Sikkim celebrates 40th State Day

GANGTOK, 16 May: Sikkim celebrated its 40^th State Day in a brief official function held at Chintan Bhawan today where the Chief Minister and Governor applauded Sikkim’s growth in the past 40 years as compared to other states in the country.

Extending his best wishes to the people of Sikkim, the Governor expressed that the day holds a special significance in the heart of Sikkimese people as they became a part of the vibrant democracy of India.

Remembering the architects of transformation, he added that the state must not forget the leaders of the past who ushered the state in the democratic process. Stating further, the Governor mentioned that Sikkim embarked on a journey in 1975 towards peace, prosperity and progress.

“As Sikkim enters into the 5th decade of democratic government, it has witnessed unprecedented growth in the developmental front”, said the Governor and added that sustained growth in various sectors has made the state the most progressive in the country. Launching of various missions on priority basis yielded positive results in the healthcare sector which is reflected in the declining IMR, MMR etc, said Mr Patil. Similarly, priorities in human resource development have ensured access to education facilities to all the children of the state, resulting in impressive growth of 82.2% of literacy rate, he added.

While touching upon various other sectors like tourism, hospitality and related infrastructure, the Governor maintained that these sectors have unparalleled potentials of generating employment to ever growing educated mass. He also showed his concern over road connectivity in the state which is vulnerable to natural calamities. The Governor also called upon everyone to work with renewed vigour and dedication for the development and prosperity of the state.

The Chief Minister in his address also remembered the leaders of the past and termed the day as a historic step towards development of the mountainous State. Today, Sikkim has achieved remarkable developments in terms of literacy rate, growth rate and overall development of the people. He also recalled his involvement in bringing democracy in the state and added that it is the democratic responsibility of the people to maintain peace, security and the developmental tempo in the State. 

The Chief Minister also pointed out certain fields like fulfillment of basic minimum rights of the people, highest growth rate and prevalence of less BPL category.  He also cited health, education, opportunities and other sectors which show the notable improvement in the past decades, resulting in marked improvement in the quality of life of the people. He added that the state has seen vast transformation in respect of tourism and allied activities, health care facilities, education and social and economic aspects of the people.

Conveying his best wishes to the people, the Chief Minister also appealed to the gathering to cooperate in making Sikkim the best state in the country.

While presenting his welcome address, the Chief Secretary, AK Shrivastava said that it is a solemn, serene and significant occasion as on this day, the state joined the mainstream of the nation. Owing to counting of votes today, the State Government is compelled to compress the function and the State Award Ceremony will be held at a later date, announced the Chief Secretary.

Also on the day, students of Modern Secondary School and Deorali Girls’ Senior Secondary school presented two patriotic songs during the function.