message of hon'ble chief minister on the occasion of

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MESSAGE OF HON’BLE CHIEF MINISTER ON THE

OCCASION OF THE 70th

INDEPENDENCE DAY,

15th

AUGUST 2016.

Respected fellow citizens

On the auspicious occasion of the 70th

Independence Day of the

Country, I extend my warm greetings to the people of the Sikkim

and to my fellow Countrymen. August 15th

1947 was the

culmination of decades old struggle to secure freedom from foreign

rule. In a way, that was also the monumental occasion to shoulder

greater responsibility to chart our own destiny and build the fate of

the Country on our own strength and wisdom. We pay our tribute to

our forefathers, our freedom fighters for the supreme sacrifices they

made to bring freedom for us that enabled us to enjoy the fruits of

self rule and self-governance.

Respected fellow Sikkimese

In the long and eventful journey of the Country, we too had the

privilege of joining our great Nation as its 22nd

State. In this

context, it needs special mention that Sikkim became part of the

Indian union, to be part of the largest democracy, out of the

collective wishes of people of Sikkim, out of their own choice and

volition. Based on the outcome of the historical Referendum of

April 14, 1975, Sikkim as an independent sovereign Country

merged with another Country. Nowhere in the world do we find

similar instance of integration into the larger democratic Nation,

duly strengthening the Country‟s integrity and sovereignty.

And this was unlike many other princely states assimilated into the

Union after Independence which was largely credited to the astute

diplomatic initiatives undertaken by the then Union Home Minister

Sardar Vallabhai Patel. Like the thousands of Indians, the people of

Sikkim also long aspired to live a life of dignity, self esteem and

respect. They wanted to free themselves from the shackles of

inequality, injustice, and torture and wanted to establish a society

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based on social equity, justice and fair play. In this way, Sikkim

became the youngest State after 28th

years of India‟s Independence.

In closer assessment, we also find that Sikkim lagged behind in the

development process in terms of late integration into the planning

process of the County by over four consecutive Five Year Plans.

You are aware that Sikkim was included into the North East

Council family only in 2003. All our earlier requests were turned

down quoting lack of „geographical contiguity‟ with other North

Eastern States. The State Government, through consistent

diplomatic forays and persuasive submission, finally succeeded to

include Sikkim into the NEC. At the hindsight, we can well deduce

that we were denied access to all attending benefits under the NEC

dispensation by 32 long years and remained backward on account of

this for such long years.

Respected citizens

In spite of all the historical downturns, we rose up to the occasion

and conducted the affairs of the State in the best way possible. Let

us not forget that transition from feudal system to democratic

tradition was not that smooth and forthcoming. Remnants of feudal

attitude and behaviour could not readily accept the power of people

and voices of common Sikkimese reverberating the hills and valleys

of Sikkimese landscape. Nonetheless, powered by the democratic

mandate of the people, we moved on and successfully provided

development oriented governance to the people with honesty and all

sincerity.

We framed our development strategy based on our natural

resources, and some intensely innovative ideas to propel our State

into comprehensive development path. We restored political rights

and social justice system for the people of Sikkim. We provided

good governance for the last twenty two years and fulfilled the

basic minimum needs of the people successfully. After twenty two

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years, we can see that we are leaders in many sectors providing new

direction and fresh insight into the development dynamic for the

entire Country.


The initial hiccups the people experienced after Sikkim‟s

integration are now things of the past. The Sikkim Democratic

Front Government has effectively governed the State over the last

22 years addressing the hopes and aspirations of the people of

Sikkim to the fullest measures. While exercising the essential spirit

of freedom and self determination, the State Government has guided

the collective interest of the State in the best way possible. The

large number of both short term and long term development models

are testimony to our sincerity and honesty. The impressive array of

infrastructural facilities available to people in the State is historical

and unprecedented. And all these, I believe, was possible because of

the democratic system and tradition that we have collectively

nurtured and promoted. On this great occasion, I also would like to

congratulate the people of Sikkim for their hard work, knowledge

and wisdom to support the State Government for all the

development programs.

We have worked day and night for 22 years to fulfil the hopes and

aspirations of the Sikkimese people. While looking back, I am

contended that every single day and every single minute was

invested for the betterment of the Sikkimese society. No doubt, the

list of our achievements have been exhaustive to improve the

overall living condition of the people of Sikkim.

Building of best human resource

My esteemed Sikkimese citizens

Education has always remained our priority with our ambitious aim

to make Sikkim a fully-literate State. We have earmarked over 20

percent of annual budget in the education sector, the highest

allocation so far in the entire country. Education comes virtually

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free in the State upto the college level. During the last twenty two

years, we have crossed many milestones. Some of the following

achievements would highlight the importance that we give to

educating our children

1. Education is free upto the College level and free upto

University level for students falling under the BPL category.

Let us remember that such facilities are not available in other

parts of the State and the Country.

2. There is provision for free distribution of school uniforms,

books, exercise books, school bags, raincoats etc. with effect

from 24.07.1995 for the primary school children. Similar

facilities have been extended to school children up to class VII

since 01.09.2010. These facilities also are available only in

Sikkim, which are nowhere to be found elsewhere.

3. Ethnic languages of Newari, the Rai, the Gurung, the Mangar,

the Sherpa & the Tamang were recognised as State Official

Languages and introduced in School curriculum since

21.03.1995

4. Merit Scholarship for elementary education from class VI to

VIII, from class IX to X, from class XI to XII introduced on

11.06.2002

5. Prerna Yojana introduced in the State on 07.01.2004 to

encourage education for girl child, which is not there

anywhere in the Country

6. We have also introduced Small Family Scheme for our girl

students since April 1997 with a total of 8,702 beneficiaries so

far. This is also unique program of the State Government and

the only of its kind in the whole Country.

7. Financial Assistance is extended to Local BPL Student in all

Degree Colleges in the State since 24.03.2005

8. “Shiksha Shiromani‟‟ the highest award in the field of

education in Sikkim introduced on 14.11.2006

9. Comprehensive Education Loan scheme introduced for

student since the year 2007. A total of 2,485 beneficiaries

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have taken interest free loan with financial implication of over

Rs. 100 crores.

10. Fellowship Grants for pursuing Ph.D. courses introduced

in the State on 02.04.2008. Under this scheme,

fellowship grant of Rs.8000 per month along with a

contingency grant of Rs.16000 per annum is being

granted to local students pursuing Ph.D course for four

years.

11. The State Government sanctioned creation of 65 posts of

primary and graduate teachers for 12 Sanskrit Pathshalas

on 16.06.2009. Further, for the first time, separate posts

for Graduate Teacher in Nepali language were created in

the State.

12. Since 10.04.2012, the State Government has undertaken

to educate our children to reputed public schools within

and outside the State. Under the Chief Minister‟s Free

Scholarship, we have sponsored 607 students to various

public schools inside the State and a total of 162 students

outside the State on the basis of examination held at the

Class V level. Similarly, under the Chief Minister‟s

Merit Scholarship scheme, the State Government bears

the entire cost of expenditure for any Sikkimese who is

able to secure admission in any twenty best Universities

of the world. So far three scholars have availed benefit

from this unique scheme.

13. For students securing the first three positions at the Class

X and XII levels in Science subjects, are provided

appreciation grants at the rate of Rs. 1 lakh, Rs. 75,000

and Rs. 50,000 respectively.

14. With the aim to equip our children with the latest

technological tools, we have distributed a total of 18,500

laptops to our children studying in Class XI and XII and

the college going students.

15. The Sikkimese educated youths are being sent by the

State Government to reputed Centres across the Country

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for undergoing coaching under Union Public Service

Commission and Staff Service Coaching. A total of 112

aspirants and another 10 aspirants under the SSC scheme

have availed of the benefit so far.

16. As a unique incentive, a sum of Rs. 2 lakhs is provided

to parents of students who top UPSC examination

17. A unique program namely Sikkim Studies Programme

launched in Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi on 25th

April 2011

18. Monastic school teachers and Sanskrit teachers are being

paid at par with the primary teachers of the government

schools. There is provision for free distribution of books,

exercise books, uniforms and all other facilities to the

monastic as available with students studying in

government schools.

19. 2,682 school toilets have been constructed in the State to

benefit girl children and boys in government schools


Adding yet another feather to the education sector, we have recently

started Science College at Chakung in West Sikkim. This is based on

our commitment made earlier to locate centre of higher learning in all

corners of the State to benefit all our children who seek to enroll

themselves in good colleges. The new College which was inaugurated

on July 26, 2016 at Chakung will go a long way in providing quality

education at affordable cost. I congratulate the people of Sikkim for

his achievement and call upon all the children to take maximum

advantage of this quality centre of learning.

In addition to the above College, one Vocational Collage at Dentam

is being established. Proposal for establishment of Women Arts

College at Khamdong and Arts College at Mangshila, North Sikkim

are under process which will be opened soon in the State.

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The State Government is in the process of establishing State

University. All academic processes have been undertaken. In fact,

Post Graduate Courses in some select courses have commenced at

the Sikkim Government College Tadong.

I am also happy to mention that in-principle approval has been

granted for establishment of Buddhist University in Sikkim, to be

housed in the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Deorali. Preliminary

processes including its affiliation and designing of curriculum are

being undertaken. Once established, we propose three main

disciplines in the proposed set up, namely- Buddhist Studies for

M.A. and Ph.D; Centre for language for documented languages of

the State; and Science of healing known as Sowa Rigpa- equivalent

to Ayurveda, Sidha and Unani system of medicine.

Respected citizens

Compared to the past, the State today boasts of large number of

educational institutes offering diverse options to our children to opt

for their preferred subjects. They include the following:

a) Total number of Primary Schools which was 529 in 1994 has

risen to 406 schools today;

b) Junior High School in 1994 was 118 which is increased to 179

schools at present

c) 66 number of Secondary Schools in 1994 has increased to 118

schools in 2015

d) The total number of Senior Secondary Schools in 1994 was 22

which is today 64 Schools

In addition, I would like to present the following figures which will

reflect the advancement we have made in building institutes of

higher learning in Sikkim.

