Central team to visit Sikkim on Nov 7
GANGTOK, October 27: A high-level team of central officials led by Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrashekhar will visit Sikkim on November 7 to review progress in the infrastructure development works in the state.
Chandrashekhar, along with the secretaries of various departments and other representatives will hold meeting with Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling to enquire the progress in the works on a highway between Bagdogra in north Bengal to Gangtok, feasibility of an alternative high way for better connectivity to the border state and the upcoming greenfield airport at Pakyong in Sikkim's East district, official sources said.
The status of the implementation of various central flagship programmes such as NREG, PMGSY, JNURM and NHRM in the state would also come for review during the visit of the central officials.
The officials will also discuss various issues with Governor B P Singh and state government officials, the sources said. (PTI)
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
SMIT ORGANISING WORKSHOP ON EXPORT 3 TO 5 NOV 2008 AT RANGPO
Shri S.K.Sarda,
SMIT is organising a 3day workshop on the above subject in collaboration with Indian Institute of Foreign Trade from Nov 3 to Nov 5,2008.As the w/shop is directed to tap/promote export potential of Sikkim ,it becomes imperative that entrepreneurs fm Sikkim should be part of this w/shop to not only to listen to the expert views but also to highlight any problems faced by them.
With this in mind we thought of using your good offices for knowing and contacting the entrepreneursand also to persuade them to be part of this w/shop.The participation fee is anominal sum of Rs,500/per candidate .
I am sure ,sir,that you would provide us with your support inthis venture.
Wishing you a Happy Deepawali!
Manjit Singh
Reader, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology
Majitar, Rangpo, East Sikkim.
SMIT is organising a 3day workshop on the above subject in collaboration with Indian Institute of Foreign Trade from Nov 3 to Nov 5,2008.As the w/shop is directed to tap/promote export potential of Sikkim ,it becomes imperative that entrepreneurs fm Sikkim should be part of this w/shop to not only to listen to the expert views but also to highlight any problems faced by them.
With this in mind we thought of using your good offices for knowing and contacting the entrepreneursand also to persuade them to be part of this w/shop.The participation fee is anominal sum of Rs,500/per candidate .
I am sure ,sir,that you would provide us with your support inthis venture.
Wishing you a Happy Deepawali!
Manjit Singh
Reader, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology
Majitar, Rangpo, East Sikkim.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
PM ON FAILURE OF WORLD ECONOMIC ORDER
Remarks by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on International Financial Crisis at the ASEM Summit at Beijing
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10:29 IST
Following is the text of the remarks by the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh at the ASEM Summit at Beijing yesterday:
The international financial crisis has resulted from three failures:
(a) A regulatory and supervisory failure in major developed countries;
(b) A failure in risk management in private financial institutions;
(c) A failure in market discipline mechanism
These are not my views but those of the distinguished Managing Director of the IMF, with which I agree.
We must analyse objectively how and why these failures have occurred with such ferocity. This is necessary to put in place a new set of rules which will prevent reoccurrence of such failures.
The sad truth is that in this age of globalisation we have a global economy of sorts but it is not supported by a global polity to provide effective governance.
The resulting crisis of liquidity, accumulation of bad assets, shortage of capital and collapse of confidence threatens to spill over into the real economy by way of reduced demand for goods and services particularly exports, reduced access to trade and suppliers credits superimposed on other crises – food and fuel price rises that have strained budgets and balance of payments leading to rising inflation and living costs in many developing countries.
The President of the World Bank has identified at least 30 developing countries whose balance of payments will experience a severe deterioration in the wake of this financial crisis.
The immediate task is to declog the credit markets the world over. Coordinated global action is essential to restore a measure of confidence in the credit markets.
From the standpoint of developing countries, international financial institutions, particularly the IMF and World Bank, need to put in place exogenous shock facilities to provide assistance to the affected countries more quickly and in larger amounts with less service conditionalities and greater flexibility.
Countries with strong foreign exchange positions could make additional resources available to the international financial institutions on appropriate terms to finance their operations.
As a counter cyclical device, increased infrastructure investments in developing countries, if backed by increased resources flows from multilateral financial institutions such as the IBRD and Regional Development Banks, can act as a powerful stabilizer.
The IMF should revisit the potentially powerful instrument of creating liquidity through fresh allocation of Special Drawing Rights in favour of multilateral development finance institutions.
The reform and reconstruction of the financial system has to be a collective international effort since borders no longer confine financial institutions or can keep out financial turmoil. Given the growth in cross-border investment, trade and banking in the last three decades, the world must ponder over the need for a global monitoring authority to promote global supervision and cooperation in the increasingly integrated world in which we live.
In devising a reform agenda, one must bear the wise saying of John Maynard Keynes regarding the economically damaging role of excessive speculative activity. To quote Keynes :
“Speculators may do no harm as bubbles on a steady stream of enterprise. But the position is serious when enterprise becomes the bubble on a whirlpool of speculation. When the capital development of a country becomes a byproduct of the activities of a casino, the job is likely to be ill-done"
Clearly, there has been a massive failure of regulatory and supervisory powers. Speculators have had a free run for far too long a period. International institutions like the IMF have also not covered themselves with glory. There has been an unacceptable failure of effective multilateral supervision of major developed economies and in particular of what has been going on in their financial markets.
India’s banking system is sound and well capitalized. It is not exposed to the type of assets which have given rise to this crisis. Our real economy will grow at the rate of 7 to 7.5 percent this year despite the global slowdown of export demand and capital inflows. We have injected fresh liquidity in the system.
We realize that we cannot remain totally unaffected when the global economy and financial system are in deep trouble. Our stock markets and the exchange rate of the rupee are under pressure due to capital outflow of foreign institutional investors. Sooner or later, the real economy is bound to experience the pain.
We are therefore sincere in our desire to cooperate and coordinate our actions with the world community to find effective and pragmatic solutions to the formidable challenges the world economy is now faced with.”
****
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10:29 IST
Following is the text of the remarks by the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh at the ASEM Summit at Beijing yesterday:
The international financial crisis has resulted from three failures:
(a) A regulatory and supervisory failure in major developed countries;
(b) A failure in risk management in private financial institutions;
(c) A failure in market discipline mechanism
These are not my views but those of the distinguished Managing Director of the IMF, with which I agree.
We must analyse objectively how and why these failures have occurred with such ferocity. This is necessary to put in place a new set of rules which will prevent reoccurrence of such failures.
The sad truth is that in this age of globalisation we have a global economy of sorts but it is not supported by a global polity to provide effective governance.
The resulting crisis of liquidity, accumulation of bad assets, shortage of capital and collapse of confidence threatens to spill over into the real economy by way of reduced demand for goods and services particularly exports, reduced access to trade and suppliers credits superimposed on other crises – food and fuel price rises that have strained budgets and balance of payments leading to rising inflation and living costs in many developing countries.
The President of the World Bank has identified at least 30 developing countries whose balance of payments will experience a severe deterioration in the wake of this financial crisis.
The immediate task is to declog the credit markets the world over. Coordinated global action is essential to restore a measure of confidence in the credit markets.
From the standpoint of developing countries, international financial institutions, particularly the IMF and World Bank, need to put in place exogenous shock facilities to provide assistance to the affected countries more quickly and in larger amounts with less service conditionalities and greater flexibility.
Countries with strong foreign exchange positions could make additional resources available to the international financial institutions on appropriate terms to finance their operations.
As a counter cyclical device, increased infrastructure investments in developing countries, if backed by increased resources flows from multilateral financial institutions such as the IBRD and Regional Development Banks, can act as a powerful stabilizer.
The IMF should revisit the potentially powerful instrument of creating liquidity through fresh allocation of Special Drawing Rights in favour of multilateral development finance institutions.
The reform and reconstruction of the financial system has to be a collective international effort since borders no longer confine financial institutions or can keep out financial turmoil. Given the growth in cross-border investment, trade and banking in the last three decades, the world must ponder over the need for a global monitoring authority to promote global supervision and cooperation in the increasingly integrated world in which we live.
In devising a reform agenda, one must bear the wise saying of John Maynard Keynes regarding the economically damaging role of excessive speculative activity. To quote Keynes :
“Speculators may do no harm as bubbles on a steady stream of enterprise. But the position is serious when enterprise becomes the bubble on a whirlpool of speculation. When the capital development of a country becomes a byproduct of the activities of a casino, the job is likely to be ill-done"
Clearly, there has been a massive failure of regulatory and supervisory powers. Speculators have had a free run for far too long a period. International institutions like the IMF have also not covered themselves with glory. There has been an unacceptable failure of effective multilateral supervision of major developed economies and in particular of what has been going on in their financial markets.
India’s banking system is sound and well capitalized. It is not exposed to the type of assets which have given rise to this crisis. Our real economy will grow at the rate of 7 to 7.5 percent this year despite the global slowdown of export demand and capital inflows. We have injected fresh liquidity in the system.
We realize that we cannot remain totally unaffected when the global economy and financial system are in deep trouble. Our stock markets and the exchange rate of the rupee are under pressure due to capital outflow of foreign institutional investors. Sooner or later, the real economy is bound to experience the pain.
We are therefore sincere in our desire to cooperate and coordinate our actions with the world community to find effective and pragmatic solutions to the formidable challenges the world economy is now faced with.”
****
PM ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
PM’s STATEMENT ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24 Oct 2008,Beizing 11:55 IST
Following is the text of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s statement on Sustainable Development in Beijing today:
“Sustainable development is among the biggest challenges of our times. However, a lot of cooperative work is needed to transform it from a mere buzz word to an operational strategy for development.
We know that Asia is home to the largest concentration of the world’s poor. Poverty eradication at this scale requires a collaborative global effort to promote development and in particular to create job opportunities. If we fail, we will continue to live in a world of instability and conflict.
The development strategies that we adopt have to result in a fair, equitable and balanced distribution of the economic dividend. At the same time, it must also preserve and protect the environment. Only then can we make faster progress in meeting the Millennium Development Goals.
We therefore need to put in place a global action plan to promote both food and energy security for managing the challenges of both accelerated growth and its environmental sustainability.
Unfortunately, the international community has not lived up to its commitments for technology transfer and additional financing since the Rio Conference. We should pursue innovative mechanisms for raising finance for development and creating a favourable IPR regime.
Climate change threatens our environment and our development. A holistic approach is needed to tackle this problem. We cannot do so by perpetuating the poverty of the developing countries, or by preventing their industrialization. The challenge ahead is to put in place development strategies which improve living standards, create opportunities for job creation and are also environment friendly.
Thus, common but differentiated responsibility should be the cardinal principle of negotiations to find practical and pragmatic solutions within the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Progress on the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol has been slow. Emissions of developed countries have actually increased by 2.6 % from 2000 to 2005. We should call upon our European partners to do more in this regard. The developing world is committed to doing its share.
I believe that the principle of convergence of per-capita emissions of developing countries with advanced developed countries is catching the imagination of the international community. We should recognize that each citizen of the world has equal entitlement to the global atmospheric space.
Our dependence on fossil fuels is a cause of many problems. Greater effort is needed to promote clean and renewable sources of energy, including nuclear energy.
The world therefore needs a new compact to increase efficiency in the use of available energy resources.
Without peace there can be no sustainable development. Terrorism, extremism, and intolerance threaten our social cohesion.
We need to continuously strengthen international cooperation to combat terrorism. We must bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of terrorism to justice.
Finally, globalization, if it is to succeed, must be fair and benefit the whole of humanity. Development has to be inclusive. It must reduce disparities of income and wealth. It should create ever widening circles of stake-holders. It should respect pluralism and diversity.
Asia is growing rapidly and has proven capabilities as a provider of goods, services and knowledge. Europeans are world leaders in the scientific, technological and financial areas. We have therefore much to learn from each other. We seek on this historic occasion a meeting of minds and of these complementarities to bring both stability and prosperity to our two continents and to the world at large.”
SOURCE:PIB****
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24 Oct 2008,Beizing 11:55 IST
Following is the text of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s statement on Sustainable Development in Beijing today:
“Sustainable development is among the biggest challenges of our times. However, a lot of cooperative work is needed to transform it from a mere buzz word to an operational strategy for development.
We know that Asia is home to the largest concentration of the world’s poor. Poverty eradication at this scale requires a collaborative global effort to promote development and in particular to create job opportunities. If we fail, we will continue to live in a world of instability and conflict.
The development strategies that we adopt have to result in a fair, equitable and balanced distribution of the economic dividend. At the same time, it must also preserve and protect the environment. Only then can we make faster progress in meeting the Millennium Development Goals.
We therefore need to put in place a global action plan to promote both food and energy security for managing the challenges of both accelerated growth and its environmental sustainability.
Unfortunately, the international community has not lived up to its commitments for technology transfer and additional financing since the Rio Conference. We should pursue innovative mechanisms for raising finance for development and creating a favourable IPR regime.
Climate change threatens our environment and our development. A holistic approach is needed to tackle this problem. We cannot do so by perpetuating the poverty of the developing countries, or by preventing their industrialization. The challenge ahead is to put in place development strategies which improve living standards, create opportunities for job creation and are also environment friendly.
Thus, common but differentiated responsibility should be the cardinal principle of negotiations to find practical and pragmatic solutions within the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Progress on the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol has been slow. Emissions of developed countries have actually increased by 2.6 % from 2000 to 2005. We should call upon our European partners to do more in this regard. The developing world is committed to doing its share.
I believe that the principle of convergence of per-capita emissions of developing countries with advanced developed countries is catching the imagination of the international community. We should recognize that each citizen of the world has equal entitlement to the global atmospheric space.
