Message 15th August, 2014 My dear fellow citizens of the State and the Country On the auspicious occasion of the 68th Independence Day of the Nation, I extend my warm greetings to our beloved people of Sikkim and our countrymen. Today, we pay our deep respect and homage to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their valuable lives for securing independence of the country. And in this perspective, we are the proud progeny of the new found freedom as well as the responsible custodians of the hard-earned freedom which has given us the fruits today. We are aware that the Sikkimese people over the decades have guarded the border state with supreme dedication and commitment to the overall safety and security of the Nation. I congratulate my fellow citizens for being the active partners in our path to progress and development of the State which is justifiably the most peaceful and progressive state of the Indian Union. My dear fellow Sikkimese All the countrymen and my fellow Sikkimese have recently participated in the keenly contested elections to the 9th State Assembly and the 16th Lok Sabha. The people of India have voted as per the voice of the people to install or re-install the government of their choice for the next five years. I take this opportunity to once again offer salutation to Shri Narendra Modi ji, our Prime Minister for leading the country and the National Democratic Alliance with a clear majority in the Indian Parliament. In our context, I am grateful and humbled by the overwhelming mandate of the Sikkim Democratic Front party received to work for State development and in serve the people for the record fifth consecutive term. Both the outcomes at the centre and the state have been historical for two different reasons. In the centre, the period of fractured mandate as witnessed in the last decade or so has been left behind. Here too the Sikkim Democratic Front party has been bestowed by the Sikkimese people with a clear majority to run the government in the State for the fifth consecutive term. Sikkim today occupies centrestage in many of the national discourses because of many of our exemplary development programs. In fact, we have been able to provide unique model of development in a number of sectors including social justice, environment, eco-tourism, agriculture, horticulture, education, health and rural development. Many of them have been replicated also by many of the states at the regional and national level which confers us great satisfaction. The impressive progress made in all sectors by the State Government is the result of long-drawn, scientific and competitive development models evolved by the State Government. This has helped us to bring about holistic development duly improving the lives of all sections of our people. The State Government has accorded Education the topmost priority as we have provided free education upto graduation level. Our intention of making education free for all students in Sikkim is to ensure that everyone takes the benefit of the education facilities. We are aiming for a fully literate state very soon. This has been the result of our commitment to provide education with 20% budgetary support. Apart from this, the Government encourages our educated youth to compete in the All India Services. Educated youth desirous of availing of coaching in IAS and allied services as well as the other services including defence, banking etc are deputed to various coaching institutes in the country. Those who have been selected in such services are rewarded with cash grants. The ultimate aim would be to prepare our youths for all season job avenues and opportunity nationally and globally, to make them highly skilled human resource. All job vacancies within the state is being filled up by local Sikkimese. We would require full participation and cooperation from the Sikkimese youths. Meritorious Scholarship Scheme is sponsoring meritorious children at Class V level in the best Public Schools in the State and the country. The Prerna Yojana and small family scheme are ongoing including the Chief Minister’s Special Merit Scholarship full sponsorship for students who are admitted to the top 20 Universities of the World. This year we have enhanced the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Education Loan Scheme to Rs. 12.00 lakhs for Sikkimese students studying abroad and Rs. 10.00 lakhs for studying within India. In the year 2003, Sikkim had become the first State in the country to start the Directorate of Capacity Building and later the State Institute of Capacity Building. We have formulated the road to promote employability among our people by imparting specific training and skill building courses the first time in the State and the Country. We have been able to establish Sikkim Central University at the state level. Large number of technical institutions have been established in the State including Agriculture Engineering College, Pharmacy College, Institute of Hotel Management, ICFAI College, Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, National Institute of Technology, Manipal Medical College, Manipal Engineering College, Manipal Nursing College, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology, Advanced Technical Training Centre (ATTC) and Centre for Computers and Communication Technology (CCCT). Vinayaka Mission Sikkim University are fully functional and the Sri Ramasamy University has recently been established to cater to the need for higher education of the children of the State. With an impressive improvement in the literacy rate of over 82%, we are now moving ahead with the mission of making Sikkim 100% literate State by the end of 2020. Many educational incentives both at the elementary and in higher education with provision of quality education being