A Conversation With: Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling
By SAMBUDDHA MITRA MUSTAFI
Courtesy of Sambuddha Mitra
Mustafi Pawan Kumar Chamling.
Tucked away in the
Himalayas, India’s Sikkim state has averaged an annual growth of 12.6 percent
over the last eight years. The state of 600,000 people is of strategic
importance to India, surrounded by China, Nepal and Bhutan on three sides. The
former monarchy of Sikkim joined the Indian federation of states in 1975 and has
been the most peaceful among India’s strife-torn northeastern states.
The chief minister, Pawan Kumar Chamling, has been in power since December
1994, making him the second longest-serving state chief in India’s history. In
an interview with India Ink, Mr. Chamling explained how his government has
managed to build a development consensus that has eluded Sikkim’s neighboring
states.
Q.
Sikkim is India’s fastest-growing state since 2004, but somehow its growth
story has not been in the limelight as much as Gujarat or Bihar, for
example.
A.
Yes, we do not get as much recognition because we are a small state, in a
remote part of the country. But we are a sensitive border state – landlocked by
China, Nepal and Bhutan. Yet we are among the most peaceful and progressive
states of India. The general impression of border states in India is that they
are not peaceful, there is lack of development, leading to unemployment and
strife. Sikkim, through its example, has changed that perception. Within five
years Sikkim will become a poverty-free state, and it will become the first
state to have 100 percent concrete houses.
Q.
But fast economic growth often comes with environmental hazards, especially
in a state that is part of the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot. Has Sikkim’s
environment taken a beating in the state’s pursuit of fast growth?
A.
Our development mantra is innovative, based on natural resources, hydropower,
organic farming, ecotourism, floriculture and clean industries. Only 14 percent
of our land is inhabitable – the rest is taken up by Himalayan glaciers and
jungles. But we have turned our locational disadvantage into an opportunity by
protecting our biodiversity and inviting tourists to come and enjoy Sikkim’s
natural beauty. We have banned grazing, killing of wildlife and eliminated
deforestation. Every time we cut a tree for a development project, we plant 20
saplings elsewhere. We have banned pesticides, and in two years we will become a
fully organic state. We have promoted clean industries – we have removed the
polluting silicon industry out of the state. If the world adopts Sikkim’s model,
global warming can be tackled.
Q.
How have you brought about the development consensus among people,
particularly in the rural areas, in what is still a very traditional society? In
many parts of India we see the biggest impediment to development is that locals
do not want to give up on land or traditional means of livelihood.
A.
I consider the rural people my overlords – I tell them that I am their main
servant. Sikkim is ours; we must build it together. I tell them we have to use
our natural resources – our land, our water. If the government wants their land
for a road or other construction, I am ready to pay them more than the market
price. I don’t believe in compulsory taking away. I negotiate. I engage in
dialogue. That is why people are with me in this quest for development. And our
state is investment friendly – we invite industries as development partners of
our state. They get good, secure conditions to invest, while locals are happy
because it creates jobs.
Q.
Some of your critics say that perhaps development has happened too fast for
the local population. They claim that locals are not getting jobs, which are
being taken away by immigrants.
A.
Those people are backward in their thinking. We are just about entering
India’s development mainstream and we have a lot of catching up to do to enter
the global mainstream. We are still in the agricultural age, not even
manufacturing. We are still way behind in terms of education, health and other
social indicators. We have a long way to go, and it is my obsession that we do
it quickly.As for immigrants, if there is manpower demand there will be supply from outside sometimes. Sikkimese people do not like to do manual labor, so outsiders will come. But old laws still protect the right of Sikkimese people over land and other resources. So I do not see immigration as a problem.
Q.
Trade with China’s Tibet Autonomous Region through the Nathu La Pass was one
of your dream projects and the route finally opened up in 2005 for restricted
trade. Has the project lived up to your expectations?
A.
I strongly believe that trade through Nathu La should become full-fledged,
and all items should flow across the border. People should also be allowed to
cross the border for tourism – that can only bring benefits to Sikkim. I am
actually unhappy with the Border Roads Organization (of the Indian Army) for not
maintaining the road properly. Landslides have caused damage and affected trade
more than we would want. On the Chinese side, the road looks in great condition,
and this disparity has national security implications as well.
Q.
You have now been in power for 18 years, which is quite unique in India,
where state governments generally change every four years. Do you see yourself
more as an Asian-style figurehead, or even a neo-royal in this former
monarchy?
A.
In a democracy, people are supreme. I have been elected four times because
people have liked my work. Because our model is working, so people are happy
with this model. I don’t think I am a royal figure or a father figure. I think
Sikkimese people feel that this is their government. They believe that if their
parents could not educate them, the government will. If we cannot eat, the
government will provide. That is why they have faith in this government. And
they think I am the top man in this government.
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