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Sikkim : Tax and Economic Reforms

Sikkim : Tax and Economic Reforms

The economic liberalization in India , initiated in 1991, with principles of Liberalization , Privatization and Globalization (LPG) of the country’s economic policies, with the goal of making the economy more market and service-oriented and expanding the role of private and foreign investment. Specific changes include a reduction in import tariffs, deregulation of markets, reduction of taxes, and greater foreign investment. Liberalization has been credited by its proponents for the high economic growth recorded by the country in the 1990s and 2000s. And it has positive impact on the state of Bihar as can be visibly seen from various sectors.

India’s GDP has increased thereafter and also the GSDP of state has increased many folds. Between 2004-05 and 2015-16, Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Sikkim has expanded at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.44 per cent to US$ 2.75 billion whereas the Net State Domestic Product (NSDP) expanded at a CAGR of 19.11 per cent to US$ 2.33 billion.

Agricultural Sector

The state’s economy is largely agrarian, based on the terraced farming of rice and the cultivation of crops such as maize, millet, wheat, barley, oranges, tea and cardamom. Sikkim produces more cardamom than any other Indian state, and is home to the largest cultivated area of cardamom

Sikkim has a suitable climate for agricultural and horticultural products. It supports multiple crops; viz., rice, wheat, maize, millet, barley, urad, pea, soya bean, mustard and large cardamom. Sikkim is the top producer of large cardamom, contributing over 80 per cent to India’s total production.

As per the state budget 2016-17, Sikkim got certified as first fully organic state in India by the Central Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare as well as other recognized agencies of the country.

Organic Farming

Sikkim has been transformed as the first Organic State of the country and the world by design and have opened unlimited opportunities in sectors like Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry.

Industrial Sector

Industries plays an important part to the development of the state. State government has taken various measures to provide impetus to the growth of the economy.

There has been a drastic shift in the sectoral contribution from primary and tertiary to the secondary sector. The overall performance of the economy of the state during 2015-16 was encouraging. At a CAGR of 33.91%, the secondary sector witnessed the fastest growth among the three sectors during 2004-05 to 2015-16. It was driven by manufacturing, construction and electricity, gas & water supply. In 2015-16, the secondary sector contributed 67.73% to the state’s GSDP at current prices.

The state follows the North East Industrial Investment Promotion Policy, 2007, which provides several incentives and concessions for investment. Institutional support is provided through various central and state government agencies viz., North East Council, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region and Commerce and Industries Department.

The main industries like Brewing, distilling, tanning and watchmaking are located in the southern regions of Sikkim.

Tertiary sector

State government has implemented various policies to increase the growth rate of Tertiary sector. Various policies like IT Policy , Tourism Policy gives impetus for the growth of the services sector and hence development of economy. Industrial sector contributes majorly to the development, followed by the tertiary sector at 23.65% and primary sector at 8.62%. The tertiary sector grew at a CAGR of 15.23% between 2004-05 and 2015-16. The growth has been driven by trade, hotels, real estate, finance, insurance, transport, communications and other services. The primary sector grew at a CAGR of 15.55% between 2004-05 and 2015-16.

Tourism provides the main thrust to the economy. With the tranquil climate, the natural beauty and the fine cultural heritage of Sikkim, the growth of tourism has immense possibilities. There are large number of places of tourist attraction particularly the snow clad mountains, the lakes and unspoiled forest areas and valleys of flowers. The advantage of having very fine monasteries in Sikkim can also be taken to attract Buddhist tourists from countries like Japan and the South Eastern countries.

Total Receipts and Total Expenditure

For the fiscal year 2017-18, a gross expenditure of Rs. 6364.02 crores has been projected in the budget.

After taking into account recoveries amounting to Rs. 142.20 crores, the net expenditure comes to Rs. 6221.82 crores.

The fiscal deficit remains in adherence to the fiscal management targets set in the Sikkim Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2010, i.e. not more than 3% of GSDP. The contribution from total tax revenue is of the order of Rs. 669.51 crores and in the case of Non-Tax revenue, Rs. 426.46 crores.

The total gross expenditure includes allocations amounting to Rs. 81.76 crores under the dispensation of the North Eastern Council, Rs. 153.66 crores under Non Lapsable Pool of Central Resources, and Rs. 1326.76 crores under Centrally Sponsored Schemes.

In Union budget, the distinction between Plan and Non-Plan has been done away with from the year 2017-18 onwards. This has been done as a measure towards bringing about major fiscal and budgetary reforms while retaining the distinction on the basis of Revenue and Capital expenditures. Since the Union and the States have to work together on the methodology, State has also adopted the same system from the financial year 2017-18 budget.

Tax proposals

Accordingly, the main taxes of the State Government like the Value Added Tax, Central Sales Tax, Entry Tax, Cess and Luxury Tax etc. and also the taxes of the Government of India like the Central Excise and Services Tax, have now been subsumed in the Goods and Services Tax.

Goods and Service Tax (GST)

GST, will replace multiple state and central taxes to create one national market and single tax in the country. This bill seeks to subsume all central indirect levies like excise duty, countervailing duty and service tax and also state taxes such as value added tax, entry tax and luxury tax, to create a single, pan-India market.

GST will be a game changer in the states as they eradicate the cascading effect on goods and services.GST will bring down the cost of goods and services as there will be no cascading effects of taxes. He added that GST is expected to increase revenue by widening the tax base and improving the taxpayer compliance. 7% items are such on which no taxes would be levied, 14% items would be in the lowest bracket of 5% tax, 17% items will have 12% tax, 43% items will have 18% tax, and 19% items, which are generally not used by people will have 28% tax.

Only the Goods and Services Tax will be levied in place of all these taxes in the indirect tax regime. Petroleum products and liquor have been kept out of the GST, as of now. The rates of the tax will be uniform on goods and services in the entire nation. As per the decision taken by the GST Council, the Goods and Services Tax will be implemented from 1st July, 2017 onwards.

The State Government has made all necessary preparations for the implementation of the new tax regime so that the trade and industry of the State do not face any difficulties. E-payment will be made compulsory for the payment of taxes.

Vegetation of Sikkim for Sikkim PSC

Vegetation of Sikkim

Sikkim provides a great variety of habitats, that support and sustains rich flora and fauna.
The Vegetation of Sikkim changes from tropical to subtropical upwards through middle hills with much coniferous and Oak forests of temperate character to the higher slopes with sub alpine scrub and alpine “meadows” generally related to higher alpine flora of the north temperate zone.
Sikkim has been known to be the most humid region in the whole range of Himalaya, because of its proximity to the Bay of Bengal and direct exposure to the south-west monsoon.
The annual rainfall ranges from 200 – 500 cm in most of its inner valleys except for its northern most region which receives scanty rainfall.
Throughout the year, but particularly from June to September, monsoon brings heavy rainfall to the state.
Lower hills and valleys enjoy a sub tropical climate, warm in winter, hot and extremely humid in summer.
Towards interior the climate becomes gradually more temperate.

Flowering Plants of Sikkim

Sikkim is one of the biodiversity rich states of our country.
The flowering plant diversity Sof the state with some indicative figures of dominant genera like Bulbophyllum, Calanthe, Coelogyne, Cymbidium, Dendrobium, Gentiana, Juncus, Pedicularis, Primula, Rhododendron and Swertia recorded from the region.
Nearly 165 species have been named after the state, as they were first collected from the state or plants were known to occur in Vegetation of Sikkim.
Some of the representative endemic species of the state have also been listed.
One hundred ninety seven families, 1371 genera have been appended with indicative number of species of each genus known to occur in Vegetation of Sikkim.
In all more than 4450 species of flowering plants recorded so far.

