Brand value of Tata Group

In this highly competitive age and globalization, visibility matters. Over time, the companies world over are focusing on branding and marketing rather than just on products or services. And the new one to join the bandwagon is 236 year old Tata Group. As per an article in Livemint, Tata Group will be launching new global communication campaign. This is first such effort by the group. While Tata Group hardly needs an introduction in India, the company is now focusing on global presence. After all, its global operations add more than 60% to the topline. And this is one of the messages that the group wants to send across. The other agenda is to establish the brand globally for virtues such as trust and transparency . In 2013, the group's brand value has been estimated at US$ 18.2 bn by Brand Finance Plc. Since 2010, the brand value has gone up by 62%. Further, it has scaled up in the ranking order, from 65 in 2010 to 39 in 2013. 

Now that the Indian economy is facing a tough time, it is time that the group focuses on making the most of its globally diversified presence. We believe that the move is well timed. Further, now that the group is expanding footprints globally and working with people belonging to different cultures, a uniform communication structure is crucial. 

Brand value of Tata Group

Delhi: Cost of buying and selling power

Delhi: Cost of buying and selling power

* includes cost of purchase from gencos and transmission cost.

Vice President Addresses 2nd Thinkedu Conclave in Chennai

The Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari has said that it is estimated that over half of our population of 1.2 billion is under the age of 30 years and that by 2020, the average Indian will be only 29 years of age, compared with 37 in China & USA, 45 in Western Europe and 48 in Japan. Addressing at the closing of the “2nd THINKEDU Conclave – 2014” organised by the New Indian Express in Chennai, Tamil Nadu today, he has said that this would mean that India will have one of the youngest populations in the world. Consequently, the provision of high quality, relevant education for all, at primary, secondary and higher levels, including professional, technical and vocational education, would have to be at the centre of our efforts to create an inclusive knowledge society. By the same logic, shortcomings or failure in the effort could transform this potential ‘demographic dividend’ into a possible nightmare, of a ticking demographic time-bomb, with all its economic and social consequences. 

He said that a newer factor is the emerging profile of private education providers. Some figures are indicative of the change. The recently published Annual Status of Education Report 2013 indicates that private school enrollment even in rural areas has gone up from around 18% in 2006 to 29% in 2013. Other reports show that around 60% of total enrolments in higher education are now in private institutions. Exceptions apart, the quality deficit is also cutting across the public-private divide. 

Referring to Holistic Education, the Vice President said that the origins of the idea can be traced in all cultures. It encompasses a wide range of philosophical orientations and pedagogic practices. Its focus is on wholeness, on interconnectedness of experience and reality. It is important to comprehend it in the context of our times and in our preset-day pre-occupation with identifying education and skills with market forces and employability. As a consequence, human values and all that goes to make us better human beings are neglected. The challenge therefore is to negate it by an alternate approach. 

He opined that according to some, education that inculcates values for living in harmony with oneself and one’s natural and social environment, as well as the universal human values, inherent in the human nature, could be defined as holistic. It is essentially an education concerned with both individual freedom and social responsibility. As the philosopher Plato put it, the mark of an educated person is the willingness to use one’s knowledge and skills to solve the problems of society. 

The Vice President said that Holistic Education instills students with a proactive social conscience. It equips them to live creatively, responsibly, and harmoniously in a society and become agents of change for a better society. It implies that each academic discipline provides and celebrates a rich perspective on the rich, complex, integrated phenomenon of life. Its relevance also derives from the need to address the newer challenges to human security emanating from a combination of socio-economic and political factors such as globalization, materialism, consumerism, commercialization of education and myriad threats due to climate change, pandemics, environmental degradation, terrorism, to name a few. 

He emphasized that helping students learn to appreciate, demonstrate sensitivity and skills in fulfilling their share of responsibility as citizens towards shaping of a better society is an important national objective. Our education system would therefore have to vigorously promote and instill in our youth and students the ideals embedded in our Constitution so that they become better and more responsible citizens of tomorrow. 

Following is the text of Vice President’s address : 
“I thank Shri Prabhu Chawla and the New Indian Express for inviting me today to this Conclave, to share my thoughts on The Path to Holistic Education. Needless to say, this question and its wider implications are becoming a critical determinant in the progress and prosperity of our country. It is a beckoning challenge that has to be faced. 

