STATE LEVEL 68th I-DAY CELEBRATION

CM calls for collective resolve to develop Sikkim
GANGTOK, 17 Aug [IPR]: Chief Minister of Sikkim, Pawan Chamling unfurled the National Flag and received the State salute amidst the tune of National Anthem, to mark the 68th Independence Day celebration at the State-level programme held at Paljor Stadium today.
Speaker, State Legislative Assembly, Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Heads of Departments, officers and staff of Government departments and undertakings, students and people from all walks of life witnessed the grandeur exhibited by parade troops and students to mark the day. The day’s events unfolded with much fanfare and patriotic fervor. The audience was treated to some excellent display by Army and Sikkim Police Bands, martial art Demonstration by Sikkim Police, and mass drill and cultural programmes by students.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister presented the Police Medals, State Meritorious Service Awards, Commendation Certificates, and Felicitation and award to Class X & XII Board Examination toppers.
Sikkim Police Mahila Platoon was declared the Overall Best Platoon, Tashi Namgyal Sr Sec School as the Best NCC Boys Platoon and Tadong Sr Sec School as the Best NCC Girls Platoon.
In his address to the state, the Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling extended his greetings to the people of Sikkim and the nation and also paid tribute to the freedom fighters for their contribution and sacrifice to secure the independence of the country.
The CM impressed upon the progress made by the state in varied sectors like social justice, environment, eco-tourism, agriculture, horticulture, education, health and rural development. He added that Sikkim has been able to provide leadership in many of these sectors through its unique development model.
The CM laid great stress on the education sector which he termed as a priority sector. He elaborated on the initiatives of the government to render quality education in the State through student-centric schemes and programmes. He also informed about some of the recent policy decisions taken by the Government in the interest of the Sikkimese people.
The Chief Minister also made specific mention of the progress made by the state in the field of sustainable tourism.
Speaking on organic farming and its propagation in the state, the Chief Minister made a special mention of the recent endorsements made by the Prime Minister of India about Sikkim’s progress in Organic Farming. He added that these special mentions by the Prime Minister have given fillip to the relentless efforts made by the state to sincerely pursue its goal of becoming a total organic state by 2015.
The Chief Minister however took the opportunity to caution the people of Sikkim about the propaganda and misinformation engineered by a certain section of vested interest groups to distract people from the sincere efforts of the Government in this field. He advised the people to steer clear of such propaganda and called for collective resolve to accomplish the common aim.
Mr Chamling also mentioned about the issues raised in his recent interaction with many leaders and Ministers at the centre.
In the end, the Chief Minister called upon the Sikkimese people to be fully responsible in their actions and urged all to work collectively for the interest of the state.
Earlier, the Chief Minister also released the following books: State Policy on Organic Farming – Food Security & Agriculture Development Department; Handbook of organic Crop Production in Sikkim - Food Security & Agriculture Development Department and; Convergence Manual – Rural Management & Development Department and Horticulture Cash Crop Development Department.
Similarly, the Chief Minister released three documentary films produced by Information & Public Relations Department.