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Budget Speech of Hon’ble Chief Minister
Sikkim Legislative Assembly
June 21, 2010
Hon’ble Speaker Sir and Hon’ble Members of this august house.
I stand
here to present the budget for the year 2010-2011. Ever since
the people of Sikkim reposed their confidence on Sikkim
Democratic Front party in 1994, we have consistently worked to
improve the socio-economic condition of our people with utmost
sincerity, devotion and hard work. Now after sixteen years at
the helm of State affairs, it has given us immense satisfaction
to note that our people have reaped the benefits from our
overall development measures accompanied with fiscal prudence
with proper management and utilization of our natural strengths
and capabilities.
The overwhelming mandate and confidence reposed upon our party
has vividly once again echoed in the 100% outcome in our favour
in the recently concluded elections to the urban local bodies.
Here I stand once again to thank our people for reposing this
confidence which encourages us in our continued efforts to work
for our people. I humbly urge my legislative colleagues to
honour and respect this sacred mandate that we have received
from the people of the State and diligently strive to fulfill
the aspirations and expectations of every single Sikkimese as
enshrined in our Party’s manifesto.
Hon’ble Speaker Sir, the preparation and presentation of this
budget is the People’s document representing their hopes and
aspirations. Over the decades, we have succeeded to chanellize
resources of the State in the best interest of our people. We
formulated both short-term and long-term development strategies
and provide larger vision to bring about overall transformation
in the Sikkimese society. Now that our feet are firmly planted,
we take the sacred vow to continue and pursue our goals of
comprehensive and holistic development further ahead. Our
Budget, therefore, targets the fulfilment of our dreams in
concrete terms with unwavering spirit.
The process of finalization of the plan size for the fiscal year
2010-2011 concluded early last month and I am indeed happy that
the Planning Commission has been generous in allocating a
reasonable plan size of Rs. 1175 crores which represents an
increase of 12.44 % over the plan outlay for the previous year.
The approved plan allocation, however, will be subjected to the
scheme of financing as recommended which inter-alia underlines
stringent measures for fiscal discipline and sound management of
the financial affairs of the State.
Hon’ble Speaker Sir
The range of development strategies that we introduced during
the last three terms of our governance have brought about
visible transformation in every aspect of peoples’ lives. To be
economically more explicit, we have witnessed more than a three
fold increase in all our socio-economic indicators. In relative
terms, Sikkim today is the best State in the Country with
multiple increase in many of the socio-economic statistics
bringing in robust economic vibrancy and socio-cultural
sustainability in the State. Let us consider the following for a
while:
The Annual Plan size for Sikkim increased from Rs. 120 crores in 1993-94
to Rs. 1175 crores in 2010-11.
The percentage of BPL in Sikkim in 1993-94 was 41.43% which came down to
19.2% in 2005 itself.
The literacy rate of 56.9% in 1993-94 has increased to 85%
The Infant Mortality Rate of 70 per 1000 in 1993-94 has improved to 36 per
1000 now
Internal Revenue of Rs. 44.72 crores in 1993-94 has gone up by an
impressive Rs. 571.98 crores now
State Domestic Product for Sikkim which was only Rs. 426 crores in 1993-94
has gone over Rs. 1000 crores now
The Per Capita Income of Rs. 8,402 in 1993-94 has gone up to Rs.
37,553 at present.
Based on data available with the Environment and Forest Ministry,
Government of India, Sikkim’s forest cover of 43.95% in 1995-96
has increased to 47.59% in 2009.
Hon’ble Speaker Sir
As per the document titled ‘Review of the Economy 2009-10’
prepared by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister,
Indian economy withstood onslaught of global meltdown. I quote,
“The economy has rapidly rebounded from the global crisis and is
now operating under vastly improved circumstances that can be
considered to be normal.” Even with the projected 8.5 % growth
rate in 2010-11 and a 9 % growth rate forecasted for 2011-12,
internal strife and disturbing elements are creating a war-like
situation in many parts of the Country. Therefore, the most
immediate and pertinent understanding of development on the
whole should be translating statistics into authentic human
happiness in absolute sense.
