Third Millennium and 21st Century

Respected Sikkimese citizens,

 

Sikkim is an inseparable part of the 21st century. We have become part of a new age, new century and a new millennium. We together are among the fortunate lot to have the privilege to bid adieu to a whole age, a whole century and a whole millennium and at the same time welcome a new century and a new millennium. I take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt greetings and congratulation to you on this historic and momentous hour.

 

Leaving behind. a horde of problems, sorrows and tears together with many success stories and glories, the 20th century is setting behind the far horizon. The new century is standing on our threshold with unlimited wants, dreams and with new responsibilities and fresh challenges. In an age where science and technology, human knowledge and expertise nave reached a new height, I have a strong impression that the new age would anticipate new consciousness and a new pattern, of thinking with every individual and society entering the third millennium. We cannot enter the 21st century while we remain ignorant of the needs and values of the age. Hence, I would cordially submit to you, Sikkimese people, that on our part we will undertake a sincere effort to take Sikkim to a new height in the new century.

 

Respected Sikkimese masses, owing to your warm love and support, we have the privilege to lead Sikkim into the 21st century. Because of your decisive mandate, we also had the opportunity to run the last government of the last century. Having clearly realized that the great responsibility of leading Sikkim from one age to the other has fallen on our shoulders, we take this as our noble mission and you are aware of om­commitment to work and duty. I do not wish to recount the purpose and zeal with which we laid the foundation in the last five years necessary for the next century. Nevertheless, I, with all humility, would like to place before you that with available means and with our full strength, we have been able to achieve the maximum to preserve the interest of Sikkim and the Sikkimese people.

 

It is a matter of great pride and joy for all of us that we form part of the 21st century world. The pace of human development of the last century will be further accelerated in the new century. There is no room for any doubt about it. It is also crystal clear that compared to last century, the 21st century society would be more intricate. To keep pace with the changing world is the need of the hour: Thus, it has come down as a challenging task. This challenge has become even more serious because our society is already lagging behind in a number of fields due to number of reasons. But it is not in our nature to act like the proverbial ostrich and lose sight of the difficulties and challenges that envelope our state. No matter how hard the challenge may be, we just have to wade through it and face it before we achieve our goals. Hence, on the occasion of the advent of this new millennium, it is imperative to take a vow to face the challenge confidently and transform Sikkim into a fully developed and prosperous state of the 21st century.

 

I do not want to repeat here that we have been striving hard to provide competitive system>as per the requirement of the age. The same aim and mission had propelled us to organize ourselves in the street. It is our aim to change peoples' perspective and attune them to the need of the age. Today we can rest in peace with pride that at the advent of the 21st century, Sikkim, at least, has its democratic system fully established and at its full bloom. The time is over when people had to bow down before the whims and fancy of a particular ruler or a person. At least, the Sikkimese people who saw the first dawn of the new millennium could breathe in a free democratic Sikkim."Today, the Sikkimese people can enjoy their natural rights like that of speech and expression. We say it with profound satisfaction that Sikkimese people no longer remain dumb for want of free expression and thinking. In one sentence, Sikkim enters into the 21st" century with a fully established democratic system: This is a good tiding for Sikkim and we, and we alone, have made it happen for the Sikkimese.

 

Instead of staying divided on grounds of caste, religion, sex and class, today's age calls for mutual coexistence based on humanity, unity and brotherhood. It smacks of abject puritanism and thus goes against the spirit of the age if we still discriminate between man and man on grounds of caste and class. We have already evolved policies and programmes to modernize our thought pattern as per the demand of the present age. With a view to achieve our noble goal, we have accorded equal recognition and respect to all Sikkimese communities. The political and socio-economic rights of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Sikkim have been fully protected. The government has guaranteed social justice to people belonging to the backward sections of the society. In addition, language, literature, tradition and customs as practised by Sikkimese people have been preserved and further developed. Behind our defined policies lie an advanced human ideal and philosophy. We have adopted these policies so that no one holds another with a sense of suspicion and hostility. These policies have been adopted with a view to maintain mutual understanding, love and harmony. It is our stand that mutual respect alone can strengthen communal harmony. And this alone can build an advanced and developed human society in the world.

