GRAM SWARAJ MELA CONCLUDES WITH NORTH SIKKIM DATE

Extra funds for North after Teesta Stage III is commissioned, CM announces
NAMPRIKDANG, 09 Feb: “Extra funds will be set aside for the development of North district once the 1,200 MW Teesta Stage III is commissioned. As the district has the most number of power projects under construction, all the rural houses will also get free electricity,” announced Chief Minister Pawan Chamling while addressing a mammoth gathering here at Namprikdang Ground in Upper Dzongu, on Saturday during the Gram Swaraj Mela. This was last in the series of Gram Swaraj Melas [erstwhile Janta Mela] held over the past week.
The CM added that once all the projects are commissioned, Sikkim will have the highest per capita income in the nation.
The CM detailed the various schemes being provided by the government and informed that the State government plans to develop 100 new tourist spots across the state. Speaking about the provision for free coaching to students preparing for UPSC and NDA exams, the CM further announced that if the students clear these exams, their parents will be provided a congratulatory grant of Rs. 2 lakh.  
On the Karmapa to Sikkim issue, the CM pointed out that the State government has consistently been lobbying in Delhi in this regard and has already petitioned the centre to allow the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje to visit Sikkim. The State was awaiting the Centre’s response, he informed.
He also shared an update on the SDF Government’s performance in Sikkim.
“When we came to power, Sikkim had 1,000 km of roads, and during our tenure it has crossed 2400 kms. 1000 kms more are needed, out of which 350 kms has already been sanctioned”, he said.
He further informed that out of the total of 1,11,000 BPL houses in Sikkim, 86,351 houses are being provided with rice at Rs. 2 per kg including free rice supply for some houses.
He further assured to fulfil the demands placed by the people of the district.
On the opposition, the CM alleged that the opposition was playing divide and rule politics and was made up of antisocial elements and outsiders who are disturbing the peace of the state. Here he appealed to the masses to reject and oppose such political parties.
The function was also addressed by RMDD Minister, CB Karki who highlighted about the Gram Swaraj Mela 2014.
During the function, the Chief Minister handed over the tokens of various schemes like GCI Sheets, Induction stove, House upgradation, CMRHM allotment order, car loans etc. to the beneficiaries of three constituencies of North District namely Dzongu, Lachen-Mangan and Kabi Lungtsok.
Earlier, the function was welcomed by RMDD Secretary, DR Nepal and winded up with vote of thanks by DC North, CP Dhakal.
Also present in the function were Chief Secretary, R Ongmu, Speaker SLA, KT Gyaltsen, cabinet ministers, MLA, heads of the various departments, panchayat and zilla members, party supporters, and the general public.