Governor’s message to the people on Republic Day message

My dear fellow citizens

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

On 26th January 1950, the people of India adopted a Constitution that would govern the country based on democratic, socialist and secular principles. The Preamble of the Constitution makes this intent sacrosanct and the content and various provisions of the Constitution bear testimony to this unwavering faith of our people in democratic form of governance. Ever since, this country of over one billion people has stood the test of times remaining steadfast in its pursuit of progress with people’s participation at all levels. Our achievements on this count are in sharp contrast with what has happened to several countries who got independence more or less at the same time as India but underwent civil strife and consequential changes in forms of governance. This is particularly true in our own neighborhood.

India, too, has faced and is facing manifold challenges both from outside and within. Notwithstanding these, our faith in democratic pluralism and our resolve to solve all problems through democratic means have not been compromised.

For this freedom of choice we must thank and remember our great leaders particularly the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Without their vision and sacrifice we may not be here today to celebrate the Republic Day as one unified nation of different caste, creed and religion, bound together with a common goal for peace and prosperity.

On this day we must rededicate ourselves in the nation building process to ensure inclusive growth and to preserve the unity and integrity of the country to realize the dreams of our leaders of freedom struggle, several of whom made the supreme sacrifice.

This is also the Day to remember our brave soldiers who are guarding our frontiers. To them I say: ‘we salute you for keeping us safe and secure’. With three international frontiers, the Sikkimese people are especially indebted to the officers and jawans who zealously guard our borders.

The working of the Constitution has unleashed forces of change in the entire country which have been greatly facilitated by universal adult suffrage; equal fundamental rights to every citizen irrespective of gender or class or caste; fair and free elections; a free press; an independent judiciary; and an information society where citizens have rights to obtain information from the government. Above all, India also has a vibrant civil society supported by high quality technology and educational infrastructure and a culture of liberal thought.

We are facing challenges from forces of violence. There is also widespread poverty. The State needs to take bold measures to strike at the root of poverty and inequality by taking imaginative measures in – education, health & infrastructure. We have to ensure that the democratic governance tackles problems of inclusive development, internal security and foreign policy challenges with clarity, unity of purpose and determination.

Fellow Citizens

Ever since Sikkim joined the union of India in 1975, it, too, has contributed to the process of nation building. Infact, the progress made by Sikkim is quite impressive. Today Sikkim stands in the forefront of the development profile of north-east and eastern states.

We have maintained a sustained rate of economic growth in Sikkim. During the year 2009-10, our rate of growth was over 9 (9.38) percent. Our objective, however, is to move towards inclusive growth in order that common people of the State get benefits of development. We have achieved some success. But we must work with both imagination and earnestness to improve it further.

Education

We believe in education to be the principal agent of change. Quality education would help us create a human resource base which has the skills to work productively. In fact future growth in all sectors will depend on knowledge workers and skilled workforces. Fortunately, education is spreading rapidly in Sikkim. The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) has brought back many school dropouts for re-education. Incentives such as mid-day meals scheme, free uniforms, and free text-books have also helped in retaining the children in the classrooms.

Health

Good health facilities are essential for empowerment of our people. We are building a network of hospitals, and rural health centers are already in place. In the current financial year, Below Poverty Line (BPL) families will be covered under health insurance scheme. Under this scheme, people of 45 years and above will be given full and free comprehensive health checkup.

Agriculture

With rise in income and population there is increase in demand for food grains and vegetables. This could be met only with increase in agricultural productivity. Towards this we need better seeds, improved farming practices, effective water management and greater coordination between scientists and farmers. Sikkim has initiated steps in this behalf.

Tourism

Tourism has great potential for development in Sikkim as our State is endowed with forests and wildlife, wetlands and scenic grandeur, and rich culture.

The number of tourist arrivals is on the increase. Village tourism is also becoming attractive. In the year 2010, around 7 lakhs tourists came to Sikkim. This is an encouraging trend. We, however, need to focus on building good infrastructure facilities to draw more and more tourists.

Financial Inclusion

The need for financial inclusion has been long felt. The State government has initiated a process to undertake Sikkim Universal financial inclusion project to provide access to banking service through Information Technology (IT). Once this becomes fully operational, it will ensure efficient and timely delivery of social benefits to all sections of society through the banking service by way of smart cards.

Power

We plan to complete electrification of all the villages in the State by 2011. Under the Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) scheme, BPL households are being provided free electricity connections.

Rural Roads

Rural road connectivity is targeted for completion by 2011-12 and the State hopes to become the first in the country to achieve the Bharat Nirman target under Prime Minister Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).

Forests and Environment

2011 is being celebrated as the International year of Forests with the theme, “Forest for People”. Our forests are habitats of our rich biodiversity. It is a source of food, medicine and clean water. Sikkim has done well to improve its forest cover. It is heartening to note that a large number of women have come forward to work as forest guards and they have been suitably employed.

Our civilization has deep reverence for nature and ecology. This has found special expression in our sacred literature and folklores. Let us be its worthy inheritors.

Media and Civil Society

Media and civil society have an important role to play in the State. Media in particular can create awareness and in bringing government programmes to the people as well as people to the government. A media that plays a constructive role becomes a guarantor not only of individual liberty but also of social welfare.
The civil society can use the Right of Information to bring the grievances of people to the authorities. Both media and the civil society which have agenda for all round inclusive development need to play a positive role as there is no place for negative attitudes.

Conclusion

Several States in India including Sikkim are making rapid progress in securing economic growth for their citizens. But this must not make us – the government machinery or the people -complacent.
Our spiritual values, our democratic institutions and our manner of governance have provided us with wherewithals of leading a decent life. But in a competitive world, in which we live in, continuous strivings are called for both on the part of the government and the citizens, particularly the parents and students.
The roadmap to inclusive growth requires a climate of peace, of mutual trust and respect and a positive outlook. Sikkim holds great promise in the second decade of the 21st century. Let us be a voice for development and a voice of hope in India.

Jai Hind