" Sikkim CM Pawan Chamling : Democracy is a part of the polity of Sikkim. Democracy has been institutionalised in our State. "Sikkim has made rapid strides after its integration with India as a State in 1975. Most of these achievements are now perceived to have come during the chief ministership of Pawan Kumar Chamling. According to Chamling, economic, social and political equality of women, conservation of the environment, institutionalisation of democracy and a trouble-free atmosphere are some of the major achievements of his government.
The literacy level in Sikkim has gone up and medical facilities have improved. The total electrification programme of the government has improved considerably the living standards of the people in rural areas. Sikkim already occupies a place in the world tourism map. and the flow of foreign and domestic tourists has increased manifold.
"Development is my priority: Pawan Chamling " This was a remark made by him in an interview conducted in August 2004 .Almost three years after, Nothing seems to suggest that much has changed from what he believed in 2004 and what he believes in 2007 in the mind and action of Dr.Pawan Chamling who still swear by bringing self sufficiency to Sikkim through sustainable economic development by 2015. He has put Sikkim in the road map of investors of world. Sikkim has found its magical place in tourism sector.He has succeeded in catching attention of Investors from diverse fields to draw their investment plans for Sikkim despite all the geographical factors in pharma industry,FMCG sector,Hotel & Tourism, and biggest of all bringing investors for tapping green energy through hydroelectric projects across Sikkim and also dictating his own terms to safe guard interests of Sikkim and its people.Government of Sikkim under the leadership of Pawan Chamling made sure that all agreements have a clause to restrict all non-technical jobs opportunities are available to Sikkimese Only although it was only recently he reviewed and re looked and directed all concerned department to make sure that agreed clause as regards to providing employment opportunities to local people are put in action in its entirety of letter and spirit in recently concluded Investors Meet 2007 where he felt anguished that employment opportunities are being diverted to people from outside the state rather than made available to local people in many ventures that have set up their shops in Sikkim. He also often has called upon government officials to do their duties in the right spirit and ensure that benefits reaches down the ladder to schemes and guidelines Sikkim Democratic Front Government have laid out for all round development of state.
When asked by a journalist ,"What are your future plans?" Dr.Chamling replied,"Ensuring all round development of the State. Though a lot of development work had already been done, there are many more things to do. I will try to finish all these works as early as possible".
In another interview with Hindu when asked,"What is your vision for the development of Sikkim? ". Dr. Chamling candidly replied,"My vision for Sikkim includes the creation of a peaceful State. Sikkim with its pluralistic polity has made tremendous achievements in ensuring a good quality of life for its people. To this end, I always work to ensure that Sikkim remains a peaceful State. I realise that this is a tall task as we are not only a pluralistic society but also surrounded by India's neighbours, including Bhutan, Nepal and China. We have ensured that peace prevails on our international border as also among our ethnic groups, including Nepalis, Lepchas and Bhutias. My stress is on conserving the rich environmental resources that nature has given us. I want to make Sikkim the most developed State in India."And when questioned,"What are the achievements of the Sikkim Democratic Front government since it assumed office in 1994? " He spoke clearly reflecting his thoughts in his answer that " Democracy is a part of the polity of Sikkim. Democracy has been institutionalised in our State. People lead secure lives as the crime rate is very low. We have worked towards social justice. We have made major strides in empowering women. We have reserved seats for the tribal people, women and Other Backward Classes and the Scheduled Castes. In the area of health we are ahead of other Indian States. Sikkim is the first State in India to give Hepatitis B vaccine free of cost. Education and health are highly subsidised areas. Our per ca pita income is within that of the top 12 States in the country. We lead all the northeastern States in economic prosperity. We have not taken even a single rupee as loan in order to pay salaries to our staff.
By 2015, we are determined to make Sikkim a 100 per cent literate and poverty-free state. By 2009, Sikkim will be an organic State and our internal revenue will cross Rs.1,500 crores. Development-oriented and people-centric schemes are being given top priority along with floriculture, horticulture, eco-tourism and hydro-power.
Ample opportunities have been created in as many diverse fields as possible so that the people of Sikkim, especially the younger generation, become less dependent on government jobs and opt for the service sector where the scope is unlimited. Stress is being laid by the present government on making the youth move according to the changing needs of time.
