Independence Day Message of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, 2010


Respected fellow citizens of the State and the Country

On the auspicious occasion of the 64th Independence Day of our great nation, I extend my warm greetings to the people of Sikkim and to my fellow Countrymen. As the Sikkim Democratic Front party entered into the sixteenth year of continued governance in the State, I most humbly reiterate our time-tested commitment to uphold the right of individual freedom and safeguard the sovereignty and integrity of our great Country. Today we once again pay our rich tribute to our outstanding leaders who took the formidable challenge to script the fate of the new-found nation- uncertain of its own inner potential but confident of the future to secure the overall development for the countrymen after a very eventful and hard struggle. As the rightful progeny of the freedom struggle, we shall forever uphold the indomitable spirit so characteristic of the freedom struggle and cement the absolute sense of oneness, national integration and co-existence across the length and breadth of the Nation.



During the last 63 years, the Country has successfully brought about socio-political and economic transformation duly adjusting to the changing global circumstances and also its inner potential. Now the message is that the freedom we secured in 1947 must be viewed under the changed circumstances. The onus is on harnessing this freedom for the good of all humankind. The case is utilizing this freedom as an instrument of change- a positive change. Freedom is not an excuse for hankering after the lost opportunity. Freedom is not something employed to retrieve your honour thus muddled all the times.



Arguably, the main political leaders at the time of independence of India were Gandhi and Nehru. These two leaders stood for two contrasting approaches to development. Gandhi favoured development centred in rural villages which would create self sufficiency in food, clothing and housing. By contrast, Nehru was a firm believer in national and industrial growth. And you are aware that in Sikkim we assimilated both the philosophical viewpoints to advance policy framework that best address the concerns of both the leaders based on equitable development spread including distribution of welfare schemes throughout the State.



Respected fellow citizens, the Sikkim Democratic Front government in the State has paved the way for a new sense of development dynamism that fulfills physical requirement and also equally complements the mental and spiritual wellbeing of the people. During the last sixteen years, we have built a firm base for democratic expression including free expression of dissent and criticism which is exercisable within the limit of democratic decency. Today, you are aware that many reactionary elements are out in the street to tarnish the good image of the State Government which have, with great care, nurtured and promoted for years together. Under the common umbrella of our sacred document, we are equally empowered to see that Sikkim continues to grow and prosper. Here we recall the freedom we asserted in 1947 was conceived on the essential values of self-discipline, hard work and that ultimate goal of common good designed to transform the State and the Nation as markedly better than the erstwhile India under British imperialism.



Wading through the murky political atmosphere of acute political vendetta of the pre 1994 Sikkim, marked by intimidation and coercion, we have consistently withstood the challenges to make Sikkim and the Sikkimese secure, protected and self-assured. The Sikkim Democratic Front party has been given this unprecedented mandate to serve the collective interest of the people for the record fourth consecutive term. Knowing fully well that no one is above the wishes of the people as provided under the Constitution, we will continue to guide the future of Sikkim and the Sikkimese with greater vigour and energy.



Having successfully experimented the many innovative and imaginative development models in Sikkim, we have come to realize that though Democracy as an institution guarantees equal opportunity and equal access to fundamental rights but it does not necessarily ensure equitable growth and development of an individual. That means the ability to harness democratic dividend depends on the ability and capability of the individual or group of individuals. Therefore, we are now consciously pursuing set of development programs seeking to improve skills and enhance knowledge of the individual to equally harness the economic avenues brought about under the democratic system. May I call upon my fellow Sikkimese to forever remain partner in this grand vision with its long-term goal.



Thanks to the wisdom of people at large, the anti-people forces has been rejected for all purpose ushering in a new wave of thinking and that essential democratic ideals. With particular emphasis on upliftment of ST, SC, women and the marginalized and downtrodden people, we took a number of unprecedented policy initiatives to address issues of social justice, equality, education, health, poverty alleviation, customary rights, dialects and languages, rural development and empowerment of weaker section of people. On this happy occasion, I am proud to state that the tribal communities in Sikkim are most empowered in Country who take active part in the development of the State and the country. As per the calculation made by the State authority based on National Survey Sample (NSS) data, the per capita asset value of the Scheduled Tribes (Bhutias and Lepchas) in Sikkim is Rs 71,700 as against national average of the STs of Rs 30,000. The per capita asset value in general of the Sikkimese population is Rs 60000 as against the national average of Rs. 40, 000.