Biodiversity of Vegetation of Sikkim

India is recognized as one of the 12 mega diversity centres of the world. Out of the 18 Biodiversity hot-spots in the world, India owns 2, namely the Western Ghats and the Eastern Himalayas.
Sikkim covering just 0.2 % of the geographical area of the country has tremendous biodiversity and has been identified as one of the HOT-SPOT in the Eastern Himalayas.
There are 10 bio-geographic zones & 25 biotic provinces— which have 16 major forests types & > 200 sub types as per (Champion & Seth 1968).
Sikkim falls under Himalayan (2) Bio-geographic zone & Central Himalaya (2c) biotic province—-having about 9 types of forests types (Champion & Seth).
The State is endowed with rich floral and faunal diversity. Species wise, the State harbors over 4500 flowering plants, 550 Orchids, 36 Rhododendrons, 16 Conifers, 28 Bamboos, 362 Ferns and its allies, 9 Tree Ferns, 30 Primulas, 11 Oaks, over 424 Medicinal plants, 144+ mammals, 550 Birds, 48 Fishes and over 600 Butterflies.
While these figures are still not absolute, it may be kept in mind that this is only the mega-fauna and flora.
The tremendous diversity of insects like beetles and moths as well as a host of other life forms is yet to be enumerated.
Most of the high altitude medicinal plants are rare and endangered species.
Sikkim also has 28 Mountains/Peaks, more than 80 Glaciers, 227 high altitude lakes/wetlands and over 104 rivers and streams.
Nature has been particularly generous in her gift of sylvan treasures to the state of Sikkim.
Luxuriant forest, abound in all part of state and variety of medicinal plants, herbs, shrubs, bamboos and trees growing in state is truly rich.
In the forest, there are number of plants whose medicinal values have been well recognized by local people as well as by different pharmaceutical, insecticidal and perfumery sectors.
Medicinal plants ought to be given the status of a “National Resources” because their sustained availability is essential to sustain one of the world’s oldest medicinal traditions, a priceless legacy of the Indian people.
The local inhabitants for treatment of various ailments use numerous herbal remedies.
Modern medicines owes to the flora of these mountains.
Many inhabitants for treatment of various ailments use numerous herbal remedies.
Many species of Himalayan origin have revolutionized the allopathic systems of medicine

Forest and Forestry of Vegetation of Sikkim

Forest is one of the richest natural resources of Vegetation of Sikkim.
With luxuriant forest abounding in all part of state, Forestry has been the major land use in the State and 82.31% of the total geographical area of the State is under the administrative control of the State Forest Department.
The total forest and tree cover of the State is 3392 sq. km (47.80% of the total geographical area of the state).
The composition ranges from tropical Dry Deciduous Forests with Sal and its associates in the valleys of Teesta and Rangit to the Alpine Scrub and grassland in high altitude.

Forest Type of Vegetation of Sikkim


*S.No.*	*Groups*	*Characteristic of Species*	*Altitude (Mts)*	*Places*
1.	Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest
	Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest	1. Dillenia pentagyna 2. Dysoxylum floribundum 3. Gymnema arborea 4. Lagerostroemia patviflora 5. Shorea robusta 6. Toona ciliata	250-900	Rangpo Chhu, Sherwani, Jorethang, Rangit
2.	Sub-Tropical Forest
	Sub-Tropical Broad Leaved Forest	1. Albizia procera, 2. Alnus Nepalensis, 3. Bauhinia purpurea 4. Castanopsis indica, 5. Macaranga denticulate 6. Michelia champaca, 7. Schima wallichii	1000-2000	Tong,Gyalzing, Sangklang Selem Chakung Chhu.
	ii)Sub Tropical Pine forests	1. Pinus roxburghii, 2. Engelhardtia colebrookiana 3. Quercus leucotrichophora	1000-1800	Gangtok, Gyalzing, Rongli
3.	Montantane Wet Temperate Forest
	i)Temperate Broad Leaved Forests	1. Acer campbellii, 2. Engelhardtia spicata, 3. Machilus edulis, 4. Michelia cathcartii, 5. Quercus lamellose, 6. Taxus baccata	1700-2700	Chunthang- Lachung, Yumthang
	ii)Mixed Coniferous temperate forest Forest	1. Abies densa, 2. Acer campbellii, 3. Betula utiis, 4. Rhododendron, arboreum, 5. Abies densa, 6. Taxus baccata, 7. Tsuga dumosa, 8. Larix griffithianum	2700-3000	Lachen, Zemu, Yathang, Lachung
4.	Sub-Alpine Forest
	Sub-Alpine Forest	1. Abies densa, 2. Betula utiis 3. Casiope fastigata 4. Rhododendron sp.	Above 3000	Above Yathang
5.	Moist Alpine
	i) Birch- Rhododendron Scrub Forest	1. Betula utilis, 2. Sorbus foliolosa, 3. Rhododendron campanulatum,	Above 3600	Thangu, Maiminchu
	ii) Deciduous Alpine Scrub	1. Betula utilis, 2. Berberis sp., 3. Lonicera sp., 4. Rosa sp	3600-3900	Changu Thangu
	iii) Dwarf Rhododen ron Scrub	1. Rhododendron lepidotum	Above 3600	Thangu
	iv) Alpine pastures	1. Allium, 2. Anemone, 3. Delphinium	Above 4000	Chopta Yumasong
	b) Dry Alpine Scrub
	i) Dwarf Juniperous scrub	1. Juniperusrecurva 2. J. wallichiana	Above 3600	Chopta Chhangu
	ii) Dry alpine scrub	1. Ephedra gerardiana, 2. Meconopsis sp., 3. Ribes sp.	Above 4000	Chopta

Languages and Literature of Sikkim

Languages and Literature of Sikkim

Today, all the main languages spoken in Sikkim have been given the status of a “State language”.
Notably, Bhutia, Lepcha and Limboo languages have been included in college curricula, while other languages, such as Rai, Gurung, Pradhan (Newar), Mangar and Tamang, are taught till the secondary school level.
Financial help is directly given to different communities to promote research in their respective languages
Sikkim is inhabited by over twenty ethnic communities, each unique in their tradition, customary practices, language and attire.
The outstanding beauty of these people living in harmony and sharing in amity each other’s cultures, ethos and traditions is a colourful mosaic of Sikkimese society

Bhutia People Language of Sikkim

Bhutias are divided into two groups – Tongdu-ruzhi with four clans and Bebtsengyed with eight clans, though there are a number of other sub castes.
They speak and write in the Bhutia language which is also called Lhokey although their script, language, religion, dress and ornaments have semblance with the Tibetans.
The Bhutia language, a long with the Lepcha and Limboo languages are taught in Sikkim till t he univer ity level.

Lepcha People Language of Sikkim

They have their own language, known as ‘Rongring’, with its script, ‘Mutanchi Rong Aming’.
The State Government has accorded official status to the language, along with the Bhutia and Limboo languages.
Since the year 2000 it has been taught in schools and colleges in Sikkim and from 2016 it has been taught at the university level.

Bhujels People Language of Sikkim

They have their own language, called Puhgal Gnur which is a part of the Tibeto-Burman sub-family and Sino Tibetan family of languages.
Some o f them converse in their own language .

Gurungs People Language of Sikkim

Gurungs have their own language, Tamu Kye and script, Khema.
The Gurung language (along with six others) was given official status in 1995 by Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, and is being taught in selected Government schools up to the secondary level.
Text books, magazines and dictionaries have also been published in Tamu Kye.
Since 2001, the Gurung edition of the Sikkim Government weekly newspaper, the Sikkim Herald, is also being taken out.

Jirels People Language of Sikkim

Jirels are known to have an ethnic and linguistic semblance with the Sherpas and Central Tibetan tribes.
Their language, like the Sunuwar language, is also a part of the Kanauri branch of Tibeto-Burman.

Kagatey People Language of Sikkim

The community is divided into several sub-groups like Dongba, Sarpa, Shyangba, Lama and Chyaba.
They speak in Kagate, a language of the Kyirong-Kagate language sub-group of the Sino-Tibetan language family, which has similarities with languages of Yolmo, Sherpa and Bhutia

Majhis People Language of Sikkim

Majhis converse in their own language but have no script of their own.
They are dark brown in complexion, medium in height and well built, and have classic Mongoloid features

Mangar People Language of Sikkim

They have their own language, belonging to the Tibeto-Burman family, and also have their own script, ‘Akkharika’.
In 1995, the State Government recognized this language as one of the State languages of Sikkim along with the Rai, Gurung, Tamang, Sherpa, Newar and Sunuwar languages.
The teaching of the Mangar language is being introduced in schools that have the greatest number of Mangar students

Newars People Language of Sikkim

The Newars have their own language.
They used to have a number of scripts as well but in Sikkim the “Prachalit” script is the one in use.
The “Ranjana” script is used in Buddhist Monasteries and the Tantric Kutaktshar Mantra of Buddhists consists of seven letters of Ranjana script.
The Newar language has been declared an Official Language of Sikkim in 1995 and has been introduced in selected Government schools’ curricula from the year 2002.

