Politics, Programmes and Vision for the new Century

Speech delivered on 1st January 2001 in Gangtok

Having honored people's mandate to our party to lead Sikkim into the 21st century, we have come forward with new program and a defined political vision. It is our stand that the Sikkimese people in the 21sr century must attune to the new age and we cannot afford to lag behind the time. In order to move ahead together with the swift-changing age, it is equally necessary to evolve reciprocal system, similar adminis­trative framework, corresponding philosophy, matching program and complementary political vision. Thus, we have already developed analogous programme, political vision and philosophy that corroborate with the demographic and social trait of Sikkim.

The 21st century expects many things from us. And to begin with, I feel that the new century anticipates politics molded after the accepted norms and principles of the present time. Politics being the root of all philosophies should be genuine and sincere in the first place. If politics itself fails, we cannot hope for other philosophies to triumph. Hence, politics need to be based on principles. I would like to submit to one and all that the erstwhile age of politics rooted on deception, falsity, and conspiracy  no longer exist. And anybody holding on to such tradition cannot shoulder the obligations of new age and so also those unable to appreciate expectations of the general masses. Politics must always exist for the all-round development and prosperity of society, nation and the people. It should never become an instrument of personal fulfillment.

With the passing of time, many political values and thoughts have been obliterated and blurred beyond recognition. Almost all political organizations acting on individual's whims and dynastic perception are being shattered like a house of cards. Political systems that strive for the independent expression of people's aspiration_ belonging to diverse social strata are slowly replacing the old system. The changed time and altered circumstances have called for a new politics, new programme and a fresh vision from us.

I feel that the final consummation of practical thoughts should constitute political philosophy. As political principles have far-reaching impact on the nation, society and the entire population, we need to exercise caution while accepting certain school of thought. Thus, we can well imagine the implication of introducing our own political philosophy in the society. The contemporary society and time anticipates such range of difficult task from today's leader or political organizations. But this is impossible to achieve as long as our central theme remains power and only power. Raising ourselves above power in the interest of the society, nation and state is our precondition. Without fulfilling this condition, political cleansing is impossible in the first place, and secondly social refinement will not take place. We have dreams to transform the state into a healthy, lovely and prosperous Sikkim.

We provided an initial opportunity to the people to exercise democratic system. This exercise will help in the foundation of a new, vibrant society in the future. We, as a political body submit that the people are the ultimate master and we have consistently, sincerely spread this essential message. We have given maximum stress on the establishment of democratic system and development, because this constitutes an important factor in the political vision that I talk of so often. I am of the firm opinion that without democracy no society can develop to its full strength. A society callous to popular sentiments and aspirations of the majority people cannot develop. A real democracy is possible only through political and economic liberty. Democracy without equality is hollow. Mahatma Gandhi himself said that democracy is not any mechanical object, what is needed is the change of heart.

We want to safeguard the political liberty of each individual in Sikkim. We want to guarantee this liberty or create ground for such freedom. This kind of system would alone build a Sikkim based on equality and justice.

In clear terms, we are in favour of social democracy where justice, liberty and equality for all become a reality. Our view is that our system itself should fortify us against injustice and inequality. Since we are going to be part of highly developed and cultured society in the 21st century, we are going for the most vital, living, complete and progressive principles to lead Sikkim meaningfully into the new century. Thus, we want to establish politics based on the essential political values of the last decade. Our politics is based on political freedom, liberty, justice, mutual coexistence and patriotism. As far as leading Sikkim into the next century is concerned, this in itself is difficult. Besides, Sikkim has its own problems, which make the task even more daunting. But as I have often repeated, I once again want to state in this august House that no matter how difficult it is, the task, however, is not impossible. This is no mere imagination, but reality.

On the one hand is the problem of pushing Sikkim into a prosperous state, and another is the obligation to maintain the purity and beauty of the state endowed with vast natural resources together with mutual harmony, peace and a highly developed culture. We can accelerate the pace of our development in the state wherein we need political vision and collective participation of the people. With the fulfillment of these conditions, Sikkim's face will be changed without any doubt. We have already initiated various steps to make our environment more clean and healthy. The idea of collective involve­ment among us is still lacking. The right we enjoy reflects the duty we owe. It has become necessary to develop such attitude. It is imperative that we absorb the European wisdom that right and opportunity without responsibility are engines of selfishness and greed.