a major concern of the State Government are being implemented. A State higher education Council has been formed to function as a regulatory authority. Under the Health Sector, the State Government has worked vigorously to implement both preventive and curative health care among our people. The critical indicators of health, including Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), MMR, disease prevalence, morbidity as well as mortality rates have shown consistent decline over the last decade. These achievements are the cumulative result of improved coverage and efficiency of public health delivery system. The Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Annual and Total Check-up for Healthy Sikkim (CATCH) has provided universal check-up ward wise to all citizens of Sikkim to provide comprehensive health care by detecting diseases closer to their door steps to address issues individually and collectively to make Sikkim the healthiest State in the country. We have decided to upgrade the on-going construction of the 575 hospital into 1000 bedded multi speciality Hospital in Gangtok. The state Government is keen that this hospital also serves as a medical college once the required infrastructure is in place. Our aim is to provide easy access to the best medical facilities and treatment to the people of the State at an affordable cost. Sikkim is an eco-friendly State with its unique group of communities, rich in natural resources and scenic beauty. Over the decades, we have been the path finder in initiating many new and innovative green campaigns in the State. We already have some state of art tourism attractions such as the Statue of the Guru Padmasambhava at Samdruptse, the Siddheswar Dham at Solophok, the Tathagata Tsal at Rabongla and soon the Statue of Sleeping Buddha would be coming up at Singhik, North Sikkim. Besides, other tourism attractions are in the pipeline in order to provide leisure and attraction to the visiting tourists. One landmark infrastructure that is the development of Skywalk in Bhaleydunga will soon see the light of the day. All clearances from the Government of India including the clearances from the Environment Ministry has come through and this project will start shortly. This project is one of the topmost priority project of the State Government with a worthwhile vision to propel Sikkim tourism ahead of major competing destination and a landmark eco-tourism product with a high selling proposition. The novelty of the project with infusion of cutting edge technology in eco-friendly manner for promotion of tourism is an iconic brand of Sikkim to attract domestic as well as high end International visitors. The main objectives of the project are, environmental, social and economic with main focus on eco and wildlife tourism. The project aims to develop a world class nature appreciation product to document Sikkim as an ultimate eco-tourism destination. This project has been conceived to showcase nature, eco, wildlife, tourism potential of the State with the theme and objective to explore, admire and preserve nature. The tourist flow in the State has ever been increasing and the ratio of visiting tourist is more than the existing population of the State. This is due to effective harnessing of our natural beauty in our rivers, lakes, mountains, flora and fauna, glaciers, people, traditions, our culture and religious institutions. The preservation and sustainable harnessing of all these has already made our State the premiere tourist destination in the world. In fact, as per data released by Ministry of Tourism, Sikkim at 37.37 % hosts the maximum number of foreign tourists visiting the North Eastern region of the country. Recently, the global travel guide “Lonely Planet” listed Sikkim as the best region to visit in 2014 beating other favorite destinations of the world like the Kimberley in Australia, Texas in US, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe/Zambia and Hunan in China. In its statement, the Lonely Planet has observed, “Picking up national accolades in 2012 for being India’s cleanest state with the most innovative tourism project, Sikkim has set new benchmarks for responsible travel in the country”. We collectively share this rare recognition. Our mission to make Sikkim a fully Organic State is progressing well. We are at an advanced stage to phase out use of chemical fertilizers and secure organic certification through accredited institutions of the country. This would imply that the entire cultivable area under organic certification programme, collection, storage and marketing of organic produce and promoting brand value of organic local products would receive our total focus. Kisan Bazar in our districts are being developed as easy outlets for our organic produce to reach national and international markets. We have also taken measures like expanding area under high yielding variety and double cropping to augment our output through off-season cultivation. Our approach has been to produce low volume and high value of organic farm produce. The simultaneous step to integrate our traditional system of animal husbandry into larger mission of organic are underway. After working very closely with the people for more than 20 years, the thrust of Government during our 5th term of office is to execute quality works. Besides focussing on qualitative works in the 12th Plan, the aim would be to complete all the on-going schemes and projects in the State. One major infrastructure that is coming up is the construction of the State Civil Secretariat at Tashiling, Gangtok. As you are aware the Old Secretariat had become unhabitable due to the major earthquake of September, 2011 and therefore this New Secretariat is being built. Fellow Sikkimese After the re-sounding mandate of the Sikkimese