Saturday, December 3, 2011
Corruption and development
Corrosive corruption
Dec 2nd 2011, 16:59 source The Economist
A correlation between corruption and development
THE use of public office for private gain benefits a powerful few while imposing costs on large swathes of society. Transparency International's annual Corruption Perceptions Index, published on December 1st, measures the perceived levels of public-sector graft by aggregating independent surveys from across the globe. Just five non-OECD countries make the top 25: Singapore, Hong Kong, Barbados, Bahamas and Qatar. The bottom is formed mainly of failed states, poor African countries and nations that either were once communist (Turkmenistan) or are still run along similar lines (Venezuela, Cuba). Comparing the corruption index with the UN's Human Development Index (a measure combining health, wealth and education), demonstrates an interesting connection. When the corruption index is between approximately 2.0 and 4.0 there appears to be little relationship with the human development index, but as it rises beyond 4.0 a stronger connection can be seen. Outliers include small but well-run poorer countries such as Bhutan and Cape Verde, while Greece and Italy stand out among the richer countries.
Corrosive corruption
Dec 2nd 2011, 16:59 source The Economist
A correlation between corruption and development
THE use of public office for private gain benefits a powerful few while imposing costs on large swathes of society. Transparency International's annual Corruption Perceptions Index, published on December 1st, measures the perceived levels of public-sector graft by aggregating independent surveys from across the globe. Just five non-OECD countries make the top 25: Singapore, Hong Kong, Barbados, Bahamas and Qatar. The bottom is formed mainly of failed states, poor African countries and nations that either were once communist (Turkmenistan) or are still run along similar lines (Venezuela, Cuba). Comparing the corruption index with the UN's Human Development Index (a measure combining health, wealth and education), demonstrates an interesting connection. When the corruption index is between approximately 2.0 and 4.0 there appears to be little relationship with the human development index, but as it rises beyond 4.0 a stronger connection can be seen. Outliers include small but well-run poorer countries such as Bhutan and Cape Verde, while Greece and Italy stand out among the richer countries.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Border Trade thru Nathu La Closes for the 6th season
EXPORTS OVER NATHULA ADD UP TO NEARLY A CRORE IN OCTOBER ALONE; IMPORTS STILL OFFICIALLY ‘NIL’
source:sikkimnow
GANGTOK, 30 Nov: The sixth season of Indo-China border trade through the 14,000 feet high Nathula mountain pass came to a close today with the final day of trading marking the traditional annual bonhomie among traders of both countries. While trading too took place, the day was marked with exchange of gifts among the traders and get-togethers between relatives otherwise separated by the border. There was also a cultural programme organized at Sherathang, the trade mart on the Sikkim side, by Indian traders along with food and drinks.
Apart from traders, also present were government officials, especially from the line departments which are “ever” engaged in the seemingly never ending process of trade mart construction and upgradation at Sherathang.
As is usually the case, the last few weeks of border trade usually see a jump in the number of traders crossing over from both sides. It was no different this time either with the closing days witnessing a near doubling of trading activity. For the past few days, the number of traders from Tibet crossing over has been hovering around the 150 mark while the average of the past few months was around 80.
The volume of trade also sees in increase in the concluding days with traders from both sides working hard at accumulating as many items of trade as possible to last them the few months before trade reopens next season.
While the official balance of trade is heavily tilted in favour of the Indian traders, it would not be an exaggeration to state that with the figures of trade of unlisted items brought in by Chinese traders the border trade would be heavily in favour of the Chinese traders. However, Customs officials only keep tab of the official list goods and their statistics, and the figures they have, reveal that import of goods from China throughout 2011 has been ‘Nil’.
The official figures for import items is zero, which is to say that absolutely nothing has been imported this season, while exports to Tibetan Autonomous Region have been steadily increasing from Rs. 12 lakh in May to a maximum of Rs. 48 lakh for the August.
Exports dipped in September to Rs. 42 lakh as a result of the earthquake and the blockade of the route to Tsomgo and Nathula. The month of October again saw heightened trade with its imminent closure with almost a crore rupees worth of exports recorded.
The actual figure of exports for the month of October is Rs. 94,62,225.
Figures for the month of November are being computed.
A bulk of the export from Sikkim is of vegetable oil (dalda), which, during the month of September, was worth Rs. 20.22 lakh. Next are copper items, canned foods, blankets, textiles and tea. Cigarettes are also a favoured item of export.
In October the export of vegetable oil to Tibet more than doubled with the Customs recording Rs. 54.35 lakhs worth of Dalda being exported. This was followed by copper items at Rs. 11.43 lakh and utensils at Rs. 6.51 lakhs.