Colleges

1. Sikkim government College, Tadong (1977)

2. Sikkim Government College, Namchi (1995)

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3. Sikkim Government College, Rhenock (2005)

4. Sikkim Government Law College, Burtuk (1980)

5. Sikkim Government College, Gyalshing (2011)

6. Sikkim Government B.Ed. College, Soreng (2010)

7. Government Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, Samdong (1997)

8. State Institute of Higher Nyingma Studies (SIHNS), Deorali

(1964)

9. Sikkim Government College, 2nd

Campus, Burtuk (2013)

10. One Pharmacy College is being set up at Sajong

Central University: 02(two)

1. Sikkim Central University (2007)

2. National Institute of Technology, Rabongla (2009)

No. of Private Universities: 05 (five)

1. Sikkim Manipal University, Tadong (2006)

2. ICFAI University, Sichey (2005)

3. ELLIM University, Jorethang (2006)

4. Vinayaka Missions Sikkim University (2008)

5. SRM University, Sikkim (2014)

No. of Private Colleges: 05(five)

1. Damber Singh College, Gangtok

2. Harka Maya College of Education, Gangtok.

3. LoyolaCollege of Education, Namchi

4. Pallatine College, Pakyong

5. HimalayanPharmacy College, Majitar

No. of Polytechnics: 02(two)

1. Advanced Technical Training Centre, barding (2005)

2. Centre for Communication & Computer Technology,

Chisopani, South Sikkim (2005)

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No. of DIETs: 03(Three)

1. DIET, Gangtok (2003)

2. DIET, Namchi (2010)

3. DIET, Gyalshing (2010)

Due to our consistent endeavour, the literacy rate of Sikkim which

was 56 percent in 1994 has increased to 82.2 percent as per 2011

census. During the same period, the teacher-student ratio of 1:25

has improved to 1:12. We had 6,381 teachers in 1994 and the

number of teachers has gone up to 10,605 in the year 2015.

Under this sector, we aim to make Sikkim a fully literate state.

Therefore, we have launched the Total Literary Mission on

01.11.2010 to transform Sikkim into total literate state by 2019,

which is all too possible. The census figure of 82.2 percent of 2011

should be hovering at around 90 percent today. And it would not be

long before we achieve our target in or prior to 2019.

Healthy Sikkim

My dear fellow Sikkimese

Health services in the State is freely available to the people of

Sikkim. The driving force behind this campaign is making State

disease free.

We are undertaking both preventive and curative measures. The

idea has been to safeguard our people from contacting any disease

and also to provide the required treatment to the sick. Under the

health sector, we have started some new and innovative schemes,

which are unique in the Country.

1. Pulse Polio Immunization Programe was launched in 1995 in

the State

2. The State Government waived investigation charge to senior

bonafide citizens of above 65 years since 11.06.1996

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3. The State Government established GNM Training School at

STNM Hospital complex in 200.

4. Chief Minister‟s Comprehensive Annual and Total Check Up

for Healthy Sikkim (CATCH) was launched on August 26,

2010 to provide for compulsory annual health check up for all

our people;

5. Free Hepatitis B and MDR vaccination for children was

launched with effect from August 14, 2001;

6. Janani Surakshya Yojna was introduced in the State on 12th

April 2005.

7. For achieving status of best performing state in immunization

in NE zone, the State was awarded 4th

JRD Tata Memorial

award on 9th

January 2009.

8. The State Government launched Mukhya Mantri Antyodaya

Pustahaar Yojna on 15.08.2009

9. Free MDR TB drugs provided for all the persons staying

within Sikkim since 18.01.2009

10. Iron, Folic acid & Calcium Supplement made available

to lactating mothers & girls student since 15.08.2009

11. Deworming programme done twice a year for students

since 15.08.2009

12. The State Government introduced Mukhya Mantri

Jeewan Raksha Kosh (MMJRK) for the BPL patients

needing advanced treatment outside the State since 2009

13. Free supply of hearing aid and focal lens to elderly

citizens since 2009 under the Netra Jyoti Yojana and

Sravan Shakti Samridhi Yojana

14. Mukhya Mantri Antodaya Upachar Bima Yojana was

launched in 2010 for the BPL families

15. The State Government launched the Mukhya Mantri Sisu

Suraksha Yojna Avam Sutkeri Shayog Yojna on 15th

August, 2011. Under the programme, the mother

receives cash assistance of Rs.3000/- at the time of

institutional delivery and Rs.500/-pm for the child upto

the age of 6 years.

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16. In additioan to the existing medical colleges, one

Pharmacy College has been set up at Sajong and an

ANM Training Centre at Kyongsa in West Sikkim.

17. We have also established one Referral Hospital, four

District Hospitals, two Community Health Centres, 14

Primary Health Centres and 146 Primary Health Sub

Centres. Besides, we also operate Mobile Clinics across

the State.

18. Recently, one health centre has been established at

Chipchu near Changu.

19. A Ten bedded Aayush hospital has been set up at

Sokethang,

20. A 5-bedded dialysis unit at STNM and a 20-bedded

emergency unit have been established at STNM.

21. The department is installing digital x rays in the 4

districts and a CT scan machine at Namchi in order to

provide better health care to the people.

On completion of the on-going construction of 1000 bedded multi

specialty hospital in Gangtok, the State Government envisages to

provide affordable, world class health care to the poorest of the

poor. This multi specialty hospital is at an advanced stage of

completion and it is our aim to complete the construction by end of

this year.

I am happy to inform that all health indices obtained in Sikkim have

been very encouraging. We have effectively addressed the multi-

dimensional health care concerns over the decades including in the

area of institutional delivery, immunization coverage, leprosy etc.

Fellow citizens

There are problems which need to be addressed collectively in the

region of TB cure rate and declining fertility rate of 1.7 as against

the existing normal rate of 2.02 in the State in past. Nonetheless,

compared to the national figure of 40 per 1000, the IMR in Sikkim

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is only 19 per 1000 (SRS 2014) which was 70 before December

1994. Mention may be made that during the last 22 years, the

average Life Expectancy of Sikkimese people has increased by over

four years.

Rural Prosperity

Respected Sikkimese citizens

You are well aware that the State Government is pro-poor and cares

for the weak and vulnerable section of the society. This explains our

policy thrust to allocated seventy percent of the state budget for the

development and upliftment of our villages way back in 1995 itself.

In fact, the United Nation Resident Coordinator Ms. Lise Grande

has applauded the State of Sikkim for its outstanding achievement

to reduce level of poverty by huge percentage and has mentioned

that since World War II, there is no other country in the entire world

that has achieved what we have done here so quickly.

Fellow citizens

Some of the far-reaching policy initiatives and schemes are as

follow:

1. A total of 17,891 one-storied rural houses have been

constructed under the different housing schemes of the State

Government for the poor and needy households.

2. Under the Gramin Awas Yojana, we have given house

upgradation grant for repair and renovation of old houses to a

total of 51, 637 households so far.

3. Under the Indira Awas Yojana, we have so far constructed

20,107 houses.

4. GCI sheets have also been distributed to 56,265 households at

the rate of 30 sheets per house.

5. A total of 17,000 beneficiaries were distributed Induction

Chullah in the State.

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6. A total number of 9,600 beneficiaries were given gas cylinder

connections in the State.

Fellow citizens

The State Government has empowered the rural masses through

effective transfer of power and function to the grassroot people.

Under the decentralization and devolution of power as mandated by

the 73rd

and 74th

Amendment of Constitution, we have firmly

strengthened the Panchayati Raj institution in every village.

Duly honouring the tradition and customary laws, the State

Government retained and promoted the traditional system of

Dzumsa at Lachen and Lachung since 1995 equivalent to the

existing panchayats.

An early beginning was made in the year 1995 itself to allocate

seventy percent of state annual budget for rural development. After

the passage of two decades, we have 31 number of Block

Administrative Centres, 176 Gram Panchayat Bhawans for each

GPU, 986 Gram Panchayat Members and 110 Zilla Panchayat

Members.

A historic decision was taken in 1997 to empower our womenfolk

by granting them 33 percent reservation in panchayati raj

institution. This was subsequently raised to 40 percent in 2007 and

50 percent in 2011. Today, half of the office bearers in gram

panchayat and zilla panchayat are women holding prestigious posts

of Gram Panchayat President, Gram Panchayat Vice President,

Secretary, Zilla Panchayat, Panchayat Adhyakshyas and Upa-

Adhyakshyas.

For the first time in the State, we introduced cash honorarium for

the serving Panchayats as follows:

Zilla Panchayat members/ Gram Panchayat Sabhapatis @

Rs.4800/-p.m

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Up-Sabhapati of GPUs @ Rs. 4400/-p.m

Sachiva of GPUs @ Rs.4000/-p.m

Gram Panchayat members @ Rs.3200/-p.m

There is also provision for discretionary fund to Zilla Panchayats

members/Gram Panchayats Members as follows:

Rs.10000/- per year for Zilla Panchayat members/ Gram

Panchayat Sabhapatis

Up-Sabhapati of GPUs @ Rs. 7000/-per year

Sachiva of GPUs @ Rs.6000/-per year

Gram Panchayat members @ Rs.5000/-per year

In Sikkim there are a total of 16,500 families under Antyodaya

Anna Yojana (AAY) who are entitled to 35 kgs of free rice per

month and 3,24,081 individuals under Priority Household (PHH)

who are entitled to 5 kgs of rice per head @ Rs. 3/- per kg per

month. Beside this, Welfare Institutions run by NGOs, Monastic

Schools and Destitute Homes and families who have been left out

due to capping under National Food Security Act, 2013 are to be

provided 5 kgs of subsidized rice per month at Rs 3/- per individual.

A total of 17,000 households have benefitted from free distribution

of Induction Stove provided by the State Government. Free LPG

connection to a total of 9865 families has provided great relief to

our people.

The State Government also provides free supply of power upto 100

units in the villages and a total of 48,872 families are benefitting

from this scheme.

Under National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), a total of 397

Self Help Groups have been formed in East District and 132 in

North District. Under the North East Rural Livelihood Project

(NERLP), a total of 1496 SHGs in South District and 1697 in West

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District have been formed. An additional 1200 SHGs shall be

formed under NRLM by the next three months.

The State Government has constructed a total of 1,05,311 individual

household latrines. Provision for toilet has been made mandatory

for each household which has been linked to government grants and

facilities.

