in an atmosphere of peace and security which has been provided by our Government. Their hard work has been recognized by our Government and citations and awards have been given to several and old citizens of the community. We will continue to adopt the same policy and shall protect their interest in the State. We will pass a resolution in the Legislative Assembly for exempting them from Central Income Tax for the Old Business Community. Our SDF party has also ratified this stand with the support of the people of Sikkim.In schools and colleges, they enjoy the same privileges at par with other communities in the State. Reservation is granted to them in higher education. The same shall continue.
• Exemption of Central Income Taxes to Sikkimese People
The Sikkim Subject Certificate holders have been exempted from paying Central Income Tax and this demand has been fulfilled by SDF Government during the last term. This achievement can be called historic as the demand was pending for a long time. While protecting this achievement of securing exemption from the Central Income Tax, Our Government has not lost sight of the genuine demand of the Old Business Communities, old residents and Old Government employees, both State and Central. Our Government is seized of this problem and we are going to strongly plead for equal rights of the old business community of Sikkim
• Protection and respect to Old Business Community of Sikkim
The SDF Government has given respect and justice to the old business people of Sikkim along with the rest of the Sikkimese Communities. This community which has contributed a great deal to the overall development of Sikkim has been recognized for the first time by our Government. They have also been given a proper business environment to flourish in a democratic manner and set up. They have been given dignity, respect and rights to live and practice their business in the State. We will continue and ensure that our business community members receive this respect and positive business environment. In addition to other facilities and rights provided to our business community it is the SDF Government which has for the first time provided higher education facilities (quota) for their children. This will continue. They do not have to face any obstruction, disrespect or difficulty in carrying on their business and exercising their fundamental rights.SDF’
MANIFESTO15TH LOK SABHA AND 8TH ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS 2009
NANO TECHNOLOGY
Nanotechnology Business; "The Giant in Dwarfs"
CII and DST will celebrate Indian Nanotechnology Products in near future- T Ramasami Ensure nanotechnology remains valuable for the society, and be an effective media to address the global climatic concern
[New Delhi, 14 April 2009] Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) along with Department of Science & Technology, (DST), Government of India, Gwangju Institute of Science & Technology (GIST) and Tamil Nadu Technology Development Promotion Council has inaugurated the fourth Nanotechnology Conclave 2009, a two-day conference that brings together Nanotechnology experts from across the globe to share their expertise and latest technology advances as well as reflect on the future trends in this field.Nanotechnology with its wide array of applications in the fields of agriculture, textiles, cleaning, housing materials, clean drinking water, etc, has plenty to offer to the business fraternity. A landscape of industry representatives today are talking about creating wealth from the knowledge formed through Nanotechnology. Nanotechnology revenues are estimated to reach $1 Trillion worldwide by 2015. It is often considered as a new revolution, as was the industrial revolution, because nanotechnology manipulates matter at the atomic scale to create new applications in materials, medicine, robotics, electronics and energy.The fastest growing segments of the market are scanning probe microscopes, with a CAGR of 19.4% between 2007 and 2012, and charged particle microscopes with a CAGR from 2007 to 2012 of 9.0%. Optical microscopes are projected to have the lowest growth rate of any major market segment (5.6% CAGR). As a result, charged particle microscopes, which have the largest market share of any product segment, are projected to increase their market share further, from 52% in 2006 to 52.1% in 2012. Optical microscopes are projected to lose market share, from 26.2% in 2006 to 21.9% in 2012. In 2006, semiconductor manufacturing was the dominant end-user market for microscopes, with 31% of the total market, followed by life sciences (27%) and materials (24%), and nanotechnology (10%). Nanotechnology and semiconductor manufacturing are the fastest-growing end-user markets with CAGRs of 19.4% and 10.2% respectively. Speaking at the Inaugural session, Dr. T Ramasami, Chairman, TNTDPC Governing Body & Secretary to Government, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, stated that a lot of efforts are being taken by the Research Community, Academia and Industry, but much of these are not collaborative. He challenged we need to stop working in silos and work together towards effectively translating knowledge generation into wealth generation. Reinstating the huge opportunities created by Department of Science and Technology's NanoMission through which almost Rs 1000 crores is planned to be released over a period of 5 years, he invited the Industry to come forward and take advantage of this opportunity, and evolve more Public-Private-Partnership mode businesses in Nanotechnology. He also challenged the various R&D efforts in Nanotechnology to focus on providing solutions to various social problems. He said that CII has to play an important role in bringing the nanotechnology products to market by working with various stakeholders. He said that CII and DST will join hands together to celebrate Indian Nanotechnology Product in the near future.Dr. V. Rao Aiyagari, Mission Director (Nano Mission) & Head - Science and Engineering Research Council, DST, Government of India said that since 2001, total investments made in Nanotechnology by DST have been $144 million. The eleventh five year plan has dedicated investments worth US$ 200 million for the technology. The department has setup 11 centres of excellence and proposed three institutes on Nanotechnology in Mohali, Bangalore and Kolkata. Dr. Dipankar Banerjee, Chief Controller, R&D (AMS), & Distinguished Scientist, DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Government of India, New Delhi stated that India is positioned on the strategic map for Nano products as Indian investments in the technology match that of Ireland, Canada and Switzerland. Mr. Ajai Chowdhry, Chairman, CII National Committee on Technology & Chairman & CEO, HCL Infosystems Ltd, stated that Nanotechnology is already being applied in industrial applications, production technology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture, transportation and electronics among others. It is yet to come of age, and presents huge scope for business. Market for Nanotechnology is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 33% between 2008 and 2015. In the welcome remarks, Dr. M Vidyasagar, Chairman, Nanotechnology Conclave 2009 & Executive Vice President, TATA Consultancy Services, listed Nanotechnology amongst the genre of Information Technology and Biotechnology. He believes that Nanotechnology is going to be an important activity for future. His opined that as Nanotechnology needs capital, it is yet to make much impact on business prepositions. He remained optimistic about India forging an effective identity for Nanotechnology products, given proactive initiatives taken by the Government and industry. Prof. Kurt E. Geckeler, Chair, Department of Nanosystems Engineering (DNE) Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) suggested that Nano materials have become the driving force for the world, despite the ongoing downturn. Industry must maintain a constant dialogue with science and engineering fraternity, to keep up with leading performance in this field. Summing up the Inaugural session, Mr. Anjan Das, Sr. Director & Head - Technology & IPR, CII said that CII, along with DST will look forward to celebrating Industry-Academia joint research in the future Nanotechnology Conclaves. He stressed on the serious need for shaping innovative PPP business models in Nanotechnology, as hinted by Dr. Vidyasagar, Chairman, Nanotechnology Conclave 2009 & Executive Vice President, TATA Consultancy Services.
CII and DST will celebrate Indian Nanotechnology Products in near future- T Ramasami Ensure nanotechnology remains valuable for the society, and be an effective media to address the global climatic concern
[New Delhi, 14 April 2009] Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) along with Department of Science & Technology, (DST), Government of India, Gwangju Institute of Science & Technology (GIST) and Tamil Nadu Technology Development Promotion Council has inaugurated the fourth Nanotechnology Conclave 2009, a two-day conference that brings together Nanotechnology experts from across the globe to share their expertise and latest technology advances as well as reflect on the future trends in this field.Nanotechnology with its wide array of applications in the fields of agriculture, textiles, cleaning, housing materials, clean drinking water, etc, has plenty to offer to the business fraternity. A landscape of industry representatives today are talking about creating wealth from the knowledge formed through Nanotechnology. Nanotechnology revenues are estimated to reach $1 Trillion worldwide by 2015. It is often considered as a new revolution, as was the industrial revolution, because nanotechnology manipulates matter at the atomic scale to create new applications in materials, medicine, robotics, electronics and energy.The fastest growing segments of the market are scanning probe microscopes, with a CAGR of 19.4% between 2007 and 2012, and charged particle microscopes with a CAGR from 2007 to 2012 of 9.0%. Optical microscopes are projected to have the lowest growth rate of any major market segment (5.6% CAGR). As a result, charged particle microscopes, which have the largest market share of any product segment, are projected to increase their market share further, from 52% in 2006 to 52.1% in 2012. Optical microscopes are projected to lose market share, from 26.2% in 2006 to 21.9% in 2012. In 2006, semiconductor manufacturing was the dominant end-user market for microscopes, with 31% of the total market, followed by life sciences (27%) and materials (24%), and nanotechnology (10%). Nanotechnology and semiconductor manufacturing are the fastest-growing end-user markets with CAGRs of 19.4% and 10.2% respectively. Speaking at the Inaugural session, Dr. T Ramasami, Chairman, TNTDPC Governing Body & Secretary to Government, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, stated that a lot of efforts are being taken by the Research Community, Academia and Industry, but much of these are not collaborative. He challenged we need to stop working in silos and work together towards effectively translating knowledge generation into wealth generation. Reinstating the huge opportunities created by Department of Science and Technology's NanoMission through which almost Rs 1000 crores is planned to be released over a period of 5 years, he invited the Industry to come forward and take advantage of this opportunity, and evolve more Public-Private-Partnership mode businesses in Nanotechnology. He also challenged the various R&D efforts in Nanotechnology to focus on providing solutions to various social problems. He said that CII has to play an important role in bringing the nanotechnology products to market by working with various stakeholders. He said that CII and DST will join hands together to celebrate Indian Nanotechnology Product in the near future.Dr. V. Rao Aiyagari, Mission Director (Nano Mission) & Head - Science and Engineering Research Council, DST, Government of India said that since 2001, total investments made in Nanotechnology by DST have been $144 million. The eleventh five year plan has dedicated investments worth US$ 200 million for the technology. The department has setup 11 centres of excellence and proposed three institutes on Nanotechnology in Mohali, Bangalore and Kolkata. Dr. Dipankar Banerjee, Chief Controller, R&D (AMS), & Distinguished Scientist, DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Government of India, New Delhi stated that India is positioned on the strategic map for Nano products as Indian investments in the technology match that of Ireland, Canada and Switzerland. Mr. Ajai Chowdhry, Chairman, CII National Committee on Technology & Chairman & CEO, HCL Infosystems Ltd, stated that Nanotechnology is already being applied in industrial applications, production technology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture, transportation and electronics among others. It is yet to come of age, and presents huge scope for business. Market for Nanotechnology is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 33% between 2008 and 2015. In the welcome remarks, Dr. M Vidyasagar, Chairman, Nanotechnology Conclave 2009 & Executive Vice President, TATA Consultancy Services, listed Nanotechnology amongst the genre of Information Technology and Biotechnology. He believes that Nanotechnology is going to be an important activity for future. His opined that as Nanotechnology needs capital, it is yet to make much impact on business prepositions. He remained optimistic about India forging an effective identity for Nanotechnology products, given proactive initiatives taken by the Government and industry. Prof. Kurt E. Geckeler, Chair, Department of Nanosystems Engineering (DNE) Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) suggested that Nano materials have become the driving force for the world, despite the ongoing downturn. Industry must maintain a constant dialogue with science and engineering fraternity, to keep up with leading performance in this field. Summing up the Inaugural session, Mr. Anjan Das, Sr. Director & Head - Technology & IPR, CII said that CII, along with DST will look forward to celebrating Industry-Academia joint research in the future Nanotechnology Conclaves. He stressed on the serious need for shaping innovative PPP business models in Nanotechnology, as hinted by Dr. Vidyasagar, Chairman, Nanotechnology Conclave 2009 & Executive Vice President, TATA Consultancy Services.
INSPIRING QUOTES
A quote says:
"Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass...
it's about learning to dance in the rain!"
Another quote from Sarah Breathnack ...
"When we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that's present....we experience heaven on earth."
"Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass...
it's about learning to dance in the rain!"
Another quote from Sarah Breathnack ...
"When we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that's present....we experience heaven on earth."
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Resolution will be passed at Sikkim Legislative Assembly for I T exemption- Chamling
RANGPO, April 13: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today announced that his government will provide 15 percent reservation to Limboo-Tamang communities in government service and in Panchayati Raj.
Addressing a public meeting as part of the party’s election campaign, he said LTs were accorded the Scheduled Tribe status during the SDF regime and that the seat reservation would also be done by the SDF government.
Stressing developing activities as the basis of the party, SDF chief also said that
resolution will be passed at Sikkim Legislative Assembly for exemption of Central Income Tax Act to all the old business communities of Sikkim.
On the developmental front, Mr Chamling said that 10 percent of the total State budget would be used for capacity building programme.
Regarding West Pendam, the SDF chief promised to immediately solve the water problem faced by the residents. The beautification of West Pendam and its sewerage problem may be given priority, he said. He added that the 91 families whose houses were dismantled by the forest department will be given the site and loan in low interest rate.
Talking about development in Rangpo, Mr Chamling said the border town was fully developed as far as economic sector was concerned with a number of industrial units set up in the area. He said that a double lane national Highway and a new alternative road from Sikkim to Siliguri via Chalsa is under process. The Pakyong Airport may be completed within 34 month, the CM added.
Also present were MLA Somnath Poudyal, SDF candidate for West Pendam Constituency Niru Sewa, SDF Lok Sabha candidate PD Rai, youth secretary GM Gurung (Ranpgo), general secretary SK Pradhan, vice-president Dr. DP Kharel and other party leaders, supporters and the general public.
Source: Sikkim Express
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Addressing a public meeting as part of the party’s election campaign, he said LTs were accorded the Scheduled Tribe status during the SDF regime and that the seat reservation would also be done by the SDF government.