Other items of export include textiles - close to Rs. 2 lakh worth of which were exported in October; Blankets worth 2.44 lakh and tea at Rs. 3.39 lakh.
While officially there are no imports, this has sort of become a kind of joke as Chinese traders are openly seen selling blankets, shoes, jackets, quilts, thermos flasks, beer etc. Not only that Gangtok and other towns are flooded with these items which are sold at almost triple the price at Sherathang.
As far as infrastructure at the trade mart at Sherathang is concerned there has hardly been any improvement. While line departments are informed to have visited today this has become a routine affair. There are several facilities proposed for development and one such even has its completion date given as 30 November but there is nothing to be seen above the foundation level.
This is, incidentally, the sixth season of border trade between the two countries. And while that may be so, there has been absolutely no change in the list of items of trade for the past 6 years. Officials at the Industries Department inform that the center decided to continue with the existing list of items for border trade due to the lack of infrastructure and the unsuitable road conditions. The Border Roads Organisation has been engaged in road widening and double-laning works along the Sherathang route for the past 2 years.
It was also informed that the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industries, had visited Sikkim in the month of July to study the existing road conditions along the border trade route and also the infrastructure existing at the trade mart at Sherathang. The objective of the visit to see the feasibility of changing the status of trade but as the infrastructure and double laning of the road had not been completed nothing could be decided. Subsequently, there has been no direction from the Ministry and so the border trade continues with the present listed items
source:sikkimnow
GANGTOK, 30 Nov: The sixth season of Indo-China border trade through the 14,000 feet high Nathula mountain pass came to a close today with the final day of trading marking the traditional annual bonhomie among traders of both countries. While trading too took place, the day was marked with exchange of gifts among the traders and get-togethers between relatives otherwise separated by the border. There was also a cultural programme organized at Sherathang, the trade mart on the Sikkim side, by Indian traders along with food and drinks.
Apart from traders, also present were government officials, especially from the line departments which are “ever” engaged in the seemingly never ending process of trade mart construction and upgradation at Sherathang.
As is usually the case, the last few weeks of border trade usually see a jump in the number of traders crossing over from both sides. It was no different this time either with the closing days witnessing a near doubling of trading activity. For the past few days, the number of traders from Tibet crossing over has been hovering around the 150 mark while the average of the past few months was around 80.
The volume of trade also sees in increase in the concluding days with traders from both sides working hard at accumulating as many items of trade as possible to last them the few months before trade reopens next season.
While the official balance of trade is heavily tilted in favour of the Indian traders, it would not be an exaggeration to state that with the figures of trade of unlisted items brought in by Chinese traders the border trade would be heavily in favour of the Chinese traders. However, Customs officials only keep tab of the official list goods and their statistics, and the figures they have, reveal that import of goods from China throughout 2011 has been ‘Nil’.
The official figures for import items is zero, which is to say that absolutely nothing has been imported this season, while exports to Tibetan Autonomous Region have been steadily increasing from Rs. 12 lakh in May to a maximum of Rs. 48 lakh for the August.
Exports dipped in September to Rs. 42 lakh as a result of the earthquake and the blockade of the route to Tsomgo and Nathula. The month of October again saw heightened trade with its imminent closure with almost a crore rupees worth of exports recorded.
The actual figure of exports for the month of October is Rs. 94,62,225.
Figures for the month of November are being computed.
A bulk of the export from Sikkim is of vegetable oil (dalda), which, during the month of September, was worth Rs. 20.22 lakh. Next are copper items, canned foods, blankets, textiles and tea. Cigarettes are also a favoured item of export.
In October the export of vegetable oil to Tibet more than doubled with the Customs recording Rs. 54.35 lakhs worth of Dalda being exported. This was followed by copper items at Rs. 11.43 lakh and utensils at Rs. 6.51 lakhs.
Other items of export include textiles - close to Rs. 2 lakh worth of which were exported in October; Blankets worth 2.44 lakh and tea at Rs. 3.39 lakh.
While officially there are no imports, this has sort of become a kind of joke as Chinese traders are openly seen selling blankets, shoes, jackets, quilts, thermos flasks, beer etc. Not only that Gangtok and other towns are flooded with these items which are sold at almost triple the price at Sherathang.
As far as infrastructure at the trade mart at Sherathang is concerned there has hardly been any improvement. While line departments are informed to have visited today this has become a routine affair. There are several facilities proposed for development and one such even has its completion date given as 30 November but there is nothing to be seen above the foundation level.
This is, incidentally, the sixth season of border trade between the two countries. And while that may be so, there has been absolutely no change in the list of items of trade for the past 6 years. Officials at the Industries Department inform that the center decided to continue with the existing list of items for border trade due to the lack of infrastructure and the unsuitable road conditions. The Border Roads Organisation has been engaged in road widening and double-laning works along the Sherathang route for the past 2 years.
