INDIA:ADDRESS BY THE HON'BLE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SHRIMATI PRATIBHA DEVISINGH PATIL, TO PARLIAMENT
New Delhi, 22nd February 2010
Honourable Members,
1. My greetings to you as you assemble here today for the first session of both Houses of Parliament in the new decade. I am confident that all members would dedicate themselves to making this decade a glorious period in our country's march to prosperity and to its rightful place in the comity of nations. A heavy legislative agenda awaits you, which merits your careful attention.
2. I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in the recent terrorist act in Pune. Left wing extremists continue to indulge in senseless violence, as in their recent attacks in West Bengal, where a large number of innocent lives have been lost. These cowardly acts strengthen our resolve to meet with added vigour the challenge posed by such violence. My government has also given a call to left wing extremists to abjure violence and come for talks. Our plan to strengthen civil administration and bring the fruits of inclusive development to all would continue with determination.
3. My government was voted to office with a clear cut mandate to protect and deepen the values of pluralism and secularism, and to ensure rapid growth with justice and fairness for all. Since assuming office in May 2009, my government has worked single-mindedly to build on the achievements of its earlier term to deliver the promise of faster and more inclusive growth. The aam aadmi was and is at the core of this promise; the aam aadmi had to be protected against the ravages of the worst ever global economic crisis since the Great Depression and against the failure of the monsoon in large parts of the country in mid-2009.
4. My government has combined a caring and sensitive approach in dealing with the immediate economic and social problems, has taken measures to strengthen the nation's security, has proceeded with a desire to accommodate disparate political and regional voices, has sincerely worked towards deepening our federal polity, has vigorously pursued our enlightened national interests in pro-actively engaging with the global community, and has introduced sensitivity in the partnership between the institutions of governance and civil society.
5. The global economic slowdown was met by strong policies of administering a domestic stimulus to the economy which has yielded handsome results. Economic growth which had slowed to 6.7% in 2008-09 is likely to improve to around 7.5% in 2009-10. At a time when industrialised countries have experienced negative growth, India has continued to grow at an impressive rate.
6. The unexpected and severe drought posed special challenges in managing the economy in 2009. My government joined hands with the states to help the farmers in minimizing the impact of this massive adversity. A sum of more than Rs. 4000 crore has so far been allocated from the National Calamity Contingency Fund and the Calamity Relief Fund to the drought affected States. A Diesel Subsidy Scheme was introduced. Funds under Centrally Sponsored Schemes such as the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, and the National Food Security Mission were permitted to be used to create agricultural infrastructure for facilitating crop specific strategies, to minimize loss in production due to drought. An amendment in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme was made to allow water conservation works in the fields of small and marginal farmers as well. It was due to these efforts that the fall in food production could be contained to a large extent. Special efforts were made to ensure that rabi production was not affected.
7. While we were able to avert any threat to our food security, there has been an unhappy pressure on the prices of food grains and food products. Higher prices were inevitable given the shortfall in domestic production and prevailing high prices of rice, cereals and edible oils globally. They are also to some extent a reflection of the implementation of our schemes of inclusive growth involving payment of higher procurement prices to our farmers and the impact of higher public spending on programmes of rural development, which have successfully raised incomes in rural areas.
8. My government continues to accord the highest importance to ensuring relief to the aam aadmi on food prices. Despite a significant increase in the procurement prices of food grains, central issue prices for purposes of public distribution have been kept constant since 2002. The import regime for essential commodities has been liberalized. Government has decided to release 30 lakh tonnes of wheat and rice in the open market over the next two months, and release 5 lakh tonnes of wheat and 2 lakh tonnes of rice through the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation and the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation and their affiliated cooperatives, to benefit consumers at the retail level. Government has also released an additional allocation of 36 lakh tonnes of wheat and rice for distribution to card holders over the months of January and February, 2010. This will be available to card holders over and above their normal allocations under the public distribution system. The scheme for subsidy on edible oils and pulses has been continued. State governments have been advised to ensure effective action at the state level through de-hoarding, and appropriate use of state agencies such as Civil Supplies Corporations for the procurement of non-PDS food articles in bulk. The imports of wheat and refined sugar have been further liberalised. Steps have been taken to strictly check the smuggling of sugar. Government recently convened a meeting of the Chief Ministers and State Ministers of Food and Civil Supplies to discuss issues related to the rise in the prices of food articles and evolve a coordinated strategy. A Core Group consisting of senior Ministers of the Union Government and some Chief Ministers has been constituted to examine a wide range of related policy issues.
Honourable Members,
9. In the longer term, our food security can be ensured only through sustained efforts at increasing agricultural productivity combined with a comprehensive reform of the public distribution system and open market intervention. My government is committed to bringing forth a legislation to ensure food security.
10. We now look forward confidently to further improvement in our growth performance in 2010-11. My government will aim at a growth rate above 8% in 2010-11 and seek to achieve 9% growth in 2011-12. We will concentrate on infrastructure development, agriculture and rural development, education and health and ensure that the growth process is adequately sensitive to the concerns and well being of the weaker sections of society. We will work to create an environment which encourages investments, including in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.
11. My government has taken several new measures to strengthen the security apparatus of the country to equip it to meet the grave challenge posed by terrorism. These include strengthening of the state and district police machinery and Central Para-Military Forces, operationalization of the National Investigation Agency, establishment of four National Security Guard hubs to ensure quick and effective response to any possible terror attack, augmentation of the strength of the Intelligence Bureau, strengthening of the Multi-Agency Centre in the Intelligence Bureau to enable it to function on a round-the-clock basis, and strengthening of coastal security.
12. Government remains vigilant against all forms of challenges posed by terrorism. Zero tolerance of terrorist activities is our principled policy. We have to keep constant watch and innovate against global terrorist groups.
13. The overall internal security, law and order, and the communal situation remained largely under control during 2009. Infiltration of terrorists from across the line of control in Jammu and Kashmir has gone up. Even then, the security situation has improved significantly in Jammu and Kashmir as well as in the North East, but left wing extremism continues to be a significant cause of concern.
14. The Nation is proud of our armed forces. They have distinguished themselves in preserving the country's unity and territorial integrity and in defending our borders. Government is fully committed to the modernization of the armed forces. We will accord the highest priority to modernisation programmes to equip our armed forces with the required weaponry, equipment and platforms. The successful launch of the Agni-III missile is a shining example of the capabilities of our scientists and engineers who deserve full praise. Efforts to enhance our technological self-reliance received a new impetus with the commencement of the handing over of the main battle tank, Arjun, to the Indian Army.
15. My government is committed to the welfare of servicemen and ex-servicemen. An Armed Forces Tribunal has been established for adjudication of complaints and disputes regarding service matters and other appeals. The recommendations regarding substantial improvements in the pensionary benefits of personnel below officers rank and commissioned officers have been accepted.
Honourable Members,
16. My government firmly believes that the time has come to focus on ensuring that the processes of governance are sensitized, administrative instruments sharpened, and that the benefits of welfare programmes reach the aam aadmi. This commitment to canons of good governance must guide the massive slew of rural and urban reconstruction initiatives under Bharat Nirman, and other schemes for ensuring inclusive growth and social protection.
17. The pace of implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act has picked up considerably. During 2009-10, so far, 4.33 crore households have been provided employment and 203 crore person-days were generated. This scheme has benefited the marginalised sections, with the participation rate of Scheduled Castes and Tribes being about 52%. Participation of women has also been encouraging at around 49%. The scheme has also resulted in an upward revision of rural wages.
18. My government remains committed to completing the remaining tasks of Bharat Nirman in its second phase.
19. Under the rural housing component, during 2009-10, upto last December, 14 lakh houses have been constructed. Under the rural roads component, up to November, 2009, connectivity has been provided to nearly 34 thousand villages through the construction of 96 thousand kilometers of roads. Under the rural water supply component, of the remaining 627 uncovered habitations, 586 have been taken up in 2009-10. Of the 1.79 lakh quality-affected habitations, about 35 thousand have been taken up in 2009-10. Under the irrigation component, which began in 2005-06, creation of irrigation potential of one crore hectares is targeted by 2011-12. As on 31.12.2009, coverage of more than 70 lakh hectares has been achieved.
20. The Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana has resulted in the electrification of more than 67 thousand villages. Free electricity connections have been provided to nearly 84 lakh below poverty line households. Steps have been initiated to achieve rural tele-density of 40% by 2014.
21. The urban sector of our country poses a challenge and presents an opportunity too. The Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission was launched in 2005 to address this challenge and harness the opportunity. Under the mission, projects worth over Rs. one lakh crore have been approved for urban development and welfare of the urban poor.
22. Urban housing and slums continue to demand our attention. Government is working on the ambitious Rajiv Awas Yojana to assist states that are willing to assign property rights to people living in slums. This programme will strive to create a formal space for slum dwellers within our cities and transform and redevelop these cities to make them slum-free.
23. The micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sector is vital for sustained and inclusive growth. Government will take necessary steps to expeditiously implement the recommendations of the Task Force on MSMEs. These include improved credit access, development of infrastructure, strengthening of the District Industries Centres, improved raw material supply, facilitating of product marketing, and institutional reforms.
Honourable Members,
24. My government subscribes to the idea of a balanced approach to national development, with special attention to our border states.
25. The Prime Minister's reconstruction plan for Jammu and Kashmir has been working well. Roads, colleges, Industrial Training Institutes, and Anganwadi centres have been taken up on an urgent basis under this initiative. An additional 500 megawatts of power has been provided to the state during the winter months.
26. My government remains committed to the rapid development of infrastructure in the North-Eastern States. The Special Accelerated Road Development Programme covering almost 10,000 kilometers is in progress. This project will provide minimum two-lane national highway link to all the State capitals, and to each district in these States. This includes over 1600 kilometers long Trans-Arunachal Highway. A special programme to provide home lighting systems to all the border villages of Arunachal Pradesh is at an advanced stage of implementation.
Honourable Members,
27. It is imperative that as our economy grows apace, the disadvantaged sections of society be made part of the Indian success story.
28. Under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, nearly seven lakh titles have been distributed so far. Further efforts will be made, in conjunction with State Governments, to ensure early disposal of the remaining claims.
29. Government has developed a comprehensive roadmap for the development of minority communities. Credit flows to the minority communities have risen to Rs. 82000 crore in 2008-09, which exceeds 12% of the total priority sector lending. Recruitment of minorities to posts under the Central Government has gone up steadily. In fresh recruitments, minority representation has increased from 7% in 2006-07 to more than 9% in 2008-09.
30. The Multi-sectoral Development Programme for minority concentration districts has started off well. The three scholarship schemes started in 2007-08 have received an overwhelming response. The number of scholarships awarded has gone up to nearly 15 lakh. Girls constitute a very significant proportion of the awardees.
31. My government will bring a proposal to amend the Waqf Act during this session of Parliament.
32. Our unity and social harmony is the best answer to the terrorists and their divisive designs. Hence, government is committed deeply to protecting our social fabric and to that end, it proposes to move for the early passage of the Communal Violence (Prevention, Control and Rehabilitation of Victims) Bill, 2005, in this Session of Parliament.
33. My government is committed to ensuring early passage of the Women's Reservation Bill which was introduced in the Rajya Sabha in May 2008. Honourable Members, I would urge you to accord special attention to this critical proposal.
34. Two bills for constitutional amendment to provide 50% reservation for women in panchayats and urban local bodies have already been introduced and it is hoped that these can be passed during this session.
35. The National Youth Corps Scheme has been introduced to enable young men and women between the age group of 25 to 35 years, to serve two years in nation-building activities. In the first phase 20 thousand volunteers would be deployed and they would be utilized in several creative social activities like cleaning the Dal Lake in Jammu and Kashmir.
Honourable Members,
36. Investment in education is critical for accelerated inclusive growth. Government has made substantial investments in primary education through the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and the Midday Meal Programme, and is moving towards universalization of education at the secondary level with the new Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan. The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 has been notified to be effective from 1st April, 2010. A scheme to assist State Governments in setting up 373 model colleges in educationally backward districts has been approved. A National Mission for Education through Information and Communication Technology has been launched to provide broadband internet connectivity to around 18,000 colleges and 400 universities in the country. A scheme to provide interest subsidy on educational loans taken by students from economically weak families has also been launched. A new campaign called "Sakshar Bharat", with special focus on female literacy, has been started.
Honourable Members,
37. My government is committed to bringing about a paradigm shift in our education infrastructure based on the three pillars of expansion, inclusion and excellence. A National Council for Higher Education and Research will soon be established as an overarching body to regulate higher education and research in India. Government is endeavouring to bring forward an appropriate legislation for facilitating the participation of globally renowned and quality academic institutions in our higher education sector, and for bringing in foreign education providers for vocational training and skill development.
38. For providing the common man an opportunity to share in the growth of the central public sector enterprises, government has decided to list profitable companies on the stock exchanges through a public offer of at least 10% of the equity.
39. My government has taken several steps to meet the challenge of climate change. The National Action Plan on Climate Change is being operationalised. The Jawahar Lal Nehru National Solar Mission has been launched with an ambitious target of 20 thousand megawatts of solar power by 2022.
40. A mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency has been approved, and it is expected to work towards saving of 10 thousand megawatts of electricity by the end of the Eleventh Plan.
41. To ensure expeditious and effective disposal of civil cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests, a National Green Tribunal Bill, 2009 has been introduced.
42. The economy remains critically dependent on oil and gas. After the near stagnation in production for about a decade, the year 2009-10 is set to register a major increase, with 20 new oil discoveries.
43. My government is committed to give the aam aadmi maximum access to gas and petroleum products. A new scheme of rural LPG distribution namely, 'Rajiv Gandhi Gramin LPG Vitarak Yojana' has been launched.
44. With a view to meeting the objective of 'Power to All' by 2012, as stated in the National Electricity Policy, a special effort has been made to encourage expansion in electricity generation capacity. As a result, during the Eleventh Five Year Plan we expect to add more than three times the capacity that was added in the Tenth Plan.
45. My government has announced a quantum jump in the pace of developing National Highways to reach 20 kilometers a day. Several policy initiatives have been taken to create an enabling environment. There is a fresh momentum in the development of National Highways.
46. The Civil Aviation sector could not remain unaffected by the global slowdown. Our national carrier, Air India, was particularly badly hit. Steps are being taken for its early rehabilitation under the careful guidance of a Group of Ministers.
47. The expansion and modernization of airports, especially the four metro airports, are progressing well. The Delhi airport project would be fully operational by July, 2010, well in time for the Commonwealth Games. The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority has been established to discharge regulatory functions in the airport sector.
48. My government has been implementing the National Maritime Development Programme which envisages an investment of over Rupees one lakh crore, including private investment, on identified projects in the port and shipping sectors. The Indian Maritime University has now become fully functional with campuses in Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, Visakhapatnam and Kochi.
49. The Indian Railways knit this vast country together. My government is committed to fulfilling a substantial expansion in capacity and modernisation of railway technology and to increasing the speed of both passenger and freight trains, while improving safety.
50. Train services have commenced in the entire Kashmir Valley, from Qazigund to Baramulla, demonstrating the commitment of my government to the development of all corners of our country. A special North East Rail Development Fund has been created, to provide assured financing for nine major national projects in the North Eastern region.
51. The Indian Railways have also commenced work on the ambitious Dedicated Freight Corridors on the Eastern and Western trunk routes. This project would help drive India's growth.
52. Government, in partnership with the Government of Japan, has moved ahead on implementing the ambitious Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor project. This challenging initiative, embracing six States, will provide impetus to industrial development in an environmentally sustainable manner, by providing quality infrastructure, efficient transportation, reliable energy supplies and efficient logistics.
53. My government is committed to the goal of extending the benefits of modern communication facilities to rural areas. Financial support is provided from Universal Service Obligation Fund to provide infrastructure for rural connectivity. My government has already initiated action to set up 10 thousand towers in 2010-11 for connecting remote areas across the country. As against the target of 60 crore telephone connections by 2012, the achievement already exceeds 57 crore, with an unprecedented addition of nearly 2 crore connections in the month of December 2009 itself.