Our dependence on fossil fuels is a cause of many problems. Greater effort is needed to promote clean and renewable sources of energy, including nuclear energy.
The world therefore needs a new compact to increase efficiency in the use of available energy resources.
Without peace there can be no sustainable development. Terrorism, extremism, and intolerance threaten our social cohesion.
We need to continuously strengthen international cooperation to combat terrorism. We must bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of terrorism to justice.
Finally, globalization, if it is to succeed, must be fair and benefit the whole of humanity. Development has to be inclusive. It must reduce disparities of income and wealth. It should create ever widening circles of stake-holders. It should respect pluralism and diversity.
Asia is growing rapidly and has proven capabilities as a provider of goods, services and knowledge. Europeans are world leaders in the scientific, technological and financial areas. We have therefore much to learn from each other. We seek on this historic occasion a meeting of minds and of these complementarities to bring both stability and prosperity to our two continents and to the world at large.”
SOURCE:PIB****
Friday, October 24, 2008
LIMIITED LIABILITY PARNETSHIP BILL PASSED BY PARLIAMENT
Limited Liability Partnership Bill, 2008 passed by Rajya Sabha
ALL SIDES SUPPORT THE BILL
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Delhi 24.10.2008
15:0 IST
Rajya Sabha has passed the Limited Liability Partnership Bill, 2008. Minister of Corporate Affairs, Shri Prem Chand Gupta today presented the Bill for consideration and passage by the House. All members supported it, thereby giving it the nod of the Rajya Sabha. The Bill provides for the formation and regulation of limited liability partnerships and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) as proposed in the Bill, 2008 is a new corporate form that enables professional expertise and entrepreneurial initiative to combine, organize and operate in an innovative and efficient manner. In India, this need has long been recognised for businesses which may require a framework that provides flexibility suited to requirements of service, knowledge and technology based enterprises.
Services sector is playing a major role in the national economy and there is a growing diversity in the range of services being offered. The services sector would also find this form very useful.The advantage of the LLP form would be that it will not impose detailed legal and procedural requirements intended for large widely held companies on such enterprises. In this way it will also be useful for small enterprises.
The need for LLP legislation has been recognized for a very long time. Various committees and Expert Groups have, from time to time, recommended introduction of LLP legislation in India. In the last decade itself, Abid Hussain Committee (1997) had recommended this legislation in the context of SSIs. The Naresh Chandra Committee on Regulation of Private Companies and Partnerships (2003) and Dr. Irani Committee on New Company Law (2005) had also made recommendations for a separate LLP Legislation.
However, it is the recent initiative of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs that has enabled this legislation to be finalized and tabled in the Parliament.
Government had earlier introduced the Limited Liability Partnership Bill, 2006 in the Rajya Sabha on 15th December, 2006. It was later referred to the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance for examination and report. The Committee submitted its recommendations in its report to both Houses of Parliament on 27th November, 2007. The present Bill, 2008 has taken in view the recommendations made by the Standing Committee and other relevant inputs.
The salient features of the LLP Bill, 2008 are as follows:
(i) The LLP will be an alternative corporate business vehicle that would give the benefits of limited liability but would allow its members the flexibility of organizing their internal structure as a partnership based on an agreement.
(ii) The Bill does not restrict the benefit of LLP structure to certain classes of professionals only and would be available for use by any enterprise which fulfills the requirements of the Act.
(iii) While the LLP will be a separate legal entity, liable to the full extent of its assets, the liability of the partners would be limited to their agreed contribution in the LLP. Further, no partner would be liable on account of the independent or un-authorized actions of other partners, thus allowing individual partners to be shielded from joint liability created by another partner’s wrongful business decisions or misconduct.
(iv) LLP shall be a body corporate and a legal entity separate from its partners. It will have perpetual succession. Indian Partnership Act, 1932 shall not be applicable to LLPs. Since LLP shall be in the form of a body corporate, it is also proposed that the relevant provisions of the Companies Act, 1956 may be made applicable to LLPs at any time in the future by Notification by Central Government, with such changes or modifications as appropriate.
(v) An LLP shall be under obligation to maintain annual accounts reflecting true and fair view of its state of affairs. Since tax matters of all entities in India are addressed in the Income Tax Act, 1961, the taxation of LLPs shall be addressed in that Act.
(vi) Provisions have been made in the Bill for corporate actions like mergers, amalgamations etc.
(vii) While enabling provisions in respect of winding up and dissolutions of LLPs have been made in the Bill, detailed provisions in this regard would be provided by way of rules under the Act.
------------
sOURCE:pib)
ALL SIDES SUPPORT THE BILL
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Delhi 24.10.2008
15:0 IST
Rajya Sabha has passed the Limited Liability Partnership Bill, 2008. Minister of Corporate Affairs, Shri Prem Chand Gupta today presented the Bill for consideration and passage by the House. All members supported it, thereby giving it the nod of the Rajya Sabha. The Bill provides for the formation and regulation of limited liability partnerships and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) as proposed in the Bill, 2008 is a new corporate form that enables professional expertise and entrepreneurial initiative to combine, organize and operate in an innovative and efficient manner. In India, this need has long been recognised for businesses which may require a framework that provides flexibility suited to requirements of service, knowledge and technology based enterprises.
Services sector is playing a major role in the national economy and there is a growing diversity in the range of services being offered. The services sector would also find this form very useful.The advantage of the LLP form would be that it will not impose detailed legal and procedural requirements intended for large widely held companies on such enterprises. In this way it will also be useful for small enterprises.
The need for LLP legislation has been recognized for a very long time. Various committees and Expert Groups have, from time to time, recommended introduction of LLP legislation in India. In the last decade itself, Abid Hussain Committee (1997) had recommended this legislation in the context of SSIs. The Naresh Chandra Committee on Regulation of Private Companies and Partnerships (2003) and Dr. Irani Committee on New Company Law (2005) had also made recommendations for a separate LLP Legislation.
However, it is the recent initiative of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs that has enabled this legislation to be finalized and tabled in the Parliament.
Government had earlier introduced the Limited Liability Partnership Bill, 2006 in the Rajya Sabha on 15th December, 2006. It was later referred to the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance for examination and report. The Committee submitted its recommendations in its report to both Houses of Parliament on 27th November, 2007. The present Bill, 2008 has taken in view the recommendations made by the Standing Committee and other relevant inputs.
The salient features of the LLP Bill, 2008 are as follows:
(i) The LLP will be an alternative corporate business vehicle that would give the benefits of limited liability but would allow its members the flexibility of organizing their internal structure as a partnership based on an agreement.
(ii) The Bill does not restrict the benefit of LLP structure to certain classes of professionals only and would be available for use by any enterprise which fulfills the requirements of the Act.
(iii) While the LLP will be a separate legal entity, liable to the full extent of its assets, the liability of the partners would be limited to their agreed contribution in the LLP. Further, no partner would be liable on account of the independent or un-authorized actions of other partners, thus allowing individual partners to be shielded from joint liability created by another partner’s wrongful business decisions or misconduct.
(iv) LLP shall be a body corporate and a legal entity separate from its partners. It will have perpetual succession. Indian Partnership Act, 1932 shall not be applicable to LLPs. Since LLP shall be in the form of a body corporate, it is also proposed that the relevant provisions of the Companies Act, 1956 may be made applicable to LLPs at any time in the future by Notification by Central Government, with such changes or modifications as appropriate.
(v) An LLP shall be under obligation to maintain annual accounts reflecting true and fair view of its state of affairs. Since tax matters of all entities in India are addressed in the Income Tax Act, 1961, the taxation of LLPs shall be addressed in that Act.
(vi) Provisions have been made in the Bill for corporate actions like mergers, amalgamations etc.
(vii) While enabling provisions in respect of winding up and dissolutions of LLPs have been made in the Bill, detailed provisions in this regard would be provided by way of rules under the Act.
------------
sOURCE:pib)
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
ABOUT SIKKIM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Sikkim Chamber of Commerce is the rallying point for free enterprises in Sikkim. It is empowering Sikkim businesses in the changing times.
It was founded by some 200 founder members in the year 1962. Besides, all the trade associations and local chambers of businesses nominate two representatives each to the Executive body. Currently it is represented by trade associations in textile, chemist, hardware, electrical, motor parts and other businesses in Sikkim.
It is continuously taking up issues on up gradation and improvement of Indo-China border trade at Nathu la with various national and local agencies.
SCC shares the vision and speaks for Sikkim businesses directly and indirectly for over 3500 business units. It has membership of enterprises drawn from medium, small and tiny segments of manufacturing, trade and services. SCC maintains the lead as the proactive business solution provider through interactions at the highest political and commercial level within the State and at Centre.
Set up in 1962, on the advice of then Chogyal (King) of Sikkim, SCC is the oldest business organization of Sikkim businesses. It is registered with the Government of Sikkim.
In the knowledge-driven globalize economy, SCC stands for quality, competitiveness, transparency, accountability and business-government-civil society partnership to spread ethics-based business practices and to enhance the quality of life of the common people
SCC has always stood behind the nation in the hour of crisis. It has liberally aided in the recent Bihar Floods and also in Kargil War. It is committed to free enterprise and competition which is the key to enhance the quality of life of the people and to build a new, dynamic and vibrant Sikkim.
SCC acts as a bridge between the business enterprise however small or big and the Government for meaningful business and revenue in the State and is often consulted by the State Government on all developmental issues like ecology, urban development, infrastructure and planning.
Contact:
Shri S.K.Sarda, President
Shri Suresh Agarwal General Secretary
SIKKIM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Mahatma Gandhi Road
Gangtok, Sikkim 737101
Phone: 03592-203594
E-mail: sikkimchamberofcommerce@yahoo.com
It was founded by some 200 founder members in the year 1962. Besides, all the trade associations and local chambers of businesses nominate two representatives each to the Executive body. Currently it is represented by trade associations in textile, chemist, hardware, electrical, motor parts and other businesses in Sikkim.
It is continuously taking up issues on up gradation and improvement of Indo-China border trade at Nathu la with various national and local agencies.
SCC shares the vision and speaks for Sikkim businesses directly and indirectly for over 3500 business units. It has membership of enterprises drawn from medium, small and tiny segments of manufacturing, trade and services. SCC maintains the lead as the proactive business solution provider through interactions at the highest political and commercial level within the State and at Centre.
Set up in 1962, on the advice of then Chogyal (King) of Sikkim, SCC is the oldest business organization of Sikkim businesses. It is registered with the Government of Sikkim.
In the knowledge-driven globalize economy, SCC stands for quality, competitiveness, transparency, accountability and business-government-civil society partnership to spread ethics-based business practices and to enhance the quality of life of the common people
SCC has always stood behind the nation in the hour of crisis. It has liberally aided in the recent Bihar Floods and also in Kargil War. It is committed to free enterprise and competition which is the key to enhance the quality of life of the people and to build a new, dynamic and vibrant Sikkim.
SCC acts as a bridge between the business enterprise however small or big and the Government for meaningful business and revenue in the State and is often consulted by the State Government on all developmental issues like ecology, urban development, infrastructure and planning.
Contact:
Shri S.K.Sarda, President
Shri Suresh Agarwal General Secretary
SIKKIM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Mahatma Gandhi Road
Gangtok, Sikkim 737101
Phone: 03592-203594
E-mail: sikkimchamberofcommerce@yahoo.com
Monday, October 20, 2008
DEPOSITS IN INDIAN BANK SAFE-PM IN LOK SABHA
DEPOSITS IN OUR BANKS ENTIRELY SAFE: PM
A NUMBER OF STEPS TAKEN TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEMS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
nEW dELHI 20.10.2008
17:19 IST
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has assured the depositors that their deposits in our banks is entirely safe. Making a suo motu statement in the Lok Sabha today, he said that the Indian banking system is not directly exposed to the sub-prime mortgage assets. “Their exposure to other problem assets is also minimal. Our banks, both in the public sector and in the private sector, are financially sound, well capitalised and well regulated. There should be no fear of a failure of any bank. In particular, I wish to assure depositors in our banks that their deposits are entirely safe,” the Prime minister added.
Dr. Singh further said that as a result of a number of steps taken to address the problems in India, the liquidity position in the financial system has improved considerably. He added that the Government has arranged to provide, in advance, a sum of Rs.25,000 crore to the Banking System under the Debt Waiver and Debt Relief Scheme. The limit of investment by Foreign Institutional Investors in corporate bonds was increased from US$3 billion to US$6 billion. The Prime Minister also informed the House that suitable advisories have been issued by the RBI and the Ministry of Finance to the banks to ensure that borrowers are provided adequate credit, including export credit and working capital. “Banks must also provide adequate funds in the form of investment or credit to mutual funds and NBFCs who, in turn, lend to industry, trade and business”, he added.
Following is the text of the suo motu statement made by the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh in the Lok Sabha on the ongoing global financial crisis and its impact on India”
“I wish to make a statement on the ongoing global financial crisis and its impact on India . Honourable Members are aware that this crisis had its origins in the United States and spread quickly to Europe. While the crisis began in the housing mortgage market, it soon extended to the money market and the credit market. As a result, several financial institutions were pushed to the brink of insolvency. The US and some other developed countries have bailed out a number of financial institutions and banks. They have also taken a number of unconventional steps to infuse liquidity, recapitalize the banks and unfreeze the credit market.
The financial storm has shaken confidence in the system and precipitated a steep decline in stock markets.
It has produced a sharp slowdown in economic activity, with the prospect of a prolonged recession in industrialised countries. Many observers have described this as the worst crisis since the Great Depression of 1930s.
India, like other developing countries, is experiencing the ripple effects of the financial crisis. However, we have taken a number of steps to minimise the impact.