The State Government is widely acclaimed for its clean and green

development programs. The State has received two national awards

for Swacch Bharat Mission Gramin and the Prime Minister‟s award

for excellence in public administration was awarded to the West

District on Civil Services Day at New Delhi on 21.04.2016.

Fellow Sikkimese

In building of rural infrastructure, the State Government has

explored all possible avenues covering all villages and households.

Construction of large number of Rural Community Playgrounds,

CC Footpaths, Community Sanitary Complex, Rain water

Harvesting Schemes, Ground Water Harvesting Schemes, Village

Water Supply Scheme, Rural Foot Bridges, Suspension Foot

Bridges, Community Recreation Centres have been constructed.

I am happy to record that over 4500 major and minor rural water

supply schemes amounting to Rs. 64787.58 lakhs were undertaken

to provide safe potable drinking water to all households in the State.

Within urban habitation, a total of 33 new schemes for water

supply, augmentation, up-gradation, distributions etc were

undertaken in urban and semi-urban bazaars. A total of 15 new

schemes for setting of sewerage facility, rehabilitation, construction,

extension etc were undertaken in urban areas.

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Roads in Sikkim

Fellow citizens

The total length of road constructed and maintained by the State

Roads & Bridges Department has increased by many folds. The

total of 1889 kms of road in 1994 has now increased to 4,865.41

kms in 2015 in the State. We are the State having highest road

density in the entire Country and the State has already received

Bharat Nirman Puraskar. Therefore, road access has been largely

addressed in Sikkim. Our next priority would be providing all-

weather, all-seasons quality blacktopped roads in the State.

Urban Management Urban policy as part of urbanization was conceptualized late in the

State. While the expansion schedule was based on short term

judgment, it left hardly any room for future planning to incorporate

modern and professional inputs into the whole urban planning

strategy. The magnitude of constraint on housing shortages, traffic

congestions, sewerage and sanitation deficiencies, garbage disposal

etc. pose a formidable challenge to the civic administration. Urban

expansion that we witnessed during the last two decades has tended

to outpace the limited resources and space to accommodate swelling

trend of rural-urban migration.

Nonetheless, the Sikkim Democratic Front government undertook

timely intervention to locate and re-locate urban amenities including

parking space, shopping malls and other urban utilities in

conjunction with local geography. Today, Sikkim has emerged as

the cleanest hill State in the Country, earning many awards and

appreciations over the years.

My fellow citizens

On this occasion, I would like to present a summary of works we

have undertaken to bring about urban symmetry and achieve

synergy amongst different implementing processes for sustainable

urban expansion and beautification.

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1. Implemented Swarna Jayanti Sahari Rojgar Yojana (SJSRY).-

1997.

2. Sikkim Trade Licence & Miscellaneous Provisions Rules,

1985 has been amended on 04.06.1998 banning use of plastic

bags and to introduce proper disposal of wastes by keeping

two separate bins painted with green and red for disposing

bio-degradable and non-biodegradable wastes. Medical &

Pharmaceutical clinics to keep extra bin painted yellow for

disposing medical & clinical wastes. -

3. 04.11.1999, we inaugurated the Pedestrian Fly-Over at Tri-

Junction near Hotel Shere-Punjab at Gangtok and dedicated it

to the people of Sikkim at a total cost Rs.174.00 lakhs.

4. On 17.06.2000, we framed Sanitation Rules for Towns of

Sikkim

5. Sikkim Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1997 has

been enforced in the Sikkim

6. Inaugurated the Eco-friendly Zig-Back Bi-cable Passenger

Ropeway 07.12.2003 to connect Tibetology, Deorali with

Assembly Complex area and Tashiling Secretariat at a total

cost Rs.1310 Lakhs.

7. MG Marg and its gullies starting from Metro Traffic Point to

Star Cinema Hall being declared as „Litter Free & Spit Free‟

zone.- 26.08.2004

8. Remodelling and beautification of MG Marg was done at a

total cost Rs.9.08 Crores and was formally inaugurated on

14.03.2008.

9. On 16.08.2004, we completed construction of Kanchendzonga

Car Parking-cum-Shopping Complex at Lall Market, Gangtok

at a total cost Rs.14.06 Crores.

10. On 31.03.2005, we also completed construction of Car

Parking-cum-Shopping Complex at Old Children‟s‟

Park, Gangtok.

11. Construction of Garbage Plant at Martam was completed

on 31.05.2005

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12. Children Park at Namchi with the project cost of Rs.

15.84 lakhs.- was completed in 2009.

13. Car Park at Deorali with a total project cost of Rs.5.44

crores was commissioned in 2006;

14. Car Parking-cum-Shopping Complex at Balwakhani was

completed at a total cost of Rs.14.89 Crores and opened

on 16.10.2007

15. Construction of Pedestrian footpath from Balwakhani to

Ranipool was completed on 15.05.2007 at a total cost of

Rs.12.00 Crores

16. Construction of Sabji Mandi at Sichey was completed on

06.02.2008

17. Central Park at Namchi at a total cost of Rs.4.13 Crores

was formally inaugurated on 16.12.2008

18. Construction of District Library cum Museum at Namchi

was completed on 18.80.2008 at a total cost of Rs.14.49

crores

19. Construction of IDMST (Infrastructure Development of

Small & Medium Town) Building at Jorethang was

completed on 22.11.2005

20. Similarly, construction of IDMST Building at Pakyong

was completed 31.03.2009 at a total cost Rs.1.52 Crores.

21. Likewise construction of IDMST Building at Gyalsing

was completed on 31.12.2009

22. Infrastructure Development and beautification of

Gyalsing Bazar sanctioned in 2013-14 was completed at

a total cost Rs.625.81Crores.-

23. Multi level car park and shopping plaza was constructed

at Namchi at a total cost Rs.23.14 Crores. It was opened

on 31.03.2010

24. On 31.03.2010, we completed construction of Parking

Plaza and Allied facilities at Jorethang at a cost of Rs.

23.58 Crores.

25. Mangan Shopping Complex was inaugurated on 5th

June

2016. The worked which was commenced on 20.08.2010

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was completed on 22.02.2016 at a total cost of Rs.333.61

lakhs

26. Slum Rehabilation Centre at Lingding, East Sikkim was

constructed at a cost total cost of Rs.4.80 Crores.

27. Pedestrian Butterfly Flyover at Deorali, Multilayer

Parking at Deorali, Namnamg Pedestrian Walkways with

Allied Facilities have been constructed

28. Beautification and infrastructure Development at Melli

Bazar was done

29. Shopping Centre at Pakyong, Gyalshing, Soreng have

been constructed

30. Rural Marketing Centre at Temi has been constructed.

31. A large number of residential buildings and houses have

been constructed within and outside the State to provide

accommodation to common people. They include DKK

Bhawan, Sewa Bhawan in Delhi, new Sikkim Houses in

Kolkota and Guwahati. In the State, we have constructed

state-of-the-art Bhawans like Chintan Bhawan, Samman

Bhawan, Mannan Kendra, Gymnasium Hall, State

Library Buildings, and Museums etc.

Industrialization in Sikkim

My fellow Sikkimese citizens

The wave of industrialization which swept the European nations

250 years ago, reached the Himalayan state only recently, more

precisely about a decade ago. This started with the SDF

Government proposing a very focussed development road map

based on Sikkim‟s natural resources. As its comparative advantages

Sikkim has perennial source of rivers flowing down into the

neighbouring state of West Bengal to finally merge with Bay of

Bengal. One of the most pragmatic and visionary decision of the

present government has been defining priority sectors for the state

like Sikkim during the latter half of 1990‟s. The Global economic

scenario and the liberalisation policy adopted by Government of

20

India in 1991 provided larger space and scope to fructify our vision

into action. However, Sikkim as the land lock state had never been a

favourite destination among the Investors. Nevertheless, we moved

forward and worked hard day and night to convince the prospective

entrepreneurs to invest in Sikkim.

Concrete initiatives to promote Sikkim as investor friendly

destination began by holding extensive interaction, seminar and

meetings with investors in mega cities like Delhi and Kolkata. We

held a number of very successful high-level meetings with

prospective investors in Kolkata on January 10, 1997 and May 29,

2001 and in New Delhi on December 27, 2000 and February 22,

2001, showcasing Sikkim as the premiere destination for

investment.

Later in the years, we embarked on our campaign overseas in the

Asian Countries and other European Nations. With the objective of

reaching out to larger group of investors, we attended the

Investment Conferences in New York on 23-27 September 2007.

Highlighting Sikkim‟s special attraction as an investor friendly

state, the State Government successfully impressed upon the

delegates about congenial atmosphere for investment with host of

incentives including transport subsidy and certain tax holiday that

could be availed in Sikkim by virtue of being a special category

North Eastern State of India. Therefore, Sikkim provides a huge

scope for making investments in Hospitality services like hotels

which are beyond the traditional landmark of 5 stars. Our doors are

open with very attractive incentives for golf courses and amusement

parks. Ours is perhaps the only State in the country, which provides

licenses and other provisions for opening casinos. Land acquisition

is easily forthcoming on the basis of 33 years lease arrangement

from Government to Private Developers.

Offering a slew of opportunities to the prospective investors, we

informed that the Sikkim State‟s strength lies in a variety of service

21

sector activities including education, health, construction,

communication, energy, tourism, transport, trade, banking and

insurance. In all these, we have the best of facilitating agencies,

investment friendly legal and institutional norms and total absence

of recurring labour problem as found elsewhere in the country.

Sikkim through national and international collaborations has

achieved success in different sectors and areas including hydro-

power generation, pharma units, horticulture and floriculture.

The cumulative impact of his high level visit to these nations have

been evident and has paid handsome dividends for Sikkim attracting

large number of private investors in Sikkim through a more

aggressive policy push to harness the potential for state‟s economic

development.

Through a long process of consultation and coordination both

within and outside the Country, the State Government moved ahead

to enter into collaborative action with private sectors under the BOT

arrangement for an extended period of 33 years. Although, the

process of private sector participation was initiated only a decade

back, Sikkim today hosts a number of projects with view to harness

the natural resources under joint venture on a sustainable manner.