54. Mission Clean Ganga, under the aegis of the National Ganga River Basin Authority is expected to ensure that by the year 2020, no untreated municipal sewage and industrial effluents flow into the Ganga. This task, to ensure both nirmal dhara and aviral dhara, would involve collective and coordinated efforts of the Centre and the States concerned.
Honourable Members,
55. In the inclusive society that we aspire for, people must have confidence and access to a fair system of justice. Government has decided to set up a National Mission for the Delivery of Justice and Legal Reforms aimed at transforming the government into a responsible and cautious litigant, introducing judicial management, leveraging information and communication technology to improve court administration and case management and reducing pendency of arrears.
56. Our quest for good health for all remains a national challenge. The National Rural Health Mission has stimulated creation of public healthcare infrastructure. To correspondingly augment the availability of human resources, many measures like establishment of more medical, nursing and para-medical institutions in under-served areas, creation of additional seats for specialists and super-specialists, and incentivising service by doctors in rural areas, have been initiated. Early indications reflect the positive impact of this mission.
57. My government responded with alacrity to the Influenza A H1N1 pandemic. More than one crore inbound passengers were screened at international airports. New H1N1 testing laboratories were set-up, two crore doses of drugs were distributed to States free of cost, and 15 lakh doses of vaccines have been imported for health workers. For the first time in our country an indigenous Influenza A H1N1 vaccine is being developed which will be available this year.
58. My government has undertaken a number of steps to unearth unaccounted money parked outside India. These include amendment of the Income-tax Act, 1961 to enable the Central Government to enter into tax agreements with non-sovereign jurisdictions. Steps have already been initiated for negotiations for entering into Agreements for the Exchange of Information with major jurisdictions. Renegotiation of the Tax Treaty with Switzerland is in process. India is an active part of the global efforts to facilitate exchange of tax information, and to take action against tax evasion.
59. Access to news and entertainment must be made affordable and universal. To this end, in addition to notifying guidelines for providing Headend in the Sky services, the digitalization of both All India Radio and Doordarshan is on the anvil. The Commonwealth Games 2010 will be covered in High Definition format by Doordarshan for the first time. We also take pride that Indian films and music compositions have got international acclaim and recognition for our artists.
60. The Unique Identification Authority of India has been established with a mandate to issue unique identity numbers based on biometrics to all residents of India. This mammoth and unprecedented exercise will serve as a great enabler to improve targeting and delivery of major government welfare programmes and public services, especially to those who are poor and marginalized. The first set of unique identity numbers is expected to be issued in the early part of 2011.
61. A Delivery Monitoring Unit (DMU) has been established in the Prime Minister's Office to review a select number of flagship programmes and other initiatives. The nodal ministries concerned have begun publishing DMU reports on their websites on a quarterly basis, to keep the nation informed of their progress.
62. Government is committed to creating an innovation strategy for government, industry, entrepreneurs, technologists and academicians with a focus on inclusive growth and appropriate eco-system necessary to bring about generational change in our approach to development.
63. The country is hosting the prestigious 19th Commonwealth Games in October, 2010. Preparations for the event are at an advanced stage. Every effort will be made to ensure a befitting and successful conduct of the Games.
Honourable Members,
64. We have played our role in global affairs with responsibility and in the pursuit of peace, stability and progress in our region and beyond. Government will continue its active engagement with the world based upon the principles laid down by our founding fathers, and with the objective of furthering our goals of rapid and inclusive economic development and poverty alleviation in an increasingly interdependent world.
65. The visits to India by the King of Bhutan and the Prime Minister of Bhutan, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, the President of Maldives, and the President and the Prime Minister of Nepal have given new content to our traditional ties of friendship with neighbouring countries. Following the elections in Sri Lanka, we will continue to work with the Government to enhance our partnership. India will contribute to the humanitarian and rehabilitation efforts for the Tamil minority and long term re-construction in conflict-affected areas. India's assistance to the reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan witnessed important milestones and we will continue to partner Afghanistan in its development efforts. India is ready to explore a meaningful relationship with Pakistan if Pakistan seriously addresses the threat of terrorism and takes effective steps to prevent terrorist activities against India.
66. Our relations with the major powers have been further consolidated. The Prime Minister's visit to the USA laid the framework for the further expansion of the India-US partnership at the bilateral, regional and global level. My visit to Russia and the visit by the Prime Minister have renewed our time-tested friendship and opened new areas of cooperation. The 10th India - European Union Summit held in New Delhi was a milestone in our widening partnership with Europe. Our Strategic and Cooperative Partnership with China progressively acquired greater regional and global content. The visit of the Prime Minister of Japan underlined our mutual desire to accelerate our cooperation in all areas. The Prime Minister attended the first ever stand-alone summit of the BRIC countries.
67. My government pursued its 'Look East' policy with vigour. The President of the Republic of Korea was our honoured Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations. Government hosted the President of Mongolia, and the Prime Ministers of Australia and Malaysia. The signing of the India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement and the launching of several new initiatives within the India-ASEAN framework and the East Asia Summit process will further integrate India into the Asia-Pacific region.
68. My visit to Tajikistan, and the Prime Minister's presence for the first time at the Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation were a reflection of government's policy to strengthen the bridges of friendship and understanding with Central Asia. Relations with Turkey were strengthened following the visit of the President of Turkey.
69. The Prime Minister's participation in the Non-aligned Summit in Egypt further consolidated our relations with the developing world. We will continue to accord special attention to the countries of the Gulf and West Asia. India's steadfast support to the Palestinian cause was reiterated during the visit of the President of the Palestinian National Authority. The visit of the President of Namibia, and the visit by our Vice President to Botswana, Malawi, and Zambia carried forward our deepening engagement with the continent of Africa. We will build upon our steadily expanding cooperation with Latin America.
70. India's views on global challenges such as terrorism, energy and food security, climate change and the international financial and economic crisis were unambiguously articulated at the appropriate fora. The issue of reform of institutions of global governance was brought to the fore of the international agenda. India's voice was heard with respect in the G-20 process, the G-8 plus G-5 Summit, and the Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen.
71. We can take justifiable pride in the contributions made by the overseas Indian community in all walks of life across the globe which have earned them high respect. The first meeting of the Prime Minister's Global Advisory Council of Overseas Indians was held this year. Government will work towards giving Indian citizens living abroad the opportunity to vote by the time of the next regular general elections. We are committed to the security and welfare of the Indian diaspora. An Indian Community Welfare Fund has been established.
72. As part of the ambitious expansion of the country's nuclear energy programme, approval was accorded for the construction of additional Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors and sites for setting up Light Water Reactors. Following the availability of imported fuel as a result of the opening of international civil nuclear cooperation, commercial production has commenced in two units of the Rajasthan Atomic Power Project, and one more unit is expected to begin commercial production soon. New agreements for cooperation in the field of civil nuclear energy were concluded with Russia, Mongolia, Namibia, Argentina and the United Kingdom, while others are under negotiation.
73. The space programme continued to provide societal services to the Nation in the areas of tele-medicine, tele-education and village resource centres. The Oceansat-2 satellite was successfully launched onboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle. The flight test of the GSLV-D3 launch vehicle with indigenous cryogenic stage, and the launch of the Cartosat-2B, INSAT-3D and Resourcesat-2 satellites are planned in the near future. The GSLV-Mark III launch vehicle will be further developed and activities towards the Chandrayaan-2 Mission will be initiated.
Honourable Members,
74. Our country stands at a historic turning point. Never before were we so close as we are today to realizing our national aspirations as envisioned by our founding fathers and spelt out by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in this very hall on the midnight of 14th August 1947:
"The service of India means the service of the millions who suffer. It means ending poverty and ignorance and disease and inequality of opportunity."
We have taken decisive strides towards reaching these goals. Still, much remains to be done. The road is long, but our journey is in progress. Let us march together with confidence to a new, bright future.
Jai Hind.
Monday, February 22, 2010
CM to flag off 6 City Runners today
GANGTOK, February 21: Heralding a new revolution in the city transport system of the Capital, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling will flag off six new City Runner buses at the SNT Bus Station in Gangtok tomorrow.
These buses are a part of 25 buses sanctioned for Sikkim under the Centre’s Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission.
The new Bus services will cover places like Bhusuk, Penengala, Luing, Lingdok and Ranka. With all the 25 new Buses costing around Rs 3 crore getting operational, the interval between the two bus services about two hours at present will get reduced to a great extent, SNT officials said.
Besides, all the important places in the periphery of Gangtok will get connected by City Bus Runner service.
source:sikkim express
GANGTOK, February 21: Heralding a new revolution in the city transport system of the Capital, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling will flag off six new City Runner buses at the SNT Bus Station in Gangtok tomorrow.
These buses are a part of 25 buses sanctioned for Sikkim under the Centre’s Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission.
The new Bus services will cover places like Bhusuk, Penengala, Luing, Lingdok and Ranka. With all the 25 new Buses costing around Rs 3 crore getting operational, the interval between the two bus services about two hours at present will get reduced to a great extent, SNT officials said.
Besides, all the important places in the periphery of Gangtok will get connected by City Bus Runner service.
source:sikkim express
Tea Board to set up R&D centre in Siliguri
Beleaguered by the virtual non-functioning of its tea research centre in Kurseong on the Darjeeling Hills, a sequel to the Gorkhaland agitation, the Tea Board has decided to set up a similar one at the foothills in Siliguri. The Board has acquired two acres of lane in the area where the proposed facility is to come up.
The proposed centre will be known as the Tea Research and Development Centre, as the Board’s present development centre at Siliguri too will be shifted to the new location and clubbed with the proposed research centre. There is a further proposal to set up an information centre in the same location on organic tea cultivation. However, the Kurseong research centre will continue to operate, as the proposed centre in Siliguri will be an additional facility.
Although West Bengal’s model farm for producing organic tea is located in Darjeeling, the proposed information centre is being established in Siliguri so that those interested can access it without difficulty. The Gorkhaland agitation often paralyses life on the Darjeeling Hills.
Beleaguered by the virtual non-functioning of its tea research centre in Kurseong on the Darjeeling Hills, a sequel to the Gorkhaland agitation, the Tea Board has decided to set up a similar one at the foothills in Siliguri. The Board has acquired two acres of lane in the area where the proposed facility is to come up.
The proposed centre will be known as the Tea Research and Development Centre, as the Board’s present development centre at Siliguri too will be shifted to the new location and clubbed with the proposed research centre. There is a further proposal to set up an information centre in the same location on organic tea cultivation. However, the Kurseong research centre will continue to operate, as the proposed centre in Siliguri will be an additional facility.
Although West Bengal’s model farm for producing organic tea is located in Darjeeling, the proposed information centre is being established in Siliguri so that those interested can access it without difficulty. The Gorkhaland agitation often paralyses life on the Darjeeling Hills.
SIKKIM: Commercial para-gliding flights launched in Sikkim
Commercial para-gliding flights were introduced in Sikkim today as part of the tourism department’s mission to boost adventure tourism in the state.
As under the available infrastructure for para-gliding, the tourists may be able to take an aerial view of the breathtaking sights during three-to-five minutes flights between Thamidara village and Reshithang Sports Village in East Sikkim district, Tourism Secretary S S Bhaduria told reporters.
The tourism department has hired few trained pilots to run para-gliding flights and depending on the response from tourists, more pilots will be hired for the purpose, he said.
The department has developed additional infrastructure for adventure tourism in fields like trekking, boating, bungee jumping and mini-rock climbing, in Thamidara-Reshithang area near the state capital to woo tourists, the official said.
(PTI)
Commercial para-gliding flights were introduced in Sikkim today as part of the tourism department’s mission to boost adventure tourism in the state.
As under the available infrastructure for para-gliding, the tourists may be able to take an aerial view of the breathtaking sights during three-to-five minutes flights between Thamidara village and Reshithang Sports Village in East Sikkim district, Tourism Secretary S S Bhaduria told reporters.
The tourism department has hired few trained pilots to run para-gliding flights and depending on the response from tourists, more pilots will be hired for the purpose, he said.
The department has developed additional infrastructure for adventure tourism in fields like trekking, boating, bungee jumping and mini-rock climbing, in Thamidara-Reshithang area near the state capital to woo tourists, the official said.
(PTI)
Sunday, February 21, 2010
OPINION: Darkness in Darjeeling
FROM INDIAN EXPRESS FINANCE
By Lavina Mangat
With inputs from Rohit Khanna
Darjeeling, synonymous with verdant tea gardens, rolling mist from the majestic mountains and the spectacular Kanchenjunga, is today home to a movement that has shattered the peace of the queen of hills. Agitators forcing strikes, shutdowns and road blocks for the sake of a separate state, Gorkhaland, are a common sight on the same streets that were filled with tourists just a couple of years back.
The revival of the statehood movement in June 2008 by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha has hugely dented the impressive figures of around three lakh tourists every year and Rs 1,000-crore revenue for the tourism industry.
The coming tourist season will also begin on a sceptical note. Around 65% of the business from tourism is garnered between the peak months of March and June. Hotel owners in the town say they can’t bear to see a deserted Mall, where in peak season 4,000-5,000 people jostled for space. PK Mahapatra, manager, Mayfair Hotel, says the hotel recorded a loss of Rs 70 lakh during the winter months. And, there is no guarantee that the coming season will pass off peacefully. “We are the worst-affected. The number of foreign tourists has come down by 40% during September-February compared with the same period last year,” he says. Occupancy for the hotel was at 60% throughout 2007-08, which came down to 38% in 2008-09. In 2009-10, it is going to be 40%. Business is, obviously, flat.
Figures speak for themselves. In 2008-09, of the total tourist arrival, foreign and domestic tourists were equally split. But in 2009-10, the share has been 35% foreign and 65% domestic tourists. “Foreigners are very sensitive to any news of disruption and hence the decline. If some people are still coming to Darjeeling, it is because the agitators have never harmed tourists physically,” explains Mahapatra. The hotel has 50% bookings in March, but everything depends on the political situation. Hotel Viceroy, another high-end hotel, has a similar story, with business down 40% in November and December in 2009 alone and foreigner flow being particularly hit. The hotel was witnessing a 15-20% growth from 2006, which came to a screeching halt from June 2008 with a 50-55% decline in revenues.
Another attraction of Darjeeling, the “toy train”, which runs on the narrowest gauge (two feet) in the country and enjoys world heritage status, had few takers last year. This is the same train, about which Mark Twain had remarked after a ride in 1896, “It is the most enjoyable day I have spent on earth.”
This train has been chugging along for the past 128 years with the help of a steam engine, and using some of the most unusual engineering techniques. Connecting the plains of West Bengal at New Jalpaiguri with Darjeeling, it passes through the most breathtaking scenery and climbs to a height of 7,400 ft at Ghum (the highest station in India and the second-highest in the world), from where Mt Kanchenjunga is visible on clear days. If one walks fast, one can match the speed of the train, which is 15 km per hour. Once full on all its journeys, the train has been standing idle for most of 2009. The Darjeeling Himalaya Railway director wasn’t available for comment.
When West Bengal tourism development managing director TVN Rao was contacted about the dismal state of affairs, he said, “We have had two road shows in Delhi and Mumbai each in the past one month and both have received a good response. Once things are normal, the tourism industry will recover in a couple of months.”
Infrastructure has also taken a beating, with most roads in need of urgent repair. Since development work has come to a standstill in the past two years, roads are in a bad condition, and it takes double the time to reach any destination.
On the perennial water problem, Rao admits there has been unrestricted growth in the hills that the area cannot bear. “The popularity of Darjeeling is also in a way negative as it puts pressure on the land and infrastructure,” he adds.
The Darjeeling-Sikkim region has seen tremendous growth in the past eight-nine years, with growth rate in double digits (over 20%), but the strikes have caused irreparable damage to the region’s image.
Gorkhaland Tea?
