Village-to-village tour would be an annual affair: Sikkim CM Pawan Chamling

Gangtok, Jul 25 (PTI) Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling today advocated transparency in implementation of projects including preparation of social estimates and holding mandatory public hearing in the Gram Sabha before undertaking field work. The Chief Minister who is on a month-long tour of the villages to understand first hand the problems of the people, announced that the village-to-village tour would be made an annual affair. The CM cautioned field officers against preparing estimates without understanding the ground realities. He advised them to personally undertake field trips and study the feasibility of projects before preparing estimates. The project implemented should be "transparent in every aspect" as the people have every right to know about the schemes being implemented in their areas and public hearing of the projects should be made mandatory in the Gram Sabha before undertaking field work, he said. Interacting with the people of Duga, Pachak, Central Pendam and Saku villages in East Sikkim, Chamling said that the various demands received from the public during his tour and sanctioned by him would be brought before the coming monsoon session of the Assembly. A compilation of the demands will be brought out in the form of a book and sent to the Gram Panchayats, he added. Talking about the present education system and its impact on society, Chamling said that the system of education has become a medium of producing doctors, engineers and professionals and not value based, as it should be.

Gangtok To Get Multi Specialty Hospital Soon

GANGTOK, July 4: The construction of 575 bedded multi specialty Hospital in capital as earlier proposed has recently been upgraded to 1000 bedded and the construction work has already started at lower Sichey site.

While speaking to the Director General cum Secretary, Health Care, Health Services and Family welfare Department Dr. Kumar Bhandari informed that the change in construction of 1000 bedded instead of 575 bedded hospitals in capital is the Chief Minister’s vision considering the future development of state and the population growth too.

Adding more Dr. Bhandari said that with in 3 – 4 years from now the construction of the hospital along with the equipments required will be completed and there are plans of introducing as much specialists as possible in the multi specialty hospital along with maximum man power to benefit the people of the state in regards to availing medical facilities at par with modern demands.

Furthermore Dr. Bhandari added that the approval for tying up with the multi specialty hospital from across the nation in operating the super specialty part of the hospital has already been accorded by the State Government. The construction of the hospital will be carried out in a phased manner and soon after the completion of the infrastructure building the equipment and additional facilities required by the hospital will be met. The construction of multi specialty hospital is a big project and the approximate cost of construction proposed is to about Rs. 400 Crores but it is expected to increase in days ahead added Dr. Bhandari.

Adding more when inquired about the tour with CM to distant areas especially in south and west district which are completed Dr. Bhandari said that “I am quite impressed with the staff members of primary health centers and especially with the primary health sub centers staffs who are working dedicatedly and serving the people to their best of ability in such far-flung areas like Lhabdang, Karzi, Phamtam areas and many more such difficult areas in stat. The tour has given the insight and the first hand impression of the problems faced by the people and those delivering the services” informed Dr. Bhandari. Adding more Dr. Bhandari said that we are grateful to the CM as this tour have been a great eye opener for all who have been walking together with the CM in the 40days long village to village tour.

Furthermore when asked about the procurement of medicines for the state Dr. Bhandari said that the procurement of medicines directly from the company system was very good but the system was not appreciated by the people at large and numerous criticism were off and on. Considering the criticism faced by the government or the department in regards to procurement of medicines a proposal was put forward by the department to the government whether to continue the new system introduced or to follow the Sikkim Financial rule and go for national tender. In connection to the proposal made by the Department we received direction from the government to opt for the second option and on the basis of the direction met a national advertisement for inviting tender has been met informed Dr. Bhandari. Both the decision on procurement of medicine for state were carried out only after receiving the cabinet approval and the medicine procured hence forth for state will be amounting to the same amount of Rs. 5 crores as earlier.

West Sikkim poised to become education hub

Gyalshing: On the 22nd and the last day of his tour of west Sikkim, Sikkim Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling offered prayer early morning at Many Lhagang, Gyalshing for the recent landslide victims of Yangthang constituency. The prayer meeting was organized by the Gyalsing Many Lhagang and the Ecclesiastical department.  Thereafter, he inaugurated Arts Degree College with Honours at Guruthang and declared the area as an educational hub which entails the Girls Sr. Sec. School, Kyongsa, new
degree college, nursing institute, ITI and a livelihood school to be opened soon.

He also declared that as per the demand of the public the DAC too will be shifted to Gyalshing next year under the 12th five year plan. “I am a Radical Democrat”, Dr. Chamling said at Kyongsa Girls Sr. Sec. School where he was felicitated by the principal, teachers, students and the SMC members. Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister said that his government wishes to make Sikkim a “Heaven on Earth” for which he appealed to the public, officers and students to cooperate and give their opinion. He said that during his 18 years of governance the per capita income has increased in the state and the government has provided basic amenities to the people. Further he said that Sikkim is the most happening state in India and the government has a plan to convert Sikkim into an eco friendly city-state where all facilities available in cities will also be available in each hamlet and village of Sikkim, all basic amenities, infrastructure will be there.