As a result of our investor friendly policy, we have today presence

of world reputed companies and organizations set up their centres in

Sikkim. We may refresh ourselves that the presence of the Multi

National Companies under different sectors is very noteworthy.

Sikkim today has a total of more than 44 industrial units including

pharma units, hotels, distilleries etc. set up here in Sikkim. Four

number of 5-star category hotels, 02 casinos have been constructed.

Sikkim as premiere eco-tourism destination


22

Sikkim has more mountains per kilometer than any other area on

the globe. The fabulous Kanchenjunga or 'the house of five

treasures', the guardian deity of Sikkim, represented by its five

glorious peaks beckons tourists and mountaineers from all over the

globe. Almost half of Sikkim's area is covered by virgin forest.

The State Government has developed tourism with appropriate

amenities. The tourist arrivals have recorded an annual growth rate

of 10 to 21 percent per annum. The domestic tourist arrival of

15000 in 1980 has increased by an impressive 7,20,000 per annum

in 2014-15. During the same period, we received 49,175 foreign

tourists in Sikkim.

This increase will be further accelerated when some major ongoing

tourism sector projects and facilities are completed. Enchanted by

its natural beauty and ancient heritage and the new modern

amenities, the composition of tourist arrivals is itself likely to

undergo changes as the state targets more and more high end

tourists from within the country and abroad.

The entire tourism sector policy of the State Government is driven

by the mantra of making Sikkim the “Number 1 Eco-tourism

Destination in India”. With this avowed objective in mind, the State

Government has made special efforts to develop tourist villages,

trekking routes, adventure activities, bio-diversity parks, hotels and

cultural centres.

To promote village tourism, thirty model villages having all the

basic and modern facilities are being constructed in different parts

of the State. All these will enable the visitors to enjoy a first-hand

experience of the rich heritage and lifestyle of Sikkim.

To enable tourists to comfortably visit the old temples, monasteries,

churches, gurudwaras and mosques and other shrines in Sikkim,

pilgrim tourism is being promoted vigorously. The State

government now proposes to support at least one tourist centre in

23

each Gram Panchayat Unit in the State. The Himalayan Centre for

Adventure Tourism is being established at Chemchey Village. A

new adventure tourist complex, the Rangit Water World (RWW) at

the NHPC Dam at Legship - the first of its kind for boating and

rafting in dam water - was inaugurated. Concept of Ekant Bas as

indigenous diversification of tourism trade has been vigorously

promoted by constructing meditation centres and lodges in deep

forest for the tourists.

Home Stays in Sikkim has become increasingly popular in recent

years. Though the urban areas and towns attract many people, the

rural areas provide picturesque beauty and tranquillity for those

seeking for some quiet time. While those entrepreneurial home-

owners turn their homes into home stays, the local farmers and

vendors provide organic produce thus promoting a unique aspect of

rural tourism. The Tourism Department has so far assisted in the

construction of 719 Home Stays and 19 Rural Tourism Facilitation

Centre, besides organizing International Tourism Mart and the

Winter Carnivals.

By linking tourism with our cultural heritage and traditional

practices, we have been able to promote culture tourism in a

massive way.

Buddhist circuit has now been identified as one of the priority areas

in the tourism development policy of the Government of India.

Sikkim could be the hub connecting all the major Buddhist

destinations in India and neighbouring countries. Under the Act

East Policy of the Central Government, Sikkim can contribute

effectively for promoting pilgrimage tourism in the region.

The State Government has been consistent to develop more tourist

destinations to promote pilgrimage sites. Some of the important

projects have been already commissioned and few are ongoing.

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1. Construction of Sikkim Temple cum Guest House at

Bodhgaya which was started in January 1996 was completed

and inaugurated on 11th January 2002

2. Statue of Guru Padma Sambhava, constructed at Samdruptse,

Namchi which was inaugurated on 18th

February 2004;

3. Sarva Dharma Kendra, was constructed at Daramdin. It was

completed on 15 April 2007 ;

4. Siddheswara Chaar Dham, constructed at Namchi which was

inaugurated by the president of India on 16th

april 2014 ;

5. Buddha Park was constructed at Ravangla which was

inaugurated by his holiness Dalai Lama on 25th

March 2013.

6. New Namchi Ngadak Gumpa constructed in Namchi, South

Sikkim which was inaugurated on 15th

Jan. 2014 ;

7. A huge statue of Adikavi Bhanubhakta has been installed at

Geyzing, which also houses the Indian Nepali Study and

Research Centre. This centre was inaugurated on July 13,

2011.

8. At Martam in West Sikkim, we have developed a Mangkhim

and a Limboo Study Centre.

9. An alternative route was approved for Kailash Mansarovar

Yatra through Nathu-La in Sikkim by the Central

Government and the first batch of yatris was flagged off on

18.06.2015

In fact, Sikkim is an example to promote secularism in the true

sense of the word. In Sikkim, every religion, faith and belief are

protected and promoted. In fact, Sikkim could be the only State in

the World and County where the State Government develops and

constructs religious institutions across the State. Compared to 1994,

the relative number of different religious centres have increased by

many folds thereby deepen people‟s faith and religious practices.

Highlights of the increase are as follow:

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Religious Institutions 1994 2015-16

1. Gompas 258 342

2. Temples 312 348

3. Churches 74 168

4. Manghims 06 14

5. Mangkhims 01 04

6. Masjids 06 07

7. Sai Mandirs 05 12

8. Manav Uthan Sewa Ashram 05 12

9. Gurudwaras 02 02

Fellow citizens

Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in Sikkim. Nature

has been kind to Sikkim and it has bestowed the State with unique

beauty with lush green forest, undisturbed valleys, five climatic

zones, abundant flora and fauna and eco friendly environment. The

friendly and hospitable people, unparalled rich cultural heritage,

politically stable Government and insurgent free atmosphere is the

main USP of Sikkim making it a must visit hill destination. Tourism

today has become a high growth sector in the State the benefits of

which percolate to a large cross section of people.

The vision of the Government is to develop the State into a leading

domestic and international tourism destination and to make tourism

the main livelihood option for the people of Sikkim.

Recently the Tenzing Hillary Park was inaugurated and also the

Titanic Cafeteria at Uttarey and home stays at Yangtay. 24 minor

works like cafeterias, facilitation centres have been completed. The

State Government is pursuing its ambitious programme to build Sky

Walk project at Bhaleydhunga and the first phase of work has

already commenced. Link road upto the Dhappar base is

constructed and work for linking Dhapper with Bhaleydhunga by

26

ropeway is underway. On completion of construction of ropeway

line, the work for construction of skywalk shall commenced.

Eco-tourism has been identified as the thrust area to harness

immense natural beauty on a sustainable basis. We have already

made impressive headway in the promotion of Eco-tourism

including home-stay tourism, culture tourism, pilgrimage tourism,

adventure tourism etc. as the 21st century profession of the younger

generation.

Fellow Sikkimese citizens

To further boost tourism industry in the State, one new Passenger

Ropeway project has been inaugurated at Namchi on July 26, 2016.

Linking the picturesque Namchi town to the important tourism

landmark of Guru Padmasambhava statue at Samdruptse hill and

rock garden complex, this will add more value to the ever growing

tourism in the State.

My fellow Sikkimese citizens

Presenting the biggest ever water fountain in the whole region, the

Green Lung Park at Jorethang was recently unveiled and dedicated

to the people on 31.03.2016 at a total cost Rs.18.36 Crore. Formally

inaugurated on 31st March 2016, this will provide the much needed

recreation space for the population of the town and also will remain

a major tourist attraction zone in the entire South West zone.

We also dedicated an innovative river side walkways on the river

front with attending features of recreation hard paved spaces with

plantation, sit out and mild steel hand railing for extra protection on

walkways along with sustainable solar lighting. This was formally

inaugurated on 1st April 2016.

Tourism has been promoted in Sikkim by adopting multiple

approaches. We promote neat and clean environment, tourist

friendly amenities and by preserving peace and security in the State.

27

Sikkim has emerged as the safest destination for the tourists. All

these have helped increase tourist footfall in the State.

Generating clean energy


In Sikkim, we are sincerely trying to tap our hydro power potentials

of 8000 MW. In spite of many hurdles, we have achieved some

success. As on date, we have achieved generation capacity of

810.70 MW from the four Hydro-power projects which have been

commissioned in the State including other minor projects under

State Department and SPDC. They are 60 MW Rangit-III HEP, 510

MW Teesta-V HEP, 99 MW Chujachen HEP and 96 MW Jorethang

Loop HEP. This is many fold increase from 31.10 MW in 1994-95

to the present figure.

The Teesta Stage- III (1200 MW) is also in advance stage of

completion and the project is scheduled to be commissioned from

December 2016 onwards. The 97 MW Tashiding HEP and 96 MW

Dikchu HEPs are scheduled to be commissioned by the end of this

year. So by the end of 2016, we aim to generate a total of 2203.70

MW of electricity in the State.

The remaining projects like Teesta Stage – IV HEP, Teesta Stage –

VI HEP, Panan HEP, Rongnichu HEP, Sada-Mangder HEP,

Bhasmey HEP, Rangit – II HEP, Rangit – IV HEP, Rechu HEP and

Rahikyoung HEP are at various stages of construction.

The total cost of the projects which are presently under various

stages of implementation and for which Techno-Economic

Clearance (TEC) have been obtained is Rs. 18,744.73 crores.

Further, the ongoing hydel projects being developed by IPPs have

also been affected badly due to the massive earthquake which hit

the State of Sikkim on 18th September, 2011. The commissioning

28

of several projects has been pushed back by at least 18 months

which will have a serious impact on the revenue generation of the

State. Similarly, the hydel projects in the State Sector having total

installed capacity of 35 MW have also been severely damaged due

to the earthquake.

The vision of the State Government was to earn revenue to the

extent of Rs. 1500 crores per annum by commissioning all the hydel

projects allotted to IPPs by the end of year 2015. However, due to

scrapping of some of the hydro projects together with the impact of

the earthquake, the revenue generation is expected to be only

around Rs. 900 crores per annum by the end of the 12th

Five Year

Plan.

