FOCUS : SIKKIM
A vision for Sikkim
Interview with Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling.Volume 19 - Issue 11, May 25 - June 07, 2002
India's National Magazine
from the publishers of THE HINDU
Sikkim has made rapid strides after its integration with India
as a State in 1975. Most of these achievements are now perceived to have come
during the chief ministership of Pawan Kumar Chamling. According to
Chamling, economic, social and political equality of women, conservation of the
environment, institutionalisation of democracy and a trouble-free atmosphere are
some of the major achievements of his government.
The literacy level in Sikkim has gone up and medical facilities
have improved. The total electrification programme of the government has
improved considerably the living standards of the people in rural areas. Sikkim
already occupies a place in the world tourism map. and the flow of foreign and
domestic tourists has increased manifold. In this interview to Naunidhi
Kaur in Gangtok, Chamling explains his vision for Sikkim. Excerpts:
V.V. KRISHNAN
Most discussions on the northeastern region address the
question of integrating its people "emotionally" with the rest of India. How do
you propose to achieve this in respect of Sikkim?
To address the question of emotional integration of Sikkim with
the rest of India, we first need to define where the real India is. Is it in New
Delhi, Kolkata or Mumbai? I believe that the unique thing about our country is
its unity despite the diversity. Sikkim is a part of that rich diversity. I
believe in the concept of reverse integration.
Integration can only come when it is reciprocated by both
parties. The rest of the Indian States can learn a lot from Sikkim. We are a
leading State in the areas of women's reservation in panchayats and in
employment and in conservation of the environment and we have a high rate of
growth of gross domestic product (GDP). In this way integration will have to
come from them, as Sikkim is willing to show the way by becoming a model State.
The whole process will be reciprocated by us.
What is your vision for the development of Sikkim?
My vision for Sikkim includes the creation of a peaceful State.
Sikkim with its pluralistic polity has made tremendous achievements in ensuring
a good quality of life for its people. To this end, I always work to ensure that
Sikkim remains a peaceful State. I realise that this is a tall task as we are
not only a pluralistic society but also surrounded by India's neighbours,
including Bhutan, Nepal and China. We have ensured that peace prevails on our
international border as also among our ethnic groups, including Nepalis, Lepchas
and Bhutias. My stress is on conserving the rich environmental resources that
nature has given us. I want to make Sikkim the most developed State in India.
You have been voted as "the greenest Chief Minister" in the
country. What measures are you taking to create a green Sikkim?
We are following a green development agenda. All the
development work being carried on in the State is done with an eye on the
environment. We take up only projects that are environment-friendly. A large
percentage of the forest area of India lies in Sikkim. We want to protect this
area. To do this, I have to take some difficult decisions.
We were one of the first State governments to ban the use of
polythene bags. We have also banned the cutting of healthy trees. Grazing is not
allowed in protected areas. Endangered species are being looked after. We are
also moving towards eco-tourism. These initiatives ensure that the environment
remains a top priority of the State government.
What measures are being taken to promote tourism in the
State?
Tourists will find peace and tranquility in Sikkim. I want to
continue working towards this. I am also doing a lot of construction work. We
are constructing an airport, which will make Sikkim more accessible. We are
lucky to be one of the most beautiful parts of India. We have the Kanchenjunga,
the world's third highest peak, which is a delight for tourists. Add to this the
beautiful mountains, glaciers, rich wildlife, all of which are a source of
attraction for tourists.
What role do you perceive for Sikkim in sub-regional
groupings, particularly those in the South-East Asian region?
The northeastern region holds tremendous opportunities. The
concept of sub-regionalism based on the principle of regional blocs is fast
emerging. There are a number of permutations and combinations in the making of
these sub-regional groups. There is the South Asia Growth Quadrangle (SAGQ)
consisting of the northeastern region of India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal.
There is another grouping in the making - Economic Cooperation among Bangladesh,
India, Myanmar, Thailand and Sri Lanka, known as BIMSTEC.
The northeastern region has the potential to become a major
player in all these. We in Sikkim have sensitised ourselves to play an important
role in this area. We are also in the process of setting up quality educational
institutions, which we hope will attract students from some of these countries.
What are the achievements of the Sikkim Democratic Front
government since it assumed office in 1994?
Democracy is a part of the polity of Sikkim. Democracy has been
institutionalised in our State. People lead secure lives as the crime rate is
very low. We have worked towards social justice. We have made major strides in
empowering women. We have reserved seats for the tribal people, women and Other
Backward Classes and the Scheduled Castes. In the area of health we are ahead of
other Indian States. Sikkim is the first State in India to give Hepatitis B
vaccine free of cost. Education and health are highly subsidised areas. Our per
capita income is within that of the top 12 States in the country. We lead all
the northeastern States in economic prosperity. We have not taken even a single
rupee as loan in order to pay salaries to our staff.
The most important achievement is that we have peace and
tranquility. We have people from diverse ethnic groups, such as Lepchas, Nepalis
and Bhutias. All of them live in peace and harmony.
How do you manage the finances of the State government?
I constantly find ways to generate money for the State
treasury. In this direction, I have launched the Playwin lottery, which will
generate up to Rs.754 crores in seven years. Computer-based entertainment games
will also be introduced in the State in a big way. We are trying to raise
resources from hydel power, which can be harnessed by utilising our water
resources.
Sikkim has a rich cultural heritage, and 60 per cent of its
population is below 26 years of age. How do you plan to promote an awareness of
this heritage among the youth?
We want the youth to be proud of their Sikkimese culture.
In September-October we are going to introduce a study series,
which will have details of our rich cultural heritage, environment, food habits,
and so on. Eminent authors have already submitted their articles.
These will educate not only our youth but also visitors to Sikkim
about our rich cultural heritage.
Apart from this, the State government has recognised various
local languages, and steps are being taken to preserve them.
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