Our first concern was to ensure the stability of our banking system. I am happy to inform the House that the Indian banking system is not directly exposed to the sub-prime mortgage assets. Their exposure to other problem assets is also minimal. Our banks, both in the public sector and in the private sector, are financially sound, well capitalised and well regulated. There should be no fear of a failure of any bank. In particular, I wish to assure depositors in our banks that their deposits are entirely safe.
Although our banks are safe, and they are also providing credit in line with anticipated credit targets, the global turmoil has led to a contraction in other forms of commercial credit. External commercial borrowings, which are used by the corporate sector have dried up, as have international suppliers credits. This has led to a reduction in overall credit availability in the economy even though credit from commercial banks has expanded satisfactorily. This contraction produced a liquidity crisis in the system.
We have taken a number of steps to address this problem. Between July 6, 2008 to October 15, 2008, the RBI cut the Cash Reserve Ratio by a total of 250 basis points. The SLR requirements were relaxed initially by 1 percentage point and subsequently an additional window of 0.5 percentage points was introduced specifically to enable banks to draw funds to provide liquidity to mutual funds.
As a result of these steps, the liquidity position in the financial system has improved considerably. The call money rate today is around 6.8 per cent.
Government also arranged to provide, in advance, a sum of Rs.25,000 crore to the banking system under the Debt Waiver and Debt Relief Scheme. The limit of investment by Foreign Institutional Investors in corporate bonds was increased from US$3 billion to US$6 billion.
Earlier today, the RBI announced a 100 basis points cut in the repo rate which is the rate at which banks can borrow against surplus SLR securities. Government welcomes this decision. It will have a beneficial effect on the interest rate structure and, in combination with the other steps to increase liquidity, will help to support economic activity and investment. It is broadly consistent with our objective to control inflation which has already begun to moderate.
I am happy to inform Honourable Members that the Wholesale Price Index has declined in the last three weeks and, although the current rate is still high, the movement in the level of prices shows a clear deceleration in the current momentum of inflation. We expect a further reduction in the Wholesale Price Index in the next two months.
The Government is conscious of the fact that it is not enough to infuse liquidity. The liquidity must translate into expanded flow of credit to industry, trade and business. Suitable advisories have been issued by the RBI and the Ministry of Finance to the banks to ensure that borrowers are provided adequate credit, including export credit and working capital. Banks must also provide adequate funds in the form of investment or credit to mutual funds and NBFCs who, in turn, lend to industry, trade and business. These institutions are an important part of the larger financial system and banks are being encouraged to provide liquidity to ensure that there is no disruption in economic activity.
Both RBI and Government are carefully monitoring the flow of credit and will ensure that the additional liquidity infused into the system translates into actual credit. We will not hesitate to do more if needed. While the capital adequacy ratios of all our banks are well above the Basel norm and above the RBI stipulated norm, Government has promised that it will help banks, which have lower ratios, to access funds to increase their Capital Risk Weighted Asset Ratio to 12 per cent.
The financial crisis and the economic slowdown in the developed countries is likely to have an indirect impact on the Indian economy. Fortunately, this effect will be on an underlying strong performance. GDP growth in the first quarter of 2008-09 was 7.9%. During April-August, 2008, exports increased, in dollar terms by 35.1 per cent. Foreign Direct Investment, during this period was US$14.8 billion. Gross tax revenues are on target.
The CMIE database shows that a huge amount of money towards capital expenditure is in the pipeline.
Nevertheless, we must be prepared for a temporary slowdown in the Indian economy. The precise impact is difficult to estimate at this point since the depth and duration of the global slowdown remain uncertain. Some estimates project GDP growth to decelerate to 7.5 per cent in the current year. The most pessimistic estimates place it at no less than 7 per cent. Our effort will be to minimise the negative effect of the financial crisis and, once the global situation stabilises, to return to the growth trajectory of 9 per cent. I would urge Honourable Members and the people of India to continue to repose faith in the fundamentals of the Indian economy.
Honourable Members will recall that, in anticipation of a slowdown, we had stepped up public expenditure in the Budget presented on February 29, 2008. Our expenditure proposals were criticised at the time in some quarters, but I am happy to note that it is now widely acknowledged that increased public expenditure is an important part of the solution. Our expenditure on education, health, NREGP, NRHM, AIBP, JNNURM and other programmes will, I believe, stand us in good stead in these difficult times. Besides, the debt waiver and debt relief amounting to Rs.65,000 crore to 3,60,00,000 farmers will also greatly benefit our farmers and enthuse them to increase production.
India has faced challenges in the past and has overcome them. We have the strength to overcome the current challenges too. In fact, it is when India is challenged that the Indian people rise to the occasion and convert the challenge into an opportunity. There is no place for fear. This is the time for unity of purpose and resolute action.
I seek the support of all sections of this House to the measures taken by Government and the authorities.”
( SOURCE: pib)
A NUMBER OF STEPS TAKEN TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEMS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
nEW dELHI 20.10.2008
17:19 IST
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has assured the depositors that their deposits in our banks is entirely safe. Making a suo motu statement in the Lok Sabha today, he said that the Indian banking system is not directly exposed to the sub-prime mortgage assets. “Their exposure to other problem assets is also minimal. Our banks, both in the public sector and in the private sector, are financially sound, well capitalised and well regulated. There should be no fear of a failure of any bank. In particular, I wish to assure depositors in our banks that their deposits are entirely safe,” the Prime minister added.
Dr. Singh further said that as a result of a number of steps taken to address the problems in India, the liquidity position in the financial system has improved considerably. He added that the Government has arranged to provide, in advance, a sum of Rs.25,000 crore to the Banking System under the Debt Waiver and Debt Relief Scheme. The limit of investment by Foreign Institutional Investors in corporate bonds was increased from US$3 billion to US$6 billion. The Prime Minister also informed the House that suitable advisories have been issued by the RBI and the Ministry of Finance to the banks to ensure that borrowers are provided adequate credit, including export credit and working capital. “Banks must also provide adequate funds in the form of investment or credit to mutual funds and NBFCs who, in turn, lend to industry, trade and business”, he added.
Following is the text of the suo motu statement made by the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh in the Lok Sabha on the ongoing global financial crisis and its impact on India”
“I wish to make a statement on the ongoing global financial crisis and its impact on India . Honourable Members are aware that this crisis had its origins in the United States and spread quickly to Europe. While the crisis began in the housing mortgage market, it soon extended to the money market and the credit market. As a result, several financial institutions were pushed to the brink of insolvency. The US and some other developed countries have bailed out a number of financial institutions and banks. They have also taken a number of unconventional steps to infuse liquidity, recapitalize the banks and unfreeze the credit market.
The financial storm has shaken confidence in the system and precipitated a steep decline in stock markets.
It has produced a sharp slowdown in economic activity, with the prospect of a prolonged recession in industrialised countries. Many observers have described this as the worst crisis since the Great Depression of 1930s.
India, like other developing countries, is experiencing the ripple effects of the financial crisis. However, we have taken a number of steps to minimise the impact.
Our first concern was to ensure the stability of our banking system. I am happy to inform the House that the Indian banking system is not directly exposed to the sub-prime mortgage assets. Their exposure to other problem assets is also minimal. Our banks, both in the public sector and in the private sector, are financially sound, well capitalised and well regulated. There should be no fear of a failure of any bank. In particular, I wish to assure depositors in our banks that their deposits are entirely safe.
Although our banks are safe, and they are also providing credit in line with anticipated credit targets, the global turmoil has led to a contraction in other forms of commercial credit. External commercial borrowings, which are used by the corporate sector have dried up, as have international suppliers credits. This has led to a reduction in overall credit availability in the economy even though credit from commercial banks has expanded satisfactorily. This contraction produced a liquidity crisis in the system.
We have taken a number of steps to address this problem. Between July 6, 2008 to October 15, 2008, the RBI cut the Cash Reserve Ratio by a total of 250 basis points. The SLR requirements were relaxed initially by 1 percentage point and subsequently an additional window of 0.5 percentage points was introduced specifically to enable banks to draw funds to provide liquidity to mutual funds.
As a result of these steps, the liquidity position in the financial system has improved considerably. The call money rate today is around 6.8 per cent.
Government also arranged to provide, in advance, a sum of Rs.25,000 crore to the banking system under the Debt Waiver and Debt Relief Scheme. The limit of investment by Foreign Institutional Investors in corporate bonds was increased from US$3 billion to US$6 billion.
Earlier today, the RBI announced a 100 basis points cut in the repo rate which is the rate at which banks can borrow against surplus SLR securities. Government welcomes this decision. It will have a beneficial effect on the interest rate structure and, in combination with the other steps to increase liquidity, will help to support economic activity and investment. It is broadly consistent with our objective to control inflation which has already begun to moderate.
I am happy to inform Honourable Members that the Wholesale Price Index has declined in the last three weeks and, although the current rate is still high, the movement in the level of prices shows a clear deceleration in the current momentum of inflation. We expect a further reduction in the Wholesale Price Index in the next two months.
The Government is conscious of the fact that it is not enough to infuse liquidity. The liquidity must translate into expanded flow of credit to industry, trade and business. Suitable advisories have been issued by the RBI and the Ministry of Finance to the banks to ensure that borrowers are provided adequate credit, including export credit and working capital. Banks must also provide adequate funds in the form of investment or credit to mutual funds and NBFCs who, in turn, lend to industry, trade and business. These institutions are an important part of the larger financial system and banks are being encouraged to provide liquidity to ensure that there is no disruption in economic activity.
Both RBI and Government are carefully monitoring the flow of credit and will ensure that the additional liquidity infused into the system translates into actual credit. We will not hesitate to do more if needed. While the capital adequacy ratios of all our banks are well above the Basel norm and above the RBI stipulated norm, Government has promised that it will help banks, which have lower ratios, to access funds to increase their Capital Risk Weighted Asset Ratio to 12 per cent.
The financial crisis and the economic slowdown in the developed countries is likely to have an indirect impact on the Indian economy. Fortunately, this effect will be on an underlying strong performance. GDP growth in the first quarter of 2008-09 was 7.9%. During April-August, 2008, exports increased, in dollar terms by 35.1 per cent. Foreign Direct Investment, during this period was US$14.8 billion. Gross tax revenues are on target.
The CMIE database shows that a huge amount of money towards capital expenditure is in the pipeline.
Nevertheless, we must be prepared for a temporary slowdown in the Indian economy. The precise impact is difficult to estimate at this point since the depth and duration of the global slowdown remain uncertain. Some estimates project GDP growth to decelerate to 7.5 per cent in the current year. The most pessimistic estimates place it at no less than 7 per cent. Our effort will be to minimise the negative effect of the financial crisis and, once the global situation stabilises, to return to the growth trajectory of 9 per cent. I would urge Honourable Members and the people of India to continue to repose faith in the fundamentals of the Indian economy.
Honourable Members will recall that, in anticipation of a slowdown, we had stepped up public expenditure in the Budget presented on February 29, 2008. Our expenditure proposals were criticised at the time in some quarters, but I am happy to note that it is now widely acknowledged that increased public expenditure is an important part of the solution. Our expenditure on education, health, NREGP, NRHM, AIBP, JNNURM and other programmes will, I believe, stand us in good stead in these difficult times. Besides, the debt waiver and debt relief amounting to Rs.65,000 crore to 3,60,00,000 farmers will also greatly benefit our farmers and enthuse them to increase production.
India has faced challenges in the past and has overcome them. We have the strength to overcome the current challenges too. In fact, it is when India is challenged that the Indian people rise to the occasion and convert the challenge into an opportunity. There is no place for fear. This is the time for unity of purpose and resolute action.
I seek the support of all sections of this House to the measures taken by Government and the authorities.”
( SOURCE: pib)
Thursday, October 16, 2008
PAKYONG AIRPORT APPROVED BY CENTRE
Construction of a Greenfield Airport at Pakyong, Sikkim
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today gave its approval for construction of a Greenfield Airport at Pakyong, about 35 kms from the State capital (Gangtok). The new Greenfield airport at Pakyong with 1700 mtrs. long runway and with two parking bays will be operational for ATR 72 type of Aircraft operation in fair weather condition. The Terminal building would be able to handle 100 passengers (50 arriving and 50 departing) at a time.
Sikkim is a land locked State with connectivity only by road. It is also one of the two States in the country which has no civil airport. The nearest airport is at Bagdogra (Defence airport with Civil Enclave). Due to hilly terrain and weather related problems, the road connectivity to Sikkim is frequently interrupted. The State also shares long international borders with Nepal, Bhutan, and China. Further, Sikkim has substantial tourism potential due to its scenic and natural beauty. As such, direct air connectivity to Sikkim is essential from socio-economic and strategic considerations. Besides, direct air connectivity would also promote tourism and other economic activities in the State.
sOURCE:pib)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today gave its approval for construction of a Greenfield Airport at Pakyong, about 35 kms from the State capital (Gangtok). The new Greenfield airport at Pakyong with 1700 mtrs. long runway and with two parking bays will be operational for ATR 72 type of Aircraft operation in fair weather condition. The Terminal building would be able to handle 100 passengers (50 arriving and 50 departing) at a time.
Sikkim is a land locked State with connectivity only by road. It is also one of the two States in the country which has no civil airport. The nearest airport is at Bagdogra (Defence airport with Civil Enclave). Due to hilly terrain and weather related problems, the road connectivity to Sikkim is frequently interrupted. The State also shares long international borders with Nepal, Bhutan, and China. Further, Sikkim has substantial tourism potential due to its scenic and natural beauty. As such, direct air connectivity to Sikkim is essential from socio-economic and strategic considerations. Besides, direct air connectivity would also promote tourism and other economic activities in the State.
sOURCE:pib)
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
LAST DATE OF FILING OF INCOME TAX RETURN EXTENDED
Last Date of filing of Income Tax Returns extended in Sikkim
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Central Board of Direct Taxes have extended the last date of filing of income tax returns, due by 31st July 2008, to 31st October 2008 in the state of Sikkim in view of the delay in issuing of Instruction No.8/2008 in respect of filing of income-tax return by non-Sikkimese residing in that state.
