PRESS RELEASE (July 2009)
3.07.2009
CM holds coordination meeting with various State Government Departments
The Chief Minister, Mr. Pawan Chamling in a series of marathon coordination meeting held in his Chamber, at Tashiling Secretariat on 2nd July,2009, met with the Ministers, Secretaries and officers of Rural Management and Development Department (RMDD), PHE , Commerce and Industries and IPR department.
The meeting was attended by Mr. C.B Karki, Minister RMDD, Mr. T.T Bhutia, Minister PHE and Ms Neeru Sewa, Minister , Commerce & Industries and IPR, Advisors to the Government, Mr. Bhim Dahal, Mr. R.B Subba, Mr. K.N Rai, along with the Secretaries, and other senior Government officials. During the meeting, the HODs of their respective departments placed the annual report of their respective departments along with new proposal to the Chief Minister. The main objective behind organizing such meetings was to channelise and sharpen the present mode of administration to create an atmosphere of effective work trends in the Departments and to review the position of various Departments.
Directing the Departmental heads, the Chief Minister emphasized on the timely completion of different projects. He called for the greater participation of the Government employees as well as the general public in every developmental programme of the Government. He stressed on team spirit and close coordination between various departments for implementation of different policies and programmes of the government. He directed the departments to facilitate various skill development and specialization training programmes to the employees on related subject and asked the Departments to submit the list of employees who could be sent for these trainings. He also directed the departments to utilize government expenditure for the correct programmes which would benefit the people and the state. He stressed on quality work and warned against duplicity.
The Chief Minister interacting with Rural Management and Development Department said that the work of NREGA in Sikkim is appreciated by other states and more effort is required for implementing the programme further. He said that involvement of rural people is necessary to achieve the goal of rural employment to increase their purchasing power and bring improvement in their standard of living. He advised the department on changing the mindset of the people by conducting awareness programmes and highlighting the facilities. The Chief Minister directed the department to engage the people through NREGA towards plantation of Magnolia plant in all barren land and private holdings. He made a decision on plantation of fifteen thousand Magnolia plant available at Yangang, in all suitable locations. He also stressed on plantation of different plants like Bamboo, fodder plant, trees, Banana, Papaya, Jackfruit, Bale, Cheery, Amla, Totala, Timbur, Harra, Tea etc. The Chief Minister emphasized on the construction of nature footpaths with materials like stone, wood and mud rather than concrete which could conserve the natural beauty of the villages and will boost village tourism as well. He proposed to develop parks and garden and community centers in the villages for which he directed the department to acquire land for the purpose. The Chief Minister also emphasized on providing clean and quality drinking water to the people of Sikkim for which he assured to provide funds, for establishment of water purification system, chemical testing center, expertise and technician etc.
He directed the department to manage man power and provide training for Rural Development Assistants, Panchayats and other technical staffs to strengthen the Block Administrative Centres. He further directed to finalize a plan called ‘Village Development Action Plan’ to be implemented within August.
In his meeting with Public Health Engineering Department, the Chief Minister said that the department should adopt latest technology for water supply and sewerage system. He stressed on hygiene, security fencing, quality equipment and maintenance of pipeline.
During the meeting with the Commerce and Industries and Information and Public Relations Departments, the Chief Minister discussed the management and distribution of Sikkim Herald, uploading website and press releases with the IPR officials. He said that IPR is the mouth piece of the Government and the link between the Government and the public. He also assured to construct Soochana Bhawan.
The Chief Minister directed the Industries Department to establish an outlet of the Directorate of Handicraft and Handloom one for South and West district and another for North district.
The Chief Minister, Mr. Pawan Chamling while continuing his meeting on July 3rd with the Ministers, HoDs and officials of various State Government departments, namely Food and Civil Supply, Science and Technology, Sports and Youth Affairs and Excise, also discussed important issues pertaining to the respective departments and issued various directions related to the developmental works in the State.
