SKM completes four years in Government; CM advocates for Additional MPs

Sikkim Krantikari Morcha celebrates completion of 4 years in government with Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Golay batting for more Members of Parliament for Sikkim. The CM suggested, “Since Sikkim has 6 districts now with two new districts being added, Sikkim now should have additional MPs. Say for every three districts, we will have one MP. Before, when Sikkim had only 4 districts, such addition may or couldn’t have been made, but now that we have more districts we can have more MPs”.

Golay was addressing the government employees of the State whom he urged to collectively come together as ‘Team Sikkim’ for better coordination in the State, similar to the call for ‘Team India’ by Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently.
He thanked the government employees for their coordination and cooperation to ‘a new government’ in these four years. He shared, “There were arguments against us that we were an ‘ad-hoc government’ one which would disqualify in a year. They questioned if I would be CM or MLA or not even be allowed to contest in Panchayat elections prior to 2019. Taking such criticisms as inspiration, we have governed for four years now under the guidance of our government employees. The works of Sikkimese goverment employees and the government collectively made ‘Team Sikkim’ for these four years”.

Golay equally acknowledged how the fourth year celebration also marks the beginning of the election year in the 5th year of governance. “For the government this is a transition year, but to the government employees in attendance, I wish to clarify that this is not an indication to incline towards us (SKM). I urge the government employees to see our governance of four years. In these four years, we have carried on the schemes and work left behind by the previous government. We have not victimized any of the government employees with revenge in our minds. We have worked for the benefit of the government employees all throughout these 4 years, because we know they have the power to run the government”.
Golay then highlighted how in these 4 years over 793 new government employees have been appointed, 333 have been appointed on compassionate grounds, 33 IAS, IPS and IFS were promoted, 128 secretaries promoted, collectively 2404 officers promoted to gazetted rank and above. Similarly, 2535 police officers in different designations were also promoted in these 4 years, informed the CM.

Golay then asserted on ensuring promotions for Group C and D employees of the State. He stated, “These promotions and appointments were made not for personal gains of the employees but to ensure effective governance. Now there is a narrative that our government favours only senior officers. Hence, to counter such narrative we have been in discussion to have promotions for Group C and D employees of the State as well”.
Golay also brought to light the ongoing court case involving Guru Dongmar Lake being claimed by Sikhs in the country to be a pilgrimage for Guru Nanak. “The government has been ordered to take up out of court settlement before August 18, 2023 when the next hearing has been ordered by the court. But we would like to assert that Guru in the case Guru Dongmar lake will only be Guru Padmashambhava and not anyone else. So why will we name our holy lake in someone else’s name. The issue dates back to 1998 when the then Lachen Rinpoche was part of a one man committee who asserted on the lake being named after Guru Padmashambhava. Had the government then taken the committee’s review into account, this case would not be dragged all these years to reach the Court now”, said the CM.

He also spoke on the need for cross border trade corridor between India and Nepal through Chewabhanjyang on Indo Nepal border. He highlighted how 2-lane road connecting Chewabhanjyang with Uttarey is being constructed by NHIDCL. Asserting on how the trade corridor will strengthen economic ties and bilateral relations with Nepal, along with development of nearby regions of Uttarey and Dentam in West Sikkim with development of hospitals and universities in the region.

He then criticised the previous government for their dismal policy towards Hydro Electric Power projects in the past, with many projects almost being categorised as Non Performing Assets. He highlighted the poor financing and corruption of the previous government towards Teesta Urja Power Limited, Sikkim Power Development Corporation Limited, and Amalgamated Trans Power India Limited among others.

Golay also highlighted the different achievements of the State in Happiness Index, highest income in the country, sustainable development goals, most education institutes and universities in the State, open defecation free success, development of every district of the State, best performing economy, most improved state in law and order, among other achievements of the State in the country.

Title: Sikkim Celebrates Four Years of SKM Government with Chief Minister Advocating for Additional MPs and Acknowledging Government Employees’ Contributions

Date: May 31, 2023

Gangtok, Sikkim – Sikkim witnessed a grand celebration on Wednesday as it marked the fourth anniversary of the formation of the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) government. Chief Minister Prem Singh Golay took the opportunity to advocate for increased representation by proposing the addition of more Members of Parliament (MPs) for Sikkim. Speaking in front of government employees in Gangtok, CM Golay emphasized the need for enhanced coordination and unity within the state.

Highlighting the recent expansion of Sikkim’s districts, with the addition of two new districts, CM Golay stressed the importance of proportionate representation. He proposed that for every three districts, one MP should be allocated, citing the increased number of districts as the basis for justifying additional MPs. Golay acknowledged that such a proposition would not have been feasible when Sikkim had only four districts.

In his address, CM Golay expressed gratitude to the government employees for their dedication and cooperation during the past four years. Referring to initial doubts about the SKM government’s legitimacy, Golay credited their collaborative efforts for the successful governance. He mentioned that criticisms and skepticism served as inspiration, leading to a productive administration under the guidance of the state’s government employees. Golay urged everyone to work together as a unified “Team Sikkim,” drawing parallels to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for “Team India.”

As the celebration marked the beginning of the fifth year, Golay acknowledged that it also signified the start of the election year. However, he clarified that this transition should not influence the government employees’ allegiance towards the SKM party. Instead, he urged them to assess the SKM government’s performance during its four-year tenure, emphasizing their commitment to continuing previous schemes and projects. Golay reassured the employees that the government had not sought revenge against any individual and had prioritized their welfare throughout its tenure.

CM Golay proceeded to highlight key achievements and developments during the SKM government’s four years in power. He shared statistics, including the appointment of over 793 new government employees, promotions of various officers across departments, and the significant focus on the development of police personnel. Golay acknowledged the need for promoting Group C and D employees to counter the perception of favoritism towards senior officers.

The Chief Minister also addressed ongoing legal disputes, specifically mentioning the case involving Guru Dongmar Lake, where Sikhs claimed it as a pilgrimage site for Guru Nanak. Golay stated that the government had been directed to seek an out-of-court settlement before August 18, 2023. He clarified that the lake would continue to be associated with Guru Padmashambhava, as advocated by the then Lachen Rinpoche in 1998.

Speaking about the Indo-Nepal border, Golay emphasized the construction of a two-lane road connecting Chewabhanjyang with Uttarey by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). He stressed that this trade corridor would foster stronger economic ties and bilateral relations with Nepal. Additionally, Golay underscored the potential development opportunities for the nearby regions of Uttarey and Dentam in West Sikkim, including the establishment of hospitals and universities.

Turning his attention to the previous government’s handling of hydroelectric power projects, CM Golay expressed dissatisfaction with their policies, highlighting several projects that were on the verge of being classified as non-performing assets. Golay drew attention to the poor financial management and instances of corruption related to Teesta Urja Power Limited, Sikkim Power Development Corporation Limited, Amalgamated Trans Power India Limited, and others.

The Chief Minister concluded by proudly mentioning Sikkim’s accomplishments in various domains, such as the Happiness Index, highest income in the country, sustainable development goals, educational institutions, and the state’s success in achieving open defecation-free status.

Chief Minister’s speech shed light on the SKM government’s priorities and its determination to foster growth, enhance infrastructure, and bolster Sikkim’s standing in key sectors. As the celebrations concluded, CM Golay reiterated the government’s commitment to continuing its efforts in serving the people and steering Sikkim towards a prosperous future.