Socio-political milestones


The SDF Government has been firmly committed to granting

political and social rights to the Sikkimese people. We have always

felt that through the decades, the peace-loving people of Sikkim are

yet to be paid „in the same coin‟ as they say for their immeasurable

contribution towards peace, tranquillity, development, integrity and

souveriegnty of the Country. Nonetheless, the SDF Government has

been able to secure for the people many pending socio-political

demands that directly or indirectly influence their lives. Some of

them are as follow:

1. The SDF Government implemented the Mandal Commission

Recommendation in Sikkim on 12.12.1994 benefitting

thousands of people as defined under the central legislation.

2. Subsequently, we also secured recognition of Sanyasis and

Thamis by granting them OBC status on 06.12.1999

3. Jogi and Dewan were also given OBC status on 04.04.2000

4. When the Central Government chose not to give OBC status

to the Chhetri, Bahun and Newar communities of Sikkim, we

recognized them as OBC at state level on 22.09.2003 and

29

granted them equal facilities as available to the OBCs of the

central list. In this way, we brought about integration and

unity among all Nepali communities, who were divided by the

previous government.

5. Sikkim became 8th

Member of North Eastern Council on

23.12.2002

6. After a prolonged struggle, we secured for the Limboo &

Tamang communities the status of STs on 05.04.2003

7. The most vexed issue of imposition of Central Income Tax to

Sikkim was deftly handled and politically tackled to secured

exemption for all domiciled Sikkimese people w.e.f.

10.05.2008

8. We passed a Resolution in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly

for declaring all Indian Nepalis as “Minority” on 14.09.2004

9. Nathu-La Trade route, popularly and traditionally known as

the Silk Route was reopened for trade on 06.07.2006

10. Resolution seeking formation of Gorkhaland State was

passed in Sikkim Legislative Assembly on 29.03.2011,

as a goodwill gesture for the cause of our brothers and

sisters living in the Darjeeling district.

11. As a result of our continuous efforts, Kailash

Mansarovar Yatra through Nathu-La commenced on

18.06.2015. Now the route through Nathula has emerged

as the safest route to the holy place.

12. As per the calculation made by the State authority based

on National Survey Sample (NSS) data, 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.

Social engineering measures


In the Social Justice, Empowerment and Welfare sector, various

policies, programmes and laws are being implemented to ensure

30

overall welfare, justice and empowerment of the disadvantaged and

marginalised sections of the society. In fact, during the last 22

years, we brought about social engineering in the state redefining

our focus and development target to achieve socio-economic and

educational upliftment of the vulnerable section of population

including the differently abled, elderly persons and the juvenile.

The list is long but some mention may be made to gauge the extent

of welfare measures undertaken by the State Government over the

last 22 years.

1. The State Government constituted the Juvenile Welfare Board

on 10.01.1995 and on May 5, 1995 also notified Special Court

under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act 1989.

2. State Welfare Advisory Board was constituted on 12.03.2013

3. The State Government also constituted Primitive Tribe

Welfare Board on 20.06.2013

4. We also established State Women‟s Commission in 2001 and

notified two Family Courts at Gangtok and Namchi.

5. The State Government has passed the historical Sikkim

Succession Bill 2008 on 10.06.2008, providing for law

relating to succession to movable and immovable

properties to female members in a family who would be

entitled to ancestral properties at par with their male

counterparts.

6. A unique program of Samajik Sewa Bhatta of Rs. 600

per month is given to the traditional folk healers. A total

of 1348 persons are benefitted. This is the rarest of the

rare program and found only in Sikkim, which will go a

long way to protect and promote our indigenous practice

of healing system since time memorial as our traditional-

cultural heritage.

7. Unmarried Women Pension scheme at the rate of Rs.

500 per month has been launched which is 100 percent

state-supported scheme in the State. This again is the

only such program found in the entire country which is

aimed at promoting the dignity and self esteem of our

31

women members in society. Launched on 21.03.2013, a

total of 89 beneficiaries have been identified so far.

8. A one-time special grant of Rs. 2 lakhs is granted to

persons who marry with disabled person since 2013. In

India, this is the first program exemplifying state

government‟s total commitment to provide relief and

assistance to the less fortunate people in society. A total

of 07 beneficiaries have taken advantage of this scheme

9. Subsistence Allowance of Rs. 600 per month is provided

to persons with disabilities since 2014. A total of 2462

have been benefitted.

10. Grant of Scholarship to Students with Disabilities

Scheme since 2014

11. Conveyance Allowance provided to the Differently abled

Employees at the rate of Rs.100/- pm. to @ Rs.1000/-

p.m since 23.06.2014

12. Grants under Old Age Pension has been increased to Rs.

1000 per month for senior citizens above 70 years of

age; for persons between age group of 60-70 years, the

grant is increased to Rs. 600 per month. A total number

of 17,713 are taking advantage of this government

welfare measures

13. Under Chief Minister‟s Universal Financial Inclusion

program, a total of 63,600 Bank Account have been

opened with deposit of Rs. 52.70 lakhs.

14. 50 % Reservation Seats for Women provided in Urban

Local Bodies

15. Grant of Financial Assistance provided to identified

children of transgender.

Sufficient emphasis has been laid by the State Government for the

empowerment of women. All Government benefits like rural

housing are transferred in the mother‟s name. Besides, we have a

policy prescription to secure consent of both spouses in matters

32

relating to purchase/sell immovable property and to withdraw

money from the General Provident Fund.

The Prime Minister‟s programme of Beti Bacho Beti Padhao has

identified North District in Sikkim as a pilot district. It is carrying

out programmes for weaker sections of society and women and

children under various central schemes.

My fellow Sikkimese

The State Government always aims to bring about social equity and

equal level playing atmosphere in the society. That is why, we have

framed policy to give equal opportunity to the deprived sections of

the population. For example:

Before 1994, there was no provision for relaxation of Upper

Age Limit to any category. The maximum age limit for initial

recruitment in employment under government sectors for all

categories of people, ordinarily, was 30 years.

With the implementation of reservation rules in 1995, we

made relaxation policy to be applied in direct recruitment as

follow:

i) Schedule Tribes -35 Years (i.e 5 years relaxation)

ii) Schedule Caste -35 Years (i.e 5 years relaxation)

iii) Schedule Tribes (Limboo & Tamang) -35 Years

iv) Other Backward Classes (Central List) -34 Years

v) Other Backward Classes (State List) -33 Years

vi) Special relaxation in upper age limit for the

temporary employees- MR, Adhoc, Substitute,

Contract, Work Charge etc.) in group B, C, & D

category has been raised to 50 years for the purpose

of recruitment in Government Services.

33

There is comprehensive provision for community wise reservation

in government service, in higher studies and under Chief Minister‟s

Merit Scholarship available in the state as given below:

Reservation in Government Service

1. Bhutia-Lepcha - 20%

2. Scheduled Tribe (Limboo & Tamang) - 13%

3. Scheduled Caste - 07%

4. OBC (Central List) - 20%

5. OBC (State List) - 20%

6. Primitive Tribe - 5%

7. Women - 30%

8. Physically Challenged - 03%

9. Ex-Servicemen - 03%

10. Sports Person/Artisans of Excellence - 02%

11. BPL families - 12%

12% seat reservation allocated to the BPL families is from

within the reserved seats under different categories

Reservation in Higher Studies

1. Merit - 10%


3. Scheduled Tribe (Limboo & Tamang) - 13%



6. OBC(State List) - 20%


8. Others (Children of Business Community, mother possessing

Sikkim Subject Certificate, State Govt. employees, local

Candidate who fall under Creamy Layer) - 05%

Reservation under “Chief Minister‟s Merit Scholarship”

1. Merit - 15%

34


3. Scheduled Tribe - 13%



6. OBC(State List) - 20%


Land to the Landless

My fellow Sikkimse

The State government recognised that a number of domiciled

Sikkimese citizens were landless or were rendered landless for

various reasons. Although the citizens of the State staying in Sikkim

for time immemorial, they were without their own land. Therefore,

we took initiatives to provide them land for construction of their

houses and provided them relevant documents for ownership of the

land. Since 1996-97, we have provided half acre of land to over

2000 landless Sukumbasis under the State government‟s Land Bank

Scheme.

The green campaign

Fellow Sikkimese

Located on the lap of mount Kanchanjunga, Sikkim is famous for

its lush green vegetation, verdant forests, scenic valleys and

majestic mountains and a range of rich and magnificent cultural

heritage.

Over 4000 species of different plants and shrubs, around 700

species of rare orchids and rhododendrons and flowers of myriad

hues and shapes have transformed Sikkim into a nature lover‟s

paradise. Very interestingly, Sikkim enjoys all the beauty of four

seasons and the State is perhaps the only geographical location

where within a distance of over 114 kms, one finds five opulent

climatic zones. These climatic zones namely tropical, sub-tropical,

35

temperate, sub-alpine and alpine are placed within the range of 300

meters to 8,598 meters inhabited by colourful butterflies, humming

birds and playful wildlife. Most of the 7096 sq km of Sikkim

consists of mountainous terrain, interspersed with ravines and green

valleys.

In order to protect our nature and mother earth, the State

Government has undertaken a large number of green measures. To

start with, we declared and observed the year 1995 as Harit Kranti

Varsha to generate mass awareness among people followed by mass

plantation. This was followed by a range of environment friendly

measures.

1. The State Government closed the Rathang Chhu Hydro

Electric Project in West Sikkim on 02.09.1997 and also

abandoned Firing Range “G” with a total area of 2,700

hectares in North Sikkim.

2. The State Government banned sale and consumption of Pan

Masala with effect from 10.03.1995

3. Banned use of plastic and polybags since 30.04.1997 under

the Sikkim Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1997

4. Banned smoking in public places since 10.11.1997 under the

Sikkim Prohibition of Smoking & Non-smokers‟ Health

Protection Act, 1997.

5. Banned grazing in reserved forest in 1998.

6. Smriti Van Programme, the green campaign launched on

05.06.1999 by creating Bulbuley Smriti Van.

7. Introduced Entry fees to KNP & other Wildlife Sanctuaries

since 01.09.1998

8. Sikkim Transit of Timber & Other Forest Produce Rules, 1999

was enacted prohibiting transit of timber and timber products

outside Sikkim on 07.08.1999

9. Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary for protection of wildlife and

its environment notified on 8th

July, 1996

10. Creation of Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary notified on

5th

September, 2002.

