Budget Session to begin Monday

GANGTOK, 20 June: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, who is also in-charge of Finance, Revenue and Expenditure department will present his 15th consecutive budget on the floor of Sikkim Legislative Assembly on the first day of the budget session 2014-15 on Monday.
The ninth session-Part II, Session-I of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly will formally begin on Monday where the CM is expected to pitch various administrative reforms proposal including tapping new sources of taxation and simplification of the present process of taxation.
Governor Shriniwas Patil will address the house for the first time as the Constitutional head of the State.
The five-day budget session is expected to be livelier than those of the last term as more than 70 starred and upwards of 50 unstarred questions have reportedly been put to the concerned Ministers in-charge for the Budget session.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister is expected to also present the ‘Excess Demand of Grants’ before tabling the main budget for the current financial year. The budget includes presentation of Demands of Grants, Estimate of Receipts, annual financial statement, explanatory memorandum of objects and reason.

Weeklong Budget Session to begin 23 June

GANGTOK, 06 June: The first budget session of the Ninth Assembly of Sikkim Legislative Assembly is scheduled to be held from 23 to 28 June. The weeklong budget session has been called by the Governor, Shriniwas Patil informed officials at the Legislative Assembly Secretariat.

On the opening day of the budget session, Governor Patil will address the house for the first time as head of the Constitution.

Chief Minister Pawan Chamling who is also in charge of Finance and Revenue and Expenditure will present his 15^th consecutive budget on the first day of the budget session 2014-15.

Also on the first day of the Budget Session, Martam-Rumtek MLA, Dr Mechung Bhutia, is expected to be administered the oath of office since he had missed the swearing in ceremony called on 28 May.

Discussions completed annual Budget of Rs. 5,277.10 crore passed in the Assembly

MEDIA REPORTS ON GOLAY COME UNDER FIRE
GANGTOK, 28 June: The annual budget of Rs. 5,277.10 crore comprising of Rs. 2,540.23 crore under Plan and of Rs. 2,736.87 crore under Non Plan accounts for 2012-13 was passed by the Sikkim Legislative Assembly here today. Chief Minister and Minister-in-Charge of Finance, Revenue and Expenditure Department had tabled the budget on the floor of the House on 26 June.
Besides this, the House also unanimously passed separate Demands for Grants for Animals Husbandry, Livestock, Fisheries and Veterinary Services and Irrigation and Flood Control departments under the Charge of Minister, Dawcho Lepcha.
The separate Demands for Grants for Tourism, Forest, Environment and Wildlife department, Mines, Minerals and Geology and Science and Technology departments under the charge of Minister Bhim Dhungel were passed after a short discussion. Tulshi Devi Rai and Sonam Gyatso Bhutia participated in the discussion and demanded that the problems and developmental aspirations of their respective constituencies be taken up on priority basis.
Meanwhile, the separate Demands for Grants for Department of Building and Housing department was passed without discussion.
While taking part in the discussion of Urban and Housing Development and Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs department under the charge of Minister DB Thapa, Gangtok MLA Dorjee Namgyal re-iterated his demand for a proper system of recording addresses and house numbers in the Gangtok Municipal area and urged the Leader of the House and government to consider the establishment of the film industry in Sikkim by providing relaxations on entertainment tax.
Minister DB Thapa in his reply informed the House that numbering and proper addressing of households in GMC area is being undertaken by the GMC and that it will take some time to finalize the model for household numbering.
On the issue of Morf discotheque at Adampool [into which Upper Burtuk MLA PST Tamang had demanded an enquiry since it shouldered a school], the Minister informed the House that the establishment was operating on a provisional licence for one year and that when the licence expires on 11 July, the department will not renew it. He admitted that the discotheque was situated within 100 meters of a school compound.
He, however, denied that any complaints from the local public or school management committee were received by the UD&HD or HRDD.
The Demand for Grants for the department under the charge of the Chief Minister was also passed by the house.
The focus of deliberations also fell on the state’s media as Salghari-Zoom MLA Madan Cintury demanded that a motion of breach of privilege be moved against media reports on dissident MLA Prem Singh Goley’s statements.
Similarly, Mangan-Lachen MLA Tshering Wangdi Lepcha contended that it was media pandering which had inspired the ‘unruly behaviour’ of the Upper Burtuk MLA and urged the house to impose restrictions on the media.
While commenting on the points raised by the members in the House, the Chief Minister endorsed the demand to move a motion of breach of privilege against the media and appropriate action as per the rules of the House.
Mentioning that there have been too many instances of misuse of democratic institutions in Sikkim, the CM argued that allowing such abuse to continue unchecked would compromise democracy and the Constitution. He left it to the Speaker of the house to take action on the matter since the breach of privilege motion is the Speakers’ prerogative.
He also urged members to maintain decorum in the House and alerted them to be responsible to the State and the people and further asked them to respect the people’s mandate. On Mr. Tamang’s conduct through the Budget Session, he said that the MLA had gone out of line with his actions which were not in accordance with the business of the House and supported the Speaker’s ruling suspending him for the day as being in line with the rules for conduct of the house.
The CM highlighted that even those who choose to oppose are bound by the rules of the House and bound by the Constitution to respect them. The Upper Burtuk MLA’s actions were “against the interests of the people, law and proceedings”, stated the CM.
Besides this, the SLA today also passed the Appropriation Bill moved by the Chief Minister.

Speaker suspends Golay from final day of Budget Session

GANGTOK, 28 June: Speaker, Sikkim Legislative Assembly, KT Gyaltsen, today suspended Upper Burtuk MLA, PS Tamang, from the House for the day taking exception to statements issued by him to the media on the day’s proceedings after he left the Assembly session yesterday. Quoting Rule 317 of the General Rules of Procedure Notices, the Speaker informed Mr. Tamang that he was withdrawn from the House for the day and that his participation in the day’s proceedings were suspended.
When Mr. Tamang, instead of withdrawing from the House, stood up and started challenging the order, the Speaker called in the Marshals and directed them to escort Mr. Tamang, who had by then also pulled out a black scarf of protest, out of the House.
Taking up the ruling on the issue as the first order of legislative business, the Speaker pointed out that Mr. Tamang had been allotted time like other members on both the preceding days to address the house and of how against the allotted time of 15 minutes yesterday, he insisted on speaking for up to 22-25 minutes despite being told not to veer out of context and conclude his remarks. And yet, on leaving the House yesterday, he alleged [in media statements] that he had not been allowed to speak and instead of registering his protest in the House, proclaimed outside that he had walked out.
The Speaker also explained today that Mr. Tamang’s leaving midsession yesterday was not a walk-out, as reported in a section of the media [including NOW!], because he had not registered his protest in the floor of the House first.
The Speaker while expressing his unhappiness with yesterday’s proceedings involving Mr Tamang and the media reports urged that the role of the press and media was to deliver responsible, fair and constructive information and that action would be considered against media which had reported ‘unwisely’ even when he had given a ruling stressing on various aspects about the proceedings clearly.
“How do you expect to be a leader if you do not realize your responsibilities? You have come here these three days just to disturb the house,” he told the Upper Burtuk MLA even as he argued against the order.