Rai People Language of Sikkim

The Rai or Kirat Khambu Rai community is one of Sikkim’s major indigenous ethnic communities and has been living in Sikkim from ages past.
Their language and script, which belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family of languages, was recognised as one of the official languages of Sikkim with effect from 31 March, 1995 vide the Languages (Amendment) Act, 1995, and published in the Sikkim Government Extraordinar y Gazette No. 76 dated 21 April, 1995.
This language has, since the year 2002, been taught in various Government schools in Sikkim.

Sherpas People Language of Sikkim

They have their own dialect, which belongs to the Tibeto-Burman languages, and they use the Sambhota script as a medium of writing books in their language.
The Government of Sikkim granted official status to the Sherpa language in 1995 along with other languages and the language is being taught in selected Government schools up to the secondary level.
The Sikkim Herald – the official newspaper of the Sikkim Government – Sherpa edition started publication in the year 2001 and has since been in print on a weekly basis

Sunuwar People Language of Sikkim

Mongoloid in appearance, they speak both in Nepali and Koinchlo, which originates from the Sino-Tibeto-Burman family of languages.
Their script is believed to be of ancient origin and possesses only six vowels and twentyfour consonants.
Koinchlo was recognised by the Sikkim Government under the Sikkim Official Languages Act, 1977, and is being taught in Government schools till Class V.
Since 2001, the Sikkim Government weekly newspaper, Sikkim Herald (Sukhim Neskutek) is also being produced in the Koinch language.

Yolomo People Language of Sikkim

Theys peak the Yolmo language o f the Kyiron g-Ka gate branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family, which has a similarity to the Kagatey, Sherpa and Tibetan languages.
They use the Sambhoti (Tibetan) script, though modern academics pre fer to use the Devana gari scri pt as well.

Thakuri People Language of Sikkim

They speak and write Nepali, using the Devanagari script.
But their spoken language is markedly different from that of common Nepali.
For instance, Thakuris use the word ‘darshan’, instead of ‘namaste’ or ‘namaskar’.
Claiming to have belonged to Rajgharana, they also use a respectable dialect of Nepali like “maiya sahiba”, “babu sahib,” “yuraj,” dulahi rani,” “muma hajur,” “buba hajur”, “khaisyo”, “laisyo” etc.

Agriculture of Sikkim for Sikkim PSC

Agriculture of Sikkim

The economy of Sikkim is linked with Agriculture of Sikkim that serves as the source of livelihood and economic security of sizeable native population.
The growth, however, has been restricted because of biotic and abiotic factors.
It is estimated that over 80 per cent of the rural population depends on agriculture and allied sectors for economic, food, and nutritional security.
The agriculture systems practiced in Sikkim are integrated in natures that have evolved through years of experimentation by the farmers.
A marginal improvement in the lifestyle of the farmers has been witnessed with the adoption of modern technologies.
Sikkim State has some inherent strength that largely supports organic farming.
The policies and programmes on organic farming, in tune with our natural endowment envisage making Sikkim a Model Organic State.
The march towards organic farming has led to substantial departmental intervention.
A large number of initiatives have been taken by the Agriculture and Horticulture departments.

Area, Production and Productivity in Agriculture of Sikkim 2015-16

Crop	Area (000’ hectares)	Production (000’ tones)	Productivity (kg./ha)
Rice	10.67	19.69	1845.25
Wheat	0.32	0.35	1071.21
Maize	38.96	68.31	1753.56
Finger Millet	2.85	2.91	1020.33
Barley	0.45	0.47	1055.93
Buckwheat	3.57	3.47	972.27
Pulses	5.67	5.38	948.85
Oilseeds	6.94	6.31	909.75

Rice

Cultivation of rice requires hot and moist climate.
It is a Kharief crop and is sown in March-April and harvested in Autumn.
Sufficient water must cover the fields.
Temperature: Rice requires hot and humid conditions. The temperature should be fairly high i.e. 24°C mean monthly temperature with average temperature of 22°C to 32°C.
Rainfall: Rainfall ranging between 150-300 cm is suitable for its growth, where rainfall is less than 100 cm, rice is cultivated with the help of irrigation.
Soil: Rice is grown in varied soil conditions but deep clayey and loamy soil provides the ideal conditions.

Wheat

Wheat is another cereal crop of Sikkim growing in almost all villages of Sikkim having cool winter and hot summer climate, irrespective of elevation and irrigation facilities.
It is a rabi crop and its plant requires a cool and somewhat moist climate in the beginning and warm and dry weather at the harvest time.
The average rainfall should be between 50 to 70 cms. and that too at intervals.
It is sown in August and harvested in March, April.

Maize

Maize is one of the most important cereal crops of Agriculture of Sikkim.
It is grown over an area of about 36,000-40,000 hectare which is about 35-40% of total cultivable area.
It requires hot dry climate.
Rainfall required for maize varies from 75 cms to 125 cms.
It is sown in May-July and harvested in August-November.

Oil- seed

Rape Seed, Mustard, linseed, sesamum, toria, cottonseed are the chief varieties of oil-seeds.
They require hot and moist climate.

Barley

Barley is a minor rabi cereal crop of Sikkim grown only in small pockets over an area of about 1.15 thousand hectare.
The production of barley is subjected by systematic implementation of Agronomic Practices as well as crop improvement work including introduction and Acclimatization of high yielding varieties.

Tuber crops, spices, fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants

Tuber Crops: Potato,Sweet Potata
Spices: Large Cardamom, Ginger, Chilli, Turmeric, Coriander
Fruits: Mandarin, Passion fruit, Banana, Guava, Papaya, Jack fruit, Litchi
Vegetables: Brocoli, Onion, Brinjal, Carrot, Iskus, Pumpkin, Radish, Tomato, Tree Tomato, Cabbage, Cauli flower
Ornamental Plants: Anthurium, Cymbidium, Rose

Important Organic Cash Crops of Agriculture of Sikkim

Important organically grown cash crops of the state are oranges, large cardomom, ginger, turmeric, cherry paper, baby corn, buck heat, pulses etc.
All these organic crops have a high demand in domestic and international markets.

SIKKIM MANDARIN ORANGE

Mandarin orange (Citrus reticulata) is the most common among citrus fruits grown in India.
It occupies nearly 50% of the total citrus area in India.
Mandatrin group includes all types of loose jacket oranges commonly called Santra or mandarin such as Nagpur Santra, Coorg Santra, Khasi Mandarin, Sikkim Mandarin etc.
Sikkim mandarin represents the most important commercial fruit of Sikkim and is similar to the Nepal or Assam or Darjeeling mandarin.

TURMERIC

The Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is an important spice used conventionally as a natural food colorant and as an additive for imparting to food orange-yellow colour, flavor and aroma.
It is also valued as an antiseptic for its anti-inflammatory property and is used in beauty treatment or in the cosmetic industry and dye plants.
It is the most researched spice for medicinal use and occupy prominent place in traditional medicine system for treatment of cough, flu, anemia, asthma, sprain and pain, skin diseases, sinus etc. It is loaded with antioxidant properties.
It is propagated through tuberous seed rhizome. Its cultivation in unutilized areas and forest areas as well as in cultivated land is gaining popularity in the state in recent years, especially in niche areas having an altitude of 3000 ft amsl and less.
With similar cultivation practices as that of ginger, turmeric is grown both as pure crop as well as mixed with maize, chilly, bean, vegetable etc under both rainfed and irrigated conditions.
Small and marginal farmers in the state take up the crop in small operational holdings with cultivation of the crop contributing to generation of income as well as in promotion of livelihood of farmers in the state

BUCK WHEAT

The area and production of this crop in Sikkim are 2760 hectares and 1,380 tonnes respectively.
It is widely grown in the hilly tracts of the Sikkim.
In recent years, the area and production has gone up considerably.
It is now considered a cash crop fetching even higher price than rice.
As a result, it is not only grown on slopy dry land but also as a chief rotational crop between paddy and maize in Sikkim.
The crop is grown right from 300 m to 2,500 m in the hills.

BABY CORN

Baby Corn cultivation is a recent development in Sikkim.
Major motive behind popularization of the crop is to increase the economic condition of farmers.
The potential of growing the crop in the state is visualized from the production and productivity of maize.
Thought less remunerative, maize is the only crop in Sikkim which is successfully grown in approximately 39000 ha area across different agroecological condition.