It was also informed that the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industries, had visited Sikkim in the month of July to study the existing road conditions along the border trade route and also the infrastructure existing at the trade mart at Sherathang. The objective of the visit to see the feasibility of changing the status of trade but as the infrastructure and double laning of the road had not been completed nothing could be decided. Subsequently, there has been no direction from the Ministry and so the border trade continues with the present listed items
Aerosport training institute soon be established in Mizoram
Aizawl: December 1, 2011
An Aero-sport Training Institute would soon be established in Mizoram for promotion of adventure tourism and aero-sport, said in an official statement.
Inaugurating the first Paragliding Festival and Spot Landing Competition at Serchhip on December 29, 2011, Mizoram tourism secretary B Sairengpuii said, “Adventure sports would be given emphasis to boost tourism and also to meet the sporting aspirations of the youth in the state.”
The Paragliding Festival and Spot Landing Competition was attended by 38 sportspersons including 18 from Nepal, 10 from Sikkim, six from Mizoram, two from Himachal Pradesh and one each from Sweden and Maharashtra, the statement said.
The competitors jumped with parachutes from Chuanhnuai gorge near Serchhip town and landed at Zawlpui valley near Keitum village.
PTI
Aizawl: December 1, 2011
An Aero-sport Training Institute would soon be established in Mizoram for promotion of adventure tourism and aero-sport, said in an official statement.
Inaugurating the first Paragliding Festival and Spot Landing Competition at Serchhip on December 29, 2011, Mizoram tourism secretary B Sairengpuii said, “Adventure sports would be given emphasis to boost tourism and also to meet the sporting aspirations of the youth in the state.”
The Paragliding Festival and Spot Landing Competition was attended by 38 sportspersons including 18 from Nepal, 10 from Sikkim, six from Mizoram, two from Himachal Pradesh and one each from Sweden and Maharashtra, the statement said.
The competitors jumped with parachutes from Chuanhnuai gorge near Serchhip town and landed at Zawlpui valley near Keitum village.
PTI
Sikkim submits memorandum demanding Rs 7,400 crore from Centre
Gangtok, Dec 1 (PTI) Sikkim needs an estimated Rs 7,400 crore from the Centre for long term rebuilding of the state after the devastating earthquake hit the state on September 18,official sources said here today. Sikkim Government has submitted a memorandum on November 28 to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) demanding an estimated Rs 7,400 crore for long term rebuilding of the state after the earthquake, the sources said. The memorandum was submitted to the MHA after 17 state government departments submitted Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) on rebuilding works to be undertaken by them, they said. Earlier the Sikkim government had sought Rs 2,811.99 crore from the Centre after the earthquake. Meanwhile, Official sources here said so far the state government has received only Rs 50 crore as Central assistance, provided when Home Minister, P Chidambaram, visited Sikkim in late September. Apart from this, the state, as part of its annual allotment, had Rs 24 crore in its State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
Gangtok, Dec 1 (PTI) Sikkim needs an estimated Rs 7,400 crore from the Centre for long term rebuilding of the state after the devastating earthquake hit the state on September 18,official sources said here today. Sikkim Government has submitted a memorandum on November 28 to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) demanding an estimated Rs 7,400 crore for long term rebuilding of the state after the earthquake, the sources said. The memorandum was submitted to the MHA after 17 state government departments submitted Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) on rebuilding works to be undertaken by them, they said. Earlier the Sikkim government had sought Rs 2,811.99 crore from the Centre after the earthquake. Meanwhile, Official sources here said so far the state government has received only Rs 50 crore as Central assistance, provided when Home Minister, P Chidambaram, visited Sikkim in late September. Apart from this, the state, as part of its annual allotment, had Rs 24 crore in its State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Sikkim declared disaster affected state
PTI
Gangtok, Nov 30 :PTI: Sikkim has been officially declared as a 'Disaster Affected State' by the government to avail soft loans and other facilities from banks, official sources said today. It was also to source funds from international funding agencies such as the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank, the sources said. Banks and international agencies had been approached by the state government for rebuilding efforts following the large-scale damages to infrastructure during the earthquake of September 18, they said. This is a requirement stipulated as per the Reserve Bank of India guidelines. The notification was issued on November 21, the sources said.
PTI
Gangtok, Nov 30 :PTI: Sikkim has been officially declared as a 'Disaster Affected State' by the government to avail soft loans and other facilities from banks, official sources said today. It was also to source funds from international funding agencies such as the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank, the sources said. Banks and international agencies had been approached by the state government for rebuilding efforts following the large-scale damages to infrastructure during the earthquake of September 18, they said. This is a requirement stipulated as per the Reserve Bank of India guidelines. The notification was issued on November 21, the sources said.
