CM assures income tax relief to old settlers at par with Sikkim subject holders

PRATIMA RAI

GYALSHING, December 3: A new ray of hope has shined on the west district headquarters Gyalshing for the locals and the old settlers of Sikkim during the ongoing tour of West Sikkim by Chief Minister Pawan Chamling.

The Chief Minister had commenced on West Sikkim tour from yesterday where he had reached Hee-Bermiok on the occasion of Teyongsi Srijunga and today he conducted a recce of Gyalshing town.

Mr. Chamling not only announced a slew of projects for the infrastructural revamp of Geyzing town much to the delight of the local residents but also assured to leave no stones unturned in delivering income tax exemption for the old settlers of Sikkim at par with the Sikkim subject holders.

In his address at the SDF party office in Gyalshing, the Chief Minister assured the old settlers to deliver income tax exemption at par with Sikkim subject holders. Those old settlers with proper documents will be given income tax relief like the local Sikkimese persons, he said.

The Chief Minister also outlined a blue print for the development and beautification of Gyalshing bazaar which includes a tiled street at the centre of the town, no parking in town and a water fountain in the town. He said that a taxi stand will be constructed at the outskirts of the bazaar area. Quality electricity lines will be put underground to remove the sight of overhanging lines in the town, he said announcing other modern amenities to the Gyalshing people.

“The beautification plan of Gyalshing bazaar is as part of the pre-announced plans of the SDF government where all the four district headquarters and prominent towns will be modernized,” said Mr. Chamling.

After a bagful of promises to Gyalshing people, the Chief Minister proceeded to the tourism hotspot of Pelling where he interacted with the students and teachers of Pelling senior secondary school. He urged the students to build up their capacity in sync with the present times and be competitive in studies.

Mr. Chamling pointed out to the students that government jobs are saturated and difficult to get. “Hence the students must develop their capacity and skill and carry the courage to compete in the world which has become a global village,” he said. He also briefed the students on various incentives of the State government for meritorious students.