GINGER

Ginger is cultivated in Sikkim since time immemorial.
It is also used for religious purpose by Limboo Phedangma and Rai Bijuwas which shows its attachment with the people of Sikkim from ancient period.
Its commercial value has been recently exploited due to sudden price hike in market.
Now, it is grown as one of the important cash crops of Sikkim below 1,500 m amsl occupying a considerable area.
The important ginger-growing areas are:

Mangalbaria, Chakung, Tharpu, Gyalshing, Zoom in West district;
Turuk, Sumbuk, Rateypani, Namthang, Mellidara, Maniram, Namchi and Temi-Tarku in South district;
Rhenock, Rongli, Pakyong, Rorathang, Khamdong, Pendam, Sirwani and Rangpo in East district and in small pockets of North district.

The important markets of ginger are Melli, Gyalshing, Rangpo, Singtam, Nayabazar and Resh.

LARGE CARDAMOM

It is a native crop of Agriculture of Sikkim.
The presence of wild species, locally known as ‘Churumpa’ like Amomum aromaticum, A. dealbatum, A. Kingir, A. corynostachyum, A. Lingiforme etc. and tremendous variability within the cultivated species in Sikkim support the view of its origin.
It is the most important revenue earning crop of Agriculture of Sikkim.
The dried capsules are marketed at Amritsar,Delhi, Kanpur, Kolkata and Lucknow for further distribution.
Large cardamom is also cultivated in parts of Uttarakhand and in some other North-Eastern States.
Nepal and Bhutan are other countries where large cardamom is cultivate.

Salient Features of India/Agriculture of Sikkim

Subsistence Agriculture of Sikkim: Most parts of India have subsistence agriculture. This type of agriculture has been practised in India for several hundreds of years and still prevails in a larger part of India in spite of the large scale change in agricultural practices after independence.
Pressure of population on Agriculture of Sikkim: Despite increase in urbanization and industrialization, about 70% of population is still directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture.
Mechanization of farming of Agriculture of Sikkim: Green Revolution took place in India in the late sixties and early seventies. After more than forty years of Green Revolution and revolution in agricultural machinery and equipments, complete mechanization is still a distant dream
Dependence upon monsoon: Since independence, there has been a rapid expansion of irrigation infrastructure. Despite the large scale expansion, only about one third of total cropped area is irrigated today. As a consequence, two third of cropped areas is still dependent upon monsoon. Monsoon in India is uncertain and unreliable. This has become even more unreliable due to change in climate.
Variety of crops Agriculture of Sikkim: India has diversity of topography, climate and soil. Since India has both tropical and temperate climate, crops of both the climate are found in India. There are very few countries in the world that have variety comparable to that of India..
Predominance of food crops of Agriculture of Sikkim: Since Indian agriculture has to feed a large population, production of food crops is the first priority of the farmers almost everywhere in the country. However, in recent years, there has been a decline in the share of land used for food crops due to various other commercially most advantageous uses of this land.
Seasonal patterns of Agriculture of Sikkim: India has three distinct agricultural/cropping seasons. You might have heard about kharif, rabi and zaid. In India there are specific crops grown in these three seasons. For example rice is a kharif crop whereas wheat is a rabi crop.

Challenges are faced by farmers

Farmers of our country are facing lot of problems regarding agricultural production of crop. Few of them are shortlisted below:

Uncertain weather
Uneven water availability
Lesser yield
Low quality crops
Lack of soil nutrients
Buyer’s monopoly
Less cash in hand
Less scientific guidance during agricultural
Less information regarding selection of crop seed
Inadequate information of plant root moisture holding capacity
Less information of scientific irrigation process for maximum yield
Less aware of the market and growing technology

Drainage system and River of Sikkim

Drainage system and River of Sikkim

Sikkim is a small Himalayan state in north-east India situated between 27degree 00’ 46″ to 28 degree 07’ 48″ N latitude and 88 degree 00’ 58″ to 88 degree 55’ 25″E longitude with geographical area of 7,096 sq km constituting only 0.22% of total geographical area of India.
It has a human population of 5,40,493 as per Census, 2001, which constitutes only 0.05% of India’s total population.
The state is somewhat rectangular in shape with maximum length from north to south of about 112 km and maximum width of 90 km from east to west.
Sikkim is bounded in the north by the Tibetan plateau, by China (Tibet) on the northeast, by Pangola range of Bhutan on the southeast, by Darjeeling district of West Bengal on the south and Singalila range and Mt. Khangchendzonga on the west and northwest.
Entire state of Sikkim constitutes upper basin of Teesta river except for a small area of 75.62 sq km in extreme southeast that of Jaldhaka river, which originates in East Sikkim and flows through West Bengal parallel to Teesta river to meet Brahmaputra river.
In southernmost part of Sikkim, Teesta river flows in southwest direction and defines the inter-state boundary between Sikkim and West Bengal up to Melli Bazar where it is joined by Rangit river which drains West Sikkim district.
Rangit river, the largest tributary of Teesta river in Sikkim, from Naya Bazar point flows in southeast direction and marks the interstate boundary between Sikkim and West Bengal in the southwest.

Teesta River

One of the rivers that almost flow right across the length of Sikkim is the Teesta.
It’s major tributary is the Rangeet which originates from the Rathong Glacier, meets it at the border between Sikkim and West Bengal.
Teesta originates from the Cholamu lake where Teesta is hardly a stream.
No one can imagine that this innocuous looking stream would transform into a thundering mighty river less than a hundred kilometers downstream.
The source of the Teesta is the pristine Tso Lhamu Lake in North Sikkim, some 5,300 metres above sea level.
The glacial waters then move downwards to meet Zemu Chu just above Lachen village and then rushing down deep gorges it meets Lhachung Chu at Chungthang.
At Mangan, the river is joined by the Talung Chu as it continues its journey down, finally reaching Singtam in East Sikkim, becoming slower and widening to almost double its width.
Further down at Melli, the Teesta merges with the river Rangeet which is born of the Rathong glacier in West Sikkim, before entering the plains of North Bengal and eventually joining Brahmaputra in Bangladesh.
During monsoons the otherwise innocuous looking rivers of Sikkim become swollen, swift, muddy and dangerous.
The rivers are narrow, serpentine and full of rocks and hence are not navigable.
Because of swift currents hitting rocks, the rivers are very noisy and can be heard for miles together.
The Teesta finally joins the Bhramaputra in Bangladesh.
The rivers are fed by snow melting on the mountains as well as rain that accumulates in the catchment areas during the monsoons.
Human settlements usually must exist above the level of rivers and hence even if flooding takes place life and property remain safe.

The Rangeet or Rangit

It is a tributary of the Teesta river, which is the largest river in the Indian state of Sikkim.
The Rangeet river originates in the Himalayanmountains in West Sikkim The river also forms the boundary between Sikkim and Darjeeling district.
A perennial river, it is fed by the melting snow of the Himalayas in early summer and the monsoonrains in June–September.
It is popular among rafting enthusiasts owing to its turbulent waters.
The river flows past the towns of Jorethang, Pellingand Legship.
During its final few kilometres, it joins the TeestaRiver at a confluence known as Tribeni, which is a popular picnic spot.
The Rangeet River has an NHPChydropower plant with the capacity of 60 megawatts (80,000 hp) capacity in Sikkim.

River Rangpo

It is a river in the Indian state of Sikkim.
A tributary of the Teesta River, it is fed by the Rangpo chu.
The town of Rangpo in Sikkim lies on River Rangpo north bank.
The river forms the border between Sikkim and West Bengal states at Rangpo town.
There is no separate name for the town in West Bengal that lies on south bank of the river and therefore it is also called Rangpo.
The river runs through most of East Sikkim and a few parts of the Darjeeling District of North Bengal.
This tributary flows mainly from east to west with a variable channel pattern including braided, meandering, straight, gorge and blocked lake.
Landslides are very common along the river bank as cliff-like bedrocks are considerably exposed along the river valley wall.
Its confluence with Teesta River is immediately downstream of Rangpo town.