36

11. Year 2000-2010declared as Harit Kranti Dashak

12. Introduced Compulsory Environment Education in

Schools from 1st February, 2005.

13. Rajya Van Sangrakshan Evam Paryavaran Puraskar

instituted on 30.04.2000

14. Banned killing of wildlife since 27.01.2001 under the

Sikkim Forest Cattle Trespass Rules, 2000.

15. Ban on Collection of Medicinal Plants & Non-Timber

Forest produce for Commercial purposes since

18.07.2001

16. Banned felling of trees under the Sikkim Private & Non-

Forest Lands Tree Felling Rules, 2001 on 23.11.2001

17. Declaration of Sacred peaks, Caves, Rocks, Lakes, Hot

spring etc. as most sacred places of worship on

20.09.2001

18. Ban on litter of Plastic bags and containers in National

Parks & Sanctuaries with effect from 28.03.2001

19. Ban on killing of Wild Animals since 22.06.2001

20. Creation and declaration of Pangolakha Wildlife

Sanctuary on 05.09.2002

21. Formation of Eco Clubs in Schools on 24.09.2002

22. Formation of Eco-development Committee on

07.03.2002

23. State Medicinal Plant Board constituted on 10.06.2002

24. State Wildlife Advisory Board constituted on 19th

September, 2002.

25. MG Marg notified as litter and spit free zone on 25th

August, 2004

26. Creation of “Kitam Bird Sanctuary” on 03.02.2005 and

Sidkeong Tulku Bird Sanctuary at Rabdentse area in

Pelling created.

27. The government has created Butterfly Sanctuaries at

Legship, West Sikkim, Sankalang in North Sikkim and

Middle Camp in East Sikkim in 2011.

37

28. Sikkim State Biodiversity Board constituted on

07.03.2006

29. Declaration of “Green Mission” on 24th

February 2006

30. Appointment of Himal Rakshak made since 10.02.2006

31. Glacier and Climate Change Commission constituted on

26.09.2007

32. Segregation of Biodegradable Waste in Shop made

mandatory since 29.07.2008.

33. State Pollution Control Board was constituted on

19.03.2008

34. Declaration of “10 Minutes to Earth” programme was

made on 15.07.2009

35. The Chief Minister‟s Green School Rolling Trophy-cum-

Green School State Awards instituted on 26.11. 2011.

36. “Paryavaran Mahatsav” announced on 21.06.2013 for

the period from 15th

June to 30th

June every year

37. Ban on Bursting of all type of Fire Crackers since

19.12.2014

38. Ban on Burning of Agricultural Wastes since

05.01.2015

39. Ban on use of disposable items such as cups, plates,

spoons, containers, package/bottled drinking water etc.

since 19.05.2016

40. The State Highway from Damthang to Ravangla

declared as Eco-highway.

41. 21 number of trees under forest land has been identified

as “Sikkim State Heritage Trees” in the state.

42. We have imposed ban on the use of Diclofenac, vide

Notification dated 22nd

December, 2015 which is the

chemical responsible for death and slow extinction of

Vultures from our landscape. By effectively banning this

anti-inflamatory drug, we are contributing towards

arresting death cases of the bird family and that of

Vultures.

38

Fellow Sikkimese citizens

You are aware that we received international recognition when

Sikkim was noted as “Best Region to visit in 2014” by Lonely Planet.

This was a rare honour to find Sikkim among international names like

Okinawa, Macau, Tasmania etc.

One of the most recent honours for us the Sikkimese people has been

declaration of Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP) as a world

heritage site during the 40th Session of the World Heritage Committee

of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural

Organization (UNESCO) being held in Istanbul, Turkey on 17th July

2016,

The World Heritage Committee the International Council on

Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and International Union for

Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recognized the outstanding universal

values of the National Park in both cultural and natural criteria. These

advisory bodies stated that there was strong justification for the

"integrity" and "authenticity" of the nominated property and exquisite

flora and fauna apart from the unique cultural features of the sacred

landscape.

Khangchendzonga National Park was initially commissioned in

August 1977 with only 850 Sq Km falling under the park. However,

when we took over the reign of governance in 1994, we enlarged the

scope of nature conservation by extending the area to 1784 sq km in

May 1997 by including more potential areas vide Notification No

1/KNP/WL/F27, Dated 19.05.1997.

Therefore, today the Khangchendzonga National Park extends from

the cold deserts of Lhonak Valley and the ridges of Lachen in the

North District to the historical place at Yuksom. The western

boundary of the Park runs along the international boundary with

Nepal and China. The Park covers an area of 1784 sq. kms.

39

constituting as much as 25.14 % of the total geographical area of

Sikkim.

All these effort by us some 19 years ago has reaped a rich dividend

for us. I am thankful that the efforts undertaken by the State in

preserving the environment and creating a „green‟ Sikkim have

been recognized by the international fraternity. I may inform you

that Sikkim has the largest area, in proportionate terms, among all

the States in the country, under wildlife reserves and sanctuaries.

It is the only State in the country where the forest cover has

increased over the years. Forest cover of 43.95% in 1993 has

increased to 47.80 % in 2015- an increase of over 4%. We adopt

policy of Clean Development Mechanism while undertaking any

development works with sustainability as our keynote prescription.

Skill Building


The State of Sikkim has a full fledged Directorate of Capacity

Building established on 26.03.2007 and the Institute of Capacity

Building which was inaugurated on 10th

December 2009. We have

also established 41 Livelihood Schools in the State for training our

youths in various trades and occupation.

The Government has done this to consolidate the solid gains arrived

at from innovative Skill Development Fund project introduced in

2003. This Fund focused on building diverse skills and capacities

among the youth in the State. The results have been encouraging

and we have clearly seen a conspicuous down-turn in government

employment seekers among the youths. The State Government

organises regular Employment Fair in the State bringing a range of

employment and career providers in diverse areas to the doorsteps

of our youths.

40

The fact that Infrastructure development and creation of

opportunities by themselves will not contribute towards economic

development of our people has been recognized by the State

Government. The Government would need competent manpower

who, besides being educated, are capable and skillful to take

advantage of the many opportunities available in different fields.

Secondly is the need to change the stereotyped mindset of younger

generation to answer the call of time and circumstances and switch

over to more promising and potential professions including in

service sector. Accordingly, the Government is encouraging all

people- both educated and uneducated, the farmers and

entrepreneurs to undergo exclusive training schedules for skill

augmentation so that the opportunities arising out of our natural

strength and rich climatic variations could be effectively harnessed

by our local people.

For a more wider reach and impact, the Government has also made

it mandatory for each Department in the State to undertake capacity

building as part of regular programs and schemes on a regular basis.

The idea will be to train youth after they pass out from School,

College and University on a compulsory basis. Many of our boys

and girls are undergoing training in pilot, mass communication, IT,

hospitality service etc. in other parts of the Country and abroad.

The State Government also launched Chief Minister‟s Self

Employment Scheme. A total of 7754 beneficiaries have taken soft

loans with the total sanctioned amount of over 52 crores

Peace, Law and Order


Democracy is at work in Sikkim. Good governance is the hallmark

of state‟s administration. So the people are always on a progressive

mode. Free and fair elections have been held at the village level so

that the people take full part in selecting their representatives. Rural

leaders have been given more powers and finance to manage their

41

own affairs and progress. In order to minimize the physical

constraints on grounds of both distance and accessibility, a system

of fast communication has been initiated by the Government

through its websites and weekly newspapers. The Government is

reaching out to the people by assisting them in many ways. Their

basic needs like housing, food, safe drinking water, free primary

education and free health services have been given top priority.

Peace, law and order situation has remained exemplary. The crime

rate of Sikkim is the lowest in the country. The progress of human

development in Sikkim is significantly higher than many other

states of India. The Government has provided direct assistance to

the needy sections of the population. Over the decades, the State

government has created and strengthen a large number of legal

infrastructures to facilitate easy access to legal recourse and dispute

redressel for the common people. Some of the noteworthy

progresses made are as follow;

1. Established Two Courts (District & Sessions) as Family Court

for North District at Mangan and Gyalshing for West District.

2. Children‟s Courts under the Commission for protection of

Child Rights Act 2005 notified at Gangtok and Namchi on

30.09.2013.

3. Established Family Court under Family Courts Act, 2014 on

27.02.2014

4. “Special Courts” under the Sikkim Anti Drugs Act, 2006

notified in each Districts on 26.02.2014

5. Special Courts under the protection of children from sexual

offices act 2012, Sikkim Anti Drugs Act 2006, and prevention

of corruption act 1988 were notified on 26.02.2014

6. Human Rights Court under the Protection of Human Rights

Act, 1993 notified at Gangtok, Mangan, Gyalshing & Namchi

on 26.02.2014

7. Established Lokayukta under the Sikkim Lokayukta Act, 2014

on 27.02.2014

42

8. Office of the Chief Judicial Magistrate have been established

in South and East districts. Similar proposals for th remaining

two districts have been processed

9. Office of the Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate have been

established at Soreng and Chungthang.

Government Employment in Sikkim

My fellow Sikkimese

You will be pleased to know that the per capita employment in

Sikkim vis-a-vis its population is the highest anywhere to be found

in the world. In 1992, the total number of government employees in

Sikkim was 22,000 which is increased to 73,411 employees today.

This reflects that the State Government has given maximum

impetus to employment generation and maximum Sikkimese people

have got employment in regular government establishment.

We have created maximum possible avenues for promotion to

government employees. We have created 23 new cadres and

facilitated promotion by effecting more than 8 times cadre reviews

over the last 22 years. The employees in Sikkim have earned the

distinction of being the highest paid government employees in the

whole country.

For the first time ever, the State Government provides state share of

Rs. 2250 to the Anganwadi workers over and above Rs. 3000 from

the Centre duly raising the monthly honorarium to Rs. 5250 and a

sum of Rs. 1500 to the helper to make it a total of Rs. 3000. The

total number of beneficiaries today stands at 1291 each who are

receiving the highest monthly honorarium in the Country. This is

the first instant anywhere in the Country where the State

Government has contributed its share to raise their honorarium.