I understand that over the last two days there have been lively discussions on various aspects of education by distinguished panelists from all walks of life. These would undoubtedly provide valuable inputs in helping us chart the way forward. Since I do not have the benefit of all that has transpired in this Conclave, this audience will forgive me for talking about education before I talk about holistic education. 

The impulse comes from the nature of our society, the present stage of its development, and the size and structure of our population. It is estimated that over half of our population of 1.2 billion is under the age of 30 years and that by 2020, the average Indian will be only 29 years of age, compared with 37 in China & USA, 45 in Western Europe and 48 in Japan. 

This would mean that India will have one of the youngest populations in the world. Consequently, the provision of high quality, relevant education for all, at primary, secondary and higher levels, including professional, technical and vocational education, would have to be at the centre of our efforts to create an inclusive knowledge society. 

By the same logic, shortcomings or failure in the effort could transform this potential ‘demographic dividend’ into a possible nightmare, of a ticking demographic time-bomb, with all its economic and social consequences. 

The criticality of the problem raises three questions: 

• Is our educational system, in all its segments, in a position to respond meaningfully to the requirements posed by the emerging situation? 
• Why do we find ourselves in this position? 
• What is the corrective, and the time span visualized for it? 
In regard to the first question, the answer is an emphatic no. It is sustained by candid data in expert reports and civil society assessments. At the primary, secondary and tertiary levels, facilities have expanded, enrolment has increased, but quality has declined. A principal reason for this the inability of the state – principally at local or state levels - to provide physical infrastructure for the new levels of enrolment as well as failure on the part of all to pay sufficient attention to curricula reform and teacher and teaching quality. 

The second question unavoidably brings forth a tale of woe. The Annual Status of Education Report, 2010 posed a question: “is the child who enrolled in Std 1 in 2006, and who has reached Std 5 today, in a better position than his or her counterpart who was in Std 5 in 2006?” The Report’s answer was that “the impact of five years of schooling on the child who entered in 2005 is not much different from that on the child who entered Std 1 in 2001. If anything, the ability to read seems to have dropped over the five year span.” The Report concluded that “unless there is focus on improving measurable learning outcomes, they do not change.” 

The same Report for 2012 says much the same thing, asserting that levels of reading and mathematics “at every level were not only poor but declining in many States.” 

So the question in regard to school education is whether the Right to Education (guaranteed as a Fundamental Right by the 86th Amendment of 2002) remains confined merely to a right to school? This, exceptions apart, finds a reflection in higher school levels. 

It is therefore difficult to disagree with the conclusion of Jean Drèze and Amatya Sen that “the enormity of the price India is paying for its failure to put in place a well-functioning schooling system is becoming increasingly clear.” 

As a result of this lack of attention to quality, new entrants to higher education are often unprepared to absorb undergraduate teaching in colleges and universities. Consequently, and in order to accommodate the less capable, undergraduate teaching often begins at sub-standard levels. Its impact is pervasive. Mediocrity thus prevails, with both the teachers and the taught wallowing in it. 

Nor are matters any better in higher university education since the input determines the output in good measurement. As early as 1949 the Radhakrishnan Commission reported ‘an uneasy sense of the inadequacy of the present pattern’ of higher education. Almost six decades later in 2007 the National Knowledge Commission found the existence of what it termed a quiet crisis in higher education that runs deep. It concluded that the time has come to address this crisis in a systematic and forthright manner. 

The overall impact of the resulting picture is adequately reflected in the various employability assessments in the public domain as also in the modest quantity of scientific research emanating from institutions of higher education and research. 

In response to the third question, therefore, the candid answer lies in admitting the need for far reaching correctives in the education sector in a time bound manner, perhaps no longer than four to five years period. This is a societal and economic security imperative that cannot be evaded. 

Such a corrective is essential not only to bring our educational levels to the requirements of the globalised world of the 21st century but also to provide gainful, productive employment to our teeming millions, raise income levels, eliminate poverty and reduce inequality in our midst. It would in turn promote durable peace, comprehensive security, inclusive development and social cohesion in our society. 

