HCM-Sikkim’s Message to the people on 64th Republic day

64^th Republic Day

January 26, 2013

HCM’s Message to the people

Respected fellow citizens

On the auspicious occasion of the 64^th Republic Day of the Country, I convey my heartiest greetings and best wishes to the people of Sikkim and to my fellow countrymen. This is an occasion for all of us to re-dedicate ourselves to the ideals enshrined in the Constitution.  You are aware that the principles of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity, as epitomized in our constitution have been fully established in the State, making Sikkim as one of the most progressive States of the Indian Union.

In Sikkim, Democracy has taken deep roots which entails peaceful resolution of all differences through due coordination and consultation and also enough space to register protest in a democratic manner. Through a long process of democratic exercise, we have built a strong society that prospers on the essential human values of mutual friendship, tolerance and harmony. Let me also congratulate my fellow Sikkimese for their contribution and support to the State Government to carry forward all the development initiatives under the larger framework of our Constitution.

You are aware that after the transition of the 1975 into a democratic State, we have finally attained maturity to provide effective governance with emphasis on empowering the grassroot people and the involvement of the civil society in the development process. The vision of empowering the less empowered economically, socially, politically through democratic decentralization and forging strong partnership with agents of change and development like the Panchayati Raj Institutions and community based organizations have been achieved.

Although, we joined the mainstream development process only in 1975, Sikkim’s contribution towards nation building has been immense, both in terms of promoting long term peace and processing many innovative development models appropriate to country’s demography. As we prepare to enter into the 12^th Plan period, Sikkim’s growth saga during the last 11^th Plan continued unhampered. In fact, the State has averaged an annual growth of 12.6 percent over the last eight years, which is very impressive in the face of global economic meltdown affecting Country’s economic growth projection.

Respected fellow Sikkimese

With the sacred responsibility bestowed upon us by our Constitution and the privilege inherent in a democracy, we have consistently tried to uphold the values and principles of the democratic nation. Today, Sikkim marches shoulder to shoulder with other constituent states to attain self-reliance and ultimate freedom in the absolute sense. During finalization of 12^th Plan document, we cooperated fully with the central government to adopt a more tangible and tenable development programs for the next five years. Broadly speaking, Sikkim’s vision during the 12^th Plan is in agreement with the guidelines of the Government of India.

Our focus will continue to remain to consolidate on our progress made so far which also encompass upgradation of skills with modern technological inputs for the youth. Human resource development, eco-tourism, hydro power, horticulture and floriculture have been identified as the thrust of my government to generate employment in diverse sectors which are viable in Sikkim. At the same time we will also take up more development programmes which are in consonance with the Government of India policies based on the State’s natural resources without however compromising on the ecology and the environment.

The State Government has made progress in the social sectors of basic health care and elementary education. A basic indicator of development is reflected in the high GDP growth rate and per capita income of the people. The State of Sikkim continues to be peaceful and its people god fearing and law abiding. There is a good track record on gender related issues and there is ready help and respect for the weak and downtrodden. Sikkim has one of the best records in the country in maintaining peace and harmonious relationship amongst various segments of the society, irrespective of caste, creed, religion and community.

We have realised that in order to fulfil Gandhiji’s dream of gram swaraj, there has to be an integrated approach in the developmental process involving all agents of social change. We have initiated the process of involving village panchayats in the spread, implementation and sustainability of our developmental agenda. Attention has been laid in development of the villages and the process of decentralization has been put in place. With the establishment of 29 BACs the administration has been brought to the doorsteps of the villagers for easy access to essential public services.  

Empowerment of women is another priority of my government. 50% of seats for women are reserved under the Panchayati Raj System. In fact, Sikkim is one of the first States in the country to have created this landmark policy of reservation for the women. As a result of this policy today we have 2 women Adhakshyas and 2 Upadhakshyas among the total of four. I would like to congratulate these functionaries and urge them to work hard to take the State towards further progress and development.

The rural development sector has played a critical role in transforming the lives of the rural people through many innovative programmes launched by the Government which has brought down the poverty level to less than 13 percent today, which is relative in terms and extreme poverty is non-existent in the State.

Through the launch of Chief Minister’s Rural Housing Mission, we are moving ahead with an ambitious target to make Sikkim a kutcha house free state by 2015. This scheme introduced in the later part of 11^th Plan will continue and during the course of the 12^th Five Year Plan we shall endeavor to build another 8300 houses to be distributed among the targeted beneficiaries.

We will continue to lay focus on development of human capital and we must take action for more efficient utilization of both capital and human resource. Today the literacy rate of the State stands at 82.2% but we have a larger mission of making Sikkim 100% literate State by end of the 12^th Five Year Plan. The policy of the Government of devolving 20% of the plan outlay to the HRD Sector is slowly showing results. Massive incentives have been provided in the elementary and in the higher education. Improvement of quality education and better delivery of services in the HRD Sector is a major concern. Sikkim has one Central University and 4 Private Universities that provide higher education in the State.

