Sikkim Government takes steps to extinguish pending liabilities of the previous government

IPR, GANGTOK, 17 MAY 2023 :Presenting the Annual Budget for 2023-24 in the Sikkim Assembly on Wednesday at the Budget Session, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said in the current budget, the State Government had made all efforts to ensure that pending liabilities of the previous government like expenditure for fair weather roads, land compensation for airport among others, rural footbridges and water supply had been nullified to a large extent.

The State Government had set aside a substantial amount for the resettlement of Pathing landslide victims. The State government had enhanced the allocation for the purchase of medicines for the veterinary sector by four times.

The Sirijunga Sacred Cave, a place highly revered by the Limboo community, came under the proposed alignment of the NHIDCL. The State government, to save the Sirijunga Sacred Cave, and as a mark of respect to the Limboo community, has acquired the adjoining land for diverting the previous alignment so as to save the sacred Sirijunga Cave.

The State government has allocated adequate funds for the Skilled Youth Start-Up Scheme so as to enable our youth to become self-reliant and independent.

For the maintenance and creation of new roads, the State government has allocated Rs. 60.00 cr in this year's budget.

For improving the SNT bus services, the State government has earmarked funds for the procurement of 10 AC buses and Tankers.

With the aim to improve the Home Stays running in the State, the State government has defrayed substantial funds in the Last financial year and will further augment it in this budget.

Under the Chief Minister's Rural Housing Mission, the State Government has successfully completed and closed the project. Moreover, under Sikkim Garib Awas Yojana, the State Government has defrayed substantial funds in the Last financial year and will further augment it in this budget.

For engaging our youth and providing better sports facilities, our government has earmarked Rs. 30.00 cr for the construction of various playgrounds.

The State government has also set aside considerable funds to promote and encourage local talent and artists in the field of performing arts.

For the improvement of facilities in rural areas, the State government has earmarked funds for the construction of Crematoriums, Samaj Ghars and Club Houses.

For the project "Design and Development of Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo Centre at Simik Lingzey Rapen and Badong for Sikkim Buddhism and Buddhist Craft, substantial fund has been provisioned.

Concluding his address, the Chief Minister appealed all to once again march forward to fulfill our goals based on sustainable development policies for the benefit of the people of Sikkim.

“Let us re-dedicate ourselves to further peace and tranquility and ensure that the State grows to become an example of innovation and progress,” he stated.

The discussion on the General Budget will be taken up tomorrow, the 18th of May, 2023.

Earlier, during the Legislative Business, Minister-in-Charge of Education Department, Shri Kunga Nima Lepcha, introduced the Sikkim National Law University(Amendment) Bill, 2023,    the Sikkim Global Technical University Bill, 2023 and the Sikkim Organic Agriculture University Bill, 2023.the Sikkim Global Technical University will be established at Rong, Namchi District, to provide a major boost in terms of academic uplift in Management, Engineering, Law, Information Technology and Communication, Medical, Nursing, Insurance, Behavioral Science and Fine Arts.

Indira Gandhi Computer Saksharta Mission, an organization registered under Indian Public Trust Act 1882, has proposed to establish the Sikkim Global Technical University with objectives to provide Higher Education with the skilled and entrepreneurial courses in the area through world-class infrastructure and international networking which shall catalyze the whole surrounding region.

Sikkim Organic Agriculture University will be setup at Mendo Gaon, Soreng District, with a view to provide instruction, teaching training and research in specialized fields of agriculture, finance and management, law, education, various branches of Science and Technology and related subjects and make provisions for Research, advancement and dissemination of knowledge to the youth at their doorsteps. The proposed university shall be fully funded by Vocational and Skill Education Development Council, a company registered under Companies Act 2013

Now therefore, with this object in view, the Bill has been framed.

The discussions and voting for the above bills would be taken up on 19th of May, 2023. The land for the proposed university shall be taken on lease basis from various private land owners. Construction of campus shall begin after commencement of the proposed “Sikkim Organic Agriculture University Act, 2023” and completion of the land-lease registration process.

Earlier, addressing the House, the Governor expressed that it is his privilege to address the Budget Session at a time when India is steering towards an Aatma Nirbhar Bharat. He stated that the State budget is a crucial financial planning tool that helps the government manage its finances, implement policies, allocate resources, and be accountable to the public for its pending decision. He highlighted various initiatives undertaken by the State government in various sectors like farming, road and transport, IT, environment conservation, employment and women empowerment.