A newer factor is the emerging profile of private education providers. Some figures are indicative of the change. The recently published Annual Status of Education Report 2013 indicates that private school enrollment even in rural areas has gone up from around 18% in 2006 to 29% in 2013. Other reports show that around 60% of total enrolments in higher education are now in private institutions. Exceptions apart, the quality deficit is also cutting across the public-private divide. 

II

It is in this context that I propose to discuss today the concept of ‘holistic education’. 

What is holistic education? The origins of the idea can be traced in all cultures. It encompasses a wide range of philosophical orientations and pedagogic practices. Its focus is on wholeness, on interconnectedness of experience and reality. It is important to comprehend it in the context of our times and in our preset-day pre-occupation with identifying education and skills with market forces and employability. 

As a consequence, human values and all that goes to make us better human beings are neglected. The challenge therefore is to negate it by an alternate approach. 

According to some, education that inculcates values for living in harmony with oneself and one’s natural and social environment, as well as the universal human values, inherent in the human nature, could be defined as holistic. It is essentially an education concerned with both individual freedom and social responsibility. As the philosopher Plato put it, the mark of an educated person is the willingness to use one’s knowledge and skills to solve the problems of society. 

Holistic Education instills students with a proactive social conscience. It equips them to live creatively, responsibly, and harmoniously in a society and become agents of change for a better society. It implies that each academic discipline provides and celebrates a rich perspective on the rich, complex, integrated phenomenon of life. 

Its relevance also derives from the need to address the newer challenges to human security emanating from a combination of socio-economic and political factors such as globalization, materialism, consumerism, commercialization of education and myriad threats due to climate change, pandemics, environmental degradation, terrorism, to name a few. 

How are these concepts and principles to be put into operation in our educational system? 

I do believe that given the plurality and richness of the belief systems in our society, a common framework for all citizens is posited in the Constitution, in the principles listed in its Preamble and in the Fundamental Duties mentioned in Article 51A. It provides the guidelines of a value system from which a holistic system of education could and should emanate. Any other approach, no matter how high-minded, would inevitably lapse into sectional quibbling so characteristic of mindsets in our society. 

The corrective needs to begin at the school level. A good model, yet to be fully implemented, is the National Curriculum Framework of 2005. It articulated the need for education to reaffirm our commitment to the concept of equality amidst diversity, mutual interdependence of humans to promote values that foster peace, humaneness and tolerance in a multi-cultural, multi-religious, multi-lingual, multi-ethnic society. 

The challenge is to encourage the unleashing of creative energy that resides in every child. The child is a born and natural learner whose own initiatives can be used as a resource by an imaginative teacher. A pre-requisite is to make the child free of fear, trauma and anxiety and help the child to express views freely. It is at this stage that the seeds of scientific temper, humanism and curiosity can be inculcated, and carried forth in middle and senior school levels and beyond it to college and university. 

A critical aspect of correctives pertains to teacher quality, teacher training, and teacher-commitment. Much has happened to discredit a once noble calling in our society. It has been said that no person can be a good teacher unless he or she has feelings of warm affection towards the pupils and a genuine desire to impart to them what the teacher believes to be of value. A commitment to professional calling and feeling of intellectual independence and conscious avoidance of prejudice is thus essential. 

Needless to say, such a far reaching a corrective would be successful only if it has the cooperation and support of parents, guardians and community members The capacity to think, and to make choices, has to be inculcated in all, along with a desire to excel and a reluctance to forsake mediocrity. 

Helping students learn to appreciate, demonstrate sensitivity and skills in fulfilling their share of responsibility as citizens towards shaping of a better society is an important national objective. Our education system would therefore have to vigorously promote and instill in our youth and students the ideals embedded in our Constitution so that they become better and more responsible citizens of tomorrow. It should, at the same time, be unambiguously clear that our objective is good education with a holistic content rather than the verbiage of the latter as a substitute for the former, or an excuse for its shortcomings. We have the potential to achieve it given the resolve and commitment by all concerned. 

I congratulate the organizers for this initiative and venture to hope that it would further the debate on this crucial aspect of our national life. Jai Hind.” 

The Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari has said that it is estimated that over half of our population of 1.2 billion is under the age of 30 years and that by 2020, the average Indian will be only 29 years of age, compared with 37 in China & USA, 45 in Western Europe and 48 in Japan.

Here are a few things we see ahead by 2039: Stratfor

• The United States will continue to be the leading economic power.
• Conflict in the Middle East will continue, but the United States will take a much more hands-off approach in the region.
• German and Russian interests will align, trading natural gas and technology, and could potentially threaten Washington's global strategy.
• Mexico will become an industrial powerhouse by taking low-level production from China and monetizing its energy sector.
• China will continue to face more internal tension and slower economic growth.

January 26, 2014.

Message of Hon’ble Chief Minister

On the auspicious and happy occasion of the 65^th Republic Day, I convey my warm greetings and good wishes to the people of Sikkim and to our countrymen. It was on this day in 1950 that the Constitution of India came into being and provided us broader framework for democratic governance securing to all citizens justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.

On this happy occasion, we also remember the architects of modern India and the Constitution Drafting Committee led by Dr. Ambedkar, for their foresight and wisdom to give to us an all-inclusive Constitution. After a long spell of colonial rule, it was a tough calling and a grave responsibility on our part to define the road ahead for total democratization and absolute development.   After six decades, we can see that we have emerged as the greatest democratic Nation. We salute all the great sons and daughters for their sacrifice and hard work to build our Nation to this position of eminence in all spheres of development.

Sikkim, although joined the Indian Union in mid 1970s has been integrated into the mainstream. We have traversed a long way hand in hand with the rest of the countrymen in our quest for progress and development. The hopes and aspiration of Sikkimese people as enshrined in the historical socio-political transition have been addressed to a large extent respecting each individual as equal before law with rights and privileges as available under the Constitution to all the countrymen. We have witnessed difficult times and faced a number of challenges, nevertheless our resilience and resolve to remain steadfast has never diminished.

The Government of Sikkim has achieved many milestones over three decades and I consider it a privilege to share some of these achievements. The credit for these laurels goes to you- my fellow citizens of the State.

The range of development strategies we have adopted during the last 19 years have been tailored to meet the special needs of the people of the State. The State has to its credit more than 20 national and other awards in various categories conferred by Government of India and others. These achievements have been won in the field of education, tourism, health, environment, citizens’ security and justice. In 2012 Sikkim was conferred with the prestigious IBN7 Diamond State Award in the category, Best State in Citizen Security, Environment, Water and Sanitation and a special award under India’s Best Small State Category.

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. We collectively share this rare recognition. Now we have the added responsibility to keep up the good image of Sikkim and work sincerely to further promote responsible tourism in the State.

We have strengthened and expanded power infrastructure in order to become a major power producer. Hydro power is considered an efficient and clean source of renewable energy where hilly State like ours can substantially contribute.

The 100 MW Chujachen Hydro-electric Power Project is now functional. This project is likely to fetch the State around 50 crores annually. This is in addition to the already commissioned 510 MW Teesta Stage V and 60 MW Rangeet Hydro-Power Project. The 1200 MW Teesta Urja Project is also making good progress. The State Government is keenly watching the progress of the hydro power projects and we hope that they would be commissioned as scheduled.

All development programs undertaken by the State Government are pro-poor and people-centric granting direct benefits to the poor and the marginalized. The State Government has been able to connect remote villages with all-weather road, provide access to food, water and sanitation, education and livelihood options. More than 75% of our people live in the villages and rural areas and we have followed a consistent policy of spending more than 70% of the State Budget for rural upliftment. As a result, there has been a dramatic change and rural prosperity is the order of the day.

Education and Health sectors are our top priority. Facilities available under these sectors are best found in the Country. Sikkim is perhaps the only State to earmark over 20% of its annual budget to the education sector. We have recorded an impressive improvement in the literacy rate of 82.2%, up from 56 percent in 1993-94. The teacher-pupil ratio of 1:13 is perhaps one of the best found in the country. A host of educational facilities at the elementary and in the higher education have been provided. The new Central University has been established in Sikkim and our enrolment ratio for higher education will be greatly boosted.

