Municipal election in Sikkim due on April 27,2010
GANGTOK, March 10: The State Election Commission has announced the General Election to the Municipalities for which formal notification will be issued on March 27.
The Municipal election is slated for April 27.
As per information received from the State Election Commission, the Model Code of Conduct will also be enforced from March 27. All the Political Parties are also requested to adhere to the Code strictly to enable a trouble free election campaign and peaceful conduct of election, free and fair in all respect
THE OLD SETTLERS OF SIKKIM....................e.newsletter of the old settlers living in Sikkim prior to its merger with India who have a history of 130 years in Sikkim: .....Editor: S K Sarda
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Rs. 3 lakhs self-employment loan per youth under CMSES
GANGTOK, March 10: After the education loan bonanza for meritorious students, the State Government is now offering soft employment loans to the unemployed youth up to Rs. 3 lakhs per individual under Chief Minister’s Self Employment Scheme (CMSES).
Sikkim Subject Certificate or Certificate of Identification holders and their descendants in the age group of 22 to 35 years who have passed Class X and are unemployed are eligible for the loans under CMSES.
As per the guidelines, the benefit will be restricted to children of persons whose gross income from all sources does not exceed Rs. 2.5 lakhs annually subject to submission of authentic income certificate duly certified by the concerned district collector and subject to revision from time to time. Children of government and PSU employees are also eligible for the loan subject to the above conditions.
However, not more than one member of a family will be considered for the benefit, save in case of BPL families.
The quantum of loan shall not exceed Rs. 3 lakhs per individual, per scheme, it is informed. A processing fee of 1 percent of the sanctioned amount will be charged to cover the administrative expenses of Sikkim Industrial Development Investment Corporation (SIDICO) for loans under the scheme and no other amount is to be deducted from the loan. The SIDICO is the prescribed agency to accept all applications and disburse the loan amount at their end duly ensuring that all eligibility criteria are met.
The government has directed that the total amount of loan under CMSES should be as far as possible be proportionately divided among the four districts as per percentage of their population.
In case of death of a loanee, the co-applicant will be made liable for refund of the outstanding loan, the guidelines state.
Loans under CMSES are to be disbursed on a quarterly basis by the SIDICO after final approval from the government.
The SIDICO will be examining the application for loans with reference to the genuineness of the request, ability of the candidate to establish and run the project and capacity to repay the loan. Preference is to be given to candidates who have undergone higher or specialized training in the field for which the loan is being sought.
Final disbursement to the selected loanees will be made only after they have obtained the required license or permission for running the project. The amount shall be released on installment basis on satisfying progress in the implementation of project, the guidelines state.
source;sikkim express
GANGTOK, March 10: After the education loan bonanza for meritorious students, the State Government is now offering soft employment loans to the unemployed youth up to Rs. 3 lakhs per individual under Chief Minister’s Self Employment Scheme (CMSES).
Sikkim Subject Certificate or Certificate of Identification holders and their descendants in the age group of 22 to 35 years who have passed Class X and are unemployed are eligible for the loans under CMSES.
As per the guidelines, the benefit will be restricted to children of persons whose gross income from all sources does not exceed Rs. 2.5 lakhs annually subject to submission of authentic income certificate duly certified by the concerned district collector and subject to revision from time to time. Children of government and PSU employees are also eligible for the loan subject to the above conditions.
However, not more than one member of a family will be considered for the benefit, save in case of BPL families.
The quantum of loan shall not exceed Rs. 3 lakhs per individual, per scheme, it is informed. A processing fee of 1 percent of the sanctioned amount will be charged to cover the administrative expenses of Sikkim Industrial Development Investment Corporation (SIDICO) for loans under the scheme and no other amount is to be deducted from the loan. The SIDICO is the prescribed agency to accept all applications and disburse the loan amount at their end duly ensuring that all eligibility criteria are met.
The government has directed that the total amount of loan under CMSES should be as far as possible be proportionately divided among the four districts as per percentage of their population.
In case of death of a loanee, the co-applicant will be made liable for refund of the outstanding loan, the guidelines state.
Loans under CMSES are to be disbursed on a quarterly basis by the SIDICO after final approval from the government.
The SIDICO will be examining the application for loans with reference to the genuineness of the request, ability of the candidate to establish and run the project and capacity to repay the loan. Preference is to be given to candidates who have undergone higher or specialized training in the field for which the loan is being sought.
Final disbursement to the selected loanees will be made only after they have obtained the required license or permission for running the project. The amount shall be released on installment basis on satisfying progress in the implementation of project, the guidelines state.
source;sikkim express
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Ravi Thapa
It's good to know that an educated youth of Sikkim,who is self-employed like Shri Milan Sundas is keen to know about the govt's policies on local protection.I am also an educated self-employed youth and a non-political person and would like to share the following with everyone,particularly Mr Sundas.
Everyone will agree with me that there has been and there is protection of Old Laws in the state in consonance with Article 371 F of the constitution.Violation of Revenue Order No.1 is not permitted.It has also been learnt that Local Employment Protection Act has been sent to the President of India for assent,which would further safeguard local interest. With regard to land holding,it is pertinent for us to know that the land acquired for power projects are on BUT basis(built,operate and transfer),i.e. the land will be handed over to the owners after 35 years.Intially,the land acquired willbe registered in the name of SIDICO and leased out to power developers for 35 years.In case any acquired land is unused,it will be handed over to its original owners. As for acquisition of land by the Govt.for hotels and other industries ,the ownership remains with the govt.If the acquisiton is directly through landowners then it is on lease of 99 years.
