Minister of State for Tribal Affairs on a Two day Sikkim Visit

Guwahati: Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Government of India, Shri Jaswantsinh Bhabhor is on a two-day visit to Sikkim. The union minister called on State Chief Minister Shri Pawan Chamling to his official residence at Mintogang on reaching the northeastern state, later in the evening.

The Union Minister discussed few issues with the Chief Minister seeking the intervention of the State Government on the issues. Shri Bhabhor, stated that the Central Government is willing to enhance the loan amount to the state under the National Scheduled Tribe Finance Development Corporation for income generating activities, provided the State Government gives a Rupees Five Crore guarantee.

The Union Minister also said that the State Government can propose for a fifth EMRS, in addition to the already existing and fully functional four EMRS Schools. He said that the new EMRS should be proposed in an area having a population of over twenty thousand.

A requested for a shop/outlet of TRIFED at Gangtok ‘s MG Marg where Tribal products can be kept on display and sale was also made by the Minister. Further, the Union Minister also urged upon the State Government to expedite the paperwork for the proposed Tribal Research Institute at Assam Lingzey in East Sikkim so that the foundation stone can be laid at the earliest.

The Union Minister while expressing his satisfaction over the state’s exceptional performance in implementing the Tribal Schemes assured continuous assistance from the Central Government.

On the other hand, Chief Minister Shri Pawan Chamling said that all the issues placed by the Union Minister of State would be taken up on priority by the State Government. He assured for the guarantee for Rupees Five Corers from the State Government for the enhancement of loans.

The Chief Minister shared some of the unique environmental initiatives of the State Government and other highlights of the State. He shared that the tribals of Sikkim have the highest per capita income property in the country. He further shared that Sikkim is a poverty-free State where the basic minimum needs of the people have been fulfilled. He said that Sikkim is a model of secularity and inclusive development.

The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to the Union Minister of State for his visit and for the support extended by the Central Government to the State.

The Union Minister is on a two-day visit to the State to review the activities being carried out by the State chaired a review meeting with the officials of the State Social Justice Department and Principals of EMRS Schools at New Raj Bhawan. He is also slated to visit EMRS School at Parakha, East Sikkim.

S Smt Dhanjyoti Mukhia, Special Secretary, Department of Social Justice, Welfare & Empowerment, Government of Sikkim while delivering the welcome address, briefed about the various activities carried out in the State for the development and upliftment of the Tribal community. She also outlined the emphasis laid by the State Government on inclusive development to ensure equal social justice and economic empowerment of all.

A brief presentation was made on the schemes implemented by the State Government under the aegis of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India. Another presentation was also made by the Engineering Cell of the department highlighting the infrastructural developments for implementation of schemes and programmes under tribal affairs.

Union Minister in his address lauded the efforts being put by the State towards the development of the tribal community in the State. He expressed his profound gratitude to the Chief Minister of Sikkim on behalf of the Government of India for uplifting and empowering the tribal community in the State and the welfare measures being implemented under his leadership.

He further added that the State Government and Central Government should collaboratively work to ensure that the weaker sections of the society are uplifted. He said that the Prime Minister has laid huge emphasis on the development of the North East Region of the Country.

“I have heard a lot about Sikkim but today after coming here for the first time in the lap of Mount Khangchendzonga, I feel fortunate. I am highly impressed with the work being done by the State Government,” he said.

District Collector East Shri Kapil Meena, senior officers of the Social Justice Department, officers from the Ministry, Principals of EMRS schools in the State and members of NGOs were also present in the meeting.