Civilian Awards to be conferred on State Day

GANGTOK, 09 May: The Cultural Affairs and Heritage Department today announced the State Government’s decision to confer Sikkim State Civilian Awards in recognition of “sterling contribution and achievements” by individuals in various disciplines and fields of activities. The awards ceremony will form part of the Sate Day celebrations on 16 May and will be conferred at a special function hosted at Chintan Bhawan on the day.
The Civilian Awards will be conferred in three categories - Sikkim Ratna [category A], Sikkim Sewa Ratna [category B] and Sikkim Sewa Samman [category C] and will be given in varied disciplines like social service [Sewa], Sports [Khel], Music and Arts [Kala], Literature [Sahitya], Trade & Industry [Udyog] etc.
The objective behind instituting these awards is to felicitate individuals “who have worked relentlessly for the cause of their community in their individual capacities so that they are encouraged to rededicate themselves with renewed vigour and in process serve as an example for others to follow”.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Conference Hall of Land Revenue & DM Department, New Secretariat, Gangtok today Cultural Affairs and Heritage Department , Secretary, Nalini G Pradhan informed about the awards and also presented the Department’s activities in a nutshell.
The Sikkim Ratna will be awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; Sikkim Sewa Ratna for distinguished service of high order and Sikkim Samman for distinguished service in any field.
“Such awards are being announced for the first time by the State Government and for the year 2012 no one has been recommended for Sikkim Ratna [category A]. Meanwhile, nine persons have been recommended for category B [Sikkim Sewa Ratna] and 20 persons for category C [Sikkim Sewa Samman],” informed the Secretary.
The Sikkim Sewa Ratna Award carries a citation, shawl, gold plated- silver medal, a memento and a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh. The Sikkim Sewa Samman Award carries a citation, shawl, silver medal, a memento and a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh.
Speaking on support extended by the Department to recipients of various awards in the state, Ms Pradhan said, “We do help them in every way possible. We have appreciation pension for the National Sahitya Academic Award and provide them with Rs 1000 every month. At present, we have 23 such awardees enjoying this benefit”.
She also took the opportunity to call on the people to visit the State Library housed in the ground floor of the Land Revenue Department and avail the facilities. There are libraries at the district level as well, in Namchi, Mangan and Gyalshing, informed Ms Pradhan, adding, “In fact, we are trying very hard to tie up with Raja Ram Mohan Roy Library and are also trying to bring the concept of e-library, so that anyone can access it on the internet”.
Mentioning that during the Chief Minister’s 42 days tour across the state, many demands from the people came up regarding the restoration and preservation of cultural and heritage sites, the Secretary further said “We have our own heritage sites and we want to regulate these heritage sites”.
IPR Secretary, KS Tobgay was also present for the press briefing today.