(Source: PIB)BSC/SS/GN/242-08
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Central Board of Direct Taxes have extended the last date of filing of income tax returns, due by 31st July 2008, to 31st October 2008 in the state of Sikkim in view of the delay in issuing of Instruction No.8/2008 in respect of filing of income-tax return by non-Sikkimese residing in that state.
(Source: PIB)BSC/SS/GN/242-08
Friday, September 26, 2008
NINE FM LAUNCHECD IN SIKKIM
Nine FM launches in Sikkim
Kolkata headquartered Chinar Circuits has launched its FM station Nine FM in Gangtok on 24 September, making it the first FM radio station in Sikkim.
Nine FM CEO Bobby Gupta announced the launch of the states's first FM station at a press conference in Gangtok on Thursday. The station will be broadcast on 91.9 FM MHz.
Addressing the press, Gupta said, "True to our motto “Your Song, Your Voice", all programmes of Nine FM will be highly interactive. Listeners will be encouraged to call in live or write in through e-mail and SMS to share their views on different topics. Nine FM will also provide the opportunity to the common people of Sikkim to place their requests to listen to their favorite songs, which they want to listen or dedicate to their loved ones."
"Nine has put together the largest ever collection of Nepali music. We also have compiled a large gallery of English and Hindi music," he added.
The broadcast and production facilities at Nine FM have been designed and installed by Clyde Broadcast, Glasgow, UK and the transmission equipment has been procured from Harris Corporation, Quincy, USA. The station has installed dedicated software for scheduling of music, sequencing and playing out.
Chinar circuit started its ground activity for Nine FM a month ago to build awareness around the brnad. It had recently started ‘The Nine Freedom Rock tour 08' in collaboration with the Sikkim State Aids Control Society on 17 August in the Sikkim capital in the presence of known personalities of Sikkim.
The station launched teasers in the Sikkim Manipal University, to reach out to the target audience.
Among the other stations poised for a Gangtok launch are SFM and Radio Misty.
Kolkata headquartered Chinar Circuits has launched its FM station Nine FM in Gangtok on 24 September, making it the first FM radio station in Sikkim.
Nine FM CEO Bobby Gupta announced the launch of the states's first FM station at a press conference in Gangtok on Thursday. The station will be broadcast on 91.9 FM MHz.
Addressing the press, Gupta said, "True to our motto “Your Song, Your Voice", all programmes of Nine FM will be highly interactive. Listeners will be encouraged to call in live or write in through e-mail and SMS to share their views on different topics. Nine FM will also provide the opportunity to the common people of Sikkim to place their requests to listen to their favorite songs, which they want to listen or dedicate to their loved ones."
"Nine has put together the largest ever collection of Nepali music. We also have compiled a large gallery of English and Hindi music," he added.
The broadcast and production facilities at Nine FM have been designed and installed by Clyde Broadcast, Glasgow, UK and the transmission equipment has been procured from Harris Corporation, Quincy, USA. The station has installed dedicated software for scheduling of music, sequencing and playing out.
Chinar circuit started its ground activity for Nine FM a month ago to build awareness around the brnad. It had recently started ‘The Nine Freedom Rock tour 08' in collaboration with the Sikkim State Aids Control Society on 17 August in the Sikkim capital in the presence of known personalities of Sikkim.
The station launched teasers in the Sikkim Manipal University, to reach out to the target audience.
Among the other stations poised for a Gangtok launch are SFM and Radio Misty.
CHAMBER THANKS BUSINESS COMMUNITY FOR SUCCESSFUL BLACK BAND PROTEST ON INCOME TAX IN SIKKIM
Chamber of Commerce thanks members for supporting ‘black band protest’
Sikkim Express Report
GANGTOK, September 25: The executive committee of Sikkim Chamber of Commerce (SCS) has thanked all the business establishments and individuals from all over Sikkim for having made the phase II of the protest on Direct Taxes, a grand success.
The Protest was observed all over the State on September 14 and 25 by the entire business communities by wearing ‘black bands on arms and display of protest and demand posters’ in their business premises.
SCS general secretary Suresh Agarwal in a press release said that the protest was orderly, smooth and peaceful.
Sikkim Express Report
GANGTOK, September 25: The executive committee of Sikkim Chamber of Commerce (SCS) has thanked all the business establishments and individuals from all over Sikkim for having made the phase II of the protest on Direct Taxes, a grand success.
The Protest was observed all over the State on September 14 and 25 by the entire business communities by wearing ‘black bands on arms and display of protest and demand posters’ in their business premises.
SCS general secretary Suresh Agarwal in a press release said that the protest was orderly, smooth and peaceful.
PROTEST INCOME TAX BEGINS IN SIKKIM
Trading community begins phase II
Staff Reporter ( Sikkim Express)
GANGTOK, September 24: Sporting black bands, the business community here led by Sikkim Chamber of Commerce (SCC) today submitted a reminder plea to the Governor appealing for resolve the issues that had arisen after the implementation of Income Tax Act, 1961 in Sikkim.
The black bands and memorandum submission marks the beginning of a two day protest activities by the business community as part of its phase two programmes to highlight its concerns over the Income Tax issue.
As announced earlier, around 35000 business community members residing in Sikkim today carried out their normal works branding two symbols of its phase two protest – black bands in their arms and protest poster stuck inside their business outlets.
Most of the business community members here seen around with blank bands and posters stuck inside commercial outlets. Reports from the other urban areas of Sikkim were also similar.
“We had an overwhelming response in the first day, the protest was carried out smoothly without any disturbances in all the four districts of the State”, said the SCC president SK Sarda.
Some local business people also supported the SCC protest by wearing black bands.
In its representation to the Governor, the business community expressed its anguish over the action of the Centre to define old settlers of Sikkim as ‘non Sikkimese’. The old settlers prefer to be denoted as ‘left out Sikkimese’ and their reference as ‘non Sikkimese’ may please be discontinued, the body pleaded to the Governor.
The SCC also reminded the Governor of its earlier representation of August 20.
The Governor was appealed to recommend the concerns of the business community to the Union Finance Ministry for resolving the issue at the earliest.
Similar representations were submitted to the Chief Minister, Gangtok Income Tax Officer, Chief Secretary and the Additional Chief Secretary.
Reiterating their demands, the SCC president said that the Union government must exempt to 400 families of old settlers residing in Sikkim before merger took place on April 26, 1975. These families had been inadvertently left out, he said.
The other demand of the business community was the Income Tax 1961 should be implemented in Sikkim on a prospective date as assured by the Union Finance Minister and not from this financial year.
Mr. Sarda expressed the hopes of the business community is ‘very hopeful’ that an appropriate solution will soon come from Centre.
( sOURCE: sIKKIM eXPRESS)
Staff Reporter ( Sikkim Express)
GANGTOK, September 24: Sporting black bands, the business community here led by Sikkim Chamber of Commerce (SCC) today submitted a reminder plea to the Governor appealing for resolve the issues that had arisen after the implementation of Income Tax Act, 1961 in Sikkim.
The black bands and memorandum submission marks the beginning of a two day protest activities by the business community as part of its phase two programmes to highlight its concerns over the Income Tax issue.
As announced earlier, around 35000 business community members residing in Sikkim today carried out their normal works branding two symbols of its phase two protest – black bands in their arms and protest poster stuck inside their business outlets.
Most of the business community members here seen around with blank bands and posters stuck inside commercial outlets. Reports from the other urban areas of Sikkim were also similar.
“We had an overwhelming response in the first day, the protest was carried out smoothly without any disturbances in all the four districts of the State”, said the SCC president SK Sarda.
Some local business people also supported the SCC protest by wearing black bands.
In its representation to the Governor, the business community expressed its anguish over the action of the Centre to define old settlers of Sikkim as ‘non Sikkimese’. The old settlers prefer to be denoted as ‘left out Sikkimese’ and their reference as ‘non Sikkimese’ may please be discontinued, the body pleaded to the Governor.
The SCC also reminded the Governor of its earlier representation of August 20.
The Governor was appealed to recommend the concerns of the business community to the Union Finance Ministry for resolving the issue at the earliest.
Similar representations were submitted to the Chief Minister, Gangtok Income Tax Officer, Chief Secretary and the Additional Chief Secretary.
Reiterating their demands, the SCC president said that the Union government must exempt to 400 families of old settlers residing in Sikkim before merger took place on April 26, 1975. These families had been inadvertently left out, he said.
The other demand of the business community was the Income Tax 1961 should be implemented in Sikkim on a prospective date as assured by the Union Finance Minister and not from this financial year.
Mr. Sarda expressed the hopes of the business community is ‘very hopeful’ that an appropriate solution will soon come from Centre.
( sOURCE: sIKKIM eXPRESS)
Thursday, September 25, 2008
MEMORANDUM ON INCOME TAX ISSUE SUBMITTED TO GOVERNOR,CM
SIKKIM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
M.G.MARG, GANGTOK,SIKKIM
DT 24 September 2008
PRESS RELEASE
A delegation of Sikkim Chamber of Commerce submitted a memorandum addressed to His Excellency, The Governor of Sikkim in the office of Rajbhawan, Gangtok this afternoon.
The memorandum drew the attention of His Excellency in respect of difficulties in compliance of Direct Tax laws in Sikkim.
“ May we take the liberty of reiterating here that review of the matter is of utmost importance in view of need to include prospective taxpayers of Sikkim in the National mainstream and this task can only be accomplished by a progressive, systematic and logical approach that may be acceptable to the first timer prospective assesses.”
The memorandum further says:
“It is once again most fervently submitted that in the interest of natural justice, the Act be made applicable from accounting year 2009-2010, uniformly on “non-Sikkimese” individuals and “other persons” as defined in Indian Income tax Act “
Attention of His Excellency has been drawn in respect to the pending demand to exempt from Indian Income Tax the 400 families of old settlers residing in Sikkim before the merger date i.e., 26th April 1975 who have been inadvertently left out.
The Old Settlers conveyed to the Government of India through His Excellency, The Governor of Sikkim its heartfelt grief for having been referred as “NON SIKKIMESE INDIVIDUALS” and the OLD SETTLERS would prefer to be denoted as “LEFT OUT SIKKIMESE” and their reference as “NON-SIKKIMESE INDIVIDUALS” may please be discontinued , as they have an inseparable bond and sense of belonging with the soil of Sikkim, with highest regard for its Monarchs who always held them in high esteem and most of us know of no other home.
The delegation also submitted similar memorandum to the office of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim and to Income tax Office.
( Suresh Agarwal)
General Secretary
Sikkim Chamber of Commerce
Gangtok
M.G.MARG, GANGTOK,SIKKIM
DT 24 September 2008
PRESS RELEASE
A delegation of Sikkim Chamber of Commerce submitted a memorandum addressed to His Excellency, The Governor of Sikkim in the office of Rajbhawan, Gangtok this afternoon.
The memorandum drew the attention of His Excellency in respect of difficulties in compliance of Direct Tax laws in Sikkim.
“ May we take the liberty of reiterating here that review of the matter is of utmost importance in view of need to include prospective taxpayers of Sikkim in the National mainstream and this task can only be accomplished by a progressive, systematic and logical approach that may be acceptable to the first timer prospective assesses.”
The memorandum further says:
“It is once again most fervently submitted that in the interest of natural justice, the Act be made applicable from accounting year 2009-2010, uniformly on “non-Sikkimese” individuals and “other persons” as defined in Indian Income tax Act “
Attention of His Excellency has been drawn in respect to the pending demand to exempt from Indian Income Tax the 400 families of old settlers residing in Sikkim before the merger date i.e., 26th April 1975 who have been inadvertently left out.
The Old Settlers conveyed to the Government of India through His Excellency, The Governor of Sikkim its heartfelt grief for having been referred as “NON SIKKIMESE INDIVIDUALS” and the OLD SETTLERS would prefer to be denoted as “LEFT OUT SIKKIMESE” and their reference as “NON-SIKKIMESE INDIVIDUALS” may please be discontinued , as they have an inseparable bond and sense of belonging with the soil of Sikkim, with highest regard for its Monarchs who always held them in high esteem and most of us know of no other home.
The delegation also submitted similar memorandum to the office of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim and to Income tax Office.
( Suresh Agarwal)
General Secretary
Sikkim Chamber of Commerce
Gangtok
SCC SUPPORTS SIKKIM BANDH ON 29TH SEPTEMBER 2008
SIKKIM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
M.G.MARG, GANGTOK,SIKKIM
DT 24 September 2008
PRESS RELEASE
The Business Community of Sikkim in its executive meeting held on 23rd Sept 2008 strongly condemned the incident of burning of an effigy of our Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr Pawan Chamling at Siliguri last fortnight.
Sikkim Chamber of Commerce has decided to support the proposed Sikkim Bandh on 29 September 2008 being held to register protest on this account.
All shops and commercial establishments save and except emergency services shall keep their shutters down.
( Suresh Agarwal)
General Secretary
Sikkim Chamber of Commerce
Gangtok
M.G.MARG, GANGTOK,SIKKIM
DT 24 September 2008
PRESS RELEASE
The Business Community of Sikkim in its executive meeting held on 23rd Sept 2008 strongly condemned the incident of burning of an effigy of our Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr Pawan Chamling at Siliguri last fortnight.