The Talung River

It is an east-south east flowing river in the North Sikim Himalayas.
It originates at the Talung-Tonsyong Glacier’s confluenceat the meeting point of Talung and Tongshiong River & then flows east south east to meet the River Teesta near Singhik, North Sikkim of India.
The upper catchment is fed by a number of streams and rivulets.
These streams & rivulets flow from the southern part of Simvu-Sinialchu region to meet the main river.
Another tributary which feeds the main stream flows from the Zorpetam mountain valley.
Zorepetam valley is a typical inaccessible mountain terrain in the east of Pandim and Tinchenkhang.
Number of River of Sikkim originates from this region.
Owing to the complexity of the river systems its name in its catchment area changes from place to place.
According to records it is Rukel Chu at first, then Rungayang or Rongyoung Chu and thereafter Talung River or Tholung Chu till its confluence

The Jaldhaka River

It is also known as Dichu River in earlier times, is a trans-boundary river with a length of 192 kilometres that originates from the Kupup or Bitang Lake in southeastern Sikkim in the eastern Himalayas and flows through Bhutan and the Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar districts of West Bengal, India.
At that point the river enters Bangladesh through the Lalmonirhat District and then joins with the Dharla River until the Dharla debouches into the Brahmaputra River near the Kurigram District.
Due to the river’s wandering over several international borders, only a small length of the river lies within Bangladesh

The Lachen River

It is a tributary of the Teesta River in the state of Sikkim, India.
It is one of the two main tributaries of the Teesta along with the Lachung River, which rise on opposite sides of the Donga Rangein neighbouring Bhutan and converge in Chungthang in the North Sikkim district.

The Lachung River

Itis a tributary of the Teesta River located in the North Indian state of Sikkim.
It is a chief tributary of the Teesta, which is an important river in Sikkim along with Rangeet River.
The village of Lachungis perched on the craggy bank of the river approximately 23 kilometres from Chungthang. It is at Chungthang where the Lachung and Lachen rivers converge and give rise to the Teesta.
The river is 2,500 metres (8,200 ft) above sea level.

Drainage systems

Drainage systems, also known as river systems, are the patterns formed by the streams, rivers, and lakes in a particular drainage basin. They are governed by the topography of the land, whether a particular region is dominated by hard or soft rocks, and the gradient of the land.

Teesta River Basin Information

The river Teesta is one of the main Himalayan rivers and originates from the glaciers of Sikkim in North at an elevation of about 5,280 m.
The river rises in mountainous terrain in extreme north as Chhombo Chhu, which flows eastward and then southward to be joined by Zemu Chhu, upstream of Lachen village near Zema.
The river takes a gentle turn in southeast direction and meets Lachung Chhu at Chungthang where it takes the form of a mighty Himalayan river.
Teesta, therefore, is the main river of the state with its several tributaries viz. Zemu Chhu, Lachung Chhu, Rangyong Chhu, Dik Chhu, Rani Khola, Rangpo Chhu and Rangit river and constitutes an extremely important resource of the state.
After the confluence of Teesta river and Lachung Chhu at Chungthang, the river gradually widens and takes a strong westward turn upstream of Tong and after flowing down to Singhik, the river drops from 1,550 m to 750 m.
At Singhik, the river receives one of its major tributaries, Rangyong Chhu on its right bank, which originates from the Talung glacier, a part of the Khangchendzonga mountain range.
From Singhik, the river flows southwards to Dikchu with a 200 m drop through a very deep valley for about 30 km.
From Dikchu onwards, the river takes many sharp and wide curves and flows down to Singtam with a further drop of about 200m.
Rangpo Chhu, which drains the Chhangu lake area in East Sikkim joins Teesta river on its left bank at Rangpo. Downstream of Rangpo, Teesta river widens and is joined by Rangit river at Melli Bazar on Sikkim-West Bengal border.
From Melli Bazar downstream, the river leaves the hilly terrain and enters the plains of West Bengal at Sevoke near Siliguri. Teesta river ultimately drains into Brahmaputra at Teestamukh Ghat (Kamarjani-Bahadurabad in Rangpu district of Bangladesh) and traverses a distance of about 400 km from its origin.
Teesta and most of its tributaries are flashy mountain rivers and carry boulders and considerable quantity of sediment. The flow is turbulent and characterised by high velocities.
Throughout its course in Sikkim, Teesta and its tributaries flow in very narrow and deep valleys having precipitous hill slopes, except where the tributaries join the main stream.
The hill slopes are mostly friable and landslips are very common throughout the basin.

WATERSHEDS OF TEESTA BASIN IN SIKKIM

The main Teesta while flowing from north to south divides the state into two parts.
Teesta drainage basin in Sikkim cover an area of 7,020.38 sq km of Sikkim and 75.32 sq km of the state is under Jaldhaka river watershed, which is not the part of Teesta basin. In order to understand the profile and behaviour of the prominent tributaries of Teesta river basin in Sikkim, Teesta basin was divided into its major tributary watersheds.
The entire Teesta basin falling in Sikkim has been delineated into 17 watersheds following the conventional methodology of delineation based upon drainage order classification.
For this Survey of India toposheets at 1:50,000 scale were used, with ridge line demarcating the boundaries between adjacent watersheds.
These watersheds vary in size and shape depending upon the drainage pattern in a particular watershed.

Workers Peasant and Tribal Movements in Sikkim

Workers Peasant and Tribal Movements in Sikkim

The Anti-dam Movement in Sikkim: Resurgence of Lepcha and Bhutia Identity at Helm

Sikkim is a small Himalayan State which is located in India’s north -east region.
Prior to its merger with India in 1975, Sikkim was under the Chogyal Dynasty formed in 1642 under the influence of Tibetan theocracy.
Today, it is primarily constituted by the Lepchas, Bhutias and the Nepalese ethnic group.
It also consists of people from the places like Bihar, Bengal, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and other places of India who are generally referred as “plainsmen” who migrated during the 1890s.
In recent years Sikkim has witnessed a boom in terms of number of hydel power projects being build here to an extent that it is almost close in acquiring the title for having highest dam density in the world.
This was part of the 50,000 MW Hydroelectric initiative launched by the Prime Minister of India in May, 2003.
But, the construction of power projects did not go all without opposition.
The resistance has come primarily from the Lepcha and Bhutia community in Sikkim in three distinct phases.
Though initially legitimized basing religion and culture, the movement as it progressed has been successful in revealing information and realities which may well serve in understanding and furthering the studies in development communication.

Resurgence of Bhutia and Lepcha Identity

One of the notable consequences of the anti-hydel protests in Sikkim over the years is it has bestowed the reassertion of Lepcha and Bhutia identity in Sikkim.
One peculiar character of all the anti-hydel protests in Sikkim is that all are primarily led and supported by the Lepcha and Bhutia community in Sikkim, thought there are some exceptions in the ongoing protest.
Sikkim is primarily constituted by the Lepchas, Bhutias and the Nepalese ethnic group.
It also consists of people from the places like Bihar, Bengal, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and other places of India who are generally referred as “plainsmen” who migrated during the 1890s.
Historically, the degree of social distance and discrimination among diverse ethnic groups was very strong, particularly between the Lepcha- Bhutia and Nepali community.
Ethnicity played a vital role during the formation of political parties in Sikkim, beginning from 1940’s. Political parties were chiefly constituted on ethnic lines.
They were many reasons contributing to these social gaps.
Initially, when the Chogyal regime recognised the status of the Subjects of Sikkim under Sikkim Subject Regulation 1961, the Nepalese who formed about 70 per cent of population in Sikkim and the plainsmen were excluded.
Earliest Nepalese settlers were later recognized and granted Sikkimese status, though the plainsmen had always been excluded.
For such reasons, there has always been hostility and differences among these ethnic groups. This hostility is primarily over the limited resource management in Sikkim.
The case of anti-hydel protest in Sikkim is an overt signal of such hostility.
However, over the years, particularly after the joining of Sikkim with the Indian Union in 1975, the antagonism between these ethnic groups to an extent was abbreviating, through various cross-cultural interactions, until the abrupt and haphazard endorsement of manifold hydro power plants in recent years.
This has propelled the Lepchas and the Bhutias to protest the construction of dams under various banners simultaneously is once again resuscitating and widening the waning differences between these ethnic groups.

Helen Lepcha Alias Sabitri Devi: Lone Freedom Fighter from the Lepcha Tribe

Helen Lepcha alias Sabitri Devi was one of the most famous Freedom fighters from the hills of Darjeeling and Sikkim.
Originally a resident of Kurseong town she traces her lineage to a small hamlet in the village of Sangmoo near Namchi in South Sikkim.
She is the only woman freedom fighter born in the state of Sikkim and even though she spent most of her life in hills of Darjeeling; Sikkim has come forward to name her as the daughter of their soil.
In the event of Major Durga Malla and Captain Ram Singh Thakuri taking precedence among the freedom fighters from Darjeeling hills, Smt. Sabitri Devi has been given due recognition in her birth state of Sikkim.
Born into a Lepcha family of Achung Lepcha, she was the third daughter among seven.
It is said she was born around 1902 and soon after her family moved from Sangmoo village to Kurseong.
Even today stand the Chorten she paid maintenance for annually and the pear tree she fondly remembered from her childhood in her homestead.