Trade licences and registration of licenses too are the rights enjoyed by the locals and Old Settlers & their descendents only.Also in the pipeline is the system of issuing driving licences to locals only. We all talk of safeguarding local interest and put the onus on the govt.But it is also the responsibility of all bonafide Sikkimese.The govt cannnot always be rigid and straightjacketed and may at times have to take steps which may directly or indirectly affect some individuals or sections of the society,to keep in pace with the changing times.Opening the doors of Sikkim for investors was such step.But it can still be said that this development has not been at the cost of local interest.People should realise this and make most of the opportunities presented to them.
It's good to know that an educated youth of Sikkim,who is self-employed like Shri Milan Sundas is keen to know about the govt's policies on local protection.I am also an educated self-employed youth and a non-political person and would like to share the following with everyone,particularly Mr Sundas.
Everyone will agree with me that there has been and there is protection of Old Laws in the state in consonance with Article 371 F of the constitution.Violation of Revenue Order No.1 is not permitted.It has also been learnt that Local Employment Protection Act has been sent to the President of India for assent,which would further safeguard local interest. With regard to land holding,it is pertinent for us to know that the land acquired for power projects are on BUT basis(built,operate and transfer),i.e. the land will be handed over to the owners after 35 years.Intially,the land acquired willbe registered in the name of SIDICO and leased out to power developers for 35 years.In case any acquired land is unused,it will be handed over to its original owners. As for acquisition of land by the Govt.for hotels and other industries ,the ownership remains with the govt.If the acquisiton is directly through landowners then it is on lease of 99 years.
Trade licences and registration of licenses too are the rights enjoyed by the locals and Old Settlers & their descendents only.Also in the pipeline is the system of issuing driving licences to locals only. We all talk of safeguarding local interest and put the onus on the govt.But it is also the responsibility of all bonafide Sikkimese.The govt cannnot always be rigid and straightjacketed and may at times have to take steps which may directly or indirectly affect some individuals or sections of the society,to keep in pace with the changing times.Opening the doors of Sikkim for investors was such step.But it can still be said that this development has not been at the cost of local interest.People should realise this and make most of the opportunities presented to them.
Friday, March 5, 2010
All a question of status
7 February 2010
by Jigme N Kazi
SEVERAL political and social organisation leaders and intellectuals spoke in unison on the issue of Article 371F at a seminar organised in Gangtok by the All Sikkim Educated Self-Employed & Unemployed Association on 28 January. They reminded the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front government, the Centre and the people at large on the need to preserve the distinct identity of Sikkim and the Sikkimese people within the framework of the article.
Former chief minister Nar Bahadur Bhandari, while referring to the political turmoil in the kingdom in 1973, termed the “andolan”, often described as a “mass movement” by anti-Sikkim propagandists in the ’70s and thereafter, a “conspiracy” to topple the Chogyal, erase Sikkim’s separate international identity and merge it with India.
Bhandari, who led an anti-merger movement in the 1970s and ousted the pro-merger Sikkim Congress led by LD Kazi in the first assembly elections after the controversial merger in 1979, said the need of the hour was for everyone to work for unity among all communities and preserve Sikkim’s unique and distinct status under the Constitution as reflected in Article 371F.
He reiterated the stand that the article reflected the spirit of the historic 8 May 1973 Tripartite Agreement, signed by the Chogyal, the government of India and leaders of three major political parties in Sikkim representing the three ethnic communities — Nepalese, Bhutias and Lepchas.
Former Lok Sabha member Pahalman Subba, and former minister and senior Congress leader KN Upreti, felt the need to form a common “forum” on the issue of Article 371F which, according to them, had been diluted ever since the declaration of minority Bhutia-Lepchas as being “tribals” in 1978 followed by the 1979 abolition of seats reserved for Sikkimese Nepalese in the assembly.
Prominent among those who resented the gradual and systematic dilution of the provisions of the special article and spoke on the need to work unitedly on the issue of preserving the special safeguards provided for Sikkim under the article included the president of the state BJP unit, Padam Chettri; the president of the Sikkim National People’s Party, Biraj Adhikari — the party still demands the restoration of Sikkim’s pre-merger “assotiate state” status; former Communist leader and presently convenor of the Matri Bhoomi Suraksha, Duk Nath Nepal; and former minister and convenor of the Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee, Tseten Tashi Bhutia, who is regarded as one of the few vocal leaders of the minority Bhutia-Lepcha tribals.
While Nepal warned the people of the “conspiracy” to erase Sikkim’s special status under the Constitution, Adhikari said the people needed to take a fresh look at what happened during the merger period in order to move forward decisively. The BJP chief said that while the Centre could not escape responsibility for the gradual dilution of the special provisions, the state must equally share the blame.
