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INTERVIEW OF THE WEEK

By show casing Sikkim as the ultimate Eco Tourism destination & by launching new projects efforts are being made to augment flow of inbound tourists round the year, said G.P.Upadhyaya Commissioner & Secretary Tourism to Sikkim Government.

In an interview to <whispersinthecorridors.com>he unveiled how the Sikkim was doing aggressive marketing to ensure constant traffic of tourists.Upadhyaya said even setting up of casinos is on the anvil. According to G.P.Upadhaya "Government has also permitted running of casinos in 5-star hotels by law to attract investment in 5-star hotels. We have received offers from reputed groups who have evinced keen interest in setting up such properties with casino." Replying to a question he said "Sikkim is giving tremendous emphasis to promotion of adventure and eco-tourism." Here goes his interview:

1/What are new projects that Sikkim tourism is contemplating to take?

A-The new projects planned are- 95 ft tall metal statue of Lord Buddha, World's largest metal bell weighing 100 tonnes, hanging bridge on a cliff, amusement parks, mono rail, Ropeways and various trekking trails through dense and virgin forests. I also envisage flow of tourists through Nathula trade route between India and China in next 2-3 years. Sikkim has taken several initiatives in the recent past to create several new tourism products. Notable among them are 135 ft. high statue of Guru Padmasambhava at Samdruptse, beautification of a large number of water falls of stunning beauty, ropeways at various places, rock gardens and river bank developments, view points and way-side amenities, a large number of trekking trails through dense and virgin forests, several lakes with boating facilities and a several eco-friendly resorts. Projects in the pipeline are a 95ft high metal statue of Lord Buddha, World's largest metal bell weighing around 100 tonnes, Jurassic park, amusement park at the river bank, hanging bridge, underground laser show in abandoned mining tunnel, cultural village and several other ropeways. Sikkim is being helped generously by Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of DoNER (Department of Development of North Eastern Region) along with the state govt. All this is being done while preserving the ecology and environment of Sikkim by banning plastic bags and fitting all commercial vehicles with dust bins.

2/What steps are being taken to have constant traffic of inbound tourists from India & abroad?

A-Creation of new tourist attractions and products helps us to keep interest alive in Sikkim. Further, Sikkim's peaceful atmosphere (perhaps the most peaceful place on earth) and political stability also helps. We are indulging in aggressive marketing of Sikkim both in India and abroad for wide publicity by regularly participating in tourism fairs and festivals and ads and articles in print/electronic media. Sikkim is giving tremendous emphasis to promotion of adventure and eco-tourism. A big leap in this direction is being taken by SAATO (Sikkim Association of Adventure Tour Operators) who are holding their third annual convention at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 13to 15 Aug. All the North Eastern states are supporting this initiative of SAATO and they have all been invited to attend this convention and discuss the possibility of forging meaningful partnerships with adventure tour operators of South East Asia. Sikkim has been able to create the infrastructure of an Institute of Adventure and Eco-Tourism at Chemchey in South Sikkim with the help of Ministry of Tourism and we are now planning to make it operational with the help of SAATO and IAATO.
Further, Sikkim is also planning to host the 5th National Rafting Championship in river Teesta during May 2008 with the help of Indian Rafting Association (IRA). Efforts are also afoot to establish a rafting school in Sikkim with the help of IRA.

Despite its best efforts, heavy concentration of tourists during the months of April-June and Oct-Dec seems inescapable, especially because of school holidays and scorching Indian summer. Nonetheless, Sikkim Tourism is trying to disperse the tourist concentration by offering deep discounts coupled with showcasing attractions of different moods of nature during monsoon months (July-Sep) and winters (Jan-Feb).

3/In what way your tourism policy is different from other states in the North East? Please elaborate.