The world over, premium Darjeeling tea is the last name for tea connoisseurs, with the exquisitely flavoured premium quality sipped even in the fashionable salons of Paris. Of the total produce, 50% is exported and of the premium teas, 90% are exported. There are 87 gardens (50 producing premium tea) that are a part of the Rs 200-crore Darjeeling tea industry. But last year, the industry lost its flavour when the GJM demanded that Darjeeling tea should be branded as the produce of Gorkhaland. They also demanded that the estates print “The flavour of Gorkhaland” on every packing. This has left owners of the tea gardens in a fix over re-branding.
The agitators are also demanding daily payment of Rs 5 from the workers and Rs 200 from the managers of the gardens. Coupled with a delayed monsoon affecting the first flush of the crop, production in Darjeeling in 2009 dipped to 10.7 million kg from 11.5 million kg in 2008, as per Tea Board of India estimates.
Tea tourism, envisaged around six years ago, has been a non-starter for most tea gardens because of certain legal hassles in using the land for any other purpose other than tea plantation. The few exceptions are Selim Hills, Makaibari, Zurrantee, Phaskowa, Runglee Rungliot-Takdha, and the Glenburn Tea Estate and Boutique. Although it is at a nascent stage and still picking up, this kind of tourism can never be mass-based as it is expensive, with costs going up to Rs 9,000-10,000 per night for a room, says Partha Guha of Alpine Nature Beyond, which operates tea tours across Darjeeling, Kurseong and the Dooars. Glenburn’s Husna-Tara Prakash says bad infrastructure is a major hindrance, besides the blocked highways. “We have to get our guests to the airport as early as 3 am for a 6 am flight if there is going to be a highway blockade. Sometimes our guests have had to cancel their trip as the whole region was shut,” she says. The tea tourism has been attracting mostly foreign tourists. “We have around 1,000 guests annually, of which around 800 are from abroad,” says Prakash. Glenburn got into the tea tourism business seven years back when things were on a high, but now, for tea gardens to start a similar initiative is not just expensive, but risky too, as they are not sure of a good response.
The West Bengal government has given four tea estates permission to build resorts in the past one year. Tea gardens either run the show or give it to a franchisee. The tourists are encouraged to stay in tea garden bungalows with all amenities, during which apart from enjoying the serene atmosphere of tea garden, they can also see the tea manufacturing process and the unique culture of a tea garden. Nature walks, tea plucking sessions, trekking, rafting and golf are also on offer. The ideal time to visit a tea estate is around October to March.
Blot on education
The region has been a name to reckon with when it comes to the best of missionary schools, with some even dating back to the 18th century. St Joseph’s North Point, St Paul’s, Loreto Convent, Mt Hermon’s and St Helen’s all have a Darjeeling address. Several eminent personalities, including the King of Bhutan and the late King Birendra of Nepal, have spend their school days in Darjeeling.
Admissions take place around October-November and students come from all over the country and even Nepal, Bangladesh and Thailand. There are nearly 20 convent boarding schools in the three sub-divisions of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong. The schools have around 1,000 students each on an average. St Joseph North Point in Darjeeling has 1,100 students 500 boarders and the remaining day scholars. About 250-300 students are foreigners. “The number of students has come down throughout the region, though our school was not affected because of tight security on the campus, modern ways of teaching and 100% water harvesting,” says Sajid Ahmed, a teacher at St Joseph’s North Point.
Though schools do not face any problem in their internal workings, the agitation has led to ration shortage and transportation hassles. Some schools in Kurseong, like Little Flower which had 200 students, mostly from Bangladesh had to close down because of the tension. Principals of all these reputed schools have appealed for undisrupted movement of school buses and children.
“Parents do fear about the situation in the hills, but once the child is in school, he is completely safe. We even drop the students to Siliguri with full security as and when required. Our website keeps the parents informed about all events and holidays in advance so that they can plan their visit accordingly. We even apprise them of the political situation,” explains Ahmed.
Newly set up commercial schools have opted for Siliguri, out of the agitation zone. These include DPS, Goenka and GD Birla schools. “Due to political instability, we are losing out on international students as also those from Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. Parents are thinking twice before sending their children here,” admits Friar Kinley, principal of St Joseph’s North Point.
This is the third year in a row that schools are being affected due to the political instability. Many schools are also finding it hard to recruit teachers since not many are willing to work in a troubled region. As Mahapatra of Mayfair Hotel rightly sums up, “If this continues, Darjeeling is heading towards the dark ages.”
FROM INDIAN EXPRESS FINANCE
By Lavina Mangat
With inputs from Rohit Khanna
Darjeeling, synonymous with verdant tea gardens, rolling mist from the majestic mountains and the spectacular Kanchenjunga, is today home to a movement that has shattered the peace of the queen of hills. Agitators forcing strikes, shutdowns and road blocks for the sake of a separate state, Gorkhaland, are a common sight on the same streets that were filled with tourists just a couple of years back.
The revival of the statehood movement in June 2008 by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha has hugely dented the impressive figures of around three lakh tourists every year and Rs 1,000-crore revenue for the tourism industry.
The coming tourist season will also begin on a sceptical note. Around 65% of the business from tourism is garnered between the peak months of March and June. Hotel owners in the town say they can’t bear to see a deserted Mall, where in peak season 4,000-5,000 people jostled for space. PK Mahapatra, manager, Mayfair Hotel, says the hotel recorded a loss of Rs 70 lakh during the winter months. And, there is no guarantee that the coming season will pass off peacefully. “We are the worst-affected. The number of foreign tourists has come down by 40% during September-February compared with the same period last year,” he says. Occupancy for the hotel was at 60% throughout 2007-08, which came down to 38% in 2008-09. In 2009-10, it is going to be 40%. Business is, obviously, flat.
Figures speak for themselves. In 2008-09, of the total tourist arrival, foreign and domestic tourists were equally split. But in 2009-10, the share has been 35% foreign and 65% domestic tourists. “Foreigners are very sensitive to any news of disruption and hence the decline. If some people are still coming to Darjeeling, it is because the agitators have never harmed tourists physically,” explains Mahapatra. The hotel has 50% bookings in March, but everything depends on the political situation. Hotel Viceroy, another high-end hotel, has a similar story, with business down 40% in November and December in 2009 alone and foreigner flow being particularly hit. The hotel was witnessing a 15-20% growth from 2006, which came to a screeching halt from June 2008 with a 50-55% decline in revenues.
Another attraction of Darjeeling, the “toy train”, which runs on the narrowest gauge (two feet) in the country and enjoys world heritage status, had few takers last year. This is the same train, about which Mark Twain had remarked after a ride in 1896, “It is the most enjoyable day I have spent on earth.”
This train has been chugging along for the past 128 years with the help of a steam engine, and using some of the most unusual engineering techniques. Connecting the plains of West Bengal at New Jalpaiguri with Darjeeling, it passes through the most breathtaking scenery and climbs to a height of 7,400 ft at Ghum (the highest station in India and the second-highest in the world), from where Mt Kanchenjunga is visible on clear days. If one walks fast, one can match the speed of the train, which is 15 km per hour. Once full on all its journeys, the train has been standing idle for most of 2009. The Darjeeling Himalaya Railway director wasn’t available for comment.
When West Bengal tourism development managing director TVN Rao was contacted about the dismal state of affairs, he said, “We have had two road shows in Delhi and Mumbai each in the past one month and both have received a good response. Once things are normal, the tourism industry will recover in a couple of months.”
Infrastructure has also taken a beating, with most roads in need of urgent repair. Since development work has come to a standstill in the past two years, roads are in a bad condition, and it takes double the time to reach any destination.
On the perennial water problem, Rao admits there has been unrestricted growth in the hills that the area cannot bear. “The popularity of Darjeeling is also in a way negative as it puts pressure on the land and infrastructure,” he adds.
The Darjeeling-Sikkim region has seen tremendous growth in the past eight-nine years, with growth rate in double digits (over 20%), but the strikes have caused irreparable damage to the region’s image.
Gorkhaland Tea?
The world over, premium Darjeeling tea is the last name for tea connoisseurs, with the exquisitely flavoured premium quality sipped even in the fashionable salons of Paris. Of the total produce, 50% is exported and of the premium teas, 90% are exported. There are 87 gardens (50 producing premium tea) that are a part of the Rs 200-crore Darjeeling tea industry. But last year, the industry lost its flavour when the GJM demanded that Darjeeling tea should be branded as the produce of Gorkhaland. They also demanded that the estates print “The flavour of Gorkhaland” on every packing. This has left owners of the tea gardens in a fix over re-branding.
The agitators are also demanding daily payment of Rs 5 from the workers and Rs 200 from the managers of the gardens. Coupled with a delayed monsoon affecting the first flush of the crop, production in Darjeeling in 2009 dipped to 10.7 million kg from 11.5 million kg in 2008, as per Tea Board of India estimates.
Tea tourism, envisaged around six years ago, has been a non-starter for most tea gardens because of certain legal hassles in using the land for any other purpose other than tea plantation. The few exceptions are Selim Hills, Makaibari, Zurrantee, Phaskowa, Runglee Rungliot-Takdha, and the Glenburn Tea Estate and Boutique. Although it is at a nascent stage and still picking up, this kind of tourism can never be mass-based as it is expensive, with costs going up to Rs 9,000-10,000 per night for a room, says Partha Guha of Alpine Nature Beyond, which operates tea tours across Darjeeling, Kurseong and the Dooars. Glenburn’s Husna-Tara Prakash says bad infrastructure is a major hindrance, besides the blocked highways. “We have to get our guests to the airport as early as 3 am for a 6 am flight if there is going to be a highway blockade. Sometimes our guests have had to cancel their trip as the whole region was shut,” she says. The tea tourism has been attracting mostly foreign tourists. “We have around 1,000 guests annually, of which around 800 are from abroad,” says Prakash. Glenburn got into the tea tourism business seven years back when things were on a high, but now, for tea gardens to start a similar initiative is not just expensive, but risky too, as they are not sure of a good response.
The West Bengal government has given four tea estates permission to build resorts in the past one year. Tea gardens either run the show or give it to a franchisee. The tourists are encouraged to stay in tea garden bungalows with all amenities, during which apart from enjoying the serene atmosphere of tea garden, they can also see the tea manufacturing process and the unique culture of a tea garden. Nature walks, tea plucking sessions, trekking, rafting and golf are also on offer. The ideal time to visit a tea estate is around October to March.
Blot on education
The region has been a name to reckon with when it comes to the best of missionary schools, with some even dating back to the 18th century. St Joseph’s North Point, St Paul’s, Loreto Convent, Mt Hermon’s and St Helen’s all have a Darjeeling address. Several eminent personalities, including the King of Bhutan and the late King Birendra of Nepal, have spend their school days in Darjeeling.
Admissions take place around October-November and students come from all over the country and even Nepal, Bangladesh and Thailand. There are nearly 20 convent boarding schools in the three sub-divisions of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong. The schools have around 1,000 students each on an average. St Joseph North Point in Darjeeling has 1,100 students 500 boarders and the remaining day scholars. About 250-300 students are foreigners. “The number of students has come down throughout the region, though our school was not affected because of tight security on the campus, modern ways of teaching and 100% water harvesting,” says Sajid Ahmed, a teacher at St Joseph’s North Point.
Though schools do not face any problem in their internal workings, the agitation has led to ration shortage and transportation hassles. Some schools in Kurseong, like Little Flower which had 200 students, mostly from Bangladesh had to close down because of the tension. Principals of all these reputed schools have appealed for undisrupted movement of school buses and children.
“Parents do fear about the situation in the hills, but once the child is in school, he is completely safe. We even drop the students to Siliguri with full security as and when required. Our website keeps the parents informed about all events and holidays in advance so that they can plan their visit accordingly. We even apprise them of the political situation,” explains Ahmed.
Newly set up commercial schools have opted for Siliguri, out of the agitation zone. These include DPS, Goenka and GD Birla schools. “Due to political instability, we are losing out on international students as also those from Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. Parents are thinking twice before sending their children here,” admits Friar Kinley, principal of St Joseph’s North Point.
This is the third year in a row that schools are being affected due to the political instability. Many schools are also finding it hard to recruit teachers since not many are willing to work in a troubled region. As Mahapatra of Mayfair Hotel rightly sums up, “If this continues, Darjeeling is heading towards the dark ages.”
Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death n India, with one-third of deaths being due to a heart attack, according to a 2008 advisory from the Union government.
It's alarming. Especially because not every heart attack warns you with that squeezing pain in the chest that is typically depicted in the movies. And waiting for the ambulance is not your only option either. Knowing the more uncommon symptoms and emergency aid required could save your life, or someone else's.
The feel of cardiac trouble Pain in the left upper chest, often radiating into the arm, is the classic warning of a heart attack. However, for diabetics and women, these classic symptoms are not common.
"Stomach pain mistaken to be acidity, feeling weak or dizzy, general feeling of unease with sweatiness are some of the lesser-known warning signs," says Sunita Maheshwari, senior consultant, paediatric cardiologist and head of department, Narayana Hrudayalaya, Bangalore.
"Besides clutching at the chest (indicating pain there), other external signs are pallor and sweaty, clammy skin," says Dr Maheshwari. Someone who seems incoherent or confused and displays any of these symptoms could be having a heart attack.
It is important to distinguish between a stroke and a heart attack. Unlike a heart attack, a stroke is neurological (though it may be associated with cardiovascular problems). Because it often causes disorientation (a key symptom), a stroke is even less likely to be recognized by the person experiencing it. Other symptoms to look for in a stroke are "eyeballs moving upwards, jerky movements of one side of the body or face, and drowsiness," says Dr Maheshwari. This calls for an emergency visit to the hospital.
Save yourself: selfmedicate Little-known fact: If it is a heart attack rather than a stroke, you actually need a common over-the-counter medicine even before you get to the hospital.
The immediate thing you can do is take an aspirin, crush it in your mouth and swallow. "Everyone should carry an aspirin tablet in their wallet or purse at all times, and take it themselves or give it to someone suspected of having a heart attack right away," Dr Maheshwari emphasizes. If you are giving it to someone else, try to crush the pill before administering it, in case the person has difficulty chewing or swallowing (nausea and choking are possible sensations during a heart attack).
Also, if no ambulance is available, get someone else to drive you to the hospital. "Ideally, (the patient) should not drive and strain (themselves)," says Dr Maheshwari. Get to the nearest hospital--not necessarily the "best", biggest or one with a specialized cardiac care unit--as time is of the essence in limiting permanent damage.
The initial intervention can be done at even smaller hospitals, and you might actually have a shorter wait before someone attends to you.
Larger hospitals not only require navigating larger distances (the area is bigger, there is usually a lobby to go through, the doctor may be on another floor or ward, etc.) and the sheer number of people arriving there on a daily basis is typically more.
If you're trying to get a possible victim to the hospital, have the person lie/sit still while you drive. If an ambulance is used and an oxygen cylinder is available, give him/her oxygen. Call the hospital ahead to inform them you are bringing someone in, and it looks like a heart attack, so that they have a team on standby and can tell you exactly where to go when you get there.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death n India, with one-third of deaths being due to a heart attack, according to a 2008 advisory from the Union government.
It's alarming. Especially because not every heart attack warns you with that squeezing pain in the chest that is typically depicted in the movies. And waiting for the ambulance is not your only option either. Knowing the more uncommon symptoms and emergency aid required could save your life, or someone else's.
The feel of cardiac trouble Pain in the left upper chest, often radiating into the arm, is the classic warning of a heart attack. However, for diabetics and women, these classic symptoms are not common.
"Stomach pain mistaken to be acidity, feeling weak or dizzy, general feeling of unease with sweatiness are some of the lesser-known warning signs," says Sunita Maheshwari, senior consultant, paediatric cardiologist and head of department, Narayana Hrudayalaya, Bangalore.
"Besides clutching at the chest (indicating pain there), other external signs are pallor and sweaty, clammy skin," says Dr Maheshwari. Someone who seems incoherent or confused and displays any of these symptoms could be having a heart attack.