From this year we have started another innovative programme which is the State’s sponsorship for Civil Services Coaching. We have sent 146 educated Sikkimese for undergoing coaching in renowned Institutes of Hyderabad, Delhi and Tamil Nadu. In future it is hoped many young Sikkimese will make a mark in the All India Services and Central Civil Services. Similarly, we would facilitate coaching for joining the Defence Services, Banking Services, Secretariat Services etc.

The skill development programme initiated by the State Government in the year 2003 is a continuing process. Regular training and skilled development is critical for employment worldwide. There is a need for action in many key areas in order to ensure that skill development takes place in a demand driven manner. Skill development has to be re-oriented to meet the demands of the employer/industry, and also align it with the available self-employment opportunities within and outside the State.

The State Institute of Capacity Building at Karfectar, Jorethang has been instrumental in providing world class training and transfer of knowledge for building stronger capacities to a large number of educated and unemployed youth of the State. Initially the Directorate of Capacity Building has also assisted in sponsoring the youth outside the State for various training programmes. The Capacity Building and the Skill Development Programme of the Government has met with commendable success with placement of over 70% in the hospitality sector alone.

Forty one Livelihood Schools have been established throughout the State and are functional. These schools are training local youth in various professions like carpentry and basic engineering in order to meet the man power requirement of the small scale industrial units and the hydro power projects installed in Sikkim.

The idea has been to channelize youth power and energy in creative and constructive enterprises, making them more responsible and accountable.

The 21^st century world is littered with multitudes of challenges and people’s demands and aspirations have increased by manifolds. Therefore, we need to revamp our work culture and reform our education policy to bring about balanced integration to our approach towards progress and development. We have to make our people more skilful, hard working, sincere and open to new ideas. They should be willing to learn more and absorb the best practice of development worldwide. The younger population must come forward to make themselves capable and meritorious to be able to face modern challenges with élan and full confidence. The government will continue to further consolidate all our youth-centric development thrusts so that all educated Sikkimese are provided with maximum space and large number of economic opportunities to earn their living.    

Tourism industry worldwide has emerged as the second biggest industry generating huge employment opportunities. Tourism, hospitality, and construction in the service sector are important sources of employment and growth therefore, the tourism and hospitality sector has a major role in promoting faster sustainable and more inclusive economic growth in the State.

Nature has been kind and bestowed the State with unique beauty, with lofty mountains, lush green forest, undisturbed valleys and abundant flora and fauna and a eco-friendly environment. The hospitable and friendly people, and its rich cultural heritage, a politically stable government, make Sikkim an ideal tourist destination. Peace, tranquillity, and security have remained our forte. Tourism industry in the State has become an important and a high growth sector. The vision of my government is to increase tourism footfall to 50 lakhs by end of 2015 into Sikkim.

The pilgrimage and cultural centre with the Statue of Lord Buddha is awaiting inauguration at Ravangla. The Siddeshwar Dham Complex at Solophok, and the Kanchendzonga Tourist Villa cum Socio Cultural Amusement Park at Ranka have added extra options to tourists seeking spiritual enlightenment. We have many tourist attractions (projects) in the pipeline like the Skywalk at Bhaleydunga, the Sleeping Buddha at Singik, North Sikkim which will be built in due course of time.

The State is part of the rich bio-diversity hotspots of the world. We have always given top priority towards protection of the flora, fauna, wildlife, forests and the natural resources in the State. It is our earnest endeavour to protect the mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers, the water bodies and also the faunal wealth with medicinal properties. It is our endeavor to relentlessly pursue the green goal during the 12^th Five Year Plan while continuing to protect our bio-diversity, forests and wildlife. The existing ban on felling of trees, grazing and use of    non-biodegradable materials in the State are in vogue. The afforestation programmes such as creation of Smriti Ban the State Green Mission is to be continued for posterity.

In this way it will be our contribution in the effort for protection and environmental conservation of the eastern Himalayas. The State initiative known as “10 Minutes to Earth” observed in June 25 every year with public participation along with students has been continuing since 2009-10. It is our earnest effort to keep the State clean, neat and green.

We have made substantial progress in the Health Care Sector. This sector is one of the top priorities of the Government each year. The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR), disease prevalence, morbidity as well as mortality rates have shown a decline over the last 15 years. In fact, the Sikkim has been ranked fourth in the Country in terms of  reduction in Infant Mortality rate. I am happy to record that all central health related programmes such as the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), HIV/AIDS etc. are being carried out without any hindrances. The life expectancy in the State has increased by over 3-5 years on average as compared to 1994.

The work for construction of the 575 bedded Multi Specialty Hospital at Sichey Basti has already commenced. My Government is keen that the hospital will also serve as a Medical College once the required infrastructure is in place. The goal of my Government is to make available the best medical facilities and treatment to the people of Sikkim within the State and also at an affordable cost.

Organic farming has become the buzz word across the Country after our humble beginning to transform Sikkim into the first total organic state in the Country. Besides featuring our success stories at the Satya Meya Jayate TV show, this has generated worldwide curiosity among educationists, scientists and the farming communities to tread our path and adopt our own model. This is an economically viable occupation and because of the diverse climatic condition in Sikkim large varieties of agricultural products can be cultivated throughout the year fetching competitive prices in the world markets. My Government has made all efforts in encouraging the youth to take up organic farming and make it sustainable source of income and livelihood.