A-Our policy is creation of tourism infrastructure in the public domain and creation of tourism trade infrastructure in the private domain. In addition, our people are very warm and hospitable and Sikkim's peace and stability also helps. Government has also permitted running of Casinos in 5-star hotels by law to attract investment in 5-star hotels. We have received offers from reputed groups who have evinced keen interest in setting up such properties with Casino. Sikkim Tourism is planning a major cycling expedition during Oct. 2007 covering almost all parts of the state. It is expected that more than 300 domestic and international participants would be taking part in this. This event would be covered by the national media in a big way which will put Sikkim at the center stage of tourism and adventure activities.
To showcase its floriculture potential, Sikkim is organising an international floriculture exhibition at Gangtok from March 14 to16 2008. There would be an amazing variety of orchids and flowers at display during this mega event. Sikkim would be inviting international travel writers of repute to cover this event with the help of Ministry of Tourism and Air India.

4/ Do you intend to take up projects in collaboration with the private sector?

A-We are keen to take up projects under Public Private Partnership (PPP) under various models. This includes hotels, ropeways and other tourism infrastructure. The state government is also actively encouraging investment in tourism sector on PPP model (mostly BOOT which stands for Build, Own, Operate and Transfer) for creation of tourism infrastructure.

5/What new things are being done at hill stations? Do you intend to start some kind of festivals?

A-We are very passionate about maintaining our ecology and environment. Honourable Chief Minister Mr.Pawan Chamling has placed tremendous thrust for plantations and green mission and Sikkim's forest cover has gone up from 41% to 43%. Sikkim boasts of dense and virgin forests, gurgling rivers and beautiful falls. We celebrate various festivals coinciding with local festivals of three main communities of Sikkim, viz, Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalis.

Karamvir Singh to be ADG CRPF !
Karamvir Singh is being tipped to be ADG CRPF in Chandigarh. He is 1975 batch IPS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre.

1979 batch IAS frozen
1979 batch IAS has been frozen for central deputation.

IDAS officer to be AS and FA MEA ?
The only post available to the IAS in the Ministry of External Affairs is now going to the IDAS .Post of Additional Secretary and FA in the Ministry was earlier held by Ms Sheila Bhide.

Hemachandran is back to Kerala
A Hemachandran is back to the Kerala cadre after completion of central deputation tenure.1986 batch IPS officer, Hemachandran, had been Deputy Director in the Police Academy, Hyderabad.

Kiran Bedi among 60 Architects of India
MSN has on its website under the heading "60 people who put India on the map -- 60 Architects of India" have included the name of Kiran Bedi, who has recently been overlooked for the post of Commissioner of Police, Delhi. Her name figures in the category of "Power of One." The other 7 names in this category include BR Ambedkar, Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Theresa, Subhas Chandra Bose, Sonia Gandhi etc. What is noteworthy is that she is the only bureaucrat in the list of 60 architects of India.

Tussle between IAS and IBS

There is a tussle going on between the IAS and the Indian Broadcasting Service officials for the post of DG, Doordarshan. Since the time IAS made inroads,this media wing of Ministry of I&B, has lost all its charm and goodness. Professionals want to take over and bring it back on rails.

Brijeshwar Singh is back to TamilNadu

Former DG of Akashvani Brijeshwar Singh is back to the parent TamilNadu cadre.On return 1975 batch IAS officer Singh has been appointed chairman of the newly formed Arasu Cable TV Corporation.

1976 batch IAS is ACS in Jharkhand

Two 1976 batch IAS officers A K Basu and Mukhtyar Singh have been promoted to the rank of ACS in Jharkhand.

GoI's different set of rules for different states

It has now become clear that the GoI has different set of rules for different states. While it could relieve 8 to 10 bureaucrats in a week of UP Chief Minister Ms. Mayawati's plea to recall them, a similar request of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, recalling 17 bureaucrats, has fallen on deaf ears at the Centre. There has been no response from the GoI despite three letters of Nitish in the above connection.

Justice Balasubramanyan to retire
Judge of the Supreme Court of India Justice PK Balasubramanyan's is retiring on August 27.

