New Delhi, October 01: Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang attended the pre-157th Gandhi Jayanti celebration organised by Gyanodaya Sansthan at the Reshi Government Secondary School playground yesterday.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister recalled his earlier association with the constituency and the support extended to him by the people over the years. He said he would resume his initiative of visiting different constituencies and interacting directly with the people, stating that such interactions would help the Government better understand local concerns and aspirations.
The Chief Minister highlighted various welfare initiatives of the State Government, including the Aama Yojana, under which financial assistance is being provided to mothers across the State. He informed that the scheme currently covers beneficiaries across 32 constituencies and would be further expanded in the coming years.
He also highlighted the Sikkim Garib Awas Yojana (SGAY) and stressed the importance of proper verification and identification of beneficiaries to ensure that government schemes reach those who are genuinely eligible and in need.
Speaking on the progress of the constituency, the Chief Minister highlighted the increasing number of students pursuing MBBS from the area who have received financial assistance from the Government. He noted that several successful students are alumni of government schools, describing their achievements as an indication of the continued improvement of government education.
The Chief Minister further highlighted the Government’s efforts to create employment opportunities through the regular roll-out of vacancies. He also spoke of the growing entrepreneurial spirit among local residents, citing the example of a mathematics teacher who has taken up trout fish farming with the support of the Government’s sabbatical leave provision.
On agriculture and livelihoods, the Chief Minister emphasised the importance of strengthening farming and allied activities as a means of promoting sustainable livelihoods and economic growth in rural areas.
Highlighting infrastructure and connectivity, the Chief Minister informed that funds had already been allocated for several road development works in the district and directed the concerned officials to expedite the works following the monsoon. He assured that pending road works would be taken up comprehensively.
He also informed that the Forest Office would be shifted to the former BAC office at Soreng, while the existing site would be utilised for the construction of a Parking Plaza in view of increasing traffic and parking requirements. A designated parking facility would also be developed at Rinchenpong.
The Chief Minister assured the people that their demands relating to infrastructure and essential facilities would be addressed in a phased manner. He also announced that financial support would be extended annually to content creators producing reels and digital content aimed at disseminating information about Government schemes, programmes and initiatives.
Referring to the development of the constituency, the Chief Minister highlighted the Government’s continued focus on education, infrastructure, employment and livelihood opportunities, and called upon the people to work collectively towards the progress of the area and the State.
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister extended his warm greetings and best wishes to the people on the occasion of the 157th Gandhi Jayanti and called upon everyone to uphold the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and contribute collectively towards the development and progress of Sikkim.
The programme also featured a felicitation of the Chief Minister, a welcome dance, a flute band display, an inter-school debate competition and a football semi-final.