Clearing the Air: Sikkim’s Golden Jubilee and CM Golay’s Transformative Governance

Dr. Pratik Sharma Gangtok

The ‘Roman Circus’ in Sikkim officially came to an end in 2019 and is now headed toward ‘Sunaulo Sikkim’.

The 50th anniversary of Sikkim's statehood is more than just a historical milestone. It is a moment for reflection, celebration, and planning for a brighter future. Under the leadership of Chief Minister PS Golay, this occasion has been positioned as a turning point for the state—a time to honor Sikkim’s achievements while setting a transformative vision for the years ahead. However, some detractors have sought to overshadow this monumental moment with baseless criticisms, trivializing the celebrations and distorting the intent behind them.

It is vital to address these criticisms, correct the misinformation, and bring the focus back to what truly matters: the aspirations of the Sikkimese people and the progressive governance of the popular government.

A Golden Vision for Sikkim’s Future

From the very beginning of his leadership, CM PS Golay has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to making the 50th anniversary of Sikkim’s statehood a meaningful and transformative event. This was evident during the 2024 Legislative Assembly Elections, where the government campaigned on the forward-looking vision of "Sunaulo and Samriddha Sikkim" (Golden and Prosperous Sikkim). Unlike the opposition, whose slogan “Sikkim Bachao” seemed more about saving their own political relevance, the people’s manifesto presented a roadmap for the future, rooted in public participation and collective progress.

The campaign was not just rhetoric—it was a genuine exercise in participatory democracy. Over 50,000 suggestions from the people of Sikkim were collected to shape a manifesto that addressed their real needs and aspirations. This people-powered approach reflects the ethos of the popular government: inclusive, transparent, and forward-thinking governance.

Misplaced Criticism and Political Opportunism

Recent criticism of the Sikkim government’s plan to mark the Golden Jubilee with events, including a proposed international artist performance on sponsorship, underscores the opposition's attempts to politicize every move. Detractors allege that these celebrations are wasteful distractions—a claim that could not be further from the truth. It has been clarified that these events are funded through sponsorships, ensuring that public funds remain unaffected. The Golden Jubilee is an opportunity to unite the people, promote Sikkim’s cultural and economic potential, and inspire collective pride.

Accusations of a “Roman Circus” approach, suggesting that the government uses entertainment to divert attention from issues, are both baseless and misleading. Festivals and celebrations have always been part of Sikkim's identity and have been used strategically to boost tourism, generate employment, and strengthen cultural bonds. The popular government’s Maghe Sankranti celebrations and other festivals have not only showcased Sikkim’s heritage but have also brought tangible economic benefits to the state. The opposition's criticism of the celebrations betrays a mindset that opposes the very fabric of Sikkimese identity.

Transformative Governance Under PS Golay

The popular Golay government has consistently delivered on its promises, tackling issues that previous administrations failed to address. Under CM PS Golay’s leadership, Sikkim has seen the implementation of transformative policies that have directly impacted the lives of the people:

1. Women Empowerment: The government’s Ama Sashaktikaran Yojana, India’s largest women empowerment scheme, has brought unparalleled benefits to mothers in Sikkim. Additionally, women receive subsidies for four free LPG cylinders, a first in the country.

2. Employment Regularization: Temporary employees and hard working adhoc teachers who had worked for decades without security have been made permanent, ensuring job stability for thousands. Programs like ‘One Family One Entrepreneur’ have further addressed unemployment, offering dignity and livelihood to Sikkimese families.

3. Free Healthcare for All: The present government has ensured that families receive free treatment for serious illnesses, including financial assistance of up to Rs. 3 lakh for IVF treatments.

4. Youth-Centric Programs: With initiatives like the Creatorpreneur Program, the government is empowering Sikkim’s youth to become entrepreneurs and creators, fostering innovation and self-reliance.

5. Removal of Foreigners Tag: It was PS Golay’s government which fought the legal battle to remove the foreigners tag on Sikkimese Nepali community

6. Environmental Leadership: The Mero Rukh Mero Santiti program was lauded internationally at COP28

These are not mere populist moves but part of a broader vision to ensure that every Sikkimese has access to opportunities, security, and dignity.

Opposition’s Baseless Criticism

The opposition’s suggestion that the present government is focused on distractions is ironic, given that the opposition itself is guilty of raising non-issues. Their sudden concern for matters like the Limbu-Tamang seat reservation and Article 371F protections is hypocritical, considering these challenges were inherited from decades of previous government's rule.

While the previous government squandered opportunities to resolve these issues, the present government has taken concrete steps to address them. Committees have been formed to examine these concerns and ensure that Sikkim’s unique identity and rights are safeguarded. The present government’s commitment to action, rather than fear-mongering, is a refreshing change that has earned the trust of the Sikkimese people.

Sikkim’s Collective Dream: Sunaulo, Samriddha and Samartha Sikkim

The Sunaulo Sikkim campaign is not just a political agenda—it is a collective dream of progress and prosperity. As CM PS Golay has often said, “This is the new Sikkim—a Sikkim of trust, possibilities, and determination.” The government’s vision for the next decade has been carefully crafted, with Golay's nine guarantees (Golay Ko Nau Guarantee), aimed at addressing every sector from education to employment, healthcare to infrastructure.

This is not a government of bread and circuses—it is a government of dreams and deliverables. Whether it is empowering women, creating jobs, or providing world-class healthcare, the present government has demonstrated that no goal is beyond reach.

The 50th anniversary of Sikkim’s statehood is a celebration of its rich history, resilient people, and remarkable progress. While the opposition engages in baseless allegations and distractions, PS Golay’s government remains focused on building a brighter future for the state.

Under the visionary leadership of CM PS Golay, Sikkim is not just celebrating its history; it is building a legacy of progress, unity, and prosperity. Together, as one people, we march toward a ‘Sunaulo, Samriddha and Samarth Sikkim’, turning dreams into reality and impossibilities into achievements.

This is Naya Sikkim—a Sikkim built on trust, innovation, and a commitment to its people. CM PS Golay has the vision, the blueprint, and the will to deliver a golden future for Sikkim, and the people have placed their Bharosa in him for exactly that reason.