Sikkim Chamber of Commerce has decided to support the proposed Sikkim Bandh on 29 September 2008 being held to register protest on this account.
All shops and commercial establishments save and except emergency services shall keep their shutters down.
( Suresh Agarwal)
General Secretary
Sikkim Chamber of Commerce
Gangtok
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
10 things god won't ask for
10 THINGS GOD WON'T ASK
1.God won't ask what kind of car you drove; He'll ask
how many people you drove who didn't have
transportation.
2.God won't ask the square footage of your house,
He'll ask how many people you welcomed into your home.
3.God won't ask about the clothes you had in your
closet, He'll ask how many you helped to clothe.
4.God won't ask what your highest salary was, He'll
ask if you compromised your character to obtain it.
5.God won't ask what your job title was, He'll ask if
you performed your job to the best of your ability.
6. God won't ask how many friends you had, He'll ask
how many people to whom you were a friend.
7. God won't ask in what neighborhood you lived, He'll
ask how you treated your neighbors.
8. God won't ask about the color of your skin, He'll
ask about the content of your character.
9. God won't ask why it took you so long to seek
Salvation, He'll lovingly take you to your mansion in
heaven, and not to the gates of Hell.
10.God won't ask how many people you forwarded this
to, He'll ask if you were ashamed to pass it on to
your friends.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment... thank God.
1.God won't ask what kind of car you drove; He'll ask
how many people you drove who didn't have
transportation.
2.God won't ask the square footage of your house,
He'll ask how many people you welcomed into your home.
3.God won't ask about the clothes you had in your
closet, He'll ask how many you helped to clothe.
4.God won't ask what your highest salary was, He'll
ask if you compromised your character to obtain it.
5.God won't ask what your job title was, He'll ask if
you performed your job to the best of your ability.
6. God won't ask how many friends you had, He'll ask
how many people to whom you were a friend.
7. God won't ask in what neighborhood you lived, He'll
ask how you treated your neighbors.
8. God won't ask about the color of your skin, He'll
ask about the content of your character.
9. God won't ask why it took you so long to seek
Salvation, He'll lovingly take you to your mansion in
heaven, and not to the gates of Hell.
10.God won't ask how many people you forwarded this
to, He'll ask if you were ashamed to pass it on to
your friends.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment... thank God.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
PHASE II PROTEST ON INCOME TAX TO START IN SIKKIM
Lineage record for cut off year safeguard
Staff Reporter
(SIKKIM EXPRESS)
GANGTOK, September 22: Spiking up their level of protests, every member of the 35000 odd business community living in Sikkim will wear black bands and stick protest posters inside their business premises on September 24 and 25 to protest against the ‘discrimination’ meted out to the community by the Union government while implementing Income Tax Act 1961 in this Himalayan state.
Every business community member in Sikkim will wear black bands and display protest posters in their premises on September 24 and 25 to highlight our two main demands, said Sikkim Chamber of Commerce (SCC) president SK Sarda today in an emergency meeting of the body.
A large gathering of business community members from all the four districts had gathered at a local hotel here to accord their consent to the second phase of their protests in the Income Tax issue.
Volunteers have been selected by the body to oversee the preparations for the Gandhian protest in the State. Surveillance teams will also operating to see whether the protests are being followed by the business community members spread all over the State.
“Please don’t feel shy while wearing black bands. The band must be worn by the members continuously for two days at all places. The protest posters must be placed inside the premises”, Mr. Sarda told the gathering.
The SCC president also sported a black band today to signal the second phase of the protest by the business community here for their demands.
The first demand of the business community is – exemption of Income Tax for the 400 families of old business community and old settlers living in Sikkim before April 26, 1975, the date the erstwhile kingdom merged with India.
The second demand is for implementation of Direct Tax Laws to other non-exempted people of Sikkim on a ‘prospective date’ and not on April 1, 2007 as directed by the Union Finance Ministry.
The Union Finance Minister had said on the floor of the House that the Income Tax Act 1961 will apply on prospectively, said Mr. Sarda.
The SCC president also claimed that business community of Sikkim has been bracketed into ‘Non Sikkimese’ category by the Union government in the Finance Act. “This soil is our Sikkim. We have born here and will die here”, he said.
The old business community living here for generations should not be defined as ‘Non Sikkimese’ but as ‘Left out Sikkimese’, Mr. Sarda. The ‘Non Sikkimese’ description will not be accepted at any costs, he said.
During the second protest phase, the business community will also be submitting a reminder memorandum the Governor, Chief Minister and all concerned in the Union government urging them to redress the issue to its logical conclusion.
The business community had already submitted a memorandum to the Union Finance Minister on August 27 through the Sikkim Income Tax Office during the first phase of its Gandhian protest against the discriminations meted out to them.
Even after passage of a reasonable time, nothing conclusive has emerged from the Centre and delay on this will simply add difficulties both for the prospective tax payers and the administrator, said Mr. Sarda.
It may be recalled here that earlier this year, the Centre had exempted Sikkim subject holders from paying Direct Income Tax by passing an amendment in the Finance Bill of 2008.
People of Sikkimese origin having Sikkim subjects have been exempted from Direct Taxes as per the 26AAA clause paving way for the Act to be enforced in the state.
The era of Direct Taxes began in Sikkim with the Central Income Tax office starting its operations from August 6.
Old business community numbering to 400 families and other people working in the state represents a huge chunk of those people who do not have Sikkimese subjects and thus have to cough up taxes now as per Income Tax Act 1961.
This has triggered strong resentment among the local business community who do not have the Sikkim subjects or Certificate of Identifications though they have been living in the state for generations.
“Is this (discrimination) is our reward or punishment though we are living here since generations. It is very unfortunate. We (old business community) are also sons of this soil and have some rights”, said Suresh Agarwal, SCC general secretary to the gathering.
“We have become sacrificial lambs and it is a blot to the democracy”, he added.
On the need for a cut off year to segregate old business community from the rest, the SCC general secretary proposed for a safeguard exercise to chronicle a record
base of those business community members living in Sikkim since generations.
Stressing that this particular exercise is highly sensitive, Mr. Agarwal said that it is very important the members to know their history in Sikkim. An internal preparatory survey will be done to prepare our records and we will be ready to submit the records whenever the declaration process for a cut off year begins, he said.
The proposal was unanimously passed by the gathering.
Staff Reporter
(SIKKIM EXPRESS)
GANGTOK, September 22: Spiking up their level of protests, every member of the 35000 odd business community living in Sikkim will wear black bands and stick protest posters inside their business premises on September 24 and 25 to protest against the ‘discrimination’ meted out to the community by the Union government while implementing Income Tax Act 1961 in this Himalayan state.
Every business community member in Sikkim will wear black bands and display protest posters in their premises on September 24 and 25 to highlight our two main demands, said Sikkim Chamber of Commerce (SCC) president SK Sarda today in an emergency meeting of the body.
A large gathering of business community members from all the four districts had gathered at a local hotel here to accord their consent to the second phase of their protests in the Income Tax issue.
Volunteers have been selected by the body to oversee the preparations for the Gandhian protest in the State. Surveillance teams will also operating to see whether the protests are being followed by the business community members spread all over the State.
“Please don’t feel shy while wearing black bands. The band must be worn by the members continuously for two days at all places. The protest posters must be placed inside the premises”, Mr. Sarda told the gathering.
The SCC president also sported a black band today to signal the second phase of the protest by the business community here for their demands.
The first demand of the business community is – exemption of Income Tax for the 400 families of old business community and old settlers living in Sikkim before April 26, 1975, the date the erstwhile kingdom merged with India.
The second demand is for implementation of Direct Tax Laws to other non-exempted people of Sikkim on a ‘prospective date’ and not on April 1, 2007 as directed by the Union Finance Ministry.
The Union Finance Minister had said on the floor of the House that the Income Tax Act 1961 will apply on prospectively, said Mr. Sarda.
The SCC president also claimed that business community of Sikkim has been bracketed into ‘Non Sikkimese’ category by the Union government in the Finance Act. “This soil is our Sikkim. We have born here and will die here”, he said.
The old business community living here for generations should not be defined as ‘Non Sikkimese’ but as ‘Left out Sikkimese’, Mr. Sarda. The ‘Non Sikkimese’ description will not be accepted at any costs, he said.
During the second protest phase, the business community will also be submitting a reminder memorandum the Governor, Chief Minister and all concerned in the Union government urging them to redress the issue to its logical conclusion.
The business community had already submitted a memorandum to the Union Finance Minister on August 27 through the Sikkim Income Tax Office during the first phase of its Gandhian protest against the discriminations meted out to them.
Even after passage of a reasonable time, nothing conclusive has emerged from the Centre and delay on this will simply add difficulties both for the prospective tax payers and the administrator, said Mr. Sarda.
It may be recalled here that earlier this year, the Centre had exempted Sikkim subject holders from paying Direct Income Tax by passing an amendment in the Finance Bill of 2008.
People of Sikkimese origin having Sikkim subjects have been exempted from Direct Taxes as per the 26AAA clause paving way for the Act to be enforced in the state.
The era of Direct Taxes began in Sikkim with the Central Income Tax office starting its operations from August 6.
Old business community numbering to 400 families and other people working in the state represents a huge chunk of those people who do not have Sikkimese subjects and thus have to cough up taxes now as per Income Tax Act 1961.
This has triggered strong resentment among the local business community who do not have the Sikkim subjects or Certificate of Identifications though they have been living in the state for generations.
“Is this (discrimination) is our reward or punishment though we are living here since generations. It is very unfortunate. We (old business community) are also sons of this soil and have some rights”, said Suresh Agarwal, SCC general secretary to the gathering.
“We have become sacrificial lambs and it is a blot to the democracy”, he added.
On the need for a cut off year to segregate old business community from the rest, the SCC general secretary proposed for a safeguard exercise to chronicle a record
base of those business community members living in Sikkim since generations.
Stressing that this particular exercise is highly sensitive, Mr. Agarwal said that it is very important the members to know their history in Sikkim. An internal preparatory survey will be done to prepare our records and we will be ready to submit the records whenever the declaration process for a cut off year begins, he said.
The proposal was unanimously passed by the gathering.
Monday, September 22, 2008
PHASE II OF INCOME TAX PROTEST LAUNCHED IN SIKKIM
SIKKIM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
M.G.MARG, GANGTOK,SIKKIM
Dated:22nd SEPT.08
PRESS RELEASE
ANNOUNCING PHASE II OF PROTEST ON INCOME TAX ISSUE
Under the aegis of Sikkim Chamber of Commerce a packed gathering of about 300 delegates of business enterprises and old settlers assembled at Gangtok on 22 Sept 2008 and approved going in for Phase II of the Protest on Central Income Tax Issue.
It is important to recall here that on 27th August 2008, more than 800 delegates of business enterprises, small and big and old settlers from all over Sikkim had assembled at the Newly Opened Income Tax Office at Gangtok and submitted a copy of memorandum addressed to Hon’ble Finance Minister Shri P Chidambaram seeking implementation of Income Tax Act from a future date and consideration of exemption from income tax for old settlers residing in Sikkim prior to date of merger i.e., 26th April 1975 .
The meeting noted with deep concern that even after passage of a reasonable time period from date of submission to the Ministry of Finance, nothing conclusive has emerged from Government of India and delay on this account would simply add difficulties both for the prospective tax payers and the administrator.
SCC in its memorandum had drawn attention of the Hon’ble Finance Minister to the difficulties that would be faced in compliance of Direct taxes in the State of Sikkim, if made applicable retrospectively from 1.4.2007.
The Chamber drew the attention of the Hon’ble Finance Minister to his speech made in Lok Sabha on 29th April 2008 wherein he had promised that:
“This( Income Tax Act 1961) will apply only prospectively”
The Sikkim Income Tax Manual 1948 ceased to operate only on 16th June 2008 and also in light of assurance of the Finance Minister in the Parliament for prospective implementation, the order for assessing the non- Sikkimese individuals from the accounting year 2007-08 is not just and has created much anguish and confusion leading to a state of helplessness to co-operate in such unpractical situation
Quoting the White Paper on Implementation of Direct Taxes in Sikkim, the SCC had submitted that in the course of discussions with Government of India on the implementation of direct tax laws in Sikkim, the State Government had rightfully requested as under:
“ The State Government would however like to reiterate its request that sufficient time should be given, before the direct tax laws are implemented, to create an awareness in the State on implementation of the direct tax laws and to educate and mentally prepare the people of the State of the new system of taxation and at the same time allow the State Government to sort out the transitional issues.”
It is regretful that quite inadvertently such an important issue raised and request made thereupon by Government of Sikkim, in larger public interest, was ignored and Instruction No 8/2008 dt 29th July 2008 was issued by CBDT unilaterally.
The general body drawn from all over Sikkim, therefore, resolved to continue with the Gandhian way of movement and unanimously agreed to launch the Second Phase of Protest on 24th and 25th September 2008 by wearing black band on arms and displaying Protest Posters in their premises, demanding from Government of India:
1. Exemption from Income Tax- also for old settlers, government officers and old businessmen of Sikkim.
2. Implementation of direct tax laws on other categories from accounting year 2009-2010.
In the reminder addressed to the Finance Minister the Chamber has held that review of the matter is of utmost importance in view of need to include prospective taxpayers of Sikkim in the National mainstream and this task can only be accomplished by a progressive, systematic and logical approach that may be acceptable to the first timer prospective assesses.