He also desires to market the myths of Sikkim for tourism purpose. If all of these is done all opportunities as in the city will percolate to the smaller areas. During the next year emphasizes will be lead on how to bring qualitative education. Until and unless the whole society becomes an ‘education family’ our education will not go to the standard desired. Sikkim Chief Minister announced the opening of a commerce stream as per the demand of the Kyongsa Girls School. He appealed the students not to get swayed by talks of cast and religion.
Amongst the demands of the public, an application for the closer of stone quarry at Tikjek Bhir was also put up which was instrumental for the death of a small boy a few days ago. Regarding the new construction of road he appealed the MLAs, panchayats and public to keep away from interfering in work for personal benefits.
In the evening, Chief Minister also had an interface meeting with the Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, Secretaries, HODs and officers of west Sikkim at Zilla Bhawan. Extending his gratitude to all the MLAs, secretaries, HODs and officers for accompanying him in his successful west district tour, Chief Minister appealed them to implement all the works which had been sanctioned during his village to village tour in the district. Adding to it he said the works should be result oriented and complete within the scheduled time.
He underlined that the first phase work should be started within December hence all DPR to be prepared and submitted to the concerned department immediately. He directed the concerned department heads to look into all the pending works and take action accordingly. Since all basic minimum needs have already been physically covered, he said, the 12th five year plan would be aimed at qualitative works.

 (SikkimReporter with IPR input)

SDF party Meet For Remembering Sampoorna Kranti Diwas

Gangtok, June 22: President of the Sikkim Democratic Front and Chief Minister, Dr. Pawan Chamling has said, he would be very happy if all the dissident members of SDF party leave the organisation.” MLAs and ministers run the government, panchayats run the local government and party members should run the party. There should not be any mix up as to who is what.“If the party is to be stronger than all party workers should raise their free opinion istead of sitting at fence,” Chief Minister said in his address at Sampurna Kranti Diwas programme held by SDF at its Indira By Pass headquarter yesterday.

On the occasion, the SDF chief announced two prominent Congress member's names who were inducted in party and said “they are the ultimate authority to run the party, maintaining discipline and in adherence to policies of the party”.

“Party should be run by whole timers,” he said, adding, “Those party members who are engaged in their own business should not aspire to go up in the top echelons of the party.” Reiterating that he is very keen for the development of the state and productivity of skilled manpower, the Chief Minister said, “youths below 21 would be banned to purchase liquor or cigarette from shops across Sikkim soon.”
The Party meet also observed one minute silence in memory of one of founding member Kul Bahadur Rai who is no more.
Kranti Diwas is observed by the SDF party every year on 22nd June - the day on which Sikkim witnessed a mass upsurge of the people against the 14 year old Bhandari government demanding the restoration of democracy. The successful movement was led by SDF founder president Pawan Chamling. 

16th day village to village tour of Sikkim CM Pawan Chamling

The positive criticism will help the government :Pawan Chamling

Gangtok: Sikkim CM Dr. Pawan Chamling on the 16th day of his 40 days long village to village tour visited numerous villages in West District falling under Rinchenpong Constituency like Bara Samdong block, Gairi Gaon, Shree Badam and Soreng.
The Chief Minister addressing the public at Bara Samdong informed that there are numerous people in the party who are towards misleading, misguiding the public at large making fake promises which can never be fulfilled. Adding more CM said that the SDF government since inception has been continuously working towards the upliftment betterment, up gradation of the poor people of the state, villages and the state at large and till date no demands put forward by the citizens has been turned down but during the earlier government no development were carried out so much so compared to the SDF led government at the grass root or the village level.
Informing more CM said that we do not want the people who like to mislead the innocent public and play with their emotions and such individual who are in the party may even leave which eventually will make the SDF party and the government more pure and visionary. The presence of such people in the party and the government is damaging, hampering the image of the party and its government in the state. I am not a leader to take the support of lies in retaining the government and position but a leader to lead Sikkim towards prosperity and those who does not like my policy of pure, true governance opposes me and my government, added CM.