Stressing developing activities as the basis of the party, SDF chief also said that
resolution will be passed at Sikkim Legislative Assembly for exemption of Central Income Tax Act to all the old business communities of Sikkim.
On the developmental front, Mr Chamling said that 10 percent of the total State budget would be used for capacity building programme.
Regarding West Pendam, the SDF chief promised to immediately solve the water problem faced by the residents. The beautification of West Pendam and its sewerage problem may be given priority, he said. He added that the 91 families whose houses were dismantled by the forest department will be given the site and loan in low interest rate.
Talking about development in Rangpo, Mr Chamling said the border town was fully developed as far as economic sector was concerned with a number of industrial units set up in the area. He said that a double lane national Highway and a new alternative road from Sikkim to Siliguri via Chalsa is under process. The Pakyong Airport may be completed within 34 month, the CM added.
Also present were MLA Somnath Poudyal, SDF candidate for West Pendam Constituency Niru Sewa, SDF Lok Sabha candidate PD Rai, youth secretary GM Gurung (Ranpgo), general secretary SK Pradhan, vice-president Dr. DP Kharel and other party leaders, supporters and the general public.
Source: Sikkim Express
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Congress makes poll promises on Income Tax in its manifesto
Congress makes poll promises on Income Tax in its manifesto
Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, April 13: The Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC) has singled out the Income Tax exemption issue as the most prominent agenda of the party in the coming Assembly elections in Sikkim.
“The discrimination made by the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) government on the income tax exemption issue to the old business community and non Sikkim subject holders is our chief agenda for the upcoming Assembly elections”, said SPCC president Nar Bahadur Bhandari while releasing the party manifesto today at the party headquarters here in Gangtok.
Mr. Bhandari vowed to return back the Income Tax Act that has been implemented since 2008 in Sikkim. We will restore our old law of Sikkim, the Income Tax Manuel Act of 1948 when we form the Congress government, he said.
The Congress manifesto states that the old laws of Sikkim will be implemented on all communities of Sikkim including the business and government employees as the direct taxes have been implement in an illegal manner in Sikkim by the SDF government.
“The old business community and a section of State government employees have been given Constitutional injustice. The Congress government will give justice”, the manifesto reads.
The Congress party also committed to conduct fresh delimitation in Sikkim to provide reservation to Limboo and Tamang communities and for the Nepali communities in the State Assembly. The manifesto reminds that only Congress party can deliver political rights to the Limboo Tamang communities.
The delimitation will be also conduct to provide justice to the old business community who has been given a raw deal by the 2006 delimitation where the business community dominated areas have been reserved for SC and ST communities.
The Congress party has also committed for declaring a cut off year to prevent influx in Sikkim.
The Congress party has also pledged in the manifesto that it not politicize the Panchayati Raj Institution in Sikkim and added that it will give pension and certificate to the retired Panchayats.
Targeting the youths who form 40 percent of voters in Sikkim, the Congress party promised to provide them employment and priority in all private business sectors including contract works. The Bhoomiputra (sons of soil) policy will be implemented in Sikkim and there will be a government employee in each house in Sikkim, the party promised. The Bhoomiputra policy will be implemented in all the Central establishments, national banks, private companies and industries during the Congress government, the party said.
“We will give direct democracy to Sikkim people. All voters in Sikkim will be entitled to equal share in all the Central and State schemes. We will maintain uniform treatment to all in Sikkim”, said Mr. Bhandari.
‘Bikash Patrika’ (development document) occupies a major portion in the 38 pages Congress manifesto. The Congress party said that it will give the Bikash Patrika to all the BPL families in Sikkim which will provide government largesse and benefits to them at their doorsteps during the Congress government.
Those holding Bikash Patrika will not have to pay electricity bills while those without this document will have to pay power bills at Rs. 2 per unit. Water will be supplied free in all rural areas while only low charges will be there in urban areas, the manifesto promises.
The Congress government will also shut down all lottery shops, discos, casinos and other gambling dens, the manifesto states. The party also promised a monthly starting salary of Rs. 3600 to each labourer while the salary of the workcharged employees will be enhanced to Rs. 6000 besides a grant of Rs. 10,000 after they retire. The Home Guards will get a monthly salary of Rs. 9000 besides getting opportunities in the vacant posts of Sikkim police, the manifesto commits.
Even if a government employee does not get promoted, his or her salary will be increased, Congress said.
Congress candidate for the Lok Sabha seat KN Upreti said that the party has tried its best to include all the aspirations and dreams of the poor people of Sikkim in the party’s election manifesto released today.
“Most of the points mentioned in the manifesto reflects the aspirations of the Sikkimese people and also includes where the SDF government has failed”, said Mr. Upreti.
Chamling announces to provide 15 % reservation to LTs in government service & Panchayati Raj
‘Resolution will be passed in SLA to exempt all business communities from IT’
Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, April 13: The Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC) has singled out the Income Tax exemption issue as the most prominent agenda of the party in the coming Assembly elections in Sikkim.
“The discrimination made by the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) government on the income tax exemption issue to the old business community and non Sikkim subject holders is our chief agenda for the upcoming Assembly elections”, said SPCC president Nar Bahadur Bhandari while releasing the party manifesto today at the party headquarters here in Gangtok.
Mr. Bhandari vowed to return back the Income Tax Act that has been implemented since 2008 in Sikkim. We will restore our old law of Sikkim, the Income Tax Manuel Act of 1948 when we form the Congress government, he said.
The Congress manifesto states that the old laws of Sikkim will be implemented on all communities of Sikkim including the business and government employees as the direct taxes have been implement in an illegal manner in Sikkim by the SDF government.
“The old business community and a section of State government employees have been given Constitutional injustice. The Congress government will give justice”, the manifesto reads.
The Congress party also committed to conduct fresh delimitation in Sikkim to provide reservation to Limboo and Tamang communities and for the Nepali communities in the State Assembly. The manifesto reminds that only Congress party can deliver political rights to the Limboo Tamang communities.
The delimitation will be also conduct to provide justice to the old business community who has been given a raw deal by the 2006 delimitation where the business community dominated areas have been reserved for SC and ST communities.
The Congress party has also committed for declaring a cut off year to prevent influx in Sikkim.
The Congress party has also pledged in the manifesto that it not politicize the Panchayati Raj Institution in Sikkim and added that it will give pension and certificate to the retired Panchayats.
Targeting the youths who form 40 percent of voters in Sikkim, the Congress party promised to provide them employment and priority in all private business sectors including contract works. The Bhoomiputra (sons of soil) policy will be implemented in Sikkim and there will be a government employee in each house in Sikkim, the party promised. The Bhoomiputra policy will be implemented in all the Central establishments, national banks, private companies and industries during the Congress government, the party said.
“We will give direct democracy to Sikkim people. All voters in Sikkim will be entitled to equal share in all the Central and State schemes. We will maintain uniform treatment to all in Sikkim”, said Mr. Bhandari.
‘Bikash Patrika’ (development document) occupies a major portion in the 38 pages Congress manifesto. The Congress party said that it will give the Bikash Patrika to all the BPL families in Sikkim which will provide government largesse and benefits to them at their doorsteps during the Congress government.
Those holding Bikash Patrika will not have to pay electricity bills while those without this document will have to pay power bills at Rs. 2 per unit. Water will be supplied free in all rural areas while only low charges will be there in urban areas, the manifesto promises.
The Congress government will also shut down all lottery shops, discos, casinos and other gambling dens, the manifesto states. The party also promised a monthly starting salary of Rs. 3600 to each labourer while the salary of the workcharged employees will be enhanced to Rs. 6000 besides a grant of Rs. 10,000 after they retire. The Home Guards will get a monthly salary of Rs. 9000 besides getting opportunities in the vacant posts of Sikkim police, the manifesto commits.
Even if a government employee does not get promoted, his or her salary will be increased, Congress said.
Congress candidate for the Lok Sabha seat KN Upreti said that the party has tried its best to include all the aspirations and dreams of the poor people of Sikkim in the party’s election manifesto released today.
“Most of the points mentioned in the manifesto reflects the aspirations of the Sikkimese people and also includes where the SDF government has failed”, said Mr. Upreti.
Chamling announces to provide 15 % reservation to LTs in government service & Panchayati Raj
‘Resolution will be passed in SLA to exempt all business communities from IT’
INDIA AND CHINA BY 2025- US INTELLIGENCE VIEW
Vice President releases the book ‘Challenge and Strategy – Rethinking India’s Foreign Policy
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13:51 IST
The Vice-President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari released the book titled ‘Challenges and Strategy: Rethinking India’s Foreign Policy’ authored by Shri Rajiv Sikri, former IFS Officer at a function here today. Addressing on the occasion, he said that in a changing world, foreign policy tactics have to remain flexible. The National Intelligence Council of the United States, in its scenario building for 2025, states that in the next ten years China and India are expected to achieve near parity with the US in two different areas: India in scientific and human capital and China in government receptivity to business innovations. We therefore have to be patient and diligent, work our way up, and not be overtly anxious to get there prematurely.
The Vice President opined that most foreign policy analysts seem to overlook domestic factors and constraints. The pace of our progress would also depend on the speed at which we overcome domestic strives that retard our progress. These questions cannot be wished away; to do so successfully, we have to keep in mind and implement the basic principles of the Indian polity.
The book examines India’s current and looming foreign policy challenges from a strategic and policy oriented perspective. It analysis the long term factors and trends that should determine the country’s foreign policy formulation.
Following is the text of the Vice President’s address:
“Ambassador Sikri has written a book that compels introspection. His basic premise is that the world has changed and continues to change. India’s capabilities and capacities have also changed and are changing. This requires rethinking policy objectives and the methodology for attaining these objectives.
Sikri analyses India’s position in the world in terms of an arc of prosperity to the east, an arc of energy to the west, and an arc of instability extending from West to Central and South Asia. Cutting across there are vital sea lanes and communication channels. His suggestion is that India should be a major player in the complex geo-strategic game that is unfolding. He proposes that India ‘must play its role as conscience keeper of the world,’ and do so by ‘looking beyond the West and its troublesome neighbours like Pakistan and China and find its niche in the world.’
In general terms, Ambassador Sikri’s thesis may be optimistic, even idealistic. For one, states are propelled by Machiavellian impulses and cannot be conscience keepers. Professed nobility of sentiments and piety in purpose generally camouflages more mundane objectives. On specifics, however, he does identify lacunae in the approach that seems to have prevailed in the recent past. One example of it is West Asia; another is Central Asia.
An impression seems to have gained ground that West Asia, particularly the Persian Gulf region, is good for certain purposes only. These are (a) energy supplies (b) employment for our nationals (c) a limited amount of off-shore business. The wider strategic aspects of relationship with a region in proximate neighbourhood appear to have been put aside.
A case in point is Gulf security. The present arrangement of competitive security, based on inclusion and exclusion, is inherently unstable and is increasingly being recognised as such. Sikri suggests an ARF-like approach and proposes a Gulf Regional Forum for dialogue on the question.
In December 2005 a GCC foreign minister suggested a three-pronged gulf security framework. The first would be GCC, Yemen, Iraq and Iran as regional pillars; the second would be a unanimous Security Council guarantee for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all Gulf Countries; the third is to strengthen the international component and necessitate engagement with ‘the emerging Asian powers, especially China and India.’
The proposal hints at an Indian role. This should be premised on our core concerns: (a) stability in the littoral states (b) freedom of navigation in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz (c) security of sea lanes (d) availability of an interdiction capacity to safeguard Indian shipping. An essential prerequisite for such an engagement would be more vibrant political relations with all the states of the Persian Gulf littoral.
The book has a number of interesting insights on economic diplomacy and energy security. The chapter on ‘US and Nuclear Issues’ offers on pages 185-188 a perception somewhat at variance with the public picture.
In a changing world, foreign policy tactics have to remain flexible. The National Intelligence Council of the United States, in its scenario building for 2025, states that in the next ten years China and India are expected to achieve near parity with the US in two different areas: India in scientific and human capital and China in government receptivity to business innovations. We therefore have to be patient and diligent, work our way up, and not be overtly anxious to get there prematurely.
One last point. Most foreign policy analysts seem to overlook domestic factors and constraints. The pace of our progress would also depend on the speed at which we overcome domestic strives that retard our progress. These questions cannot be wished away; to do so successfully, we have to keep in mind and implement the basic principles of the Indian polity”.
***********
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13:51 IST
The Vice-President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari released the book titled ‘Challenges and Strategy: Rethinking India’s Foreign Policy’ authored by Shri Rajiv Sikri, former IFS Officer at a function here today. Addressing on the occasion, he said that in a changing world, foreign policy tactics have to remain flexible. The National Intelligence Council of the United States, in its scenario building for 2025, states that in the next ten years China and India are expected to achieve near parity with the US in two different areas: India in scientific and human capital and China in government receptivity to business innovations. We therefore have to be patient and diligent, work our way up, and not be overtly anxious to get there prematurely.
The Vice President opined that most foreign policy analysts seem to overlook domestic factors and constraints. The pace of our progress would also depend on the speed at which we overcome domestic strives that retard our progress. These questions cannot be wished away; to do so successfully, we have to keep in mind and implement the basic principles of the Indian polity.
The book examines India’s current and looming foreign policy challenges from a strategic and policy oriented perspective. It analysis the long term factors and trends that should determine the country’s foreign policy formulation.
Following is the text of the Vice President’s address:
“Ambassador Sikri has written a book that compels introspection. His basic premise is that the world has changed and continues to change. India’s capabilities and capacities have also changed and are changing. This requires rethinking policy objectives and the methodology for attaining these objectives.
