64th
Republic Day
January
26, 2013
HCM’s
Message to the people
Respected fellow
citizens
On the
auspicious occasion of the 64th 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 12th Plan
period, Sikkim’s growth saga during the last 11th 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 12th 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 12th 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 11th Plan will continue and during the
course of the 12th 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 12th 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 21st
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 12th 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 12th 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 12th
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 2nd 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