Furthermore the people of Samdong even felicitated the CM where he said that we are also human beings and want love and that the love bestowed by the people is purely respectable, adding more CM said that this also proves that our government has done a lot for the development of the society, villages in every level across the state along with providing full freedom to very individual with out any discrimination in any sector of life. Adding more CM stated that the people who are opposing him today are all easy money makers, illegal money makers and drug addicts whereas the government is hindering the path of earning money and adopting polices which blocks their prosperity but we want to remove such prevailing bad practices from the state, and make Sikkim a true model state of the nation. Further more CM appealed to the educated youths, people of the visited areas to adopt new profession of earning sustainable economy like village tourism, home stays, organic farming, animal husbandry, hydro power projects and many more which the government is focusing upon as this profession is a long term process of benefit along with awarding opportunity to the people of Sikkim to be the job providers rather than job seekers.
Like wise in regards to developmental works CM said that numerous schemes were passed for the development of the areas like PMGSY, construction of school building, drinking water supply and many more which are not completed till date and added that there are numerous works where 90% of the bills have been withdrawn prior to completion of the project. Adding further CM said that all works sanctioned by the government are all public necessity and fund utilized are public fund so the people must be conscious in reacting, opposing the non completion of works in schedule time and complain but the people do not practice the same and are suffering today. I am here to awake the people to know their rights and privileges in democratic form of government along with knowing the ground reality and addressing about the government polices, plans being adopted across the state and in the mean while fulfilling the demands, grievances put forward by the people at large.
Addressing on tourism sector CM informed that the government has planned to bring about one crore tourist in Sikkim in a year but for that the people of Sikkim has to be ready by engaging themselves in tourism sector and those interest in this sector will also be awarded with government facility too.
Further more CM said that he is working towards making Sikkim the first eco- city state in the world where every facility necessary is given to the people and where people are sustainable in every sector. Adding more, he said that until and unless the people of Sikkim are self sufficient, growers, producers, self reliant the state will never turn to be a developed state or progress in the true sense.
Urging the people further CM stated that every individual of the state must change their mind set and engage in a modern profession of increasing source of income as the traditional ones are now becoming outdated to suit the new era of globalization.
Addressing about the health sector CM in his address informed the gathering that 1000 bedded hospital at Sichey is under construction and the American technicians are on the construction process and added that there are also plans of constructing a helli port on the roof of the hospital for the transport of critical patients.
Whereas at Sorang CM in his address concentrated on the education sector and the transition phase that the state is currently under going that is from old technology, traditional to modern one.
Furthermore the demands like links roads, water supply, construction of news school building, carpeting of roads, play grounds and many more were granted on the spot including other demands.
A model police station at Soreng was inaugurated by the CM during his visit. The police station is constructed with a total cost of Rs. 58.95 lakhs in an area measuring 4000 square feet. The newly constructed two storied PS consists of separate male and female Hazat, office, rest room for women, kitchen, 18 bedded dormitory etc.
The first phase of CMs tour in West completed and the second phase of the marathon of West District is scheduled to begin from 18th June onwards

15th day of village to village tour of Sikkim Chief Minister

Gangtok, June 12: The Block Administrative Centre at Martam will be inaugurated immediately after the completion of this fourty days tour. I will come with the Block Development Officer and the staff and inaugurate the BAC. The Chief Minister said this on his 15th day of village to village tour at a public function organized at Bermoik Bazar today. He was referring to the demand placed by the public that the BAC should be opened at Martam. It may be mentioned here that the office building for BAC, Martam has already been constructed at Srijunga Road, Martam and is awaiting inauguration. The Chief Minister also sanctioned the demand for the beautification of Bermoik Bazar.

At a public function organized at Sangadorjee above Block Administrative Centre, Rinchenpong the Chief Minister while talking about the scarcity of water and referring to one of the demands placed by the public declared that the government will take up revival of old dried lakes as a policy decision and include it in the programme of the government.

On the demand of Government Guest House the Chief Minister advised the people to go for home stay, resort or hotel business instead of demanding government guest house. The government guest house so constructed will be of minimum benefit to the people. Instead hotel business will have long term benefit to the people. This is a way towards sustainable development, he added.

Reacting to the demand of Rural Marketing Centre(RMC) at Pechrek Martam GPU the Chief Minister said that the concept of RMC has to be changed from merely a centre having a few shops to an outlet for marketing the products of village. The RMC should be a centre for marketing the rural organic products to the outside world. Through this centre the rural people should be encouraged and motivated to go for organic farming in scientific manner. Organic farming along with the promotion of ecotourism will change the face of Sikkimese society and lead towards sustainable development. He assured the gathering to construct the RMC and asked them to search a commanding place accessible to many villages so that the premises becomes a centre for many villages and the people from many adjoining areas can avail the benefit from it.

On Kutch House Free State Mission the Chief Minister directed the state administration to gear up its pace of its delivery mechanism. He directed the state administration that the houses of the public under this mission should be constructed within six months and even provide land to the landless within six months. After allotting the land to the landless their houses will be constructed in the second phase at an estimated cost of 4.90 lakhs, he added. House repairing and construction of additional room, if required, will also be done. In this way Sikkim will be made a Kuchcha House Free State by the year 2013, the Chief Minister said.

The Chief Minister while talking about the aims and objectives behind such a massive programme of the state government involving the entire state administrative machinery said that after completing the tour all the demands of the public shall be compiled and a comprehensive report for the development of the state will be prepared based on the needs and requirements of the people. Feasibility of the demands will be checked and studied, survey works shall be undertaken and implementation of the works shall be done in priority basis in phase wise manner. In this way, he said, a bottom up approach is being adopted to fulfill the needs and aspirations of the people.