P P Sharma is new CS of Jharkhand
P P Sharma has taken over as new Chief Secretary of Jharkhand. He is 1971 batch IAS officer.
( We said this on August 15 and 16)

Sanjeev Kumar is Director Administrative Reforms
Sanjeev Kumar has joined as Director Administrative Reforms. He is 1993 batch IRS (C&CE) officer.

Ajay Chadha joins as DGP in Arunachal Pradesh

Ajay Chadha has joined as Director General of Police(DGP) with the Arunachal Pradesh Government.He is an IPS officer of the 1977 & belongs to the UT cadre.
He has succeeded A.K.Sinha (1979 batch) who was acting DGP.The latter has reported back to Delhi.

DRDO is short of Scientists
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is short of 383 scientists. DRDO currently has 6,872 scientists against a sanctioned strength of 7,255.

Two IA&AS officers join ADB
Roshan Sahai and Prassana Jena, both from the Indian Audit & Accounts Service have recently joined the ADB in Manila.. For Roshan it is the second stint in ADB (He was earlier a Director's Adviser). Jena is one officer who seems to have been on repeated stints abroad. (He was last in Kosovo).

Will Harish Gupta head new News Channel ?
Grapevine has it that senior journalist Harish Gupta is going to head a News Channel being set up by Haryana Congress Politician Vinod Sharma.

1982 Civil Services Silver Jublee Celeberations
1982 Civil Services is organizing a contributory dinner to celebrate completion of 25 years of service. The schedule is: CONTRIBUTARY DINNER ON SEPT 1st, 2007 (SATURDAY) at 6 PM ONWARDS. The dinner is with family. VENUE: HOTEL RAJHANS, SURAJ KUND, DISTRICT FARIDABAD, HARYANA, Tel Nos 0129-2512054-57 (14 KM from CANNAUGHT PLACE, New Delhi). Send Email to DALIP SINGH, Haryana cadre at dalip9999@yahoo.com for confirmation or send FAX to 0172-2714006, Or talk to DALIP SINGH on mobile 09316121891 or DS DHESI on mobile 09316121886 . More than 150 batch mates have already confirmed.

IT deptt seeks options for DIT(Systems)

The Income Tax(IT) department has urged all Chief Commissioners of Income Tax(CCITs)to send proposals of Additional Commissioners/Joint Commissioners of Income Tax for being posted in the Directorate of Income Tax-DIT-(Systems),Delhi.The deadline will expire on August 17,2007.

UPSC declares results of CDS Examination II,2006

The UPSC has declared the results of Combined Defence Services Examination-II, 2006. 361 candidates have finally qualified on the basis of the results of the Combined Defence Services Examination-II, 2006 conducted by the Union Public Service Commission and the Interviews held by the Services Selection Board of the Ministry of Defence for admission to the Officers Training Academy, Chennai (Madras) for 86th Short Service Commission Course commencing in Oct., 2007. The complete list is available on PIB website www.pib.nic.in. The list also includes the names of the candidates who were recommended earlier on the basis of results of the same examination for admission to Indian Military Academy, Dehradun/ Naval Academy Goa-Course, Air Force Station, Begumpet, Hyderabad Course(s).The number of vacancies for Short Service Commission Course is 163.For any further information/ clarification, the candidates may contact Union Public Service Commission's Facilitation Counter on any working days between 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM. either in person or over telephone No. 011-23385271/ 011-23381125/ 011-23098543. The results are available on the UPSC website http.//www.upsc.gov.in.

FORUM

Your astrologer and Indian politics

I never wanted your astrologer to be correct.I suspect he is likely to score a point.August is going to be a month of turmoil.The Marxists bomb has already rocked the Government of India.The dirty linens are being washed at Mumbai,Ahemdabad,Hyderabad,Raipur,Bhopal and several other state capitals.Your astrologer had fore-taste of our miseries.I am feeling terribly -bad that he is proving to be right.