Sikri analyses India’s position in the world in terms of an arc of prosperity to the east, an arc of energy to the west, and an arc of instability extending from West to Central and South Asia. Cutting across there are vital sea lanes and communication channels. His suggestion is that India should be a major player in the complex geo-strategic game that is unfolding. He proposes that India ‘must play its role as conscience keeper of the world,’ and do so by ‘looking beyond the West and its troublesome neighbours like Pakistan and China and find its niche in the world.’
In general terms, Ambassador Sikri’s thesis may be optimistic, even idealistic. For one, states are propelled by Machiavellian impulses and cannot be conscience keepers. Professed nobility of sentiments and piety in purpose generally camouflages more mundane objectives. On specifics, however, he does identify lacunae in the approach that seems to have prevailed in the recent past. One example of it is West Asia; another is Central Asia.
An impression seems to have gained ground that West Asia, particularly the Persian Gulf region, is good for certain purposes only. These are (a) energy supplies (b) employment for our nationals (c) a limited amount of off-shore business. The wider strategic aspects of relationship with a region in proximate neighbourhood appear to have been put aside.
A case in point is Gulf security. The present arrangement of competitive security, based on inclusion and exclusion, is inherently unstable and is increasingly being recognised as such. Sikri suggests an ARF-like approach and proposes a Gulf Regional Forum for dialogue on the question.
In December 2005 a GCC foreign minister suggested a three-pronged gulf security framework. The first would be GCC, Yemen, Iraq and Iran as regional pillars; the second would be a unanimous Security Council guarantee for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all Gulf Countries; the third is to strengthen the international component and necessitate engagement with ‘the emerging Asian powers, especially China and India.’
The proposal hints at an Indian role. This should be premised on our core concerns: (a) stability in the littoral states (b) freedom of navigation in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz (c) security of sea lanes (d) availability of an interdiction capacity to safeguard Indian shipping. An essential prerequisite for such an engagement would be more vibrant political relations with all the states of the Persian Gulf littoral.
The book has a number of interesting insights on economic diplomacy and energy security. The chapter on ‘US and Nuclear Issues’ offers on pages 185-188 a perception somewhat at variance with the public picture.
In a changing world, foreign policy tactics have to remain flexible. The National Intelligence Council of the United States, in its scenario building for 2025, states that in the next ten years China and India are expected to achieve near parity with the US in two different areas: India in scientific and human capital and China in government receptivity to business innovations. We therefore have to be patient and diligent, work our way up, and not be overtly anxious to get there prematurely.
One last point. Most foreign policy analysts seem to overlook domestic factors and constraints. The pace of our progress would also depend on the speed at which we overcome domestic strives that retard our progress. These questions cannot be wished away; to do so successfully, we have to keep in mind and implement the basic principles of the Indian polity”.
***********
Saturday, April 11, 2009
SDF MANIFESTO 2009- PROMISE TO OLD BUSINESS COMMUNITY OF SIKKIM
SDF MANIFESTO 2009
• reservation in education and appointments:
Our Government has strengthened the mechanism of reservation of seats. In the higher education the Old Business Community will be provided 5% reservation.
• Complete safeguard of dignity of Sikkimese Bhutia, Lepcha, Nepali and the_old businessmen and traders.
The first responsibility of our government is to safeguard the identity and dignity of Sikkim and the Sikkimese people. Our government through its pro people policies and programs has won many accolades which has enhanced the image of Sikkim at the national and intern national level.
Our business community has contributed immensely toward the overall development of our State. This has been made possible by their hard work in an atmosphere of peace and security which has been provided by our Government. Their hard work has been recognized by our Government and citations and awards have been given to several and old citizens of the community. We will continue to adopt the same policy and shall protect their interest in the State. We have passed a resolution in the Legislative Assembly for exempting them from Central Income Tax for the Old Business Community. Our SDF party has also ratified this stand with the support of the people of Sikkim.
In schools and colleges, they enjoy the same privileges at par with other communities in the State. Reservation is granted to them in higher education. The same shall continue.
• Exemption of Central Income Taxes to Sikkimese People
The Sikkim Subject Certificate holders have been exempted from paying Central Income Tax and this demand has been fulfilled by SDF Government during the last term. This achievement can be called historic as the demand was pending for a long time. While protecting this achievement of securing exemption from the Central Income Tax, Our Government has not lost sight of the genuine demand of the Old Business Communities, old residents and Old Government employees, both State and Central. Our Government is seized of this problem and we are going to strongly plead for equal rights of the old business community of Sikkim.
• Protection and respect to Old Business Community of Sikkim
The SDF Government has given respect and justice to the old business people of Sikkim along with the rest of the Sikkimese Communities. This community which has contributed a great deal to the overall development of Sikkim has been recognized for the first time by our Government. They have also been given a proper business environment to flourish in a democratic manner and set up. They have been given dignity, respect and rights to live and practice their business in the State. We will continue and ensure that our business community members receive this respect and positive business environment. In addition to other facilities and rights provided to our business community it is the SDF Government which has for the first time provided higher education facilities (quota) for their children. This will continue. They do not have to face any obstruction, disrespect or difficulty in carrying on their business and exercising their fundamental rights.
SDF’ MANIFESTO
15TH LOK SABHA AND 8TH ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS 2009
• reservation in education and appointments:
Our Government has strengthened the mechanism of reservation of seats. In the higher education the Old Business Community will be provided 5% reservation.
• Complete safeguard of dignity of Sikkimese Bhutia, Lepcha, Nepali and the_old businessmen and traders.
The first responsibility of our government is to safeguard the identity and dignity of Sikkim and the Sikkimese people. Our government through its pro people policies and programs has won many accolades which has enhanced the image of Sikkim at the national and intern national level.
Our business community has contributed immensely toward the overall development of our State. This has been made possible by their hard work in an atmosphere of peace and security which has been provided by our Government. Their hard work has been recognized by our Government and citations and awards have been given to several and old citizens of the community. We will continue to adopt the same policy and shall protect their interest in the State. We have passed a resolution in the Legislative Assembly for exempting them from Central Income Tax for the Old Business Community. Our SDF party has also ratified this stand with the support of the people of Sikkim.
In schools and colleges, they enjoy the same privileges at par with other communities in the State. Reservation is granted to them in higher education. The same shall continue.
• Exemption of Central Income Taxes to Sikkimese People
The Sikkim Subject Certificate holders have been exempted from paying Central Income Tax and this demand has been fulfilled by SDF Government during the last term. This achievement can be called historic as the demand was pending for a long time. While protecting this achievement of securing exemption from the Central Income Tax, Our Government has not lost sight of the genuine demand of the Old Business Communities, old residents and Old Government employees, both State and Central. Our Government is seized of this problem and we are going to strongly plead for equal rights of the old business community of Sikkim.
• Protection and respect to Old Business Community of Sikkim
The SDF Government has given respect and justice to the old business people of Sikkim along with the rest of the Sikkimese Communities. This community which has contributed a great deal to the overall development of Sikkim has been recognized for the first time by our Government. They have also been given a proper business environment to flourish in a democratic manner and set up. They have been given dignity, respect and rights to live and practice their business in the State. We will continue and ensure that our business community members receive this respect and positive business environment. In addition to other facilities and rights provided to our business community it is the SDF Government which has for the first time provided higher education facilities (quota) for their children. This will continue. They do not have to face any obstruction, disrespect or difficulty in carrying on their business and exercising their fundamental rights.
SDF’ MANIFESTO
15TH LOK SABHA AND 8TH ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
TAX EXEMPTION TO BUSINESS COMMUNITIES PROMISED BY SDF CHIEF
JORETHANG :10th April 2009
Source:Sikkim Express)
The election trail of Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party could not have a better opening as a regional party, Sikkim Progressive Party (SPP) joined the ruling party in totality during today’s inaugural election campaign of the SDF at Jorethang in South Sikkim.
SPP president Sher Hang Subba was inducted into the SDF party along with his 1100 supporters by the SDF president and Chief Minister Pawan Chamling who was kickstarting the SDF party’s election campaign from today.
Interestingly, Mr. Subba had as recently as on April 3 had announced several candidates including himself for the upcoming polls in the State.
The uniqueness of the SDF’s first election cry towards a record breaking fourth consecutive term was evident throughout the daylong session. Firstly, there were not much hullabaloo or people jostling for space in queues to receive the Chief Minister as he drove close to the podium in a private vehicle, a white SUV Toyato Prado with the SDF flag mounted atop the bonnet.
And, unlike his previous marathon speeches, the Chief Minister limited to speech to just 2 hours wrapping the Day One of the SDF’s election trail at around 3.30 pm giving ample time to the mammoth gathering from all parts of the State to reach their homes by the evening hours.
Chamling who was dressed in a casual beige jacket and was accompanied at the dais by the SDF Lok Sabha candidate PD Rai and was seated just 12 people on the dais including Speaker DN Takarpa, the SDF state level campaign committee chairman DD Bhutia, the other four members and the incumbent legislator from Jorethang, KN Rai.
All others including the new party candidates and the outgoing legislators were seated in an enclosure that had theatre style seating facing the dias.
Addressing the mammoth gathering of SDF workers at Jorethang ground, Mr. Chamling gave a detailed account of the developmental achievements of his SDF party for the past 3 terms in government while pledging to give continuity to the developmental activities in order to bring them to a logical conclusion.
“Quality education, tourism and health will be the key sectors which we will focus on after forming the next government. “It is our vow and commitment to continue the developmental works and programes being carried out by the party in the past 15 years and bring them to a logical end. Our politics just does not end with elections, fight it and win it but it is in fact a mission to reach our goals and targets”, said Mr. Chamling while presenting the party’s agendas and poll promises.
Mr. Chamling appealed the people to vote for SDF not for its face value but for the innumerable developmental activities that the SDF government has done in the past 15 years.
Most of Mr. Chamling’s address focused only on the SDF’s dreams for Sikkim Nirman and uplifting the poor people. “I can understand the pain and problems of my people”, he said.
As promised during the party’s election manifesto release occasion on April 4, the SDF chief did not indulge in any opposition battering but instead chose to highlight the SDF party policies and programmes for the Sikkimese people. However, he could not help himself in claiming that the opposition parties will not win even a single constituency in the upcoming elections in Sikkim.
Stating that his government wants to build a strong human resource in the State, Mr. Chamling promised to allocate 10 percent of the State’s annual budget for the human resource development programmes in Sikkim. Educated youths will be provided with various kinds of skill developmental programmes in the country and abroad, he said.
SDF government wants to make the youths only degree holders but will also empower them with skills, said Mr. Chamling.
The SDF president also promised to regularize all the ad-hoc teachers of the State while the entire Muster Roll employees will be regularized in their respective departments in the next SDF government.
The next SDF government will focus on institutionalizing quality education in the State and all the government education institutes as capable and good as public schools, said Mr. Chamling. He promised that the SDF government will provide 100 percent financial assistance to the students who gets admission in the top 20 universities of the world and also assured of all possible help for those students who want to take admission in the renowned schools, colleges and the universities of the country.
On the tourism sector, Mr. Chamling said that his next government will focus on promoting village tourism along with cultural and traditional tourism in Sikkim.
While reminding the Sikkimese people about the income tax exemption delivered by the SDF government, Mr. Chamling promised to deliver similar exemption to the business community of Sikkim in the next SDF government.
Source:Sikkim Express)
The election trail of Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party could not have a better opening as a regional party, Sikkim Progressive Party (SPP) joined the ruling party in totality during today’s inaugural election campaign of the SDF at Jorethang in South Sikkim.
SPP president Sher Hang Subba was inducted into the SDF party along with his 1100 supporters by the SDF president and Chief Minister Pawan Chamling who was kickstarting the SDF party’s election campaign from today.
Interestingly, Mr. Subba had as recently as on April 3 had announced several candidates including himself for the upcoming polls in the State.
The uniqueness of the SDF’s first election cry towards a record breaking fourth consecutive term was evident throughout the daylong session. Firstly, there were not much hullabaloo or people jostling for space in queues to receive the Chief Minister as he drove close to the podium in a private vehicle, a white SUV Toyato Prado with the SDF flag mounted atop the bonnet.
And, unlike his previous marathon speeches, the Chief Minister limited to speech to just 2 hours wrapping the Day One of the SDF’s election trail at around 3.30 pm giving ample time to the mammoth gathering from all parts of the State to reach their homes by the evening hours.
Chamling who was dressed in a casual beige jacket and was accompanied at the dais by the SDF Lok Sabha candidate PD Rai and was seated just 12 people on the dais including Speaker DN Takarpa, the SDF state level campaign committee chairman DD Bhutia, the other four members and the incumbent legislator from Jorethang, KN Rai.
All others including the new party candidates and the outgoing legislators were seated in an enclosure that had theatre style seating facing the dias.
Addressing the mammoth gathering of SDF workers at Jorethang ground, Mr. Chamling gave a detailed account of the developmental achievements of his SDF party for the past 3 terms in government while pledging to give continuity to the developmental activities in order to bring them to a logical conclusion.
“Quality education, tourism and health will be the key sectors which we will focus on after forming the next government. “It is our vow and commitment to continue the developmental works and programes being carried out by the party in the past 15 years and bring them to a logical end. Our politics just does not end with elections, fight it and win it but it is in fact a mission to reach our goals and targets”, said Mr. Chamling while presenting the party’s agendas and poll promises.
