CM underlines govt’s locals-first commitment, reiterates firm stand on teacher transfer row

Chamling inaugurates Jorethang Maghey Mela

JORETHANG, 15 Jan: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling inaugurated the State’s biggest Makar Sankranti fair, the Jorethang Maghey Mela 2015, here on 14 Jan, Wednesday. The fair has been organized thos year to showcase Sikkim’s organic farming potential, its pursuit of zero waste and is flavoured with the tradition and culture of the ethnic communities of the State. Also in attendance for the inaugural event this year was member North East Council, MP Bezbaruah, Speaker KN Rai, Ministers, MLAs, Chairpersons, Officers and foreign delegates.Addressing the occasion, the Chief Minister pointed out that the Jorethang Mela has evolved substantially since its beginning and is now a festival which signifies the identity of Sikkim. This Mela, he said, is now one of the platforms to showcase Sikkim’s culture, tradition, foods habits and ethnic traits.
While on the topic, the CM remarked that more than 30 communities call Sikkim home, and all of them enjoy their rights and freedoms unhindered. Every community has equal rights and freedom to follow their culture and traditions, he said, while reiterating that the State government has ensured security and a peaceful environment for every community and every individual.
He went on to comment that the policies and programmes of the SDF Government have brought development and opportunities to Sikkim, but that the people were not adequately aware of such opportunities and have hence not seized them in strong enough numbers. To secure the opportunities and the future of Sikkimese people State government has introduces new policies, he said and informed that the State government has made it mandatory to have Sikkim Subject Certificate or Certificate of Identification for government employment, and directed that trade licences and government benefits be issued only to those who have these documents or property or residential certificates.
He stated that this decision was taken by the government in the interest of the people of Sikkim and people should appreciate and support it.
In his address, the CM also registered his displeasure over the teacher transfer row by a section of the teachers and Opposition parties. Rural schools have reported a shortage of 1,100 teachers, he announced, while adding that schools in town areas had excess staff. “It is the right of every child to get similar education whether in town or in the village, so the government, in the interest of the people, has transferred excess teachers to schools with shortage of teachers,” he explained.
He went on to point out that government service was a transferable job and that government teachers had undertaken to abide by government decisions and serve the people wherever they are deputed. “Opposing their transfer orders tantamount to opposing the people of Sikkim,” he stressed.
He also said that the government was taking a very serious view of the threat by some teachers to surrender their voter cards if the transfer orders were not repealed. Such acts reflect an anti-national sentiment, he commented, and warned of strict action against teachers who remained adamant in refusing to honour their transfer orders.
Meanwhile, NEC Member Mr. Bezboruah, who was present as a special guest, in his address, appreciated the achievements and leadership of Chief Minister Pawan Chamling in Sikkim and said that with such leadership will take Sikkim to new levels of development. He also said that the Maghey Mela of Sikkim signifies the love and affection of the people of Sikkim and showcases well the rich culture and tradition of its people.
The programme was also addressed by area MLA, Health Minister AK Ghatani who is also a chief patron of the Maghey Mela celebration committee.
[PURAN TAMANG]