The Speaker also announced that he will not allow the House or the Constitution of India to be disregarded or diminished and also warned other members against overstepping the boundaries of conduct set for the conduction of business in the House.
Later, outside the Assembly Secretariat complex, Mr. Tamang told reporters that the entire episode was a ‘conspiracy’ to suppress the voice of the people. He alleged that there was no democracy left in the State which had been proved with the way in which the Speaker had ousted him from the legislative assembly today.
“I have put on this black band in protest since I was not allowed to speak the truth. I was about to disclose many more discrepancies within the SDF party which is why I have been treated in this way. However, this is a victory for the people as the truth will now come out in the open. The time will come when truth shall prevail,” he said.

Journos protest ‘obstruction’ by security personnel

GANGTOK, 28 June: Journalists have come out strongly against the manner in which members covering the Budget Session proceedings were not allowed to return to the secretariat premises after they had stepped out while the Assembly was in session to interview Upper Burtuk MLA PS Tamang after he was suspended from the day’s proceedings.
In a joint press release signed and issued by 37 working journalists, they have protested that manner in which security personnel disallowed them from re-entering the secretariat citing Breach of Security rules.
While referring to the episode as ‘suppressive’ and one that was intended at foiling the democratic freedom enjoyed by the Fourth Estate, the journalist fraternity has pointed that this episode had disrupted the flow of information of the Budget Session to the general masses.
The Journalists have also registered their concern over the manner in which the press and media were ‘targeted’ by various speakers during the proceedings of the Budget Session.

SRM State University Bill and amendment to Environment Cess rules passed

GOLAY QUESTIONS PROLIFERATION OF PRIVATE UNIVS, WANTS CESS RAISED FROM INDUSTRIAL UNITS AND HYDEL PROJECTS
GANGTOK, 27 June: The third day of the budget session saw two Bills- the Shri Ramasamy Memorial (SRM) State University Bill and the Sikkim Ecology Fund and Environment Cess (Amendment) Bill, both introduced in the house on 25 June, being passed unanimously in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly today after discussions.
Participating in the discussions was Upper Burtuk MLA, PS Tamang, who first questioned the HRD Minister, NK Pradhan, as to why the SRM State University Bill was not published and brought to the public domain for public whetting before being brought into the SLA.
While stating that there had been instances of private universities operating in the state violating various clauses in the MoUs that had still not been looked into by the concerned authorities, Mr. Tamang highlighted the example of Vinayaka Mission (the University to which the Kyongsa College has been affiliated) which is facing a Supreme Court case after it was found operating an off campus medical university in Thailand.
“I have come here to ask these questions on behalf of the people since there are still some discrepancies that need to be addressed. We have seen how these universities are functioning and still the government has affiliated the government college at Kyongsa to this University. UGC norms clearly state that only Sikkim University’s affiliation can give value to the certificates that the students receive when passing out from this college, so isn’t this illegal?” questioned Mr. Tamang.
He also stated that a State University should have been given the name of a Sikkimese leader instead of its present name and questioned why the department was giving this honour of naming such a big and noble scheme of the State government to an outsider.
Similarly, member BS Panth, asked the HRD Minister about the criteria for job reservation for eligible local candidates in the proposed state university and whether the Department was considering building its own infrastructure in all the four districts for running the University instead of taking-up rented buildings.
In his reply, the HRD Minister stated that since the State government had not given the proposed State University any funding or land, it was not up-to the government to change the name of a University either. Likewise, he stated that affiliation for Kyongsa Government College was an urgent need of the hour at the time since the people of the area had demanded immediate starting of the college.
“Surely our first priority was affiliation to the Sikkim University but that did not happen and SU refused the affiliation outright despite many requests. It was then up to the government to look for other options since we had to start immediately, thus Vinayaka Mission was chosen,” the Minister explained.
He also informed that the MoU signed between the State government and SRM University clearly spelled out that all C & D class jobs will be reserved for locals and that priority will be given to eligible and qualified local candidate in other employments.
He also assured that the point on rented buildings and the construction of government buildings will be looked into by the department very soon.
Similarly, during discussions held earlier on the Sikkim Ecology Fund and Environment Cess (Amendment) Bill, Mr. Tamang who was the only member to participate, stated that conservation of the ecology and environment  was a very important issue that the state government was ‘neglecting’ in many forms. While stressing that the Cess should instead be levied on the industries and power projects that were polluting and damaging the ecology of the state, he suggested that the same should be done immediately if the department wanted to conserve the depleting natural resources of Sikkim.
In his reply, Forest Minister, Bhim Dhungel, said that the suggestions from the member were welcome. He did however challenge the suggestion that the Forest Department was ‘negligent’ and ‘lackadaisical’ in its approach towards conservation.
“There is a strong mechanism in place and agencies such as the SPCB and the CPCB continuously monitor and check the same. The positive effects of our conservation efforts is the 10 percent growth in forest cover since 1994. Along with the development of industries, the government has worked towards conservation and different surveys conducted by recognized and renowned institutes have given us the recognition,” the Forest Minister pointed out.
While stating that the Cess was for inclusive growth of the state by facilitating different conservation efforts, the Minister invited Mr. Tamang to approach the Department with valid complaints if he came across any violations in the future.
The Assembly session also saw general discussions on the Budget 2012-13 after which the Budget was passed unanimously by the House. Further, separate demands for grants under WS&PHE and Transport Department, R&B and Cooperation Departments, HRD, Sports and Youth Affairs and IT departments, Health, FS&AD and H&CCD and Parliamentary Affairs departments, Commerce and Industries, Excise (ABKARI) and Labour departments, Energy and Power and Cultural Affairs and Heritage Departments and the RM&DD, IPR departments were also passed by the house without discussions.