We are working tirelessly to establish and maintain social justice from the grassroots level. Social justice is not a political rhetoric. It is an age-old means to end inequality and establish a social order based on equality. The aim is to change the face of future society by arresting such inequality. This is part of our campaign to establish a society where the under-privileged and the downtrodden people can move about holding their heads high. Providing equal opportunity for all and equal treatment to all, and also providing special incentives for the backward and the weak are the principal targets.

Here it is again relevant to talk of the relationship between rights and duties. Social justice not only grants opportunities for the underprivileged, but also renders in them a sense of security within state and the nation and a sense of possessiveness towards the country. For want of social justice and consolidated efforts, the aim of collective development has been aborted for a long time. Our government has strongly initiated steps to bring social justice back on rails wherein each individual has the means to live and improve his life.

Women are part and parcel of human society, and thus, we advocate 50 percent partnership for women in society as part of our principle. We have taken some significant steps to make them a respectable shareholder in different social activities. I feel with a sense of pride that we have succeeded to a large extent in developing an awareness that the Sikkimese women are in no way less capable and proficient than their counterparts in every field. And to further strengthen our case and provide an equal opportunity to them, we have reserved 30 percent seats in government employment and 33 percent in Panchayati Raj at the state level. We are also in favour of granting reservation to women in Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. Today, the very business of this august House is being conducted successfully by one of our revered woman. This way, women in today's Sikkim have been moving forward with confident steps in all fields. The pace of this progress will slowly change the course of our history. Our campaign to make them capable and proficient has come to fruition and in near future the stigma of man-woman differences will be erased from our society once for all. I am not only hopeful but also confident of this social transformation.

One of the main features of our political principles lies in providing justice to people in abundance. It is also said that justice delayed is justice denied. Hence, we have taken steps to provide justice in easy way and in plenty. We have established Lok Adalats and Atrocity courts. The establishment of Consumer's courts has guaranteed speedy justice for the consumers. Family courts today are within the easy reach of people so that the discordant couple is saved from the eternal damnation of our first parents.

To sum up, we are willing to build a modem Sikkim by establishing an organized democratic system. In order to establish popular politics, we want to implant patriotism and progress, rights and duties, justice and liberty in every nerve of our societal body.

I want to place before this august House what I have always said in the past. That we cannot gain a meaningful entry into the 21st century unless we free our state from the shackles of dependency. Let us never lose sight of the fact that prosperity and well being of small groups of people would not make Sikkim self-reliant and prosperous. The overall prosperity of Sikkim is our principal aim and to achieve this we have identified certain sectors as priority areas.

A competent economic policy and programme is the answer as far as leading Sikkim into the 21st century is concerned. It squarely depends on the economic development to ensure that Sikkim becomes developed, self-reliant and materially prosperous. Material gains greatly complement spiritual fulfillment. Thus, we have accorded top priority in the framing of competent, qualified and effective economic policy for the state of Sikkim.

The main source of our economic development lies in the enormous natural resources that Sikkim is endowed with. We have two promising rivers, countless meandering streams and waterfalls. Sikkim is home to the world's third-highest mountain peak, the Khangchendzonga, the majestic Sinoulchu peak, and other mountain peaks and lakes. We have a huge stock of rare species of plants, medicinal plants, birds and butterflies. We have mountains, rivers, different varieties of flowers and animals. We can utilize all these natural resources together with our clean environment in the service of the economic development of the state.

We can well launch the legendary thousand ships by developing the tourism industry to a new height by selling Sikkim's natural beauty. For the very reason, we have been drawn towards this logic, and we have recognized tourism as our priority area. For want of sufficient infrastructure for tourism development, the government is presently engaged in the preparation of necessary infrastructure. In the last few years, the number of tourists coming to Sikkim has recorded a considerable growth. We have planned to transform Sikkim itself as a tourist destination. For the development of tourism industry, government's policy alone will not help. It is necessary that every person playa constructive role in its development.

We need to be hospitable and respectful to every tourist coming to our state. If we fail to do this, the tourism sector will not flourish. Its growth will remain stunted, for we know tourism is also called hospitality industry. That means if we fail to attract tourists by means of our means and manners, one of the principal source of state revenue will be wasted just for nothing. It is our declared stand that together with the development of tourism industry, we need to preserve our cultural heritage, natural resources, rare species of flora and fauna and so on and so forth. We cannot afford to destroy our social and cultural richness by merely developing tourism. It is equally imperative to concentrate on Sikkim's security while developing tourism.