 

But, it is to be noted with great irony that some anti-people political forces are actively at work to push back Sikkim to the middle age. The opposition forces are all out to defIle modem Sikkim with the obsolete thoughts of the middle age. For narrow political gain, the opposition parties and leaders are trying to sabotage modem philosophy that is gradually taking root in Sikkim. The assault on communal harmony and amity by the anti-social is very fresh in our memory. Sikkim can step into the next millennium only after it wages successful war against the antiquated mode of thoughts represented by the opposition group. Without defeating these communal forces, the idea of entering into the 21st century is beyond imagination.

 

The government has successfully carried out its campaign to accord equal rights to the womenfolk at par with male counterpart and their social, political and economic rights have been validated by the government. The unscientific and irrational idea of women being mere subordinate has been considerably weakened over the years. We exult over the fact that on the threshold of 21st century, Sikkimese women are occupying constitutional position in the state. Our government was the first government in the state to introduce woman minister in the Cabinet. Today, we have a woman Speaker to conduct Assembly proceedings. The Chairperson of the Sikkim State Public Commission is a Sikkimese woman. Under Panchayati Raj, 33% of seats have been reserved for women and 30% reservation has been made in government employment. We also strongly support 33% reservation for women both in Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. These decisions were not the outcome of an emotional outburst but a studied step of the government. The decision will considerably change the face of the Sikkimese society in the days to come.

 

Spread of quality education is a prerequisite for any social progress. To bring in social progress, consciousness among its citizens is necessary. And education is the instrument to bring about awareness among the people. We have, therefore, put all our effort to provide quality education to one and all. Free education up to college level, free distribution of textbook with exercise books upto standard V and free uniform upto class V is part of our endeavour to universalize education among the poor masses of Sikkim. Such effort at government level is a rare case in the entire world itself. This is our sincere and honest gesture to encourage education among the Sikkimese people.

 

Apart from this, we have established a Degree College at the South District Head­quarters, Namchi. Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya has been set up at Gyalshing, the West District Headquarters, with a view to preserve and develop Sanskrit language and literature in the state. In the capital town of Gangtok, we have established and started an Engineering College and the establishment of University in Sikkim is very much on our millennium agenda.

I have already said that we have accorded due respect to the sentiments and aspirations of all religious communities. This policy has been framed with a view to encourage mutual respect and harmony and to do away with bitterness and mutual hostility. Arrangement has been made to impart Bhutia, Lepcha and Limboo language teaching upto college level. There is provision for study of seven state languages upto school level. All cultural festivals belonging to different communities in the state have been declared as state gazette holidays. Sonam Lhochhar, Srijuriga birthday, Tendong Lho Rum Faat, Sakewa, Panglabsol, Lhosar, Lhabab Deuchen etc. are today gazette holidays.

 

We have directed our attention to improve law and order situation in the state. Our aim has been to establish rule of law and protect one and all under the same. Keeping this in mind, we have established Atrocity court, Family court, Consumer court, Human Right court and Lok Adalat in the state. The simple people can go straight to these courts for speedy redressal of their grievances.

 