Allegations and counters continue in the House

Golay walks out of Assembly

CM HAS STUBBED OUT THE CANDLE OF DEMOCRACY HE LIT IN THE ASSEMBLY: GOLAY
GANGTOK, 27 June: Disgruntled SDF MLA from Upper Burtuk, PS Tamang [Golay], walked out of the budget session today after he was interrupted while participating in the discussions on the annual budget by other members and the Speaker refused to allot him more time to speak because he was digressing from the topic of discussion [the Budget].
Mr. Tamang was countering comments made by Chief Minister Pawan Chamling [in response to points raised by Mr. Tamang] in his closing statement on the motion of thanks on the Governor’s address yesterday.
Stating that he will stand by his words, he also submitted documents referred to in his discussion to the Speaker today. He added that if he was wrong, then the Speaker can use the privilege motion and initiate contempt proceedings against him.
Clarifying on his absence from the Assembly for the last three years, he said that the government and leader of the SDF party had appointed a proxy MLA, DT Lepcha, for Upper Burtuk to snub him and had also directed officials and Ministers not to accept his recommendations. He alleged that this ‘step-brotherly treatment’ on the directions of the CM was intentional and aimed at embarrassing him.
Referring to the ‘Rolu Picnic’ incident, he questioned the suspension of 31 officials and launching of departmental inquiry against them for what according to him was “nothing but a simple picnic on a holiday”. Refuting the allegation that he had turned sour on not being given a Ministerial post, Mr Tamang said that some ‘inside elements’ had conspired against him by circulating defamatory pamphlets during the 2009 Assembly elections.
Later, when he walked out of the House, the MLA criticized the role of the Speaker and said, “Sikkim Legislative Assembly is becoming undemocratic”. The MLAs, who support the Chief Minister were afraid of the evidence and facts he was going to reveal in the house against their leader and hence interrupted him, he contended.
He further demanded that the CM too step down on moral grounds since he too has a large number of pending cases against him. This was in obvious reference to the CM’s comment that he was not included in the Cabinet because of the chargesheet submitted in Court against him by the Vigilance Dorectorate.
Adding that it is not a healthy trend for Sikkim and its people that the government wants the Assembly to finish legislative business within five minutes, he stated that the “CM has put out the candle of democracy which he himself lit in the Assembly some 20 years ago”.
Responding to media queries, Mr Tamang said that time will create an alternative for Pawan Chamling in the days to come.


CM dismisses Golay outburst as irresponsible and unparliamentary

Leader of the House, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, in his reply to the discussions on the General Budget 2012-13, dismissed the charges and allegations leveled by the Upper Burtuk SDF MLA Prem Singh Tamang and commented that the MLA’s conduct in the House today was undemocratic, irresponsible and unparliamentarily.
On the documents Mr. Tamang submitted to the Speaker [to attest allegations leveled yesterday], Mr. Chamling said that the documents were not a collection of facts as was being suggested, but a collection of allegations with no substance aimed at maligning the SDF Government and denigrating the achievements and image of Sikkim.
Such allegations have been thrown up even in the Courts but have not stuck anywhere, the CM pointed out while suggesting that in resorting to regurgitating them again, Mr. Tamang was only notching up political points and not contributing anything to further the discussions taken up in the Legislative Assembly.
Elected representatives should behave and abide with discipline and decorum of the House and its privileges, the CM said.
Responding to the suggestion that Mr. Tamang stayed away from his constituency fearing victimization of his constituents, the CM said that this again was an empty claim an attempt at character assasination.
Taking up Mr. Tamang’s rejoinder that even the CM had surrounded himself with intellectuals and advisors from outside Sikkim, including the SU VC whom he had brought to Sikkim as his Economic Advisor, Mr. Chamling underlined that while subject experts and consultants from outside have been engaged, the Government has never surrendered decision-making to them. The government has sought counsel and then decided by itself in favour of the people, he stressed, adding that Mr. Tamang in contrast was just echoing what was being fed to him.
On the corruption counter posed by Mr. Tamang, the CM pointed out that although many politically motivated petitions have been moved against him in various courts of law, none of them have been proven or admitted. He also clarified that there the CBI had not registered an FIR against him on any case.
Responding to comments and suggestions forwarded by other MLAs, the Chief Minister applauded their participation in the discussion on the annual budget and reiterated his commitment to keep working towards improving on the pro-people schemes and policies of the government. The members had earlier lauded the Livelihood Schools concept, health mission, prioritization of the education sector and importance given to organic. Puran Gurung, Am Prasad Sharma, Dorjee Namgyal, Madan Cintury, Binod Rai, Beg Bahadur Rai, Tulshi Devi Rai, Tshering Ongdi Lepcha and Chandra Maya Subba participated in the annual budget discussion.

Speaker issues ruling against ‘irresponsible behavior’ of members

GANGTOK, 27 June: In view of the interruption in the proceeding of the budget session today, Speaker K T Gyaltsen passed strict rulings that the House should not be disturbed by undemocratic and irresponsible behavior of members of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly. 
He said that the decorum of the house should be maintained by the members, all of whom, including the presiding officer are bound by the rules and privileges of the House.
Later, the Speaker passed the ruling that unparliamentary and uncharitable words will be expunged from the proceedings and directed the members to maintain decorum governed by the laws in the interest of the people and institution.
The Assembly saw a wave of loud exchanges when the Upper Burtuk MLA PS Tamang insisted on speaking beyond the allotted 15 minutes to members wishing to participate in the discussions on the annual budget and ignored the Speaker’s appeals to stick to the theme and not veer out of the context of the budget being discussed. Soon, several members raised loud protests against Mr. Tamang and the din continued for some minutes until the Speaker came down strictly and reprimanded all members to maintain decorum.