On the issue of income-tax, prominent member of the old business community, Prem Goyal, who is also coordinator, Nagrik Sangarsha Samiti, said it was better that the Income-Tax Act was not extended to the state as some sections of the people, particularly the business community, felt discriminated against as they were now forced to pay income-tax while bonafide Sikkimese hailing from the three ethnic communities (Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese), who were former citizens of the kingom of Sikkim and subjects of the Chogyal and possess Sikkim Subject Certificates and others had been exempted.
While Bhutia questioned the motives of those who played communal politics in the state by unjustifiably dubbing minority Bhutia-Lepcha leaders “communal”, this scribe spoke on the need for unity among the people for economic and political empowerment, saying that, “If the Nepalese leadership go after cash the Bhutia-Lepcha (BLs) leaders would also go after cash. But if they go for a cause the BLs would also go for a cause.” Bhutia said he was prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice if the Sikkimese came forward for the right cause.
The seminar, part of the Association’s Janchetna Abhayan programme aimed at creating public awareness on certain vital issues that concern Sikkim and its people, raised more questions, posed more challenges and perhaps will evoke surprising responses not only from its participants but from the public in general.
The writer is editor, Sikkim Observer
7 February 2010
by Jigme N Kazi
SEVERAL political and social organisation leaders and intellectuals spoke in unison on the issue of Article 371F at a seminar organised in Gangtok by the All Sikkim Educated Self-Employed & Unemployed Association on 28 January. They reminded the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front government, the Centre and the people at large on the need to preserve the distinct identity of Sikkim and the Sikkimese people within the framework of the article.
Former chief minister Nar Bahadur Bhandari, while referring to the political turmoil in the kingdom in 1973, termed the “andolan”, often described as a “mass movement” by anti-Sikkim propagandists in the ’70s and thereafter, a “conspiracy” to topple the Chogyal, erase Sikkim’s separate international identity and merge it with India.
Bhandari, who led an anti-merger movement in the 1970s and ousted the pro-merger Sikkim Congress led by LD Kazi in the first assembly elections after the controversial merger in 1979, said the need of the hour was for everyone to work for unity among all communities and preserve Sikkim’s unique and distinct status under the Constitution as reflected in Article 371F.
He reiterated the stand that the article reflected the spirit of the historic 8 May 1973 Tripartite Agreement, signed by the Chogyal, the government of India and leaders of three major political parties in Sikkim representing the three ethnic communities — Nepalese, Bhutias and Lepchas.
Former Lok Sabha member Pahalman Subba, and former minister and senior Congress leader KN Upreti, felt the need to form a common “forum” on the issue of Article 371F which, according to them, had been diluted ever since the declaration of minority Bhutia-Lepchas as being “tribals” in 1978 followed by the 1979 abolition of seats reserved for Sikkimese Nepalese in the assembly.
Prominent among those who resented the gradual and systematic dilution of the provisions of the special article and spoke on the need to work unitedly on the issue of preserving the special safeguards provided for Sikkim under the article included the president of the state BJP unit, Padam Chettri; the president of the Sikkim National People’s Party, Biraj Adhikari — the party still demands the restoration of Sikkim’s pre-merger “assotiate state” status; former Communist leader and presently convenor of the Matri Bhoomi Suraksha, Duk Nath Nepal; and former minister and convenor of the Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee, Tseten Tashi Bhutia, who is regarded as one of the few vocal leaders of the minority Bhutia-Lepcha tribals.
While Nepal warned the people of the “conspiracy” to erase Sikkim’s special status under the Constitution, Adhikari said the people needed to take a fresh look at what happened during the merger period in order to move forward decisively. The BJP chief said that while the Centre could not escape responsibility for the gradual dilution of the special provisions, the state must equally share the blame.
On the issue of income-tax, prominent member of the old business community, Prem Goyal, who is also coordinator, Nagrik Sangarsha Samiti, said it was better that the Income-Tax Act was not extended to the state as some sections of the people, particularly the business community, felt discriminated against as they were now forced to pay income-tax while bonafide Sikkimese hailing from the three ethnic communities (Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese), who were former citizens of the kingom of Sikkim and subjects of the Chogyal and possess Sikkim Subject Certificates and others had been exempted.
While Bhutia questioned the motives of those who played communal politics in the state by unjustifiably dubbing minority Bhutia-Lepcha leaders “communal”, this scribe spoke on the need for unity among the people for economic and political empowerment, saying that, “If the Nepalese leadership go after cash the Bhutia-Lepcha (BLs) leaders would also go after cash. But if they go for a cause the BLs would also go for a cause.” Bhutia said he was prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice if the Sikkimese came forward for the right cause.
The seminar, part of the Association’s Janchetna Abhayan programme aimed at creating public awareness on certain vital issues that concern Sikkim and its people, raised more questions, posed more challenges and perhaps will evoke surprising responses not only from its participants but from the public in general.
The writer is editor, Sikkim Observer
SDF resolution on exemption of Central Direct taxes to the Old Settlers of Sikkim
SDF resolution on exemption of Central Direct taxes to the Old Settlers of Sikkim
GANGTOK, March 4: Commemorating the 18th party foundation day, the Central Executive Committee members of Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party today passed 16 key resolutions in front of the mammoth gathering at Jorethang public ground.
The most significant resolution was the exemption of Central Direct taxes to the Old Settlers of Sikkim and to the non-Sikkimese Government employees who have rendered their services for a long time.