Mr. Chamling appealed the people to vote for SDF not for its face value but for the innumerable developmental activities that the SDF government has done in the past 15 years.
Most of Mr. Chamling’s address focused only on the SDF’s dreams for Sikkim Nirman and uplifting the poor people. “I can understand the pain and problems of my people”, he said.
As promised during the party’s election manifesto release occasion on April 4, the SDF chief did not indulge in any opposition battering but instead chose to highlight the SDF party policies and programmes for the Sikkimese people. However, he could not help himself in claiming that the opposition parties will not win even a single constituency in the upcoming elections in Sikkim.
Stating that his government wants to build a strong human resource in the State, Mr. Chamling promised to allocate 10 percent of the State’s annual budget for the human resource development programmes in Sikkim. Educated youths will be provided with various kinds of skill developmental programmes in the country and abroad, he said.
SDF government wants to make the youths only degree holders but will also empower them with skills, said Mr. Chamling.
The SDF president also promised to regularize all the ad-hoc teachers of the State while the entire Muster Roll employees will be regularized in their respective departments in the next SDF government.
The next SDF government will focus on institutionalizing quality education in the State and all the government education institutes as capable and good as public schools, said Mr. Chamling. He promised that the SDF government will provide 100 percent financial assistance to the students who gets admission in the top 20 universities of the world and also assured of all possible help for those students who want to take admission in the renowned schools, colleges and the universities of the country.
On the tourism sector, Mr. Chamling said that his next government will focus on promoting village tourism along with cultural and traditional tourism in Sikkim.
While reminding the Sikkimese people about the income tax exemption delivered by the SDF government, Mr. Chamling promised to deliver similar exemption to the business community of Sikkim in the next SDF government.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
BAGDOGRA-BANGKOK SERVICE FROM APRIL 18, 2009
GANGTOK: 4th April 2009.
Royal Bhutan airline Druk Air, popular known as the wings of Dragon, is going to launch twice-a-weekly service from Bagdogra to Bangkok.
The inaugural flight will be launched on April 18,2009.
According to the new schedule, flights will take off from Bagdogra on Tuesday and Saturday and return on Wednesday and Sunday, charging Rs 6,000 one way to Bangkok or Rs 10,000 both ways, excluding Rs 250 and other service charge.
The charge for Bagdogra to Paro, Bhutan, would be Rs 2,000 plus Rs 250. Passengers from Bagdogra will get enhanced connectivity from Bangkok to several destinations across North America, Europe, Asia and West Asia. The 114 passengers will fly by A319 Air Boeing with enough cargo space.
According to CEO Tandin Jamso, Druk Air, which celebrated silver jubilee last year has decided to buy one more Boeing aircraft and one at least will be taken on lease. Though they are running seven linkages with India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Thailand, attempts are on to expand Druk Air services to Hong Kong, Singapore and many other places like Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai.
Sikkim airport is likely to be commissioned by July 2011.
Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS) general secretary Lukendra Rasaily welcomed the new service, saying it would change the face of tourism in the region.
“The new air service will also help international tourists to come to Sikkim via Bangkok,” he said.
Sikkim Tourism Secretary S.B.S. Bhadauria, who was also present at the press conference, expressed hope that the new service would help increase the international tourist inflow to Sikkim and the entire region.
He also urged the Druk Air management to complete the required formalities in advance so that it can start flying the Sikkim circuit soon after the airport here becomes operational.
Currently, the nearest airport to Sikkim is Bagdogra, 124 km from here.
Jamso assured that Druk Air would be the first airline to start operations in Sikkim once the airport is ready.
Sikkim Chamber of Commerce has congratulated Druk Air of launching Bagdogra-Bangkok service. It will bring more tourists to Sikkim and it will provide route to explore Sikkim’s organic products, flowers in South East Asia. It will provide easy route for travellers of this region who want to go Eastwards in the Globe.
Royal Bhutan airline Druk Air, popular known as the wings of Dragon, is going to launch twice-a-weekly service from Bagdogra to Bangkok.
The inaugural flight will be launched on April 18,2009.
According to the new schedule, flights will take off from Bagdogra on Tuesday and Saturday and return on Wednesday and Sunday, charging Rs 6,000 one way to Bangkok or Rs 10,000 both ways, excluding Rs 250 and other service charge.
The charge for Bagdogra to Paro, Bhutan, would be Rs 2,000 plus Rs 250. Passengers from Bagdogra will get enhanced connectivity from Bangkok to several destinations across North America, Europe, Asia and West Asia. The 114 passengers will fly by A319 Air Boeing with enough cargo space.
According to CEO Tandin Jamso, Druk Air, which celebrated silver jubilee last year has decided to buy one more Boeing aircraft and one at least will be taken on lease. Though they are running seven linkages with India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Thailand, attempts are on to expand Druk Air services to Hong Kong, Singapore and many other places like Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai.
Sikkim airport is likely to be commissioned by July 2011.
Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS) general secretary Lukendra Rasaily welcomed the new service, saying it would change the face of tourism in the region.
“The new air service will also help international tourists to come to Sikkim via Bangkok,” he said.
Sikkim Tourism Secretary S.B.S. Bhadauria, who was also present at the press conference, expressed hope that the new service would help increase the international tourist inflow to Sikkim and the entire region.
He also urged the Druk Air management to complete the required formalities in advance so that it can start flying the Sikkim circuit soon after the airport here becomes operational.
Currently, the nearest airport to Sikkim is Bagdogra, 124 km from here.
Jamso assured that Druk Air would be the first airline to start operations in Sikkim once the airport is ready.
Sikkim Chamber of Commerce has congratulated Druk Air of launching Bagdogra-Bangkok service. It will bring more tourists to Sikkim and it will provide route to explore Sikkim’s organic products, flowers in South East Asia. It will provide easy route for travellers of this region who want to go Eastwards in the Globe.
PM TALKS WITH IAS PROBATIONERS 2008 BATCH
Text of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s address to the IAS Probationers 2008batch in New Delhi 4TH aPRIL 2009:
“I am very happy to interact with you in this golden jubilee year of the Lal Bahadur Shastri Academy and what your Director has told me of the composition of this Batch of the IAS Probationers fills my heart with joy. That you have the largest number of women as part of this team, that a very large number of probationers have professional background. I think this augurs well for the future of our country. You are a very privileged Service. And when I look at the history of India, I marvel at the wisdom of great men and women who wrote the Constitution of India. They recognised that India would need an All India Service to keep India as one large common market, as a Union which would have in it mortal unity in diversity.
We are of course, a parliamentary democracy and peoples’ representatives are the ultimate masters of policy planning, policy making and policy implementation. But we all know the various trends and tendencies in our political life. Today, our national polity faces a great threat of fragmentation. And in this background, there is more than ever before a need for a Service like the Indian Administrative Service with an All India perspective, committed to goals and ideals enshrined in the Constitution of India in the chapters on Fundamental Human Rights, in the chapter on Directive Principles of State policy and a Service which serves of course in States. And India of course lives in States. But we are a Union of States and we must never forget this all India perspective. When you go to various States, you are incharge of various departments, you look after the interests of your departments, the interests of your States but you must never lose sight of the wider perspective that there is a wider perspective of strengthening the unity and integrity of our country which must be the paramount concern of all Services in our country and foremost of a Service like the Indian Administrative Service.
During the British times, revenue collection, maintenance of law and order were the primary concerns of the administrators. But since then, our Constitution makers and our people have entrusted more and more functions to the Government and development and inclusive development which takes into account the interest of all segments of our population, an inclusive development which pays particular attention to the interests and well being of the most under privileged sections of society, the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Minorities and women and children and therefore it is your bounden duty as the servants of the people of India to pay particular attention to these concerns of development.
Development with a human touch, development which pays attention to the well being of all sections of society, a development process which is forward looking, which looks to the future of India with hope, with confidence and yet it is mindful of the pitfalls that might derail this process. And in all these, it is very important that you must pay particular attention to equipping yourself with latest trends in thinking about development, about environment and all other aspects which have a bearing on the processes of governance. Today, the world is changing at a pace which was unthinkable even a decade ago. Science and Technology have become the principle determiners of the wealth and well being of people all over the world. Human knowledge is therefore exploding and it is therefore very important that our Civil Servants should keep abreast of the latest trends in the development of human knowledge, knowledge which as I said is growing at a speed which was unthinkable even a decade ago. In all these, it is essential that our civil servants should be mindful of the concerns about what makes for balanced, equitable development. India is a country where 65% of people still live in rural areas. Therefore the development of agriculture, the development of rural areas, the well beings of all those who are connected with rural activities, is of paramount importance. We have decentralised the governance processes, we have now in most States , a three tier system of governance. You have the Central Government, you have the State Government, you have the Panchayati Raj institutions. It is therefore incumbent on the civil servants to work with all the three tiers of public administration with dedication. You would be working in the first few years of your life at the district level. Therefore you will come in contact with peoples’ representatives who are represented in various Panchayati Raj institutions. You must learn to win their affection and respect. You must guide them. You must at the same time, warn them of the pitfalls that have to be avoided. And district collectors have enormous responsibilities in our system. Apart from the maintenance of law and order, sustained development through district level development agencies, district planning is an equally important part of the work of district collector. And therefore what goes in the name of economic and social planning must engage your attention all the time. And as I said, planning has to take into account of the fast changing circumstances. There is the concern about environment, that development has to be environment friendly, there are concerns arising out of the challenges that we have to face when disaster overtakes us, therefore, issues concerning management of disaster have to figure as importantly in your programme, in your training, in your understanding of development processes as processes of development.
As I said, since agriculture and rural development account for nearly 70% of our people, rural development and agricultural development and all the various elements which go to make for balanced rural and agricultural development must play a prominent role in your training, in your thinking, in your education and that is the one thing which I would impress upon you that you must never forget that you are privileged to be the servant of the people of India. Also I would urge you to take account of the challenges that we face as a nation. There are today forces which seek to destabilise our economy and our polity. There are threats of terrorism. There are threats of naxalism. We must understand the ferocity of these disturbing, disruptive elements and we must devise ways and means how we can equip our economy, polity to meet the challenges of terrorism, to meet the challenges of naxalism and simultaneously we must also recognise that communalism and religious hatred can be a very disruptive element and therefore, as public servants we must be alive to the dangers of communalism, of casteism, of regionalism. We work in States, we work in regions, the development of various States and regions is no doubt the primary responsibility of civil servants working there but you must never forget the wider entity called the Union of India. You are Secretaries to various departments, but you are first Secretaries to the Government and the Government you must view as a collective, cohesive entity. And therefore I would urge you that your thought processes preserving the unity and integrity of India must have the top most priorities along with the challenges of development.
Governance is a buzz word today. There are many areas where governance is not keeping in contact with the requirements of the situation. There is growing concern about corruption in public life. There is growing concern that civil servants are not mindful of their duties. I would therefore urge that you must be mindful of the fact that the people of India have entrusted you these responsibilities and it is your solemn obligation to serve the people with the greatest dedication. Furthermore, I would urge you to be mindful of the developments that are taking place around our neighbourhood. We are today faced with a neighbourhood which is far from peaceful. You all know about the developments in Pakistan. You all know about the developments in Nepal, you all know about the recent developments in Bangladesh, you all know about the recent developments in Sri Lanka. They all impinge on our development. South Asia is in turmoil. And therefore in planning for our own development, we have to be mindful of the environment within which we have to operate. So you have enormous opportunities but also enormous challenges and I have every reason to believe that the training that you have received at the Academy will equip you to discharge your functions with great credit to yourself, to the Academy, to your parents and to your country at large.
I have great pleasure in welcoming you to the Prime Minister’s House and I wish you all Godspeed in your career.”
****
“I am very happy to interact with you in this golden jubilee year of the Lal Bahadur Shastri Academy and what your Director has told me of the composition of this Batch of the IAS Probationers fills my heart with joy. That you have the largest number of women as part of this team, that a very large number of probationers have professional background. I think this augurs well for the future of our country. You are a very privileged Service. And when I look at the history of India, I marvel at the wisdom of great men and women who wrote the Constitution of India. They recognised that India would need an All India Service to keep India as one large common market, as a Union which would have in it mortal unity in diversity.
We are of course, a parliamentary democracy and peoples’ representatives are the ultimate masters of policy planning, policy making and policy implementation. But we all know the various trends and tendencies in our political life. Today, our national polity faces a great threat of fragmentation. And in this background, there is more than ever before a need for a Service like the Indian Administrative Service with an All India perspective, committed to goals and ideals enshrined in the Constitution of India in the chapters on Fundamental Human Rights, in the chapter on Directive Principles of State policy and a Service which serves of course in States. And India of course lives in States. But we are a Union of States and we must never forget this all India perspective. When you go to various States, you are incharge of various departments, you look after the interests of your departments, the interests of your States but you must never lose sight of the wider perspective that there is a wider perspective of strengthening the unity and integrity of our country which must be the paramount concern of all Services in our country and foremost of a Service like the Indian Administrative Service.
During the British times, revenue collection, maintenance of law and order were the primary concerns of the administrators. But since then, our Constitution makers and our people have entrusted more and more functions to the Government and development and inclusive development which takes into account the interest of all segments of our population, an inclusive development which pays particular attention to the interests and well being of the most under privileged sections of society, the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Minorities and women and children and therefore it is your bounden duty as the servants of the people of India to pay particular attention to these concerns of development.