CM dedicates Rs. 5,277 crore budget to the State’s youth

GANGTOK, 26 June: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling tabled his 13th consecutive budget in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly today, proposed at Rs. 5,277.10 crore comprising of Rs. 2540.23 crore under the Plan and of Rs. 2,736.87 crore under Non Plan accounts for the fiscal year 2012-13. 
The plan includes allocations under the dispensation of North Eastern Council, Non-Lapsable Pool of Central Resources and centrally sponsored schemes while the Non-Plan includes recoveries which are adjustable as reduction in expenditure.
The Chief Minister in his budget proposed that revenue receipt of Rs. 9,098.03 crore which comprises of tax receipts of Rs. 353.35 crore, non-tax revenue projected at Rs 1025.50 crore, Rs 79.69 crore from North Eastern Council dispensation, Rs 206.57 crore from Non lapsable pool of central resources, Rs 321.71 crore from centrally sponsored schemes and Rs. 2806.11 crore under grants-in-aid from central government.
He also proposed for disbursement of Rs. 9098.06 crore which includes annual plan of Rs. 1877 crore, non plan of Rs.2601.12 crore, centrally sponsored schemes of Rs. 321.71, schemes under NEC Rs. 79.67 crore, schemes under non-lapsable pool of central resources of Rs. 206.57 crore and spill over provision year Rs. 24.39 crore and public accounts Rs. 3987.60 crore which is contains deficit of Rs. 3 lakh.
Chief Minister who is also In-charge of Finance, Revenue and Expenditure department dedicated the budget 2012-13 to the youth and said, “…this year’s budget is dedicated towards encouraging our youth to become more enterprising and competitive to participate in the growth stories”.
The CM has proposed the construction of a new college in Sikkim and allocated Rs. 150 lakh for this purpose along with the proposal of construction of a Vidyarthi Bhawan [students constitute 18 percent of Sikkim’s population] in order to facilitate larger interaction and complimentary programmes among the students. He also announced the provision of two additional buses to Tadong, Rhenock and Namchi colleges to solve the transportation problem.
“As a priority sector, we have put the best effort to promote education with the highest annual allocation of over 20% in Sikkim,” he announced in his budget address today.
To promote religious tourism in Sikkim, the CM proposed to construct Santa Kabir Bhawan in Lingmoo, South Sikkim, Ramayana Basti in Barang, Lower Tumin, Vrindavan with Gaushalla in Dentam, Tantra-Mantra-Jantra centre, statue of the last Lepcha King Puna Mun Solong at Passingdong, statue of Sleeping Buddha in North Sikkim and a Prayer Tower.
Pointing out that Sikkim had crossed many development benchmarks in the past 18 years, the CM stressed that the State Government was “equally anxious to ensure that economic indicators as reflected in per capita income and GDP growth bring about positive impact on the living condition of our people”.
Contending that “there are certain elements” in Sikkim moving with the “sole purpose to oppose for the sake of opposing”, the CM stressed that the time was instead “to examine our financial position and our fiscal health and chart out collective mission to make ourselves stronger economically”.
The development model worked out by the State Government, he said, was based on an assessment of what Sikkim’s development strengths could be, potential revenue generating avenues and avenues to engage all of Sikkim’s educated youth in gainful employment. Towards this end, the government has identified hydel generation and tourism, he said.
He informed the House that if Sikkim was to shut down all the hydel projects being developed, the State stares at an internal revenue shortfall of Rs. 1,137.53 crore in the 12th Five Year Plan alone. The State could not afford this, he said.
About the tourism targets, he said that the projection to host 50 lakh tourists per annum by 2020 will require Sikkim to have an additional 3,500 hotels and 1,000 homestays; a required investment of Rs. 250 crore per annum. Even by conservative estimates, this would mean 1.35 lakh direct employments apart from the indirect benefits.
If the flagship programmes of hydel, tourim and organic farming were properly harnessed and successfully completed, the cumulative resource generation “based on quick estimate” would be an impressive Rs. 2,064.871 crore during the 12th FYP, he said.
Highlighting that the development model being pursued by the SDF Government has been recognized and feted at the national and international levels, the CM added that those opposing these programmes were “doing a great disservice to the people of Sikkim”.
“As a very innovative Government, we are looking 20 years down line and moulding our own socioeconomic programmes to address future needs and requirements,” he said.
The discussion and voting on the budget proposed by the Chief Minister is scheduled for Wednesday.
Mr Chamling also offered his heartfelt condolences to the victims and bereaved families of the recent Rolep flashflood and last year’s 18 September earthquake.