The party in its resolution has also decided to raise the IT exemption issue with the Central Government. Another pertinent resolution of the party was the 50 percent seat reservation for women in the State Legislative Assembly and Parliament. Women in Sikkim already enjoy 40 percent seat reservation in Panchayati Raj.
The Limboo Tamang seat reservation issue has also appeared as a core resolution of the party. A resolution of increasing the Assembly seats to 40 from the present 32 seats has also been passed today.
Other important resolutions passed during the meeting area:
• Protection of 371(F) and old laws of Sikkim
• Full safeguard of political and other rights of Bhutia, Lepcha and Sherpa Communities
• To accord tribal status to Other Backward Classes of Sikkim.
• To declare Sikkim as a tribal state.
• To promote holistic development mission
• To build the economic and professional capacity of Sikkimese youth
• To bring revolutionary change in education method.
GANGTOK, March 4: Commemorating the 18th party foundation day, the Central Executive Committee members of Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party today passed 16 key resolutions in front of the mammoth gathering at Jorethang public ground.
The most significant resolution was the exemption of Central Direct taxes to the Old Settlers of Sikkim and to the non-Sikkimese Government employees who have rendered their services for a long time.
The party in its resolution has also decided to raise the IT exemption issue with the Central Government. Another pertinent resolution of the party was the 50 percent seat reservation for women in the State Legislative Assembly and Parliament. Women in Sikkim already enjoy 40 percent seat reservation in Panchayati Raj.
The Limboo Tamang seat reservation issue has also appeared as a core resolution of the party. A resolution of increasing the Assembly seats to 40 from the present 32 seats has also been passed today.
Other important resolutions passed during the meeting area:
• Protection of 371(F) and old laws of Sikkim
• Full safeguard of political and other rights of Bhutia, Lepcha and Sherpa Communities
• To accord tribal status to Other Backward Classes of Sikkim.
• To declare Sikkim as a tribal state.
• To promote holistic development mission
• To build the economic and professional capacity of Sikkimese youth
• To bring revolutionary change in education method.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
ADDRESS BY H.E. THE GOVERNOR OF SIKKIM TO THE SIKKIM LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY ON 27TH JULY, 2009
Honourable Members
I feel both honoured and privileged to address this august House for the first time. I know this temple of democracy represents the will of the people of the State and has in its history served the Sikkimese people in all its sincerity.
At the outset, I take this opportunity to congratulate the Honb’le Chief Minister Pawan Chamling and his colleagues for the unprecedented victory in the recently concluded general elections. The overwhelming mandate received from the people by Dr. Pawan Chamling for the fourth consecutive term is indeed remarkable. The results of the election are a testimony to the overall good governance, development and maintenance of peace and harmony in the State.
Improvement in the social sector coupled with rapid infrastructure development has made Sikkim one of the model States of the country. The exemplary personal involvement of the Honb’le Chief Minister and his able team and the overall development of the State in achieving a high growth rate is commendable.
The Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) at Current Prices rose from Rs. 545 crores in 1995-96 to Rs. 2612 crores in 2008-09 as per advance estimates. The net Per Capita Income also increased from Rs. 10021 to Rs. 37553 in 2008-09. The index of GSDP increased by 379% and per Capita Net State Domestic Product (NSDP) by 275% during the period 1995-96 to 2008-09.
In recent times, Sikkim has bagged a number of prestigious awards like the Nirmal Rajya Puraskar for being the first state in the Country to achieve 100% sanitation and the 4th JRD Tata Award 2008 among the small states based on performance in key health indicators. These awards are undoubtedly indications that the plans, programmes and policies of the Government are headed in the right direction.
The disparity between the rich and the poor should be bridged and the problem of unemployment amongst the educated youth tackled on priority to build an equitable and just social order. Such an approach towards inclusive growth would help make Sikkim a self sufficient State.
The States Annual Plan document has been guided by the 11th Five Year Plan approved by the Government of India. The thrust of our 11th Five Year Plan is the inclusion of various flagship programmes; i.e. National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGA), Indira Awaas Yojana, National Rural Health Mission, Pradhan Mantri Grameen Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).
I am happy to mention that the State Plan outlay for the year 2009-10 has been fixed at Rs. 1045.00 crores, which brings an increase of 22.65% from the allocation of the last financial year. Focus has been laid primarily on Health, portable and safe Drinking Water, Education, Power and Energy, Agriculture, Horticulture and Tourism Sectors and the Youth. It is our endeavor to provide health security, food security and to better the status of women and children in the State.
Apart from this, the Government aims to provide 10% of the total budget from the plan outlay for the capacity building initiative for the educated youth of Sikkim. This is being done with a view to honing up the skills of the educated unemployed in the fields of tourism and hospitality, mass communication and IT, modern methods of agriculture and animal husbandry, floriculture, cottage industry, trade and other skilled jobs. The aim is to create new opportunities for the youth, for purposeful and sustainable living.
The State Government is in the process of building an Institute for Capacity Building, thereby becoming the first State in the Country to initiate such a policy.
Urban-rural disparity needs to be bridged and migration from the rural areas to urban centres is to be controlled by vigorous implementation of the flagship anti-poverty programmes.
Effective implementation of the NREGA and PMGSY in the State has been ensured by active involvement of the elected Panchayati Raj institutions. This would go a long way in ensuring livelihood security in the State.
