SORENG, : Chief Minister P.S. Golay on Monday inaugurated a Sub-Divisional Administrative Centre at Mangalbaria, Soreng. The sub-divisional office was previously operating from a rented premises.
The Chief Minister dedicated the new sub-divisional administrative centre to the people of Soreng district and expressed hope that the infrastructure would serve as a centre to cater to public welfare works.
Following the inauguration, the Chief Minister addressed a public function at Mangalbaria senior secondary school playground.
He stated that the formation of Soreng and Pakyong districts in 2021 was a historic decision of the SKM government. “The previous SDF government did not understand the long-pending aspirations of the people regarding the formation of Soreng and Pakyong districts. It was only after the formation of the SKM government that the nod for the formation of the two districts was expedited,” he said.
Golay announced that the human resources required for the smooth functioning of the centre would be appointed soon. “Skilled and efficient human resources will be provided as required by the sub-divisional administrative centre of Mangalbaria to ensure better services to the people,” the Chief Minister said.
He appealed the sub-divisional magistrate and the employees of the sub-divisional administrative centre to fulfil their responsibilities with dedication and in close coordination with MLAs and panchayat members while working for the welfare of the people.
Golay emphasized that the recommendations of MLAs, ministers and the Chief Minister for any works of public concern should be treated equally. He urged people to approach their MLAs, ministers and department secretaries for various matters of personal and social concern, instead of directly approaching him.
Highlighting the developmental initiatives of SKM government for constituencies under Soreng district, Golay asserted that the development of various public sectors including tourism would be given utmost priority. He promised to establish an educational institution in Rinchenpong constituency. “The State government will establish an institute, either a college or another institution, in Rinchenpong constituency.”
Regarding the land dispute at Mangalbaria Bazaar, Golay assured that the issue would be resolved soon with the State government working towards an amicable solution. He also announced plans to establish a university at Ghumanuney, Mabong-Singyang under Salghari-Zoom constituency very soon.
Golay also called for greater tourism initiatives in the constituencies under Soreng district, calling the sector a sustainable medium to address livelihood issues.
The Chief Minister appealed the people not to leave their lands barren, warning that such trends would destroy the agricultural practices that have been a part of their heritage. He added that the decline in agriculture would also impact the food supply. Golay informed that the State government is planning to take over barren lands through panchayats for cultivation with a provision of equal profit-sharing between the panchayats and the landowners. He announced incentives for farmers who continue agricultural activities. “Our vision is to leave no land barren and to bring such uncultivated lands under agricultural initiatives. To promote agriculture in the State, the government will provide incentives to farmers,”Golay said.
The Chief Minister also highlighted numerous schemes in education, health, agriculture and other sectors initiated by the State government to uplift the people socially, culturally and economically. He mentioned that a considerable amount of money has been spent under public welfare schemes such as Vatsalya, Chief Minister Educational Assistance Scheme, Chief Minister Suswasthya Yojana, and others, providing direct benefits to the needy.
Golay also condemned the recent terrorist attack on tourists at Pahalgam, calling such acts heinous and cowardly. Expressing solidarity with the nation against terrorism, he affirmed that Sikkim would support and welcome the Central government’s resolutions in the fight against terrorism.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also distributed cheques to various social organizations and struggling entrepreneurs through the Chief Minister’s Discretionary Grant.