It is important to distinguish between a stroke and a heart attack. Unlike a heart attack, a stroke is neurological (though it may be associated with cardiovascular problems). Because it often causes disorientation (a key symptom), a stroke is even less likely to be recognized by the person experiencing it. Other symptoms to look for in a stroke are "eyeballs moving upwards, jerky movements of one side of the body or face, and drowsiness," says Dr Maheshwari. This calls for an emergency visit to the hospital.
Save yourself: selfmedicate Little-known fact: If it is a heart attack rather than a stroke, you actually need a common over-the-counter medicine even before you get to the hospital.
The immediate thing you can do is take an aspirin, crush it in your mouth and swallow. "Everyone should carry an aspirin tablet in their wallet or purse at all times, and take it themselves or give it to someone suspected of having a heart attack right away," Dr Maheshwari emphasizes. If you are giving it to someone else, try to crush the pill before administering it, in case the person has difficulty chewing or swallowing (nausea and choking are possible sensations during a heart attack).
Also, if no ambulance is available, get someone else to drive you to the hospital. "Ideally, (the patient) should not drive and strain (themselves)," says Dr Maheshwari. Get to the nearest hospital--not necessarily the "best", biggest or one with a specialized cardiac care unit--as time is of the essence in limiting permanent damage.
The initial intervention can be done at even smaller hospitals, and you might actually have a shorter wait before someone attends to you.
Larger hospitals not only require navigating larger distances (the area is bigger, there is usually a lobby to go through, the doctor may be on another floor or ward, etc.) and the sheer number of people arriving there on a daily basis is typically more.
If you're trying to get a possible victim to the hospital, have the person lie/sit still while you drive. If an ambulance is used and an oxygen cylinder is available, give him/her oxygen. Call the hospital ahead to inform them you are bringing someone in, and it looks like a heart attack, so that they have a team on standby and can tell you exactly where to go when you get there.
EXPENDITURE ECONOMICS - TOUGH DECISIONS CAN'T BE PUT OFF ANY LONGER
BY SANJIV MISRA
The finance minister faces difficult choices in expenditure management in the forthcoming Budget. The four-year fiscal period ended 2008 saw a remarkable buoyancy of revenues on the back of high rates of growth. This allowed significant fiscal consolidation at the level of the Centre and even more so at the state level, where the enhanced award of the 12th Finance Commission and the introduction of value-added tax gave a considerable boost to state finances.
It is well established, however, that the fiscal consolidation was primarily revenue-driven, with little priority given to expenditure rationalization. In fact, the reduction in the Centre's fiscal deficit achieved over this period was also partly due to a significant reduction in capital expenditure--hardly a desirable development in an infrastructuredeficient economy.
On the Plan side, there has been an unprecedented rise in gross budgetary support (GBS) since 2004 to fund various government schemes. Some of the existing schemes, including a few on the anvil, are in the nature of legal entitlements, and, therefore, constitute committed expenditure, which cannot be easily withdrawn.
Almost two-thirds of revenue expenditure is accounted for by interest payments, defence, salaries and pensions, and subsidies. Barring subsidies, where any attempt at rationalization or reform seemingly confronts an insurmountable political barrier, the government has little room for manoeuvre relating to the other expenditures.
The ballooning oil and fertilizer subsidy bill, resulting from the steep oil price rise preceding the global downturn, was partly settled by the somewhat questionable device of so-called below-the-line adjustments through the issuance of bonds, which served to maintain the facade of adherence to a path of fiscal responsibility. Thus, while the budgets presented a comforting picture of progressive fiscal consolidation up to 2007-08, even before the global downturn, the economy had little fiscal headroom available to respond to adverse shocks.
The fiscal stimuli initiated in response to the 2008-09 slowdown to an extent made a virtue out of a necessity. While there were indeed substantial tax reductions and exemptions as a part of the stimulus packages, other measures such as additional allocations for Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, pay revisions on the basis of the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission, farm loan waiver and additional provision of funds for food and fertilizer subsidies were more the result of prior commitments and political imperatives than pure stimulus considerations.
While the fiscal loosening of the last two years constituted an easy progression from the fiscal profligacy of the preelection year budget, a return to the path of fiscal prudence and consolidation presents hard political choices which so far had been put on the back burner simply because there was no compelling reason to do otherwise.
Good times rarely bring forth serious economic reform--hard budget constraints usually do. The finance minister is faced precisely with such a situation with diminishing freedom for fiscal manoeuvre.
It would not be unrealistic to assume that revenue growth will continue to remain below the levels achieved before the slowdown for some time. Though the disinvestment programme restarted by the government has potential for revenue generation, there remain genuine uncertainties concerning its political sustainability. Also, the government may have tied itself in knots by stipulating that the proceeds from disinvestment can only be used for capital investment in the social sectors, where absorption capacity remains a major issue.
In sum, there seems to be no getting away from hardnosed expenditure management involving tough political choices which cannot be put off for much longer.
It is evident that given the limited fiscal space available, the finance minister currently faces an impossible trinity in expenditure management: it is not possible to maintain an acceptable size of the GBS to fund the politically mandated priorities of the government, continue with the present dispensation of subsidies for food, fertilizer and petroleum without resorting to the subterfuge of off-budget borrowings, and also seriously pursue the path of fiscal consolidation, all at the same time.
Since any rational legislation that succeeds the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act is unlikely to condone off-budget borrowings, reforming the subsidy regime should be a priority area for the finance minister.
Subsidy reform is an issue that has been analysed to the point of saturation by several expert committees with very little tangible progress. Some of these workable blueprints need to be put into operation expeditiously.
Another neglected area is the low priority that has been given to improving the quality of expenditure in terms of outputs and outcomes. Though outcome budgets of ministries and departments are routinely presented in Parliament during the budget session, this remains largely a perfunctory exercise since budgetary allocations are largely unrelated to performance, nor are the accountability mechanisms linked to achievement of outputs and outcomes. Without these essential linkages, the actual translation of budgetary outlays into the provision of public goods and ultimately their impact on public welfare would remain largely an unknown.
(Sanjiv Misra is a former expenditure secretary in the finance ministry and a former member of the 13th Finance Commission.)
BY SANJIV MISRA
The finance minister faces difficult choices in expenditure management in the forthcoming Budget. The four-year fiscal period ended 2008 saw a remarkable buoyancy of revenues on the back of high rates of growth. This allowed significant fiscal consolidation at the level of the Centre and even more so at the state level, where the enhanced award of the 12th Finance Commission and the introduction of value-added tax gave a considerable boost to state finances.
It is well established, however, that the fiscal consolidation was primarily revenue-driven, with little priority given to expenditure rationalization. In fact, the reduction in the Centre's fiscal deficit achieved over this period was also partly due to a significant reduction in capital expenditure--hardly a desirable development in an infrastructuredeficient economy.
On the Plan side, there has been an unprecedented rise in gross budgetary support (GBS) since 2004 to fund various government schemes. Some of the existing schemes, including a few on the anvil, are in the nature of legal entitlements, and, therefore, constitute committed expenditure, which cannot be easily withdrawn.
Almost two-thirds of revenue expenditure is accounted for by interest payments, defence, salaries and pensions, and subsidies. Barring subsidies, where any attempt at rationalization or reform seemingly confronts an insurmountable political barrier, the government has little room for manoeuvre relating to the other expenditures.
The ballooning oil and fertilizer subsidy bill, resulting from the steep oil price rise preceding the global downturn, was partly settled by the somewhat questionable device of so-called below-the-line adjustments through the issuance of bonds, which served to maintain the facade of adherence to a path of fiscal responsibility. Thus, while the budgets presented a comforting picture of progressive fiscal consolidation up to 2007-08, even before the global downturn, the economy had little fiscal headroom available to respond to adverse shocks.
The fiscal stimuli initiated in response to the 2008-09 slowdown to an extent made a virtue out of a necessity. While there were indeed substantial tax reductions and exemptions as a part of the stimulus packages, other measures such as additional allocations for Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, pay revisions on the basis of the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission, farm loan waiver and additional provision of funds for food and fertilizer subsidies were more the result of prior commitments and political imperatives than pure stimulus considerations.
While the fiscal loosening of the last two years constituted an easy progression from the fiscal profligacy of the preelection year budget, a return to the path of fiscal prudence and consolidation presents hard political choices which so far had been put on the back burner simply because there was no compelling reason to do otherwise.
Good times rarely bring forth serious economic reform--hard budget constraints usually do. The finance minister is faced precisely with such a situation with diminishing freedom for fiscal manoeuvre.
It would not be unrealistic to assume that revenue growth will continue to remain below the levels achieved before the slowdown for some time. Though the disinvestment programme restarted by the government has potential for revenue generation, there remain genuine uncertainties concerning its political sustainability. Also, the government may have tied itself in knots by stipulating that the proceeds from disinvestment can only be used for capital investment in the social sectors, where absorption capacity remains a major issue.
In sum, there seems to be no getting away from hardnosed expenditure management involving tough political choices which cannot be put off for much longer.
It is evident that given the limited fiscal space available, the finance minister currently faces an impossible trinity in expenditure management: it is not possible to maintain an acceptable size of the GBS to fund the politically mandated priorities of the government, continue with the present dispensation of subsidies for food, fertilizer and petroleum without resorting to the subterfuge of off-budget borrowings, and also seriously pursue the path of fiscal consolidation, all at the same time.
Since any rational legislation that succeeds the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act is unlikely to condone off-budget borrowings, reforming the subsidy regime should be a priority area for the finance minister.
Subsidy reform is an issue that has been analysed to the point of saturation by several expert committees with very little tangible progress. Some of these workable blueprints need to be put into operation expeditiously.
Another neglected area is the low priority that has been given to improving the quality of expenditure in terms of outputs and outcomes. Though outcome budgets of ministries and departments are routinely presented in Parliament during the budget session, this remains largely a perfunctory exercise since budgetary allocations are largely unrelated to performance, nor are the accountability mechanisms linked to achievement of outputs and outcomes. Without these essential linkages, the actual translation of budgetary outlays into the provision of public goods and ultimately their impact on public welfare would remain largely an unknown.
(Sanjiv Misra is a former expenditure secretary in the finance ministry and a former member of the 13th Finance Commission.)
HOW TO CLOSE THE INCOME GAP- A VIEW
The search is finally over. The vacancy is now filled. ("In the market for a driver?" Mint, 2 December). My current driver is competent and hard-working, and commands a premium which I am happy to pay. His personal back- ground, however, has got me thinking about a never-ending debate--the growing income gap between the rich and the poor in India.
This article explores the interplay among the factors that matter the most in determining one's lifetime income potential--
education,
environment,
endowment,
effort,
equality of opportunity.
My driver's story provides an in- teresting illustration of this inter- play. He and I have certain similar- ities in our background, yet our educational attainment is vastly different. We are of the same age, grew up in the same locality of Mumbai, and went to vernacular- medium schools. However, he failed to complete his schooling and had little choice but to seek a relatively low-end service job. His income has gone up significantly in recent years, and his job oppor- tunities have widened with India's economic boom. Nonetheless, the income divide between the two of us would continue to widen over time.
It can be argued that it is the inferior quality of education that created the first stumbling block for him. Although both of us went to schools in the same area, mine was among the better schools in terms of educational quality and infrastructure. The quality of schooling, however, does not seem to be the primary cause for his lack of educational attainment. Over time, as his parents realized the importance of quality education, his younger sibling was sent to my school. But he, too, failed to gradu- ate and consequently his income potential remains low.
The most important factor affecting our educational attain- ment appears to lie elsewhere-- our home environment. My driver did not have an educated family member as a role model to emulate. His parents were not ac- tive participants in his education and spent little time with him due to their long work hours. Not only the quantity, but also the quality of time that parents spend with chil- dren matter. His parents could not have read to him during his tod- dler years, preparing him for for- mal education. It is unlikely they would have engaged him in con- versations in a way that builds confidence and reasoning skills.
It is well known that mothers play an important role in shaping a child's future. Take the case of my child's babysitter. In spite of an early marriage and lack of family support, she is determined to see her children study well. As a result, one of her sons graduated in 2009 and another will do so this year.
They are now preparing to take professional entrance examinations. It is clear that their life-time income potential has gone up sub- stantially.
My own experience is no differ- ent. My brother and I grew up wit- nessing how our mother managed a full-time job, two young children and household work while pursu- ing two postgraduate degrees.
This, apart from a compulsive obsession to help anyone in need, was inspirational. Our father played an equally important role of supporting her as he looked after us while our mother went on to attend university classes after work.
Parental involvement in a child's education is of even greater signifi- cance when there is a higher prob- ability of low inherited ability. It is commonly accepted that both nature and nurture play equally important roles in child develop- ment. The influence of nurturing, however, increases considerably with a relatively low inherited abil- ity. Good nurturing help children overcome what they might miss out in terms of low initial endow- ment.
Could someone succeed without a supportive environment? This brings us to the next variable affecting the income gap--effort.
The example of my father-in-law, who retired as CEO of a well- known multinational company, suggests that a person from a poor single-parent family can succeed with a resolute drive to learn and excel. In the driver's case, his inad- equate effort might also have played a role in addition to a less supportive home environment.
But would effort alone suffice?
The answer is no, in most cases.
Opportunities are crucial. In recent years, a number of sport stars and first-generation entrepreneurs, among others, from poor family backgrounds have grabbed the op- portunities that came their way.
Nonetheless, the equality of oppor- tunity for most children can be created only with quality education, academic or vocational, supported by good nurturing.
This brings me to the most criti- cal issue--my driver has a son sim- ilar in age to mine. To enhance his son's lifetime potential income, he needs early assistance. He needs to be adequately prepared so that he can enter school on an equal foot- ing with his classmates from rela- tively educated families. His parents would have to play an im- portant role in this phase of devel- opment. With a little help and guidance, they can certainly accomplish this.
If we have to make any headway at closing the income divide between the rich and the poor, not only does the ed- ucation system need fixing, but also the home environment. This is not a new finding, but one that is often neglected nonetheless.
(Vidya Mahambare is a senior economist at Crisil Ltd. These are the author's personal views.)
The search is finally over. The vacancy is now filled. ("In the market for a driver?" Mint, 2 December). My current driver is competent and hard-working, and commands a premium which I am happy to pay. His personal back- ground, however, has got me thinking about a never-ending debate--the growing income gap between the rich and the poor in India.
This article explores the interplay among the factors that matter the most in determining one's lifetime income potential--
education,
environment,
endowment,
effort,
equality of opportunity.
My driver's story provides an in- teresting illustration of this inter- play. He and I have certain similar- ities in our background, yet our educational attainment is vastly different. We are of the same age, grew up in the same locality of Mumbai, and went to vernacular- medium schools. However, he failed to complete his schooling and had little choice but to seek a relatively low-end service job. His income has gone up significantly in recent years, and his job oppor- tunities have widened with India's economic boom. Nonetheless, the income divide between the two of us would continue to widen over time.
It can be argued that it is the inferior quality of education that created the first stumbling block for him. Although both of us went to schools in the same area, mine was among the better schools in terms of educational quality and infrastructure. The quality of schooling, however, does not seem to be the primary cause for his lack of educational attainment. Over time, as his parents realized the importance of quality education, his younger sibling was sent to my school. But he, too, failed to gradu- ate and consequently his income potential remains low.
The most important factor affecting our educational attain- ment appears to lie elsewhere-- our home environment. My driver did not have an educated family member as a role model to emulate. His parents were not ac- tive participants in his education and spent little time with him due to their long work hours. Not only the quantity, but also the quality of time that parents spend with chil- dren matter. His parents could not have read to him during his tod- dler years, preparing him for for- mal education. It is unlikely they would have engaged him in con- versations in a way that builds confidence and reasoning skills.
It is well known that mothers play an important role in shaping a child's future. Take the case of my child's babysitter. In spite of an early marriage and lack of family support, she is determined to see her children study well. As a result, one of her sons graduated in 2009 and another will do so this year.
They are now preparing to take professional entrance examinations. It is clear that their life-time income potential has gone up sub- stantially.
My own experience is no differ- ent. My brother and I grew up wit- nessing how our mother managed a full-time job, two young children and household work while pursu- ing two postgraduate degrees.