B Singh

Few points, Perfect news

(i) What is a carpet bomber ?
Aans. carpet bomber is any officer who destroys or tries to destroy all his potential competitors 5 batches ahead or below of him/her.
(ii) What is power couple?
Ans. Generally husband-wife IAS team sometimes IAS-IPS and or other services. They have separate foot prints. They use their capabilities to the fullest to exploit their careers to the maximum
(iii) Which is the most powerful power couple?
Ans. The answer is in the form of a riddle between me and her is trade and oil

Raja S Kumar

Every service is best in its own domain

It is nowadays heartening to read the debate on CSS in the Forum of Whispers. Today one gentleman got so frustrated that he writes "stop this nonsense. CSS are Group-B Service. They can not compare with Group-A Services". Thanks Sir. You have hit the nail at right place. I also say that you are Group-A Service. Then why you are wasting your time in Secretariat? The only central service which has been assigned specifically the world "Secretariat" is CSS and none of the other service (Group-A or IAS). It is meaningless to point out now what is Secretariat. So the real deserving persons to be posted upto DS/Director level is the "nonsense" CSS and not the elite Lords of Group-A services. You may ask why I always say upto DS/Director level only. Because frankly speaking the forefathers who conceptualised CSS dreamt upto DS level only for CSS. For JS & above we accept the lordship of so-called elite services (but with request that everybody, if talented, must get opportunities).Why not we all fight for merit?? Let a Civil Services Board be there headed by a Retired Supreme Court Judge and having distinguished persons of public life (not exclusively IAS)as members for selecting the Officers for Centrally Staffing Scheme for JS/AS and Secretary to the Govt. of India posts. All Officers having served for at least 5 years in Director Scale anywhere (either in Central of State service) will be eligible for JS level posts. They must be selected on the basis of interviews or whatever prescribed basis and get empanelled for JS level posts. In this way there will be no grudge of IAS, IRS or CSS grabbing posts. Here I am pointing out 5 years as Director level so CSS officers with appropriate seniority will also be able to compete with others. If you are so competent this should be reflected through this process and not through the backroom canvassing of service privilege. Other hand each service will be working in their domain, IAS for State administrations, IRS in revenue department, and others in their places. For Ministerial/Secretariat jobs at Govt. of India there must be some transparent selection process, whatever it may be. CSS Officers never wanted favours but just wanted level playing field/opportunities. They will be glad if not a single CSS is selected for JS level (but the selection process must be fair and transparent). Are you ready to take challenges?? I think in every service there must be selections for promotion and not the seniority as a criteria. In this way you can weed out the dry rots and the efficient can be incentivised. But unfortunately the vested interests always scuttle the selection criteria and always count batches. Why is that almost everybody from a batch of IAS is promoted for JS/Super time scale as soon as they become eligible by way of approved service. Is not a single person unsuitable for promotion?? Dear friends ! in this era of globalisation only the best can survive. And to select the best there must be some process. Once selected you have to perform or peril. This tests must be on regular interval. If not promoted for some time you must be shunted out from the service. Is anybody willing to take this challenge?? Why not we focus our debate on this aspect instead of writing IAS vs. CSS or DR vs. promotees. What a tragedy!! An excellent form for exchange of ideas is becoming a place of outlet for frustrations of some or other. Every service is best in its own domain. The problem arises when you compete with each other for similar things. There must be some common criteria for this. Hope my views will be taken in right perspective and churn the conscience of our elite bureaucrats.

S K Tripathi

How do they find time ?

It is amusing and apalling to read the debates in this column about superiority of services, X, Y or Z. Every one is praising his own service and berating the others. How do these super babus find time to indulge in such nefarious activities? It is not for nothing that sarkari babu is blamed for everything by the citizens. Pathetic!! They need to be whipped and thrown out. Can the Pay Commission do something?