During the meeting with the Food and Civil Supply Department, the Chief Minister said that there has to be an integrated approach in the developmental process involving all section. Sikkim has the most liberal investment policy and is an investor friendly state. He further added that the department should check the influx population which tends to increase with developmental processes. He further directed the departments to furnish the exact data’s on influx population and also stressed the need to have accurate BPL data of the State as well. The Chief Minister also reviewed the stock of essential commodities to meet the requirements during monsoon and also emphasized the officials of the department for effective distribution of essential commodities. He also enquired about the storing capacity of the existing food go-downs, fuels and LPG and directed the department to maintained stocks to last for at least three months. He also asked the department to put forward the proposals regarding the renovation of the existing food go-downs and also to prepare a comprehensive report on the shortfalls of essential commodities like rice, kerosene, petrol, LPG, sugar etc. There should be no compromise on quality and no pilferation should take place, he added.
In his another meeting with the Science and Technology Department, the Chief Minister stressed on the need to protect flora and fauna at the local level. On environment front, the challenge is formidable and enormous, but in terms of nature conservation measure, the State government has worked tirelessly to harmonize nature and development, he commented. The department should make an effort to involve local youths and students in the nature conservation programmes and generate scientific temperament in them to make Sikkim an example for the rest of the world. “Think globally and act locally”, said the Chief Minister. He also asked the department to prepare a guide book on Clean Mechanism Drive.
During the meeting with the Minister and officials of Sports and Youth Affairs Department, the Chief Minister instructed that the youths being the future of the nation, the Department should focus on engaging the youths into constructive activities, so that they become able citizen in future. He also emphasized on development of various sports like archery, football, table tennis, taekwondo, boxing etc. He also stressed on renovating and development of the existing sports infrastructure in the State. He further directed the department to give more emphasis on archery and encouraged them to impart training to the students and youths. Further more, he also directed the department to forward the proposal of setting up of an archery training centers in the State. The Chief Minister said that the talent hunt programmes should be started from the School level for which he also instructed the department to provide necessary trainings and coaching at the schools and Panchayat level.
Later in the afternoon, the Chief Minister also met the Minister and officials of the Excise Department and stressed on close coordination among the various departments in executing plans and programmes of the State Government. He said that the Rule of Law is paramount in the State and it should be maintained. He also advised the department to review the Bar license and also put forward the proposal to introduced new brands made of ginger, passion fruit, cardamom etc. and asked them to look into whether the proposal is technically viable or not.
IPR News Service
IPR No 242/IPR/08-09
4.07.2009
Orientation Programme of Horticulture and Agriculture
A day long orientation programme under Agriculture and Horticulture schemes conducted by the department for the Member of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Zella Adhakshyas and Panchayats was held today at Chintan Bhawan . The objective of the programme was to aware the people about the schemes and policies of the department. It is a new holistic approach as desired by the Chief Minister of Sikkim in the history of Food Security and Agriculture Development Department and Horticulture and Cash Crop Department(FS&ADD&HCCD) to make a good coordination between the government and the people at grass root level.
Addressing from the chair Mr. K.T Gyaltsen, Speaker Sikkim Legislative Assembly appreciating the programme said that it was well organized as intended and further advice to organize such programme at district and constituency level also. He requested the people representatives to be responsible, disciplined and serious on the development of Sikkim and Sikkimese people as per the vision of the Chief Minister. He suggested that their should be a cooperation between FS&ADD&HCCD, Animal Husbandry, RMDD and Irrigation departments as they are inter related and people centric. Mr. Gyaltsen said that Sikkim has very limited Farming land therefore the people should use every corner of land with the help of concern department’s schemes and available technology. Informing the gathering the speaker explains the meaning of the department’s name as the “food security” means the security of food for the future. He expresses that the panchayats should become an example to the farmers by becoming themselves as progressive farmer and they should guide them the department’s schemes and activities. He suggested the department to guide and help the people through holistic, realistic, and applicable and result oriented approach. The speaker also suggested the department to register under Geographical Indication act which comes under sub-clause of Intellectual property right act, for preserve and production.