The Chamber has sought to further remind the Hon’ble Finance Minister that the issue of exemption from Indian Income Tax to 400 families of old settlers residing in Sikkim before the merger date i.e., 26th April 1975 who have been inadvertently left out is pending settlement and is under active consideration of both the Union and the State Governments.
The general body also decided to submit memorandums to His Excellency the Governor of Sikkim as well as to Hon’ble Chief Minister and all concerned in Union Government urging them to redress the issue to its logical conclusion.
The meeting thanked Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr Pawan Chamling and Government of Sikkim for their positive approach in the matter which shall go a long way to solve the issue.
(Suresh Agarwal)
General Secretary
Sikkim Chamber of Commerce
M.G.MARG, GANGTOK,SIKKIM
Dated:22nd SEPT.08
PRESS RELEASE
ANNOUNCING PHASE II OF PROTEST ON INCOME TAX ISSUE
Under the aegis of Sikkim Chamber of Commerce a packed gathering of about 300 delegates of business enterprises and old settlers assembled at Gangtok on 22 Sept 2008 and approved going in for Phase II of the Protest on Central Income Tax Issue.
It is important to recall here that on 27th August 2008, more than 800 delegates of business enterprises, small and big and old settlers from all over Sikkim had assembled at the Newly Opened Income Tax Office at Gangtok and submitted a copy of memorandum addressed to Hon’ble Finance Minister Shri P Chidambaram seeking implementation of Income Tax Act from a future date and consideration of exemption from income tax for old settlers residing in Sikkim prior to date of merger i.e., 26th April 1975 .
The meeting noted with deep concern that even after passage of a reasonable time period from date of submission to the Ministry of Finance, nothing conclusive has emerged from Government of India and delay on this account would simply add difficulties both for the prospective tax payers and the administrator.
SCC in its memorandum had drawn attention of the Hon’ble Finance Minister to the difficulties that would be faced in compliance of Direct taxes in the State of Sikkim, if made applicable retrospectively from 1.4.2007.
The Chamber drew the attention of the Hon’ble Finance Minister to his speech made in Lok Sabha on 29th April 2008 wherein he had promised that:
“This( Income Tax Act 1961) will apply only prospectively”
The Sikkim Income Tax Manual 1948 ceased to operate only on 16th June 2008 and also in light of assurance of the Finance Minister in the Parliament for prospective implementation, the order for assessing the non- Sikkimese individuals from the accounting year 2007-08 is not just and has created much anguish and confusion leading to a state of helplessness to co-operate in such unpractical situation
Quoting the White Paper on Implementation of Direct Taxes in Sikkim, the SCC had submitted that in the course of discussions with Government of India on the implementation of direct tax laws in Sikkim, the State Government had rightfully requested as under:
“ The State Government would however like to reiterate its request that sufficient time should be given, before the direct tax laws are implemented, to create an awareness in the State on implementation of the direct tax laws and to educate and mentally prepare the people of the State of the new system of taxation and at the same time allow the State Government to sort out the transitional issues.”
It is regretful that quite inadvertently such an important issue raised and request made thereupon by Government of Sikkim, in larger public interest, was ignored and Instruction No 8/2008 dt 29th July 2008 was issued by CBDT unilaterally.
The general body drawn from all over Sikkim, therefore, resolved to continue with the Gandhian way of movement and unanimously agreed to launch the Second Phase of Protest on 24th and 25th September 2008 by wearing black band on arms and displaying Protest Posters in their premises, demanding from Government of India:
1. Exemption from Income Tax- also for old settlers, government officers and old businessmen of Sikkim.
2. Implementation of direct tax laws on other categories from accounting year 2009-2010.
In the reminder addressed to the Finance Minister the Chamber has held that review of the matter is of utmost importance in view of need to include prospective taxpayers of Sikkim in the National mainstream and this task can only be accomplished by a progressive, systematic and logical approach that may be acceptable to the first timer prospective assesses.
The Chamber has sought to further remind the Hon’ble Finance Minister that the issue of exemption from Indian Income Tax to 400 families of old settlers residing in Sikkim before the merger date i.e., 26th April 1975 who have been inadvertently left out is pending settlement and is under active consideration of both the Union and the State Governments.
The general body also decided to submit memorandums to His Excellency the Governor of Sikkim as well as to Hon’ble Chief Minister and all concerned in Union Government urging them to redress the issue to its logical conclusion.
The meeting thanked Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr Pawan Chamling and Government of Sikkim for their positive approach in the matter which shall go a long way to solve the issue.
(Suresh Agarwal)
General Secretary
Sikkim Chamber of Commerce
Friday, September 12, 2008
4TH NORTH EAST BUSINESS SUMMIT AT GUWAHAT
4th North East Bussiness Summit to begin in Guwahati on Monday, the 15th of September
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The 4th North East Business Summit is to be held in Guwahati on 15-16th September 2008. The fourth North East Summit is to be organized by the Department of North East Region, DoNER in collaboration with the Indian Chamber of Commerce, ICC, Kolkata.
The main objective of the summit is to showcase the potential of the NE States and to promote private sector investments. The fourth summit will primarily focus on sectors such as tourism, food processing, power, infrastructure, information technology, handloom and cottage industries especially in the context of the Look East Policy on trade and investment linkages with ASEAN and SAARC countries. A special session on "North East on Fast Track - Building International Partnership" with special reference to Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia and Philippines to discuss mutual cooperation will be the main attraction of the Summit. Governors and Chief Ministers of all NE States are likely to attend. Eight foreign Ambassadors and about 50 foreign delegates would be attending the event. More than 200 private participants from North East region and near about 175 outside the North East region will also participate in the event. The highlights of the summit include Chief Minister’s Conclave, International Session with Minister of Commerce of Cambodia, Ambassadors from Thailand, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, Laos, Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Czech Republic, Arab League and Bhutan, Special Thai Investment Session, Specific sessions on Infrastructure, Agro & Food Processing, Tourism, IT & Skill Development, One-to-One discussions among prospective investors (both from Northeast & Foreign), banks, government officials, and corporate representatives, State Government Investment Hubs and an Exhibition-showcasing Northeast. Cultural evening will be based on the rich art, culture and heritage of the people of the North Eastern States – and to bring about a cultural integration with the rest of the country. “Thai Night” reception and cultural show is being organized by the Royal Thai Embassy, New Delhi.
The 4th. Business Summit has been brought closer to the people and the Governments in the North East. It is expected that the Summit would focus the problems of the region with greater emphasis and try to find an integrated development programme in line with the “VISION 2020” document released by the Prime Minister recently.
This year, emphasis has been given on the trade and economic relations of the North East with the neighbours with a focus on the ASEAN countries. The North East is considered a gateway to the East for the Indian sub-continent and hold a brighter future.
The new Industrial policy of the Government for the North East is exclusive for the 8 states and offers a host of attractive incentives for the investors to tap the vast natural resources of the region.
The NER is not only suitable for large investments in manufacturing in the traditional areas where it has enjoyed competitive advantages but also in the sectors of agriculture, education, health and tourism, where private investment has immense opportunity. Agro processing, post harvest technology and transportation, super-specialty health care, higher education, and tourism are amongst the most promising sectors for investment. As 80% of the population of the region is engaged in agriculture, investment in infrastructure, manufacturing and services will provide alternative off-farm sources of employment and create a tertiary and service sector that is so essential for development. Investors and governments must participate in the development of infrastructure through the Public Private Partnership model, particularly in the construction and communication sectors.
Source: PIB, New Delhi)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The 4th North East Business Summit is to be held in Guwahati on 15-16th September 2008. The fourth North East Summit is to be organized by the Department of North East Region, DoNER in collaboration with the Indian Chamber of Commerce, ICC, Kolkata.
The main objective of the summit is to showcase the potential of the NE States and to promote private sector investments. The fourth summit will primarily focus on sectors such as tourism, food processing, power, infrastructure, information technology, handloom and cottage industries especially in the context of the Look East Policy on trade and investment linkages with ASEAN and SAARC countries. A special session on "North East on Fast Track - Building International Partnership" with special reference to Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia and Philippines to discuss mutual cooperation will be the main attraction of the Summit. Governors and Chief Ministers of all NE States are likely to attend. Eight foreign Ambassadors and about 50 foreign delegates would be attending the event. More than 200 private participants from North East region and near about 175 outside the North East region will also participate in the event. The highlights of the summit include Chief Minister’s Conclave, International Session with Minister of Commerce of Cambodia, Ambassadors from Thailand, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, Laos, Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Czech Republic, Arab League and Bhutan, Special Thai Investment Session, Specific sessions on Infrastructure, Agro & Food Processing, Tourism, IT & Skill Development, One-to-One discussions among prospective investors (both from Northeast & Foreign), banks, government officials, and corporate representatives, State Government Investment Hubs and an Exhibition-showcasing Northeast. Cultural evening will be based on the rich art, culture and heritage of the people of the North Eastern States – and to bring about a cultural integration with the rest of the country. “Thai Night” reception and cultural show is being organized by the Royal Thai Embassy, New Delhi.
The 4th. Business Summit has been brought closer to the people and the Governments in the North East. It is expected that the Summit would focus the problems of the region with greater emphasis and try to find an integrated development programme in line with the “VISION 2020” document released by the Prime Minister recently.
This year, emphasis has been given on the trade and economic relations of the North East with the neighbours with a focus on the ASEAN countries. The North East is considered a gateway to the East for the Indian sub-continent and hold a brighter future.
The new Industrial policy of the Government for the North East is exclusive for the 8 states and offers a host of attractive incentives for the investors to tap the vast natural resources of the region.
The NER is not only suitable for large investments in manufacturing in the traditional areas where it has enjoyed competitive advantages but also in the sectors of agriculture, education, health and tourism, where private investment has immense opportunity. Agro processing, post harvest technology and transportation, super-specialty health care, higher education, and tourism are amongst the most promising sectors for investment. As 80% of the population of the region is engaged in agriculture, investment in infrastructure, manufacturing and services will provide alternative off-farm sources of employment and create a tertiary and service sector that is so essential for development. Investors and governments must participate in the development of infrastructure through the Public Private Partnership model, particularly in the construction and communication sectors.
Source: PIB, New Delhi)
Monday, September 8, 2008
Sikkim Cabinet Meeting held on 30th August 2008
Proceedings of the Cabinet Meeting held on 30th August, 2008, at 3.00 PM in the Cabinet Hall, Tashiling Secretariat, Gangtok, Sikkim.
The following Cabinet Members were present.
1. Dr. Pawan Chamling, Chief Minister of Sikkim, Department - Home, Finance, Revenue and Expenditure, Development Planning, Economic Reforms & North East Council Affairs etc.
2. Shri Dorjee Dazom Bhutia,Minister (Department-Land Revenue& Disaster Management; Urban Development & Housing Irrigation and flood Control)
3. Shri Garjaman Gurung, Minister, (Department Human Resource Development Cultural Affairs & Heritage)
4. Shri Hishey Lachungpa, Minister, (Department-Health Care, Human Services and Family Welfare; Social Justice, Empowerment and Welfare)
5. Shri Prem Singh Tamang, Minister, (Department - Building and Housing; Sports and Youth Affairs)
6. Shri Ram Bahadur Subba,Minister (Department -Law, Parliamentary Affairs
Commerce and Industries Department)
7. Smt. Kalawati Subba, Minister, (Department-Animal Husbandry, Live Stock, fisheries & Veterinary Services; Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs).
8. Shri Menlom Lepcha, Minister, (Department-Water Security & Public Health Engineering; Transport).
9. Shri Somnath Poudyal, Minister, (Department-Food Security & Agriculture Development ; Horticulture an~ Cash Crops Development).
10. Shri Karna Bahadur Chamling, Chief Whip
SOCIAL JUSTICE, EMPOWERMENT & WELFARE DEPARTMEN
Proposal seeking sanction and approval to release Rs.1 00.00 lakh (Rupees one hundred lakhs) only for construction of twenty five Bhutia and Lepcha houses. The unit cost of each house as approved by the Cabinet on 17.05.08 is Rs. 3, 97,000/- (Rupees three lakhs ninety seven thousand) only, The cabinet approved and sanctioned the above proposal.
Proposal seeking approval and sanction Rs.3, 09, 78,188.00 lakhs (Rupees three crores nine lakhs seventy eight thousand one hundred and eighty eight) only to implement sixty schemes covering 5585 Scheduled Tribes beneficiaries of 30 Constituencies of the State. Due emphasis has been given to the development of diary, horticulture and agriculture sectors in line with the policy of State Government. The cabinet approved the above proposal and sanctioned the said amount.
Proposal seeking approval and sanction of the following ;
1. Approval and sanction of Rs.24.00 lakhs (Rupees twenty four lakhs) only for construction of eight Model Houses for eight Lepcha families of Yuksom Constituency in West Sikkim under Tribal Sub-Plan. The cabinet approved the above proposal and sanctioned the said amount.
2. Approval and sanction of Rs. l, 55, 20,125/- (Rupees one crore fifty five lakhs twenty thousand one hundred and twenty five) only for implementation of “Total Sanitation Campaign “in East and West District of Sikkim under Tribal Sub-Plan, has been approved and sanctioned by the cabinet.
3. Approval and sanction of Rs.204.10 lakhs (Rupees Two hundred four lakhs and ten thousand only for implementation of “Special Programmes for Rural Development under Tribal Sub -Plan (TSP) and Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP)”.The cabinet approved the above proposal and sanctioned the said amount.
4. Approval and sanction of Rs.88.69 lakhs (Rupees eighty eight lakhs sixty nine thousand) only for construction of motorable approach road from Tashiding- Labdang SPWD road to Residential Tribal School at Gangyab in West Sikkim at an estimated cost ofRs.43.69Iakhs (Rupees forty three lakhs sixty nine thousand) only and Extension and augmentation of RWSS at Yangthang at an estimated cost of Rs.45.00 lakhs (Rupees forty five lakhs) only under Tribal Sub-plan.The cabinet approved the above proposal and sanctioned the said amount.