My Government is also in the process of building a 575 bedded super specialty hospital in the capital so that the people can avail of the best medical facilities within the State itself. The people of North Eastern Region can also take advantage of the facilities of this super specialty hospital. The project is being given top priority.
In the Health Sector, my Government has started a health insurance scheme for the Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. It will cover people above the age of 45 years and they will be given full and comprehensive free health checkup.
The agenda laid out in the flagship programmes of the National Rural Health Mission is also being carried out as per norms. Besides, there will be continued expansion of health infrastructure in terms of upgrading the Primary Health Sub-Centres to Primary Health Centre standards, recruitment of more doctors to be posted in the rural areas and free medical checkups, besides introducing the first ever Mobile Medical Units (MMU) in the region.
The challenge before us is to provide quality education and improve the literacy rate. Further improvement in the existing educational infrastructure and higher education will also be addressed. We are in the process of recruiting highly qualified teachers and improving the quality of education.
My Government has envisaged building one model school each for all the four districts. In this programme, the best students after passing Class V would be selected and admitted in Class VI in the model schools so that they are given the best quality education and groomed upto Class XII to compete at the national level.
The Sikkim University is also being facilitated by the State Government. Emphasis would be given on courses which are of relevance to the State against the backdrop of our natural resources.
Further, my Government is undertaking a Sikkim Universal Financial Inclusion Project to provide access to banking service through IT enabled bank savings account operation to the rural households. It will also ensure efficient and timely delivery of social benefit schemes like NREGA, old age pension and rural housing scheme by directly crediting monetary benefits through the smart cards of the beneficiaries.
The scheme aims for inclusion by enrolment of approximately one lakh rural households and issuing of composite smart card by organizing camps and setting up kiosk through business correspondents of the designated bank in accordance with the RBI guidelines. Households having a member in the Government job shall not be covered.
Public-private partnership which has started in tourism, hydel power generation and floriculture will be vigorously pursued and taken to other sectors as well.
Sikkim has abundant hydro electric potential. My Government believes in tapping the huge natural resource available, to bring about the desired level of progress and prosperity to the State. Out of the 8000 MW hydro potential in the State, it is envisaged a total of 5257 MW capacity hydel power generation will be added by the end of 11th & 12th Five Year Plans.
The 510 MW Teesta State V hydro power plant was recently dedicated to the nation by the Union Power Minister on 4th July 2009. 12% free power of its installed capacity which fetches about Rs. 125 crore annually will be a permanent source of revenue to the State and can be utilized for various development works. This is a major contribution to the nation from a small State like Sikkim. This is one of the largest hydel power plants in the North East Region.
Climate change is a global phenomenon. My Government is fully seized of this issue and has taken proactive measures in combating climate change and carbon emission in the State. We must not live in conflict with the elements of nature, rather we must respect and protect the bounties of the earth, live side by side in harmony so that we hand over the earth to our children in the same manner as it was handed over to us.
There have been reports which suggest that the Himalayan glaciers are in a state of peril and receding at an alarming rate. In Sikkim, we are most likely to be the victims of climate change leading to erratic monsoons, natural calamities and, unusually warm winters. Less volume of snow fall in the higher reaches of the mountains is already having an adverse impact on climate change.
The Government has sought an authentic report on the melting of Zemu glacier which is one of the biggest amongst the 84 glaciers in Sikkim. The committee on climate change would study the impact of global warming on glaciers in the State. Last year, a status report on the glaciers of Sikkim was prepared by a study team comprising of eminent experts at the initiative of the Science & Technology Department. The Chairman of the Committee was Professor S.I Hasnain, an eminent glaciologist.
This august House has already unanimously endorsed the Executive Report of B K Roy Burman Commission for Review of Environmental and Social Sector Policies, Plans and Programmes (CRESP) in the year 2008. The State Government thereafter forwarded this Executive Report to the Central Government for its implementation. The full report of this Commission justifying the inclusion of the remaining ethnic tribes belonging to Sikkimese Nepali Communities to be included in the list of Scheduled Tribes by the Government of India was placed on the Table of the House during its last session early this year. My Government is pressing for the expeditious implementation of Roy Burman Commission Report recommendation by the Government of India.
The Honble Chief Minister has called on all the leaders at the Centre, to ensure that the representation of the Limboo and Tamang seat is taken to its logical conclusion. The Central Government has also been requested to declare Sikkim where there is more than 40% tribal population as a tribal State. Further, my Government has also assured the protection of Bhutia, Lepcha and Sangha seats in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly.
The Government of India by an amendment in Section 10 of the Income Tax Act has exempted individuals being Sikkimese from payment of Income Tax on any income which accrues or arise to him (a) from any sources in the State of Sikkim, or (b) by way of dividend or interest on securities.
By explanation to that Section, the term Sikkimese has been defined. For persons who have not been covered under the definition of the term Sikkimese but who have been residing in Sikkim prior to the merger of the State in the Indian Union, my Government is vigorously pursuing with the Government of India to exempt them also from payment of Income Tax.
All policies and programmes are being implemented in a most transparent and democratic manner with equal representation of the people. This will be further consolidated through the local body elections to be held shortly at Gangtok.
