Bhutia party manifesto offers right to sports

RAJEEV RAVIDAS, TT,  04 Apr 2019, Gangtok: Bhaichung Bhutia's Hamro Sikkim Party on Wednesday released its election manifesto which contains a host of promises, including Right to Sports.

The HSP also pledges rights to universal basic income, secure employment, rural employment guarantee, universal pension, guaranteed income for farmers, freedom from poverty, sufficient water, 24X7 electricity and good roads, access to good public transport, healthcare and education.

The HSP said it would enact a legislation within three months of coming to power to ensure that every citizen of Sikkim was granted Right to Sports and Sporting Recreation. "The HSP shall ensure that Right to Sports in Sikkim is implemented in (the) fullest and (in a) most meaningful manner," said the party.

The party promised that a comprehensive sports policy would be brought out within six months of government formation. "Within six months, Sikkim Sports Policy shall be announced which will aim to develop a sports culture in Sikkim that promotes participation and excellence in sports for all citizens of Sikkim and enables all citizens to pursue sport to the extent of their abilities and interests, including performing at the highest competitive levels," it said.

As part of the plan to promote sporting excellence, the HSP said it would set up Sports Authority of Sikkim, sports development centres in each of the 31 Assembly constituencies, construct modern stadiums and set up sports schools in all four districts and appoint sports volunteer at every village to train children and organise sporting events in the villages..