Talking on the exemption in Central Income Tax to the Sikkim Subject Holders the Chief Minister cautioned the Sikkim Subject Holders not to sublet the contractual and other supply works to the non Sikkim Subject Holders. The Sikkim Subject Holders are getting Central IT exemption and if non Sikkim Subject Holders undertake the work in the name of Sikkim Subject Holders then this will have adverse effect on the exemption which we as Sikkim Subject Holders are getting. Our people should understand this and protect the special privilege enjoyed by the Sikkimese. In this context the Chief Minister also informed the gathering that the state government has demanded to the Government of India that all the Sikkim Subject holders should get the recognition of Tribal status.

At Kaluk Bazar referring to the demand of the public with regard to opening of branch of State Bank of Sikkim, the Chief Minister assured the public that feasibility of the demand shall be looked into and positive action in this regard shall be taken.

The Chief Minister seemed very much upset and expressed his dissatisfaction over the non completion of the schemes and projects of the government which have been sanctioned and tendered long ago. In this context he directed the state and district administration to look into the matters seriously and take appropriate action against the defaulter and take up the work immediately.

(IPR )

13th day of Sikkim Chief Minister's village to village tour

Tashiding,11th June: (IPR) The second day of West District and the 13th day of village to village tour of the Chief Minister started with the offering of prayers at a Mandir at Tashiding followed by laying of foundation stone of Block Administrative Centre, Chongrang and Kishan Bazar at Chongrang. The BAC so established will cater the need of the people of six Gram Panchayat Units viz. Arithang Chongrang, Tashiding, Gerethang, Karji Mangnam, Dhupidara Narkhola and Kongri Labdang. The entire complex is being constructed at the estimated cost of 7.94 crore. The school committee of Tashiding Sr. Secondary School also felicitated the Chief Minister on the occasion.

Addressing the public gathering at various places the Chief Minister talking about the policy of power decentralization and devolution to the people said that though the government has taken various steps to decentralize power to the grass root level but the people are not able to take the benefit of it. The people and the panchayat should be empowered to take the utmost benefit from it, he said. Talking about the education in the state the Chief Minister said that collective responsibility has to be taken to improve the education system in the state. Education family consists of students, teachers, parents, officers in the department, businessmen, politicians and the civil society; he said and added that unless all the stake holders taken their responsibility honestly education system in the state shall not improve. The Chief Minister also expressed his dissatisfaction over the 25 model houses constructed at Middle Chongrang out of which only three are being utilized and the rest twenty two houses are still left unutilized. Terming these houses as “White Elephants”, he directed the concerned department to make use of these houses for the benefit of the local people immediately.

The Chief Minister directed the officer’s accompanying him to take note of the demands of the people, see the feasibility of the demands, do the survey works of the projects demanded, acquire land if required, prepare the DPR of the projects and submit it to the government. The Chief Minister also cautioned the subject holder contractors not to sublet the contractual works to the outsiders.
The Chief Minister talking about the various demands of the public said that the government has decided to construct the ropeway at Phamrong Falls to promote the tourism potentiality of the area. Referring to the demands he announced to open a degree college at Gyalshing and directed the concerned department to immediately start the college from a rented house from the month of June itself. He also said that the demands of the people submitted to the government shall be sanctioned on the basis of the need of the people but not on the interest of the contractors. The Chief Minister also declared that the salary of the ASHA and ICDS workers shall be hiked in the next three years.

At Pelling ground the Chief Minister interacted with the students of Pelling Sr. Sec. School. The students of the school during the interaction appraised the Chief Minister about the poor condition of the hostel facilities, laboratory equipments and infrastructure in the school. They also informed him about the non availability of teachers of various subjects. The Chief Minister in turn assured the students that in tune with the policy of the state government all the facilities required by the students for education purpose will be fulfilled and directed the department officials to take note of the problems faced by the students and take corrective measures immediately.

During the day long tour the Chief Minister addressed the people of Gerethang, Arithang, Chongang, Tingting, Mangsabong, Thingling, Tathang, Melli, Khechupuri, Rimbi, Darap, Pelling and adjoining areas

Sikkim to attend 60th NEC meeting on 16, 17

GANGTOK, June 10: The 60th North Eastern Council (NEC) meeting is slated to be held on June 16 and 17 in Delhi which is to be attended among others, the chief ministers, governors and chief secretaries of all the North Eastern States including Sikkim.
An official source in the Sikkim government said various topic for over all development of North East & Sikkim including power scenario, education, science and technology, railways, air connectivity, innovation for the North Eastern region, transport and communication in the States, agriculture, sports etc. will be touched upon.
The source said special presentations will be made by Ministry of Power on the Action Plan prepared for the NE region based on the Vision NER 2020 and discussion thereon. Presentation will also be made on Draft Master Plan prepared by the NEC on Tourism in the North Eastern Region as per the NER Vision 2020 (prepared by M/s Tata Consultancy Services Ltd., engaged by NEC) and discussion thereon. The meeting will dwell on the State Government of Mizoram on the Report prepared on Education Sector in the State. Sam Pitroda, Advisor to Prime Minister and Chairman, National Innovation Council will also present on the Innovation for the North Eastern Region. Mission Director, Mission on Geo Spatial Applications, Ministry of Science and Technology will present on “GIS mapping of social infrastructure in Nagaland and Manipur using 3D terrain models”. Ministry of Railways will also present on the Action Plan prepared for North Eastern Region on the basis of NER Vision 2020 and discussion thereon.
The source then said presentation of awards to the winners of the recently constituted North Eastern Council Chairman’s Sports Award for Excellence will be held. Gold Medalist in the recently held International events such as Common Wealth and Asian Games are being given Rs. 10.00 lakhs for Gold Medal, Rs. 5.00 lakhs for Silver and Rs. 3.00 lakhs for Bronze each.
As a body for planning and execution for over all development of the North East States, the meet is to chaired by Union Minister of DoNER and Chairman, NEC, B.K Handique. Almost all the Governors, Chief Ministers, Chief Secretaries will attend