This, apart from a compulsive obsession to help anyone in need, was inspirational. Our father played an equally important role of supporting her as he looked after us while our mother went on to attend university classes after work.
Parental involvement in a child's education is of even greater signifi- cance when there is a higher prob- ability of low inherited ability. It is commonly accepted that both nature and nurture play equally important roles in child develop- ment. The influence of nurturing, however, increases considerably with a relatively low inherited abil- ity. Good nurturing help children overcome what they might miss out in terms of low initial endow- ment.
Could someone succeed without a supportive environment? This brings us to the next variable affecting the income gap--effort.
The example of my father-in-law, who retired as CEO of a well- known multinational company, suggests that a person from a poor single-parent family can succeed with a resolute drive to learn and excel. In the driver's case, his inad- equate effort might also have played a role in addition to a less supportive home environment.
But would effort alone suffice?
The answer is no, in most cases.
Opportunities are crucial. In recent years, a number of sport stars and first-generation entrepreneurs, among others, from poor family backgrounds have grabbed the op- portunities that came their way.
Nonetheless, the equality of oppor- tunity for most children can be created only with quality education, academic or vocational, supported by good nurturing.
This brings me to the most criti- cal issue--my driver has a son sim- ilar in age to mine. To enhance his son's lifetime potential income, he needs early assistance. He needs to be adequately prepared so that he can enter school on an equal foot- ing with his classmates from rela- tively educated families. His parents would have to play an im- portant role in this phase of devel- opment. With a little help and guidance, they can certainly accomplish this.
If we have to make any headway at closing the income divide between the rich and the poor, not only does the ed- ucation system need fixing, but also the home environment. This is not a new finding, but one that is often neglected nonetheless.
(Vidya Mahambare is a senior economist at Crisil Ltd. These are the author's personal views.)
CUT INTERNATIONAL ROAMING CHARGE WHEN TRAVELLING ABROAD
The last time you returned from a trip abroad, the huge cellphone bill that hit you at the end of the billing cycle made you cringe. Then you saw the advertisement for a cost- cutting device called a country- specific subscriber identity mod- ule (SIM) card and you wonder: what is it all about? We found out.
You have three options when you go abroad. One, use interna- tional roaming on your cell- phone. This is the one that gave you a missed heartbeat when you saw your bill. The second one is a calling card that is the cheapest option, but doesn't give you the option of receiving calls.
The third is a country-specific SIM card that is much cheaper than international roaming and more convenient than a calling card as you can both make and receive calls through it.
"With country-specific SIM cards, you can save around 70% on your mobile bill, depending on the number of days and country you travel," says Abheek Singhi, partner and director, Boston Consulting Group India, a happy user of these cards.
Sample this: A call from the US to India would cost you around Rs42 per minute through a countryspecific SIM compared with Rs165 per minute through international roaming and Rs5.50 per minute through a call- ing card. A call you re- ceive from India on a country-specific SIM and in- ternational roaming will cost you around Rs14 per minute and Rs90 per minute, respec- tively. Country-specific SIMs These, as the name suggests, are specific to a particular coun- try or region. So, if you plan to travel within Europe, you can simply buy a Europe-specific SIM card instead of different SIM cards for different countries. But if you buy a country-specific SIM for UK, you may not be able to carry it across various countries.
Also, a SIM specific to the US can be used only in the US.
These can be used with any unlocked GSM handset. Some companies provide a handset at an extra cost to those whose handsets are not tri-band. The SIMs enable you to surf the In- ternet, but that too at an extra cost. In India, Delhi-based Ma- trix Cellular Service, Clay Tele- com and Reliance Communica- tions Ltd offer these cards.
How do they work?
There are pre-paid and post- paid country-specific SIM cards.
They work like any new SIM card that assigns you a new number.
You can start using this number as soon as you reach your desti- nation. Once you are back from your trip, you will have to return it to the company you bought it from.
Under the pre-paid option, you would have to decide an amount you would need in ad- vance. You can top it up online as and when required. Usually, a pre-paid card comes for a mini- mum Rs1,500 on which you get a free talk-time of Rs500.
You get a post-paid card at your doorstep once you submit the required documents, includ- ing a copy of your passport, visa, photo identity and residence proof. The requirement may vary between companies. And the card gets activated by the time you reach your destination. The bill comes 15 days after you re- turn from your trip.
Though most companies do not incur any charges for the SIM, some make a credit card authorization block for Rs5,000-10,000. This means that if you have a credit limit of Rs1 lakh on your credit card, the SIM provider will block your credit card for Rs5,000 as a security and you would be able to use your credit card only till a limit of Rs95,000. Once, your pay your bill and return the SIM, the cred- it card can be unblocked.
What are the costs?
This varies from country to country and the number of days the SIM is used for. The tariff rental can be daily, monthly or even annual for frequent travel- lers.
A frequent corporate traveller says, "I have been using a country-specific SIM for the last three years and it's surely economi- cal."
Apart from a few countries such as the US, Canada, China and Hong Kong, incoming calls in most countries are free on a country-specific SIM card.
For instance, on a UK SIM, you will pay nothing for incoming calls, but around Rs19 per min- ute for outgoing local calls and around Rs56 per minute for calls made to India. On a Malaysia SIM, incoming is free, while the local outgoing costs around Rs7 per minute and calls to India around Rs51 per minute.
How they compare?
International roaming: While the easiest way to stay connected is to simply activate internation- al roaming on your cellphone, it may not be the cheapest.
Hemani Seith, manager mar- keting, Clay Telecom, says, "In- ternational roaming charges are way too high compared with a country-specific SIM. Since it acts like a local number of the country one is visiting, you get an advantage."
Calling cards: These are avail- able with most major telecom providers and are more econom- ical than international roaming.
For instance, the average call from the UK back to India will cost about Rs5 per minute and from the US around Rs6 per min- ute. You can use your calling card to make calls to India and over 200 countries across the globe from any local mobile, landline or pay phone. Calling cards are available in Indian ru- pees and are usually valid for a year. Calling cards do not work for those on business trips as their work may require them to receive calls.
What should you do?
Remember that if you are tak- ing a country-specific SIM card, you will have to take the trouble of circulating the number among all your contacts. However, the fact that it works out much cheaper can work to its advan- tage.
Perhaps, it won't make sense to take a SIM if you are travelling only for a few days, but for longer trips it will definitely have a cost advantage.
The last time you returned from a trip abroad, the huge cellphone bill that hit you at the end of the billing cycle made you cringe. Then you saw the advertisement for a cost- cutting device called a country- specific subscriber identity mod- ule (SIM) card and you wonder: what is it all about? We found out.
You have three options when you go abroad. One, use interna- tional roaming on your cell- phone. This is the one that gave you a missed heartbeat when you saw your bill. The second one is a calling card that is the cheapest option, but doesn't give you the option of receiving calls.
The third is a country-specific SIM card that is much cheaper than international roaming and more convenient than a calling card as you can both make and receive calls through it.
"With country-specific SIM cards, you can save around 70% on your mobile bill, depending on the number of days and country you travel," says Abheek Singhi, partner and director, Boston Consulting Group India, a happy user of these cards.
Sample this: A call from the US to India would cost you around Rs42 per minute through a countryspecific SIM compared with Rs165 per minute through international roaming and Rs5.50 per minute through a call- ing card. A call you re- ceive from India on a country-specific SIM and in- ternational roaming will cost you around Rs14 per minute and Rs90 per minute, respec- tively. Country-specific SIMs These, as the name suggests, are specific to a particular coun- try or region. So, if you plan to travel within Europe, you can simply buy a Europe-specific SIM card instead of different SIM cards for different countries. But if you buy a country-specific SIM for UK, you may not be able to carry it across various countries.
Also, a SIM specific to the US can be used only in the US.
These can be used with any unlocked GSM handset. Some companies provide a handset at an extra cost to those whose handsets are not tri-band. The SIMs enable you to surf the In- ternet, but that too at an extra cost. In India, Delhi-based Ma- trix Cellular Service, Clay Tele- com and Reliance Communica- tions Ltd offer these cards.
How do they work?
There are pre-paid and post- paid country-specific SIM cards.
They work like any new SIM card that assigns you a new number.
You can start using this number as soon as you reach your desti- nation. Once you are back from your trip, you will have to return it to the company you bought it from.
Under the pre-paid option, you would have to decide an amount you would need in ad- vance. You can top it up online as and when required. Usually, a pre-paid card comes for a mini- mum Rs1,500 on which you get a free talk-time of Rs500.
You get a post-paid card at your doorstep once you submit the required documents, includ- ing a copy of your passport, visa, photo identity and residence proof. The requirement may vary between companies. And the card gets activated by the time you reach your destination. The bill comes 15 days after you re- turn from your trip.
Though most companies do not incur any charges for the SIM, some make a credit card authorization block for Rs5,000-10,000. This means that if you have a credit limit of Rs1 lakh on your credit card, the SIM provider will block your credit card for Rs5,000 as a security and you would be able to use your credit card only till a limit of Rs95,000. Once, your pay your bill and return the SIM, the cred- it card can be unblocked.
What are the costs?
This varies from country to country and the number of days the SIM is used for. The tariff rental can be daily, monthly or even annual for frequent travel- lers.
A frequent corporate traveller says, "I have been using a country-specific SIM for the last three years and it's surely economi- cal."
Apart from a few countries such as the US, Canada, China and Hong Kong, incoming calls in most countries are free on a country-specific SIM card.
For instance, on a UK SIM, you will pay nothing for incoming calls, but around Rs19 per min- ute for outgoing local calls and around Rs56 per minute for calls made to India. On a Malaysia SIM, incoming is free, while the local outgoing costs around Rs7 per minute and calls to India around Rs51 per minute.
How they compare?
International roaming: While the easiest way to stay connected is to simply activate internation- al roaming on your cellphone, it may not be the cheapest.
Hemani Seith, manager mar- keting, Clay Telecom, says, "In- ternational roaming charges are way too high compared with a country-specific SIM. Since it acts like a local number of the country one is visiting, you get an advantage."
Calling cards: These are avail- able with most major telecom providers and are more econom- ical than international roaming.
For instance, the average call from the UK back to India will cost about Rs5 per minute and from the US around Rs6 per min- ute. You can use your calling card to make calls to India and over 200 countries across the globe from any local mobile, landline or pay phone. Calling cards are available in Indian ru- pees and are usually valid for a year. Calling cards do not work for those on business trips as their work may require them to receive calls.
What should you do?
Remember that if you are tak- ing a country-specific SIM card, you will have to take the trouble of circulating the number among all your contacts. However, the fact that it works out much cheaper can work to its advan- tage.
Perhaps, it won't make sense to take a SIM if you are travelling only for a few days, but for longer trips it will definitely have a cost advantage.
LEAVE TRAVEL CONCESSION TO CENTRAL GOVT EMPLOYEES VISITING SIKKIM.
NOTIFICATION
No.31011/4/2007-Estt.(A)
G.I. Min. of Per.Pub.Gri.& Pen.(Dept.of Per.Trg.)
Dated 14 – 05 – 2008
Central Civil Services (LTC) Rules, 1988- clarification regarding Reimbursement of fare in respect of travel by air to visit NER.
After issue of DOP&T O.M. No. 31011/4/2007-Estt.(A) dated 2nd May, 2008 allowing Government servants to travel by air to North Eastern Region on LTC. Clarifications on certain points have been sought by Government servants/various Ministries / Departments. The doubts raised by various authorities are clarified as under:-
1. Points Raised:Whether Sikkim is included in Yes. NER includes Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, NER? Manipur, Meghalaya,Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim & Tripura.
Clarification: Yes. NER includes Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim & Tripura.
2. Points Raised: Whether Government employees can travel only employees can travel by Helicopter?
Clarification: No. On LTC Government employees can travel only in economy (Y) class in a passenger plane of airlines.
3. Points Raised: Whether a Government servant can travel by private airlines?
Clarification: Yes. DOP&T vide O.M. No. 31011/2/2006-Estt.(A) dated 24/4/2006 has allowed LTC journey by private airlines subject the conditions laid down in the Department of Expenditure O.M. No. 19024/1/E.IV/2005 dated 24th March, 2006 regarding air travel by Government servants within India during official visits. However, in the case of visit to NER in terms of O.M. dated 2.5.2008, full fare will be admissible to the categories of employees indicated therein.
4. Points Raised: Whether a Government servant visiting Sikkim can travel by air upto Bagdogra which is not situated in NER?
Clarification: Yes. A Government employees is entitled to travel by air from their place of posting (or nearest airport) to a city in the NER(or nearest airport).
5. Points Raised: Whether a Government employee who has already availed All India LTC is entitled for LTC to visit NER in terms of O.M. dated 2.5.2008?
Clarification: A Government employee can avail LTC to visit NER by conversion of one block of home-town LTC, if the same is available. However, the Government employees whose headquarters and home-town being same are not entitled for home-town LTC and the question of conversion of home-town LTC into LTC for NER in such cases does not arise.
6. Points Raised: Whether air fare of children whose full fare is charged by the airlines is reimbursed?
Clarification: If full air fare has been charged by the airlines and paid by the Government servant the same will be reimbursed.
7. Points Raised: Whether Non Gazetted Group B officers are entitled to travel by air to NER
Clarification: Yes. Group A Group B Central Government employees (Gazetted and Non-Gazetted) will be entitled to travel by Air from their place of posting (or nearest airport) to a city in the NER (or nearest airport).
8. Points Raised:Whether Government employee who has already availed one home town LTC in the current block can avail LTC to visit NER?
Clarification: Yes. He can avail it against All India LTC.
9. Points Raised: Indian Airlines etc. offering Package Tours. Whether total package is route or cost actually paid whichever is less is reimbursable?
Clarification: In LTC, fare at the normal rate for the entitled class between headquarters and place of visit by shortest route or cost actually paid whichever is less is reimbursable
NOTIFICATION
No.31011/4/2007-Estt.(A)
G.I. Min. of Per.Pub.Gri.& Pen.(Dept.of Per.Trg.)
Dated 14 – 05 – 2008
Central Civil Services (LTC) Rules, 1988- clarification regarding Reimbursement of fare in respect of travel by air to visit NER.
After issue of DOP&T O.M. No. 31011/4/2007-Estt.(A) dated 2nd May, 2008 allowing Government servants to travel by air to North Eastern Region on LTC. Clarifications on certain points have been sought by Government servants/various Ministries / Departments. The doubts raised by various authorities are clarified as under:-
1. Points Raised:Whether Sikkim is included in Yes. NER includes Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, NER? Manipur, Meghalaya,Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim & Tripura.
Clarification: Yes. NER includes Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim & Tripura.
2. Points Raised: Whether Government employees can travel only employees can travel by Helicopter?
Clarification: No. On LTC Government employees can travel only in economy (Y) class in a passenger plane of airlines.
3. Points Raised: Whether a Government servant can travel by private airlines?
Clarification: Yes. DOP&T vide O.M. No. 31011/2/2006-Estt.(A) dated 24/4/2006 has allowed LTC journey by private airlines subject the conditions laid down in the Department of Expenditure O.M. No. 19024/1/E.IV/2005 dated 24th March, 2006 regarding air travel by Government servants within India during official visits. However, in the case of visit to NER in terms of O.M. dated 2.5.2008, full fare will be admissible to the categories of employees indicated therein.
4. Points Raised: Whether a Government servant visiting Sikkim can travel by air upto Bagdogra which is not situated in NER?
Clarification: Yes. A Government employees is entitled to travel by air from their place of posting (or nearest airport) to a city in the NER(or nearest airport).
5. Points Raised: Whether a Government employee who has already availed All India LTC is entitled for LTC to visit NER in terms of O.M. dated 2.5.2008?
Clarification: A Government employee can avail LTC to visit NER by conversion of one block of home-town LTC, if the same is available. However, the Government employees whose headquarters and home-town being same are not entitled for home-town LTC and the question of conversion of home-town LTC into LTC for NER in such cases does not arise.