5. Proposal seeking approval and sanction of Rs.857.78 lakhs (Rupees eight hundred fifty seven lakhs and seventy eight thousand) only and 80% advance to STCS in respect of purchase of GCI sheets, under Tribal·-Sub Plan and Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan. The cabinet approved the above proposal and sanctioned the said amount.
6.Proposal soliciting sanction and approval to transfer Rs.130.00 lakhs (Rupees one hundred thirty lakhs) only to Water Security & Public Health Engineering Department for implementation of schemes under Scheduled Caste Sub -Plan Schemes under two chargeable head:
1. 2215-01.789- 00.00.51 Urban Water Supply: Four schemes (4) Total Rs. 113.25 lakhs (Rupees one hundred thirteen lakhs and twenty five thousand) only
2. 2215-02.789-61.00.53 PHE Urban Sanitation.: Three schemes (3) Total Rs. 16.75 lakhs (Rupees sixteen lakhs and seventy five thousand) only. The cabinet approved the above proposal and sanctioned the said amount.
7.Proposal soliciting approval and sanction of Rs.190.00 lakhs (Rupees one crores ninety lakhs) under TSP and Rs.63.50 lakhs (Rupees sixty three lakhs and fifty thousand) only under SCSP, to conduct demonstration on balanced and integrated use of Bio- fertilizers and Organic Manures in the private agricultural holdings of ST and SC farmers. The demonstration will cover 6333 hectares of ST land in the State.15832 Scheduled Tribes farmer are proposed to be benefited. Similarly, the department proposes to cover 2117 hectares of Scheduled Caste land directly benefiting 5292 SC farmers. The cabinet approved the above proposal and sanctioned the said amount.
8.Proposal seeking approval and sanction of Rs. 74, 50,000/-(Rupees seventy four lakhs fifty thousand) only for construction of Tribal Community Hall at Tathangchen, Gangtok under Tribal Sub Plan. The cabinet approved the above proposal and sanctioned the said amount.
ENERGY AND POWER DEPARTMENT
Proposal seeking administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs.36.79 lakhs (Rupees thirty six lakhs seventy nine thousand) only providing street lights along the road from Deorali Bazar to Chorten/ Tibetology compound, Deorali, Gangtok. The cabinet approved the above proposal and sanctioned the said amount.
FINANCE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE DEPARTMENT
Proposal seeking approval of the Draft rules namely, ‘The Sikkim Ecology Fund and Environment Cess (Amendment) Rules, 2008’ to amend the Sikkim Ecology Fund and Enviroment Cess Rules, 2007. The cabinet has approved the above proposal.
ROADS AND BRIDGES DEPARTMENT
Proposal seeking revised administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs.1,63,95,214/(Rupees one crore, sixty three lakhs, ninety five thousand, two hundred and fourteen) only with an additional financial sanction of Rs. 3,14,0.00/-(Rupees three lakhs, fourteen thousand) only for the work “Surface Strengthening and Carpeting of Ravangla -Ralang Road km1st to 13th in South Sikkim has been approved and sanctioned by the Cabinet.
Proposal seeking administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs.28, 06,000/- (Rupees twenty eight lakhs, six thousand) only, for the work “Surface improvement, widening, drainage, carpeting and protective work on Tarku Damthang road Km 13th to19th in South Sikkim has been approved and sanctioned by the cabinet
Proposal seeking approval and sanction of Rs.37,52,400/-(Rupees thirty seven lakhs, fifty two thousand, four hundred)only for carry out protective works on Approach road to JNV school at Phodong in North Sikkim has been approved and sanctioned by the cabinet.
TOURISM DEPARTMENT
Proposal seeking administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs. 85, 35, 365 (Rupees eighty five lakhs, thirty five thousand, three hundred and sixty five) only for payment of land compensation for development of tourist spot at Dalapchand in East Sikkim and Cultural Village at Tharpu in West Sikkim has been approved and sanctioned by the cabinet.
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
Proposal seeking administrative approval to revise the TA/DA admissible to the members of cabinet, Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Members of Sikkim Legislative Assembly in accordance with the recommendation of Special Review Committee and to bring necessary amendments in the Sikkim Ministers, Speaker, Deputy Speaker and members(TA) Rules, 1977 has been approved by the cabinet.
FOOD SECURITY & AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Proposal seeking administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs.24.00 lakhs(Rupees twenty four lakhs )only for the implementation of Establishment of Agency for Reporting Agriculture Statistics (EARAS) for 2008-09. The cabinet approved the above proposal and sanctioned the said amount.
HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Proposal seeking administrative approval and financial sanction to create proposed 121 post of teaching and non teaching staff with the financial implication per annum to the tune of Rs. 178. 12 lakhs( Rupees one crore seventy eight lakhs and twelve thousand) only subject to allocation of fund under supplementary grant, the cabinet approved the above proposal and sanctioned the said amount.
COOPERATION DEPARTMENT
Proposal seeking confirmation of the approval to sign Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) by the State Govetnment with Government of India and ‘NABARD ‘for implementation of Vaidyanathan Committee Report for revival of Short Term Cooperative Credit Structure, has been approved by the cabinet.
URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING DEPARTMENT
Proposal seeking administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs.743.32 lakhs (Rupees seven hundred forty three lakhs thirty two thousand) only for development of Infrastructures at Bazars and Rural Marketing Centers in the State under Rural Infrastructure Development fund-XIII which is sanctioned by NABARD has been approved and sanctioned by the cabinet.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CARE, HUMAN SERVICES &FAMILY WELFARE
Proposal seeking administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs.62.56 lakhs (Rupees sixty two lakhs fifty six thousand) only for procurement of Operating Microscope of Moller- Wedet for Ophthalmic Surgery at STNM Hospital Gangtok, has been approved and sanctioned by the cabinet.
TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT
Proposal seeking administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs.2.20 crore (Rupee, two crore fifty lakhs) only for fleet replacement and augmentation under Sikkim Nationalized Transport and to release advance payment as per the terms of offer accepted by the Department has been approved and sanctioned by the cabinet.
CULTURAL AFFAIRS AND HERITAGE DEPARTMENT
The Proposal of the department to introduce a new scheme called “Samajeek. Sewa Bhatta covering an average of 30 beneficiaries from each constituencies .The. total I beneficiaries for this scheme shall be 960 in the current financial year and this will be continuing scheme for future. Each of the beneficiaries shall be given an allowance of Rs.500/-(Rupees five hundred) only per month. The scheme shall be implemented w.e.f 1 st September 2008. The total financial liability shall be Rs.28.80 lakhs (Rupees twenty eight lakhs and eighty thousand) only in the current financial year.
It is now’, submitted for according approval and sanction to implement the scheme under the name and style as “Samajeek Sewa Bhatta”, The cabinet approved the above proposal and sanctioned the said amount.
Proposal seeking approval and sanction of four traditional houses at the rate of Rs. 50.00 lakhs (Rupees fifty lakhs) only to Newar, Tamang, Scheduled Caste and Mangar and to release 50% of the grant as first installment has been approved and sanctioned by the cabinet.
HORTICULTURE AND CASH CROPS DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Proposal seeking approval and sanction of Rs. 410.00 lakhs (Rupees four hundred and ten lakhs only for the construction of low cost Bamboo Playhouses under “Plan Programme” and Technology Mission 2008-09 has been approved and sanctioned by the cabinet.
Proposal seeking approval and sanction of Rs.250.00 lakhs (Rupees two hundred and fifty lakhs) only for providing price support and subsidy to the vegetables, fruits and flower growers in the state of Sikkim, has been approved and sanctioned by the cabinet.
DEPTT. OF PERSONNEL, ADM.REFORMS, TRAINING, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES CAREER OPTIONS &EMPLOYMENT, SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND CHIEF MINISTER’S SELF EMPLOYMENT SCHEME
The proposal seeking approval to transfer the fund of Rs.12.00 crores to the following two schemes meant for the Educated Unemployed:
1. Rs.10.00 crores to the Chief Minister’s Self Employment Scheme (CMSES).
2. Rs.2.00 Crores to the Comprehensive Educational Loan Scheme. The cabinet has approved the above proposal.
The proposal relates to the list of educated unemployed youth of Sikkim, who has been given Comprehensive loan scheme in the year 2007-08 and 2007-08. The scheme was launched in 2007-08.During 2007-08, 46 students were granted loans amounting to Rs.332.80 lakhs and during 2008-09 (till January 2008) 49 students have been granted loans amounting to Rs 4,59. 84 lakhs. The loans were sanctioned from the funds transferred by the Directorate of Capacity Building. The cabinet has approved the above proposal
OTHER BUSINESS
The cabinet also observed two minutes silence in memory of those who lost their lives in the flood at Bihar. The Chief Minister expressed his deep anguish over the loss of so many lives and properties. The Cabinet on behalf of the people and the Government of Sikkim has decided to contribute an amount of Rs. One crore towards the relief and rehabilitation of those affected by this tragic catastrophe. In addition to this, Members of Council of Ministers have also volunteered to contribute their one month’s salary towards this cause.
IPR News Service
IPR No 144/IPR/08-09
The following Cabinet Members were present.
1. Dr. Pawan Chamling, Chief Minister of Sikkim, Department - Home, Finance, Revenue and Expenditure, Development Planning, Economic Reforms & North East Council Affairs etc.
2. Shri Dorjee Dazom Bhutia,Minister (Department-Land Revenue& Disaster Management; Urban Development & Housing Irrigation and flood Control)
3. Shri Garjaman Gurung, Minister, (Department Human Resource Development Cultural Affairs & Heritage)
4. Shri Hishey Lachungpa, Minister, (Department-Health Care, Human Services and Family Welfare; Social Justice, Empowerment and Welfare)
5. Shri Prem Singh Tamang, Minister, (Department - Building and Housing; Sports and Youth Affairs)
6. Shri Ram Bahadur Subba,Minister (Department -Law, Parliamentary Affairs
Commerce and Industries Department)
7. Smt. Kalawati Subba, Minister, (Department-Animal Husbandry, Live Stock, fisheries & Veterinary Services; Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs).
8. Shri Menlom Lepcha, Minister, (Department-Water Security & Public Health Engineering; Transport).
9. Shri Somnath Poudyal, Minister, (Department-Food Security & Agriculture Development ; Horticulture an~ Cash Crops Development).
10. Shri Karna Bahadur Chamling, Chief Whip
SOCIAL JUSTICE, EMPOWERMENT & WELFARE DEPARTMEN
Proposal seeking sanction and approval to release Rs.1 00.00 lakh (Rupees one hundred lakhs) only for construction of twenty five Bhutia and Lepcha houses. The unit cost of each house as approved by the Cabinet on 17.05.08 is Rs. 3, 97,000/- (Rupees three lakhs ninety seven thousand) only, The cabinet approved and sanctioned the above proposal.
Proposal seeking approval and sanction Rs.3, 09, 78,188.00 lakhs (Rupees three crores nine lakhs seventy eight thousand one hundred and eighty eight) only to implement sixty schemes covering 5585 Scheduled Tribes beneficiaries of 30 Constituencies of the State. Due emphasis has been given to the development of diary, horticulture and agriculture sectors in line with the policy of State Government. The cabinet approved the above proposal and sanctioned the said amount.
Proposal seeking approval and sanction of the following ;
1. Approval and sanction of Rs.24.00 lakhs (Rupees twenty four lakhs) only for construction of eight Model Houses for eight Lepcha families of Yuksom Constituency in West Sikkim under Tribal Sub-Plan. The cabinet approved the above proposal and sanctioned the said amount.
2. Approval and sanction of Rs. l, 55, 20,125/- (Rupees one crore fifty five lakhs twenty thousand one hundred and twenty five) only for implementation of “Total Sanitation Campaign “in East and West District of Sikkim under Tribal Sub-Plan, has been approved and sanctioned by the cabinet.
3. Approval and sanction of Rs.204.10 lakhs (Rupees Two hundred four lakhs and ten thousand only for implementation of “Special Programmes for Rural Development under Tribal Sub -Plan (TSP) and Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP)”.The cabinet approved the above proposal and sanctioned the said amount.
4. Approval and sanction of Rs.88.69 lakhs (Rupees eighty eight lakhs sixty nine thousand) only for construction of motorable approach road from Tashiding- Labdang SPWD road to Residential Tribal School at Gangyab in West Sikkim at an estimated cost ofRs.43.69Iakhs (Rupees forty three lakhs sixty nine thousand) only and Extension and augmentation of RWSS at Yangthang at an estimated cost of Rs.45.00 lakhs (Rupees forty five lakhs) only under Tribal Sub-plan.The cabinet approved the above proposal and sanctioned the said amount.
5. Proposal seeking approval and sanction of Rs.857.78 lakhs (Rupees eight hundred fifty seven lakhs and seventy eight thousand) only and 80% advance to STCS in respect of purchase of GCI sheets, under Tribal·-Sub Plan and Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan. The cabinet approved the above proposal and sanctioned the said amount.
6.Proposal soliciting sanction and approval to transfer Rs.130.00 lakhs (Rupees one hundred thirty lakhs) only to Water Security & Public Health Engineering Department for implementation of schemes under Scheduled Caste Sub -Plan Schemes under two chargeable head:
1. 2215-01.789- 00.00.51 Urban Water Supply: Four schemes (4) Total Rs. 113.25 lakhs (Rupees one hundred thirteen lakhs and twenty five thousand) only
2. 2215-02.789-61.00.53 PHE Urban Sanitation.: Three schemes (3) Total Rs. 16.75 lakhs (Rupees sixteen lakhs and seventy five thousand) only. The cabinet approved the above proposal and sanctioned the said amount.