On his speech Mr. Daucho Lepcha, Minister, FS & ADD & HCCD said that the food is very important for the human beings as well as the animals to survive in this world. He requested people’s representatives to transfer the massage as delivered today regarding programme and schemes of the department to the farming community. He said that the department is doing extreme homework formulating the modalities of the programme and scheme to be delivered to the villagers. Mr. Lepcha requested the MLAs, Adhakshyas and Panchayats to advice the department about the actual viability of the schemes in cluster approach and also inform about the property of the government so far acquired is weather registered or not.
During the interaction session Mr. MLA Lachen Mangan and Mrs.Chandramaya Subba, MLA Dentam appreciated the ethics of the programme and placed some suggestion to the department. Similarly, Zilla Panchayats and Panchayat members also interact with official during the session.
The Secretary FS&ADD&HCCD, Mr. S.K Gautam while delivering welcome speech said that the department is organizing orientation programme according to the direction of the Chief Minister Mr. Pawan Chamling to maintain transparency between government and rural people. He requested the people’s representatives to make an opinion and advice the department to be more effective through such special informative programme.
During the power presentation the Directors of Horticulture, Agriculture, Soil and Water Conservation and Chief Engineer from Engineering Cell explain in detail about the scheme and activities of department.
The programe was witnessed by Mr. C.B Karki, Minister RMDD, Ms. .Neeru Sewa, Minister Industries, IPR and Exise, MLAs, Adhakshyas, Chairman, Chairperson, Zilla Panchayats, Panchayat Prasidents and Members from all districts, Officers of FS&ADD&HCCD and officer and scientist from ICAR Gangtok.
The whole day programme was conducted by Mr. Dorjee Tenzing, Additional Director and vote of thanks proposed by Mr. D.K Rai, Additional Director.
IPR News Service
IPR No 243/IPR/08-09
6. 07. 2009
Respected Dr. Chung Sik Yong, Regional President of the Universal Peace Federation- Asia and his esteemed colleagues, Respected office bearers of the Universal Peace Federation, Sikkim Chapter, Honb’le Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Sikkim Legislative Assembly, my Cabinet colleagues, MLAs, Chairmen, Chairpersons, Chief Secretary, DGP and all officials present, Members of NGOs and friends from Media, ladies and gentlemen
At the outset, I expressed my deep sense of gratitude to the Universal Peace Federation fraternity for having considered me for this noble award on Leadership and Good Governance. I can not at this stage forget the feelings and good thoughts of my fellow Sikkimese who have always given me their mandate. They are also to be thanked for giving me this opportunity to serve them. I dedicate this award to my Sikkimese fellow citizens for whom I am the first servant.
In the present world, we are privileged to be living a life made more comfortable by the advent of science & technology, advanced knowledge and natural wealth. But, the irony is that with these advancements by men, contradiction, conflict and war are also created. We are living in a world made complicated by our own irresponsible acts at different levels. There is unrest and conflict all around. In fact, Philosophers and Statesmen have always expressed their reservation about the changes taking place in the overall socio-cultural milieu of India . Dr. S. Radhakrishanan wrote and I quote, “ Everywhere around us we hear the sounds of things breaking, of changes in the social, in the political and economic situation, in the dominant beliefs and ideas, in the fundamental categories of human mind. Men of intelligence, sensitiveness and enterprise are convinced that there is something radically wrong with the present arrangement and institutions in regard to politics, economies and industry, and that we must get rid of them if we are to save humanity.” During the debate on the adoption of the Indian Constitution, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar expressed his apprehension and asked, “.. what would happen to her independence? Will she maintain her independence or will she lose it again?” It may be pertinent to think that in the Indian context, some of our people are still placing caste, creed and personal ends above the country and creating new waves of discord and divisions.
Therefore, the question is how we can overcome from this syndrome. I may point out that the Sikkimese people are inherently the peace lovers living in harmony with Nature and have thus contributed to the general peace in the State and the act as an example in the whole country.
Peace by definition is more abstract in nature. Some say that Peace is, first of all, the absence of war between States. On a broader sense, peace is also the absence of suppression and injustice and of hunger. According to oriental understanding, peace has more of a spiritual substance that permeates the inner life of human being. We firmly believe that in the absence of inner happiness, there is no peace. When we invoke ‘shanti..’it is more than absence of war. It is the realization of heavenly order, an emergence of perfect union among different elements of nature in the cosmos thereby shaping the very attitude of man as being peaceful or peace loving.
