Sikkim INSPIRES collaborates with World Bank for environmental and social systems assessment

GANGTOK, (IPR): Sikkim INSPIRES under Planning and Development department, in collaboration with World Bank, organised a stakeholders’ consultation workshop on “Draft Environmental and Social Systems Assessment (ESSA)” at a local hotel here today.

The workshop had the presence Pakyong DC Tashi Chopel, Gangtok ADC Agawane Rohan Ramesh, SDM Pari Bishnoi, nodal officers of various departments, members of zilla panchayats, World Bank, Dzumsa, NGOs, stakeholders and local gentry.

Sikkim INSPIRES (Integrated Service Provision and Innovation for Empowering Women and Youth) aims to create an improved economic inclusion platform for women and youth in Sikkim, particularly in non-farm sectors.

In her opening remarks, additional secretary cum Sikkim INSPIRES project director Rohini Pradhan, mentioned that this departmental initiative is a pioneering effort within the State and provided a concise overview of the proposed project. It was also mentioned that the World Bank has allocated a $100 million fund to support the project over a span of five years.

Additionally, she outlined the three key result areas of the Sikkim INSPIRES programme which included the strengthened system to deliver inclusive growth, improved employment linkages for women and youth in priority sectors and enhanced delivery of enabling services for economic inclusion of women and youth.

She emphasised the importance of the department's involvement in conducting surveys and delivering the results to gain a deeper understanding of the potential for growth as well as the challenges and drawbacks faced in the process.

In her welcome address, Sikkim INSPIRES assistant director Roshnila Gurung outlined the goals of the project and emphasised that it is currently in the planning and design phase, highlighting the crucial need for active involvement from all line departments to ensure a favourable and forward-looking outcome.

During the programme, Benedict Leroy, lead economist, CO/Task Team Leader, World Bank, delivered a presentation providing the World Bank's perspective on the programme’s overview.

The project's Environment findings and recommendations were presented by World Bank environment and social specialist Nadira Rajpakse. Similarly, the social findings and recommendations were presented by World Bank programme analyst Divya Lad.

The programme concluded with an engaging discussion session.