CM not committed to preserving Sikkim’s Old Laws, Golay alleges

GANGTOK, 16 Jan: Dissident SDF MLA, PS Tamang [Golay], has alleged that Chief Minister Pawan Chamling’s assurances regarding the repeal of the Companies Act 1961 were a mere “eyewash” to mislead the people.
In a press release issued today, the Upper Burtuk MLA has further alleged that the CM failed to keep his commitment of not allowing Direct Taxes into Sikkim which led to the repeal of Sikkim’s own tax law. In its 1998 party manifesto, SDF had promised that it would not allow the implementation of direct tax in the State and would raise its voice in the Lok Sabha. However, Mr. Tamang states that this did not happen and the state withdrew the Supreme Court case challenging the implementation of direct tax “betraying” the Sikkimese public.
Further stating that the Sikkim MP, PD Rai has not uttered a single word against the Companies Act in the Parliament, Mr Tamang has alleged that his silence reveals the ruling party’s true intentions.
The MLA has also criticized the Sikkim Land Transfer Act-2007 and said that the CM and the SDF government has violated an old law - the Sikkim Land Revenue Act - and has allowed Sikkimese land to be leased out to non-Sikkimese and industries.
Further condemning the alleged statement made by the CM at Jorethang he has stated that the schemes and benefits are meant for all the needy in the country including Sikkimese people who have paid taxes to the government.