Hon’ble Speaker Sir
In this august House, I would like to remind the people,
bureaucracy, our political leaders and public representatives at
all levels and our bureaucracy to remember that economic growth
and improved data alone will not guarantee human happiness and
well being. Only comprehensive and holistic development can
ensure such a situation. Therefore, we need - (a) good
governance, clean, positive and constructive politics; (b) a
life with full security, dignity and self-respect, (c) skill and
employable human resource to harness all the economic
opportunities in the State, (d) make general people producers
and enhance their purchasing power and (e) creation of an
educated and well informed Sikkimese ready to lead the State
onward. For fulfilling this commitment, I seek your permission
to convey my conviction to my fellow Sikkimese who could join us
in our noble endeavour as we embark on our future course of
action based on our ambitious Mission 2015 targets, forming the
seminal theme of this year’s Budget.
Sikkim Poverty Free Mission
Hon’ble Speaker Sir
The percentage of families living below the poverty line has
been steadily and swiftly decreasing over the decade. This
explains the positive dent we have been able to make into
poverty duly strengthening all sections of people in the State.
Plan allocation of seventy percent was made as far back as 1994
for rural upliftment. The same policy continues to guide our
focused social commitment by duly introducing range of social
safety nets to guarantee basic minimum needs to the deprived and
disadvantaged section of the society and provide them a
dignified life.
I propose to carry forward all the ongoing poverty alleviation
programs and measures in the State. More innovative and socially
relevant measures shall be introduced from time to time to
completely eradicate poverty from Sikkim by 2015. I am very
pleased to allocate a sum of Rs. 20 crores for this financial
year.
Sikkim Self Reliant Mission
The State Government is pushing forward to make Sikkim fully
self reliant within the time frame. With the immense development
potential and creative mass of manpower available with the
State, we have started designing the most competitive model
based on the twin-approach of creating economic opportunities in
the State and preparing our people to enable them to access
decent employment in the ever expanding job market. Education
acquired in the archaic sense and with limited scope is today
remodelled and supplemented to make it compatible to what
Amartya Sen would call the ‘relevance of the actual world’ based
on larger social realization and happiness.
Hon’ble Speaker Sir
As per one report titled ‘India’s Demographic Dilemma’, India
would face ‘talent gap’- i.e. lack of right skills and knowledge
for the job required- of more than 5 million by 2012. On the
other hand, there will be a surplus of 1.3 million unskilled and
unqualified school dropouts and illiterate. Accordingly, we have
designed a number of interventions at empowering all individuals
through improved skills, knowledge and internationally
recognized qualification to enter into the world job market.
Since 2003 we have regularly trained our educated unemployed
youth in various vocational courses both within and outside the
State under the Directorate of Capacity Building.
The Skill Development Initiative we launched in 2003 which has
been the precursor to the National Skill Development Mission
launched in the XIth Five Year Plan will be carried forward to
make the Sikkimese people self reliant. Apart from the existing
Directorate of Capacity Building, we have also established the
Institute of Capacity Building at Karfectar with physical
facilities including induction of resource persons to impart
training in relevant disciplines. The launching of the Chief
Ministers Self-Employment Scheme has been instrumental in
carrying forward the initiatives taken under the Skill
Development Mission and as many as 5,780 youths have been
covered for self-vocational ventures encompassing various
agro-based activities, including IT related vocations, tourism
connected activities, etc. Under these schemes for skill
development, the total financial involvement has been to the
tune of Rs. 47.51 Crores.
We have formulated a multi-pronged approach for securing
employment oriented development skills over the decade.
Accordingly, the capacity development measures initiated by the
government have contributed to spurring the growth of the
economy of the State even in the midst of the global recession.
The capacity building initiatives of the Government have
witnessed commendable success with placement figures recording
well over 70% in the hospitality sector alone. I am very happy
to share with all of you that the 24 chef trainees sponsored by
the State Government to undergo training in Dubai has resulted
their 100 percent placements in 5 starred hotels on completion
of their training.