people in favour of the Sikkim Democratic Front government, we have already spelt out a large number of policy decisions, many of them with particular reference to provisions contained in Article 371F of the Indian Constitution. We take pride in being the citizens of this great Nation and will always stand to protect and preserve the sanctity of the Country without any compromise. However, as citizens joining late into the mainstream, we will draw our strength through correct and judicious interpretation of certain constitutional guarantees inserted during the time of merger in 1975. On this occasion, I take this privilege to apprise my fellow citizens about the many policy decisions we have unanimously taken in public interest. Important among them are: Trade Licences already issued will be renewed on usual terms which can be passed on their descendants. However, for issue of fresh licence, Sikkim Subject Certificate/Certificate of Identification shall be mandatory. For issue of fresh Taxi / Truck Permit, Sikkim Subject Certificate or Certificate of Identification is mandatory. For issue of new Enlistment for Contractors, Sikkim Subject Certificate/Certificate of Identification is mandatory. For issue of new Excise Permits Sikkim Subject Certificate/Certificate of Identification is mandatory. All existing subsidies/grants will be replaced with cash component and to be availed of by only Sikkim Subject Certificate/Certificate of Identification holders. Provide 12% job reservation for all the Sikkimese communities living Below Poverty Lines under the state government and public sector undertakings Ban on all government servants become member of any association Girls’ College and Vocational College are to be established in the State. Panchayati Raj Institutions to be further strengthened. A well-equipped TB Hospital to be constructed. A Golf Course, a Race Course, a Snake Park and a Theme Park to be built. Sports Complex to be constructed at various places and sporting events to be taken up regularly across the State. Government employees to be given medical grant of Rs. 5 lakhs at a time and the family will include only spouse and children and be provided a medical grant of Rs. 2 lakhs at a time. Formulation of Urban Housing Mission to regulate urban expansion and infrastructure building for urban housing Construction of Scholars’ Residence at Namgyal Institute of Tibetology Constitution of Sikkim Music, Drama, Dance and Film Board to encourage and train the youths of Sikkim in the fields duly promoting Sikkimese cultural and folk dance, songs, music etc. Constitution of Sikkim Culture, heritage and Communal Harmony Board to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the State and also to promote amity and brotherhood among the Indian citizens Establishment of Sikkim Youth Development Board for holistic development of youth of Sikkim with aim and objective to encourage and assist them discover and harness their skills and talents Establishment of Capacity Building, Skill Development, Training, Placement & Youth Empowerment Board to further consolidate gains and achievement we have made so far. Second Saturday declared as working day in all government offices, public sector undertakings and educational institutions to enhance work efficiency and quick delivery of public services and public goods Esteemed fellow Sikkimese It has been 39 years since Sikkim became a part of this great nation. We have made great strides and progress since then. We have achieved many milestones. Perhaps no other border State can boast of the low crime rate coupled with stable law and order situation that Sikkim enjoys today. My Government is forever committed to the cause of Sikkimese people, to make Sikkim the first organic State, kutcha house free State, literate State and achieve inclusive growth. I am privileged to mention that in Sikkim people living below the poverty line are only 8.19% as against 41.43% in 1993-94. And we are now set forth and poised to make Sikkim totally Poverty Free by 2020. My aim is to develop Sikkim’s economy through nature friendly, green industries such as eco-tourism, floriculture, organic farming, hydro power generation, eco-friendly pharmaceuticals and the likes. Our next target and inevitable challenge is to make Sikkim a model State in the country. Hence, on this auspicious occasion, I appeal to all my fellow citizens to contribute and work hard towards achieving this noble goal. Fellow Sikkimese You are aware of our Sikkim Organic Mission as we are encouraged by our Hon’ble Prime Minister who has praised our effort to popularise and promote organic farming at the regional and national level. During his address in Parliament on June 11, 2014, the Prime Minister spoke highly of Sikkim and suggested that the other North Eastern States should voluntarily follow the Sikkim Model in organic farming. I quote, “Sikkim is a small state, sparsely populated, but this small state has done a very significant job. In a very near future, Sikkim State, as pride of India, is going fully organic. All products in Sikkim would be organic. There exists a massive demand for organic agricultural produce in the world today. A large section of the world’s population today is inclined towards holistic healthcare and is willing to pay any price for such organic products. If we expand on the hardwork put in my the Sikkimese farmers and further link it up nationally to capture this global market, then the Sikkim State lying in Himalayan range shall emerge with commendable prowess and repute”. Again, the Prime Minister’s special mention of organic farming in Sikkim in his address in Nepal recently calls for added vigour, commitment and encouragement on our part to sincerely pursue our goal of total organic state. The State Government is indeed