SIKKIM SENIOR CITIZENS’ SOCIETY FORMED
GANGTOK, 28 March: The recently instituted Sikkim Senior Citizens’ Society [SSCS] convened its first general body meeting here at Janata Bhawan on 25 March and formalized its office-bearers even as the elders of the Sikkimese society held extensive discussions on how the organization could engage more effectively on issues of concern.
The maiden meeting of the group had retired High Court Judge AP Subba as the chief guest and JB Pradhan as guest-of-honour and was chaired by adhoc president of the society, former Chief Secretary, KC Pradhan.
The general body elected its office bearers through a consensus voice vote. While KC Pradhan was elected the President for a period of two years, DK Khati was elected vice president, TR Poudyal general secretary and Dr. Bela Cintury as treasurer. The members of the Executive Committee, Advisory Committee, District Vice Presidents and Joint Secretary were similarly chosen from amongst the members.
In his inaugural address, the SSCS president called upon the members to contribute to the strengthening of the new organization so that it could work as effectively as envisaged in the service of the Sikkimese society.
“This is an organization which can effectively discuss, develop and crystallize a model policy and advisory package on issues concerning the interests of the State as the members, by virtue of their education, experience and commitment to the cause of the State, have acquired a vast reservoir of knowledge,” he highlighted.
The issues of old-age and associated problems of senior citizens could also be addressed and resolved through this Society, he added.
Two senior citizens who hold the apex advisory posts, Justice Subba and JB Pradhan also addressed the Society, informs a press communiqué received from Mr. TR Poudyal.
Justice Subba highlighted the need and importance of the Society and briefed the meeting on the various legal and constitutional provisions that are available to senior citizens to mitigate the vagaries and vicissitudes confronting older citizens.
Mr. Pradhan, in turn, spoke on a specific issue of electricity tariff committee meeting to be held in April and suggested that the SSCS make a representation seeking a reduced power tariff for domestic uses on the lines of Himachal Pradesh with special consideration for the aged living on their own.
The possibility of seeking a payment-free meeting hall of Government Departments for holding the Society’s meeting was also brought forth by him, it is informed.
Among the issues facing the State, the SSCS president mentioned the need to make ecological contingency for the floral loss that would accompany the Teesta Stage IV hydel project. The valley over which the project is scheduled to come up comprises of unique and rich biodiversity and its loss should be compensated by raising genetic gardens as rescue homes at appropriate locations, he suggested, while calling upon the State Pollution Control Board to liaison with the NHPC during the ensuing Public Hearing on the project to finalise this aspect.
The meeting also discussed the need for a membership drive and emphasized the need to increase the number if members. Various members discussed the Constitution of the Society and recommended changes wherever inconsistencies existed, the release adds.
A very good development coz Sikkim it self is such an insulated society with no mixing up happening apart from the few marriage receptions that take place.....and becouse it is a small place, the political polarization very evident and ppl dont want to associate with people with different leanings!! Hopefully this will help over come these hinderances and will become a vibrant organisation and a meeting ground for the senior citizens, where there is no meeting ground as such....where in the plains u seek senior citizens together in parks and out on walks.....hope this works as a group that bridges all areas and includes all senior citizens.....
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