Sikkim: Ethnic struggle

Almost all issues in Sikkim originate from and end in its ethnic diversity.
Lepchas, the original inhabitants are today facing extinction; the Bhutias who ruled after them are also in a minority.
Nepalis, who immigrated in large numbers in the late 19th and the early 20th centuries, are now in an overwhelming majority and are clamouring for their right to rule.
Adding to the confusion is a large number of plainsmen, identified as “of Indian origin”. The tension and bitterness created by the ethnic struggle have cut across party lines.
The Central and state governments are committed to the abolition of the present “parity system” under which Lepchas and Bhutias who constitute only 20 per cent of the population have 15 seats reserved in the 32-member Assembly.
Nepalis – in 1975, of 133,000 voters 98,000 were Nepalis – also have a similar number of seats. This was done under a formula devised by the Chogyal to keep Nepali power in check. Nepalis find this regulation stifling under it since they cannot hope to dominate Sikkim’s politics.
Citizenship Problems: Sikkim will probably be the first region in the recent past, where the most debated issues in the elections will pertain to those of the elections itself.
After the merger of Sikkim with India, the Indian Government granted citizenship to all Sikkimese subjects listed by the former Chogyal’s administration.
But Nepalis who came to Sikkim after 1961 -when the Sikkim Subject Regulation came into force-were not made Sikkim subjects and hence were missed out in the Indian list as well. Ironically, the political movement of 1973 which had dethroned the Chogyal, Palden Thondup Namgyal, had the active backing of thousands of such Nepalis.
They are said to number about 50,000 and Nepali politicians are working hard for their inclusion on the election rolls.
Incongruity: An equally unfortunate case is that of people of Indian origin in Sikkim, who are estimated to number about 60,000. In the normal course, when a person changes his place of residence from one state to another no restriction is placed on his right to contest an election from his new state.
But in Sikkim, people of Indian origin-some have been staying since very long-who form over 20 per cent of the population are foreigners in their own country and do not retain the right to contest elections

Folk Songs of Sikkim

Folk Songs of Sikkim

People and Culture of Sikkim

The People of Sikkim consist of three ethnic groups, that is, Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali.
Communities of different hues intermingle freely in Sikkim to constitute a homogenous blend.
Hindu Temples coexist with Buddhist Monasteries, Churches, Mosque and Gurudwara.
The predominant Communities are Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese.
These myriad Cultures has produced a quintessential Sikkimese Culture that encompasses all ways and walk of life, but has also managed to preserve their own identity.
These can also be seen in the various places of Worship, Festivals and Cultural dances that are celebrated through the year.
Folk songs and folk dances occupy a prominent place in the culture of Sikkim.
Men and womenfolk fully participate in dances to mark such important occasion like birth, weddings rituals or any other festivals
For those belonging to the peasant & labour class the melodious folk songs and dances arc indeed life giving ambrosia whose lifting tones & rhythmic pattern wipes away their fatigue hunger & worries.

Music cum Dance of Bhutias of Sikkim

Bhutias have a rich folk culture. Men and women sing folk songs and perform folk dances.
‘Denjong Chha-Lu’ is one of the popular national songs of an older Sikkim, Beyul Demojong – a hidden land endowed not only with natural beauty but also with spiritual contentment.
Bhutias are devotedly Buddhist and the Denjong Chha-Lu highlights the significance of the secret land of plenty i.e. Sikkim.
Through this song-cum-dance marked with foot-tapping and graceful hand movements, the Bhutias also express their reverence of great teachers and sacred places by whose grace Sikkim has become a beatific land.
The dancers don traditional attire (see above) to perform. Musical accompaniment is provided by instruments like the dranyen (a six stringed instrument producing melodious notes), gyumang (many stringed instrument, usually 74-stringed), piwang (two stringed instrument), flute, cymbals and drums. Bhutias are intrinsically nature-lovers.
Their country songs, called zhunglu, mostly contain descriptions of the landscape and its animals.
The song, ‘Zigmo Zeepa Jhoen’ means to greet animals and witness their merrymaking.
With rhythmic foottapping matched by the music of the dranyen, gyumang, piwang, flute, cymbals and drums, the dancers first greet the sun, and then form a circle to greet the snow lion of the mighty mountain, the vulture, the king of the birds, the ten-horned stag of the flat land, the striped tiger of the jungle, the golden fish of the sacred lake, the singing birds of the pleasant grove and the sturdy horses of the tamed stables.
As they tap out their rhythms, the dancers greet young lads of this ‘arcane’ land to showcase their skills at arrow-shooting, and to ask the young lasses as well to exhibit their talent at singing.
Through the medium of song, the Bhutias convey their conviction in the belief of peace and merrymaking.

Music cum Dance of Bhujels of Sikkim

Bhujels are fond of folk songs and dance, which are mostly seasonal, though some are used at any time.
Some of their popular dances are the Ghatu, Chutka, Jahmre (Folk Duet) and Nachan (Padurya).
Chutka’s various enactments begin from Maghe Sankranti (mid-January) and continue through till Asar Purne (midJuly).
Usually performed at night, it involves a group of boys going to the houses of unmarried girls in the evening, sitting outside their houses and singing the ‘Chutka’ which is laced with love and promises.
After the boys sing three or four rhymes, the girls come out from inside the house, and the entire neighbourhood begins to dance to the beat of the drums (Takyu) played by the boys.
Interestingly, the girls do not sing. Before leaving the next morning, the boys pay for the feast organized by the dancing girls’ parents.

Music cum Dance of Chettris of Sikkim

Chettris have a tradition of folk songs, lores and music, and use of stringed musical instruments.
One of the oldest and most popular group dances in which the Chettri community rejoices is the Maruni Naach.
The dance form traces its origin to Tihar, a period that marks the return of the Hindu god, Rama, from exile.
During the festival, which runs for 15 days, richly dressed Maruni dancers go on a house-to-house visit, performing in their courtyards.
Curiously, the dancers are usually accompanied by a clown, called dhatuwaray, whose job it is to protect the Maruni from rowdy elements and to keep alive the general performance with his gestures and humour.
In the good old days, the role of Maruni, surprisingly a female character, was enacted by a male. With the change in customs and traditions, the dance has evolved and female dancers are now performing that central role.
The dancers tune their steps to the different beats of the madal – also adorned with marigold flowers. With flute and cymbals, the intricate patterns of their dance blend into the pulsating rhythm of festivity and celebration.
Before the dance performance, the dancers assemble at the house of the teacher and offer prayers to the madal.
The teacher plays the madal in a slow, grand tempo, and then starts the decoration of the maruni.
Maruni is not only confined to singing and dancing; it also is comprised of dance dramas, conforming to different aspects – emotions and feelings; gestures; songs and clothes – as laid down in the Natya Shastra, an ancient Indian treatise on the performing arts, encompassing theatre, dance and music

Music cum Dance of Damai of Sikkim

The Damai people are very good folk musicians.
Both men and women take part in dance and music.
Some men are professionals in that they are known for using nine types of musical instruments, called naumati baja.
This is a traditional profession inherited from their ancestors which is why they still serve as folk musicians for all the Nepali communities of Sikkim, especially during marriages.
Naumati baja is an ensemble of nine traditional musical instruments, which lends an auspicious aura to ritual functions and auspicious occasions such as weddings.
The naumati baja repertoire consists of context-specific traditional tunes such as seasonal rice-planting tunes (asare), music for the Hindu month of Phalgun (phagu), the seasonal tune of the October Dasain festival (malasri); songs performed for the bride’s departure at weddings (beuli magne); music accompanying ceremonial rites (astute); popular folk dances, modern folk songs, etc.
Typical features of current naumati music are small intervals, stepwise melodic movements and short repetitive phrases, among others.