The ongoing Chief Minister’s Meritorious Scholarship Scheme, Chief Minister’s Special Merit Scholarship, Prerna Yojana, small family scheme that is linked to academic excellence among girl students, have helped many of our promising children from weaker economic background to excel at the regional, national and international levels.

The State Government is successfully running innovative human resource development programs in the State to train our people in different trade and vocations based on market demand at the local level, at the regional and international levels by making people employable in the job markets within and outside the State. We started the Skill Development and Capacity Building programme in the State in 2003. Directorate of Capacity Building and the State Institute of Capacity Building are fully functional and various training programmes are being successfully held round the year

Establishment of 43 Livelihood Schools across the State has added a new dimension in the training of the local youth. These schools train local youth in trade and profession ranging from carpentry to basic engineering so that the students can find gainful employment after the training.

Over the years, the State has worked out comprehensive strategy for a healthy Sikkim. Delivery of quality health services has remained our priority. As a result of the improved health services the life expectancy ratio has increased by over 2 years on average. The Infant Mortality Rate of 24 per 1000 is better than the national average of 44 per 1000. Patients are given free treatment and 100% medical reimbursement is given to Government employees. Free Hepatitis B vaccination, MDR vaccination and distribution of Iron folic acid tablet, Calcium tablets are provided to the people.

The major initiative launched in the State is the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Annual and Total Check-Up for Healthy Sikkim (CATCH) which is designed to take up routine check-up in order to provide preventive and remedial measures. Our aim is to provide community base comprehensive annual health check-ups and care, free of charge. We have already achieved over 90 percent coverage under this program.

Construction of 575-bedded multi-specialty hospital at Gangtok is expected to facilitate people with access to super class medical facilities. The aim of my government is to provide the best health care to all the citizens at an affordable cost.

In the environment sector, we have created a new benchmark. Our forest cover has increased from 43.95 % 1993-94 to 47.31at present. We have created Smriti Bans, bio-diversity parks, herbal gardens and butterfly parks. The 10 Minutes to Earth programme is an innovative annual initiative to dedicate 10 minutes for planting saplings. The State Government has banned many human activities in reserved forest to conserve the greenery, to protect and promote animal life and the many species of floral wealth in the State. This will in some way contribute towards conservation of the Himalayan eco system of the region. We will further continue to promote the green campaign.

While adhering to the policy of inclusive growth, my government has focused on programmes in poverty reduction, reduction of inequality, empowerment of women, employment generation and livelihood provision. Adoption and implementation of 22 State Missions would take the State on a path of progress and prosperity. The long term aim of the government is to achieve a comprehensive development to sustain and further consolidate the growth momentum which we have achieved so far. Our strategy and efforts will be based on the State’s natural resources without compromising on the ecology and environment.

The agriculture system practiced in Sikkim are integrated in nature and have evolved through years of experimentation by the farmers. There is marginal improvement in the lifestyle of the farmers with the adoption of modern technology realizing the necessity for sustenance of the existing fragile eco system. My government is supporting and promoting organic farming with least interference on natural resource utilization. Our vision is to be a totally and fully Organic State by 2015.

Sikkim is famous for large cardamom, ginger, oranges, flowers and medicinal herbs. My Government’s endeavor is to encourage the youth to take up organic farming and capitalize it as a sustainable source of income and livelihood.

Horticulture and floriculture is another area of priority. Horticulture is being promoted by increasing the area under cultivation of fruits and flowers. The government will continue to assist farmers in construction of green houses for cultivation of vegetables and flowers. We will assist the farmers by providing irrigation facilities, and encouraging building of community water tanks, rain water harvesting structures and other methods of water storage. Double cropping, setting up of food processing units, cold chain infrastructure, storage facility and providing marketing linkages will be our area of focus.

Floriculture is a viable livelihood option for small and marginal farmers. The Government of Sikkim hosted the 2^nd International Flower Show in February, 2013. We are committed to harness the natural wealth of the state on a long term and sustainable manner and also to establish floriculture and horticulture as a sustainable economic option. The success of this mega flower festival has given a big impetus to the floriculture sector. We feel the objective of the event to promote and showcase the natural floral wealth and the floriculture and the horticulture development has been fulfilled.