6. Points Raised: Whether air fare of children whose full fare is charged by the airlines is reimbursed?
Clarification: If full air fare has been charged by the airlines and paid by the Government servant the same will be reimbursed.
7. Points Raised: Whether Non Gazetted Group B officers are entitled to travel by air to NER
Clarification: Yes. Group A Group B Central Government employees (Gazetted and Non-Gazetted) will be entitled to travel by Air from their place of posting (or nearest airport) to a city in the NER (or nearest airport).
8. Points Raised:Whether Government employee who has already availed one home town LTC in the current block can avail LTC to visit NER?
Clarification: Yes. He can avail it against All India LTC.
9. Points Raised: Indian Airlines etc. offering Package Tours. Whether total package is route or cost actually paid whichever is less is reimbursable?
Clarification: In LTC, fare at the normal rate for the entitled class between headquarters and place of visit by shortest route or cost actually paid whichever is less is reimbursable
Finance Ministry grants extension of tax holiday to J&K
Saturday, February 20, 2010 08:00 IST
Union Finance Ministry has extended the tax holiday for Jammu and Kashmir giving an indication that the same extension may be offered to other states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim also soon.
In a recent notification, the government said, "In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 5A of the Central Excise Act, 1944 (1 of 1944), read with sub-section (3) of section 3 of the Additional Duties of Excise (Goods of Special Importance) Act, 1957 (58 of 1957) and sub-section (3) of section 3 of the Additional Duties of Excise (Textiles and Textile Articles) Act, 1978 (40 of 1978), the Central Government, being satisfied that it is necessary in the public interest so to do, hereby exempts the goods specified in the First Schedule and the Second Schedule to the Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985 (5 of 1986), other than goods specified in Annexure appended hereto, and cleared from a unit located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, from so much of the duty of excise or additional duty of excise, as the case may be, leviable thereon under any of the said Acts as is equivalent to the duty payable on value addition undertaken in the manufacture of the said goods by the said unit."
Though the presence of pharmaceutical companies in J&K is not significant, the notification exempting J&K from excise duty is significant as many see this development as a precursor to the extension of tax holiday status to other important states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand where there are a large number of pharmaceutical companies.
Earlier, there was apprehension among the more than 500 pharmaceutical units, both big and medium companies, about what was in store for them as the tax exemption is coming to an end soon. Hundreds of these companies had migrated to these tax holiday states some years back to exploit the tax benefits. If the government does not extend the tax holiday, these companies may think of going back to their home states as operating in these hilly states without tax benefits is a costly affair.
With the government announcing tax holiday extension in J&K, there is hope among the other tax holiday states about the tax holiday extension in their states too.
Saturday, February 20, 2010 08:00 IST
Union Finance Ministry has extended the tax holiday for Jammu and Kashmir giving an indication that the same extension may be offered to other states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim also soon.
In a recent notification, the government said, "In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 5A of the Central Excise Act, 1944 (1 of 1944), read with sub-section (3) of section 3 of the Additional Duties of Excise (Goods of Special Importance) Act, 1957 (58 of 1957) and sub-section (3) of section 3 of the Additional Duties of Excise (Textiles and Textile Articles) Act, 1978 (40 of 1978), the Central Government, being satisfied that it is necessary in the public interest so to do, hereby exempts the goods specified in the First Schedule and the Second Schedule to the Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985 (5 of 1986), other than goods specified in Annexure appended hereto, and cleared from a unit located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, from so much of the duty of excise or additional duty of excise, as the case may be, leviable thereon under any of the said Acts as is equivalent to the duty payable on value addition undertaken in the manufacture of the said goods by the said unit."
Though the presence of pharmaceutical companies in J&K is not significant, the notification exempting J&K from excise duty is significant as many see this development as a precursor to the extension of tax holiday status to other important states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand where there are a large number of pharmaceutical companies.
Earlier, there was apprehension among the more than 500 pharmaceutical units, both big and medium companies, about what was in store for them as the tax exemption is coming to an end soon. Hundreds of these companies had migrated to these tax holiday states some years back to exploit the tax benefits. If the government does not extend the tax holiday, these companies may think of going back to their home states as operating in these hilly states without tax benefits is a costly affair.
With the government announcing tax holiday extension in J&K, there is hope among the other tax holiday states about the tax holiday extension in their states too.
SIKKIM: Chamling urges MHA to allow Gyalwa Karmapa to visit Sikkim
Mangan, February 18: Chief minister Pawan Chamling has demanded Union government and Home Ministry to allow Gyalwa Karmapa to visit Sikkim which is a long pending demand of public. He has made such demand publicly at North Sikkim during Janata Mela 2009-10 concluded here at Mangan, today.
Chief Minister reiterated that Sikkim being peaceful state and has said that the government is providing several developmental schemes and activities for sustainable development of the state in long run.
Highlighting the developmental activities and potentiality in the state Chamling said that once power projects completed in the state, the financial status and gross domestic product (GDP) of Sikkimese people will go up and Sikkim will become self reliant state in the country. He emphasis other medium of source of income of rural people through agro based industries that should be established in the state very soon.
Chief Minister has cautioned the private sector investors to provide maximum job opportunities to local people at the earliest and asked for the compliance of the state government directives.
Chamling said that the tourism should be more explored and Kabi-Lungchok, the historical place where brotherhood treaty between the Bhutia and Lepchas brothers were assigned will developed into tourist destination and soon the project will start and have to complete within 36 months. In Dzongu and Lachen- Mangan also several tourist spots will developed and one underground Gumpa will be constructed carved in rocks a unique kind in world which DPR is under preparation, Chamling said.
source:HM
Mangan, February 18: Chief minister Pawan Chamling has demanded Union government and Home Ministry to allow Gyalwa Karmapa to visit Sikkim which is a long pending demand of public. He has made such demand publicly at North Sikkim during Janata Mela 2009-10 concluded here at Mangan, today.
Chief Minister reiterated that Sikkim being peaceful state and has said that the government is providing several developmental schemes and activities for sustainable development of the state in long run.
Highlighting the developmental activities and potentiality in the state Chamling said that once power projects completed in the state, the financial status and gross domestic product (GDP) of Sikkimese people will go up and Sikkim will become self reliant state in the country. He emphasis other medium of source of income of rural people through agro based industries that should be established in the state very soon.
Chief Minister has cautioned the private sector investors to provide maximum job opportunities to local people at the earliest and asked for the compliance of the state government directives.
Chamling said that the tourism should be more explored and Kabi-Lungchok, the historical place where brotherhood treaty between the Bhutia and Lepchas brothers were assigned will developed into tourist destination and soon the project will start and have to complete within 36 months. In Dzongu and Lachen- Mangan also several tourist spots will developed and one underground Gumpa will be constructed carved in rocks a unique kind in world which DPR is under preparation, Chamling said.
source:HM
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Revisiting Sikkim — the Last Shangrila
By Seema Sengupta
During his recent trip to India, South Korean President Lee Myung-bak emphasized the necessity to promote tourism and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
His desire to encourage people to people contact actually emboldened me to transcend the strategic realm of the Indo-Korean relationship, and venture into a subject that draws my imagination frequently.
In spite of running the risk of authoring a tourist guide, I am tempted to share my exclusive thoughts of a mystic land called Sikkim with the Korean audience.
Sikkim, an Indian province that often hit the headlines alongside Arunachal Pradesh for the bickering that India has with China over territorial disputes is virtually my second home.
Though I do not own a property there, the picturesque place nestled in the Himalayan foothills is one destination I crave to return to.
Amidst the brouhaha over territorial rights that evoke nationalistic sentiment, I always discover myself engrossed completely in the serene landscape endowed with immense natural beauty and resources.
In fact I fell in love with Sikkim and its endearing people at first sight during my maiden visit two decades back and can vividly recollect strolling down the meandering roads through the lovely hills.
The history of Sikkim dates back some thousands of years to prehistoric times when it was inhabited by three tribes, namely the Naong, Chang and Mon. The Lepchas, a peace loving, deeply religious and shy people who entered Sikkim sometime later absorbed them completely.
In the 18th century British India successfully befriended Sikkim to curtail the expanding power of the Gurkhas who became a threat to the British Imperial Forces. The British also looked forward to establishing a trade link with Tibet and for that the route through Sikkim was most feasible.
When Claude White was appointed as the first political officer in Sikkim in 1889, the Monarch of Sikkim Chogyal Thutob Namgyal became virtually subservient to him. After India's independence in 1947 the then Chogyal Tashi Namgyal obtained a special status of protectorate for Sikkim.
This princely state finally merged into the Indian Union in 1975 with the establishment of a democratically elected government. In spite of Beijing's refusal to accept Sikkim's accession to India de jure, the Sikkimese culture symbolizes Indian ethos and the tradition of unity in diversity.
Small but eternally blissful, Sikkim ― a land of pristine and unspoilt natural beauty ― is situated in the eastern Himalayas and spreads over an area of 7,300 square kilometers. The province lies below her protective deity, Mount Khangchendzonga or popularly known as Mount Kanchenjungha, the third-highest peak in the world.
With an elevation varying from 244 meters to 8,540 meters above sea level, Sikkim offers a heavenly experience amidst the grandeur of majestic mountain peaks, lush valleys, torrential rivers, gorgeous waterfalls, blooming flowers, colorful orchids and terraced hills.
Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim bears a unique ambience derived from the happy blend of tradition and modernity. For first timers in Gangtok, there are several places to observe a visual treat.
The Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom; Oo-Orul-Chorten, one of the most important Stupas of Sikkim; the Research Institute of Tibetology; the 200-year-old Enchey Monastery; Phodong Monastery; Ganesh Tok; and Saramsa Garden demands tourist attention.
The Tsongo Lake, 40 kilometers from Gangtok at an altitude of 12,210 feet offers an impressive display of flowers like rhododendrons and primulas in full bloom between May and August. One can also enjoy the youthful experience of yak and pony rides around the wondrous lake after a hot momo feast.
West Sikkim is also ready to welcome guests with a bouquet of rich cultural heritage and exotic orchids in stunning sizes and colors. The Rumtek Monastery in Pemyangtse and a panoramic early morning view of Mount Pandim will leave anybody spellbound.
Khechopalri Lake; Yuksam, the ancient capital of Sikkim; Tashiding; Singshore Bridge, the highest gorge bridge in Asia; and the Rimbi and Sangay waterfalls are worth visiting in this part of the province.
A drive of five hours from Gangtok along winding roads in North Sikkim takes you to the Yumthang Valley ― the ``Hidden Paradise on Earth."
Popularly referred to as the Switzerland of the East, this charming location surrounded by high mountains is simply unforgettable. Though it is a restricted area, the Tourist Information Center at Gangtok makes necessary arrangements for the exquisite journey and accommodation.
Therefore, all that one needs is to make up their mind and take off to the Valley of Flowers, as Yumthang is locally known. Sikkim, the last Shangrila with a panorama of diverse culture, fauna and flora is a unique world in itself and easily accessible by air and road.
To listen to the sound of the wind whistling through the tall coniferous trees, watch the dazzling splendor of snow clad peaks and savor the colorful extravaganza that this province offers, who knows my friends ― this might be the experience of your lifetime.
(Seema Sengupta is a journalist based in Kolkata, India. Her articles have been published by The Tribune, The Telegraph, The Pioneer, The Asian Age and other newspapers. She can be reached at seemasengupta@vsnl.net.)
By Seema Sengupta
During his recent trip to India, South Korean President Lee Myung-bak emphasized the necessity to promote tourism and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
His desire to encourage people to people contact actually emboldened me to transcend the strategic realm of the Indo-Korean relationship, and venture into a subject that draws my imagination frequently.
In spite of running the risk of authoring a tourist guide, I am tempted to share my exclusive thoughts of a mystic land called Sikkim with the Korean audience.
Sikkim, an Indian province that often hit the headlines alongside Arunachal Pradesh for the bickering that India has with China over territorial disputes is virtually my second home.
Though I do not own a property there, the picturesque place nestled in the Himalayan foothills is one destination I crave to return to.
Amidst the brouhaha over territorial rights that evoke nationalistic sentiment, I always discover myself engrossed completely in the serene landscape endowed with immense natural beauty and resources.
In fact I fell in love with Sikkim and its endearing people at first sight during my maiden visit two decades back and can vividly recollect strolling down the meandering roads through the lovely hills.
The history of Sikkim dates back some thousands of years to prehistoric times when it was inhabited by three tribes, namely the Naong, Chang and Mon. The Lepchas, a peace loving, deeply religious and shy people who entered Sikkim sometime later absorbed them completely.
In the 18th century British India successfully befriended Sikkim to curtail the expanding power of the Gurkhas who became a threat to the British Imperial Forces. The British also looked forward to establishing a trade link with Tibet and for that the route through Sikkim was most feasible.
When Claude White was appointed as the first political officer in Sikkim in 1889, the Monarch of Sikkim Chogyal Thutob Namgyal became virtually subservient to him. After India's independence in 1947 the then Chogyal Tashi Namgyal obtained a special status of protectorate for Sikkim.
This princely state finally merged into the Indian Union in 1975 with the establishment of a democratically elected government. In spite of Beijing's refusal to accept Sikkim's accession to India de jure, the Sikkimese culture symbolizes Indian ethos and the tradition of unity in diversity.
Small but eternally blissful, Sikkim ― a land of pristine and unspoilt natural beauty ― is situated in the eastern Himalayas and spreads over an area of 7,300 square kilometers. The province lies below her protective deity, Mount Khangchendzonga or popularly known as Mount Kanchenjungha, the third-highest peak in the world.
With an elevation varying from 244 meters to 8,540 meters above sea level, Sikkim offers a heavenly experience amidst the grandeur of majestic mountain peaks, lush valleys, torrential rivers, gorgeous waterfalls, blooming flowers, colorful orchids and terraced hills.
Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim bears a unique ambience derived from the happy blend of tradition and modernity. For first timers in Gangtok, there are several places to observe a visual treat.
The Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom; Oo-Orul-Chorten, one of the most important Stupas of Sikkim; the Research Institute of Tibetology; the 200-year-old Enchey Monastery; Phodong Monastery; Ganesh Tok; and Saramsa Garden demands tourist attention.
The Tsongo Lake, 40 kilometers from Gangtok at an altitude of 12,210 feet offers an impressive display of flowers like rhododendrons and primulas in full bloom between May and August. One can also enjoy the youthful experience of yak and pony rides around the wondrous lake after a hot momo feast.
West Sikkim is also ready to welcome guests with a bouquet of rich cultural heritage and exotic orchids in stunning sizes and colors. The Rumtek Monastery in Pemyangtse and a panoramic early morning view of Mount Pandim will leave anybody spellbound.
Khechopalri Lake; Yuksam, the ancient capital of Sikkim; Tashiding; Singshore Bridge, the highest gorge bridge in Asia; and the Rimbi and Sangay waterfalls are worth visiting in this part of the province.
A drive of five hours from Gangtok along winding roads in North Sikkim takes you to the Yumthang Valley ― the ``Hidden Paradise on Earth."
Popularly referred to as the Switzerland of the East, this charming location surrounded by high mountains is simply unforgettable. Though it is a restricted area, the Tourist Information Center at Gangtok makes necessary arrangements for the exquisite journey and accommodation.
Therefore, all that one needs is to make up their mind and take off to the Valley of Flowers, as Yumthang is locally known. Sikkim, the last Shangrila with a panorama of diverse culture, fauna and flora is a unique world in itself and easily accessible by air and road.
To listen to the sound of the wind whistling through the tall coniferous trees, watch the dazzling splendor of snow clad peaks and savor the colorful extravaganza that this province offers, who knows my friends ― this might be the experience of your lifetime.
(Seema Sengupta is a journalist based in Kolkata, India. Her articles have been published by The Tribune, The Telegraph, The Pioneer, The Asian Age and other newspapers. She can be reached at seemasengupta@vsnl.net.)
SIKKIM: Head count of Sikkim’s population for 2011 census to begin
FROM ZEENEWS.COM
The exercise for updating the population of Sikkim as part of the 2011 census will begin in April this year with as many as 1600 enumerators visiting the households to collect necessary details in this regard, according to the Directorate of Census (Sikkim) Joint Director D K Dey.