Invoke friendship ‘Mith’ ties with trees - Pawan Chamling

Gangtok: Sikkim Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling on Sunday June 5 invoked an ancient friendship tie ‘Mith’, practiced by Nepali speaking community, to attract present-age school students to an environmentally friendly lifestyle.

The practice, ‘Mith’ ties one person with another person outside his clan in an eternal friendship bond passed down to each successive generation. Once a person pledges ‘Mith’ with another individual, both are part of each other’s happiness and sorrows in life. However, such long lasting friendship bond is out of fashion in today’s world.

“The lifestyle of students in Sikkim must be environmentally friendly and we want Sikkim to be exemplary in the world toward environment protection. Let us from today start a new concept of pledging ‘Mith’ with trees so that we protect them for generations”, said Dr. Chamling while addressing students and senior government officials during the World Environment Day celebrations here at Gangtok organized jointly by forest and human resource development departments.

“Our community had the practice of declaring ‘Mith’ with one another. That person whom our forefathers used to have ‘Mith’ was dearer than the family members and such tie goes on for generations. So, let us now pledge such tie with trees in our neighbourhood. I request the students to initiate this concept”, said the Chief Minister.

Highlighting initiatives taken by his government since 1994 towards protection of forests and wildlife in Sikkim, Dr. Chamling also proposed another measure to derive economic benefit by protecting large trees in the State.

“In other places, there are big trees which are revered and protected by local communities as ‘Devi Thans’ or ‘Mother Tree’. Let us also have this concept here in Sikkim and integrate it with tourism. We will scout for large trees in Sikkim and term them as ‘Blessing Trees’. Then put them in tourism brochures and spread word around that by hugging such ‘Blessing Trees’, one’s wishes will be fulfilled. We can also charge money from tourists for hugging these trees and the whole exercise becomes productive”, said the Chief Minister.

Chamling also presented ‘Chief Minister’s Green School Rolling Trophy’ to Middle Camp government senior secondary school on the occasion for having the most environmental conscious students among the 182 schools in Sikkim registered as ‘Green School’ under the forest department.

The award also carried a cash prize of Rs. 50,000. The next top four schools also received Green School award with a cash prize of Rs. 25,000 each. The awards had been institutionalized from this year.

As a further green encouragement towards students, the Chief Minister announced to enhance the Green School Rolling Trophy prize amount to Rs. 5 lakhs and Green School prize amount to Rs. 1 lakh each. He directed the department concerned to issue the remaining amount to Middle Camp government senior secondary school and other four schools immediately.

“These students are doing great service towards protection of environment and what they will do with a mere Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 25,000? If they received Rs. 5 lakhs or Rs. 1 lakh, at least they will be able to do some visible work in their schools. Let us have large hearts while working to protect environment”, said Chief Minister.

“Under the Green School programme, we have 182 schools registered at secondary and senior secondary levels and the programme seeks to enhance a student’s hands on knowledge on the best practices of environment conservation”, said forest secretary Mr. ST Lachungpa.

PICTORIAL VILLAGE TO VILLAGE TOUR OF SIKKIM CM

DR.PAWAN CHAMING REACH OUT TO PEOPLE ACROSS SIKKIM FOR FACE TO FACE INTER-ACTION

Interview with Sikkim CM Pawan Chamling

Gangtok: Before motoring off to South villages on his June 3 itinerary, Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling took off time to interact with media for about 30 minutes at Temi tourist guest house and shared the objective behind his marathon tour of rural Sikkim.

Excerpts of the press meet




On his Sikkim Bhraman

CM: I have run the government for 17 years and people have reposed their faith in me for the fourth consecutive term as I have worked honestly. I am on this tour of entire Sikkim. I want to see whether development has reached villages or not and what the rural people want. There is still three years left for elections and I want to finish the pending works. As per democracy, people form the government and they are the masters and I want to meet my masters, solve their problems and give democracy a practical form.

On the accompanying bureaucracy

CM: I am accompanied by ministers, MLAs, additional chief secretary and departmental heads. In short, the government has come to the people at their door steps to listen to them and sanction justified demands on the spot. We have brought along the bureaucracy so that the departmental heads see the ground reality in rural areas. Being a part of this new exercise, officials will be able to understand the ground reality and our government will be more democratic.