For the comprehensive development of tourism infrastructure, we are diverting considerable investment and Labour in the state. We are trying to promote Sikkim into the global tourist map by developing world-class facilities and infrastructure. It has been our sustained efforts to identify and declare certain place of historical significance in Sikkim as a world heritage site. If we succeed, Sikkim will be introduced and recognized globally.

Sikkim is not only a place of inaccessible terrain and tortuous hills. Nature has blessed it with favorable water current, which could form as yet another significant source of state revenue. If utilized with wisdom, these rivers and streams could be converted into a white gold. The electricity-generating potential of the available resources in our state is a whopping 8000 MW. Today, this potential is being wasted for nothing. A negligible 0.4% of the available currents are being utilized as against the 99.6%, which is being wasted. Recently, the 60 MW Rangit Hydel project has been commissioned and work has begun for the fifth phase of 510 MW Teesta project. We have included Hyde power development as our priority areas, which is a promising source of state exchequer. In the near future, electricity revenue to the state of Sikkim is destined to touch a new height. In addition, sufficient power is required for the establishment and development of hi-tech modern industry in the state.

We have also plans to set up need-based modem industry to enrich our state coffer. Our environment is conducive to the establishment of hi-tech industries. Thus, setting up of software industry is in our agenda and accordingly we have placed our demand before the Central Government. In the context of economic policy, agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry are the inseparable parts of economic activities. Since, agriculture forms the backbone of our economy, this sector invites our intimate attention. We need to initiate a campaign among our farmers to free ourselves from the traditional patterns of farming and encourage them to embrace scientific way of cultivation where we can record a quantum jump in our annual yields. In America and other parts of world, only 10-12 percent of the total population is engaged in farming. Yet they are self-sufficient in the production of food grains. We are not, despite the fact that more than 60 percent of people in India and Sikkim are engaged in agriculture and allied activities.

Lack of scientific farming is the main factor behind this shortfall. The mode of production still conforms to the traditional forms of the last 200 years. We need to infuse scientific temper in our method, which should be equally supported by hard labor, modem technology and wisdom. We have to take special note of the market demand of any agricultural product along with its productivity. We have to go in for the high yielding and high-value products and production of such products alone can improve our economic status. The central concern of all related activities remains the farming community who are the growers of food on which we survive.

Sikkim also is home to different varieties of flowers, orchids. The abundance of such flowers can be exploited as an industry. Different varieties of flowers can be exported to satisfy high market demand. The government has taken various steps to achieve this end. The consumption of meat in the state is high and thus, animal rearing can be regulated as an industry. A large chunk of meat, fish and fowl is being imported from outside Sikkim to meet the local demand. If properly managed, the domestic production will take care of the ever-growing demand for local consumption. The government has opened up a regulated marketing centre at Rangpo to sell local products.

I would like to appeal from this august House that let every body become hard­working, engage himself in his occupation and stand on his own feet. Every Sikkimese who comes forward to undertake self-employment venture will always receive technical support from my government. Every Sikkimese ought to take up different occupations and businesses according to his/her own aptitude, interest and circumstances and thereby become self-sufficient.

I also like to state that people with mental slavery and emotional dependency cannot become self-reliant, because this cannot prepare a ground for competitive spirit among them. Therefore, Sikkimese people need to prepare themselves mentally before we achieve economic self-sufficiency.

It is sad to note that Sikkim with its abundant natural beauty and resources is yet to achieve self-reliance. Sikkim has remained a mere market to consume goods produced outside the state. Let alone exporting its products outside Sikkim, our domestic production is far behind the local requirements. Sikkim has remained a consumer centre and not a producer. Whatever the Sikkimese earns is being drained out of the state through the market. This basically happens because of three reasons. Firstly, that required infrastructure for investment, tourism and other productive industries is available in big Indian cities. Secondly, majority of the business community stationed in Sikkim either transfer their earning to their home states or invest elsewhere; and thirdly that the nationalized banks operating in the state extend a negligible percentage of loan to the local population from its total savings. All these have serious effects on the economic scenario of the state.