Chamling vs Goley debate intensifies budget proceedings

THE GLOVES COME OFF

ANAND OBEROI
GANGTOK, 26 June: With the dissident SDF MLA PS Tamang finally attending the Assembly proceedings, the House saw its first confrontational debate of the fourth term of the SDF Government today with the Upper Burtuk MLA refusing to endorse the motion of thanks on the Governor’s address moved by the Chief Minister. He spoke for around 45 minutes delving on the points in the Governor’s address he had issues with and the Chief Minister, in his rebuttal and concluding remarks, spoke extempore for nearly two hours addressing every point raised by his former Cabinet colleague.
“The manner in which Prem Singh Goley has opposed the Governor’s address by resorting to fabrications and white lies, shows his defiance towards the Indian Constitution and the Parliamentary form of government. This is an un-democratic move by the member since he has violated the decorum that is to be maintained in the Assembly. I condemn every part of his speech and ask him to apologize to the House,” began Chief Minister Pawan Chamling in his reply to the discussions held before the Motion of Thanks on the Governor’s address was passed by the Sikkim Legislative Assembly today.
Mr. Tamang was the only member who disapproved of the Governor’s address during the discussions on the motion of tanks in which five other members were allowed to participate by the Speaker owing to time constraints in the house.
The three-time minister and fourth time SDF MLA had come prepared with written notes to challenge various points in the Governor’s address. He put forward his views while stating that the SDF government was diverting from its very agenda of a pro-poor people’s party. He said, “SDF has now become the party of the elite and the rich. Politics is being played by the corrupt in the name of the poor who are actually being used selfishly by the SDF.”
He contested the data on GDP growth and BPL numbers put forward in the Governor’s address, arguing that these did not tally with the figures and data released by different agencies such as National Family Health Survey (NFHS), the state government’s Food Security Department, MGNREGA and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
“There are different reports and statistics that suggest otherwise, so on what basis are these claims being made? Either these reports are all false or someone is misinformed. Infact, the GDP has gone down and the BPL along with the urban poor have been deprived of their rights in Sikkim. I also want to add that in reality every Sikkimese born is actually being born with a debt on his or her head. The loans taken by the government has burdened even those in the womb,” Mr. Tamang contended.
He further questioned the claims in relation to the 18 September earthquake relief and rehabilitation. In this regard, while claiming that experts have reported that power projects were instrumental in the extent of damage caused by the natural calamity, he sought a White Paper on the amount of donations and contributions the State government and the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund had received thus far.
“There is still no mathematics on what the actual amount of contributions in cash or kind has been and where these have been utilized. There is a book, ‘Sikkim-The Earthquake’, published by the government but even that does not mention the donations that the different organizations have contributed. I have a list of contributors whose names have not been added to that book. I also want to ask the government what is the actual number of deceased in the earthquake is since the numbers have fluctuated in different reports,” the Upper Burtuk MLA said.
While referring to points related to education and the youth, Mr. Tamang said that the process of affiliation for Kyongsa Government College in West Sikkim was done in a haphazard manner and without following the norms of the UGC which, he said, was illegal since as per the law only Sikkim University had the authority to affiliate colleges in Sikkim.
“These differences the government has with some individuals will lead to an insecure future for the students and the youth who will pass out of college without proper recognized degrees. Even the Sikkim Manipal University has cases against it in the courts in Delhi for opening off-university campuses and still the state government is not bothered,” he alleged.
He also spoke on the land acquisition process for SU at Yangang and why the same had still not come about.
He also put on record the opening of the discotheque by the HRD Minister’s son shouldering a government school, violating and challenging the entire system put in place by the Supreme Court to curb ill- effects of the same. He demanded an enquiry into the matter.
Mr. Tamang further raised issues on the power projects and the ‘scams’ being reported in national newspapers like Delhi-based weekly ‘Current News’. While mentioning that these power developers had to avail heavy loans from financial institutions to start these projects, he questioned the state government’s role of standing as guarantors for such projects and enquired why the state government could not carry out such projects on its own.
While stating that he was not against power projects that could contribute to the development of the state, he questioned the state government on why it was charging low rates on ‘up-front payment per mega-watt’ as compared to the other states. He also pointed out that even the CAG report had mentioned these discrepancies in the power development sector.
“I want to ask the state government why it does not hold competitive tenders for such projects since many of these companies which do not have the expertise are retendering the same. Also why the projects that are scrapped because of being unviable being reconsidered again,” he asked.
In conclusion, after the Speaker had already called in him to wind up his address because other members too had to be given a chance to speak, Mr. Tamang took up the seat reservation for Limboo and Tamang communities, alleging that the SDF was using it only as an election issue. Pointing out that the two communities had already waited nine years for the reserved seats, he enquired after the State government’s stand on the issue.
In his reply to the discussions, the Leader of the House commented, “These are the words of the people from Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Assam and New Delhi and not PS Tamang’s. I thus do not have to reply to any of these points as I condemn every single one. The Governor’s address is an important document that speaks of the state’s development and its pace but the manner in which it has been contested shows the level of negative politics some people can stoop to.”
The Chief Minister stated that it was “these few people” were not important, because the priority for the SDF Government was the entire population of Sikkim which had given a full mandate to the SDF, “a party under which Mr. Tamang also contested and won, to run the government. “The SDF party has delivered, benefitting the people who know what the party has done and achieved in the past 18 years since it came to power,” he said.
“I just want to tell the House that the people of Sikkim, especially the students and youth should be wary of such so called leaders since they are misleading everyone by telling lies,” stated the Chief Minister.
While stating that these were ‘invalid’ points being raised by an MLA who had failed to deliver to his constituency in a time of crisis and a member who had come to the assembly after a gap of three years, Mr. Chamling countered that the Upper Burtuk MLA’s “personal disgruntlement with the party high command for not making him a Minister this time had led him to such desperation”.
“I did not give PS Tamang a minister portfolio since there is a case of Animal Husbandry Milching Cow Scam against him in the courts. It is this disgruntlement that has led him to compromise on maintaining the sanctity and peace in the state,” the CM retorted.
On the points raised by Mr. Tamang, the CM said that the MLA must be ‘confused’ between GDP and GSDP since he did not understand what the Governor’s address meant. While explaining the point, he confirmed that the GDP of Sikkim was actually on the rise and that the GSDP fluctuated with issues such as the recent earthquake.
The Chief Minister also explained that the BPL figures quoted in the Governor’s address were based on statistics compiled by the Centre and not misrepresented by the State Government as was being inferred by Mr. Tamang.
“Sikkim is on its way to a prosperous future and all indicators suggest the same. Poverty is being eradicated slowly and a new middle class has emerged. We want a poverty-free Sikkim and we are achieving the same. I do not know about other statistics, but Sikkim has a total of 13 percent BPL. However, since we are a welfare State we subsidize essentials items like rice to other [non-BPL] sections as well. I also want to inform the House that Sikkim is the only state that gives free rice to its BPL,” stated the Chief Minister.
Further, while explaining that the country itself was in debt and that all developed nations like China and America also had a huge credit economy, the CM informed that Sikkim received substantial subsidies on loans and unlike other states had never defaulted in paying the annual interest of the 44 percent of the GSDP which was Sikkim’s actual loan.
While informing the House that there was Rs. 63 crore in the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, Rs. 1,000 crore (yet to be received, but committed in principal) from the Centre and Rs. 240 crore through NDRF for earthquake relief and rehabilitation, he suggested that the that the MLA must have been misinformed or confused on this matter as well. The CM added that a White Paper on earthquake relief and rehabilitation has already been announced by the State Government and also informed that 60 people lost their lives in the 11 September earthquake in Sikkim.
Regarding the affiliation of Kyongsa College, the CM said that the MLA appeared to be mouthing words drafted by the Sikkim University Vice Chancellor. “It is the SDF Government that brought the central University to Sikkim and acquired the land for the same; however the VC’s conduct and attitude have created a situation where the residents of the area have now decided to opt out of giving their land. The government has facilitated every aspect to develop education in the state but it is the people like the VC who have now put up obstacles in smooth and efficient functioning, how does the member justify his queries now,” he countered.
He added here that it was the Sikkim University VC who refused affiliation to Kyongsa College which led the State government to look for alternatives to secure the future of the students who were to be enrolled there. Had it not been for the timely affiliation from a private university, the students would have suffered, he informed.
About the HRD Minister’s son who operated a discotheque near a school, the CM said that an inquiry has already been initiated into the matter and if there were discrepancies, then action would be taken legally as prescribed by law. He also pointed out that even the children of ministers and public representatives had a fundamental right to do business and politics should always be kept out while someone was exercising their rights.
“Time and history will speak what these projects and industries will do for the economy of Sikkim. We have never stayed guarantors for any power project and these projects have come to the government and we have not gone to them. All information suggesting otherwise is fabricated and since these matters are in the court I would refrain from commenting more since that would be sub-judice,” the Cm said on the hydel projects query.
Lastly, he concluded by stating that it was the SDF Government which had won Scheduled Tribes status for the Limboo and Tamang communities, so it did not hold to logic to suggest that the government was not as committed to secure them their political rights as STs as well. Adding that even this matter was now in the Courts, he said that commenting any more was not advisable at this time except pointing out that the two communities knew very well what the actual problem was and that Mr. Tamang raising these issues even while knowing the cause “was only manifesting the political agenda of the disgruntled MLA.”