We are committed to the upliftment and development of the rural areas and the people in the State. We hope to achieve this vision by developing the rural areas at par with urban areas, with modern amenities and also providing sustainable employment opportunities to the rural youth. We will make all efforts to ensure that the benefits of development are translated into positive outcomes for the common man and that the benefits reach the poorest of the poor. My Government has established 31 Block Administrative Centres in the State to facilitate smooth day to day administrative work of the villagers at a very local level. The Panchayati Raj Institutions have been strengthened for people’s empowerment and sufficient powers have been devolved at the grassroot level by adopting a participatory and bottoms up approach in the planning process.

As a result of our efforts the State Government bagged the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration for 2011-12. This National Award has been constituted by the Government of India in order to acknowledge and reward innovative work done by the officers of the Central and State Governments. The nomination “Excellence in Rural Management Development in challenging physical environment of the Sikkim Himalayas” was selected amongst the winners for this award from 128 contenders from all over the country.

The nomination of RMDD has highlighted the initiatives related to MGNREGA, Chief Minister’s Rural Housing Scheme (CMRHM), Siddeshwara Dham Pilgrimage Complex, empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions, Sanitation and Village Development Action Plan in Sikkim State over the last few years.

During the last 10-15 years, the State of Sikkim has slowly transformed from an agrarian society into an industrial phase with the establishment of numerous high value and low volume, eco-friendly and clean industrial units including the pharma units and hydro power projects. We now aim to move towards knowledge based innovative ventures like innovative industry, tourism, agriculture, floriculture etc.

My government is committed to push forward and develop the State further through all means. In this effort, I seek your continued cooperation and participation. At the same time we need to enhance our revenue base, create jobs and create more infrastructure that will bear revenue in the long run to further catapult Sikkim into the next growth trajectory.

As a landlocked, infrastructure-deficit State, we have our own limitations. Nonetheless, we have to capitalize on our advantages as Nature-rich zone- clean with green environment. The recent meeting chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister for the North East Chief Ministers has deliberated on infrastructure development including railways, roads, airports, telecom and power. It has also been decided to constitute a Monitoring Committee with representatives from the North East states to improve coordination among central ministries. This I am sure would further strengthen our federal structure and at the same time accelerate our growth momentum overcoming many of our inherent problems.

The State Government also held a meeting with the 14^th Finance Commission led by its Chairman, Dr. YV Reddy, accompanied by Hon’ble Members. As provided under the provision of Article 280 of the Indian Constitution, the Commission makes recommendation covering a period of five years commencing on April 1, 2015.

Putting forth our submission, we have sought special consideration for the State of Sikkim due to its geography and also its socio-political history. Among them are our submission to base 2011 census population figures for fiscal devolution as against 1971 census, raising of share percentage from the existing 32 percent to 50 percent of new proceed of central taxes, an additional 400 crores to complete the iconic skywalk project, Rs. 10 crores on Study of Glacier Dynamics, Green Bonus in view of the pioneering efforts in preserving Himalayan Ecology and Peace Bonus for maintaining absolute peace and tranquility in the State.

As a welfare State, people have enjoyed unhampered social welfare measures to fulfill basic human commitment of roti, kapda and makan. We have put in place adequate social safety net so that the disadvantaged section of population is provided special care and attention.

Consequently, we provide rice free of cost to the poorest of the poor and to the elder citizens, and other essential commodities including wheat and sugar at a highly subsidized rate. We provide free housing to the urban and rural poor. For example, a total of 7,972 and 6,000 concrete houses are being constructed under Chief Minister Rural Housing scheme and Re-construction of Earthquake-damaged Rural Houses scheme.

The State Government has decided to regularize all MR and Workcharge employees on a phased manner. The first lot with more than 15 year of continuous service is being regularized. Similar step is being taken for others who have served the State for more than 5 years of continuous service.

We are holding Janata Mela again beginning next week covering all the four districts. Benefits under various schemes are being distributed to the enlisted households. We would cover all deserving households under various schemes, reaching government grants to each every door wherever required. I congratulate all the Sikkimese people for receiving grants and benefit and call upon you to utilize them purposefully.