Private enterprises do not invest in Sikkim and 'thus the scope for local employment opportunity is grim. As a result, the pressure on the government is very serious and at times becomes critical. Most of the private businessmen look upon Sikkim as a harbor, a launching pad. For this reason, Sikkim has always been a loser. Similar financial impropriety is being noticed in many parts of the world like Bhutan, Nepal including the Indian states of Assam, northeastern states and Darjeeling hills. It is a Herculean task to identify various loopholes in the transfer of money across the border for want of information and illegal operations of the middlemen. To build Sikkim of the 21st century, I appeal to all the Sikkimese to become producers and sellers and not just consumer. Unless this condition is created, Sikkim and the Sikkimese people cannot achieve self-sufficiency.

Let me repeat that the government will always support hard-working Sikkimese in their efforts. But we must stop looking to the government for ready patronage. It may take time, but old habits must certainly die. It is our goal that the income level of the poor should grow so that poverty remains a thing of the past.

As part of poverty-alleviation measures, economists have recommended income generation or enhancing the purchasing power of the poor. We want to encourage self-employment to strengthen their purchasing power. We understand that in order to uplift the poor, it is necessary to multiply their income. This, however, is not the be-all and the end-all of this fact. It is equally crucial to increase their productivity. Problems like that of clean drinking water and child education restricts formation of human capital; lack of rural transport and communication obstruct smooth distribution of local products. Our government has taken note of all these factors and readied ourselves to improve the living standard of the people.

Unemployment, starvation and poverty have remained a deadly disease world over. At present, there are 80 crores people without food, 100 crores illiterates, 400 crores people living below poverty line, 10 crores people are homeless, 1.10 crores children below 5 years suffering from malnutrition, 2.50 crores child laborers, 1.31 crores children deprived of basic education. India, likewise, is not free from these ailments. In such situation, problems like poverty, illiteracy and unemployment have begun to raise their ugly heads even in our own state of Sikkim. We have to take note of the emerging global symptoms at an early stage and contemplate on the possible solution as early as possible. Minor irritants of today may assume a gigantic proportion in the future. Hence, in the framing of our economic policy and developmental programmes, we have tried to hammer out premeditated solutions to possible future problems conjured up by our fertile imagination. It has become imperative on the part of the policy-makers to gauge the dimension of the iceberg by looking at its tip. Accordingly we have applied wisdom and farsightedness in the preparation of our future economic policy to take care of the future as well.

The dream of making Sikkim prosperous and self-reliant is based on our long-term plans. That way, our main concern has been Sikkim's future security. We have taken special care to ensure that development projects do not produce an adverse effect on our fragile ecosystem. We have also been cautious to see that Sikkimese tradition and culture is preserved for our posterity. In short we want to project our indigenous culture and tradition in the garb of modernity. Thus, we are trying to see that our developmental plans are productive and long lasting.

 Ecological imbalance has posed a serious threat to human civilization and its existence. We have equally shared the prime concern of the people all over the world, environmental experts and scientists about the depleting ecosystem. To preserve our rich forest, the government has passed Forest and Wild Life Protection Act. Sikkim hosts forest resources worth 27,000 crores. We have 5000 different species of plants, 4000 varieties of flowers, 800 species of herbal plants, 300 kinds of ferns, 1144 different animals, 600 different species of birds, 500 species of butterflies. For the preservation of the natural resources and also to increase the green cover, a comprehensive afforestation campaign has been launched. The government appeals to all organizations, associations, government employees, students and everyone to make this programme a success at official or non-official level.

We have created considerable awareness among the people about our fragile environment. The government has moved the concept of Smriti Van and is seeking to popularize it in every Gram Panchayat unit. In order to protect and preserve flora and fauna, we have passed a number of legislations. We politely said 'no' to the proposed construction of 'G-firing range' in north Sikkim to preserve the source of different Himalayan Rivers. We have declared south and west districts as drought-prone regions and decided to ban grazing in the reserved forests of the districts. We have successfully banned the use of plastics in the entire state. All these were done not for immediate gains. These initiatives will pay us in the long run.

For the proper implementation of various programmes of this popular government, we have taken steps to make state administration transparent and responsible and decentralize power to the lowest level. In this connection, I would like to emphasize that decentralization should help in uprooting corruption and not institutionalize it. I earnestly hope that every wing of administration will vow to save Sikkim from the clutches of this deadly disease. Then only will the administrative machinery become more democratic. For I believe that political corruption breeds economic corruption, and moral corruption eliminates the very civilized system.