Padmanabhan

Have a heart for IAS

IAS bashing seems to be a favorite hobby for all those who tried and could not join the service. Obviously 5000 IAS officers in the country are pitted against 50 lakhs or more who too could have been!!! Don't forget that IAS officers spend prime of their youth in small places, all over the country, in difficult places like North East and small towns with all infrastructure bottlenecks. Many of us have been in 10 places in 9 years, not connected by rail or air. Our children change 7 schools before Class 3. Families get dislocated and most young IAS Officers put in more than 14 hours of work everyday 24 X 7. Most young collectors are respected by people across the country. How many officers of any other service go through all this!! have a heart!!

A Singh
. Let's all consider ourselves as servants

It is very sad to read under Forum that there is service bashing between Group A and Group B Officers. Even after becoming a Group A Officer, people do not leave their ego aside. If a person has become officer he should not show arrogance or if a person remains behind as a Group B officer he should not exhibit his frustration through bashing of better services. In fact they are all servants under the Government of India someone is bigger someone is smaller. Considering oneself as officer is already an egoistic assertion which does not match with the designation. Let's all consider ourselves as servants. Group A Officers will be big servants and Group Officers will be small servants.

Vijay Kumar

If JS is powerful who is responsible ?

If a JS becomes more powerful then the Secretary then who is at fault? If senior officers dont want to take a stand are afraid to take decisions or are easy going and want to relax and have a nice time once they have reached the top then effective and competent juniors will become powerful. The Secretary has such a long career span behind him, those long years of grinding sycophancy and grovelling before seniors to get an outstanding CR so that he can climb the promotion ladder, all that humiliation he faced of not taking a stand & throwing all rules to the wind in his servitude to the bosses, now he has finally reached the pinnacle and you expect the Secretary to take a stand. Well who wants confrontation its easier to let juniors take decisions and responsibility. now it is the J.S turn to embark on that well laid road to stardom - i.e promotions and Secretary job - so he is to still trudge that agonising path of servitude, sycophancy, taking credit of work of juniors, throwing his weight around & shamelessly projecting himself !

Dimpy Chopra
TAIL-PIECE

With all this talk of IAS, CSS... who says India has got rid of VARNA system

Ravi Pipal

Aaj Ki Aawaz

Manmohan should address the Nation and explain the 123 Deal,
That would be the apt way how with the objections he should deal!!!

Tell the people what the deal is and what it means to the Nation!!!
Explain them why on this Deal there should be National elation!!

Indians too must realize that this is a negotiated deal and so there is give and take!!!
Both India and USA have in this Deal a stake!!

Fact is where there is political will there is always a way!!!
In the Q case too this is what people will say!!

Why blame CBI ….. CBI's just a tool???
Used by those jo iss Desh ko karte hai rule!!!

So irony is that on India 's 60th Independence Q got his independence too!!!
And the first thing he did was at CBI and Opposition boo!!!

Was there any need for Q to lecture the CBI…. he should have just kept mum??
By his statements did he have to notionally show the CBI his bum????

Here's hoping Q stays put in Milan and saves India from burning money!!!
Because India burns money whenever out of Italy he does journey!!

In the mock chase money goes down the drain,
Q's eaten Indian namak so to travel out of Italy he should refrain!!!

This chase will continue till CBI closes the infamous Q file or case!!!
Till then CBI Q ko karre gi mock chase!!

As BJP pampered aaya D'souzas and gaya D'souzas in Goa Congress offered bait!!!
And a Ministerial berth was the bate or going rate!!!

Delay and Speakers role were like ghee in the fire!!!
And in the end the aaya D'souzas gayaa D'souzas went to the highest buyer!!

A minority Government survived because of a crafty Speaker and biased Guv!!!
Also sometimes I feel BJP lacks the killer instinct when it to 'push to shove'!!

At least I'm suffering from Amar's antics withdrawal symptoms as he's just disappeared!
He's gone underground as it's been quite some since on TV he's appeared!!

Yes his health is not too good!!!
And must be he's also not in the mood!!!