Development with a human touch, development which pays attention to the well being of all sections of society, a development process which is forward looking, which looks to the future of India with hope, with confidence and yet it is mindful of the pitfalls that might derail this process. And in all these, it is very important that you must pay particular attention to equipping yourself with latest trends in thinking about development, about environment and all other aspects which have a bearing on the processes of governance. Today, the world is changing at a pace which was unthinkable even a decade ago. Science and Technology have become the principle determiners of the wealth and well being of people all over the world. Human knowledge is therefore exploding and it is therefore very important that our Civil Servants should keep abreast of the latest trends in the development of human knowledge, knowledge which as I said is growing at a speed which was unthinkable even a decade ago. In all these, it is essential that our civil servants should be mindful of the concerns about what makes for balanced, equitable development. India is a country where 65% of people still live in rural areas. Therefore the development of agriculture, the development of rural areas, the well beings of all those who are connected with rural activities, is of paramount importance. We have decentralised the governance processes, we have now in most States , a three tier system of governance. You have the Central Government, you have the State Government, you have the Panchayati Raj institutions. It is therefore incumbent on the civil servants to work with all the three tiers of public administration with dedication. You would be working in the first few years of your life at the district level. Therefore you will come in contact with peoples’ representatives who are represented in various Panchayati Raj institutions. You must learn to win their affection and respect. You must guide them. You must at the same time, warn them of the pitfalls that have to be avoided. And district collectors have enormous responsibilities in our system. Apart from the maintenance of law and order, sustained development through district level development agencies, district planning is an equally important part of the work of district collector. And therefore what goes in the name of economic and social planning must engage your attention all the time. And as I said, planning has to take into account of the fast changing circumstances. There is the concern about environment, that development has to be environment friendly, there are concerns arising out of the challenges that we have to face when disaster overtakes us, therefore, issues concerning management of disaster have to figure as importantly in your programme, in your training, in your understanding of development processes as processes of development.
As I said, since agriculture and rural development account for nearly 70% of our people, rural development and agricultural development and all the various elements which go to make for balanced rural and agricultural development must play a prominent role in your training, in your thinking, in your education and that is the one thing which I would impress upon you that you must never forget that you are privileged to be the servant of the people of India. Also I would urge you to take account of the challenges that we face as a nation. There are today forces which seek to destabilise our economy and our polity. There are threats of terrorism. There are threats of naxalism. We must understand the ferocity of these disturbing, disruptive elements and we must devise ways and means how we can equip our economy, polity to meet the challenges of terrorism, to meet the challenges of naxalism and simultaneously we must also recognise that communalism and religious hatred can be a very disruptive element and therefore, as public servants we must be alive to the dangers of communalism, of casteism, of regionalism. We work in States, we work in regions, the development of various States and regions is no doubt the primary responsibility of civil servants working there but you must never forget the wider entity called the Union of India. You are Secretaries to various departments, but you are first Secretaries to the Government and the Government you must view as a collective, cohesive entity. And therefore I would urge you that your thought processes preserving the unity and integrity of India must have the top most priorities along with the challenges of development.
Governance is a buzz word today. There are many areas where governance is not keeping in contact with the requirements of the situation. There is growing concern about corruption in public life. There is growing concern that civil servants are not mindful of their duties. I would therefore urge that you must be mindful of the fact that the people of India have entrusted you these responsibilities and it is your solemn obligation to serve the people with the greatest dedication. Furthermore, I would urge you to be mindful of the developments that are taking place around our neighbourhood. We are today faced with a neighbourhood which is far from peaceful. You all know about the developments in Pakistan. You all know about the developments in Nepal, you all know about the recent developments in Bangladesh, you all know about the recent developments in Sri Lanka. They all impinge on our development. South Asia is in turmoil. And therefore in planning for our own development, we have to be mindful of the environment within which we have to operate. So you have enormous opportunities but also enormous challenges and I have every reason to believe that the training that you have received at the Academy will equip you to discharge your functions with great credit to yourself, to the Academy, to your parents and to your country at large.
I have great pleasure in welcoming you to the Prime Minister’s House and I wish you all Godspeed in your career.”
****
Thursday, April 2, 2009
2009-10 CHALLENGING YEAR- R B GOVERNOR
2009-10 will be more challenging : RBI Governor
RBI to manage Government Borrowing : D Subbarao
[New Delhi, 27 March 2009] The year 2009-10 will be more challenging as compared to the previous fiscal year, said Dr D Subbarao, Governor, Reserve Bank of India. While speaking at the CII's National Conference and Annual Session 2009, the governor said that painful adjustment is inevitable and the RBI's challenge would be to minimize the pain. He also assured that the government's large borrowing programme will be managed by the RBI so that interest rates are least impacted.
Giving a comprehensive yet complete picture of the crisis, Dr Subbarao pointed out that compared to the 1997 Asian Crisis India is now more integrated with the world economy, not just through trade linkages but also via equally deep financial linkages. A third transmission channel, in addition to the real and financial channels, is through confidence. Drying up of overseas financing, slackening demand and confidence loss in the economy are the factors that have led to growth moderating at a pace that is steeper than earlier thought, said the Governor.
While highlighting the Reserve Bank's response to the crisis, Dr Subbarao said that RBI has adopted a well directed approach of maintaining ample rupee and foreign exchange liquidity and credit flow to productive sectors through both conventional and unconventional measures. As a consequence of the measures, potential liquidity of Rs 390,000 crore has been injected into the system and call rates have been brought within the LAF corridor. However, the governor remained concerned that although banks' credit has expanded, the total flow of resources to the commercial sector has declined.
On evaluation of the government's response, Dr Subbarao pointed out that while in advanced economies, the crisis translated from the financial to the real sector, in emerging economies it was vice versa. Therefore even though the origin of the crisis across the world is common, the response is country specific. In India, healthy inflation outlook, lower crude prices, modest current account deficit, well functioning financial markets, minimal wealth loss and social safety net system will provide a cushion in these times of distress. He assured that when the recovery comes in India, it will be faster and swifter than in advanced economies.
Mr R Seshasayee, Past president, CII and Managing Director, Ashok Leyland Limited, while moderating the session, said that the current crisis presents a huge opportunity for Indian business leadership. The current challenge facing India is to reassess its growth model to ensure certain and sustainable growth. Amidst the possibility of an emerging bipolar world economy with China and U.S. at its centre stage, India should also seek a place without which it may face regional imbalance and geopolitical risks.
While delivering the concluding remarks, Mr K V Kamath, President, Confederation of Indian Industry, struck a positive note saying that if India could focus on its positives, it would be among the first ones to recover from the crisis.
RBI to manage Government Borrowing : D Subbarao
[New Delhi, 27 March 2009] The year 2009-10 will be more challenging as compared to the previous fiscal year, said Dr D Subbarao, Governor, Reserve Bank of India. While speaking at the CII's National Conference and Annual Session 2009, the governor said that painful adjustment is inevitable and the RBI's challenge would be to minimize the pain. He also assured that the government's large borrowing programme will be managed by the RBI so that interest rates are least impacted.
Giving a comprehensive yet complete picture of the crisis, Dr Subbarao pointed out that compared to the 1997 Asian Crisis India is now more integrated with the world economy, not just through trade linkages but also via equally deep financial linkages. A third transmission channel, in addition to the real and financial channels, is through confidence. Drying up of overseas financing, slackening demand and confidence loss in the economy are the factors that have led to growth moderating at a pace that is steeper than earlier thought, said the Governor.
While highlighting the Reserve Bank's response to the crisis, Dr Subbarao said that RBI has adopted a well directed approach of maintaining ample rupee and foreign exchange liquidity and credit flow to productive sectors through both conventional and unconventional measures. As a consequence of the measures, potential liquidity of Rs 390,000 crore has been injected into the system and call rates have been brought within the LAF corridor. However, the governor remained concerned that although banks' credit has expanded, the total flow of resources to the commercial sector has declined.
On evaluation of the government's response, Dr Subbarao pointed out that while in advanced economies, the crisis translated from the financial to the real sector, in emerging economies it was vice versa. Therefore even though the origin of the crisis across the world is common, the response is country specific. In India, healthy inflation outlook, lower crude prices, modest current account deficit, well functioning financial markets, minimal wealth loss and social safety net system will provide a cushion in these times of distress. He assured that when the recovery comes in India, it will be faster and swifter than in advanced economies.
Mr R Seshasayee, Past president, CII and Managing Director, Ashok Leyland Limited, while moderating the session, said that the current crisis presents a huge opportunity for Indian business leadership. The current challenge facing India is to reassess its growth model to ensure certain and sustainable growth. Amidst the possibility of an emerging bipolar world economy with China and U.S. at its centre stage, India should also seek a place without which it may face regional imbalance and geopolitical risks.
While delivering the concluding remarks, Mr K V Kamath, President, Confederation of Indian Industry, struck a positive note saying that if India could focus on its positives, it would be among the first ones to recover from the crisis.
INDIAN ENTREPRENEURS NEED CAPACITY TO DELIVER
CII and Harvard Business Publishing launch 'India's Global Powerhouses', a book authored by Prof. Nirmalya Kumar
[New Delhi, 01 April 2009] As India offers huge consumer base, a company with largest domestic operations in India automatically becomes a global enterprise. But in order to sustain this position Indian enterprises have to differentiate and innovate to the global standards. Indian Industry has to understand that in a global platform, cost advantage will no more work as much as inherent capacity to deliver, said Prof. Nirmalya Kumar, Director of Centre for Marketing, London Business School.
He was speaking at the launch of 'India's Global Powerhouses', a book authored by the professor. The session was organised jointly by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Harvard Business Press. Nirmalya Kumar is Professor of Marketing, Faculty Director for Executive Education, Director of Centre for Marketing and Co-Director of Aditya Birla India Centre at London Business School.
Addressing the gathering Professor Kumar, said that the book attempts to broaden Indian commerce perspective from a short cut based approach to globally sustainable management competency policy. He highlighted that Indian management pool holds the intelligence quotient, but should also claim associated intellectual property rights. An effective management will pave way for India gaining global management lead.
He further stated, the book profiles top Indian enterprises with truly global operations. The world today wants to learn about India's potential. The book conveniently positions the possibilities of working in this vast domestic market and how Indian companies are a success story globally.
Earlier giving the welcome address, Mr Vinay Hebbar, Country Head, Harvard Business Press stated this is professor's fourth book with the publishing group. The previous three books have been extremely successful in shaping management thoughts and ideas in India.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Mr. Vikram Badshah, Head - Public Policy, CII, stated that the book will transfer entire gambut of business approach, which traces the history of Indian industrialisation. The book will answer the quest for Indian business globally, and highlight the associated approaches for operations and marketing in the globalised world.
[New Delhi, 01 April 2009] As India offers huge consumer base, a company with largest domestic operations in India automatically becomes a global enterprise. But in order to sustain this position Indian enterprises have to differentiate and innovate to the global standards. Indian Industry has to understand that in a global platform, cost advantage will no more work as much as inherent capacity to deliver, said Prof. Nirmalya Kumar, Director of Centre for Marketing, London Business School.
He was speaking at the launch of 'India's Global Powerhouses', a book authored by the professor. The session was organised jointly by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Harvard Business Press. Nirmalya Kumar is Professor of Marketing, Faculty Director for Executive Education, Director of Centre for Marketing and Co-Director of Aditya Birla India Centre at London Business School.
Addressing the gathering Professor Kumar, said that the book attempts to broaden Indian commerce perspective from a short cut based approach to globally sustainable management competency policy. He highlighted that Indian management pool holds the intelligence quotient, but should also claim associated intellectual property rights. An effective management will pave way for India gaining global management lead.
He further stated, the book profiles top Indian enterprises with truly global operations. The world today wants to learn about India's potential. The book conveniently positions the possibilities of working in this vast domestic market and how Indian companies are a success story globally.
Earlier giving the welcome address, Mr Vinay Hebbar, Country Head, Harvard Business Press stated this is professor's fourth book with the publishing group. The previous three books have been extremely successful in shaping management thoughts and ideas in India.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Mr. Vikram Badshah, Head - Public Policy, CII, stated that the book will transfer entire gambut of business approach, which traces the history of Indian industrialisation. The book will answer the quest for Indian business globally, and highlight the associated approaches for operations and marketing in the globalised world.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Chamling commits IT exemption to business community
Chamling commits IT exemption to business community
Staff Reporter
Source: Sikkim Express)
GANGTOK, March 30: The ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party will be formally releasing its list of candidates for the forthcoming Assembly and Lok Sabha elections on April 3 on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami.
This was informed by SDF president and Chief Minister Pawan Chamling during a meeting with members of the business community at Samman Bhavan here today.
The Chief Minister said that the SDF party will be announcing its candidates on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami and the party will create a Ram Rajya in Sikkim, informed some businessmen who attended the meeting.
The Chief Minister also reiterated that the SDF party is committed to deliver income tax exemption to the left out business community of Sikkim at par with Sikkim Subject holders.
The commitment was made during the interaction of the Chief Minister with the members of the business community at Samman Bhavan. Some 250 members of the business community from all parts of the State had been invited by the Chief Minister for an interaction which lasted almost two hours.
The Chief Minister said that he is working to deliver income tax exemption to the business community and promised that he will achieve this, said one businessman who attended the meeting. “The meeting was very fruitful”, he said.
It is informed that the Chief Minister during the meeting underlined the rapid developmental strides Sikkim has been making benefiting all sections of the Sikkimese society including the business community. He also appealed the business community to take up new business ventures in tune with the changing times, it is informed.