We have already initiated measures to make state administration more responsible and people-oriented. Every Sikkimese has the right to information and so a transparent administration is a necessity. Democratization of administration will make it more effective thereby strengthening the concept of responsibility and accountability.

We want to revive the very morale of bureaucracy. Public servants must do more than administer services; their job is to generate greater public value from our stock of public assets.    ­

In the changed circumstances, our values, norms, feeling, thought and the very definition of riches have undergone a radical shift. Riches of 18th century failed to satisfy 19th century world. Likewise, wealth of the past two centuries will lose its appeal in the 21st century-the symptoms have already surfaced. Knowledge and information are gradually taking the place of large industries. In the 21st century, the most valuable asset is going to be individual talent and wisdom-the invisible, intangible power of knowledge that will virtually rule the world. Similarly, we have launched a collective struggle to make every Sikkimese prosperous and the master of the new world order.

That is why, our government has given maximum impetus to provide quality education and make it easily accessible for the common men. Having considered the requirements of the new century, we have taken steps to develop human resources of the highest caliber. I need not repeat that free education, 'free distribution of books, exercise books and uniforms is one of the facet of our education planning.

To make Sikkimese compete at the national level, we have plans to set up training centers for Union Public Service Commission examination in the state. We would like to promote more and more students in subjects like Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Microbiology, and Environment Science. We have equally felt it important to promote students in taking up higher course in Mass Communication.

Education being the most important asset of a society will define the shape of future to world. Giving due weight age to this truth, we have especially favored the teaching community in finalizing the Third Pay Commission, which provided for special allowances and higher pay scale for teachers. This decision closely links with our dreams to provide quality education to our coming generation. For quality education, professional training was also deemed necessary. Therefore, we decided to make professional training (Degree) compulsory in the appointment of teachers. I appeal to all the people not to misinterpret this decision in isolation, but understand it as part of the greater agenda of social regeneration.

Together with education, health sector is equally important. Hence, we are sincerely engaged in providing modern and scientific health service to the people of Sikkim. We are also trying to spread the concept of health awareness among people and reinforce the old dictum of 'prevention is better than cure'.

The introduction of science and technology has compressed the world into a tiny globe. Any small incident in some comer of the world does affect our day-to-day lives. Such influences are both positive as well as negative. In this age of widespread dissention, Sikkim stands as a coherent society. It is the recurring example for the country and the world as a state where tranquility, peace and harmony reign supreme. It is necessary to preserve and promote this great tradition of ours. We need to discourage and disappoint all those forces bent on disturbing this age-old tradition of mutual brotherhood and friendship. For some time now, some forces are at work to upset this friendship. Any force devoted to intercepting the long-term interest of Sikkim and the Sikkimese people will not be tolerated at any cost.

We have entered into the 'e' century; our lives and society are running at the speed of an electric current. This is an age of high competitiveness. Factors other than argument, talent and wisdom stand little chances in this age. It is not easy to keep pace with the ultra-modem development-taking place around us. We will only weaken ourselves if we do not discard the obsolete norms, and remain enveloped in petty considerations of caste and creed. In such situation, our competitive spirit will not find a ready ground to flourish. Hence, we cannot cross the threshold of 21st century with a mentality that feeds on communalism. Those who bathe in the unholy water of communalism will not gain entry into the temple of 21st century world. In case that happens, that becomes an irony unmatched in human history. Let there be a sincere intention with us to enter into the 21st century with the broadness of mind and a clean thought, with a soul that embraces one and all in its fold. Let us resist with one voice any force coming from whatever direction, which has that tendency to harm Sikkim and the Sikkimese society. Let us not waste our time in petty talk of caste and colour. If the time defies our taste, let us align ourselves with the nuances of contemporary time. There is no other way round. It is said that community who fails to learn lesson from the past lag behind. Our own experience is no different from this saying. We have to build a better Sikkim by taking appropriate lesson from our own history. And we have to define the road today itself. The challenge before this ever-changing society and time is to turn change into progress. With these words, I would like to end my speech by invoking the idea of the champion of anti-apartheid movement, Nelson Mandela, who said: "Vision without action is, but a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with the action changes the world".