We the Sikkimese people are living in perfect peace an in relative plenty. Over the years, there are factors combined together to facilitate establishment of this condition in the State where we provide leadership in many sectors in the country.
We are people living in the Himalayan range and living in close proximity with Nature. We do believe that nature over the centuries has moulded our way of life. Many of us, by faith, are nature worshippers in essence. As part of local creed, we consider environmental security as our highest obligation. This argument is relevant in the context of Global Warming that has seriously disrupted the natural cycle. In our State of Sikkim also, there has been increasing sign of Global Warming induced changes. Manifesting itself in erratic monsoon, flooding and landslides, unusually warmer winter, less volume of snowfall etc, this will likely upset the cycle of mountain, ecology and local economy too. There are serious deliberation and action plan mooted both under the UN initiative and other initiatives by different NGOs and civil society bodies across the world. Therefore, for peace to sustain, the whole community need to start acting to cut down the Green House Gas emission and mitigate the harm done to world environment. We are very humbly undertaking host of conservation measures during the last one and a half decade in the State of Sikkim. We initiated our journey on very conscious note in 1995 when we observed the year “ Harit Kranti Varsha” generating mass awareness about environment and about agents like to bring about negative impact on our environment. Some of the historical initiative have been introduction of compulsory environmental education in Schools, launching of “ Smriti Van” programme and Green Mission Plan, Creation of State biodiversity Park, distribution of free LPG connection for people below poverty line, eco-club, Green Funds in Schools & colleges, constitution of climate change commission, ban on use of plastic, ban of green felling in forest, ban on grazing, ban on killing of wildlife etc. As a result there has been palpable improvement manifesting in the increase in forest cover from 43.95% in 1993- 94 to 46.28% now. There has been increase in number of wild animal and regeneration in the endangered species of flora and fauna among other.
Climate Change issues has also become interlinked with issues of energy security and food security. You are aware that in the vague of adverse effect of Global Warming, many countries across the continent swiftly altered the export policy of foodgrains to feed their own citizens. It is for this reason that the world community should come together to address this issue on urgent basis by carefully formulating strategy for sustainable development, which ensures that our economic proceeds in an ecologically sustainable manner. The Apostle of Peace, Mahatma Gandhi has said, “you must be the change you want to see in the world”. I am very happy to say that the Sikkimese people have whole heartedly supported us in bringing about change in the way we tend to exploit nature and in many of our initiatives which were ‘out of ordinary’ and at times rather on pleasant.
The overarching concern and the works undertaken by the Peace Federation is really a great service to humanity. For the last 15 years, we are also consistently working to establish social and political condition in which all the human beings can enjoy freedom and the fullest measures of happiness. The best thing happening in Sikkim primarily has been continuous peace and harmony and secondly political stability. This has enable us to plan our socio-economic intervention on both short term and long term basis. As a result, we have been able bring about socio economic advancement which is comparatively better off.
As a landlocked State, Sikkim is surrounded by three international borders with China, Nepal and Bhutan. Over the centuries, we have become richer by the cross-border interactions. We are opening up more borders with our neighbours. We are building our infrastructure, more schools, health centres, more roads and airport and railway. This will ensure better access to quality health, education and better connectivity. Physically access and connectivity will facilitate our people with conducive atmosphere for attaining higher level of standard.
It is said that any community of people will perish once their cultural heritage is destroyed. Sikkim has evidently witnessed cultural revolution over the decade. The languages of ethnic tribal communities have been revived which are being taught in schools. Similarly, cultural festivals belonging to different communities have been duly recognised as State Gazette holidays. What we witness today is cultural revival enriching the very contour of social structure, brimming with full life. The say that man does not live by bread alone. Here the essential question involved is ensuring human dignity and self respect.