On road experience so far

CM: During my tour, I thought there will be many complaints but not many complaints are coming as the people are happy. It is due to the fact that we have fulfilled all the basic minimum needs and we are now on second generation development works by strengthening our infrastructure and delivering quality services. We want to give quality drinking water, power, education and health.

On democratic dividend enjoyed by Sikkimese

CM: Until we practice collective responsibility, our nation will not develop. Each one of us has to shoulder our responsibility. The fruits of development in Sikkim are enjoyed by everyone. There is peace, good law and order, development and good roads in Sikkim and everyone is happy. This is a democratic dividend people are enjoying here. But compare to other States where there is disturbance or insurgency. The people there are suffering and it is a democratic deficit.

On infrastructure development

CM: The infrastructure in Sikkim has doubled during my 17 years of government as compared to that developed by the Monarchy and Nar Bahadur Bhandari. I have given two times more development than their combined tenure. This is my contribution. The roads are twice in length and quality. Barring a few, whatever assets people are seeing in Sikkim now has come during our SDF government. Sikkim was introduced to industrialization during my time and whenever industrialization of Sikkim is discussed, my name will come up.

SIKKIM CM PAWAN CHAMLING SANCTIONS PROJECTS FOR TEMI TEA GARDEN AREA

Temi June 4:The Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling on the 10th day of his 40days marathon before hitting the roads as scheduled met with the people of Temi- Tarku at Cherry Guest House, Temi where he had camped on 2nd June. During the meet numerous individual grievances were put forward by the people which were looked upon by the government and two projects one on tourism at Temi worth 2 crores and another project costing 22 lakhs were sanctioned on priority basis for Temi area. Whereas in a short interaction with the Panchayat of Temi GPU, CM said that all panchayat members must work responsibly and dedicatedly for the
development of their respective wards, village like himself as he takes responsibility for the whole of Sikkim state. Furthermore CM urged the Panchayat members to differentiate between justice and injustice being carried out for availing righteous justice to the needy and the poor for attaining proper development of state as a whole. Whereas CM in his address to the people of Mengli at Namphok, Secondary School ground under Yangyang constituency, South Sikkim said that Sikkim is developing and prospering at the same time the people who had left the state long time back due to hardship, deprivation and non existence of favorable environment are returning back now which indicates that our state is peacefull, secure and developing. Adding more CM informed that there are few anti social elements who are misleading the
innocent Limbo Tamang community of state claiming that the reservation
of seats in assembly will not be given by the ruling government where CM stated that the tribal status of Limbu and Tamang was initiated under his governance and the reservation of LT seats in assembly can also be availed by the ruling government as the ruling government has found a way in mitigating the seats problem in assembly too. CM said that “ I am not a leader to lead a particular cast or community but a leader to lead Sikkim as a whole” and the support of the people which was bestowed upon me
considering me as a true leader have been achieved so far as our government and my self have not mislead the Sikkimese people in wrong direction at all due to which today Sikkim is in the right path and is prospering inclusive of the people of state. Adding more CM even expressed his sadness over the construction of road being carried out from Pabung- Simchuthang as he claimed that work carried out is not apt which in days ahead will create problem for the innocent people of that particular area and also stated that the work must be completed properly, qualitatively or the contractor engaged will be penalized accordingly.
Furthermore CM pointed out that carpeting of roads, construction of
pucca bridges, link roads, approach roads will be prioritized initially under PWD and Roads and Bridges department whereas the left out villages with no road connectivity will be connected under PMGSY scheme and all the roads in Sikkim will be carpeted. Furthermore the demands like construction of community center cum multipurpose hall for the youth, construction of mandir, rural marketing center, and village tourism were demanded apart from other demands which were granted by the Sikkim CM on the spot.

(SikkimMail)

Sikkim Chief Minister to allot land to all Sikkimese

GANGTOK (IPR): The eight day village to village tour of the Chief Minister along with the state administration started from Legship Gram Prasashan Kendra above Legship bazaar today.

Mentioning about the main objective behind such a programme of the government the Chief Minister said that such a programme will help the officials to get a first hand view of the problems faced by the people and their requirements at the rural areas which in long run definitely help to strengthen the administrative machinery and expedite the delivery mechanism of the state.

Interacting with the people about the various programmes and policies of the government for the socio-economic upliftment of the people and the society the Chief Minister said that the government has done everything possible to usher sustainable development in the state. The government has created various opportunities in various fields and now it is the stake holders turn to contribute. Development is a two way process, he said and added that Sikkim lacks stake holders contribution.

Rabongala Facilities from the government has increased manifold but contribution from the stake holders has not increased. Talking about the second generation development programme of the government the Chief Minister said that the government has almost completed infrastructural development and is turning towards economic development through the created infrastructure. But this will be possible only with Stake holder’s contribution, he added. Unless and until the stake holders react positively, rise above petty individual requirements and give their contribution development will not be possible, the Chief Minister said.