Today, I am also very pleased to note that the sanctioned strength of

Sikkim Police force which was only 2,870 in 1994 has increased to

43

6,457 in 2014. We have raised 1st & 2

nd Sikkim Scouts Battalion of

the Indian Army and also raised 3rd

Indian Reserve Battalions from

Sikkim in Sikkim Police.

Since 1995, many police stations have been established in Sikkim

including at Phodong, Hingdam Sombaria. .

The state Government has since approved upgradation of 5 Police

Outposts to Police Stations at Yuksom, Dentam, Yangang, Kabi and

Dzongu.

For the first time in the history of Sikkim Police, Ration Allowance

of Rs. 200/- per month was granted to all ranks from Sub-Inspectors

and below from the year 1996. The same was enhanced to Rs. 500/-

per month for all Group C & D Police Personnel by the State

Government subsequently.

Duty Allowance of all Home Guard Sainiks enhanced from Rs. 50/-

to Rs. 100/- from April 2004.

At present, each Home Guard Sainik is drawing a daily duty

allowance of Rs. 260/-.

Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL) has been set up at

Saramsa on 01.03.2013. Analyst, Technicians and Data Operators

have been appointed.

Ten percent vacancies have been reserved for departmental

candidates in direct recruitment to the post of SI and 30%

reservation for women is given in Police during recruitment.

On March 25, 2016, a new beginning has been made in the entire

history of policing in the State by establishing the state-of-art, all

women‟s police station at Ranipool. Temi Police Station has also

been converted into all-women police station.

44

This is a red letter day in the State which is a pioneering step not

just for safety of women but also for combating heinous crimes

related to women in the state of Sikkim. On this special occasion, I

congratulate the people of Sikkim and specially our women folks

for this new beginning with many inherent implications at gender

equity and empowerment.

Government of the working people

My esteemed fellow Sikkimese

The Sikkim Democratic Front Government has always been

forthcoming to support the weak and the downtrodden and always

ready to help people lying at the lowest rung of the economic

ladder. Ours is a pro-working class people government and

committed to the welfare of our labourers. In December 1994, the

minimum daily wages of the labourers was a meagre Rs 20/-.

Immediately after assuming office, we raised the daily wages of our

labourers by 100 % to Rs 40/-.The wages were subsequently raised

to Rs 100/- by 2008.

The State Government further categorized the rate of Minimum

Daily Wages as Unskilled, Semi-Skilled, Skilled and Highly

Skilled. Today the existing rates of daily wages for the Unskilled is

Rs.220/- and for the Highly Skilled force is Rs.390/-.That means

today the daily wages of Rs.20/- in 1994 has increased by over

300%.

In addition to these hikes in salaries, there are many other incentives

including fully paid maternity leave, providing adequate provision

of education and health of the children and other grants.

Sikkim as total organic state

My esteemed fellow Sikkimese

45

One of the very groundbreaking achievements has been to make

Sikkim as the total organic state in the entire country. Sikkim, by

the end of the year 2015, was able to convert 76,169.604 ha of its

cultivated area into organically certified cultivation including in

conversion in compliance with National Program on Organic

Production (NPOP). To mark this special occasion, the Sikkim

Organic Festival-2016 was organised in January, 2016. The event

was graced by Hon‟ble Prime Minister on India, Shri. Narendra

Modi who declared Sikkim as the first completely organic farming

State in the country on January 18, 2016.

In fact, we were profusely encouraged by the words of appreciation

coming from none other than our own Prime Minister, Shri

Narendra Modiji in the Lok Sabha on 11th

June 2014, during his

historic address to the Constituent Assembly of Nepal on 3rd

August

2014 and at the Community Reception at Berlin, Germany on 13th

April 2015.

Being the second smallest state in the country after Goa, Sikkim

took a giant, bold leap towards becoming the first fully organic

farming State. Today, with only 0.2% of the geographical area of

the country, the State has accounted for more than 12% of the total

organic area in the country (more than 76,000 ha out of 6,20,000

ha). On this auspicious occasion of this 70th

Independence Day

celebration, I thank and congratulate the people of Sikkim for this

rare achievement. This has been possible due to your unstinted

support to our collective decision to go organic in the whole

country. The role played by the untiring members of farming

community, dedicated work carried out by the Department

Officials, staff and all stakeholders needs special mention.

Presently, the Government of Sikkim, through the Sikkim Organic

Mission is implementing the scheme-“Mission Organic Value

Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCD-NER) in

Sikkim. The scheme aims at development of certified organic

46

production in a value chain mode to link growers with consumers

and to support the development of entire value chain starting from

inputs, seeds, certification, to the creation of facilities for collection,

aggregation, processing marketing and brand building initiative.

Under this scheme, 14,000 ha area has been identified for

development of crop specific clusters for the following 4 crops viz.,

Buckwheat, Large Cardamom, Ginger and Turmeric. In total, 41

crop clusters will be developed for the value chain. 28 Farmers‟

Producers‟ Organisations will also be created to empower

producers. The Scheme is implemented in order to replace

conventional farming system into local resource based, self

sustainable, high value commercial organic enterprise.

Sikkim as the No 1 State

Sikkim has emerged as the torchbearer at the regional and national

level in a number of sectors, making us the protector of peace and

promoter of sustainable development. Some of them are as follow:

The Safest State

The Greenest State

First State to provide total gender equality

First Organic State in the Country

First Environmentally Friendly State

First State to provide for distribution of free 35 kg rice

to BPL families

First in power de-centralisation

First State to give free one-storied houses in the rural

areas

First State to provide house up-gradation of Rs.20, 000/-

each for repair and renovation of rural houses.

First State to distribute free GCI sheets

First State to distribute free LPG cylinders

47

First State to distribute free induction Chula

First State to distribute free pressure cookers for senior

citizens above 70 years of age

First and the only State to allocate 70% of the budget to

rural development since 1995

First to develop Model Villages

First State to hold Janta Mela for providing immediate relief

to the people

Only State with every village connected by road

First State to provide for 50 % reservation for women in

Panchayats and ULBs and 30 % reservation in

Government jobs

First State with Lowest BPL

First State to provide free education for all upto college

level

First State to provide free education upto university level

for BPL

First State to provide free textbooks, uniforms, raincoats,

shoes, socks etc to school children

First State to introduce the Chief Minister‟s Merit

Scholarship wherein the State Government sponsors

children from underprivileged families to study in

reputed public schools in the Country after Class V

First State to introduce free scholarship to students

securing admission in 20 best universities of the world.

First State to start Ambedkar Scholarship wherein 3 SC

students are given free education after Class V in reputed

public schools in the Country

First State to provide grants for Ph.D candidates

First State to reward the State toppers in Class X & XII

(each stream) with cash award of Rs 1 Lakh, 75,000/-

and 50,000/- for 1st, 2

nd & 3

rd positions respectively.

First State to provide free UPSC and SSC coaching

inclusive of free coaching, hostel fee, food etc to

48

aspiring candidates

First State to have all Senior Secondary Schools teaching

all streams

First in education sector with 20% budgetary provision

First State to allot seat in Higher Education for business

community

First to provide access to health care services to each

household

First State to give free medical treatment to BPL

First State to start the CATCH programme

First State to provide free hepatitis B and MDR vaccines

and medication

First State to provide for Rs. 2 lakhs medical

reimbursement to APL

First to promote Swastha Sikkim campaign

First State First to provide highest salary to Anganwadi

Workers

First to provide Mid Day Meals in ICDS

First State to ban grazing

First State to ban wildlife killing

First State to ban bursting and sale of crackers

First State to ban plastic bags

First State to ban Styrofoam products

First State to ban the use of plastic-bottled water in State

Government functions

First State to declare sacred places, caves, lakes etc in

the State for upholding the sanctity of these places

First State to constitute the Commission for Glacial &

Climate Change

First State to start the concept of eco-tourism, village

tourism, rural tourism, homestay tourism, culture

tourism, organic tourism, pilgrimage tourism

First in Tourism development

First in environment protection and management

49

First State to start the Swachh Bharat campaign with the

State being declared Nirmal Rajya in 2008

First state to construct religious institutions and places

First State to construct Guru Rimpochee Statue,

Chenrejig Statue and Buddha Park

First State to construct Char Dham at one place together

with 12 Jyotir Lingas

First State to construct a Park in dedication of Tenzing

and Hillary together at one place

First State to start capacity building in 2003

First in social sector with 32% plan allocation dedicated

to this sector

First in GSDP growth with 22% which is highest in the

Country

First in government sector employment rate - 12% of the total

population are Government employees

First in highest density of road

First in country to initiate livelihood measures

First to facilitate constructional work to Cooperatives

First State to provide educational loan

First State to provide self- employment loan

First State to start the Land Bank Scheme for the

landless

First State to start the system of opening of bank

accounts for women under the Universal Financial

Inclusion

First State to constitute the Youth Commission

Awards and accolades

Sikkim has emerged as the cynosure of all eyes for all its all round

development regionally, nationally and internationally. This is

borne out by the array of awards and prizes given to the State for its

achievements in diverse fields.

