Golay outlines Sikkim’s road to development

Sujal Pradhan, EOI, GANGTOK, JULY 10, 2024 :  In a series of major announcements on Wednesday, Chief Minister of Sikkim Prem Singh Tamang outlined significant developments for the state and assured people of the commitment of the State Government to fulfilling its promises and enhancing public welfare. 

The Budget session of the Sikkikm assembly will be held from August 5 to August 9, the Chief Minister announced. This session is expected to address critical issues and lay out the financial roadmap for the state. 

Additionally, the Chief Minister announced that the regularisation of jobs for approximately 27,000 ad-hoc and ‘One Family One Job’ employees would commence on August 1.

These employees, who have received their memorandums, will have their joining date fixed during the cabinet meeting scheduled for July 17.

"We are not a government that forgets its promises after elections. We will fulfill all that we promised," said Chief Minister Tamang. 

The Chief Minister also highlighted the political shift in Sikkim, with the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) now holding 32 out of 32 seats, marking the end of the 25-year reign of Sikkim Democratic Front. 

The sole MLA from SDF Tenzing Norbu Lamtha formally joined SKM during the day; consolidating the dominance of the ruling party. 

Speaking on the journey of SKM, Tamang noted that in 2014 the party contested elections but did not win; being in its nascent stage, and allowing SDF to continue its rule. 

However, by 2019, the people of Sikkim placed their trust in SKM, resulting in a significant victory with 18 seats. In the recent 2024 elections, SKM secured an overwhelming 31 out of 32 seats, besides the lone Lok Sabha seat. 

Chief Minister Tamang expressed his gratitude to the party workers and the people of Sikkim for their unwavering support. He emphasized on the commitment of the government to serving the people of the state; with a particular focus on the leadership of youth and women. 

"I believe youths and women should rule Sikkim. I do not have the greed to be the Chief Minister forever," he said, advocating for a progressive and inclusive leadership. Highlighting the government's development agenda, Tamang announced that New Gangtok will be established in the Burtuk constituency; a special seat close to his heart. 

He reiterated the government's dedication to fulfilling the basic needs of the people, including water, electricity, and healthcare. Sikkim's healthcare model, praised and followed by the Centre, remained a priority; along with advancements in primary and secondary education.

The state had appointed an additional Chief Secretary to bolster these efforts, he said. Moreover, improvements in infrastructure, such as road construction and tourism development, were at the forefront of the agenda of the SKM. 

The Chief Minister noted the arrival of tourists, with 500,000visitors arriving in Sikkim within 15 days, despite the challenging road conditions. 

The Chief Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the administration to its nine guarantees, promising to deliver on all electoral promises; among them the second installment of the Aama Yojana, providing Rs 20,000 to mothers, and the Sikkim Urban Garib Awas Yojana would be implemented post-monsoon. 

The government also aimed to enhance foreign employment opportunities, with initiatives like 'Sikkim Inspire' facilitating the employment of Sikkimese nurses in Germany; backed by a Rs 90 crore World Bank fund.