Talking about the Land Bank Scheme of the government for providing land to the landless the Chief Minister directed the district officials to prepare a list of land less people, identify the land and prepare a holistic proposal by incorporating the financial involvement for the Scheme and submit it to the Land Revenue Department immediately.

He assured the people to cover the entire state and provide land to all the landless people of Sikkim within two years. He directed the panchayats and the district administration to coordinate with each other for successful implementation of the scheme.

At Bering, South Sikkim where the Chief Minister interacted with the people of Jarong, Barfung, dethang and adjoining areas the people thanked the Chief Minister for the government policy of encouraging cooperative societies in the state. One person also came forward and thanked the Chief Minister for the CM Meritorious Scholorship Programme as his child got scholarship under the scheme and is presently studying at Tashi Namgyal Academy, Gangtok.

IInd Phase of Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling's tour begins

Sikkim CM’s tour resumes after a week’s halt

GANGTOK: After a weeklong halt, the 40 days marathon of the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling resumed from 31st May which was joined by almost all the Ministers, MLA’s, the head of the department and officials of different departments.

The Chief Minister  started his visit from Barfung Constituency covering Lingyong, Rayong Tinkitam, Lamaten Tingmoo, GPU and Golitar.

Sikkim CM in his opening address said that the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) Party has completed its 17 years of governance in Sikkim and has stepped into the 18th year and since seventeen years the government is working towards uplifting the state from poverty and today Sikkim is free from the traps of poverty.

The Chief Minister Chamling further added that now the reason behind poverty in the state is that people have not been able to utilize their capacity to reduce poverty to the fullest. Productive hard work is the answer to the poverty, the Chief Minister said. Talking about the various demands placed by the people the Chief Minister asked the public not to count on the quantity of works sanctioned and implemented rather to stress on the quality of the work which is being implemented in the village.

Addressing upon the economy of the state Chief Minister said that the eminent economist (Noble laureate) Amartya Sen has stated numerous points in regards to sustainable economy in his books, and his dreams has been practically implemented in Sikkim today and urged the citizens across the state to adopt some sustainable means of service by which the people can uplift their living standard and economy as well.

Sikkim is the only state across the nation which is well connected with roads and our government by providing roads connectivity in state does not aim only at the increase in physical standard but also feels that the connectivity of roads will increase the mental and knowledge standards of the people of state at large added CM.
Sikkim CM in his address informed the people that 6000 concrete houses will be constructed with in a span of six months time under Chief Minister housing scheme across the state specially focusing the house less citizens and added that the government also aims of making Sikkim a kutchha house free state. With regards to the construction of houses CM urged the department concerned to provide all the necessary clearance with a feeling of help and stated that no citizens must be hindered or obstructed during the providing of clearance certificate.

Whereas in regards to the construction of roads in the state which is hindered due to lack of forest clearance certificate CM urged the concerned department’s officials including secretary to avail the clearance certificate as soon as possible with out any delay.

Chief Minister addressing the students of government schools said that numerous schemes have been carried out by the government for the students in state currently but to avail that the students needs to be competitive along with hard working and under this schemes the children of the poorest families in the state can avail quality education in public schools with in the state as well as outside considering the brighter future of the state in days ahead.

Chief Minister Pawan Chamling in regards to his door to door visit said that the whole government is in a marathon ,visiting every villages across the state with all its implementing agencies to view all its developmental works conduced so far along with to know the persisting problems of the people and their grievance. Adding more CM said that such initiatives of the government is first of its kind in the nation and is also a sign of direct democracy too. All the grievances, demands put forward by the people, citizens of the visited area today were granted approval on the spot by the CM.

The women cooperative wing member of Lamaten Tingmoo Ms. Lakpa Chuki Sherpa, an unemployed youth in regards to the cooperative society movement started by the ruling government expressing her happiness said that the cooperative society movement has provided an opportunity to the unemployed youths with a way of being employed and engaged in service sector independently. Furthermore Ms. Sherpa said that the profit that is made out of the allocated work, contract is distributed amongst the members which have eventually uplifted the needy and the poor alike. Ms. Sherpa in regards to the visit of the CM under the door to door visit said that it is his greatness and love for the poor which is really being proved by this marathon.

Furthermore the demands like the construction of new roads, approach roads, village tourism, animal husbandry, supply of drinking water and construction of kishan bazaar were the major ones amongst other demands put forward by the people today.

(Sikkim Mail)

Sikkim CM Chamling’s state tour to restart from tomorrow

Gangtok: After taking almost a week long rest the second phase of the state wide tour of the Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling and the State Administration will commence from the 31st May. The second leg will cover Ravangla, Kewzing, Tinkitam, Ralang, Borong, Yangyang, Lingmo and Lingi Payong in South Sikkim. During the tour the Chief Minister will also lay the foundation stone of the Kabir Math at Lingmo.

The Sikkim CM went on for first round of tour on 17th of May beginning from his own constituency in the South District. The first round came to a halt on 25th.

