Along with the rest of the nation, Sikkim witnessed state level Republic Day celebration here at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok today. The celebration began with the unfurling of National Flag followed by National salute by the Governor of Sikkim Shri Shriniwas Patil amidst National Anthem tune. Thereafter Governor reviewed the Parade consisting of contingent from Indo-Tibet Border Police, Sasastra Seema Bal, Sikkim Armed Police, India Reserve Battalions, Sikkim Police, Sikkim Police Mahila Platoon, Army Pipe Band, Sikkim Police Pipe Band and Sikkim Police Brass Band. The parade was led by Parade Commander – Additional Superintendent of Police, Vigilance Police, Shri Chundi Chopel Bhutia and the Second in-charge of the Parade was Police Inspector Tashi Lindey Bhutia, Sikkim Vigilance Police. The event was graced by the Chief Minister of Sikkim Shri Pawan Chamling as the special guest accompanied by Speaker of Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Ministers, MLAs, Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Heads of Government Departments, Senior Government Officers, and the public at large amongst others. Addressing Republic Day celebration, Governor Shri Shriniwas Patil extended his best compliments to the people of Sikkim and the country and further applauded the visionaries of our constitution whose ideals have brought us to where we stand today. Appreciating the role of brave police personnel for maintaining internal security Governor called for paying homage to our martyrs who have laid down their lives for our country. Governor spoke about the existence of democratic values and principles, unparalleled peace, progress and prosperity in Sikkim. He further highlighted on the economic growth of Sikkim and articulated the overall development of the state in various aspects like Education, Health and welfare, Rural development, forest, tourism which enabled the state to be among the fastest developing states in the country, he added. He expected to earn status of Sikkim as Kutcha house free state, and Organic State by 2015. Expressing concern over NH-10, life line of Sikkim he informed that the government has requested the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways to maintain status quo by permitting the BRO to continue to look after NH-10 or by allowing a central agency like the National Highway Authority of India to take on the task. Stressing for early completion of Pakyong Greenfield Airport, Governor anticipated that its achievement would mount tourism to the new height and further assured that the completion of ongoing Hydro-power project would be crucial in ensuring vital revenue collection for the state in future. He also informed about the assurance given by Ministry of Railway to implement rail link project to connect Sikkim with the rail-map of the country. In his address, Governor also expressed tourism potential of Sikkim and vision of the Government to enhance annual tourist arrivals into Sikkim to 50 lakhs in the near future. With the declaration by the Hon’ble Prime Minister to open the pilgrimage route to Kailash-Mansarovar in Tibet Autonomous Region (China) through Nathu la, we anticipate many gains to the state arising out of pilgrimage tourism, he added. He also elaborated the major attractions of tourist’s destinations in the state. He mentioned that the state government has requested the Government of India to extend adequate financial support out of the Rs. 100.00 crores announced by the Hon’ble Finance Minister, Government of India for organic farming in the North-Eastern region. On the auspicious occasion Governor Mr. Patil presented Police Medal (National Award) to Shri Bhim Kumar Tamang, Commandant, 1st IRB, New Delhi, Sikkim Police, who was awarded with the President`s Police Medal for Meritorious Service on the occasion of Independence Day 2011. Governor also conferred the Sikkim State Meritorious Service Award to the five government employees for their commendable service. The recipients of this year’s State Meritorious Service Award are: 1. Shri Surendra Kumar Subba, Police Inspector, Vigilance Police, Government of Sikkim, Gangtok. 2. Mrs. Lhakit Choden Lepcha, Head Assistant, Home Department, Government of Sikkim, Gangtok. 3. Shri Dawgay Bhutia, Assistant Sub-Inspector, 2nd IRBn, Sikkim Police, Government of Sikkim, Gangtok. 4. Shri Surendra Kumar Chettri, Driver, Transport Department, Government of Sikkim, Gangtok. 5. Shri Umesh Ram Balmiki, Safaikarmachari, Tourism & Civil Aviation Department, Government of Sikkim, Gangtok. Governor also bestowed the musical instruments as gift to the differently abled students in joint initiative of Social Justice Empowerment & Welfare Department and Cultural Affairs & Heritage Department, Govt. of Sikkim. The Governor and the Chief Minister visited the display of Army equipment displayed at the Parade Ground, Palzor Stadium. The Republic Day Celebration also saw Army Pipe Band Display, Band Music by Sikkim Police and cultural programme. During the programme, it was also announced the President`s Police Medal for distinguished service to Shri Tashi Tshering Tamang, Addl. DGP, Gangtok and Police Medal for Meritorious Service to Shri Laxuman Pradhan, SI SAP Pangthan, East Sikkim, on the occasion of Republic Day 2015.
Posted on: Mon, 26 Jan 2015 09:21:42 +0000