We have added a new dimension in our effort by establishing one
Livelihood School each in every constituency. Many young boys
and girls are undergoing different kinds of vocational
upgradation training in such Institutes across the State. To
further provide added impetus to our unique program, I am
pleased to allocate a sum of Rs. 12 crores for this financial
year.
Social Security Mission
The Sikkim Democratic Front Government has worked relentlessly
to guarantee full socio-cultural and economic security to all
sections of the people on a larger canvass of human-centric
development. In fact, the SDF party has always championed the
cause of the poor and the disadvantaged sections of the society
and worked to bring them at least at the level of their better
placed members of the Sikkimese society.
My Government has the unique distinction of having pioneered to
advocate the movement for women’s empowerment from all
perspectives granting them affirmative share be it with regard
to reservation in employment, admission to educational
programmes, election to Legislature, Local Urban Bodies and
Panchayati Raj Institutions etc. This paradigm shift in our
Government’s policy towards addressing gender equality covering
every realm of governance will have positive repercussions in
transforming the social fabric and quality of the lives of our
people in the years to come and for the posterity.
These forms of special dispensation in various forms and formats
have already been provided to the deserving and needy sections
of our citizens falling under the ambit covering SC, ST, MBC,
OBC and the differently abled persons including the old aged
people. We have a whole range of programmes being implemented by
the Social Justice, Empowerment and Welfare Department to
address similar socio-economic concerns in these specific areas
for the targeted group. Utmost concern for the upliftment and
welfare of the SC and ST and the economically weaker sections of
the population have also been underlined with specific
ear-marking of funds in the budget covering all development
sectors. Periodic monitoring and evaluation with regard to the
schemes and programmes under these earmarked sectors have been
instituted.
With regard to the welfare of government employees, the State
Government has created unprecedented records both in terms of
increased salary structure at all levels and host of welfare
measures. Officials, employees and MR workers enjoy the best
salary in the Country with more than three-fold increase in
their scale and other admissible allowances. We implemented the
4th Pay Commission recommendation in the State by granting
highest salary and one time clearance of all outstanding arrears
– first time in the Country.
In order to provide affordable housing to the government
employees, I would propose construction of new Government
quarters and Employees’ Guests Houses in Geyzing, Namchi and
Mangan. I am also pleased to allocate a sum of Rs. 1 crore for
the purpose for this financial year.
I would call upon all the Government Officials and employees to
pay back in the interest of the State and the people. We are all
people’s servants called upon to accomplish the great task of
State and nation building. To provide greater encouragement to
the employees, I propose to enhance the daily wages of MR
workers and Home Guards to Rs. 130 at the minimum to Rs. 190 at
the maximum. I propose that this be officially implemented in
the State with effect from July 1, 2010.
Universal Financial Inclusion
Closely following the goal of social justice paradigm, my
Government has launched yet another unique scheme under the
Chief Minister’s Universal Financial Inclusion programme to
cover all the married rural women in the State. This will
empower them economically which would invariably raise their
status and self-esteem in a given society. The Sikkim Government
is the first State to initiate such a significant social reform
measure aiming to provide them with complete social security
cover to live a dignified life.
With issue of one Smart Card to one married woman and with an
initial deposit of Rs.1000/- for one mother at her credit the
scheme takes off providing her access to Banking to be available
at her door steps at her own village. Besides, this scheme would
provide insurance cover against accident, property losses
covering five members of the family.
Hon’ble Speaker Sir, I am pleased to reiterate my commitment to
their noble cause and announce that the process of enlistment
under the scheme shall be completed with 100 percent coverage
within this financial year.
Total Literate State
Hon’ble Speaker Sir
With the impressive improvement in the literacy rate recorded
over the decade, we are moving ahead with the larger Mission of
making Sikkim 100 percent literate State. The Sikkimese people
are already aware of a host of educational incentives both at
the elementary and higher education. In relative terms, Sikkim
is the best State to provide for all kinds of incentives with
highest pay structure in the Country. With the highest budget
allocation of 20 percent in the Country, education in Sikkim is
both accessible and affordable. With one of the best
teacher-student ratio of 1:16, the State Government is all
geared up to make Sikkim a total literate State by 2015.