My Government believes that important infrastructure projects such as telecommunication, transport network and power are vital in creation of a stable and peaceful society, for it ushers in progress and prosperity in the State.
The restoration of the NH 31A has begun. I am glad to inform that under the aegis of the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme in the North East Region, the Government of India, has agreed to construct an alternative highway from Sevoke in West Bengal to Gangtok and the road from Gangtok to Nathula.
The Cabinet Committee headed by the Prime Minister has recently sanctioned the rail link to Sikkim as a National Project. The rail link would connect Sevoke to Rangpo in the first phase and Rangpo to Bhusuk in Gangtok in the second phase. The tender for the locational survey in respect of this rail link has been awarded by the North Eastern Frontier Railway and the work on identification of land for acquisition is to begin shortly.
The work on the Rs. 309. 46 crore Pakyong Airport has since commenced under the aegis of the Airport Authority of India. The construction would be completed within the next three years. The Airport is expected to greatly benefit the State in terms of tourism promotion and other economic advantages which would percolate once we are connected by air.
The people of the State are looking forward to rapid progress and dawn of a new era. It is now time to shape and mould our society in which we move towards prosperity and happiness. I am confident you will motivate the people to put the State interest above sectional wants. The onus and responsibility is yours to take the State and our people to greater heights. My Government is fully committed to the hopes and aspirations of the Sikkimese people and is working tirelessly to ensure a better future.
Honb’le members, the People of Sikkim have given you an overwhelming mandate and have opted for a Government that can serve the people efficiently, effectively and usher in an era of good governance.
In conclusion, I wish this august Assembly very productive and fruitful deliberations. Together, let us work to make Sikkim a developed State of the Indian Union in every respect.
JAI HIND
Honourable Members
I feel both honoured and privileged to address this august House for the first time. I know this temple of democracy represents the will of the people of the State and has in its history served the Sikkimese people in all its sincerity.
At the outset, I take this opportunity to congratulate the Honb’le Chief Minister Pawan Chamling and his colleagues for the unprecedented victory in the recently concluded general elections. The overwhelming mandate received from the people by Dr. Pawan Chamling for the fourth consecutive term is indeed remarkable. The results of the election are a testimony to the overall good governance, development and maintenance of peace and harmony in the State.
Improvement in the social sector coupled with rapid infrastructure development has made Sikkim one of the model States of the country. The exemplary personal involvement of the Honb’le Chief Minister and his able team and the overall development of the State in achieving a high growth rate is commendable.
The Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) at Current Prices rose from Rs. 545 crores in 1995-96 to Rs. 2612 crores in 2008-09 as per advance estimates. The net Per Capita Income also increased from Rs. 10021 to Rs. 37553 in 2008-09. The index of GSDP increased by 379% and per Capita Net State Domestic Product (NSDP) by 275% during the period 1995-96 to 2008-09.
In recent times, Sikkim has bagged a number of prestigious awards like the Nirmal Rajya Puraskar for being the first state in the Country to achieve 100% sanitation and the 4th JRD Tata Award 2008 among the small states based on performance in key health indicators. These awards are undoubtedly indications that the plans, programmes and policies of the Government are headed in the right direction.
The disparity between the rich and the poor should be bridged and the problem of unemployment amongst the educated youth tackled on priority to build an equitable and just social order. Such an approach towards inclusive growth would help make Sikkim a self sufficient State.
The States Annual Plan document has been guided by the 11th Five Year Plan approved by the Government of India. The thrust of our 11th Five Year Plan is the inclusion of various flagship programmes; i.e. National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGA), Indira Awaas Yojana, National Rural Health Mission, Pradhan Mantri Grameen Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).
I am happy to mention that the State Plan outlay for the year 2009-10 has been fixed at Rs. 1045.00 crores, which brings an increase of 22.65% from the allocation of the last financial year. Focus has been laid primarily on Health, portable and safe Drinking Water, Education, Power and Energy, Agriculture, Horticulture and Tourism Sectors and the Youth. It is our endeavor to provide health security, food security and to better the status of women and children in the State.
Apart from this, the Government aims to provide 10% of the total budget from the plan outlay for the capacity building initiative for the educated youth of Sikkim. This is being done with a view to honing up the skills of the educated unemployed in the fields of tourism and hospitality, mass communication and IT, modern methods of agriculture and animal husbandry, floriculture, cottage industry, trade and other skilled jobs. The aim is to create new opportunities for the youth, for purposeful and sustainable living.
The State Government is in the process of building an Institute for Capacity Building, thereby becoming the first State in the Country to initiate such a policy.
Urban-rural disparity needs to be bridged and migration from the rural areas to urban centres is to be controlled by vigorous implementation of the flagship anti-poverty programmes.
Effective implementation of the NREGA and PMGSY in the State has been ensured by active involvement of the elected Panchayati Raj institutions. This would go a long way in ensuring livelihood security in the State.
My Government is also in the process of building a 575 bedded super specialty hospital in the capital so that the people can avail of the best medical facilities within the State itself. The people of North Eastern Region can also take advantage of the facilities of this super specialty hospital. The project is being given top priority.
In the Health Sector, my Government has started a health insurance scheme for the Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. It will cover people above the age of 45 years and they will be given full and comprehensive free health checkup.