Instead of running after white-collar jobs, the government wants them to go in for self-employment ventures and explore the service sector. With this objective in mind, the State government is giving emphasis on capacity building, management and skill development of youth by providing them with adequate opportunities and schemes backed by financial assistance and proper training
The most important achievement is that we have peace and tranquility. We have people from diverse ethnic groups, such as Lepchas, Nepalis and Bhutias. All of them live in peace and harmony. "
Ample opportunities have been created in as many diverse fields as possible so that the people of Sikkim, especially the younger generation, become less dependent on government jobs and opt for the service sector where the scope is unlimited. Stress is being laid by the present government on making the youth move according to the changing needs of time.
Instead of running after white-collar jobs, the government wants them to go in for self-employment ventures and explore the service sector. With this objective in mind, the State government is giving emphasis on capacity building, management and skill development of youth by providing them with adequate opportunities and schemes backed by financial assistance and proper training
The most important achievement is that we have peace and tranquility. We have people from diverse ethnic groups, such as Lepchas, Nepalis and Bhutias. All of them live in peace and harmony. "
And another question ,"Sikkim has a rich cultural heritage, and 60 per cent of its population is below 26 years of age. How do you plan to promote an awareness of this heritage among the youth? " Dr. Chamling has this to say,"In September-October we are going to introduce a study series, which will have details of our rich cultural heritage, environment, food habits, and so on. Eminent authors have already submitted their articles.
Dr. Mahendra P. Lama is the editor-in-chief and the Publicity Department of the State government is the nodal agency that will give shape to this series. These will educate not only our youth but also visitors to Sikkim about our rich cultural heritage.
Apart from this, the State government has recognised various local languages, and steps are being taken to preserve them. ".
Dr. Mahendra P. Lama is the editor-in-chief and the Publicity Department of the State government is the nodal agency that will give shape to this series. These will educate not only our youth but also visitors to Sikkim about our rich cultural heritage.
Apart from this, the State government has recognised various local languages, and steps are being taken to preserve them. ".
Sikkim under his leadership was moving forward and Dr. Chamling with his ability to 'win friends and influence people' has managed always to bring his dis tractors to his side.He always carried a positive attitude with him and
Now, all of sudden, FAR away from the heat and dust of the plains, tiny Himalayan State Sikkim is perhaps witnessing the fiercest political battle of its history. On one side of the ring is Chief Minister and Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) supremo Pawan Chamling, while indomitable Nar Bahadur Bhandari is on the other side.
While one aims to continue his uninterrupted run as the Chief Minister of the State , the other is eying for a grand comeback on political scene with issue of ongoing hunger strike by ACT members Dawa & Tenzing and accusing SDF Supremo for authoritative rule and lack of democracies by launching all out campaign which he could not do before due to absence of any people backed issue or concern therefore riding the wave of 'Saving Dzongu' fits perfectly in every plans of opposition political parties who have decided to stand for one another and do things together.
The only dilemma of Dr. Pawan Chamling is now how to separate political forces of Opposition who were quick to engulf the "ACT" issue which could have been resolved amicably and positively by now but could not as he says ," ACT is now guided and directed by people with political agenda and are using innocent people of Dzongu like Dawa Lepcha andTenzing Gyatso Lepcha as front shield" therefore, Mr. Chamling called upon them to come forward for direct dialogue to reach a solution which could have been sorted out in earlier six rounds of negotiations between ACT and high powered committed appointed by him but forces working with a different agenda and mind have hindered the process of solution for their selfish goals".
Perhaps now hinting that ACT and its genuine members need to re-establish their non-political credentials before things would gets sorted out in best interests of all.
Meanwhile, following the Open invitation by Sikkim Chief Minister Dr.PawanChamling for one to one meeting with Dawa & Tenzing of ACT , yesterday Chief Secretary of Sikkim who chairs high-powered committee for talks with ACT has written a letter appealing once more to call of hunger strike and talk-out the issues and concerns of Affected Citizens of Teesta with authorities.
Perhaps this would be beginning of giving each other one more chance to find out answers acceptable to each other.Door to dialogues need to reopened again....perhaps it has!!!