Our government is committed to protect the special political rights of Sikkim and the Sikkimese people. No effort has been spared by our government to protect the special political proviso as guaranteed by the Constitution. By retaining its political, social and cultural identity alone can Sikkim forge ahead in its progressive journey. Hence, our government gives top priority to economic development and political protection of Sikkim. In short, we have worked sincerely to make Sikkim a modal state, self-reliant and prosperous.Along with social, political and educational achievements, we have been regularly concerned to make Sikkim economically strong and self-reliant. It has been our aim to make Sikkim a model state in the whole country. And I believe that only after achieving these aims can we make Sikkim, the Sikkim of the 21st century. By being dependent on others, Sikkim cannot stand upright in the 21st century. Having realized this fact, all people who love Sikkim should work actively in business, industry, agriculture and all productive enterprises to attain self-sufficiency. To work, labour and earn should be the new millennium message for the state of Sikkim. If we become hard-working and industrious ourselves, we can exorcise the ghosts of poverty and unemployment from the soil of Sikkim. On this historic occasion, I beg to promise before you that we will not rest in peace unless and until Sikkim attains self-reliance. Because the people’s mandate to make Sikkim belongs to us. We are entering the 21st century with full assertion to honor this mandate.

 

Respected Sikkimese citizens, we have stepped into the 21st century era-wise. But, in reality, we have to advance a lot more to step into it in its real sense. I have mentioned earlier that for various reasons we are a backward state. And also that there are many forces active to push the process of the development. Hence, it as a challenge before us to speed up our journey towards a prosperous Sikkim.

 

In this context, it is relevant to note that Sikkim could not benefit much from the initial five five year Plans. A planned modern development was started very late in Sikkim. Now, it is imperative for every body to take responsibility to modernize Sikkim. No supernatural power would descend on earth to improve our lives and society, nor do any strange man from any strange land would take pains to care about it. It is foolish to imagine so. The improvement and development of our place and our lives lie in our collective effort. If we do not do it, no one will. Thus we should fulfill our needs ourselves. At the advent of this century and a new millennium we should take a solemn pledge to make our own fortune by our own hands.

 

To accelerate development process, it is necessary to develop our own potential. This is necessary condition to free Sikkim from economic slavery. Sikkim is not poor in view of natural resources. We have, in fact, enormous stock of resources to our advantage. We are backward only in termd of our failure to identify and explore rich hydro-power potential, tourism potential, rich flora and fauna, mountain ranges so on and so forth. There is no reason for us to be economically backward and dependent provided we utilize our natural resources properly with proper planning.

 

Even at the threshold of 21st century, Sikkim is dependent on others for its economic survival. Until we wipe out this tragic aspect, the chapter of actual welfare of Sikkim and the Sikkimese would not being. Hence we have put the first step forward to utilize state’s resources keeping in view the long-term interest of the state and make it prosperous and self-reliant. To meet this end, certain areas with sizable economic returns have been categorized as priority areas.

 

Today we are laying the foundation stone to make Sikkim fully developed in 100 years time. We have to make use of our natural resources to make Sikkim economically sound and vibrant. Nature has endowed the state with hydro-power potential worth 800MW, and it is absolutely necessary to develop it. We have started many hydel-projects, which would greatly help in stabilizing the poor economic condition of the state. Based on this vision, the Rangit project has been competed recently. The fifth thase of 510 MW Teesta project is underway. Beside, this government has contemplated many small hydro-power projects generate employment opportunity and also to help the state economically.

 

Tourism can be developed as viable industry for the economic growth of Sikkim. Natural beauty necessary for tourism development is not lacking in our state. Sikkim is decorated with majestic Himalayas, mystical valleys, murmuring streams, quiet lakes and greenery unique and unmatched in the world. By just utilizing these natural resources, we can enrich state’s exchequer.

 

To explore the enormous tourism possibility, we have to first develop the required infrastructure. We have, indeed, started fulfilling certain conditions with a view to develop tourism as a large-scale industry. For this, we have invited investors to invest in the state. In the 21st century, it is our aim to transform Sikkim as an important tourist destination, not only in the country but the whole world.

 

To enable Sikkim fmd a place in the world' tourist map, one tourist spot will be invariably developed in each Gram Panchayat unit. By involving Panchayats and the people at large, Sikkim itself will be developed as a tourist centre. Sikkim's natural beauty and its cultural heritage could be a ready reference for tourists hungry for world exploration. If tourism industry is properly boosted, the economic condition of the state will be greatly improved. The number of tourists visiting our state is increasing day by day and to maintain this flow chart, each of us should playa constructive role in the state.