It is aptly concluded that poverty is a threat to peace. Questioning the world’s income distribution, one noble peace prize winner has highlighted a very telling story. According to him, 94% of world income goes to 40% of the population while 60% of people live on only 6% of world income. The State Government in Sikkim, on its own initiative, earmarked 70% of plan allocation to rural development to bring about rural renaissance way back in 1995. This includes free housing, subsidized foodgrains and host of other incentives for family living below the poverty line. This policy of earmarking the lion’s share for rural upliftment is still on and we have been able to address rural poverty to a large extent. In fact, the number of BPL families in Sikkim has gone down to 20% from 40% in 1994. Education is free upto the college level with provision of free distribution of text books, exercise book, school uniform, school bag, raincoat and school shoes. Health Care is free as well. Sikkim was the first State in the country to provide for Free Hepatits B vaccination for children. Compulsory annual health check up for people, free health insurance for poor households are some of the other incentives envisaged during this financial year.
Leadership and good governance is very vital for enrichment of democratic practices anywhere in the world. In an age where the percaptia income is measured in terms of per captia happiness, the world is increasingly turning to the essence of pro people governance, pro jobs, pro nature with the highest priority to poverty reduction, productive employment and environmental regeneration. Further good governance involves not only administrative or managerial capacities but also the social, political, intellectual, cultural and moral capacities of the system in the entirety.
The focus on the family as the most fundamental institution of society impressed me very deeply. Infact, we need to revitalise the traditional warmth both with regard to human relationship at various levels between man and nature and in relation to various natural elements.
If society is weak, power, rewards and opportunities go to the few and majority of people will remain powerless and without opportunity. Realising this fact, we have to build a society strong enough so that every individual can enjoy his or her rights and privileges and that everyone has access to opportunities to live a more meaningful life.
There are many problems common to all humanity- lack of peace and security, diseases like AIDS, cancer, problem of water security, food security, environmental degradation, hunger etc. There are hundred million people who are homeless and landless. Some are living without the identity of their own, without any country that they can call their own. 148 millions children are orphans. They need love and care. They need families not only orphanage.
They are suffering from hunger, disease and human right violation. Suffering and sorrows are everywhere in the world but no one is serious enough to care for them and solve this common problem except the few like Universal Peace Federation.
Today I feel proud that the works we have done here ion our humble way have been appreciated by the Universal Peace Federation of India. I am very much encourage to do more and more for Sikkim, my State and also my country India. Wherever we live we are faced with the same problems- Global community is faced with unrest, disputes, conflict- lack of human security and water security. We are deprived of our natural right to live- and live with simplicity and dignity.
We do no longer look for someone to take us to the mountain top and point the way to the promise land. We should no longer expect someone to lead us on by our fingers to enter a place of perfection. We must together make it happen through collective effort, joint commitment and common sacrifices. The Universal Peace Federation through its worldwide action and cooperative peace building efforts is leading a Universal campaign to promote peace, family values, cultural exchanges, educational programmes for a strong world orders in which everyone can live in freedom, harmony and prosperity.
The miracle Helen Keller once said, “ I find life an exciting business – and most exciting when it is live for others.” This moment has encouraged me to live the most exciting life once again and to live for others, always. I have no words to express my gratefulness to my people who have voted me to be their Chief Minister for the fourth consecutive term. Over the years, I have tried to do my utmost to serve the interest of the Sikkimese people. We have together inked a sacred pledge to forever work for the collective welfare of the people so that the promises made are fulfil in letter and spirit, so that people continue to live in peace, harmony and greater prosperity. As the American poet would say I cannot certainly stop here. May I quote the immortal Robert Frost who said,
“ The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep”.
As Abraham Lincoln would say we cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today. Amidst the gathering mist and the difficulties so imminent, we can ill afford to lose hope. The Romantic Poet P.B.Shelley famously sang –
“ O Wind,
If winter comes, can spring be far behind?”
As the poet held out enduring hope for all the humanity, so does the peace federation come out to rescue humanity from the clutches of hatred, discord and cultural disintegration. And as part of the Global initiative of the Peace Federation, I would consider my self privileged and blessed to work under the broad vision of Dr. Moon and all the ambassadors of Peace, to bequeath to the coming generation a world that is better, safer, secure, happy and peaceful.
Thank You Sirs
Thank you all
Jai Hind
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