7.Proposal soliciting approval and sanction of Rs.190.00 lakhs (Rupees one crores ninety lakhs) under TSP and Rs.63.50 lakhs (Rupees sixty three lakhs and fifty thousand) only under SCSP, to conduct demonstration on balanced and integrated use of Bio- fertilizers and Organic Manures in the private agricultural holdings of ST and SC farmers. The demonstration will cover 6333 hectares of ST land in the State.15832 Scheduled Tribes farmer are proposed to be benefited. Similarly, the department proposes to cover 2117 hectares of Scheduled Caste land directly benefiting 5292 SC farmers. The cabinet approved the above proposal and sanctioned the said amount.
8.Proposal seeking approval and sanction of Rs. 74, 50,000/-(Rupees seventy four lakhs fifty thousand) only for construction of Tribal Community Hall at Tathangchen, Gangtok under Tribal Sub Plan. The cabinet approved the above proposal and sanctioned the said amount.
ENERGY AND POWER DEPARTMENT
Proposal seeking administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs.36.79 lakhs (Rupees thirty six lakhs seventy nine thousand) only providing street lights along the road from Deorali Bazar to Chorten/ Tibetology compound, Deorali, Gangtok. The cabinet approved the above proposal and sanctioned the said amount.
FINANCE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE DEPARTMENT
Proposal seeking approval of the Draft rules namely, ‘The Sikkim Ecology Fund and Environment Cess (Amendment) Rules, 2008’ to amend the Sikkim Ecology Fund and Enviroment Cess Rules, 2007. The cabinet has approved the above proposal.
ROADS AND BRIDGES DEPARTMENT
Proposal seeking revised administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs.1,63,95,214/(Rupees one crore, sixty three lakhs, ninety five thousand, two hundred and fourteen) only with an additional financial sanction of Rs. 3,14,0.00/-(Rupees three lakhs, fourteen thousand) only for the work “Surface Strengthening and Carpeting of Ravangla -Ralang Road km1st to 13th in South Sikkim has been approved and sanctioned by the Cabinet.
Proposal seeking administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs.28, 06,000/- (Rupees twenty eight lakhs, six thousand) only, for the work “Surface improvement, widening, drainage, carpeting and protective work on Tarku Damthang road Km 13th to19th in South Sikkim has been approved and sanctioned by the cabinet
Proposal seeking approval and sanction of Rs.37,52,400/-(Rupees thirty seven lakhs, fifty two thousand, four hundred)only for carry out protective works on Approach road to JNV school at Phodong in North Sikkim has been approved and sanctioned by the cabinet.
TOURISM DEPARTMENT
Proposal seeking administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs. 85, 35, 365 (Rupees eighty five lakhs, thirty five thousand, three hundred and sixty five) only for payment of land compensation for development of tourist spot at Dalapchand in East Sikkim and Cultural Village at Tharpu in West Sikkim has been approved and sanctioned by the cabinet.
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
Proposal seeking administrative approval to revise the TA/DA admissible to the members of cabinet, Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Members of Sikkim Legislative Assembly in accordance with the recommendation of Special Review Committee and to bring necessary amendments in the Sikkim Ministers, Speaker, Deputy Speaker and members(TA) Rules, 1977 has been approved by the cabinet.
FOOD SECURITY & AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Proposal seeking administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs.24.00 lakhs(Rupees twenty four lakhs )only for the implementation of Establishment of Agency for Reporting Agriculture Statistics (EARAS) for 2008-09. The cabinet approved the above proposal and sanctioned the said amount.
HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Proposal seeking administrative approval and financial sanction to create proposed 121 post of teaching and non teaching staff with the financial implication per annum to the tune of Rs. 178. 12 lakhs( Rupees one crore seventy eight lakhs and twelve thousand) only subject to allocation of fund under supplementary grant, the cabinet approved the above proposal and sanctioned the said amount.
COOPERATION DEPARTMENT
Proposal seeking confirmation of the approval to sign Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) by the State Govetnment with Government of India and ‘NABARD ‘for implementation of Vaidyanathan Committee Report for revival of Short Term Cooperative Credit Structure, has been approved by the cabinet.
URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING DEPARTMENT
Proposal seeking administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs.743.32 lakhs (Rupees seven hundred forty three lakhs thirty two thousand) only for development of Infrastructures at Bazars and Rural Marketing Centers in the State under Rural Infrastructure Development fund-XIII which is sanctioned by NABARD has been approved and sanctioned by the cabinet.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CARE, HUMAN SERVICES &FAMILY WELFARE
Proposal seeking administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs.62.56 lakhs (Rupees sixty two lakhs fifty six thousand) only for procurement of Operating Microscope of Moller- Wedet for Ophthalmic Surgery at STNM Hospital Gangtok, has been approved and sanctioned by the cabinet.
TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT
Proposal seeking administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs.2.20 crore (Rupee, two crore fifty lakhs) only for fleet replacement and augmentation under Sikkim Nationalized Transport and to release advance payment as per the terms of offer accepted by the Department has been approved and sanctioned by the cabinet.
CULTURAL AFFAIRS AND HERITAGE DEPARTMENT
The Proposal of the department to introduce a new scheme called “Samajeek. Sewa Bhatta covering an average of 30 beneficiaries from each constituencies .The. total I beneficiaries for this scheme shall be 960 in the current financial year and this will be continuing scheme for future. Each of the beneficiaries shall be given an allowance of Rs.500/-(Rupees five hundred) only per month. The scheme shall be implemented w.e.f 1 st September 2008. The total financial liability shall be Rs.28.80 lakhs (Rupees twenty eight lakhs and eighty thousand) only in the current financial year.
It is now’, submitted for according approval and sanction to implement the scheme under the name and style as “Samajeek Sewa Bhatta”, The cabinet approved the above proposal and sanctioned the said amount.
Proposal seeking approval and sanction of four traditional houses at the rate of Rs. 50.00 lakhs (Rupees fifty lakhs) only to Newar, Tamang, Scheduled Caste and Mangar and to release 50% of the grant as first installment has been approved and sanctioned by the cabinet.
HORTICULTURE AND CASH CROPS DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Proposal seeking approval and sanction of Rs. 410.00 lakhs (Rupees four hundred and ten lakhs only for the construction of low cost Bamboo Playhouses under “Plan Programme” and Technology Mission 2008-09 has been approved and sanctioned by the cabinet.
Proposal seeking approval and sanction of Rs.250.00 lakhs (Rupees two hundred and fifty lakhs) only for providing price support and subsidy to the vegetables, fruits and flower growers in the state of Sikkim, has been approved and sanctioned by the cabinet.
DEPTT. OF PERSONNEL, ADM.REFORMS, TRAINING, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES CAREER OPTIONS &EMPLOYMENT, SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND CHIEF MINISTER’S SELF EMPLOYMENT SCHEME
The proposal seeking approval to transfer the fund of Rs.12.00 crores to the following two schemes meant for the Educated Unemployed:
1. Rs.10.00 crores to the Chief Minister’s Self Employment Scheme (CMSES).
2. Rs.2.00 Crores to the Comprehensive Educational Loan Scheme. The cabinet has approved the above proposal.
The proposal relates to the list of educated unemployed youth of Sikkim, who has been given Comprehensive loan scheme in the year 2007-08 and 2007-08. The scheme was launched in 2007-08.During 2007-08, 46 students were granted loans amounting to Rs.332.80 lakhs and during 2008-09 (till January 2008) 49 students have been granted loans amounting to Rs 4,59. 84 lakhs. The loans were sanctioned from the funds transferred by the Directorate of Capacity Building. The cabinet has approved the above proposal
OTHER BUSINESS
The cabinet also observed two minutes silence in memory of those who lost their lives in the flood at Bihar. The Chief Minister expressed his deep anguish over the loss of so many lives and properties. The Cabinet on behalf of the people and the Government of Sikkim has decided to contribute an amount of Rs. One crore towards the relief and rehabilitation of those affected by this tragic catastrophe. In addition to this, Members of Council of Ministers have also volunteered to contribute their one month’s salary towards this cause.
IPR News Service
IPR No 144/IPR/08-09
Sunday, September 7, 2008
INDIA NEW MANTRA-TALK MORE WORK MORE
Nearly 300 million and counting. That's the number of Indians walking around with a cell phone in their pockets. Today, one in four Indians has a mobile. It's said that by 2020, every employed adult in the country would have one.
From the villager sitting atop his half-drowned hut calling for help in flood-hit Bihar, to the kabadiwallah who hands you his number, it’s mobile networking like never before.
It virtually reverses the socialist mantra 'talk less, work more', that many Indians half-believed for years. Now, the new Indian chant may be 'talk more, work more'.
"The mobile is to India what the motor car was to America," says social scientist Shiv Viswanathan. It has opened up the world to the mohalla and vice versa. "There's a tremendous opening up of space," he says. But does more networking automatically mean more productivity?
Yes, says Aditya Dev Sood, CEO of Bangalore-based Centre for Knowledge Societies (CKS), a research and design-consulting company. He says the mobile's "greatest impact would be on those people with professions that are time, location and information sensitive. For example, the owner of a hair salon can manage with just a landline phone, but for a dealer in flowers, the prices of which can vary from morning to evening, the mobile can help keep track of the rates."
The mobile phone in India's pocket can do all this and more — fishermen wanting a weather update or the location of the best catch; hospitals contacting patients without a permanent address; matchmaking companies dispatching profiles of potential mates to subscribers; SMSes on the Sensex. Information, services, profits - you name it, you have it, in the palm of your hand.
It is true that network coverage and mobile penetration are still limited to certain areas. But, interestingly, as a two-year-old study by CKS showed in Maharashtra, UP and Karnataka, many new mobile-users belong to poorer areas with scarce infrastructure and facilities, high levels of illiteracy and low PC and internet penetration. Sood says productivity rises because mobiles help counter the biggest challenge an aspirational society can face - inaccessibility.
"Financial deals done over mobiles reduce transaction costs and enhance productivity. Mobiles are part of the organized sector already; they can also transform the informal economy substantially," says Sood.
Unsurprisingly, there are parts of India where farmers hire mobile phones in the right season, when market prices need constant monitoring and they need to negotiate deals with wholesale buyers.
Is the mobile phone a means of empowering the people, then? Not yet, says C P Chandrashekhar, professor at the Centre for Economic Studies and Planning, JNU. He says the mobile cannot minimize India's crying need for basic infrastructure.
"Why should rural children be happy with getting class lessons via mobile? Why shouldn't they aspire to classrooms, furniture etc?" asks Chandrashekhar.
Viswanathan agrees, saying "All mobiles are not equal." But he adds that the mobile phone is a minor tool of empowerment in that it helps people make their own world better. The mobile is the new equity, concludes Sood, because it facilitates greater participation in the economy.
Why ever not, when the world is in your pocket.
( sOURCE: eCONOMIC tIMES)
From the villager sitting atop his half-drowned hut calling for help in flood-hit Bihar, to the kabadiwallah who hands you his number, it’s mobile networking like never before.
It virtually reverses the socialist mantra 'talk less, work more', that many Indians half-believed for years. Now, the new Indian chant may be 'talk more, work more'.
"The mobile is to India what the motor car was to America," says social scientist Shiv Viswanathan. It has opened up the world to the mohalla and vice versa. "There's a tremendous opening up of space," he says. But does more networking automatically mean more productivity?
Yes, says Aditya Dev Sood, CEO of Bangalore-based Centre for Knowledge Societies (CKS), a research and design-consulting company. He says the mobile's "greatest impact would be on those people with professions that are time, location and information sensitive. For example, the owner of a hair salon can manage with just a landline phone, but for a dealer in flowers, the prices of which can vary from morning to evening, the mobile can help keep track of the rates."
The mobile phone in India's pocket can do all this and more — fishermen wanting a weather update or the location of the best catch; hospitals contacting patients without a permanent address; matchmaking companies dispatching profiles of potential mates to subscribers; SMSes on the Sensex. Information, services, profits - you name it, you have it, in the palm of your hand.
It is true that network coverage and mobile penetration are still limited to certain areas. But, interestingly, as a two-year-old study by CKS showed in Maharashtra, UP and Karnataka, many new mobile-users belong to poorer areas with scarce infrastructure and facilities, high levels of illiteracy and low PC and internet penetration. Sood says productivity rises because mobiles help counter the biggest challenge an aspirational society can face - inaccessibility.
"Financial deals done over mobiles reduce transaction costs and enhance productivity. Mobiles are part of the organized sector already; they can also transform the informal economy substantially," says Sood.
Unsurprisingly, there are parts of India where farmers hire mobile phones in the right season, when market prices need constant monitoring and they need to negotiate deals with wholesale buyers.
Is the mobile phone a means of empowering the people, then? Not yet, says C P Chandrashekhar, professor at the Centre for Economic Studies and Planning, JNU. He says the mobile cannot minimize India's crying need for basic infrastructure.
"Why should rural children be happy with getting class lessons via mobile? Why shouldn't they aspire to classrooms, furniture etc?" asks Chandrashekhar.
Viswanathan agrees, saying "All mobiles are not equal." But he adds that the mobile phone is a minor tool of empowerment in that it helps people make their own world better. The mobile is the new equity, concludes Sood, because it facilitates greater participation in the economy.
Why ever not, when the world is in your pocket.
( sOURCE: eCONOMIC tIMES)
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