THE OLD SETTLERS OF SIKKIM

Old Laws of Sikkim will be protected: Chamling

Sikkim Express | www.sikkimexpress.com


01 April, Gangtok: SDF Party President and Chief Minister Pawan Chamling has appealed people to come out in large numbers to exercise their franchise on April 27, the day of voting to elect members to 47 wards of urban local bodies in Sikkim. He also appealed voters to vote in favour of SDF candidates and elect them with a resounding majority.

“When Sikkim joined the mainstream of Indian Union Territory on 16 May, 1975 Gangtok Municipal Corporation was formed with nominated members to run the show. This Municipal Corporation was not constituted within a democratic framework of due process of elections. But the elections which are going to be held on April 27, 2010 will elect their representatives by the people exercising their franchise and their right. Hence , this election will be the first historic exercise which will form Municipal Corporation, Municipal Council and Nagar Panchayats in Sikkim. This will truly empower our urban citizens to participate more fully in local governance to make the State liveable “, said Chamling in his lection appeal.

Mentioning about the demarcated areas of different wards have touched some areas of Gram Panchayats , the SDF president asserted that the old laws of Sikkim will be fully protected.

“SDF party wants to make it clear that the old laws of Sikkim, protected by Article 371 (F) of Indian Constitution and the provisions of Revenue Order No.1 will be fully protected. The rules and regulation that would be formulated to govern the Corporation , Council and Nagar Panchayats will not in any form dilute the Sikkim’s distinct identity and special rights. They will also preserve and protect the old laws of Sikkim, said Chamling.He also added that the old businessmen community has been offered a voice in the local governance of their urban centres as well.

Stating that the upcoming historic municipal election offer golden opportunity to the citizens, in the urban areas to participate more fully, Chamling said that it is the ‘bounden duty of all people to participate in these elections.”

“The citizens of bazaar and town will have to discharge the full responsibilities diligently when these responsibilities come their way through power decentralization process, said Chamling.