Respected citizens, you are aware that one of the first decisions we took with immense socio-cultural consequences was allocation of 70% of State Plan allocation for rural sector. After the policy decision we undertook many pro-poor schemes to provide basic minimum needs to the people of Sikkim. Meanwhile, for the most deprived section of population, we have carried out dedicated schemes for ensuring food, shelter and clothings including free distribution of rice at the rate of 35 kilos per household, Mukhya Mantri Awas Yojana at the rate of Rs. 6 lakhs each, Rural Housing Scheme with cash grant of Rs. 20,000, 30 GCI sheets, electricity and LPG connection, free incentives for the BPL households, free education and free medical care. We are implementing these many schemes to ensure that rural Sikkim develops at the same pace with the urban locality. In respect of women empowerment issue, we have created many historical mileposts by guaranteeing them equal and affirmative share. They are today the most empowered section of population in the entire Country. Sikkim, therefore, has emerged as the only State in the Country to provide maximum benefit and overall security cover to its people. The people of Sikkim are the fortunate lot to have received host of such benefits directly from the Government. Today, as we celebrate this Independence Day, I believe we have been able to lend greater meaning to the State as we have been able to relieve downtrodden people from relative poverty, disparity, daily needs, health hygiene and educational needs. All these social measures have also helped generate livelihood opportunity for the people.



Closely following the goal of social justice paradigm, our Government has launched yet another unique scheme under the Chief Minister’s Universal Financial Inclusion programme to cover all the married rural women in the State. This will empower them economically which would invariably raise their status and self-esteem in a given society. The Sikkim Government is the first State to initiate such a significant social reform measure aiming to provide them with complete social security cover to live a dignified life.



Under the Chief Minister’s Universal Financial Inclusion program, one Smart Card would be provided to one married woman with an initial deposit of Rs.1000/- at her credit. The scheme takes off providing her access to Banking to be available at her door steps at her own village. Besides, this scheme would provide insurance cover against accident, property losses covering five members of the family.



The Central Bank of India is our partner in this Mission under which bank correspondents appointed by the Bank in consultation with local panchayats will visit each house in the village to find out the requirement by the married women. We are also examining the Bank’s offer to open one-man branch office in each Gram Panchayat unit to facilitate advanced banking facilities at the grass root level. Today, you have witnessed the distribution of four Smart Cards to four of our womenfolk under the scheme which will be covered fully in due course of time.



Respected fellow Sikkimese

The long cry of connectivity and the distressful sense of physical isolation is today almost a thing of the past. You are well aware that the Airport at Pakyong built under the aegis of the Airport Authority of India is making very steady progress. A high level State Committee has been constituted to monitor and assist the AAI to ensure that the project is completed on schedule.



In terms of railway connectivity, the Government of India has been kind to sanction the rail connectivity from Sevoke to Rangpo at a total cost of Rs. 3380 crores. As per the latest report, the project has been awarded to M/S IRCON International ltd (Indian Railway Construction, an undertaking under the Ministry of Railway, Government of India. The work has since started and would be completed by the year 2015. Thereafter, the 2nd phase from Rangpo to Gangtok would be taken up for which the survey work has been completed.



National Highway 31A double laning has been funded and sanctioned by the Ministry of Surface Transport to be implemented by the Border Road Organization into a double lane highway from Sevoke to Nathula. Although the work is in progress, it needs to be expedited for early completion of the lifeline to Sikkim. The other alternative route to Siliguri in West Bengal via Chalsa must also be taken up expeditiously. Once these projects are completed, the people of Sikkim will get immense relief from prolonged monsoon in the hills and the continuous disruption of the National Highway by rains, landslides and other natural calamities.



Respected citizens, we are well aware that cultural heritage, tradition and customs and languages of people form the essential ingredient of a meaningful life. We are a rainbow State, where different languages and dialects of the tribal conglomerate enrich and complement the overall socio-cultural texture of the Sikkimese people. I have always maintained that development of mosaic on our beautiful culture which reflects the cultural wealth of all sections of people will be always empowering and refreshing. Therefore, equality in terms of religious beliefs and practices and linguistic freedom have always been foremost in our mind. We, therefore, acted in rapid succession to preserve, promote and recognize many of our ethnic festivals, languages, dialogues and indigenous practices. Local festivals belonging to different communities have been declared as Gazette holidays. Ancient rituals and practices have been revived adding further richness to our ethnicity. Incantation and invocation to local deities so prominent and unique a cultural resource in our State have been revived through various incentives. This is to ensure that human existence based on tradition and culture is preserved always and next we intend to relate the cultural wealth as our productive commodities in this scientific world, in this knowledge society. Culture and tradition of the Sikkimese people are unique and our original and indigenous cultural heritage is what makes us distinct and special in the world.