Particularly focusing on the commerce and trade sector in Sikkim, Mr. Chamling highlighted the new opportunities before the local trading community presented by Nathu La border trade and coming up projects like Pakyong airport, rail link up to Rangpo. He also called up the business community to actively participate in the floriculture sector of the State, said one businessman. The business community was appealed to come ahead to help the farmers engaged in floriculture and make the sector stable, he said.
The Chief Minister also called up the business community to come up with new industrial projects and said that he was ready to give land and loans, said another businessman who attended the meeting. The Chief Minister pointed out that outside companies are only come forward for such projects and questioned why the locals are not coming forward, he said.
The Chief Minister was also very keen that the local businessmen and investors should come forward for doing mini-hydel power projects in the State, it is informed. He also highlighted the beautification works that was done in Gangtok and Namchi and informed that similar projects are coming up in other urban areas of the State like Rangpo and Namchi.
Staff Reporter
Source: Sikkim Express)
GANGTOK, March 30: The ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party will be formally releasing its list of candidates for the forthcoming Assembly and Lok Sabha elections on April 3 on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami.
This was informed by SDF president and Chief Minister Pawan Chamling during a meeting with members of the business community at Samman Bhavan here today.
The Chief Minister said that the SDF party will be announcing its candidates on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami and the party will create a Ram Rajya in Sikkim, informed some businessmen who attended the meeting.
The Chief Minister also reiterated that the SDF party is committed to deliver income tax exemption to the left out business community of Sikkim at par with Sikkim Subject holders.
The commitment was made during the interaction of the Chief Minister with the members of the business community at Samman Bhavan. Some 250 members of the business community from all parts of the State had been invited by the Chief Minister for an interaction which lasted almost two hours.
The Chief Minister said that he is working to deliver income tax exemption to the business community and promised that he will achieve this, said one businessman who attended the meeting. “The meeting was very fruitful”, he said.
It is informed that the Chief Minister during the meeting underlined the rapid developmental strides Sikkim has been making benefiting all sections of the Sikkimese society including the business community. He also appealed the business community to take up new business ventures in tune with the changing times, it is informed.
Particularly focusing on the commerce and trade sector in Sikkim, Mr. Chamling highlighted the new opportunities before the local trading community presented by Nathu La border trade and coming up projects like Pakyong airport, rail link up to Rangpo. He also called up the business community to actively participate in the floriculture sector of the State, said one businessman. The business community was appealed to come ahead to help the farmers engaged in floriculture and make the sector stable, he said.
The Chief Minister also called up the business community to come up with new industrial projects and said that he was ready to give land and loans, said another businessman who attended the meeting. The Chief Minister pointed out that outside companies are only come forward for such projects and questioned why the locals are not coming forward, he said.
The Chief Minister was also very keen that the local businessmen and investors should come forward for doing mini-hydel power projects in the State, it is informed. He also highlighted the beautification works that was done in Gangtok and Namchi and informed that similar projects are coming up in other urban areas of the State like Rangpo and Namchi.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
PM WITH CAPTAINS OF INDUSTRIES
PM’S remarks at the meeting with captains of industry
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Delhi dt 28.March 2009
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, had a meeting with the captains of industry in New Delhi today. Following is the text of Prime Minister’s remarks on the occasion:
“We had met in the first week of November last year, in the shadow of the meltdown which had originated from global macroeconomic imbalances, and problems in the financial sector of the developed world, and reached the shores of the rest of the world. India had also started experiencing the first shock waves of export demand attrition and constriction of capital inflows. Besides, the Indian financial sector was facing a liquidity shortage. Overall sentiment had also been dampened by the impact of the crisis on global and domestic capital markets and the consequent attrition of the savings of many individuals and corporates.
Many valuable suggestions were received in that meeting. These related to the need to maintain adequate liquidity, problems of credit flow and credit cost on the domestic and foreign fronts, special issues of certain stressed sectors, possible fiscal and other measures, and steps to ensure that domestic industry is not adversely affected by the dumping of products by other countries.
I had immediately after the meeting constituted an Apex Group under my Chairmanship to monitor the developments in the economy and take the necessary measures. Since then, the Government and the RBI have, from time to time, come out with measures which were considered necessary and possible. The RBI has steadily adjusted the policy rates downwards and has announced a number of steps in support of MSMEs, NBFCs, and the housing and export sectors. Guidelines have also been issued for restructuring of loans, increasing the rates on non-resident deposits and relaxing the criteria for external commercial borrowings. The Government has announced two stimulus packages, one in December 2008 and the other in January 2009. In these packages, and in subsequent announcements in the Interim Budget, a number of measures have been taken to provide relief to exporters; CENVAT, service tax, and duty concessions to industry; and support to infrastructure projects, and to increase Government expenditure despite an elevated level of fiscal deficit. The Government has also been in touch with banks and has been monitoring the sectoral credit flows, especially by the public sector banks. The Cabinet Secretary has been interacting with the Chief Secretaries of States, as almost the entire additional budgeted amounts have been released to the States and their role in ensuring expenditures on ground is now crucial.
While we need to bear in mind that the time taken for these steps to take effect varies across measures and sectors, there are signs of improvement in sectors like steel and cement. The auto sector after a difficult patch seems to be showing signs of recovery. Food grain production for 2008-09 is likely to be in excess of 228 million tonnes. The rural demand for goods and services appears quite robust and the outlook in the agricultural sector gives room for optimism.
At the same time, we are aware of the problems that persist in certain sectors and sub-sectors, particularly where export dependence is high. We are monitoring these sectors. We are aware that a big push to infrastructure would have a counter-cyclical influence and have taken steps to ensure that this happens in 2009-10 and beyond. On the credit front, the figures of the RBI at the end of February 2009 indicate that while the credit growth of public sector banks on a year-on-year basis this year has been 23 per cent against 21.9 per cent of the corresponding period of 2007-08, the credit growth of private banks and foreign banks has been of the order of one-third to one-fourth of what it was a year ago. While public sector banks have reduced the prime lending rates in the last three months between 150 and 200 basis points, other Scheduled Commercial Banks are yet to respond in equal measure. With ample liquidity and low inflation, there is scope perhaps for a further moderation in interest rates. Domestic credit flow for productive needs has to be definitely maintained at reasonable cost.
We are, therefore, in a situation where on the one hand we are decidedly better placed than most countries in the world, on the other hand, there seems to be uncertainty on how developments abroad, positive and negative, will affect us. To tackle a regime of low inflation and demand uncertainties across sub-sectors of the real economy, to ensure that the financial sector remains healthy and supportive, to husband foreign exchange reserves responsibly, to sustain a high level of expenditure bearing in mind the need for fiscal discipline, and to act continuously to improve general sentiment are challenges that we confront as a nation. We need to be particularly sensitive to the impact of the slowdown on the weakest in the organized as well as the unorganized sectors. We must meet the challenge of job losses caused by the slowdown. These are challenges which can be understood and met only if all the stake-holders concerned continuously exchange ideas and support each other with confidence in the future, and concern for the well being of all. I have great faith and confidence in India’s entrepreneurs and particularly in the wisdom and experience of captains of industry assembled here today to meet the challenges confronting our economy. The world today looks at India with respect and hope: respect for our calibrated reforms which have resulted in growth with justice, and hope that India would be an engine of global growth for the world economy. I am confident that we will all work together to fulfil these expectations, and secure the growth essential for our people. I would now request your comments and your assessment of the present economic situation and the steps taken so far and to suggest what needs to be done in the immediate as well as medium term future.”
Source:PIB
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Delhi dt 28.March 2009
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, had a meeting with the captains of industry in New Delhi today. Following is the text of Prime Minister’s remarks on the occasion:
“We had met in the first week of November last year, in the shadow of the meltdown which had originated from global macroeconomic imbalances, and problems in the financial sector of the developed world, and reached the shores of the rest of the world. India had also started experiencing the first shock waves of export demand attrition and constriction of capital inflows. Besides, the Indian financial sector was facing a liquidity shortage. Overall sentiment had also been dampened by the impact of the crisis on global and domestic capital markets and the consequent attrition of the savings of many individuals and corporates.
Many valuable suggestions were received in that meeting. These related to the need to maintain adequate liquidity, problems of credit flow and credit cost on the domestic and foreign fronts, special issues of certain stressed sectors, possible fiscal and other measures, and steps to ensure that domestic industry is not adversely affected by the dumping of products by other countries.
I had immediately after the meeting constituted an Apex Group under my Chairmanship to monitor the developments in the economy and take the necessary measures. Since then, the Government and the RBI have, from time to time, come out with measures which were considered necessary and possible. The RBI has steadily adjusted the policy rates downwards and has announced a number of steps in support of MSMEs, NBFCs, and the housing and export sectors. Guidelines have also been issued for restructuring of loans, increasing the rates on non-resident deposits and relaxing the criteria for external commercial borrowings. The Government has announced two stimulus packages, one in December 2008 and the other in January 2009. In these packages, and in subsequent announcements in the Interim Budget, a number of measures have been taken to provide relief to exporters; CENVAT, service tax, and duty concessions to industry; and support to infrastructure projects, and to increase Government expenditure despite an elevated level of fiscal deficit. The Government has also been in touch with banks and has been monitoring the sectoral credit flows, especially by the public sector banks. The Cabinet Secretary has been interacting with the Chief Secretaries of States, as almost the entire additional budgeted amounts have been released to the States and their role in ensuring expenditures on ground is now crucial.
While we need to bear in mind that the time taken for these steps to take effect varies across measures and sectors, there are signs of improvement in sectors like steel and cement. The auto sector after a difficult patch seems to be showing signs of recovery. Food grain production for 2008-09 is likely to be in excess of 228 million tonnes. The rural demand for goods and services appears quite robust and the outlook in the agricultural sector gives room for optimism.
At the same time, we are aware of the problems that persist in certain sectors and sub-sectors, particularly where export dependence is high. We are monitoring these sectors. We are aware that a big push to infrastructure would have a counter-cyclical influence and have taken steps to ensure that this happens in 2009-10 and beyond. On the credit front, the figures of the RBI at the end of February 2009 indicate that while the credit growth of public sector banks on a year-on-year basis this year has been 23 per cent against 21.9 per cent of the corresponding period of 2007-08, the credit growth of private banks and foreign banks has been of the order of one-third to one-fourth of what it was a year ago. While public sector banks have reduced the prime lending rates in the last three months between 150 and 200 basis points, other Scheduled Commercial Banks are yet to respond in equal measure. With ample liquidity and low inflation, there is scope perhaps for a further moderation in interest rates. Domestic credit flow for productive needs has to be definitely maintained at reasonable cost.
We are, therefore, in a situation where on the one hand we are decidedly better placed than most countries in the world, on the other hand, there seems to be uncertainty on how developments abroad, positive and negative, will affect us. To tackle a regime of low inflation and demand uncertainties across sub-sectors of the real economy, to ensure that the financial sector remains healthy and supportive, to husband foreign exchange reserves responsibly, to sustain a high level of expenditure bearing in mind the need for fiscal discipline, and to act continuously to improve general sentiment are challenges that we confront as a nation. We need to be particularly sensitive to the impact of the slowdown on the weakest in the organized as well as the unorganized sectors. We must meet the challenge of job losses caused by the slowdown. These are challenges which can be understood and met only if all the stake-holders concerned continuously exchange ideas and support each other with confidence in the future, and concern for the well being of all. I have great faith and confidence in India’s entrepreneurs and particularly in the wisdom and experience of captains of industry assembled here today to meet the challenges confronting our economy. The world today looks at India with respect and hope: respect for our calibrated reforms which have resulted in growth with justice, and hope that India would be an engine of global growth for the world economy. I am confident that we will all work together to fulfil these expectations, and secure the growth essential for our people. I would now request your comments and your assessment of the present economic situation and the steps taken so far and to suggest what needs to be done in the immediate as well as medium term future.”
Source:PIB
STATISTICS UPDATE ON SIKKIM
Sikkim presently has 25,000 government employees AND the Government spends a sum of Rs. 500 crores annually to pay their salaries. Total number of 1 lakh and 14 thousand households in Sikkim
TOURISTS ARRIVAL IN SIKKIM ON INCREASE
Domestic tourist arrivals on the rise in Sikkim
March 28th, 2009
Gangtok, March 28 (IANS) Domestic tourist inflow into Sikkim is on the rise so far this year, but there has been a drop in foreign tourists visiting the state.
According to tourism department’s records, as many as 27,138 domestic tourists arrived in Sikkim in January 2009. This is 5,623 more than the number of tourists who visited the state last year in January. Similarly, in February, 32,038 domestic tourists visited the northeastern state, 7,883 more than the corresponding period in 2008.
The numbers are good and what is encouraging for the tourism sector is that even 2008 was a good year. As many as 44,275, 38,415 and 32,090 domestic tourist arrivals respectively were recorded in the last three months of 2008. In 2007, 38,695, 34,143 and 29,676 domestic tourists visited the state in October, November and December respectively.
According to available records, the arrival of international tourists has, however, seen a drop so far this year. In January and February 2009, only 696 and 1,053 international tourist arrivals were recorded. Last year the numbers for these two months were 910 and 1,106 respectively.
Sikkim, however, witnessed an increase in international tourists inflow in the overall winter tourist season running from October 2008 to February 2009. During this period, 9,173 foreign travellers came to Sikkim. In the same period in the previous season the figure was marginally lower at 8,811.
March 28th, 2009
Gangtok, March 28 (IANS) Domestic tourist inflow into Sikkim is on the rise so far this year, but there has been a drop in foreign tourists visiting the state.