We will continue to lay focus on generation of electricity which has huge scope for earning good revenue. It will help the State in providing employment and also provide energy security to the State. Sikkim has an estimated 8000 MW hydro-power potential. The expected installed capacity by end of 12^th Five Year Plan is 3774.50MW. We are strengthening the transmission system for evacuation of power and also implement and complete the R-APDRP works in Gangtok and Tadong and also the village electrification works under RGGVY during the 12^th Plan Period.

Fellow Sikkimese

Sikkim over the decade has emerged as a model state, the catalyst, the inventor and propagator of so many new and innovative development models across sector. Today we are leader in terms of social development, cultural enrichment, human capital formation, capacity building, rural prosperity, environmental protection to achieve the end result of human happiness across the spectrum. One of our policy thrusts has been harnessing our rich natural resources on sustainable basis. As part of our efforts, we are holding the 2^nd International Flower Festival at Saramsa Garden to showcase our floral wealth to the outside world. The first Flower Festival at the same venue in 2008 had provided huge platform for the international community of flower growers to exchange knowledge and joy across the Continents. With consistency and little bit of hard work, we can take due advantage of our climatic variation and elevation to grow exotic flowers round the year and earn hefty economic dividend. This way we can well transform Sikkim into a garden State and a Floricultural State.

We are trying to reach out to larger audience across the Country and the world through all means including tele-conference, press conferences and wider interactions with press and media. We also held the Curtain Raiser function in New Delhi on December 28, 2013, inviting delegates and representatives from all foreign embassies, all state governments, central government officials and mainstream media. Let me call upon all my fellow Sikkimese to actively participate in this grand event in showcasing our natural endowment.

As provided under our Constitution, we recently concluded panchayat elections to choose grass root functionaries. And the Sikkim Democratic Front party achieved yet another milestone registering over 96 percentage success. During the last panchayat election, we created a landmark provision to provide 50% reservation of seats for women under the Panchayati Raj System. Today, we have 50% of women occupying panchayat seats at the gram panchayat, zilla panchayat level and in the post of Adhyakshya and Upa-adhayakshya under the reservation policy. Through effective process of decentralization, we have devolved both administrative and financial power to the grass root functionaries. What remains to be seen is corresponding sharing of responsibility and accountability by each one of us, be they panchayats, government officials and other public representatives. 

Now this is time for shouldering greater responsibility by each one of us. Under the Constitution, the state government has its role and responsibility. So is the case with panchayats and other government officials. They are the custodians to provide better living condition and environment of growth at the village level. Therefore, I call upon all of you to strengthen the sense of responsibility on our part and participate in greater measures in the state and nation building task.

Helen Keller once said “I find life an exciting business – and most exciting when it is lived for others”.  Empowered as we are by the Constitution, let us make our lives most exciting through dedication and commitment at different level and work as per policy formulation of the Government from time to time for greater good and well being of our people.

I am of the firm opinion that as citizens of this great Country, we must shoulder our responsibility and duties towards the betterment of country under all circumstances. If we are able to live as true citizens with greater responsibility, this will be the best form of worship and service to nation that we can ever think of. Therefore, may I call upon my fellow citizens to live with greater responsibility and as true patriot to be able to provide highest service to the Nation and to our Motherland.

Sikkim state is being recognized one after the other at the regional, national and international level for its development strides. We were recently honoured with the best state in Education, Water and sanitation, citizen security and environment and best overall state in small state category. I congratulate my fellow Sikkimese for all the achievements conferred on the State and for earning a distinct edge over others, in the wide socio-economic spheres.

The Country and the world itself, are going through a rough sail and left with tough choices to boost economy and improve the living condition of people. Our own country’s GDP growth projection for the next fiscal is a humble 5 percent and we have big task ahead to narrow down fiscal deficit. In fact, the most powerful nation, the United States of America, itself is struggling to salvage the country’s economy from ‘fiscal cliff’. Sounding more optimistic, the President has reassured the Americans about economic recovery which is beginning to happen.

Under the circumstances and at times which is globally challenging, I am confident that the Country through the spirit of its Constitution and the power of the billionth plus population will successfully achieve economic stability, social cohesion and citizens’ security. What is essential is collective resolve to further strengthen and cement the fabric of democratic forces, the coming together of democratic elements to put up collective resistance to anti-democratic and anti-social forces and thereby provide full-proof security to the citizens in the Country at large.

And towards that objective, Sikkim will continue to stand tall and contribute towards national prosperity with its own development programs, strengthening our civilizational legacy to live together as brothers and sisters in amity, peace and consideration for each other.

Respected fellow Sikkimese

We are accomplished citizens to discover new opportunities and walk the untrodden paths leading to newer prosperity and happiness and engage in the best development discourse in the given time and circumstances in the true spirit and framework of our Constitution. Let us once again rededicate ourselves as servants of the people at this great occasion where lie our progress and prosperity.

Thank you

Jai Hind