In the last sixteen years, we have regularly upgraded the level of intellectual output in the context of increased public debate, freedom of press, state planning process, preparation of perspective plans, human development and vision document etc. On different occasions earlier, I have noted with dismay the absence of any meaningful opinions shaping society towards constructive path. The civil society members, on most occasions, have chosen to sound neutral on issues of public importance. What happens in such a situation is that when not many good people voice their opinion, evil and corrupt people would drown the voice of sanity, rationality, reason and practicality. To overcome this shortfall, our Government has been designing all possible interventions so that crooked people do not prey on simple folks due to their ignorance and lack of knowledge. Concept like that of Village Library, Community Centre, etc. have been conceptualized by us so that knowledge will flow free and wide to the remotest parts of the State, making our people, informed, knowledgeable and wise.



We prepared Human Development Report, Vision Document, Village Development Action Plan, Urban Plan duocument to define the benchmark- of where we stand and setting new targets to achieve within certain time frame. Economic Survey report is prepared and tabled periodically so that we know the level of our achievement and the next step to undertake for further development. While formulating the perspective plans and programs, we consult a wide spectrum of society from noted economists, professionals, people’s representatives, panchayats, local gentry etc. so that the decision so emerged will have the elements of novelty and inclusiveness. We have created Institutions like Sikkim State Planning Commission, Sikkim State Commission for Women, Sikkim Akademi, Himalayan Centre for Adventure Tourism, Sikkim Board of Investment, Youth Commission and Environment Commission.



Respected citizens, in the education sector, education upto college level is free. Sikkim is the only State in the country today to earmark 20 percent of plan allocation to Education sector. We have set up number of other colleges including the one at Rhenock, Namchi and Soreng. Besides, there are a number of technical institutions imparting technical training to our children with on the spot placement facility. Three Sanskrit Colleges have been set up in the State. Language teaching of different ethnic languages have commenced in School of Sikkim with appointment of regular teachers.



In order to cover more students under our program, the State Government has already made announcement to extend all available educational incentives upto Class VIII students including supply of free school uniform, text books, exercise books, shoes/socks etc. The Chief Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme for the fifty meritorious students at the Class V level has taken off from this year which has benefitted the selected students to study in public schools. The best ten out of these fifty students have been admitted in renowned public schools at Gwalior and Kasauli. This scheme will be enlarged to cover 100 best students from next year and the number will go up every subsequent year. More of our educated youths are coming out with flying colors in competitive examination at the All India levels. I would like to call upon all the people to fully utilize the incentives provided by the Government.



Health sector have been our priority sectors with considerable investment both with regard to resource allocation and institutional innovations. Sikkim was the first State in the country to sponsor free Hepatitis B vaccination for children in the age group of 0-1 years. In comparison to the national indicators, the health indicators of Sikkim are three times better.



Innovative steps involving both preventive and curative measures have been undertaken. This noble initiative has been launched under the auspices of the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Annual and Total Check-up for Healthy Sikkim (CATCH) campaign. We need to be adequately equipped with a comprehensive data covering the health profile of each and every citizen in the State for timely intervention in providing health care and treatment can be organized more efficiently. This exercise will involve upgrading the technical expertise of our doctors including the Para-medics as well as improving the physical facilities for diagnostic services covering the entire network of our medical Centres throughout the State. We will initiate action in this regard with careful planning and also chart a realistic road map to achieve the goals under this Mission.



You will be happy to note that our Government has sponsored 85 Sikkimese boys and girls in Manipal University at Mangalore for undergoing Bsc. Nursing and allied courses. On completion of this training, the State will have the advantage of such specialized training in higher nursing. Undoubtedly, the noble work of nursing so important in health care will go a long way in meeting our requirement. A well trained nurse bestowed with Florence Nightingale qualities makes wholesome difference in the patient to recover quickly.



The absence of a super-specialty Hospital to cater to the multiple life threatening health problems of our citizens has been a grave concern for the Government. The existing facilities available with the STNM hospital are inadequate to cater to the growing pressure for treatment and medical care. With a view to resolving this problem and also for relieving the burden of our people from having to seek treatment outside the State by incurring huge expenses and often having to succumb to loss of lives due to delayed medical attention, we are constructing a 575 bedded multi-specialty hospital within the State Capital. In order to ease the financial strain particularly for those falling under the BPL category, we had also launched the Health Insurance Scheme at the fag end of the fiscal year 2008-2009. Under the dispensation of this scheme, the medical treatment of the needy and poor will be taken care of. You are aware that the State Government has already introduced Mobile Medical Units to cover people living in remote and inaccessible areas. We have also acquired two new bhawans in the national capital of Delhi for providing additional accommodation for our patients to receive advanced medical treatment there.