proud and thankful to the Hon’ble Prime Minister for citing an example of Sikkim in the Indian Parliament and also at international forums. At this juncture, I also caution my fellow Sikkimese to the mounted propaganda and mis-information and irresponsible campaign unleashed by certain section of vested interest group against organic mission. May I call upon all the people, civil society members including the opposition, to see and appreciate merit in our intention and our sincerity to pursue our goal. We have chosen to tread the untrodden path of going organic in the context of widespread use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides all around. That means, we have no model to follow and no example to emulate. Today, we are the innovators, the path finders and the first State in the Country to come up with organic farming practices. Let us not try to dig up negativity and not try to stall this process. We are open to any suggestions or advice to further improve our methodology. I appeal to all that going organic must be our collective resolve and we are moving close to accomplish this aim. Today the State is more politically mature and economically well positioned, integrated and globalised amidst an atmosphere of happiness and peace. We have responsibilities and we must carry them out to the best of our abilities for the benefit of the people and the State. In terms of development indicators, we have been one of the best in the Country. Cutting across sectors, we have achieved commendable success and today Sikkim is on a high pedestal of growth and progress. Leaders nationally and internationally have been hugely impressed by our development models and the achievements made in various sectors. Nobel Laureate Prof. Amartya Sen called us “one of the brilliantly performing parts of the Country and indeed in the world.” During the release function of Second Sikkim Human Development Report on February 26, 2014, Ms. Lise Grande, UNDP Resident Coordinator, congratulated the Sikkim Government and its leadership in ample measures. She said, “Sikkim is growing and growing fast. In less than ten years, Sikkim has grown more than 15 percent each year. This is one of the highest rates among all Indian States and one of the highest in all of Asia.” On this great occasion of Independence Day, I congratulate the people of Sikkim for their consistency and hard work to reach this level of development and progress. During the last twenty years, we have nurtured Sikkim into oasis of peace and communal harmony. All these years, we have nurtured this environment without any compromise. We are aware of this. However, of late, there is indication of growing political extremism, intolerance, disturbance and criminal activities fanned and promoted by certain group of people in the name of politics and political propaganda. This does not augur well for our future. We must guard against this tendency collectively and commit ourselves to safeguarding peace and security prevalent in the State. On this occasion, I call upon all my fellow Sikkimese to respect and promote amity and brotherhood like always and never fall prey to unfounded provocation. Peaceful law and order and protection of the environment, political stability and good governance are the prime factors needed to foster development and prosperity. I am confident that towards these goals you will join hands with me in making Sikkim like a heaven on earth in times to come. Towards these goals, my Government has steadfastly worked ever since with positive outcomes. Recently, I had the opportunity of interacting with many Central leaders and Ministers in the Government of India, New Delhi. I once again placed and reiterated the socio-economic and political demands of the State Government before the Central leadership. The following issues were raised in these meetings, viz: - Reservation of seats in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly for the Limboo and Tamang Communities. Inclusion of left out ethnic Sikkimese in the list of Schedule of Tribes. Allowing His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje to take his seat at Rumtek Monsatery at the earliest. Income Tax exemption to left out persons and other old business communities. Fellow Sikkimese Sikkim is now well positioned to lead the Countrymen in many sectors. This has been possible due to the consistent support and assistance of the Sikkimese people to the Sikkim Democratic Front-led government. As we celebrate the 68th Independence Day of this great Nation, let us rededicate ourselves to the collective task of nation building. And with the unprecedented mandate of the people of Sikkim, we are all poised for the hard work and dedication to take Sikkim to the next level of development and progress. By the year 2020, we would like to make Sikkim as the first economically independent state of the Country. By the year 2020, we will transform Sikkim into an intellectual capital of the Country. And in 2020, we will endeavour to make Sikkim socially emancipated and self-reliant state. With freedom also comes responsibility. Therefore, may I call upon my fellow Sikkimese to be fully responsible in our words and deeds to never tarnish the good image of the State. As free citizens left to our discretion and wisdom, people belonging to different sections and different political alignment must be united when it comes to the larger issue of Sikkim and the collective interest of the Sikkimese people. With firm belief and confidence of support from all sections of people, I once again congratulate my fellow citizens and express my best wishes to the people of the State on this happy and joyous occasion. Thank you Jai Hind
Posted on: Sun, 17 Aug 2014 11:17:42 +0000
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