According to tourism department’s records, as many as 27,138 domestic tourists arrived in Sikkim in January 2009. This is 5,623 more than the number of tourists who visited the state last year in January. Similarly, in February, 32,038 domestic tourists visited the northeastern state, 7,883 more than the corresponding period in 2008.
The numbers are good and what is encouraging for the tourism sector is that even 2008 was a good year. As many as 44,275, 38,415 and 32,090 domestic tourist arrivals respectively were recorded in the last three months of 2008. In 2007, 38,695, 34,143 and 29,676 domestic tourists visited the state in October, November and December respectively.
According to available records, the arrival of international tourists has, however, seen a drop so far this year. In January and February 2009, only 696 and 1,053 international tourist arrivals were recorded. Last year the numbers for these two months were 910 and 1,106 respectively.
Sikkim, however, witnessed an increase in international tourists inflow in the overall winter tourist season running from October 2008 to February 2009. During this period, 9,173 foreign travellers came to Sikkim. In the same period in the previous season the figure was marginally lower at 8,811.
WHAT INDIANS WANT TO SEE BY 2022
100% literacy, innovation, world-class infrastructure and sustainable development in a corruption-free society are top priorities for Indians, says the report
[New Delhi, 26 March 2009] CII, Yi, and The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) today announced the launch of India@75: The Peoples' Agenda with an objective to spark a transformation of India by the year 2022. The first step towards transforming India into an economically vital, technologically innovative, socially & ethically vibrant leader was to create an aligned agenda. The 'Peoples' agenda' was commissioned to involve people across the country in a visioning of how India could be at 75 years of independence.
"India@75 is the most tested and supported idea in India today" said Professor CK Prahalad. He also adds that "India@75 is an election manifest. If our politicians want to know what people want, they should look to what India@75 has unearthed." Professor Prahalad is the inspiration behind India@75. At the India@60 celebrations, he posed the idea of looking ahead and engaging the populace of India to envision and act for an India@75. He then helped structure and guide the exercise over the past year.
BCG developed an innovative approach that was structured at the grassroots level of the state level, since each state is unique, at its own stage of development, facing its own unique sets of issues. This included hearing & studying 6,000 voices across many different geographies, different socio-economic classes, different age groups, different occupations, different genders and different religions. Unlike any vision document that has come before, this was written by the people of India and every one of their voices is captured in the document.
Mr. Gopal Srinivasan, Chairman of CII India@75 Mission said "Across the country, people had strong aspirations of what they wanted for India@75. The five aspirations that cut across all geographies and people are:
Education and skills is a top priority for all the people: 100% literacy; 200 million college graduates and 500 million skilled workforce
Efficient infrastructure deployment can change the pace of India's growth dramatically
Development has to be environmentally sustainable � that is non-negotiable
Innovation and 'next practices' are key to progress: We must find new ways to do things
Corruption is seen as a major corroding influence eating away the vitality of India: India can become a moral leader in the world"
"In fact India@75 can show us how we can take advantage of this economic situation. Everyone sees India becoming a global leader, and perhaps this crisis is just an opportunity," said Mr. Chandrajit Bannerjee, Director General of CII.
"India@75 is a rallying cry for the young in our country. We want to create a volunteer corps of young people who will work with institutions across the country at the grassroots level to make the vision a reality," says Rajan Navani, Co-Chair of India@75 Mission.
James Abraham, Senior Partner & Director, BCG said "Crisis will come and go. Only a shared aspiration like India@75 can keep us on track and point to the things that we have to get done no matter what."
India@75 is an initiative which goes beyond the realms of just visioning. It seeks to create a movement where everyone can get involved into realizing the dreams of our country. The report has been structured around the ten broad themes that are Education & Skill Development, Technology & Innovation, Agriculture, Businesses, Infrastructure & Urbanization, Health, Environment, Arts, Sports & Literature, Governance & Public Administration and Moral Leadership.
[New Delhi, 26 March 2009] CII, Yi, and The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) today announced the launch of India@75: The Peoples' Agenda with an objective to spark a transformation of India by the year 2022. The first step towards transforming India into an economically vital, technologically innovative, socially & ethically vibrant leader was to create an aligned agenda. The 'Peoples' agenda' was commissioned to involve people across the country in a visioning of how India could be at 75 years of independence.
"India@75 is the most tested and supported idea in India today" said Professor CK Prahalad. He also adds that "India@75 is an election manifest. If our politicians want to know what people want, they should look to what India@75 has unearthed." Professor Prahalad is the inspiration behind India@75. At the India@60 celebrations, he posed the idea of looking ahead and engaging the populace of India to envision and act for an India@75. He then helped structure and guide the exercise over the past year.
BCG developed an innovative approach that was structured at the grassroots level of the state level, since each state is unique, at its own stage of development, facing its own unique sets of issues. This included hearing & studying 6,000 voices across many different geographies, different socio-economic classes, different age groups, different occupations, different genders and different religions. Unlike any vision document that has come before, this was written by the people of India and every one of their voices is captured in the document.
Mr. Gopal Srinivasan, Chairman of CII India@75 Mission said "Across the country, people had strong aspirations of what they wanted for India@75. The five aspirations that cut across all geographies and people are:
Education and skills is a top priority for all the people: 100% literacy; 200 million college graduates and 500 million skilled workforce
Efficient infrastructure deployment can change the pace of India's growth dramatically
Development has to be environmentally sustainable � that is non-negotiable
Innovation and 'next practices' are key to progress: We must find new ways to do things
Corruption is seen as a major corroding influence eating away the vitality of India: India can become a moral leader in the world"
"In fact India@75 can show us how we can take advantage of this economic situation. Everyone sees India becoming a global leader, and perhaps this crisis is just an opportunity," said Mr. Chandrajit Bannerjee, Director General of CII.
"India@75 is a rallying cry for the young in our country. We want to create a volunteer corps of young people who will work with institutions across the country at the grassroots level to make the vision a reality," says Rajan Navani, Co-Chair of India@75 Mission.
James Abraham, Senior Partner & Director, BCG said "Crisis will come and go. Only a shared aspiration like India@75 can keep us on track and point to the things that we have to get done no matter what."
India@75 is an initiative which goes beyond the realms of just visioning. It seeks to create a movement where everyone can get involved into realizing the dreams of our country. The report has been structured around the ten broad themes that are Education & Skill Development, Technology & Innovation, Agriculture, Businesses, Infrastructure & Urbanization, Health, Environment, Arts, Sports & Literature, Governance & Public Administration and Moral Leadership.
INDIAN ECONOMY OFF ITS HIGH GROWTH- MONTEKSINGH
New Delhi, 27 March,2009] Giving the outlook on the economy, Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Government of India, said that the ongoing crisis, which is probably the worst crisis in last 60 years, will push the Indian economy off its higher growth trajectory, that it has seen in last 5 years. Delivering the special address at the CII's National Conference and Annual Session 2009, he alluded that although some painful adjustment is inevitable in the current difficult time, the government is trying its best to minimize the pain.
Dr Ahluwalia, while giving an overview of the next financial year, said that 2009-10 will be significantly worse than the previous fiscal year. He however added that recovery is expected to begin sometime around second quarter of 2009-10. He noted that uncertainty is expected to reduce and results will start showing up of the various measures taken by the government in few months to come. This in turn can lead to the bottoming out of the crisis in a couple of months.
Differentiating the current crisis from the previous ones, Dr Ahluwalia pointed out that the crisis is being transmitted to India from foreign channels and the positive side is that Indian rural economy has not been as adversely affected as the urban one. He also emphasized that the crisis presents an opportunity for Indian Business leaders to introspect and optimize the present opportunity to emerge stronger for the more competitive times to come.
Dr Arvind Virmani, Chief Economic Advisor, Ministry of Finance, Government of India, ruled out any possibility of a sustained deflation in the economy. He explained that Consumer price inflation, having higher weightage of food items, is still in double figures and would come down rather slowly. Consumer Price deflator used for GDP is more indicative of inflation and is not expected to be anywhere near 0%, let alone deflation, opined Dr Virmani.
Giving a clearer picture on fiscal deficit, both Dr Ahluwalia and Dr Virmani said that fiscal deficit is expected to widen by 3.5 - 4% as compared to previous year. The higher deficit is a deliberate step by the government in order to carry out more spending to revive the economy. The increased spending by the government will not crowd out the private spending in the shorter run and once the demand revives, government would work towards achieving the targets set out by the FRBM Act.
Its important to distinguish between market regulation and institutional regulation, said Dr Virmani. According to him, India has institutional regulations in place, while it has ample room to move faster as far as market regulations are concerned. He reiterated that for revival of the fragmented markets, which resulted from the crisis, the government has carefully implemented well coordinated fiscal and monetary measures. Dr Virmani further added that India Inc would perhaps face a challenge of slackening demand for exports and thus it's important for them to undertake a diversification strategy.
Delivering the concluding remarks, Mr Sunil Kant Munjal, Past President, CII and Chairman, Hero Corporate Service Limited, expressed hope that India would be among the first ones to emerge out of the crisis.
Dr Ahluwalia, while giving an overview of the next financial year, said that 2009-10 will be significantly worse than the previous fiscal year. He however added that recovery is expected to begin sometime around second quarter of 2009-10. He noted that uncertainty is expected to reduce and results will start showing up of the various measures taken by the government in few months to come. This in turn can lead to the bottoming out of the crisis in a couple of months.
Differentiating the current crisis from the previous ones, Dr Ahluwalia pointed out that the crisis is being transmitted to India from foreign channels and the positive side is that Indian rural economy has not been as adversely affected as the urban one. He also emphasized that the crisis presents an opportunity for Indian Business leaders to introspect and optimize the present opportunity to emerge stronger for the more competitive times to come.
Dr Arvind Virmani, Chief Economic Advisor, Ministry of Finance, Government of India, ruled out any possibility of a sustained deflation in the economy. He explained that Consumer price inflation, having higher weightage of food items, is still in double figures and would come down rather slowly. Consumer Price deflator used for GDP is more indicative of inflation and is not expected to be anywhere near 0%, let alone deflation, opined Dr Virmani.
Giving a clearer picture on fiscal deficit, both Dr Ahluwalia and Dr Virmani said that fiscal deficit is expected to widen by 3.5 - 4% as compared to previous year. The higher deficit is a deliberate step by the government in order to carry out more spending to revive the economy. The increased spending by the government will not crowd out the private spending in the shorter run and once the demand revives, government would work towards achieving the targets set out by the FRBM Act.
Its important to distinguish between market regulation and institutional regulation, said Dr Virmani. According to him, India has institutional regulations in place, while it has ample room to move faster as far as market regulations are concerned. He reiterated that for revival of the fragmented markets, which resulted from the crisis, the government has carefully implemented well coordinated fiscal and monetary measures. Dr Virmani further added that India Inc would perhaps face a challenge of slackening demand for exports and thus it's important for them to undertake a diversification strategy.
Delivering the concluding remarks, Mr Sunil Kant Munjal, Past President, CII and Chairman, Hero Corporate Service Limited, expressed hope that India would be among the first ones to emerge out of the crisis.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
CASINO LAUNCHED IN SIKKIM
Gangtok (Sikkim), Mar 24: Keen to improve tourist inflow into the State, the Sikkim Government recently launched a casino.
With an annual increase of 20 per cent in tourist inflow in recent years, Sikkim is the only state in the country offering land based live casino facilities and complete casino gaming to tourists.
The first casino was opened at the Royal Plaza hotel and was named 'Casino Sikkim'.
Naresh Subba, Chief Executive Officer of Casino Sikkim, said the State Government's assistance had made it possible to open the casino in the state.
"The Sikkim Government has trusted us and have given me the responsibility to come up with the casino and then to attract the tourists. With the airport foundation stone and ritual being done recently, I see a nightlife market for tourists," said Naresh.
Besides boosting the economy of the region through tourism, the opening of casino is also creating employment opportunities for the youth who are not exposed to the outside world.
"From casino, we will definitely get an advantage and high profile tourists will be attracted. In the northeastern side, Sikkim is the only state where casino was opened recently," said Deepak Rai, a tour operator.
The State Government aims to attract high end domestic and foreign tourists with the casino bid which has already created ripples in the hospitality sector both national and international. By Tashi Pradhan
Source: Asian News International
With an annual increase of 20 per cent in tourist inflow in recent years, Sikkim is the only state in the country offering land based live casino facilities and complete casino gaming to tourists.
The first casino was opened at the Royal Plaza hotel and was named 'Casino Sikkim'.
Naresh Subba, Chief Executive Officer of Casino Sikkim, said the State Government's assistance had made it possible to open the casino in the state.
"The Sikkim Government has trusted us and have given me the responsibility to come up with the casino and then to attract the tourists. With the airport foundation stone and ritual being done recently, I see a nightlife market for tourists," said Naresh.
Besides boosting the economy of the region through tourism, the opening of casino is also creating employment opportunities for the youth who are not exposed to the outside world.
"From casino, we will definitely get an advantage and high profile tourists will be attracted. In the northeastern side, Sikkim is the only state where casino was opened recently," said Deepak Rai, a tour operator.