A number of schemes for extending health care assistance to those patients who are referred by the State Medical Board for medical treatment involving advanced cases of ailments as well as life threatening illness will be covered under the Mukhya Mantri Jeewan Raksha Kosh programme. Under the auspices of this scheme, two programmes namely the Mukhya Mantri Netra Jyoti Yojana and the Mukhya Mantri Sravan Shaki Samridhi Yojana have also been envisaged to cater to the needs of patients. Problems relating to anemia and malnutrition will also be addressed with regular administration of de-worming and Iron Folic Acid (IFA) supplement courses covering children, pregnant and lactating mothers including men who are anemic. Our Government has also started administering MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine for girl child between age group of 0-12 years. These programmes will also be complemented with the distribution of protein supplement food inputs to remedy the malnutrition problems effecting children under the auspices of the Mukhya Mantri Antyodaya Pustakhar Yojana under the State Government programme.



The State Government is deeply committed to provide nutritious food and diet to our ailing patients in the hospitals in the State. The State Government is already working in this direction for facilitating good food and diet to our patients staying in the hospitals where funds have been provided for this purpose. In addition to all the existing health incentives, we are also starting a new Pharmacy College of the State at the Leprosy Hospital complex, Sajong during this financial year. Health Insurance for all the Sikkimese people are being taken up. During this financial year, I am pleased to announce similar provision to cover all the government employees under health insurance after evolving appropriate modalities. I am privileged one more time to reiterate the State Government commitment to make Sikkim malnutrition free, goitre or iodine deficiency free, TB & MDR free and HIV/AIDS free under the ongoing programme which will be vigorously pursued with additional resource allocation from time to time.



Now, there is no denying the fact that youth power is a potential energy that we can well channelize for the benefit of our society, State and the nation. The seriousness with which we view this issue is exemplified by our decision to create an independent Department of Sports and Youth Affairs. Different forms of games including archery, cricket, boxing and other forms of martial arts shall be further promoted in the State upto the BAC and sub-division levels. The State Government is also establishing Archery Academy in the State. We have regularized the service and posted Physical Education Teachers in all school above Secondary level. I call upon my people and the young generation to take advantage of all the available infrastructure and institutions to train themselves in their respective field. I am confident that now when I rise up every morning, I would see the enthusiasm of youths in overflowing numbers on the street with football, cricket bats and boxing glove in their hands headed for the early morning practice in addition, of course, to their regular Samsung, Nokia or may be the Blackberry!



What I intend to communicate is that the issue of youth power management has received a focused impetus from the Government with a wide-ranging support system in place. The State Government has realized that creating opportunities in hosts of sectors alone will not address unemployment problem among the people. This has to be adequately commensurate by creating pool of trained human resource to tap all the job opportunities.



We have to accept the ground reality of this emerging world order and re-orient ourselves to equip our people. Accordingly, we began by instituting the Chief Minister’s Self-Employment Scheme in June 2002 which provides for soft loans of upto 3 lakhs to the aspiring youths to undertake different business ventures. Till date we have sanctioned loan to over 6,000 educated unemployed youths at the financial implication of Rs. 57.30 crores. There are similar other loan schemes for our youths which they can avail of from time to time. The youth force in the State should, accordingly, take advantage and reap maximum benefit out of these many initiatives.



Respected fellow Sikkimese, we have realized that without trained manpower, our people are not able to avail of the emerging opportunities in diverse fields including trade, small industrial units, power projects and hospitality services. We undertook similar campaign last year to generate awareness among people. Continuing with the same zeal and enthusiasm, we have created a new Institute of Capacity Building in addition to the existing Directorate of Capacity Building in the State. We have added a new dimension in our effort by establishing one Livelihood School each in every constituency. Many young boys and girls are undergoing different kinds of vocational upgradation training in such Institutes across the State. We are the first State in the Country to institutionalize capacity building program in the form of formal Institutions. We have been able to provide a new thinking and a new concept to the entire people of the State and also the Country. I would call upon the youth population to fully take advantage and become fully literate and capable citizens of the Country.



You are aware that the role of Government is to create as many opportunities and avenues as possible for development of our young generation. We have been trying to create every type of opportunities at the village level, district level and the State level to cater to the aspirations of the young generation. Now that I feel that once such opportunities exist, it is also the responsibility of each and every citizen to help the youngsters undertake skill development training and take advantage of all the existing opportunities.