Mandated constitutionally to design program for the benefit of fellow Sikkimese, I would continue to move ahead with a grand vision to make Sikkim the most progressive and prosperous State in the Indian Union. May I call upon the Sikkimese people to join hand with me to remain committed for cause of our society, state and the nation building.  

Before I conclude, I congratulate the meritorious service awardees, the winners of the commendation letter for local entrepreneurs and the war veterans who have been felicitated today.

My warm greetings and good wishes once gain to my fellow Sikkimese

Thank you

Jai Hind

REPUBLIC DAY MESSAGE OF HON’BLE GOVERNOR OF SIKKIM, 26^TH JANUARY, 2014

My dear fellow citizens,

On this auspicious occasion of our Republic Day, I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to the people of our State and to my fellow countrymen.

This is the day on which the people of India adopted a democratic Constitution which enshrines some of the noblest principles of governance by the people. The Constitution of India articulates the hopes and aspirations of our people in a simple yet powerful way.

On this happy occasion, let us pay our respects and gratitude to our martyrs who have laid down their lives for the cause of freedom. We must recognize that it is because of their selfless sacrifice that we live as free citizens of this great nation.

On this occasion, let us remember the members of our armed forces and para-military, who are on constant vigil for the security of our nation. I convey my best wishes to their families on this happy occasion. Let us pay our homage to the great sons of the country who have sacrificed their lives in fighting the enemy.

I am happy to observe that in Sikkim, the Constitution has been in effective operation.  Democracy has taken deep roots and people are living in harmony, contributing to the peace and tranquility prevailing in the State. Law and order problems are almost non-existent. I appeal to one and all to preserve this healthy environment of peace and harmony for the all round betterment and prosperity of the State.

Dear Citizens,

Today is also an appropriate occasion to take stock of the progress made by our State in various fields.

During the 11^th Plan Period, we made commendable progress and achieved many milestones in our development stride. We recorded a GSDP growth rate of over 21 % during the 11^th Plan. In terms of major socio-economic indicators too, there have been remarkable improvements.

We are now at the end of the 2^nd year of the 12^th Five Year Plan. The 12^th Five Year Plan is based on broader, faster, sustainable and inclusive growth.

We will continue to focus our attention towards the development of social sectors and rural development. Special emphasis has also been laid for the development of our youth and students who are the future of our State.

Our focus in Rural Development is on food security, water, connectivity, health and sanitation, education and livelihood opportunities. We have allocated over 70% of the State budget for our rural areas.

Decentralization of work and devolution of power is a reality. The State Government has provided funds, functions and functionaries to all Gram Panchayat Units (GPUs) in the State. This has made governance in rural areas an effective reality.

My government has launched a project to provide pucca houses to all its citizens who are living in Kuttcha houses through its Chief Minister’s Rural Housing Mission (CMRHM). This is a Rs. 211.20 crore social housing project which aims to provide earthquake resistant houses to over 30,000 people residing in kutcha houses.

The State Government under the Chief Minister’s Meritorious Scheme is sponsoring promising students at Class V level to the premier public schools within and outside the State. We have also started a special merit scholarship for girls named Prerna Yojna, which has helped many promising children from weak family backgrounds.

The free laptop scheme of our Government has generated widespread enthusiasm among students, parents and teachers alike. The younger generation, who are the future of the State, should now shoulder the responsibility of taking the State into an era of advancement with dedication and determination. The youth must now look beyond Government jobs in Sikkim and make efforts to explore opportunities beyond the boundaries of Sikkim to make a future and name for themselves.

My Government has started another unique initiative, where our educated youth who aspire for IAS and allied Services examination (UPSC) are being sponsored to the best coaching centres in the country. More than 146 young Sikkimese are presently undergoing coaching in reputed institutions in Delhi, Tamil Nadu and Hyderabad. Similarly, under the comprehensive education loan scheme, a large number of students have availed interest free loan to pursue higher education in Universities within and outside the country.

