PM to visit Sikkim this October-November: CM

GANGTOK, : Chief Minister PS Golay has said Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be visiting Sikkim this October-November to attend the yearlong 50^th Statehood Day celebrations here.

The Prime Minister was scheduled to reach Gangtok on May 29 for the Golden Jubilee celebrations at Pajlor Stadium but his chopper could not fly from Bagdogra airport owing to inclement weather conditions here. He addressed the Paljor Stadium gathering via video-conferencing, assuring to visit Sikkim and attend the celebrations later this year on a date as decided by the State government.

Speaking at the 3^rd IRBn headquarters in Namchi district’s Manglay on Sunday, the Chief Minister shared that he could feel the disappointment of the people at Paljor Stadium when the Prime Minister’s visit on May 29 was curtailed by bad weather conditions.

“People of Sikkim were happy and energized to welcome the Prime Minister. Those from remote areas had proceeded to Gangtok as early as 2 am to reach the venue on time. Our Sikkimese communities had gathered in their traditional dress to welcome him. Our security personnel had made strong arrangements. We all were very excited to accord a grand welcome, however, we lost before the nature,” said the Chief Minister. He was addressing the 50^th Statehood Day celebrations organised by Sikkim Police at the 3^rd IRBn headquarters at Manglay.

Golay added that the Prime Minister was also keen to visit Sikkim, and though he could not make it, he witnessed the celebrations online and gave a virtual address to the people of Sikkim.

In his welcome address on May 29, the Chief Minister had requested the Prime Minister to visit Sikkim at a later date this year when the weather conditions are good, and to bless the yearlong Statehood Golden Jubilee celebrations.

“The Prime Minister said he will come to Sikkim whenever our State government fixes the date and invites him. He has seen our work in Sikkim, congratulated the State on its 50^th Statehood anniversary, and promised to attend our programme in October-November. We are overjoyed on this and thank the Prime Minister,” said Golay at Manglay.

The Chief Minister said the Prime Minister’s proposed visit later this year is a second opportunity for Sikkim to correct whatever shortcomings were there in the May 29 celebrations and present a grander event. Some shortcomings may have been there in our programme which we will correct and organize the programme in a grander manner in October-November when the Prime Minister comes to visit Sikkim, he said.

Golay shared that October-November provides favourable weather conditions for air travel to Sikkim from Bagdogra Airport. Last time our programme was only scheduled for two hours owing to his other events but this time we will aim to have the Prime Minister for the entire daylong programme…we must be ready and work with further energy to organize a momentous event for the Prime Minister, he said, urging the people to leave their disappointment behind and gear up for the mega event later this year.

 In his address, the Chief Minister lauded the contributions of the Sikkim Police in maintaining peace and security in the region and commended them for their discipline, patriotism, strengthen and capabilities. He stated that the programme not only served as a commemoration of the Statehood celebration but also to providing an opportunity to showcase abilities of police personnel.

He further acknowledged the State's remarkable progress across various sectors including areas such as law and order, education, health, and tourism despite being the youngest State to join the world's largest democracy. For which, he expressed his gratitude to the police personnel and individuals from all walks of life for their collective efforts in building and advancing the State.

At the event, the Chief Minister made a slew of announcement focused on the welfare of the Sikkim Police. To keep the spirit and motivation of the police personnel, he shared that starting next year; a three-day State-Level Sikkim Police Meet will be held annually. The meet will give the police personnel a chance to showcase their talents in sports, culture, and literature.

He also declared rewards for best performing, categorised as best police individuals, police station, district, battalion and also those police personnel who are working indoor based on their performance.

Similarly, the Chief Minister also stated that those regularised Security Assistants and Village Guards will be given special quota and reservation for promotion based on vacancies. He further informed that the age limit for recruitment into the Police Sub-Inspector has been relaxed, now extended from 18 years to 34 years.

Addressing the demands put forward by the 3rd IRBn Mamlay including a multipurpose hall, gymnasium, gallery, fencing, and other facilities, Golay assured that these proposals would be considered in the upcoming budget session.

Sikkim Police DGP Akshay Sachdeva extended his heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Minister for his support and offering an opportunity to display the police personnel talents through the Statehood celebration programme. He reiterated that Sikkim Police has been continuing to serve the State with utmost dedication throughout the trajectory of Sikkim with professionalism, by not only maintaining law and order but also becoming a readiness force as and when required to the State in any untoward calamities.

The DGP highlighted the recent efforts of the Sikkim Police in tackling drug abuse and illegal trafficking, particularly in the Namchi district. He reaffirmed that, following the Chief Minister’s directive to eliminate the drug menace from society, police stations across Sikkim are actively identifying and dismantling modus operandi of peddlers and apprehending those involved.

The programme featured a grand display of police contingents representing various branches and showcasing the diverse cultures of Sikkim Police. A highlight of the event was the Sikkim Police Uniform Transformation Display, which traced the evolution of police uniforms from the establishment of the force in 1897 to the present day. The presentation included units such as the STF, Fire and Emergency Services, SDRF, and the K9 unit.

Former Governor Ganga Prasad was the guest of honour at the event also attended by the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker, ministers, MLAs, senior police officers, senior government officials, and personnel from police and IRBn. (With IPR inputs)