In Gujarat matters for BJP are worsening by the day!!!
If this goes on BJP is on the outbound way!!!

On Independence Day Keshubhai called for freeing Gujarat from Modi!!!
And we all know Keshubhai sits in whose godhi (lap)!!!

Jaitley needs to realize that Gujarat problem needs to solved in Dilli!!!
Detractors ko instructions Dilli se hai milli!!!

And as news of problems for BJP come in Sonia smiles!!!!
But Sonia Ji to come to power in Gujarat Congress still has to travel miles!!!

There maybe infighting in BJP's Gujarat Unit but it has the local Leaders!!!
Congress has no credible Leaders in Gujarat.... just speech readers!!

There is a lot of pain still left in Stocks!!!
Markets will soon hit the rocks!!!

Many say that the Bear phase has commenced!!!!
For the Market this is what I too have sensed!!!

Redemptions and foreclosures have taken the Markets by surprise!!!
All that you get to hear are 'sell sell' cries!!

Will Countrywide buckle..... that's the worry in US countrywide????
And if it does effect wil be felt Worldwide!!

For those who have taken the Stock Markets to be a Casino these are woeful times!!!
Dreamt of millions and now in reality counting dimes!!!

Also don't forget sentiment also drives this Market and its plummeting every day!!
More and more Investors are choosing to stay away!!

Fund Managers will try to force Investors not only to stay invested but invest more!!!
Like in India they are saying that for India a lot Japanese investment is in store!!!

Big B is now trying to clear his name and is using the Media to do so!!!
Now to interview requests from the Media he no longer says no!!!

On India TV he tried his best to show he's not the superstitious kind!!!
So on his fingers so many rings why do we find?????

Inside story is that his Astrologer had stressed that Abhi propose to Ash overseas!!!
The Mandirs this couple went to even before Abhi proposed only superstition one sees!!

Seems Big B is superstitious about being superstitious!!!
From his recent rantings this is pretty obvious!!

Bharat Kumar
Aaj_ki_aawaz@yahoo.com

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CORPORATE

2 Indian giants to fight for supremacy in skies

Two Indian giants are going to take on each other for supremacy in skies.They are Naresh Goyal CMD of Jet Airways & Dr.Vijay Mallya CMD of Kingfisher Airlines.As the grapevine has it both of them are bracing themselves up for a long haul.

SAIL & POSCO join hands

In a significant move Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL)of which Chairman cum Managing Director(CMD)is S.K.Roongta and POSCO Korea's largest steel company, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic alliance for aligning and cooperating with each other in a wide range of strategic business and commercial interest areas. G. Ojha Director (Personnel) SAIL & Soung-sik Cho Senior Executive Vice President and Member of Board of POSCO signed the MoU in the presence of SAIL Chairman S.K. Roongta.The alliance partners will establish a joint coordination group within two weeks to monitor, guide and review the implementation process of the MoU, which will be effective and operative for three years initially.

HDCPL gives a dividend of Rs.5.04 crore

Mrs. Neera Saggi, Chairperson-cum-Managing Director of "Hindustan Diamond Company Private Limited" (HDCPL)gave a dividend cheque of Rs.5.04 crore to Kamal Nath Indian Minister for Commerce & Industry.HDCPL, the supplier of rough diamonds to small and medium manufacturers-exporters of polished diamonds in India, has registered a turnover of Rs.907.58 crore in 2006-07. In its 29th Annual General Meeting recently the company had declared 18% dividend to its shareholders.

Nokia suffers a setback

The news report regarding explosions taking place in mobile handsets due to faulty batteries has caused a major setback to Nokia company in the region.

InsideView ropes is Sesha Rao as MD

With a view to carry out expansion of development operations in India
the "InsideView," the on-demand sales intelligence service has appointed Sesha Rao as Managing Director of the company Indian operations. He will based in Hyderabad.

99 TV channels await clearance

There are 99 television channels of 59 companies who are awaiting permission to uplink from within the country.