Sikkim, blessed by all the Nature’s bounty, can thoroughly become a Green State and the world famous destination. Beginning in 1995 with green initiatives like the ‘Harit Kranti Varsh’, we have worked tirelessly towards nature’s conservation on regular basis. We have continued the activities under the State Green mission, and efforts are being made to take up the greening of our State in a more systematic and planned manner. A novel initiative in the current year is to earmark a certain percentage of the works outlay of the infrastructure departments for this purpose.

The more recent initiative namely ‘Ten Minutes to Earth’ program was started in 2009. Dedicated to the environmental well being of the State, this campaign has gained immense popularity among all sections of people. Like on all other occasions, plantation drive under this particular program has become very popular among people. This year, on July 25, 2010 that people of Sikkim again planted saplings in large number on turning this event as an annual ritual, as annual festival. This day will be observed every year as green day throughout the State planting yet another lakhs sapling by the people.

It is our movement and responsibility to make Sikkim more beautiful and greener by integrating ecology with economy for posterity. I appeal to all to wholeheartedly support the movement and ensure active participation by planting seedling and saplings this monsoon. We have to make all our natural resources sustainable I call upon the people to fully dedicate and participate in this campaign and make it successful. The issue of environmental conservation should not be viewed within the parameter of containing the process of global warming but should be viewed as a sustainable development and preservation of our Nature for sustained economy, opportunity and creation of employment now and in the days to come.



In order to make eco-tourism the new profession of the 21st century people, we have initiated a multi-pronged strategy to make it a sustainable means of livelihood which includes creation of tourist attraction destinations across the State. You are aware that we have today hosts of new attractions like the 135 feet tall statue of Guru Padmasamvawa at Samdruptse, Char Dham at Solaphok, Buddha Park at Ravangla, statue of chen regiz, underground monastery, Sarva Dharma Sai Mandir at Daramdin, sports like Bungee Jumping for adventure tourism and the proposed Skywalk at Bhaley Dhunga so on and so forth. Plans are also afoot to link up each and every religious centres and institutions in the rural Sikkim for pilgrimage tourism. Sikkim is also all set to play crucial role in the promotion of Buddhist Circuit tourism in the country. The Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation has also recently concluded a joint agreement with Tamil Tourism Development Corporation in Chennai to carry out reciprocal promotion, marketing and tourism related business between the two States.



Sikkim’s natural environment is conducive for large scale production of off-season vegetables along with production of cardamom, mandarin orange, passion fruits and seeds production. Sikkim has been designated as Agri Export Zone with emphasis on production and export of large cardamom, ginger, flower and cherry pepper at the international markets. The State is also promoting organic farming so that by 2009, Sikkim could be transformed an ‘organic state’. Again, the climate of Sikkim is ideal for growth of Cymbidium Orchids, Lillium and Rose bulb and these are produced on a massive scale. The fact that Sikkim provides perfect natural conditions for the growth of these flowers means it can compete internationally in terms of price and quality, thus creating immense possibility and potential for the State. With the recent opening of the first Livelihood School for Organic Farming in Sikkim, the momentum for transforming Sikkim into the total organic State shall received great impetus.



With a whopping hydro-power potential of 8000 MW, Sikkim is all poised to reap hefty economic dividend from this Nature’s bounty. The State Government has taken a bold initiative to judiciously harness the abundant resource potential with regard to hydel energy.



We have, in the pipe-line, as many as 21 hydel power projects which have been entrusted for execution on joint venture between State Government and reputed power producers and the National Hydro-electric Power Corporation. These projects envisage a combined installed generation capacity of 5000 MW. Four projects are targeted to be operational during the XIth Five Year Plan with a projected installed generation capacity of 1900 MWs. The Sikkim Power Development Corporation (SPDC) will also initiate steps to take up projects in partnership with the State Government under the PPP module. In all these ventures, the SPDC and the Government of Sikkim will hold equity of 26% as well as enjoy 12% free power for 15 years which will be enhanced to 15% over the subsequent period till the 35th year of the contractual agreement. Apart from the above arrangements from the PPP contract, the contractual agreement will also yield a fair share of dividend from these projects.



The present generation capacity of 610.70 MWs is particularly contributed by the 510 MW Teesta Stage V Hydel Project as well as the 60 MW Rangeet Hydel project along with several other mini and micro hydel projects which have been commissioned over the recent years.



In addition, the State Government will also install 13 micro hydel power projects in East and North Sikkim with the total generating capacity of 1,070 kw. These sanctioned power projects under the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, shall be unique as they will be run and managed by the local panchayats and local people.



