SDF demands firm action on power revenue misappropriation audit report

GANGTOK, : The SDF party on Tuesday demanded an enquiry commission to be set up by the State government over alleged misappropriation of State power revenue as reflected in the CAG report.

Addressing a press meet here, SDF spokesperson MN Dahal raised concerns over the CAG report on the Power department. “Despite there being such a huge misappropriation of revenue in the Power department as per the CAG report, the State government has not taken any action to recover the misused fund and to punish the culprits involved. The amount that is reported as lost or misused is from the State funds meant to be used for welfare and development of the people and the State,” he said.

Dahal also raised questions on the State government selling its entire stake of Teesta-III 1200 Mw hydel power project to a private developer.

He pointed out that the power project is being revived without conducting a fresh public hearing and rehabilitation of the people displaced by the October 2024 flash flood which collapsed its dam at Chungthang.

“We demand the State government to conduct a public hearing on the revival of the project and also to initiate restoring the damages caused and provide relief to the affected people. The revival may be initiated only after the concerns and grievances of the victims are addressed satisfactorily,” said the SDF spokesperson.

SDF spokesperson Arun Limboo, on his part, asserted that Urban Development minister Bhoj Raj Rai’s drive against trade license sub-letting practice is just a publicity stunt.

“Cancellation of trade license is allowed as per the rules of the State government. It is the duty of the license issuing authorities to take action but we see here the minister trying to take the limelight. We welcome the initiative as it protects the locals and old laws of Sikkim but at the same time, numerous Central laws have been extended to Sikkim curbing the State’s own laws like the Central Motor Vehicles Act, NRC, CAA and ONORC,” said Limboo.

Limboo said the action against illegal trade license sub-letting practice should be taken without any discrimination and not just against the petty business operators who can be suppressed.

Similarly, SDF spokesperson Yojana Khaling raised the party’s concerns on rise of suicides and anti-social activities in Sikkim, and asked what measures are being taken by the SKM government.

“Based on the data available, we have categorized the suicide incidents into two groups – first is the young group till the age of 19 years and the second group is those above 19 years,” said Khaling.

“Regarding the first group, we feel that the government needs to lift the environment in the educational institutes to spread positivity among the students as the students spend more time in schools. Teachers should be selected strictly on their qualification and not on political basis,” said the SDF spokesperson.

She asked what steps are being taken by the Education department on the well-being of the students and awareness activities.

“Regarding the second category, the State government should focus on creating employment opportunities for people to earn a dignified living. Lack of earning opportunities and rise in taxes are forcing the people to take desperate means which sometimes are anti-social or illegal. The State government should provide equal and fair job opportunities without any discrimination and allow the people to do business at an equal footing with the big players,” said Khaling.

The conference was also attended and addressed by SDF spokesperson Judy Rai.