Counter to Citizen Action Party's Statement on Punarwas Awas Yojana*

Amber Rai, Nandu Gaon

“CAP completely lacks understanding of the complexities surrounding the budgetary processes in the government”

The recent press release by the Citizen Action Party (CAP) regarding the Punarwas Awas Yojana demonstrates a concerning lack of understanding of the complexities surrounding the budgetary processes and the government's commitment to supporting those affected by the devastating GLOF event on October 4, 2023.

Firstly, the statement from CAP raises questions about their integrity and credibility. By issuing such an immature and misleading assertion, they are not only misinforming the people of Sikkim but also diminishing their own standing in the eyes of the public. It is imperative for political parties to base their comments on facts and a thorough understanding of the matters at hand, rather than making unfounded claims for the sake of political posturing.

The government has taken a decisive step by creating a dedicated budget head for the Punarwas Awas Yojana, specifically aimed at rebuilding homes for those who have lost everything due to the recent natural disaster. This initiative is a direct response to the unprecedented challenges posed by the GLOF, and it reflects the government's earnest commitment to addressing the needs of its citizens.

Moreover, it is essential to recognize that Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has confirmed in the Parliament that Sikkim will receive a special package to address the damages caused by the GLOF; however, the specific amount will be announced later. The creation of a budget head now allows the state government to adjust funds accordingly once this amount is declared. With the flexibility to reallocate unused budgets from other areas through reappropriation and the potential for additional provisions in supplementary budgets, the government is proactively ensuring that adequate resources are available for this vital initiative.

It appears that the CAP, struggling with the ramifications of a significant defeat in the recent assembly elections, is grasping at straws and attempting to criticize the government without a proper grasp of the fiscal framework or the context of the situation. Instead of baseless accusations, CAP should focus on constructive dialogue and genuine engagement with the challenges facing Sikkim and its people.

In conclusion, the government's creation of the budget head for Punarwas Awas Yojana underscores its dedication to helping those affected by the GLOF disaster. It is a clear indication of sincerity and commitment towards rebuilding the lives of the vulnerable populations in our state. I urge the Citizen Action Party to engage in meaningful discussions and to educate themselves on the matters they choose to critique, rather than resorting to regurgitated political rhetoric that only serves to mislead the public.