Assembly begins with Obituary References to four departed former legislators

GANGTOK, 28 Jan [IPR]: The first day of the Assembly session started with obituary references and observance of two minutes silence on the passing away of four former members of Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Late Dugo Bhutia, Late Sherab Palden Lepcha, Late BB Lohar and Late GM Gurung.
The Speaker, KT Gyaltsen in his obituary reference to the Late Dugo Bhutia informed that he was a man of amicable nature. He was elected as the member of Sikkim Legislative Assembly from Assam Lingzey Constituency from 1975 to 1979 from Sikkim Congress Party. He contested the assembly election in 1979 and was again elected as MLA Rakdong Tintek in 1979 -1984 from Sikkim Prajatantra Congress. He has a huge contribution in the development of Assam Lingzey and Rakdong Tintek Constituencies.
The Speaker in his obituary reference to Late Sherab Palden Lepcha said that he was a veteran politician and a social worker. He was elected as MLA from Assam Lingzey Constituency in the year 1979 to 1984 from Janta Parishad Party and was entrusted with important portfolios and was the Minister-in-Charge of different departments like Finance, Home, Establishment, Excise and Social Welfare Department. He was a sincere, dynamic man of integrity and a good statesman. He was also awarded Sikkim Sewa Samman in 2013 by the Government of Sikkim for his outstanding contribution for the welfare of Sikkimese people.
The Speaker in his obituary reference to Late BB Lohar stated that Late Lohar was elected as MLA from Rateypani Constituency (West Pendam) from 1979 to 1984 from Rising Sun Party. He was known for his helping and friendly attitude towards the general public. He was the founder member of Bishwakarma Kalyan Samaj, Bharatiya Dalits Sahitya Academy. He was conferred Honorary Degree of Professor in the year 2009, National Award in 1991, Rashtra Bhasa Samman Award in 2003 and Ambedkar Honour in 2005 by the Bharatiya Dalit Sahitya Academy.
The Speaker in his obituary reference to Late GM Gurung informed that Late Gurung devoted his life to active politics and was also one of the main campaigners of the door-to-door visit for Sikkim Subject Abhiyan. In 1948 he joined the Sikkim State Congress and became the Block Secretary of Namthang. He was a very active member of the party and in 1967 was elected Councillor of South district area. He was also elected as MLA in 1979 from Wok Constituency as an independent candidate. He was also involved in a lot of social work and charities.
The Chief Minister Pawan Chamling who is also the leader of the House also participated in the obituary reference.