Music cum Dance of Kamis of Sikkim

Kamis are joyous people who spend their pastime in music and dance.
They are also expert performers of the traditional folk dance, Maruni Nritya.
They have folk songs related to marriage, juari is held after the harvest, and they perform Maruni Naach and Madale Naach at the time of Tihar and Dasain, their biggest festivals.
The theme and origin of this dance form may be similar to the Maruni Naach performed by the Chettri community and Mangar Maruni staged by the Mangar community, but this performing art, performed by Kamis depicts Maruni as a male character garbed in female costumes and ornaments.
Even the dhatuwaray or phursungay, who acts as the court jester wearing funny masks and clumsy clothes in order to make people–especially children–laugh, is traditionally typical.
The dance begins with sakhi or sasi songs, sung to pay obeisance to all the gods and goddesses of the earth, sky, the underworld and all the four directions of the earth.
As the Maruni dances to the tune of the naumati baja, the jester keeps alive the dance with his gestures and humour.
Although this dance is associated with the festival of Tihar, because of its popularity, it is performed even on occasions like marriages.

Soils of Sikkim for Sikkim PSC

Soils of Sikkim

Sikkim is a small, extremely mountainous state in the Indian Himalayas with sharply defined and extremely steep watersheds.
Although, Sikkim is only about forty miles in width and seventy miles in length, its altitude escalates rapidly from about 300 m above mean sea level in the South to about 8583 m along the Himalayan Kanchenjunga range.
Agriculture is mostly concentrated in the lower mountain ranges, primarily in the East and South Districts.
Nomadic high-altitude Legend 6 livestock herding (primarily goats, sheep and yaks) is found along the borders of Nepal, Bhutan and in the North District approaching the Tibetan Plateau.

Different Series Soil in Scheme (Deep Analysis)

Markong Series (M):

It comprises moderately deep, well-drained loamy skeletal soil with dark brown to dark reddish brown colour.
They have been developed on mica schists.
This soil occurs on strongly sloping (10-15%) hill top with moderate to severe erosion. Soils are under moderately dense forest and pasture land.
The Markong Series is tentatively classified as a member of loamy skeletal mixed thermic family of Topic Haplumbrepts.

Putuli Series (p):

It comprises shallow excessively drained dark brown loamy skeletal soil having some rock particles scattered over the surface.
These are developed on micaceous gneissic parent rock of talus deposits.
These Soils of Sikkim occur on moderately sloping and very steep upper hill slopes.
They are moderately to severely eroded and are susceptible to landslides.

Lingtse Series (L):

It comprises very deep, moderately well-drained fine loamy Soils of Sikkim with dark grayish brown to dark brown colour.
They have been developed on gneissic parent rock. These soils occur on steep low hill slopes and moderately eroded.
The Soils of Sikkim are under terraced cultivation.
The Lingtse Series is tentatively classified as a member of fine loamy mixed thermic family of Typic Dystrochrepts.

Thekabong Series (T):

It comprises moderately deep, moderately well drained loamy skeletal Soils of Sikkim with dark grayish brown in colour.
They have developed on micaceous gneissic parent rock.
These Soils of Sikkim occur in the steep to very steep middle and lower slopes of hill.
Soils of Sikkim are bench terraced for cultivation.
The Soils of Sikkim are moderately eroded and susceptible to severe erosion.

Machong Series (MA):

It comprises moderately deep moderately well-drained, grayish brown fine loamy soils.
They have been formed from the underlain micaschists.
These Soils of Sikkim occur on the moderately steep to steep low hill slopes and piedmont.
The Soils of Sikkim are under terraced cultivation.
Erosion is moderate to severe.

Chatrikhola Series (C):

It comprises deep, moderately well-drained fine loamy soils with very dark grayish brown to dark brown colour.
They are developed on micaceous gneiss parent rock.
These Soils of Sikkim occur on steep to very mid slope of low hill slopes and rare moderately to severely eroded.

Gompa Series (G):

It comprises shallow excessively drained loamy skeletal soils within brown to dark brown colour.
They have been developed on gneissic parent rock.
This soil occurs on moderately sloping and steep to very steep escarpments.
The Soils of Sikkim are under severe to very severe erosion and are susceptible to sliding.

Losep Series (LO):

It comprises deep, moderately well-drained, loamy skeletal soils with grayish brown to yellowish brown colour.
They have been developed on colluvial material over gneissic parent rock.
These Soils of Sikkim occur on steep lower slopes of hills and are moderately to severely eroded.

Namthang Series:

It comprises deep, well-drained, loamy skeletal soils with brown to dark yellowish brown colour developed from phyllite parent rock occurring on moderately sloping to strongly sloping mid hill slopes and are moderately eroded.
Soils of Sikkim are under paddy cultivation.

Simikara Series:

It comprises moderately deep excessively drained coarse loamy, fragmental Soils of Sikkim with yellowish brown to light olive brown colour and developed on micaschist parent rock.
This soil occurs on very steep escarpment slope and is severely eroded. Soils are under dense forest.

Nandugaon Series:

It comprises well-drained coarse loamy, fragmental soils with brown to dark brown colour, developed from sandstone parent rock.
The soil occurs on steeply sloping mid and upper part of hills are severely eroded.
Soils of Sikkim are under predominantly cultivation maize.

Hilly Series:

It comprises very deep moderately well-drained fine loamy soils with dark reddish brown to reddish brown colour developed on gneissic parent material.
The soil occurs on steeply sloping upper hill slope and is moderately eroded.
Soils of Sikkim are under cultivation.

Padamchen Series:

It comprises moderately deep, moderately well-drained, fine loamy soils with brown to yellowish brown colour and developed from gneissic parent material.
This soil occurs on moderately steep to upper hill slope with severe erosion under thin forest vegetation.

Taraku Series:

It comprises very deep, moderately well-drained fine loamy soils with brown to dark colour developed on sand stones.
Soils of Sikkim occur on moderately steep to steep upper and midhill slopes and are moderately eroded.
Soils of Sikkim are under horticultural crops.

Majitar Series:

It comprises deep, well-drained loamy soils with grayish brown to light gray colour.
They are of alluvial and collurial origin.
This soil occurs on gently sloping to moderately sloping uplifted river terraces and is susceptible for river bank erosion and flooding.
Soils of Sikkim are under horticultural crops

Main Features of Budget of Sikkim

Main Features of Budget of Sikkim

Main theme of the Budget 2017-18 – Sustainable Development

Total Receipts and Total Expenditure

For the fiscal year 2017-18, a gross expenditure of Rs. 6364.02 crores has been projected in the budget.

After taking into account recoveries amounting to Rs. 142.20 crores, the net expenditure comes to Rs. 6221.82 crores.

Reforms in various sectors

Eco Smart Villages

A new concept of “Eco-Smart Villages” is being proposed in this budget with an initial budgetary provision of 1 crore. This is being proposed on the premise that each village has its own characteristic strengths which can be developed independently in providing welfare services and local employment to the people. Each village could develop their unique development models, whether in the promotion of village tourism, pilgrimage centres or dairy farming, etc. This also includes the development of “One Home One Garden” concept through which each household will develop a personal garden with the Government providing necessary technical support.

Education

Education in Sikkim is free up to the college level and state is further making sincere efforts to improve educational standards further both in terms of coverage and quality.

A programme for Educational Quality Improvement launched in eight pilot Senior Secondary Schools of the State has received a funding of around one crore from North Eastern Council. Further it is set to be expanded to cover all Senior Secondary Schools of the State.

Energy

In the terms of clean and renewable energy, Sikkim has attained self-sufficiency in power generation. The Teesta Stage-III with 1200 MW capacity was successfully commissioned on 17th February 2017. State’s total installed capacity has improved to 2013.07 MW subsequently, by initiating other hydro electric projects. The on-going 97 MW Tashiding and 96 MW Dikchu hydro power projects are scheduled to be commissioned by April/May of 2017. The installed capacity will be enhanced correspondingly.

This is a historic milestone and it has made the State self-reliant in clean energy production and has boosted the State’s revenue generation capacity. With the commissioning of such power projects at this scale, state is no more a consumer state when it comes to energy. The state has become a producer State that provides energy for the nation.

It is estimated that Sikkim has a peak potential capacity of 8,000 MW and a steady 3,000 MW of hydroelectric power. About 28 hydropower projects are being set up in the state under the public-private partnership (PPP) mode.

Agriculture

The state government is also laying emphasis on improving organic farming in the state. During 2015-16, the state government recognized the existing MPCS in the state to promote and enhance organic farming in the state. As a result of these initiatives, the state was certified as the first fully organic state in India, by the Central Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare as well as other recognized agencies of the country.