Govt to cut expenses by 10%

CM PROPOSES STRICT AUSTERITY MEASURES
GANGTOK, 26 June: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling has proposed strict austerity measures in this year’s budget in view of the economic downturn across the globe and in the country and the impact of economic slowdown felt by all the States as well. 
At present the value of Rupee has depreciated considerably in the international market and the nation’s GDP growth for 2011-12 has slumped to 6.5% as against 8.4% of the previous year (2010-11).
The trade deficit gap is widening and Foreign Direct Investment has decreased substantially, said the CM in his budget address, adding that recently the Union Ministry of Finance has also issued certain austerity measures to reduce unproductive and wasteful Government expenditure.
“The adverse impact of economic slowdown is a global phenomenon and I propose to put in place the austerity measures to rein in unproductive Government expenditure,” he said.
He proposed a 10 percent cut in all administrative expenses which includes, travel expenses, office expenses, etc.
Sikkim, with limited employment avenues has hit the saturation point and creation of large number of white collared jobs is virtually unsustainable, he stated.
The CM announced that an Austerity Committee has been constituted and in unavoidable cases jobs are created on the recommendation of the Committee.
He also proposed that with the exception of the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, officers entitled for a Government vehicle will have one official vehicle only and directed the heads of departments responsible for strict compliance. Tours outside the State will be controlled and regulated, very strictly, he added.
The CM assured the floor of the house that the Sikkim Government (Medical Facilities) Rules will be enforced strictly to curb the heavy expenses in medical facilities to the State government employees.
In a related comment, he said that general inflation and the recent petrol price hike will put landlocked states like Sikkim in great trouble.
“In order that we provide maximum relief, we are paying our employees the highest salary in the country. We wish we could enhance wages and salaries of our employees by cent percent. There are constraints we face. However, we are trying our best. In fact, it is widely held that people entering public service should not even think about the pay. All the sacrifice and hard work would ultimately benefit the general good of the public and that itself should be greater satisfaction than any salary package,” he said.

VAT on tobacco products proposed for hike from 12 to 20%

GANGTOK, 26 June: The State government has proposed to increase Value Added Tax on the sale of tobacco products from 12 percent to 20 percent from the current financial year. In this regard, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling tabled the Sikkim Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill 2012 in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly during its budget session for the financial year 2012-13. 
While tabling the amendment bill on the floor of the house, the state government in its statement of objects and reasons, explains that a new Schedule in the Sikkim Value Added Tax Act 2001 will be introduced in order to increase the VAT rates levied on sale of tobacco and all its products including cigarettes and chewing tobacco, other than ‘beedis’ and raw tobacco leaves.
The Chief Minister further said that the measure seeks to reduce health problems caused due to tobacco consumption and to discourage such practice in the vulnerable section of the population such as the poor, children and youth. The voting and discussion on the bill will be taken up on 28 June.

CM proposes legislation to levy Earthquake Cess

GANGTOK, 26 June: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling has proposed to bring a new legislation to raise an Earthquake Cess to be utilized for repair and rebuilding of infrastructure damaged by the 18 September 2011 earthquake.
This new legislation, the CM explains in his budget speech, is to mobilize resources “to embark on rebuilding the damaged infrastructures and rehabilitating the shattered lives of the people in Sikkim”. He said that Sikkim’s economy, mostly dependent on energy and tourism sectors, too, suffered greatly resulting in revenue shortfall which is likely to continue for some years till the restorations works are completed and the economy is put back on the rails.
The State government has passed a policy resolution to create a “Sikkim Earthquake Management and Rehabilitation Fund and Sikkim Land Policy for Private Sector Development, 2012” with a view to improve the resource base, the CM said.
Under this policy, all investors wanting to set up hydro power projects, hotels, industries etc. are required to contribute and deposit anywhere from Rs. 5 crore to Rs. 50 crore [depending on the cost of the project], prior to allotment of the land.
“Sikkim government also raised the power tariff by 16 percent in April and these measures reflect the determination to improve our resource position. But for a small State resource starved state, this is a formidable task, especially after the devastating earthquake,” the CM said in the budget speech.
“There is an urgent need of fiscal consolidation to enable the State to keep up the Plan funding from the Central Government and the pace of economic development of the State to optimum level despite the setback received due to the earthquake,” Mr. Chamling said.
He added that Sikkim government has demanded special package of Rs. 600 crores for completion of ongoing projects as well as to bridge the resource gap and another package of Rs. 150 crores to improve internal road connectivity. Sikkim needs the help of the Central Government to put the growth path back on track to maintain the tempo of development and progress for State.

Goley greeted by supporters outside Assembly

GANGTOK, 26 June: After the budget session today, which ended at 6 PM, PS Tamang [Goley] was warmly welcomed with khadas and garlands by his supporters outside the State Legislative Assembly. There was a huge crowd of supporters waiting for the Upper Burtuk MLA, who greeted him with shouts of “PS Golay Zindabad”.
Mr Tamang briefly halted near the Nam Nang turning where he addressed the crowd of supporters wherein he thanked all who had come today. “To bring about change in the state we need to start a revolution, so we will start it from here today. Let’s work together for the betterment of the state”, stated Mr Tamang.
Supporters of the disgruntled MLA were spread out in MG Marg till Nam Nang today while tight security measures were taken in the assembly premises. Large number of police personnel were deployed in and around the assembly complex as well as MG Marg today.