After the successful implementation of 73rd Constitution Amendment, our Government has forged ahead in creating yet another historic milestone with the peaceful and orderly conduct of the elections to the urban local bodies in accordance with the 74th Constitutional Amendment. The resounding mandate that our Party received from this election is testimony to the complete faith and confidence the people have in the transparent and democratic people’s Government in the State. The entire election process was peaceful and orderly and for which I would like to extend my appreciation and thanks to all the respected people of Sikkim for their active participation in the electoral process and the State Election Commission for conducting free, fair and peaceful election. The new regime that has emerged in the true spirit of the 74th Constitution Amendment will infuse a more creative input into the developmental scenario of our State.

Democratic decentralization with inclusive and participative governance has been put in place in every panchayat administrative unit throughout the State. With the creation of the Block Administrative Centres, the process of decentralized district planning for every micro unit of administration within the State has been brought into operation. The bottoms-up approach to the planning process involving District level officials and elected representatives of all Gram Panchayats and Zilla Panchayats has now become a reality. As one of our new initiatives, we have also created MLA-Local Area Development Fund to carry out important development works in the respective Constituency.



Unlike in other parts of the country, the rural-urban divide in Sikkim is quickly narrowing down based on the dedicated program like Village Action Plan being prepared by Professor Bernard Dafflon of the Freebourg University under the broad assistance and support of the State Government. The report prepared by Prof. Dafflon is ready which will be released soon as the roadmap for scientific development of village under the eco-city concept.



Respected fellow citizens

The people of Sikkim have widely witnessed the range of development programs we undertook over the last sixteen years. However, our overall goal is to evolve the kind of profession and occupation that suits the 21st century people. Therefore, we have promoted Service Sector as part of the new profession of the Sikkimese people for the new century. And they will be largely based on- (a) organic farming, (b) agro-based industry, (c) tourism and tourism related trades, (e) education, and (f) IT. This is largely based on the elemental truth that not all the literate and educated Sikkimese will get the white-collared jobs in the future. Therefore, sphere of activities under the service sector and the standard of operations should be systematically upgraded and scientifically updated. This will provide our educated youth honourable economic engagement to progress in life as an independent entrepreneur.



Second aspect linked with employment generation is revenue generation aspect to make Sikkim economically self-sufficient. You are aware that we have decided that all development strategies in the State will be based on the huge natural resources and human resource available at our disposal. Accordingly, we have defined our priority areas which include hydro power generation, setting up of clean industry and high-end entertainment trade like online gaming. When all the on-going projects and schemes are fully commissioned Sikkim will have secured a very self-sufficient future for the next 100 years.



This is the ultimate goal of all our development activities. The people of Sikkim will be able to see the ground impact of our efforts by 2015. That would mean, they would be able to see as well as feel the positive result of our programs more explicitly.



While we have entered into the fourth term of governance in the State, we have worked out a comprehensive Mission Statements to further consolidate the solid development gains we have achieved so far and further to bring about all-round, comprehensive and holistic development of State. They include:



Sikkim Poverty Free Mission: Earmarking of 70 percent of plan allocation for development of rural Sikkim has been the most vocal of our commitment. Through multi-pronged strategies, we are slowly but surely marching ahead to achieve this Mission by 2015;


Sikkim Self Reliant Mission: Through effective development and harnessing of human resources and wide range of development potential based on our natural resources, we are committed to make Sikkim a self-reliant State by 2015;



Human Resource Development Mission: Accordingly to India Today well-researched documentation, India ‘has about four crore people registered at its employment exchanges- but only two lakhs get jobs’. That means at the national and international context, issue of employability among our educated masses is a serious challenge. In Sikkim, we have already devised a range of very competitive intervention to equip our educated youth with the right set of skill and technical and technological knowhow as required by sectors across board. We seek to make our human resource fully employable within 2015.



Social Security Mission: This Mission envisages development and adoption of sustainable social safety nets to protect the interest of all sections of the population including the business community.



Total Literate State: We are fully committed to realize this ambitious mission under the Total Literacy Campaign together with strengthening the existing infrastructure and all other policy interventions from time to time.



Healthy Sikkim Mission: In addition to the whole range of incentives under the program, we shall vigorously introduce innovative steps involving both preventive and curative measures encompassing diagnostic facilities for timely detection of ailments covering all age-groups including provision of treatment and rehabilitative health care have been undertaken.



Sikkim as Producer State: Closely associated with this Mission is our call for transforming Sikkim as the first organic state in the country. Our effort has been to attain self sufficiency in food grains and all other commodities which are practically viable under the prevailing climate and atmosphere.