Sikkim CM Pawan Chamling’s tour to resume from 31 May

GANGTOK, 26 May [IPR]: The second phase of the state-wide tour of the Chief Minister and the State administration is to commence from 31 May 2011. The second leg will cover Ravangla, Kewzing, Tinkitam, Ralang, Borong, Yangyang, Lingmo and Lingi Payong in South Sikkim. During the tour, the Chief Minister will also be laying the foundation stone of the Kabir Math at Lingmo.

Astroturf pitch in the Gangtok Football Stadium by Sikkim CM

GANGTOK, 25 May: The artificial turf laid out at Paljor Stadium is all set to be inaugurated by the Chief Minister on 28 May. With its Astroturf cover spread across a handsome 93,000+ sq feet, Paljor Stadium is now the largest Astroturf in the SAARC Region.
The inauguration will feature an exhibition match between Bhaichung Bhutia’s United Sikkim Football Club [USFC] and Minister’s XI made up of Sikkimese footballers playing in different clubs around the country and some foreign players.
The Astroturf was manufactured by the FieldTurf Tarkett, Georgia, USA, and the project executed by the Great Sports Infrastructure Private Limited. Work began on 01 January this year and completed at a cost of sanctioned cost of Rs 3.77 crores.
Apart from laying the artificial turf, the department had also taken up many renovation works at the stadium.
Addressing a press conference today, the Sports & Youth Affairs Secretary, Karma P Bhutia, mentioned that the entire infrastructure is the contribution of the Chief Minister to the people of Sikkim.
He informed that apart from the cultural programmes, the inaugural function will also have a surprise item during the interval of the exhibition match.
He gave full credit to the officials of the department and other organisations involved on the completion of the project within its scheduled time.
The playing surface is composed of monofilament polyethylene blend fibres tufted into a polypropylene backing. The infill is made up of a bottom layer of silica sand, a middle layer which is a mixture of sand and cryogenic rubber and a top layer of rubber.
The fibres are meant to replicate blades of grass, while the infill acts as a cushion, which improves safety compared to earlier artificial surfaces while still allowing players to “plant and pivot” as if they were playing on a grass field.
Mr Bhutia informed that the surface is also beneficial due to its low-cost maintenance and durability.
He further informed that some teams have practiced on this turf, including Bhaichung and his club, and have given a positive endorsement. Artificial turf is also more suited for Gangtok weather than the plains.
After the inauguration, the ground will be opened for all footballers for regular practice and coaching camps and for other disciplines for fitness. The department will also be issuing the identity cards for regular users to deny access to miscreants to the stadium complex.
He informed that digging and public functions will be avoided at the ground.
He added that the artificial turf will also help footballers improve their technical skills.
He informed that the United Sikkim Football Club has approached the department for use of the Paljor Stadium and the department will provide them the ground on payment of a fee.
The Secretary informed that the department will also take up other developmental and renovation works in the stadium later this year.

(Now Daily)

The day 4 of the Sikkim CM Marathon StateTour



DR.PAWAN CHAMLING

 GANGTOK: The fourth day of the 36 day marathon tour of the Chief Minister began with a visit to Maniram Singhithang GPU where while addressing the gathering the Chief Minister asked the gatering to be more precise and productive in their demands to the government instead of coming with petty requests.
He also informed that the development work in Sikkim has reached to such a level that if now people and government work in tandem, the dream of turning Sikkim into an eco-city state will be realised in no time.

Dr.Chamling also mentioned that without the support of the people his hands will be tight and the kind of work which he dreams to execute won’t be possible. The day which marked the second year completion of fourth term in office became more significant when the Chief Minister inaugurated the first ever MGNREGA Rajiv Gandhi Sewa Kendra at Tanjzi Bikmat GPU which comes under the umbrella of BAC Namthang. The Chief Minister also inaugurated the computer room in the same premises where Management Information System of MGNREGA will be available for general public which will give the access to all the information required under the scheme.

Mr. Chamling also visited Adult Learning Centre there and interacted with the students who are the older folks of the region. He was very encouraged to see that the number of old people are coming forward in the centre to learn which in turn has been a source of inspiration for learning and education which goes on to show that age can be no bar for learning. Addressing a huge gathering inthe Kendra he emphasised on having social demands rather than materialistic and indivisual ones. Mr. Chamling informed that the Happiness Index of the people which he hopes and aspires to give them can only be attained if people come up and rise above the personel and small requirements. He also added that the mindset of the people if changed to positive then the Happiness Index will rise automatically.

After that the Chief Minister on his way also inaugurated the newly built two storied school building of Rateypani High School. He emphasised on having quality of work and said that the infrastructure development which has taken place in Sikkim can only sustain if the general public take it as their own property. Addressing on the demand of the people with regard to the establisment of Indian Institute of Information Technology the Chief Minister said Rateypani will be considered on priority for establishment of such institution and necessary survey for acquiring the land shall be done.

The Sikkim Chief Minister Chamling also visited Government Junior High School, Kateng, Nagi Gonpa, Kaijaley and Sumin Khor on his days visit and interacted with the people