Skill Development Programme on Screen Printing held in Sikkim
Gangtok: November 30, 2011
There is need to exploit vast potential in development of Farm and Non Farm Sector in Sikkim and Skill Development initiative of NABARD is playing an important role in providing employment opportunities. This was stated by Om Prakash Assistant General Manager NABARD, Sikkim while inaugurating Skill Development Programme on Screen Printing at Gangtok.
The programme was organized by Sikkim Consultancy Centre, Gangtok for the development of the youth. He also said that Skill Development Initiatives (SDI) are basically aimed at persons in rural areas looking for wage employment or livelihood opportunities both through group or individual activities. SDI also envisages
development, upgrading or diversifying the existing skills of the trainees.
Support of established businessmen could also be solicited for training of candidates in the existing units. The support of Rural Financial Institutions which have close relationship with trade and industry could be effective and useful. The duration of these SDI ranged from 2 weeks to above 6 weeks depending upon the type of activity.
Activities like Handloom products, Floriculture, Beekeeping, Carpet Weaving, Food processing, Jute Handicrafts, Food & Beverages, Front Office Operations, Beauticians, Cultivation of Medicinal Plants, Tailoring & readymade garments are being supported by NABARD in Sikkim State.
While highlighting the eligibility under the programme he said that members/family members of credit or economic activity groups, individuals associated with farm / non-farm activities including service sector, artisans, unemployed youths, unskilled/ semiskilled labourers are eligible for support under the initiative.
Specific target groups such as ex-servicemen, retired/disabled soldiers and war widows and disadvantaged groups such as rag pickers, prisoners released from Jails could be supported. This is, however, only an indicative list.
Various types of institutions like Rural Financial Institutions, Civil Society Organizations, Local Self Governing Bodies such as PRI, Training Institutions, Master craftsmen/women, Business Associations (which can provide on-the-job training with the existing units) and semi government organisations are eligible for support under SDI. Although SDI aims at providing the technical skill, a broad based entrepreneurship component including aspects relating to Personality Development and business awareness etc. which lead to confidence building of the trainee may be included.
The programme coordinator of SICON, S Bhutia said that during the three week programme starting from 29 November 2011 to 19 December 2011, 21 participants will be trained and efforts would be made to ensure employment of the participants of the programme
source:sikkim mall
Gangtok: November 30, 2011
There is need to exploit vast potential in development of Farm and Non Farm Sector in Sikkim and Skill Development initiative of NABARD is playing an important role in providing employment opportunities. This was stated by Om Prakash Assistant General Manager NABARD, Sikkim while inaugurating Skill Development Programme on Screen Printing at Gangtok.
The programme was organized by Sikkim Consultancy Centre, Gangtok for the development of the youth. He also said that Skill Development Initiatives (SDI) are basically aimed at persons in rural areas looking for wage employment or livelihood opportunities both through group or individual activities. SDI also envisages
development, upgrading or diversifying the existing skills of the trainees.
Support of established businessmen could also be solicited for training of candidates in the existing units. The support of Rural Financial Institutions which have close relationship with trade and industry could be effective and useful. The duration of these SDI ranged from 2 weeks to above 6 weeks depending upon the type of activity.
Activities like Handloom products, Floriculture, Beekeeping, Carpet Weaving, Food processing, Jute Handicrafts, Food & Beverages, Front Office Operations, Beauticians, Cultivation of Medicinal Plants, Tailoring & readymade garments are being supported by NABARD in Sikkim State.
While highlighting the eligibility under the programme he said that members/family members of credit or economic activity groups, individuals associated with farm / non-farm activities including service sector, artisans, unemployed youths, unskilled/ semiskilled labourers are eligible for support under the initiative.
Specific target groups such as ex-servicemen, retired/disabled soldiers and war widows and disadvantaged groups such as rag pickers, prisoners released from Jails could be supported. This is, however, only an indicative list.
Various types of institutions like Rural Financial Institutions, Civil Society Organizations, Local Self Governing Bodies such as PRI, Training Institutions, Master craftsmen/women, Business Associations (which can provide on-the-job training with the existing units) and semi government organisations are eligible for support under SDI. Although SDI aims at providing the technical skill, a broad based entrepreneurship component including aspects relating to Personality Development and business awareness etc. which lead to confidence building of the trainee may be included.
The programme coordinator of SICON, S Bhutia said that during the three week programme starting from 29 November 2011 to 19 December 2011, 21 participants will be trained and efforts would be made to ensure employment of the participants of the programme
source:sikkim mall
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
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