50

Some of the sampling is presented below:

Year Award

1998 Best Tourism Performing State in North East India by MoT,

GoI


GoI


GoI

2001 Best Tourism Performing State in North East India by

MoT, GoI

2002 Best Tourism Performing State in North East India by

MoT, GoI


GoI

2004 Best Performing State in Education by India Today

2005 1. Skoch Challenger Award for Information

Technology

2. Best Ecotourism Destination award by Hospitality

India magazine

3. Best Small State for Investment Environment &

Education

4. Best Tourism Performing State in North East India

by MoT, GoI

5. National Trophy for lowest accidents in hilly state

category by Ministry of Transport

2006

1. National Trophy for lowest accidents in hilly state

category by Ministry of Transport

2. Best State for Tourism Related Programmes

3. Cooperative Excellence Award by National

51

Cooperative Development Cooperation

2007 Today‟s Traveller Platinum Award for Most Picturesque

Destination

2008

1. India‟s First Nirmal Rajya Award by Ministry of Rural

Development, GoI

2. Fourth JRD Tata Memorial Award in Health Sector

3. Best Tourism State for Adventure Tourism by Safari India

4. Today‟s Traveller Platinum Award for Emerging Tourism

State

5. National Tourism Award by MoT

6. Best Adventure Tourism Destination by PATWA

7. IBN7 Diamond States Award for Citizen Security & Justice

8. Nirmal Gram Puraskar by Ministry of Rural Development,

GoI

9. CNBC Awaz Best Example of Community Based Tourism

10. Best State in Primary Education by India Today Group

11. Cooperative Excellence Award by National Cooperative

Development Cooperation

2009

1. Panchayat Empowerment & Accountability Incentive

Scheme Award by Ministry of Panchayati Raj

2. Award for Best State for Adventure Tourism

3. State Leadership Award in Horticulture by Agriculture

Today Group

4. Bharat Nirman Award in rural roads, e-governance, rural

electrification and education

5. Today‟s Traveller Diamond Award for Most Responsible

Tourism State

6. IBN7 Special Top Five States Award

7. Award for being No 1 in Natural Resource Conservation

by CDF Chennai

52

8. IBN7 Diamond State Award for Best State in Water &

Sanitation

2011

1. IBN7 Diamond States Citizens Security Award

2. Campaign Clean India Award by Mot, GoI

3. Award for Best State for Comprehensive Development

of Tourism



5. Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Puraskar for Melli Dara

by Ministry of Panchayati Raj MGNREGA

6. MGNREGA Best Gran Panchayat Award for Chhuba

Phong by Ministry of Panchayati Raj

7. MGNREGA Best District Award for North District by

Ministry of Rural Development

8. MGNREGA Rozgar Jgrukta Award for Voluntary

Health Association by Ministry of Rural Development

9. Number One in Sustainable Competitiveness by RICS,

India

2012

1. North East Award for Village Spring Atlas



3. Best Performing District Panchayat Award for South

District by Ministry of Panchayati Raj

4. Best Performing Gram Panchayat Award for Aritar

Gram Panchayat by Ministry of Panchayati Raj

5. Best Performing Gram Panchayat Award for Gerethang


6. Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Award for Sanga Dorjee


7. National Groundwater Augmentation Award to WWF

for technical support to MGNREGA

53

8. Most Innovative & Unique Tourism Project Award for

Siddheshwar Dhaam by MoT

9. MGNREGA Best Gram Panchayat Award for Martam

Nazitam Gram Panchayat

10. TN Khoshoo Memorial Award for Achievements under

MGNREGA by ATREE, Ford Foundation and IRRD

11. IBN7 Diamond State Award for Citizen Security,

Environment and Sanitation & Water Supply

12. India Today State of States Award in Education

13. Best Rural Tourism Project Award by MoT

14. Best North Eastern State Best

15. State for Campaign Clean India by MoT

16. Best State for Comprehensive Development of Tourism

by MoT

17. IBN7 Best State in Overall Performance

18. National Award in Horticulture by Ministry of Agriculture

& Horticulture

2013

1. MGNREGA Best Gram Panchayat for Hee Gyathang

Gram Panchayat by Ministry of Rural Development, GoI

2. Prime Minister‟s Award for Excellence in Public

Administration to RMD Department

3. North East Award for Reconstruction of Earthquake

Damaged Houses

4. Rajiv Gandhi Shashaktikaran Award for Yangang

Rangang Gram Panchayat by Ministry of Panchayati Raj

5. Agriculture Leadership Award by Agriculture Group

Today

1. National Award to RMD Department for Convergence

under MGNREGA

2. National Award to Lamten Tingmo Gram Panchayat

for implementation of MGNREGA

54

2014 3. National Award for Road Safety by Ministry of Road

Transport & Highways

4. Best Performing Zilla Panchayat for South Sikkim by

Ministry of Panchayati Raj

5. Best Performing Gram Panchayat (under category A)

for Melli Dara by Ministry of Panchayati Raj

6. Best Performing Gram Panchayat (under category B)

for Karmatar Gyaten by Ministry of Panchayati Raj

7. Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Award for Samdong

Gram Panchayat Unit Ministry of Panchayati Raj

8. Best Infrastructure Award by India Today Group

9. National Tourism Award by MoT

2015

1. India Today State of the States Award for investment,

cleanliness, macro economy, governance

2. India Today State of the States Award for Overall Best

Small State

2016

1. Swachh City Award for Best Performing City in North

East Zone & Among State Capitals

2. Gangtok adjudged as the Cleanest City in North East

India

3. Recognition for being the First Open Defecation Free

State in North East India

4. Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Purashkar for Tingvong

GPU

5. Panchayat Sashaktikaran Purashkar for West District

6. Panchayat Sashaktikaran Purashkar for Namphing GPU

7. Panchayat Sashaktikaran Purashkar for Rongay

Tathangchen GPU

55

Fellow citizens

On May 27, 2016, we received “Certificate of Recognition” along

with a cheque of Rs. 5 lakhs from the Hon‟ble Prime Minister for

making Gangtok as the Cleanest City in the North East India.

We were also privileged to receive the “Certificate of Recognition”

for making Sikkim as the first open defecation free state in the NE

region

More recently on August 6, 2016, the State Government of Sikkim

was felicitated in New Delhi for its pioneering efforts in introducing

organic farming across the state. Zee network's food channel called

Living Foodz hosted its first ever food award called "LF Powerlist

Awards" to honour the Powerlisters of the food and hospitality

sector. Therefore, Sikkim clearly emerged as the influencer and the

thought leader who have contributed towards the dynamics of this

industry.

Again on August 10, 2016, Gangtok city was presented with the

cleanest city award for its exemplary solid waste management

practices by none other than the prestigious Centre for Science and

Environment, New Delhi. You are aware that the same organization

had voted Sikkim‟s Chief Minister as the greenest chief minister of

India way back in 1999. I would like to share this glory with all the

Sikkimese people. Our collective effort has made this possible for

us.

Other Distinctions

The highest point of the Country at 8586 m, Mt.

Kanchenjunga is located in Sikkim

The tourist arrival has increased from a low 8000 to 7.532

lakhs currently, with 38,479 being foreign tourists

Fourth in India in Per Capita Income at par with Egypt

worldwide

Second in Panchayat Raj in the country

56

Second in environmental sustainable index

Second in children born not underweight

Third in women participation in polls

Third in per capita plan expenditure

Fourth in immunization coverage

Fourth Health Index

Seventh in attaining Low

Fertility Rate

Tenth IMR

Twelfth in institutional delivery

My dear fellow Sikkimese

Sikkim has a robust democracy that has trickled down to every

individual and with a proven record of socio-political stability.

Sikkim boasts of having the highest per capita availability of peace

perhaps in the whole of Asia. Peacefulness and tranquillity are

inbuilt in Sikkimese ethos. Sikkim is the epitome of miniature India

with the perfect cultural blending of three ethnic communities into a

single entity.

Fellow citizens

We have certain pending political demands which are being

considered at the national level. You are all aware that the State

Government is working sincerely to bring Karmapa Ogyen Trinley

Dorjee to Sikkim and the State Government is holding regular talk

with the Central Government.

The SDF Government facilitated recognition of Limboo and

Tamang as Scheduled Tribes in 2003 which was pending for a long

time. Now the issue of granting of seats for them in the Sikkim

Legislative Assembly is being pursued vigorously with the Central

Government.

57

The State Government has already recognized the Lepcha tribes as

the most primitive tribes with special facilities. We will continue to

represent the Central Government for similar recognition at the

national level.

We implemented the Mandal Commission recommendations in

Sikkim which was held back by the previous government. Now we

are continuously working to grant tribal status to the left-out

indigenous communities of Sikkim, namely Bahun, Chettri, Newar,

Gurung, Rai, Mangar, Sunuwar, Bhujel, Thami, Yakha, Dewan,

Jogi, Majhi and Sanyasi.

We are also representing the Central Government to grant

exemption to the left out business community of Sikkim from

purview of Central Income Tax.

Declarations

Fellow citizens

Having achieved so much within such a short span of time, we have

been further energized to pursue our goal of total development.

Sikkim is today known as the most innovative, consistent and

forward looking State in the Country. We are on a mission mode to

accomplish many other crucial objectives for the State. On this

auspicious occasion, I would like to share some of the targets to be

fulfilled in the future. They include making Sikkim:

To be the 1st Kutcha House Free State

To be the 1st Poverty Free State

To be a total literate State

To emphasise on qualitative work in all spheres like

infrastructure development, roads, education, health care

etc

To be the 1st Carbon Neutral State

58

To be the 1st total healthy State

To be the 1st State with the highest longevity of its citizens

To be the 1st fully empowered and self reliant State


Sikkim today is one of the most progressive States in the Country

and the very best State in many sectors. We must feel happy for the

array of development facilities and benefits being received by us.

We are living in the most peaceful, clean and progressive State and

we must talk about all the good things happening to us. This must

be promoted collectively in the best way. Let us stop pointing

fingers at each other and the best government and the best citizens

together can make our state and the nation better. We must

collectively shoulder our responsibility.

More importantly, role and contribution of our youths is very

crucial in nation building. They should be hardworking, innovative

and imaginative as the present and the future rest squarely on their

shoulders. We need to further develop sense of ownership to

conserve our natural resources, promote the cause of present and the

future generation. Sikkim is our State and we will have to

correctively develop it further. Because in a democratic system, the

people are the supreme ruler. People must realize that they are the

source of ultimate power in a democratic Country and we need to

help our people identify their power in democracy.


Sikkim has passed through a hard socio-political atmosphere. The

past is mired in stories of unexplained hardship and unethical

inhuman subjection. People under the given circumstances were

suffering from the inflicted „culture of silence‟. It took us so long to

free ourselves from the shackle of tyranny. Now that empowered as

we remain and live our life fully as guaranteed by the freedom won

seventy years ago, let us once again rededicate ourselves to the

59

ideals of freedom and the dreams of our forefathers. May this

freedom breed peace, mutual respect and a profound sense of duty

and responsibility towards our family, society, state and the Nation

as a whole.

With this prayer, I reiterate that we are duty bound by the freedom

so bestowed upon us, to forever serve the interest of people as the

supreme powerhouse in Democracy as always.

Thank you

Jai Hind

Jai Sikkim

message of hon'ble chief minister on the occasion of

Documents