Governor calls on legislators to approach 12th FYP with commitment to better implementation and improved accountability

BUDGET SESSION BEGINS
ANAND OBEROI
GANGTOK, 25 June: The first day of the 2012 Budget Session of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly began with the address of the Governor, BP Singh, today. Strict security measures were undertaken inside and around the Assembly complex today given the attendance of dissident SDF MLA from Upper Burtuk, PS Tamang, who finally attended the Assembly this time with his supporters packing the visitors’ gallery.
“Let us resolve today to build a better tomorrow and not rest on past laurels as we step into the 12th Five Year Plan, in which the challenge is to ensure better implementation and improved accountability while we judiciously use our resources for the overall development of the State and her people,” urged the Governor in his inaugural address.
He told the House that for the year 2012-13, the National Planning Commission has allocated Rs 1,499.89 crore as the State’s Annual Plan, that this was an increase of 7.14% over the 2011-12 allocation of Rs. 1,400 crore. The allocation includes Special Plan Assistance of Rs.158 crore and Special Central Assistance [united] of Rs. 250 crore.
He also informed that this allocation excluded Special Plan Assistance [PM’s package] of Rs.200 crore which is to be utilized for earthquake reconstruction and rehabilitation work.
“It is a fact that a peaceful law and order environment, political stability and good governance are the principal factors needed to foster development and prosperity. Sikkim is not lagging behind in this context. Economic development has been accepted and recognized as the process of transforming the lives of the people. The character of development, its direction and pace and the way people share the benefits are determined by the manner in which a State manages its investment resources,” stated the Governor.
He mentioned that investing in development had always been the central activity of the State Government, aimed at promoting economic growth and social welfare due to which the State has earned the distinction of being an exemplary state.
Further, while stating that duly respecting the hopes and aspirations of the people, he said that the present government has been sincerely making many socio-political demands in favour of the people of Sikkim. The State Government has been approaching the Central Government for early resolution of some pending demands including Reservation of Assembly seats for Limboo and Tamang communities in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Grant of Scheduled Tribe status to the left-out ethnic communities of Sikkim and Income Tax Exemption in respect of the left-out communities including members of the old business communities of Sikkim, said the Governor.
“We hope that these demands placed by the State Government will be addressed by the Central Government soon. This will ensure that the social cohesion and harmony prevailing in Sikkim be further strengthened and consolidated,” he stated.
He shared that the objective of the 11th Plan was faster and inclusive growth and the steps taken in the 11th Plan period have resulted in substantial progress. The 12th Five Year Plan envisages faster, sustainable and more inclusive growth for the period 2012-17. “The progress towards inclusiveness is difficult to assess as inclusiveness is a multi- dimensional concept. Inclusive growth should result in lower incidence of poverty, improvement in health outcomes, universal access for children to school, increased access to higher education and improved standards of education, including skill development. It should also create an environment of better opportunities for wage employment and livelihood. There should be improvement in provision of basic amenities like water, electricity, roads, sanitation and housing. Special attention needs to be provided to the needs of the weaker sections of the society,” he stated.
He further said that his government has drafted long term strategies and programmes for the 12th Five Year Plan period. “The earthquake of 18th Sept 2011 however has been a huge setback to our developmental efforts. It has caused large scale and extensive damage, and shaved off some of the progress made earlier,” he shared.
In this regard he said that a substantial time and valuable resources during the first two years of the 12th Plan will have to be invested in rehabilitation and reconstruction of the damaged infrastructure and implementation of measures for disaster preparedness.
He also pointed out that the State Gross Domestic Product growth at constant prices was 8.95% for the year 2010- 11, which is higher than the all-India growth of 8.6%. The per capita income at current prices of every person in Sikkim is much higher than the national average he mentioned further adding that, “The State Economy has been showing a steady growth and is expected to keep up with this trend in the 12th Plan period as well”.
Further, the Governor stated that in spite of being a landlocked and sensitive border state with poor connectivity, hilly and inhospitable terrain and inadequate infrastructure, Sikkim has been maintaining peace and tranquility. Stating that the socio-economic indicators over the decades have improved enormously, which is being reflected in the improved living conditions of the people he mentioned that the poverty level in the state which in the year 1994-95 was 41% has come down to 13.01% in 2009-10.
“My Government’s priority would be to further consolidate the growth and develop our human capital. While we will build infrastructure and take development to the next higher level, we will also consciously preserve and protect the ecology and environment. It is also our aim to rejuvenate the waste lands, conserve water resources and our forests while taking advantage of the natural resources. We have chosen a strategy for development, protection of environment and ecology and development of infrastructure and resources to contribute to the welfare of the State,” he stated.
In the rural housing sector schemes such as the Rural Housing scheme, model house, Indira Awaas Yojana, Mukhya Mantri Awaas Yojana have been in operation and considerable success has been achieved with only 6% of the total rural houses remaining kutcha, the Governor mentioned. “My Government has recently launched the Chief Minister’s Rural Housing Mission with the aim to convert the existing 6000 kutcha houses to pucca houses. We aspire to achieve “kutcha house free” status by 2013,” he said.
Here, he added that he hoped to achieve the Bharat Nirman target of providing road connectivity to all the 154 habitations with population of more than 500. Similarly, in the area of rural water supply, all habitations are targeted to be fully covered during 2012-13.
In the area of education, he stated that his government wanted to eradicate illiteracy.
He added that the Chief Minister’s Merit Scholarship Scheme has been introduced since 2010 and that the government has invested around Rs.10 crore so far in providing education to 350 meritorious students, in the best schools across the country and within the State. “This unique scheme is free of any reservation. This programme is aimed as a long term investment in human resource development so that the children are well- prepared to take up jobs within and outside the State and are ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century,” he concluded.
The motion of thanks on the Governor’s address was moved by the Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling which was seconded by MLA, Khamdong, Am Prasad Sharma. Discussions and voting on the motion of thanks will be taken-up by the house tomorrow.