The enumerators will make a door-to-door visit of all households from April 7 to May 22 in order to collect details like the number of houses and people for cataloguing them on the national population register, he said.
The Directorate of Census has already conducted a training-cum-workshop for the enumerators earlier this month in order to gear them to undertake the challenging task of census in an efficient manner, Dey said.
The enumeration process about the identification of houses and the number of people living in each house will be a continuous process in the run up to the final head count of the state’s population to be carried out in February next year, the Joint Director said.
The 2011 census will be the 15th in the country, but only the fourth for Sikkim following its merger with the Union of India in 1975.
FROM ZEENEWS.COM
The exercise for updating the population of Sikkim as part of the 2011 census will begin in April this year with as many as 1600 enumerators visiting the households to collect necessary details in this regard, according to the Directorate of Census (Sikkim) Joint Director D K Dey.
The enumerators will make a door-to-door visit of all households from April 7 to May 22 in order to collect details like the number of houses and people for cataloguing them on the national population register, he said.
The Directorate of Census has already conducted a training-cum-workshop for the enumerators earlier this month in order to gear them to undertake the challenging task of census in an efficient manner, Dey said.
The enumeration process about the identification of houses and the number of people living in each house will be a continuous process in the run up to the final head count of the state’s population to be carried out in February next year, the Joint Director said.
The 2011 census will be the 15th in the country, but only the fourth for Sikkim following its merger with the Union of India in 1975.
SIKKIM:The legend of Baba Harbhajan
MeriNews.com|CJ:Keerat
‘Harbhajan Baba ki Jai’, says the taxi driver as he crosses the rickety bridge over the Teesta River. ‘Harbhajan Baba’ is revered across Sikkim as a sacred entity. And this is his story.
LATE SEPOY Harbhajan Singh was enrolled into the Punjab Regiment on Fbruary 9, 1966. Born in the village of Browndal in Kapurthala district of Punjab, he enlisted in the army at an early age and found himself posted on the misty heights of the Sino- Indian border near Nathula Pass.
The year 1968 saw heavy rainfall and vicious floods in the region. On 4 October, 1968, while escorting a mule caravan from his battalion headquarters at Tukla to Deng Chukla, he fell into a fast- flowing stream and was washed away. The search for his body continued for a couple of days but was abandoned due to inclement weather.
And one day, Harbhajan Singh appeared in the dream of one of the sepoys in his unit. In the dream, he informed his colleague that he was no longer alive and told him the exact spot where his body would be found. He asked him to construct a Samadhi at the spot where his body would be found. After saying that he will always patrol in the area and never give up being a soldier, he disappeared. The man woke up and dismissed the dream as a manifestation of his grief for Harbhajan Singh’s loss.
It wasn’t until another member of the same unit had the same dream down to the last detail that suspicions were aroused. It seemed an incredible coincidence that two people could have dreamed the same sequence of events. When a search party was dispatched to the spot that had been described in the dream, late Sepoy Harbhajan Singh’s body was found. He was cremated with full military honours and a Samadhi was made at Chhokya Cho as per the wishes that he had expressed in his dream. The first part of the dream had been accurate and what about the second half about remaining a soldier forever?
Soon reports of a man seen patrolling the area began filtering in. Soldiers deployed in the area would talk of a lone uniformed man on horse patrolling the region. Forces on the other side of the border confirmed these reports and claimed that they too had seen the ghost rider. Over the years, soldiers in the area began seeing Harbhajan Singh in their dreams where he instructed them of loopholes and unprotected areas from where the Chinese could attack. His instructions generally proved to be accurate and the legend of Baba Harbhajan Singh grew.
Meanwhile, the popularity of the shrine was also growing. It gained significance as a religious spot and people came with the faith of having their problems solved or their infirmities cured by the Baba who had come back from the dead. The Samadhi dedicated to Harbhajan Singh consisted of a three room complex where a bed would be laid out for him and his uniform and boots would be displayed for the visitors. Caretakers of the Samadhi would swear that each morning the bed sheets would be crushed as if someone had slept in the bed the previous night and the carefully polished boots would be soiled and covered with mud. This conundrum only added to the Babas followers, who came in truckloads.
The Indian army realised the importance of Late Sepoy Harbhajan Singh and in honour of his contribution, he was promoted to Honorary Captain. A pay check would be sent home to Kapurthala every month and more interestingly, he would go home on annual leave on September 14 every year.
Soldiers would pack his trunk with basic essentials and ‘Capt Harbhajan’ would be accompanied by two soldiers all the way to Kapurthala by train and brought back after a month the same way. This tradition continued for years until he was retired a few years back.
Following the twisting narrow roads at a steep incline, taxis and cars snake their way to 14000 ft to visit Harbhajan Baba every year. Devout believers from all over Sikkim and Bengal visit the Samadhi bringing the sick and the elderly in the hope of a miracle. They bring bottles of water and take back those lying there. It is believed that water left at the Samadhi over a period of time turns to holy water and is capable of curing ailments. Food is served to the devotees who make the arduous journey by the soldiers looking after the Samadhi.
The Samadhi dedicated to Harbhajan Baba is located amidst a beautiful panorama of high mountains broken in places by gushing waterfalls and dotted by multi-coloured shrubs. En route, one crosses beautiful lakes and hamlets that resemble something out of a picture postcard. One such village is Kyangnosla. The ascent is steep and often takes skilled driving. In order to reach the Samadhi, a detour must be taken along the road that leads to the Sino- Indian border post of Nathula which was opened for trade recently. The Samadhi attracts people from all religions – In its own way, it has promoted a certain secular equanimity in the region – a rare feat in today’s world.
Taxi drivers and soldiers passing through the area generally stop at the Samadhi to pay obeisance to the revered Baba. Not doing so is supposed to bring bad luck. In a society that is dictated by tradition and supported on the pillars of superstition, it is not uncommon to find a legend of this kind. Perhaps the Chinese are just as superstitious as we are because at the monthly flag meetings between the two nations at Nathula, the Chinese set a chair aside for Harbhajan Baba.
And as the red flag bespeckled with stars flaps in the icy wind next to the tricolour, a lone figure perhaps stands and watches- ever alert, ever watchful, ever zealous, and ever protective of his country’s honour. A zeal that has lasted beyond death.
MeriNews.com|CJ:Keerat
‘Harbhajan Baba ki Jai’, says the taxi driver as he crosses the rickety bridge over the Teesta River. ‘Harbhajan Baba’ is revered across Sikkim as a sacred entity. And this is his story.
LATE SEPOY Harbhajan Singh was enrolled into the Punjab Regiment on Fbruary 9, 1966. Born in the village of Browndal in Kapurthala district of Punjab, he enlisted in the army at an early age and found himself posted on the misty heights of the Sino- Indian border near Nathula Pass.
The year 1968 saw heavy rainfall and vicious floods in the region. On 4 October, 1968, while escorting a mule caravan from his battalion headquarters at Tukla to Deng Chukla, he fell into a fast- flowing stream and was washed away. The search for his body continued for a couple of days but was abandoned due to inclement weather.
And one day, Harbhajan Singh appeared in the dream of one of the sepoys in his unit. In the dream, he informed his colleague that he was no longer alive and told him the exact spot where his body would be found. He asked him to construct a Samadhi at the spot where his body would be found. After saying that he will always patrol in the area and never give up being a soldier, he disappeared. The man woke up and dismissed the dream as a manifestation of his grief for Harbhajan Singh’s loss.
It wasn’t until another member of the same unit had the same dream down to the last detail that suspicions were aroused. It seemed an incredible coincidence that two people could have dreamed the same sequence of events. When a search party was dispatched to the spot that had been described in the dream, late Sepoy Harbhajan Singh’s body was found. He was cremated with full military honours and a Samadhi was made at Chhokya Cho as per the wishes that he had expressed in his dream. The first part of the dream had been accurate and what about the second half about remaining a soldier forever?
Soon reports of a man seen patrolling the area began filtering in. Soldiers deployed in the area would talk of a lone uniformed man on horse patrolling the region. Forces on the other side of the border confirmed these reports and claimed that they too had seen the ghost rider. Over the years, soldiers in the area began seeing Harbhajan Singh in their dreams where he instructed them of loopholes and unprotected areas from where the Chinese could attack. His instructions generally proved to be accurate and the legend of Baba Harbhajan Singh grew.
Meanwhile, the popularity of the shrine was also growing. It gained significance as a religious spot and people came with the faith of having their problems solved or their infirmities cured by the Baba who had come back from the dead. The Samadhi dedicated to Harbhajan Singh consisted of a three room complex where a bed would be laid out for him and his uniform and boots would be displayed for the visitors. Caretakers of the Samadhi would swear that each morning the bed sheets would be crushed as if someone had slept in the bed the previous night and the carefully polished boots would be soiled and covered with mud. This conundrum only added to the Babas followers, who came in truckloads.
The Indian army realised the importance of Late Sepoy Harbhajan Singh and in honour of his contribution, he was promoted to Honorary Captain. A pay check would be sent home to Kapurthala every month and more interestingly, he would go home on annual leave on September 14 every year.
Soldiers would pack his trunk with basic essentials and ‘Capt Harbhajan’ would be accompanied by two soldiers all the way to Kapurthala by train and brought back after a month the same way. This tradition continued for years until he was retired a few years back.
Following the twisting narrow roads at a steep incline, taxis and cars snake their way to 14000 ft to visit Harbhajan Baba every year. Devout believers from all over Sikkim and Bengal visit the Samadhi bringing the sick and the elderly in the hope of a miracle. They bring bottles of water and take back those lying there. It is believed that water left at the Samadhi over a period of time turns to holy water and is capable of curing ailments. Food is served to the devotees who make the arduous journey by the soldiers looking after the Samadhi.
The Samadhi dedicated to Harbhajan Baba is located amidst a beautiful panorama of high mountains broken in places by gushing waterfalls and dotted by multi-coloured shrubs. En route, one crosses beautiful lakes and hamlets that resemble something out of a picture postcard. One such village is Kyangnosla. The ascent is steep and often takes skilled driving. In order to reach the Samadhi, a detour must be taken along the road that leads to the Sino- Indian border post of Nathula which was opened for trade recently. The Samadhi attracts people from all religions – In its own way, it has promoted a certain secular equanimity in the region – a rare feat in today’s world.
Taxi drivers and soldiers passing through the area generally stop at the Samadhi to pay obeisance to the revered Baba. Not doing so is supposed to bring bad luck. In a society that is dictated by tradition and supported on the pillars of superstition, it is not uncommon to find a legend of this kind. Perhaps the Chinese are just as superstitious as we are because at the monthly flag meetings between the two nations at Nathula, the Chinese set a chair aside for Harbhajan Baba.
And as the red flag bespeckled with stars flaps in the icy wind next to the tricolour, a lone figure perhaps stands and watches- ever alert, ever watchful, ever zealous, and ever protective of his country’s honour. A zeal that has lasted beyond death.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
NE MP Forum Summit in Gangtok “Without peace nothing is possible”: CM
Gangtok: In the Summit of North East Members of Parliament Forum held at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok on February 12, keynote address was delivered by Sikkim Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling.
At the outset he said, “the theme you have chosen for this summit ‘Ushering in people centric progress and development through peace’ is very apt and we welcome it. Without peace nothing is possible”.
He continued: “When the people of Sikkim mandated us to form the government with absolute majority in the 1994 election, the State’s socio-economic condition was in tatters. On the formation of the people’s Government on December 12, 1994, we accepted a tough challenge to regain the status of people as the real masters and the fountainhead of all power in a democratic set up offering myself as the first servant - both in the abstract and the absolute sense of the term. After years of struggle, we have been able to transform the democratic fabric, democratic functioning, values and spirit to guide the collective destiny of Sikkim and its people”.
“After we took over, we sought to remedy the lackluster approach to development and make it vibrant by duly introducing professional and practical approach with special emphasis on designing long-term programs based on our natural resources. As a State rich in natural resources, we identified certain areas as our priority sectors for comprehensive development of the State. They include eco-friendly tourism, hydro-power generation, organic farming, horticulture and floriculture, agro-based industry, hospitality services, small scale clean industry including pharmaceutical units on a sustainable basis. The people of Sikkim are aware that we have made conscious effort in developing these sectors and have made much headway at present. We are now looking at the knowledge sector which will include biotechnology in a major way.
Due to our vision, policy and programs Sikkim has emerged as the State with one of the best livelihood opportunities both within and outside the government establishment, with relatively large scale opportunities in the services sector, private sector, eco-tourism, hydro power generation etc.”
Mr. Vincent Pala, Chairman, North East MP’s Forum in his address said, the region is geographically and historically has a character distinct from other states of the country. This forum is for sustainable development of the region and will unite the people with mainstream. Conservation of forest, clean environment and its preservation to protect our resources ought to be a priority he said. NE is a resourceful area of the country and shall play a lead role in economic integration of South East Asia, he added.
“We have to think how north east can develop as a gateway to South East Asia without compromising with the internal and external security of the country”, Mr. Pala said. He stressed on coordination among the sister states in the region.
Earlier, Lok Sabha Member from Sikkim nd General Secretary, NE MP’s Forum Mr. PD Rai in his welcome address said, Sikkim is doing remarkable work in various fields under the leadership of Dr. Pawan Chamling. North Eastern region has faced terrorism and insurgency for decades and because of this it has lost its pace of development. “This summit will help us to recognize our potential as we are rich in flora and fauna and other resources”, Mr. Rai said. He stressed on peace, development and formulation of a common programme among the states of the region. Mr. Mukut Mithi, also spoke on the occasion.
Gangtok: In the Summit of North East Members of Parliament Forum held at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok on February 12, keynote address was delivered by Sikkim Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling.
At the outset he said, “the theme you have chosen for this summit ‘Ushering in people centric progress and development through peace’ is very apt and we welcome it. Without peace nothing is possible”.
He continued: “When the people of Sikkim mandated us to form the government with absolute majority in the 1994 election, the State’s socio-economic condition was in tatters. On the formation of the people’s Government on December 12, 1994, we accepted a tough challenge to regain the status of people as the real masters and the fountainhead of all power in a democratic set up offering myself as the first servant - both in the abstract and the absolute sense of the term. After years of struggle, we have been able to transform the democratic fabric, democratic functioning, values and spirit to guide the collective destiny of Sikkim and its people”.
“After we took over, we sought to remedy the lackluster approach to development and make it vibrant by duly introducing professional and practical approach with special emphasis on designing long-term programs based on our natural resources. As a State rich in natural resources, we identified certain areas as our priority sectors for comprehensive development of the State. They include eco-friendly tourism, hydro-power generation, organic farming, horticulture and floriculture, agro-based industry, hospitality services, small scale clean industry including pharmaceutical units on a sustainable basis. The people of Sikkim are aware that we have made conscious effort in developing these sectors and have made much headway at present. We are now looking at the knowledge sector which will include biotechnology in a major way.
Due to our vision, policy and programs Sikkim has emerged as the State with one of the best livelihood opportunities both within and outside the government establishment, with relatively large scale opportunities in the services sector, private sector, eco-tourism, hydro power generation etc.”
Mr. Vincent Pala, Chairman, North East MP’s Forum in his address said, the region is geographically and historically has a character distinct from other states of the country. This forum is for sustainable development of the region and will unite the people with mainstream. Conservation of forest, clean environment and its preservation to protect our resources ought to be a priority he said. NE is a resourceful area of the country and shall play a lead role in economic integration of South East Asia, he added.
“We have to think how north east can develop as a gateway to South East Asia without compromising with the internal and external security of the country”, Mr. Pala said. He stressed on coordination among the sister states in the region.
