Sikkim among most progressive States: Governor

GANGTOK,: Governor Ganga Prasad has extended his warm greetings and felicitations to the people on the occasion of 74^th Republic Day celebration.

In his message, the Governor said Sikkim today is one of the most progressive States in the country as endorsed by numerous awards in various categories conferred by the Union government and other agencies. This feat has been achieved, by my government’s effort to consistently keep the national perspective and the policy directives of the Government of India in mind, he said.

“Our approach is to develop a comprehensive developmental strategy designed to achieve the national objectives, paired with our own specific developmental needs aimed at achieving an overall socio-economic development. My government has further ensured that the developmental activities being undertaken are in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, without compromising on the needs and demands of the future generation.”

The Governor added that Sikkim has performed well in most of the health indicators in comparison to the nation’s average. He expressed his concern on the low birth rate in Sikkim and shared that the State government has already initiated various policies to encourage the women of Sikkim to increase delivery beyond single child birth. The incentives include both monetary and post-natal care, he said.

On education front, Prasad mentioned that the State government is committed to the implementation of the NEP 2020 in letter and spirit. The cornerstone of our policy in this sector is the child-centric approach to learning, he said.

“Sikkim is a pioneer in introducing pre-primary education in the regular school system. Every government school in the State runs a pre-primary section. The process of co-locating Anganwadi centres with the schools is being undertaken and so far, 41 Anganwadi centres have been co-located in the nearby school's premises.”

“Recognizing that the teacher is the transformer, my government has done away with the concept of ad-hoc teachers and streamlined the appointment of regular teachers based on National Council of Teacher’s Education (NCTE) norms thereby ensuring the availability of teachers in all the schools in the State,” said the Governor.

Prasad also shared about his ‘Governor in the Village’ programme during which he visits remote gram panchayats in Sikkim to meet the people.

“I came across the problems of the villagers and provided them with financial assistance, as well as took initiatives to provide means of livelihood to them, such as renovation and upgradation of schools and Gram Panchayat Units, assistance provided by Raj Bhavan to Self-Help Groups for cottage industry set up, assistance to the disabled institution, assistance to NGO for social upliftment, etc.”

The Governor added that he has adopted Ben Fegyong and Navey Sotak villages under Gram Panchayat Unit and tried to convert into a model village. Addition to these, Amrit Mahotsav Green Park on National Highway-10 was inaugurated in which provisions of picnic spots and children’s park is there, he said.

“This momentum of progress made so far is to be sustained and the pace of development further accelerated. My government will continue to make every effort in infusing renewed dynamism and providing good governance. In this, cooperation from all sections of society would be crucial,” said the Governor. He appealed to the people to work in tandem with the government for Sikkim’s progress.

The Governor also highlighted the push towards organic saffron cultivation in Sikkim with experts from Kashmir.

“After successful trial, organic saffron production in Sikkim yielded positive results. This will increase revenue, generate employment opportunities, good relationship will also be established between both the States. I have summited the project report to the Union minister of Agriculture regarding this matter which has been accepted and this year it is likely to cultivate within 700 acres,” said the Governor.