The Sikkim Organic Mission is introducing an e-voucher card system as an effective mechanism to distribute assistances under the Direct Benefit Transfer for ensuring that the Scheme funds are channeled directly to the beneficiaries. This would be a first of its kind initiative in Sikkim and probably in the Country as well.

The state government launched Sikkim AGRISNET, an internet-based agriculture information centre, to promote scientific agricultural methods and convert research into practice in the agricultural sector.

The Sikkim government has announced a technical collaboration with floriculturists from the Netherlands and Thailand to develop the state’s potential in floriculture and market cut flowers from the state globally.

The state government is targeting to launch new agricultural schemes for making farming more profitable in the state and allowing the youth to determine agriculture as a budding source of livelihood. Implementation of such schemes is expected to result in increase in the area utilization for the cultivation and production of various crops.

The Sikkim Government plans to set up Tea Development Corporation of Sikkim, which would be the nodal agency for developing the tea Industry in Sikkim. It would work to expand the Temi tea estates in the state and acquire new gardens either wholly or partially owned by the government.

Tourism

Tourism in Sikkim has emerged as the new profession of the people with its vast natural potential. Promotion of village tourism, homestay, cultural tourism, trekking tourism, ecotourism, wellness tourism, flori–tourism and adventure tourism has given fillip to the tourism trade in the state where a large of number of people are engaged under different employment opportunities.

Infrastructure

As of 2015-16, Sikkim had a total road network of 2,425.45 km. The state government proposed an allocation of US$ 15.36 million for construction of roads and bridges in the state and US$ 7.46 million for road transport.

The total allocation of budget for urban development is estimated to be US$ 5.94 million during 2015-16. In addition, US$ 17.14 million would be allocated for the development of water supply and sanitation and housing sector in the state.

Industry

Allocated budget for the industry and minerals sector in Sikkim is estimated to be US$ 9.46 million. Out of this total allocation, villages and small industries would be allocated US$ 5.97 million and large industries would be allocated US$ 2.75 million. The remaining US$ 0.73 million would be allocated to the non-ferrous mining and metallurgical industries of the state.

Pharmaceutical is an emerging industry in Sikkim due to tax incentives offered by the state government as well as low manufacturing and labour costs. Sikkim is home to 14 major pharma companies, which have significant investments in the state. These include Cipla, Sun Pharma, ZydusCadila, Alembic, IPCA, Alkem Lab, Intas Pharma, Torrent Pharma and Unichem.

In order to give a boost to handloom and handicrafts sector, the Government of Sikkim has been making several efforts, which include providing training to upgrade the quality and designs of the products; bringing expertise and professionals for their marketing and supply, etc.

The Government of Sikkim has placed information technology high on its agenda. The budget allocation for information and broadcasting is expected to be US$ 0.96 million during 2015-16.

The Department of Information Technology, Government of Sikkim is in the process of setting up an IT park and National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) at Pakyong. The IT Park will have state-of-the-art facilities that will offer a plug and play environment and cater to the specific needs of the information technology and business process outsourcing (BPO) segments.

Climate of Sikkim for Sikkim PSC

Climate of Sikkim

The Climate of Sikkim is extremely varied largely due to variation in altitude.
It has the Himalayan or high mountain type of climate.
Altitude is the most important factor controlling the climate and weather condition here.
Relief features such as high mountains act as the barriers for the movements of monsoon winds.
Low temperature, high rainfall on windward slopes, comparatively dry on the leeward side and heavy precipitation in the form of snow at the mountain top are the main features of the Climate of Sikkim.
Due to great variation in sharp edged mountains throughout the state, there is large variation in rainfall and temperature.
The Himalayas act as barrier to monsoon winds forcing them to ascend thereby causing orographic rainfall and snow fall.
The Himalayas also act as barrier to the flow of cold winds from Central Asia, resulting heavy snowfall on the mountain tops and higher elevations and dry winter season at lower elevation located at the leeward side.
The monsoon winds dominate the Climate of Sikkim.
There is seasonal reversal of winds almost throughout the Climate of Sikkim.
The monsoon imposes the seasonal rhythm which is apparent in the activities of the people since most of them are agriculturists.
The following four seasons are prevalent on the basis of the monsoon circulation over the state.

The cold weather season – December to February
The spring weather season – March to May
The south-west monsoon – June to September
The period of retreating monsoon – October to November

Rainfall and temperature of Climate of Sikkim

The mean annual rainfall varies from 2000 mm. to 4000 mm. with intensity of rain from drizzling showers in lower altitude to torrential rains in higher altitude.
There are two maximum rainfall areas (i) South-East region and (ii) South-West region.
There is an area in the North-West region which gets very little rainfall.
The greater part of rain fall is received during May to September.
The annual rainfall of Sikkim is 2739 mm.
The temperature varies with the altitude and slope aspect.
The mean temperature in the lower altitudinal zone, it varies from 1.5 degree centigrade to 9.5 degree centigrade.
The maximum temperature is usually recorded during July-August which varies from 21 Degree Celsius to 26 Degree Celsius and minimum during December-January between 6 Degree Celsius and 8 Degree Celsius.
Fog is a common feature in the entire state from May to September.
Biting cold is experienced at high altitude places in the winter months and snowfall is also not uncommon during this period.
Climatic factors are entirely influenced by altitude.

*S. No.*	*Station*	*Maximum Temperature (Degree Centigrade)*	*Minimum Temperature* *(Degree Centigrade)*	*Rainfall (millimeter)*
1	Gangtok	18.8	12.7	3589.5
2	Mangan	25.5	15.3	3244.1
3	Mazitar	29.4	17.3	1620.2
4	Namthang	32.1	14.0	1972.0

Climatic types in Climate of Sikkim

Snow Peak Type:

This climate conforms to altitude of 4001 meters or more above the mean sea level.
The mountain peaks are mostly covered by snow. Precipitation is mainly through snowfall.
Cultivable land is not available in this climatic type.
Vegetation is mainly herbs or medicinal herbs.

Densely forested hill type:

These climatic conditions are found between 2701 metres and 4000 metres above the mean sea level.
The land has dense vegetation with tall trees and variety of rhododendron and primula flowers.
It is mostly covered by snow during winter season and precipitation is through snow and heavy rainfall during summer.
Winter is extremely cold. Potato and cabbage are cultivated during summer months at Thangu, Lachen and Lachung in North District.

Very high hill type:

Such climatic conditions are associated with the height between 1701 metres and 2700 metres above the mean sea level.
Snow fall is common during winter months, i.e. December to February and heavy rainfall during June-July.
This climate is suitable for seed potato growing. Other alternative crops are temperate fruit plants cabbage, peas, radish and other vegetables.
Soyabeans, high altitude maize and off season cabbage cultivation is common.
Lachen, Lachung, Ravongla, Damthang, Phadamchen, Zuluk, Okhrey, Hilley, Bhareng and Ribdi are the important areas in this climatic type.

High hill type:

The climate between 1501 metres and 1700 metres above the mean sea level falls under this category.
Precipitation is mainly through rainfall.
This is essentially a large cardamom growing belt.
Other important crops of the zone are the maize, peas, millets, vegetables etc. Usually, this is essentially a dry weather with occasional drizzling in winter and heavy rainfalls in summer.

Mid hill type:

Such climate is found between 881 metres and 1500 metres above the mean sea level.
This is essentially an orange belt, most suited for cultivation of orange.
Winters are cold and dry without any rain and summers with heavy rainfall.
The other crops are the maize, paddy, oilseeds, pulses, large cardamom, ginger and vegetables etc.

Low hill type:

The climate between 300 to 880 metres above the mean sea level may be called low hill type.
This climate is essentially a sub-tropical type and suitable for cultivation of sub-tropical fruits such as banana, guava, lemon and lime etc.
Most of the area is under paddy cultivation. Other important crops are maize, pulses, oilseeds, ginger and vegetables.
The winters are dry and comparatively warm and the summer are hot and have comparatively less rainfall.
Thus the Climate of Sikkim and the seasons of Sikkim state are suitable for growing varieties of crops which include not only cereals but also commercial crops.
Paddy, maize, millets, pulses are the principal crops and large cardamom, potato, ginger and other horticultural crops are the cash crops.
Orange is also a commercial fruits of Sikkim