The agenda laid out in the flagship programmes of the National Rural Health Mission is also being carried out as per norms. Besides, there will be continued expansion of health infrastructure in terms of upgrading the Primary Health Sub-Centres to Primary Health Centre standards, recruitment of more doctors to be posted in the rural areas and free medical checkups, besides introducing the first ever Mobile Medical Units (MMU) in the region.
The challenge before us is to provide quality education and improve the literacy rate. Further improvement in the existing educational infrastructure and higher education will also be addressed. We are in the process of recruiting highly qualified teachers and improving the quality of education.
My Government has envisaged building one model school each for all the four districts. In this programme, the best students after passing Class V would be selected and admitted in Class VI in the model schools so that they are given the best quality education and groomed upto Class XII to compete at the national level.
The Sikkim University is also being facilitated by the State Government. Emphasis would be given on courses which are of relevance to the State against the backdrop of our natural resources.
Further, my Government is undertaking a Sikkim Universal Financial Inclusion Project to provide access to banking service through IT enabled bank savings account operation to the rural households. It will also ensure efficient and timely delivery of social benefit schemes like NREGA, old age pension and rural housing scheme by directly crediting monetary benefits through the smart cards of the beneficiaries.
The scheme aims for inclusion by enrolment of approximately one lakh rural households and issuing of composite smart card by organizing camps and setting up kiosk through business correspondents of the designated bank in accordance with the RBI guidelines. Households having a member in the Government job shall not be covered.
Public-private partnership which has started in tourism, hydel power generation and floriculture will be vigorously pursued and taken to other sectors as well.
Sikkim has abundant hydro electric potential. My Government believes in tapping the huge natural resource available, to bring about the desired level of progress and prosperity to the State. Out of the 8000 MW hydro potential in the State, it is envisaged a total of 5257 MW capacity hydel power generation will be added by the end of 11th & 12th Five Year Plans.
The 510 MW Teesta State V hydro power plant was recently dedicated to the nation by the Union Power Minister on 4th July 2009. 12% free power of its installed capacity which fetches about Rs. 125 crore annually will be a permanent source of revenue to the State and can be utilized for various development works. This is a major contribution to the nation from a small State like Sikkim. This is one of the largest hydel power plants in the North East Region.
Climate change is a global phenomenon. My Government is fully seized of this issue and has taken proactive measures in combating climate change and carbon emission in the State. We must not live in conflict with the elements of nature, rather we must respect and protect the bounties of the earth, live side by side in harmony so that we hand over the earth to our children in the same manner as it was handed over to us.
There have been reports which suggest that the Himalayan glaciers are in a state of peril and receding at an alarming rate. In Sikkim, we are most likely to be the victims of climate change leading to erratic monsoons, natural calamities and, unusually warm winters. Less volume of snow fall in the higher reaches of the mountains is already having an adverse impact on climate change.
The Government has sought an authentic report on the melting of Zemu glacier which is one of the biggest amongst the 84 glaciers in Sikkim. The committee on climate change would study the impact of global warming on glaciers in the State. Last year, a status report on the glaciers of Sikkim was prepared by a study team comprising of eminent experts at the initiative of the Science & Technology Department. The Chairman of the Committee was Professor S.I Hasnain, an eminent glaciologist.
This august House has already unanimously endorsed the Executive Report of B K Roy Burman Commission for Review of Environmental and Social Sector Policies, Plans and Programmes (CRESP) in the year 2008. The State Government thereafter forwarded this Executive Report to the Central Government for its implementation. The full report of this Commission justifying the inclusion of the remaining ethnic tribes belonging to Sikkimese Nepali Communities to be included in the list of Scheduled Tribes by the Government of India was placed on the Table of the House during its last session early this year. My Government is pressing for the expeditious implementation of Roy Burman Commission Report recommendation by the Government of India.
The Honble Chief Minister has called on all the leaders at the Centre, to ensure that the representation of the Limboo and Tamang seat is taken to its logical conclusion. The Central Government has also been requested to declare Sikkim where there is more than 40% tribal population as a tribal State. Further, my Government has also assured the protection of Bhutia, Lepcha and Sangha seats in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly.
The Government of India by an amendment in Section 10 of the Income Tax Act has exempted individuals being Sikkimese from payment of Income Tax on any income which accrues or arise to him (a) from any sources in the State of Sikkim, or (b) by way of dividend or interest on securities.
By explanation to that Section, the term Sikkimese has been defined. For persons who have not been covered under the definition of the term Sikkimese but who have been residing in Sikkim prior to the merger of the State in the Indian Union, my Government is vigorously pursuing with the Government of India to exempt them also from payment of Income Tax.
All policies and programmes are being implemented in a most transparent and democratic manner with equal representation of the people. This will be further consolidated through the local body elections to be held shortly at Gangtok.
My Government believes that important infrastructure projects such as telecommunication, transport network and power are vital in creation of a stable and peaceful society, for it ushers in progress and prosperity in the State.
The restoration of the NH 31A has begun. I am glad to inform that under the aegis of the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme in the North East Region, the Government of India, has agreed to construct an alternative highway from Sevoke in West Bengal to Gangtok and the road from Gangtok to Nathula.