Earlier, Lok Sabha Member from Sikkim nd General Secretary, NE MP’s Forum Mr. PD Rai in his welcome address said, Sikkim is doing remarkable work in various fields under the leadership of Dr. Pawan Chamling. North Eastern region has faced terrorism and insurgency for decades and because of this it has lost its pace of development. “This summit will help us to recognize our potential as we are rich in flora and fauna and other resources”, Mr. Rai said. He stressed on peace, development and formulation of a common programme among the states of the region. Mr. Mukut Mithi, also spoke on the occasion.
SIKKIM-;CM lays foundation stone of 575 bedded Multi Specialty Hospital
Rs 400 Crore Hospital to be ready by 2013
GANGTOK, February 10: Taking forward the Sikkim Government’s policies to improve health care facilities in the State, a new multi-speciality hospital will soon come up in the State to cater to the growing population.
The Chief Minister Pawan Chamling laid the foundation stone of a new 575 bedded Multi Specialty Hospital at Suchakgang Sichey located in the outskirts of the State Capital, today.
The Hospital is part of the expansion plans of the existing government-run Sir Tashi Namgyal Memorial Hospital (STNM) in Gangtok, which was built in 1917.
The new STNM hospital will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 400 Crores and the plinth area of the hospital will be approximately 6 lakhs square feet. The 575-bedded Hospital has provisions for expansion up to 900 beds and is expected to be completed by March, 2013.
The Hospital will have 18 departments which include Forensic and Oncology departments. Special Medical Services such as Emergency Medical and Disaster Management are part of the Hospital infrastructure.
“The focus of the State Government is to establish a fully functional, community owned, decentralised health delivery system with inter sectoral convergence at all levels,” State health Secretary, VP Pathak said. “We have to ensure simultaneous action on a wide range of determinants of health like water, sanitation, education, nutrition, social and gender equality within the fragmented health sector. We have to achieve outcomes on important health determinants and necessary institution infrastructure and human resources measured against Indian Public Health standard for all health facilities,” he said.
“The policy of the State Government aim at sustainable human development by ensuring equity in health care throughout the State. The present STNM Hospital premises have been stretched to its limits. Renewal of health care facilities will create a sustainable health care system in the State,” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister called the occasion as “a historic one” and appealed to the personnel from the health department and doctors to make the hospital “life centric and people friendly” when it gets completed. “Real development is when the benefits reach the people in form of happiness and health, and when government machinery is used in the favour of general public,” he said adding that doctors and specialists should come forward with plans and advices to the government to make this hospital an exemplary one, not only in the North East but in the nation itself.
Mr. Chamling also hoped that the new hospital will also have the facilities like yoga and meditation centre among others.
“My priority is to make the future of the people of Sikkim safe and secure and for
this I will work tirelessly towards my goals,” the CM stressed.
Taking in consideration the overflow of the patients in the OPD department, he said the Government has plans to start evening shift of OPD from 3pm to 5pm especially for treatment of rural people who are left unattended in the morning session, he said.
At the same time, the Chief Minister raised the need for State medical professionals who have been working out of the State to come back and serve the State. He also assured the medical professionals of reviewing the cadre very shortly.
The State Health Minister DN Takarpa in his address informed of starting GNM and ANM training centres at Sabji Mandi with 50 students in each batch. He also informed of constructing 20 bedded trauma centre at present STNM complex until the new hospital gets ready. “21, 600 categorized BPLs in Sikkim will get the health insurance benefits along with other Chief Minister’s Health scheme with free distribution of
hearing aids and spectacles,” Mr. Takarpa added.
Rs 400 Crore Hospital to be ready by 2013
GANGTOK, February 10: Taking forward the Sikkim Government’s policies to improve health care facilities in the State, a new multi-speciality hospital will soon come up in the State to cater to the growing population.
The Chief Minister Pawan Chamling laid the foundation stone of a new 575 bedded Multi Specialty Hospital at Suchakgang Sichey located in the outskirts of the State Capital, today.
The Hospital is part of the expansion plans of the existing government-run Sir Tashi Namgyal Memorial Hospital (STNM) in Gangtok, which was built in 1917.
The new STNM hospital will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 400 Crores and the plinth area of the hospital will be approximately 6 lakhs square feet. The 575-bedded Hospital has provisions for expansion up to 900 beds and is expected to be completed by March, 2013.
The Hospital will have 18 departments which include Forensic and Oncology departments. Special Medical Services such as Emergency Medical and Disaster Management are part of the Hospital infrastructure.
“The focus of the State Government is to establish a fully functional, community owned, decentralised health delivery system with inter sectoral convergence at all levels,” State health Secretary, VP Pathak said. “We have to ensure simultaneous action on a wide range of determinants of health like water, sanitation, education, nutrition, social and gender equality within the fragmented health sector. We have to achieve outcomes on important health determinants and necessary institution infrastructure and human resources measured against Indian Public Health standard for all health facilities,” he said.
“The policy of the State Government aim at sustainable human development by ensuring equity in health care throughout the State. The present STNM Hospital premises have been stretched to its limits. Renewal of health care facilities will create a sustainable health care system in the State,” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister called the occasion as “a historic one” and appealed to the personnel from the health department and doctors to make the hospital “life centric and people friendly” when it gets completed. “Real development is when the benefits reach the people in form of happiness and health, and when government machinery is used in the favour of general public,” he said adding that doctors and specialists should come forward with plans and advices to the government to make this hospital an exemplary one, not only in the North East but in the nation itself.
Mr. Chamling also hoped that the new hospital will also have the facilities like yoga and meditation centre among others.
“My priority is to make the future of the people of Sikkim safe and secure and for
this I will work tirelessly towards my goals,” the CM stressed.
Taking in consideration the overflow of the patients in the OPD department, he said the Government has plans to start evening shift of OPD from 3pm to 5pm especially for treatment of rural people who are left unattended in the morning session, he said.
At the same time, the Chief Minister raised the need for State medical professionals who have been working out of the State to come back and serve the State. He also assured the medical professionals of reviewing the cadre very shortly.
The State Health Minister DN Takarpa in his address informed of starting GNM and ANM training centres at Sabji Mandi with 50 students in each batch. He also informed of constructing 20 bedded trauma centre at present STNM complex until the new hospital gets ready. “21, 600 categorized BPLs in Sikkim will get the health insurance benefits along with other Chief Minister’s Health scheme with free distribution of
hearing aids and spectacles,” Mr. Takarpa added.
NE MPs demand adequate compensation for protecting Himalayan ECOLOGY
GANGTOK, February 12: Asserting that the underdeveloped Northeastern region is shouldering the Himalayan environmental and bio-diversity responsibilities of the country, the Parliamentary members of the region today collectively iterated its demand for adequate compensation from the Union government.
The role of Northeastern region has increased for protecting the nation’s biodiversity and we have been conserving our forests for clean environment and sake of humanity, said Mukut Mithi, chairman of North East MPs’ Forum (NEMPF) in his opening remarks of the one day NEMPF summit here at Gangtok.
“We have already banned the commercial felling of trees from forests but we need to be compensated. This forum will work to demand the Centre for adequate compensation to the region”, said Mithi who is also the Rajya Sabha member from Arunachal Pradesh.
Around 27 MPs from the Northeast region are participating in this one day summit.
In his opening remarks, Mithi said that NEMPF has been formed to influence policy decisions of the Centre in the interests of the Northeast. This is a platform of mutual interests to deliberate in issues which impact or likely to impact the people of Northeast, he said.
Highlighting the importance of Northeast region which is connected with the mainstream India through the narrow strategic ‘Chicken Neck’ zone, Mithi said that the region share five international borders including with China. We are like buffer region and this has to be discussed and suggestions must come from the seminar, he said.
Mithi said that the growth rate of the Northeastern region is lower than the national average because of corruption, insurgency and absence of industries due to extortion. Undeniably peace is the precursor for development and the Centre must talk directly with the insurgent groups for peace in the region, he said. He expressed his hopes that the summit would come up with practical and implemental resolutions and be a milestone in the development of the region.
Minister of State (Water Resources) Vincent Pala said that there should be collective intensive efforts to stop the environmental degradation of the hills of the Northeastern region. There is a need for afforestation through local governments and to improve the hill development, he said.
We need appropriate technologies to bring sustainable development and alternate employment opportunities in the region to reduce pressure on our forests, said Pala.
He said that the region desperately needs sustainable development through creation of jobs, eco industries, clean energy and new technology.
The Minister of State also praised Sikkim government for the rapid progress the State has made over the years. It is imperative that other States should follow the tourism model of Sikkim, he said.
Sikkim Lok Sabha member and also the NEMPF general secretary, PD Rai said that NEMPF is a collective forum of all the MPs from the Northeast cutting across political lines. We would be trying to take out outcome driven agendas for the next four and half years for the development of the region, he said.
GANGTOK, February 12: Asserting that the underdeveloped Northeastern region is shouldering the Himalayan environmental and bio-diversity responsibilities of the country, the Parliamentary members of the region today collectively iterated its demand for adequate compensation from the Union government.
The role of Northeastern region has increased for protecting the nation’s biodiversity and we have been conserving our forests for clean environment and sake of humanity, said Mukut Mithi, chairman of North East MPs’ Forum (NEMPF) in his opening remarks of the one day NEMPF summit here at Gangtok.
“We have already banned the commercial felling of trees from forests but we need to be compensated. This forum will work to demand the Centre for adequate compensation to the region”, said Mithi who is also the Rajya Sabha member from Arunachal Pradesh.
Around 27 MPs from the Northeast region are participating in this one day summit.
In his opening remarks, Mithi said that NEMPF has been formed to influence policy decisions of the Centre in the interests of the Northeast. This is a platform of mutual interests to deliberate in issues which impact or likely to impact the people of Northeast, he said.
Highlighting the importance of Northeast region which is connected with the mainstream India through the narrow strategic ‘Chicken Neck’ zone, Mithi said that the region share five international borders including with China. We are like buffer region and this has to be discussed and suggestions must come from the seminar, he said.
Mithi said that the growth rate of the Northeastern region is lower than the national average because of corruption, insurgency and absence of industries due to extortion. Undeniably peace is the precursor for development and the Centre must talk directly with the insurgent groups for peace in the region, he said. He expressed his hopes that the summit would come up with practical and implemental resolutions and be a milestone in the development of the region.
Minister of State (Water Resources) Vincent Pala said that there should be collective intensive efforts to stop the environmental degradation of the hills of the Northeastern region. There is a need for afforestation through local governments and to improve the hill development, he said.
We need appropriate technologies to bring sustainable development and alternate employment opportunities in the region to reduce pressure on our forests, said Pala.
He said that the region desperately needs sustainable development through creation of jobs, eco industries, clean energy and new technology.
The Minister of State also praised Sikkim government for the rapid progress the State has made over the years. It is imperative that other States should follow the tourism model of Sikkim, he said.
Sikkim Lok Sabha member and also the NEMPF general secretary, PD Rai said that NEMPF is a collective forum of all the MPs from the Northeast cutting across political lines. We would be trying to take out outcome driven agendas for the next four and half years for the development of the region, he said.
SIKKIM;Governor calls upon NEC to look into emulating Sikkim’s plans in other NE States
SE Report
GANGTOK, February 13: Underlining the all round progress made by Sikkim over the years, Governor B.P. Singh has called upon North Eastern Council (NEC) to look into emulating Sikkim’s plans including multi-specialty hospital and capacity building institute with a view to create such facilities in the rest of the North East States.
“These are first of their kind in the region and crucial for proper development. In these two cases, Sikkim’s plan needs to be emulated by NEC with a view to create such facilities in the rest of the northeast states,” Governor Singh said this during the 58th NEC meeting held in Guwahati on February 9.
The annual NEC meeting chaired by the DONER Minister B.K. Handique was attended by several Governors and Chief Ministers of the northeast states.
The Sikkim Governor also informed the members that the State will have its own airport by 2012, rail connectivity by 2015. He said presently NH 31A widening process was taking place and further construction of an alternative road to NH 31A was on the anvil. He also said that internet and telecommunication connectivity to the State was also to be improved in a phased manner. “These connectivity problems needs to be addressed, he said, to initiate any meaningful development process in the region.
He also advocated NEC to invite heads of S.E. Asian countries to come and spend a night in the region with a view to make the look east policy of the government of India both pragmatic and meaningful by attracting investment for the region from the Asian neighbours.
“The NE States was receiving increasing attention of the central government as well as the private sector and therefore he expressed great hope for the future of NEC,” he added.
In his address he said the constitution of NEC marked the beginning of a new chapter in concerted and planned endeavour for rapid development of the northeast region. He added that connectivity in the northeast region has enormously improved than what it was when the Council was established in 1972 and it had brought the people of the region closer to each other. However, he emphasized that a lot more needs to be done to usher in all round socio-economic and cultural development of the region. Towards this end he said NEC must have shared vision for the future.
Further, the Sikkim Governor advised NEC to focus its attention on several crucial issues, particularly in rice production, to accelerate the pace of literacy in places where it is abysmally low and in environment protection.
According to him, per hectare rice production in North Bengal and Brahmaputra valley has slipped several notches as compared to Bangladesh. “While the production in Bangladesh was 37.8 tonnes/hectare, it was 18.3 and 14.6 tonnes/hectare in north Bengal and Brahmaputra valley, respectively,” he said adding that the reason in fall of productivity needs to be probed in greater depth by NEC.
The Governor also raised the urgent need for protection of environment for future generation. “In the quest to maximize income generation natural resources are being over-exploited, leaving nothing for future generation but with adverse impact to the eco-system. This needs urgent attention,” he said.
He was accompanied by the Additional Chief Secretary cum Development Commissioner of the State Planning Department and Secretary, Raj Bhavan.
SE Report
GANGTOK, February 13: Underlining the all round progress made by Sikkim over the years, Governor B.P. Singh has called upon North Eastern Council (NEC) to look into emulating Sikkim’s plans including multi-specialty hospital and capacity building institute with a view to create such facilities in the rest of the North East States.
“These are first of their kind in the region and crucial for proper development. In these two cases, Sikkim’s plan needs to be emulated by NEC with a view to create such facilities in the rest of the northeast states,” Governor Singh said this during the 58th NEC meeting held in Guwahati on February 9.
The annual NEC meeting chaired by the DONER Minister B.K. Handique was attended by several Governors and Chief Ministers of the northeast states.
The Sikkim Governor also informed the members that the State will have its own airport by 2012, rail connectivity by 2015. He said presently NH 31A widening process was taking place and further construction of an alternative road to NH 31A was on the anvil. He also said that internet and telecommunication connectivity to the State was also to be improved in a phased manner. “These connectivity problems needs to be addressed, he said, to initiate any meaningful development process in the region.
He also advocated NEC to invite heads of S.E. Asian countries to come and spend a night in the region with a view to make the look east policy of the government of India both pragmatic and meaningful by attracting investment for the region from the Asian neighbours.
“The NE States was receiving increasing attention of the central government as well as the private sector and therefore he expressed great hope for the future of NEC,” he added.
In his address he said the constitution of NEC marked the beginning of a new chapter in concerted and planned endeavour for rapid development of the northeast region. He added that connectivity in the northeast region has enormously improved than what it was when the Council was established in 1972 and it had brought the people of the region closer to each other. However, he emphasized that a lot more needs to be done to usher in all round socio-economic and cultural development of the region. Towards this end he said NEC must have shared vision for the future.
Further, the Sikkim Governor advised NEC to focus its attention on several crucial issues, particularly in rice production, to accelerate the pace of literacy in places where it is abysmally low and in environment protection.
According to him, per hectare rice production in North Bengal and Brahmaputra valley has slipped several notches as compared to Bangladesh. “While the production in Bangladesh was 37.8 tonnes/hectare, it was 18.3 and 14.6 tonnes/hectare in north Bengal and Brahmaputra valley, respectively,” he said adding that the reason in fall of productivity needs to be probed in greater depth by NEC.
The Governor also raised the urgent need for protection of environment for future generation. “In the quest to maximize income generation natural resources are being over-exploited, leaving nothing for future generation but with adverse impact to the eco-system. This needs urgent attention,” he said.
He was accompanied by the Additional Chief Secretary cum Development Commissioner of the State Planning Department and Secretary, Raj Bhavan.
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