KNOWLEDGE COMMISSION IN SIKKIM

SIKKIM: Sikkim constitutes Knowledge Commission

FROM SIKKIM EXPRESS

GANGTOK, June 11 (IPR): The State Government has today constituted a Knowledge Commission in keeping with the vision articulated by the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling with Ex-Chief Secretary and Ex-Member, National Security Advisory Board Dr K Sreedhar Rao, IAS (Retd) as its Chairman.

The Commission has MP, Lok Sabha PD Rai and Secretary of the State Human Resource Development Department R Telang as its members.

The terms of reference of the Knowledge Commission as mentioned in the notification dated June 11 are as follows:

1. Prepare a Vision document – Sikkim 2025 – defining the long terms goals for all round development of the State of Sikkim.

2. Prepare a detailed blue print and an action plan for making Sikkim a knowledge economy and a knowledge society.

3. Prepare plans for comprehensive up-gradation of standards at all levels of school education.

4. Suggest specific programmes for skill development, capacity enhancement and up-gradation of the competitive ability of students coming out of educational institutions and enable establishment of institutions to implement such programmes.

5. Recommend measures for reforms in the regulatory environment, governing the State’s education system.

6. Promote -

(a) Establishment of Centres of Excellence in the field of school level

education, as also measures to promote higher education, research and development;

(b) Private Sector participation in the field of education, with select institutions having credible record of excellence in education.

(c) Establishment of knowledge based industries conducive to the ecology and environment of the State, taking advantage of abundant availability of power in the State and its investor friendly climate.

(d) Setting up specialized training establishments to impart training in the fields of employment, relevant to the growing economy.

(e) Promote training opportunities in the rest of India for students in specialized industries/establishments.

7. Promote the spirit of entrepreneurship in the State to enable the younger generation to participate and contribute to the growth process.

8. Suggest measures to upgrade the educational infrastructure of the State.

9. Formulate a comprehensive policy for Development of human intellectual capital of the State.

10. Function as the Think Tank and Brain Trust for the Government of Sikkim and advise the Chief Minister on matters relevant to fulfilling the objectives mentioned above.

The Commission may add any other relevant areas of action if considered appropriate for the development of the State with the approval of the State Government.

III. The term of office of the Knowledge Commission shall be for a period of two years and may be extended at the discretion of the Government of Sikkim.

IV. The Commission is empowered to call for assistance and information and examine documents from all the Government Departments wherever considered necessary.

V. The detailed terms and conditions of appointment of the Chairman and Members shall be notified separately.