Univ dedicated to institutionalizing skill development

SHRI RAMASAMY MEMORIAL STATE UNIVERSITY BILL TABLED
GANGTOK, 25 June: The first day of the Budget Session-2012 saw the introduction of the Shri Ramasamy Memorial (SRM) State University Bill of 2012 in the Legislative Assembly today.
The HRD Minister, NK Pradhan, who introduced the Bill, in his statement of objects and reasons, explains that the need for the Bill was felt by the State government since it “realizes that technical and professional education plays a vital role in the human resources development of the state and of the country.”
The SRM State University is aimed at furthering the skill development initiative underway in the State.
As the Bill explains, “by creating skilled manpower, all needs of the industries and other developmental sectors would be met, thereby sustaining the growth and productivity for creation of wealth and prosperity of the nation.”
It was now felt necessary to establish a University that would leverage collaboration with industries and other institutions keeping in view three main points: The first point was that the University would ensure the designing of innovative models, methods, contents and tools for education and training.
Secondly, it would cater to establishing a network of education, training and learning institutions with infrastructure and facilities for imparting knowledge, building of skills and development of competencies leveraging technology, workplace training and innovative solutions. And finally, it would ensure the delivery of programmes and recognition with the award of qualifications upon fulfillment of prescribed requirements and accomplishment of envisaged learning outcomes aligned with the needs of the industrial and other development sectors.
It is further stated that such professional education would allow for flexible ways of acquiring competencies and qualifications as also enable career exploration, development, job transitions and mobility within and across industries and the developmental sector and also facilitate an open and flexible professional education that was dynamic and responsive to the ever-changing needs and advances of technology, education, the workforce, and the economy, incorporating innovative methods, ideas and resources to keep such professional education and training relevant and contemporary.
It was also mentioned that the SRM Group of Educational Institutions that was engaged in educational activities since 1967 in order to fulfill its objective to create and disseminate knowledge to all sections of the society, had proposed to establish a University to pursue the object of providing such professional education and training with a specific focus on Skills and Competency Development aligned with the growing needs of professionals, which is why the government had considered it expedient to establish the SRM University for regular class room education and open, flexible and continuous learning in Sikkim.
The Bill will be taken up for voting and discussions on 27 June.

Goley attends Assembly after almost 3 years

GANGTOK, 25 June: In what can be seen as a symbolic stepping out, disgruntled SDF MLA from Upper Burtuk, PS Tamang, today stepped into the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, making his first appearance in the House for legislative business since he was elected in the 2009 Assembly elections.
What is more, Mr. Tamang arrived in the Assembly nearly an hour and a half ahead of the scheduled start of the Budget Session, taking his seat behind the Public Accounts Committee chairperson in the Treasury Bench at 9:40 a.m. The Budget Session began, as scheduled, at 11 a.m.
He also made a public display of his opposition today. When the House rose to receive the Leader of the House, the Chief Minister, on his return after seeing off the Governor [after he had presented his address], Mr. Tamang remained seated.
After the Governor’s address, when the Assembly adjourned for tea, Mr. Tamang left, not attending the remaining session which included the Chief Minister moving the motion of thanks on the Governor’s address and the tabling of two Bills.
When media-persons approached Mr. Tamang enquiring about his plans, Mr. Tamang, who has not issued any public statements on this matter yet, said, “Wait for another day”.  
It may also be mentioned here that while Mr. Tamang had been issued only two visitor passes for his supporters to sit in the visitors’ gallery today, he had turned up with many more and eventually, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, DN Thakarpa, allowed relaxations for them to be accommodated in the gallery as well.

Significant Bills slated for introduction amidst indications that Goley will attend

BUDGET SESSION BEGINS ON MONDAY 
VISHNU NEOPANEY
GANGTOK, 24 June: The Sikkim Assembly Secretariat has reiterated instructions to its officials not to allow any persons without valid passes into the Assembly as it meets Monday for the Budget Session. Sources further inform that strict security measures have also undertaken around the Assembly complex. These, as precautionary measures given that there is strong possibility of dissident SDF MLA from Upper Burtuk, PS Tamang, finally attending the Assembly this time and arriving with supporters.
With this development playing in the background, the Budget Session also has some significant Bills lined up for tabling and discussions.
On the first day, Governor BP Singh will address the Sikkim Legislative Assembly for the fourth time followed by the Leader of the House, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, moving the ‘Motion of Thanks’ on the Governor’s address.
Secretary, Sikkim Legislative Assembly, D Rinchen, while speaking to NOW!, informed that the Chief Minister will place his 13th budget for Sikkim [as Minister-In-charge of Finance, Revenue and Expenditure Department] on the second day (Tuesday) of the budget session 2012.
Besides the Governor’s address, on Monday, the Human Resource Development Department Minister NK Pradhan is scheduled to introduce the Shri Ramasamy Memorial State University Bill. The SRM State University, it is learnt, will cater to the State’s needs for diploma courses in engineering and further studies in livelihood schools opened at every constituency across the State. The Sikkim Ecology Fund and Environment Cess Amendment under the Forest Department is also scheduled for tabling on Monday.
Other Bills expected to be introduced during the Budget Session re the much awaited Parliamentary Affairs Department’s  amendment in salaries, pensions and allowance proposal seeking approval to increase the existing rate of Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 15,000 for retired MLAs [one term] and from Rs. 8000 to Rs. 20,000 in the case of those who have served the House for more than one term. Also slated for introduction is Bill of the Land Revenue Department and another on the enhancement of pensions of the state government, inform Parliamentary Department sources.
Meanwhile, the Upper Burtuk MLA is expected to be present in the budget session for the first time since his swearing in after the 2009 Assembly elections. Mr Tamang, it is informed, has written to the Secretary seeking passes for a long list of supporters to attend the budget session. However, in view of limited seats in the visitor’s gallery, the Assembly Secretariat has issued only 10 passes [against 30 sought by Mr. Tamang], two each for each assembly session day. Assembly Secretariat officials explain that 2 visitor passes per MLA per day is the established practice at the Assembly.
The unfolding session will be interesting to watch in how the dissident MLA engages in the discussions and in light of the Chief Minister’s recent announcement that he plans to present a “detailed report of his government’s developmental works of the past 18 years” during the session.

Budget session to begin on 25 June

GANGTOK, 12 June: The Budget Session of Sikkim Legislative Assembly for the financial year 2012-13 has been called for 25 June.  Sources in the Law Department and the Sikkim Legislative Assembly inform that the State government has decided to hold a four-day long budget session from 25 to 29 June. Chief Minister Pawan Chamling will present his 13th consecutive budget in the floor of Sikkim Legislative Assembly on the first day of the budget session. It may be mentioned here that the first Finance Minister of the SDF Government was PT Lucksom who was replaced by Ram Lepcha. Mr. Chamling has held the Finance portfolio since the SDF’s second term in office.

CM tables Rs. 500 crore Supplementary Demands for Grants

GANGTOK, 29 Aug: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today introduced the First Supplementary Demands for Grants 2011-2012 involving a gross expenditure of Rs. 500.36 crore in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly today. Voting and discussions on the demands is scheduled for Tuesday.
The Supplementary Demands for Grants included in this batch covers 42 Grants/ Appropriations and comprises Rs. 27,527.24 lakh on Revenue Account and Rs. 22,508.76 lakh on Capital Account. After taking into account related adjustments during the current financial year, the appropriations will involve net out go of Rs. 29,835.96 crore.