The Cabinet Committee headed by the Prime Minister has recently sanctioned the rail link to Sikkim as a National Project. The rail link would connect Sevoke to Rangpo in the first phase and Rangpo to Bhusuk in Gangtok in the second phase. The tender for the locational survey in respect of this rail link has been awarded by the North Eastern Frontier Railway and the work on identification of land for acquisition is to begin shortly.
The work on the Rs. 309. 46 crore Pakyong Airport has since commenced under the aegis of the Airport Authority of India. The construction would be completed within the next three years. The Airport is expected to greatly benefit the State in terms of tourism promotion and other economic advantages which would percolate once we are connected by air.
The people of the State are looking forward to rapid progress and dawn of a new era. It is now time to shape and mould our society in which we move towards prosperity and happiness. I am confident you will motivate the people to put the State interest above sectional wants. The onus and responsibility is yours to take the State and our people to greater heights. My Government is fully committed to the hopes and aspirations of the Sikkimese people and is working tirelessly to ensure a better future.
Honb’le members, the People of Sikkim have given you an overwhelming mandate and have opted for a Government that can serve the people efficiently, effectively and usher in an era of good governance.
In conclusion, I wish this august Assembly very productive and fruitful deliberations. Together, let us work to make Sikkim a developed State of the Indian Union in every respect.
JAI HIND
Monday, February 22, 2010
ASSOCIATION OF OLD SETTLERS OF SIKKIM
GANGTOK,SIKKIM
Date:22/02/2010
Press Release
The Association of Old Settlers of Sikkim strongly condemns the article titled “Sikkim makes settlers ‘second class citizens” published in the Hindustan Times dated 22/02/2010. I deny each and every remark attributed to have been made by me in the said article.
The said article is an attempt by some vested interest and groups who want to dissuade the ruling government from continuing its efforts to secure Income Tax exemption to the left out categories of people.
It is an attempt to sabotage our movement which is solely aimed at securing income tax exemption for the old settlers residing in Sikkim since prior to 1975 and is not, in any way, directed against any one.
I vehemently deny having met or spoken to any correspondent of any newspaper let alone this particular correspondent from the Hindustan Times. I deny having passed any remark against any particular community and the ruling party.
I strongly condemn the remarks made against the ruling party in the said article. No discrimination of any kind is perpetuated against any community in Sikkim. On the contrary, as the facts stand, action of the Central Government in bringing about an amendment in Section 10 Clause 26AAA of the Income Tax Act, 1961 in the Finance Act, 2008 has overnight made the Old Settlers “Non-Sikkimese” which when brought to the notice of the Hon’ble Chief Minister by the Association; the Hon’ble Chief Minister was pleased to adopt a unanimous resolution in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly for the inclusion of the left out categories of persons in the scheme of exemption.
For centuries all the communities in Sikkim have been living in perfect harmony as brothers and the Association of Old Settlers of Sikkim has always received support and encouragement from all the Sikkimese brethren in its endeavor to secure I.T. Exemption and the question of my making remarks hurting the sentiments of my own brothers of a particular community does not arise.
The Association of Old Settlers of Sikkim reiterates its complete faith and confidence in the State Government of Sikkim and the Hon’ble Chief Minister who has been all along sympathetic towards the cause of the old settlers and working relentlessly to get them justice from the Central Govt.
(S.K. Sarda)
President
Association of Old Settlers of Sikkim.
Gangtok,Sikkim
GANGTOK,SIKKIM
Date:22/02/2010
Press Release
The Association of Old Settlers of Sikkim strongly condemns the article titled “Sikkim makes settlers ‘second class citizens” published in the Hindustan Times dated 22/02/2010. I deny each and every remark attributed to have been made by me in the said article.
The said article is an attempt by some vested interest and groups who want to dissuade the ruling government from continuing its efforts to secure Income Tax exemption to the left out categories of people.
It is an attempt to sabotage our movement which is solely aimed at securing income tax exemption for the old settlers residing in Sikkim since prior to 1975 and is not, in any way, directed against any one.
I vehemently deny having met or spoken to any correspondent of any newspaper let alone this particular correspondent from the Hindustan Times. I deny having passed any remark against any particular community and the ruling party.
I strongly condemn the remarks made against the ruling party in the said article. No discrimination of any kind is perpetuated against any community in Sikkim. On the contrary, as the facts stand, action of the Central Government in bringing about an amendment in Section 10 Clause 26AAA of the Income Tax Act, 1961 in the Finance Act, 2008 has overnight made the Old Settlers “Non-Sikkimese” which when brought to the notice of the Hon’ble Chief Minister by the Association; the Hon’ble Chief Minister was pleased to adopt a unanimous resolution in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly for the inclusion of the left out categories of persons in the scheme of exemption.
For centuries all the communities in Sikkim have been living in perfect harmony as brothers and the Association of Old Settlers of Sikkim has always received support and encouragement from all the Sikkimese brethren in its endeavor to secure I.T. Exemption and the question of my making remarks hurting the sentiments of my own brothers of a particular community does not arise.
The Association of Old Settlers of Sikkim reiterates its complete faith and confidence in the State Government of Sikkim and the Hon’ble Chief Minister who has been all along sympathetic towards the cause of the old settlers and working relentlessly to get them justice from the Central Govt.
(S.K. Sarda)
President
Association of Old Settlers of Sikkim.
Gangtok,Sikkim
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