Sikkim Cooperative Mission: The State Government has introduced policy framework and host of incentives to encourage people to work on cooperative basis. We have today a total number of 347 Cooperative Societies registered with 110 in East, 78 in West, 23 in North and 136 in South District. We will further expand the number to the maximum so that the resultant benefit will have an even distribution among all people in the State. We have already notified measures to grant preferential treatment to registered Cooperative Societies in the State in all development works within the State.



Sikkim Green Mission: Beginning with our first official call way back in 1995, we have progressed by leaps and bound in terms of enlarging and safeguarding our green cover in the State. With the launching of various green campaigns including the more recent ‘Ten Minutes to Earth’, we are very close to meeting our goal.



Eco-tourism destination: Widely hailed as the ultimate shangrila, we are favourably placed to harness the unlimited tourism potential of Sikkim. With all the natural endowment including the third highest mountain peak in the world, we need nothing except strong will and a well-defined path. We are already half way through to attain this mission.



Harnessing hydro-power potential: With the whopping 8000 mw of hydel potential, we have already started working towards this direction to tap as much potential to make our State economically strong and self-sufficient. With the additional 1,070 kw under 13 micro hydel power projects, Sikkim has further discovered its hydro-potential.



Complete Decentralization and devolution: The State Government has successfully implemented all the provisions contained in 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts to fully installed public representatives at the grass-root levels and also urban municipalities. Now, with the ultimate earmarking of funds, functions and functionaries to the village level and urban bodies, Sikkim is well progressed to achieve a new milepost in its development.



We have advanced well in all other sectors. What we need now is further consolidation of our achievements so far to make Sikkim a totally developed State.



Respected Sikkimese citizens

As you can see, the SDF Government is pursuing its goal of comprehensive and holistic development in the State in all sincerity and honesty. The range of development activities with all the desired benefits to the people have completely transformed the image of Sikkim as the most happening State in the Country. While we observe this eventful 64th Independence Day of our great Nation, I would like to announce some new and more imaginative socio-economic measures which will provide speed and momentum to our overall effort at fulfilling the many Missions’ goals as indicated above:



To further provide additional marketing facility to our farmers, four Kisan Bazars in four districts shall be constructed followed by seventeen Kisan Bazars at the BDO level in the villages. Likewise, Community Centres, Play Ground and Knowledge Centre shall be developed in each of these centres;
A new Block Administrative Centre shall be established at Machong Parakha where BDO and other functionaries have been already posted;
New BACs in Chumbung-Chakung and Chongrang in West Sikkim, Nandu Gaon Chisopani in South and Martam in East Sikkim shall be established;
I am also pleased to announce opening of State Bank of Sikkim branch office at all the BACs across the State;
The panchayats will issue Trade licenses in their respective jurisdiction;
The Panchayats will appoint Accounts Assistants in their respective units;
We have instituted annual Discretionary Fund for the panchayats for the first time in the State, which is categorized as follow:
(i) Rs. 10,000 for GPU President, Zilla Member and Nagar Panchayat President;

(ii) Rs. 7,000 for Vice President of GPU, Council Member and Nagar Panchayat Vice-President;

(iii) Rs. 6,000 for Secretary of GPU, and

(iv) Rs. 5,000 for GPU Member and Nagar Panchayat Member;









All GPU centres shall be fully computerized;
A new campaign namely Mukhya Mantri Sakhsarta Abhiyan shall be launched within August 2010 in all the GPUs and the urban body centres to fully transform Sikkim into a literate state;
10. Pre-Primary Teachers have been posted in each ward under all GPUs for providing non-formal education to people between the age group between 15 to 70;

11. The ongoing enumeration under the Chief Minister’s Universal Financial Inclusion programme shall be completed within this financial year;

12. We will work vigorously to make Sikkim kutcha house free and slum free and BPL free state by 2015 and earn the first distinction to achieve this feat in the Country;

13. The State Government is also pleased to announce setting up of sub-regional centres at the village level and depute Agriculture Development Officer, Horticulture Development Officer and Veterinary Officer under Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry Departments;

14. The existing VLW centres and Livestock centre shall be further strengthened;

15. During our last terms, we irrigated a total of 9,215 hectares of land; by 2010 an additional 10,000 hectares of land shall be fully irrigated to cover all the cultivable land;

16. The existing monthly Old Age Pension grant of Rs. 400 shall be enhanced to Rs. 600.

17. For the differentially abled persons in the State, the monthly grants of Rs. 500 shall be further enhanced to Rs. 600;

18. The monthly grant under the State Government’s program of Samajit Bhatta of Rs. 500 shall be further enhanced to Rs. 600.