The national policies encompassing schematic framework as
enshrined in the new Education Policy of 1986, the Programme of
Action of 1992, the approaches for realization of the
declaration made with regard to Education For All (EFL) in 2003
and the recent development relating to the passage of the Bill
for Right to Education in the Parliament will provide the ideal
platform to carry forward actions initiated by the State
Government under this sector.
The core areas under the action plan envisages achieving 100%
enrolment of children at the elementary stage of education by
the Year 2012, increase in the literacy rate from the current
level of 85% to 95% by the end of the XI th Five Year Plan,
conducting teachers training programmes to cover 100% of the
teaching faculty in the Primary upto the Graduate stage of
education, universalization of education upto the secondary
level, containment of drop-out rates, introduction of vocational
and other technical educational programmes to channelize
students at the secondary level in accordance with the
recommendations of the Kothari Commission and upgrading the
physical infrastructure in schools particularly with regard to
laboratories for science streams backed up with placement of
competent and trained teachers. We recognize teachers as makers
of the future of our students who should be motivated to excel
in merit and in their studies. A scheme of rewarding such
meritorious and devoted teachers is being prepared by the Human
Resource Development Department.
At the higher level of education which includes graduate,
post-graduate and University programmes, the development
emphasis will address concerns towards consolidation of the
existing infrastructure and taking remedial measures to take
care of the deficiencies that are existing in most of the
institutes. The programmes being undertaken under the auspices
of the Sikkim Manipal University have been progressing
satisfactorily and this encouraging trend has been further
bolstered by the commissioning of various university programmes
under the aegis of the Sikkim Central University.
We are pursuing our next goal of imparting quality education,
knowledge and skill based education in the State. Provision of
quality education entails a package of measures being taken in
respect of teachers’ training as well as ensuring basic
amenities and physical infrastructure with regard to buildings
and laboratory equipments. The on-going construction of the DIET
infrastructure in Gangtok will be expedited and the proposal
with regard to development of the B.Ed College at Soreng will
also be pursued vigorously to make this facility functional at
the earliest. I allocate a sum of Rs. 50 lakhs for further
development of Soreng B.Ed. College in this financial year.
In order that we are able to pursue our goal, I am pleased to
announce extension of available educational incentives upto
Class VIII students including supply of free school uniform,
text books, exercise books, shoes/socks etc. I am pleased to
allocate a sum of Rs. 10 crores for this financial year. The
Chief Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme for the fifty
meritorious students at the Class V level has taken off from
this year which has benefitted the selected students to study in
public schools. The best ten out of these fifty students have
been admitted in renowned public schools at Gwalior and Kasauli.
This scheme will be enlarged to cover 100 best students from
next year. The message of merit has been well received by our
people and the youth. Here I congratulate our two students who
have succeeded in the civil services examination conducted by
the Union Public Service Commission. Over the years, our youth
with their hard work will have secured the presence of Sikkim in
this arena at the national level as some of our youth have done
so in the field of sports.
An issue like education of our children can not be left to
chance. They say that abandoning a child is the worst of crimes.
Therefore, we have been putting all our effort and resources to
create the best of the facilities in the State. This is more of
a social issue wherein cooperation of all people is needed. The
American President John F. Kennedy had rightly said, “One person
can make a difference, and everyone should try”. We know that
the most powerful way to harness human capital is through
education. May I call upon all my fellow citizens to fully
cooperate and make contribution towards achieving our goal.