The State Government aims to attract high end domestic and foreign tourists with the casino bid which has already created ripples in the hospitality sector both national and international. By Tashi Pradhan
Source: Asian News International
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
SIKKIM BECKONS by Swati Chaudhury
ESSAYS: Emerging tourist trails
Posted by barunroy on March 23, 2009
FROM THE STATESMAN
Sikkim beckons, writes Swaati Chaudhury
SIKKIM is an all-weather destination and has captured the hearts of millions of tourists with its luxuriant forests, snow-capped mountain ranges, rhododendron splendour, pristine waterfalls, holy caves, medicinal hot springs and gently flowing streams. Of late, its tourism department has endeavoured to promote out-of-the-way destinations and provide home-stay facilities. The inviting destinations are Darap in west Sikkim, Kabi in the north and Pakyong in the east.
To encourage local unemployed youths to sustain themselves, the tourism department is encouraging them to come up with arrangements for home-stay facilities for tourists. The three destinations are inhabited by three distinct tribes, namely the Bhutias, Lepchas and Nepalis, each with an indigenous culture and traditions of their own. All the new getaways offer a lot of activity for tourists.
Says Madan Kumar Pradhan, deputy director of Sikkim Tourism, “Tourists can walk down hamlets and visit the monastery at Kabi or drop in at Karthok monastery at Pakyong. About three kilometres from Pakyong Bazar is Changey monastery, while Jhandi Dara is a four-kilometre trek from Pakyong and Karthok Cave is another 12.5 km from Pakyong Bazar. There is also a meditation centre at Pachey, nearly three kilometres from Pakyong.”
Kachery House at Pakyong Bazar is a heritage building dating back to the 18th century and has been the creation of Taksari, Chandra Bir Pradhan. This huge structure is home to ancient Nepali art and culture, a wide spectrum of Nepali and Sikkim handicrafts and is open to visitors. Besides, there are items and tools belonging to the British era.
At Pakyong, tourists can catch marvellous views of Kanchejunga peak. Rhododendrons are in full bloom here during April and May. Says Pradhan, “All the three destinations offer wondrous glimpses of the lofty Himalayan peaks and are steadily emerging as new tourist hotspots. Pakyong is all set to get a new Greenfield airport, the foundation of which was laid on 28 February this year. Construction work has already begun.” Tourists can head for Sikkim during the monsoon when the temperature is between 15º-18º Celsius.
For adventure lovers or those looking for solitude or leisure, there are tours for all segments of tourists and accommodation to suit all budgets. The drive along meandering roads offers a thrilling experience. The land is a haven for adventure buffs, with opportunities for trekking, mountain biking, angling, rock climbing, mountain flights and birdwatching. “Tourism serves as the growth engine for overall economic and social development in the state. Sikkim has recently bagged the best state award in the sphere of tourism-related products,” adds Pradhan.
Posted by barunroy on March 23, 2009
FROM THE STATESMAN
Sikkim beckons, writes Swaati Chaudhury
SIKKIM is an all-weather destination and has captured the hearts of millions of tourists with its luxuriant forests, snow-capped mountain ranges, rhododendron splendour, pristine waterfalls, holy caves, medicinal hot springs and gently flowing streams. Of late, its tourism department has endeavoured to promote out-of-the-way destinations and provide home-stay facilities. The inviting destinations are Darap in west Sikkim, Kabi in the north and Pakyong in the east.
To encourage local unemployed youths to sustain themselves, the tourism department is encouraging them to come up with arrangements for home-stay facilities for tourists. The three destinations are inhabited by three distinct tribes, namely the Bhutias, Lepchas and Nepalis, each with an indigenous culture and traditions of their own. All the new getaways offer a lot of activity for tourists.
Says Madan Kumar Pradhan, deputy director of Sikkim Tourism, “Tourists can walk down hamlets and visit the monastery at Kabi or drop in at Karthok monastery at Pakyong. About three kilometres from Pakyong Bazar is Changey monastery, while Jhandi Dara is a four-kilometre trek from Pakyong and Karthok Cave is another 12.5 km from Pakyong Bazar. There is also a meditation centre at Pachey, nearly three kilometres from Pakyong.”
Kachery House at Pakyong Bazar is a heritage building dating back to the 18th century and has been the creation of Taksari, Chandra Bir Pradhan. This huge structure is home to ancient Nepali art and culture, a wide spectrum of Nepali and Sikkim handicrafts and is open to visitors. Besides, there are items and tools belonging to the British era.
At Pakyong, tourists can catch marvellous views of Kanchejunga peak. Rhododendrons are in full bloom here during April and May. Says Pradhan, “All the three destinations offer wondrous glimpses of the lofty Himalayan peaks and are steadily emerging as new tourist hotspots. Pakyong is all set to get a new Greenfield airport, the foundation of which was laid on 28 February this year. Construction work has already begun.” Tourists can head for Sikkim during the monsoon when the temperature is between 15º-18º Celsius.
For adventure lovers or those looking for solitude or leisure, there are tours for all segments of tourists and accommodation to suit all budgets. The drive along meandering roads offers a thrilling experience. The land is a haven for adventure buffs, with opportunities for trekking, mountain biking, angling, rock climbing, mountain flights and birdwatching. “Tourism serves as the growth engine for overall economic and social development in the state. Sikkim has recently bagged the best state award in the sphere of tourism-related products,” adds Pradhan.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
RAILWAYS PLANS TO LINK GANGTOK BY BROAD GAUGE LINE
Press Release
DT 14.3.2009
North East Frontier Railway with its headquarter at Maligaon is currently undertaking engineering cum traffic survey for a new Broad gauge Railway Line from Rangpo to Gangtok( 69KMS).
The officials of the NEF Railway today had discussions with the executive members of Sikkim Chamber of Commerce at Gangtok in Chamber’s Headquarter. The discussion related to the current and future goods and passenger’s traffic. It was informed that the railways want to connect New Delhi with all State Capitals by Rajdhani Express including Gangtok..
The border trade between India China through Nathu-La started in 2006 is entering the 4th year this coming season. As per earlier Plan the border trade is likely to be converted into full fledged international trade after the 5th year. If everything goes as per plan the volume of trade is likely to go up substantially once a full fledged international trade starts through Nathu La in the year 2011. A part of the goods traffic which moves over sea from Chinese Port to Indian Port will be shifted through Nathu La port. The widening work on Gangtok-Nathula portion of the old silk route has already started and it appears that the widened roads will be able to take the high traffic generating from Nathu la trade after 2011.
Besides the traffic pressure of the international trade, the goods traffic is gathering momentum due to the ongoing industrialization of Sikkim due to the attractive package of Excise and Income tax exemption for 10 years and transport subsidy/ Capital subsidy and concessional rate of interest for working capital provided to new industries set up in Sikkim.. A number of Pharma industries have come up who will in future target Chinese markets for their Pharma products. Currently more than 100 trucks enter Sikkim bringing raw materials for these industries and another 50 trucks go down to Siliguri with finished products. This number is miniscule and will go up manifold once the scale of investment goes up.
The construction boom & infrastructure development process has also put enormous pressure on the fragile road networks of the State. The State already imports more than 150 trucks of ration every day to feed its growing population both civil and military. The tourists arrival has already crossed three lacs per annum and will make a jump with Sikkim becoming the ultimate tourists destination for most of the Indians.
In addition to these pressures on goods and passenger traffic, the organic farm products, flower exports and traditional ginger, cardamom and herbal crop will also generate equally valuable goods traffic. The air-conditioned freight coaches will enable the flower and perishable agri products to reach the markets of North and West and South India afresh and within 30 to 48 hours.
Introduction of railway line to Gangtok will not only boost tourist traffic but make the cost of transportation substantially less as compared to road transport. The transshipment cost currently involved at NJP/Siliguri will become Zero and full racks will be able to reach Gangtok directly from Mumbai/Punjab and far corners of the country making the cost of operation lesser and lesser. Currently, the cost of truck transportation from Gangtok to Siliguri is very high for a small distance of 110 kms. After the introduction of railways, we can bring goods from far of India at a very small cost..
The Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has already approved for taking up construction of new 52.7 km long broad gauge line from Sevoke in Siliguri of West Bengal to Rangpo in Sikkim.
The broad gauge rail link upto Rangpo has been approved at a cost of Rs. 1339.48 crores and has been given a ‘National Project’ status. This roughly comes to Rs. 25.41 crores per km of the rail link.
It will be funded as per the funding pattern of 25 percent from GBS for Railways and 75 percent from Ministry of finance as an additionally as has already been approved for similar other projects of North Eastern Region.
Already, nine national projects covering the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur and Tripura are under construction.
The work on the Sevok-Rangpo project is expected to commence this year and is expected to be completed by 2015-16.
The engineering cum traffic survey for a new Broad gauge line from Rangpo to Gangtok ( 69KMS) is on way now and a completed report will be submitted to Railway Board before 31st March 2009 as per information available. The discussions led to the belief that the Union Government is very serious to complete the project upto Gangtok at the earliest much before 2020.
The Rangpo-Gangtok broad gauge line will see stops at the railway station of Singtam, Nimtar, Nandok and finally Bhusuk which is likely to be the railway station for Gangtok.
If everything goes as per Plan, Rangpo-Gangtok part of the rail connectivity will be a reality by 2020, it is understood.
The tourism sector, the trade sector, the industrial sector and international trade sector- all will get a boost in times to come providing more opportunities for growth, employment and revenue generation in Sikkim.
The meeting has been very fruitful with inputs both from members and the officials of Railways.
( S.K.Sarda)
President
Sikkim Chamber of Commerce
Gangtok
Dt 14.3.2009
DT 14.3.2009
North East Frontier Railway with its headquarter at Maligaon is currently undertaking engineering cum traffic survey for a new Broad gauge Railway Line from Rangpo to Gangtok( 69KMS).
The officials of the NEF Railway today had discussions with the executive members of Sikkim Chamber of Commerce at Gangtok in Chamber’s Headquarter. The discussion related to the current and future goods and passenger’s traffic. It was informed that the railways want to connect New Delhi with all State Capitals by Rajdhani Express including Gangtok..
The border trade between India China through Nathu-La started in 2006 is entering the 4th year this coming season. As per earlier Plan the border trade is likely to be converted into full fledged international trade after the 5th year. If everything goes as per plan the volume of trade is likely to go up substantially once a full fledged international trade starts through Nathu La in the year 2011. A part of the goods traffic which moves over sea from Chinese Port to Indian Port will be shifted through Nathu La port. The widening work on Gangtok-Nathula portion of the old silk route has already started and it appears that the widened roads will be able to take the high traffic generating from Nathu la trade after 2011.
Besides the traffic pressure of the international trade, the goods traffic is gathering momentum due to the ongoing industrialization of Sikkim due to the attractive package of Excise and Income tax exemption for 10 years and transport subsidy/ Capital subsidy and concessional rate of interest for working capital provided to new industries set up in Sikkim.. A number of Pharma industries have come up who will in future target Chinese markets for their Pharma products. Currently more than 100 trucks enter Sikkim bringing raw materials for these industries and another 50 trucks go down to Siliguri with finished products. This number is miniscule and will go up manifold once the scale of investment goes up.
The construction boom & infrastructure development process has also put enormous pressure on the fragile road networks of the State. The State already imports more than 150 trucks of ration every day to feed its growing population both civil and military. The tourists arrival has already crossed three lacs per annum and will make a jump with Sikkim becoming the ultimate tourists destination for most of the Indians.
In addition to these pressures on goods and passenger traffic, the organic farm products, flower exports and traditional ginger, cardamom and herbal crop will also generate equally valuable goods traffic. The air-conditioned freight coaches will enable the flower and perishable agri products to reach the markets of North and West and South India afresh and within 30 to 48 hours.
Introduction of railway line to Gangtok will not only boost tourist traffic but make the cost of transportation substantially less as compared to road transport. The transshipment cost currently involved at NJP/Siliguri will become Zero and full racks will be able to reach Gangtok directly from Mumbai/Punjab and far corners of the country making the cost of operation lesser and lesser. Currently, the cost of truck transportation from Gangtok to Siliguri is very high for a small distance of 110 kms. After the introduction of railways, we can bring goods from far of India at a very small cost..
The Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has already approved for taking up construction of new 52.7 km long broad gauge line from Sevoke in Siliguri of West Bengal to Rangpo in Sikkim.
The broad gauge rail link upto Rangpo has been approved at a cost of Rs. 1339.48 crores and has been given a ‘National Project’ status. This roughly comes to Rs. 25.41 crores per km of the rail link.
It will be funded as per the funding pattern of 25 percent from GBS for Railways and 75 percent from Ministry of finance as an additionally as has already been approved for similar other projects of North Eastern Region.
Already, nine national projects covering the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur and Tripura are under construction.
The work on the Sevok-Rangpo project is expected to commence this year and is expected to be completed by 2015-16.
The engineering cum traffic survey for a new Broad gauge line from Rangpo to Gangtok ( 69KMS) is on way now and a completed report will be submitted to Railway Board before 31st March 2009 as per information available. The discussions led to the belief that the Union Government is very serious to complete the project upto Gangtok at the earliest much before 2020.
The Rangpo-Gangtok broad gauge line will see stops at the railway station of Singtam, Nimtar, Nandok and finally Bhusuk which is likely to be the railway station for Gangtok.
If everything goes as per Plan, Rangpo-Gangtok part of the rail connectivity will be a reality by 2020, it is understood.
The tourism sector, the trade sector, the industrial sector and international trade sector- all will get a boost in times to come providing more opportunities for growth, employment and revenue generation in Sikkim.
The meeting has been very fruitful with inputs both from members and the officials of Railways.
( S.K.Sarda)
President
Sikkim Chamber of Commerce
Gangtok
Dt 14.3.2009
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