19. Works below Rs. 50 lakhs shall be given to the registered Cooperative Societies for execution falling within a particular GPU. Further, Cooperative Societies shall be given preferential treatment for grant of work amounting to Rs. 2 crores;

20. Sikkim would be the first State in the Country to achieve the distinction of being a Total Organic State. In fact, Sikkim is the first State to work on patent right and organic certification covering the entire State.

21. Of all the political demands, the State Government will continue to pursue with the central government for early resolution of pending issues like granting of tribal status for the remaining ethnic communities in Sikkim; granting of seat reservation for the Limboo and Tamang communities; primitive tribe status for the Lepcha community; and increase in the Sikkim Legislative seats to 40 and 2 parliamentary seats each in Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha from the existing 1.



Respected fellow Sikkimese

As we are on our onward march to make our State developed, we are again witness to the usual antics of some motley group of disgruntled political elements in the State. They have again reassembled and resurfaced to pose resistance to the State Government’s pro-poor and people-centric policies and programs. I would like to maintain that to oppose development of a particular area or community is part of a wider conspiracy to destroy the capacity and economic prospects of people. The parties opposed to us can well question us if there is underdevelopment, they can question us if people are miserable for lack of development. They can question us if people are rendered insecure and if peace and security are threatened. However, when the Opposition parties get jittery over the impressive development initiatives with lot of good prospect for people’s future, this is proof enough that they are anti-people and committing crime against the present and future of Sikkim.



Respected citizens,

We as part of the world community are faced with many challenges. Within the Nation, we are fighting war against extremism, terrorism and against the menace of poverty, HIV/AIDS and substance abuse. Locally, we have been trying hard to develop enough immunity cover to fully protect our society from these global menaces.



Environmental degradation has worried the world community like never before. More recently, a study carried out by a journal exhorted people to ‘Go bananas and save the world’ and opt for fish over other meat. Traditionally, we grow bananas under the most organic environment. We must cash on this scientific observation. That means bananas and our famed trout fish very much hold that magic to further brighten up life and our economy.



Peace, security, communal harmony is the hallmark of the Sikkimese society. The sacred provision of Secularism as contained in the Preamble to our Constitution has been fully secured and protected in Sikkim. Even with the projected 8.5 % growth rate in 2010-11 and a 9 % growth rate forecasted for 2011-12, internal strife and disturbing elements are creating a war-like situation in many parts of the Country. Therefore, the most immediate and pertinent understanding of development on the whole should be translating statistics into authentic human happiness in the absolute sense. In Sikkim, we are closely monitoring this aspect to ensure that benefits of ongoing development initiatives reach every doorstep duly making our citizens the happiest people in the Country and the world.



Respected fellow citizens, sixteen years of hard work and consistency on our part have resulted in positive results to not only fulfill many issues and demands which were, otherwise, turned down in the past. The lists are many and long including- inclusion of Sikkim as the eighth Member of NEC, reopening of Nathula trade, and recognition of Limboo and Tamang in the list of Scheduled Tribes and establishment of Sikkim Central University. Exception secured for Sikkim Subject Certificate holders and their descendents in the matter of Central Income Tax has helped to ideally recognize the unique identity of the Sikkimese people thereby further fortify the spirit under Article 371F of the Indian Constitution.



Respected fellow citizens

The Sikkim Democratic Front government shall always stand firm to preserve and further promote peace in the State and the region. Over the last sixteen years, we have faced assaults from our opponent on almost all issues. Empowered by the power of the people thus bestowed upon us and harnessing that freedom for all the good cause, we will as usual unravel the sinister design of our adversaries and keep the Sikkimese people secure and protected for all time to come.



On this solemn occasion, I would call upon all the citizens to fully shoulder their social responsibility and contribute towards strengthening the State and the Country. To the members of civil society, I fervently appeal to stand guard against all anti-social elements. Further, we have a total of 38,861 government employees with the best range of salary structure, daily wages- who are sponsored for regular training, refresher course. Ample promotion avenues have been created granting promotions to all employees on a regular basis. I would continue to solicit continued support from them to give justice to our liberal gesture towards the government employees.



While we share this monumental sense of liberation today, we will also exult in the celebration of freedom and continue to work relentlessly and go for what Jawaharlal Nehru would call it ‘incessant striving’ for the sake of Sikkimese society and the Country at large.



I congratulate all my fellow Sikkimese for the freedom they enjoy and the responsibility they assert in the building of strong society. I also send my warm greetings to my respected Sikkimese people and a Very Best Wishes for a happy and prosperous life ahead.



Thank you

Jai hind