 

Our government has also taken steps to develop high-tech software industry in the state. Because of presence of pure and conducive environment, the possibility of developing such industry is enormous. The high-tech industry will not only improve our economic condition but also offer an opportunity to boost local talents. The 21st century world will be a fast-moving world. We have to keep pace with its movement. Keeping in view the momentum of the new century, we have decided to fully computerise our administrative system. Through computerization, we want to make state's administration more organized, smooth and effective.

 

Recognizing the demand of the age, we have carved out separate Science & Tech­nology department to oversee activities based on science and its implication. The decision has been taken with the main aim of creating our own manpower in the related field.

 

Till date, Sikkim's main economic sustenance has been traditional agriculture. The development of agriculture and allied industry in the state would provide the much needed fillip to agricultural output. In the absence of such centers, the rural farmers are ompelled to sell out their agricultural product in raw form. Hence, the government is all set to establish some such industries to process and manufacture goods and eatables out of local agricultural products, and also negotiate the sale of such fmished products at national and international markets. We have many different varieties of agricultural products. We have enormous stock of orchids and flowers unique in the country. Our goal has been to further enrich its quality production and strengthen our economic status. And we will continue to pursue this target tirelessly.

 

Together with utilizing our, natural resources, our aim has been to promote education as an industry in itself. By establishing elaborate educational centres, Sikkim would be a place of immense educational interest. In addition to the development of educational centres, we can also reap a rich harvest economically. And also through dairy product and livestock development, we can bring improvement in our economic status. This, in turn, will bring in substantial improvement in the economic condition of the rural masses.

 

Among the resources, forest product is one of the main assets. As per our declared policy of conservation, only small-scale industry will be set up in the state. This way, local skills like handicrafts and bamboo-weaving will be developed among the local people. We have to develop cottage industry and traditional handicraft as an industry in its own right. This will conserve local arts and architecture and also provide adequate protection and encouragement to our local artisans.

 

 Sikkim basically is a conglomeration of many small villages and hence, it is our stand that village should also receive the lion share of our annual plan budget. The development of villages will make Sikkim a developed state. Our villages have been reeling under constant threat of poverty and unemployment. Hence, we have concen­trated our efforts to give maximum benefit to the villagers. On the basis of this aim,we have initiated statewide campaign on Consumers' movement to ensure greater participation of the people. Consumers' centre in the village will also arrange for saleof cash crops at prevalent market rate. Our government will establish one Consumer Cooperative Centre in each Gram Panchayat in the state.

      

The soil content and the atmosphere of Sikkim are conducive to the production of quality tea in large scale. Tea from the Temi Tea Garden is one of the best quality teas in  the  world. Known for its high-quality tea, the plantation of similar tea can be expanded to other parts of the state. This would help earn added revenue for the state

 

 We have outlined certain conditions before initiating any develomental plan In the state We have guidelines that ensure full protection of the distinct environmental characterictics of the State while launching various developmental schemes. This clearly reflect that we  are unable to sacrifice Sikkim's unique natural surrounding for short­ term gain. We have accepted a model of development, which will give immediate benefit to the people amd at the same time preserve its ecological balance in the long-run. The positive outcome of our honest efforts to make Sikkimese society developed and prosperous will be palpable in  a few years time. Besides making the state prosperous, we have also undertaken the herculean task to clear the state of corruption and free the state from the global menace. We are aiming at reform in political, social and cultural fields and make the state an ideal state. For this, we will not shrink from taking the harsh decision for ushering the era of immaculate society. Because, it is popularly recog­nized that without uprooting corruption, it is impossible to visualize an ideal human society.