We have started an innovative programme called the Chief Minister’s Annual Health Check-Up Programme (CATCH). This programme was launched to ensure that all citizens, especially those living in rural areas, are checked for all the vital signs of diseases and relevant clinical test are done. In this way, advanced diagnosis of ailments is being made possible and immediate follow-up actions can be taken.

This ambitious CATCH programme targets to cover the entire population of Sikkim by the end of this year. Other States like Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh have appreciated this programme and have shown an interest in adopting this model.

Dear Citizens,

There are tremendous opportunities of employment generation in tourism sector. At the end of the 11^th Plan tourist arrival in Sikkim was roughly 29 lakhs. We have an ambitious target of reaching the figure of 50 lakhs during the 12^th Plan period.

The crowning glory for Sikkim is the fact that ‘Lonely Planet’, the global travel guide, in its  website, has named the State as the “best region to visit in 2014”. The Lonely Planet has rated Sikkim even above renowned tourist places such as the Kimberley in Australia, Texas in US, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe/Zambia and Hunan in China. At the same time, Sikkim has made another commitment to itself - to reach new heights in responsible tourism. We should all take full advantage of this recognition so that our youth have attractive career options.

Besides tourism, horticulture is the most important engine for rural development in Sikkim. With the unstinted support of the Govt. of India and the highly proactive and farmer centric policies of State Government, horticulture has become a sustainable source of income generation.

         Organic farming is the new mantra in Sikkim and is being promoted in a big way. My government proposes to convert Sikkim into a fully organic State. This is one of the most critical interventions to counter the challenges posed by the constraints of geography, topography and highly limited arable land. Further, organic movement being a worldwide phenomenon; markets for our products are assured. 

Among the many challenges in this sector, global warming has led to aberrations in our rainfall pattern and in many places water sources are drying up. As a result, water management has become a major challenge. To address this issue, a project titled “Water Harvesting for Individual Farmers, as well as, Community basis” worth Rupees 15.30 Crore was submitted to the Govt. of India, which has been accepted.  Further, due to our highly fragmented land holding pattern, traditional farming is becoming uneconomical. As such, there is a need to promote high value horticulture to enhance financial gains to our farmers. Towards this we are proposing cultivation of high value crops under greenhouses.

Another important area having great promise for Sikkim is floriculture. Sikkim has a special name in floriculture largely because of our exotic orchids. Owing to the climatic advantage of our region, Sikkim is poised to enter into the international floriculture industry. Our skilled and enterprising youth must all take advantage of this emerging opportunity.

Amidst this, I must also remind that marketing of all kinds of horticulture produce still remains the weakest link in the value chain. Further, various schemes, programmes and construction of post harvest and marketing infrastructures, such as cold rooms and storage has brought about a marked improvement in this area. The demand for Sikkim’s organic products and floriculture items is increasing day by day. To meet these demands, there is a need to set up an organized marketing system.

I am proud to say that Sikkim is one of the most proactive States of the Northeast. It is a front runner in the effective utilization of Central Government grants for the development of agriculture. The Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India too, has been highly sensitive to our needs and aspirations. As a result, the Ministry has been gracious to grant a College of Horticulture in Sikkim under the Central Agriculture University. This will open up tremendous opportunities for our youth in the near future.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

On this happy occasion, let us once again pay our homage to the founding fathers of the Constitution and our brave jawans, who have laid down their lives in the defence of our motherland.

Let us re-dedicate ourselves to the cause of democracy, peace and harmony. Let us also renew our resolve to work and contribute to the speedy development of our State and the Nation.

“JAI HIND”

The Roots of Violence:→

Wealth without work,
Pleasure without conscience,
Knowledge without character,
Commerce without morality,
Science without humanity,
Worship without sacrifice,
Politics without principles

3,62,326 voters listed in the State after the summary revision of Electoral Roll

Gangtok, January 25: The Election Department, Government of Sikkim organized a State level National Voters’ Day at Chintan Bhawan today.  National Voters’ Day is observed on 25^th January, a practice that was initiated in 2011 to enhance the participation of the voters, especially the youth in the democratic process. Similar programme is also being observed at 369 Polling Stations across the State. There are altogether 3,62,326 voters listed in the State after the summary revision of Electoral Roll during the five months exercise from 1^st September 2013 to 1^stJanuary 2014.