 

llliteracy, poverty, unemployment and environmental pollution have assumed the proportion of serious epidemic in our society. Sikkim can become an ideal state only if we can free our state from these infections. Today, standing on the threshold of the third millennium, I offer to announce that Sikkim will be a 100% literate state by the end of the first decade of the new century. Our Government will make Sikkim poverty­free, pollution-free and clear the state of all drug menace. Increasing unemployment problem will be tackled with full might. To realize this end, I appeal to the Sikkimese educated youth that government job alone is not an effective solution to this problem. Hence, I call upon all of you to invest your talent, wisdom and your labour in different productive projects. My government is committed to protect and promote every respon­sible scheme contemplated by Sikkimese educated unemployed youth. Unemployment from Sikkim will simply disappear if both private and public firms are properly organized backed by competent managerial skill.

 

Our future lies with the youth force and the students. To mould the youth and tender students into responsible and conscious citizens is our collective responsibility. The journey to making our tender students as responsible, committed and hard-working must begin today. As Sikkim's tomorrow belongs to them, it is necessary that we develop the young minds into fine steel so that they can hold the reign confidently and lead Sikkim into the succeeding decades successfully. The government will never lag behind in providing conducive atmosphere for mental, physical and all-round development of the students.

 

We have long-term schemes to lay foundation stone of developmental process that the state would witness in the next 100 years. We have envisaged only those plans, which do not disturb our ecological balance. Development of infrastructure for econo­mically viable projects together with poverty-alleviation measures and programmes to ease unemployment problem have been our prime focus. For making the state self-reliant, we are working collectively to utilize our natural resources judiciously. Based on our extensive study and research and with the help of country's best economists, we have prepared an elaborate Human Resource Report for the state of Sikkim. This, we have done to give positive and defining direction to our administrative policies and planning. On this auspicious moment, it gives me great pleasure to inform you that Sikkim has come to be the fourth state to prepare such report in India.

 

For long-term development of the state, we have tried to increase the productivity of small scale industry, increase manpower, implementation of pro-poor policies, initiate poverty-alleviation measures and adequate planning for Labour Integrated Industrial Development in the state.

 

On our part, we have been making sincere effort to take Sikkim into the 21st century. It is our responsibility to take the state into the next century-culturally, educationally, socially, politically and also economically. We are working honestly to fulfill our responsibility. Together with this, I would like to request the Sikkimese masses to join in our endeavour. The people should be able to free themselves from a sense of dependency on government alone. Lest the Sikkimese people in the 21st century would still remain a beggar. Come, let us come together to end this sorry situation and be part of the team to shape the 21st century Sikkim.

 

We are more or less certain of the fact that the ensuing millennium would be more strenuous and competitive. To prepare for the century, every individual should develop a competitive edge and survive on the strength of their own merit. To attune ourselves with the spirit of the new century, the Sikkimese must come out confident, vibrant and hopeful. Thus, all our children, parents and the responsible people should be conscious and active to come out unarm from the agni pariksha that the age is sure to present in various forms.

 

We have started our mission to push forward the state as a fully developed state on all fronts. To bring this determination to fruition, we have worked out our policies and will continue to evolve new policies from time to time to realize our dream.

 

I am hopeful that every individual, all responsible organizations and associations will playa constructive role in the implementation of pro-poor policies and decisions taken by the government. The decisions taken by the government alone cannot bring Sikkim to the 21st century as a developed state. Decisions thus taken by the government for the welfare of the people and the state should be honoured, as part of their own well­being and so every body has to extend cooperation to the government.

 

I would like to appeal that every Sikkimese entering the 21st century should be thoroughly absorbed in modern and scientific outlook. Today, we have already entered into the post-modern era and hence, can not survive on obsolete thoughts and manners. If we look back thus, the succeeding age would still advance forward and we will be pushed backward ever more. We have to take this truth seriously. With ancient thought, we cannot chisel out modern Sikkim nor can we model ourselves as modern and civilized.

 

Lastly, with new possibilities and fresh challenges, the new century has finally arrived. And, to you Sikkimese people, who have come together for its warm welcome, I, once again, extend my warm greetings and good wishes.

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