Healthy Sikkim Mission
The programmes and projects that we envisage under the domain of
the health sector have been well integrated and tailored to
accomplish our mission of Healthy Sikkim by 2015. Innovative
steps involving both preventive and curative measures which
encompass diagnostic facilities for timely detection of ailments
covering all age-groups including provision of treatment and
rehabilitative health care have been undertaken. This noble
initiative has been launched under the auspices of the Chief
Minister’s Comprehensive Annual and Total Check-up for Healthy
Sikkim (CATCH) campaign. We need to be adequately equipped with
a comprehensive data covering the health profile of each and
every citizen in the State which will be monitored and updated
annually so that the required delivery mechanism for timely
intervention in providing health care and treatment can be
organized more efficiently. This exercise will involve upgrading
the technical expertise of our doctors including the Para-medics
as well as improving the physical facilities for diagnostic
services covering the entire network of our medical Centres
throughout the State. We will initiate action in this regard
with careful planning and also chart a realistic road map to
achieve the goals under this Mission.
You will be happy to note that our Government has sponsored 85
Sikkimese boys and girls in Manipal University at Mangalore for
undergoing Bsc. Nursing and allied courses. On completion of
this training, the State will have the advantage of such
specialized training in higher nursing. Undoubtedly, the noble
work of nursing so important in health care will go a long way
in meeting our requirement. A well trained nurse bestowed with
Florence Nightingale qualities makes wholesome difference in the
patient to recover quickly.
The absence of a super-specialty Hospital to cater to the
multiple life threatening health problems of our citizens has
been a grave concern for the Government. The existing facilities
available with the STNM hospital are inadequate to cater to the
growing pressure for treatment and medical care. With a view to
resolving this problem and also for relieving the burden of our
people from having to seek treatment outside the State by
incurring huge expenses and often having to succumb to loss of
lives due to delayed medical attention, we are constructing a
575 bedded multi-specialty hospital within the State Capital.
This project has been conceived to ameliorate the hardship and
distress to our citizens. In order to ease the financial strain
particularly for those falling under the BPL category, we had
also launched the Health Insurance Scheme at the fag end of the
fiscal year 2008-2009. Under the dispensation of this scheme,
the medical treatment of the needy and poor will be taken care
of. You are aware that the State Government has already
introduced Mobile Medical Units to cover people living in remote
and inaccessible areas. I am also very pleased to share with
this august House that the State Government has acquired two new
bhawans in the national capital of Delhi for providing
additional accommodation for our patients to receive advanced
medical treatment there.
A number of schemes for extending health care assistance to
those patients who are referred by the State Medical Board for
medical treatment involving advanced cases of ailments as well
as life threatening illness will be covered under the Mukhya
Mantri Jeewan Raksha Kosh programme. Under the auspices of this
scheme, two programmes namely the Mukhya Mantri Netra Jyoti
Yojana and the Mukhya Mantri Sravan Shaki Samridhi Yojana have
also been envisaged to cater to the needs of patients. Problems
relating to anaemia and malnutrition will also be addressed with
regular administration of de-worming and Iron Folic Acid (IFA)
supplement courses covering children, pregnant and lactating
mothers including men who are anaemic. My Government has also
started administering MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine
for girl child between age group of 0-12 years. These programmes
will also be complemented with the distribution of protein
supplement food inputs to remedy the malnutrition problems
effecting children under the auspices of the Mukhya Mantri
Antyodaya Pustakhar Yojana under the State Government programme.
A paradigm shift has been made with regard to implementation of
the programme relating to rural health with a cohesive and
integrated approach under the flag-ship programme of the
Government of India namely the National Rural Health Mission. In
essence, the components under this programme involve intensive
capacity building and training covering community
representatives, official functionaries from the health
institutions including other government personnel at the field
level on issues relating to health care and planning as a
prelude to formulating realistic district plans which will
eventually culminate in preparation of State Plans. The
underlying objective of this Mission is to technically equip the
grass-root level functionaries and the rural community at large
on issues relating to medical and health care including hygiene
and sanitation with a view to facilitating need-based action
plans for every village unit in a decentralized manner.
The State Government deeply committed to provide nutritious food
and diet to our ailing patients in the hospitals in the State.
The State Government is already working in this direction for
facilitating good food and diet to our patients staying in the
hospitals where funds have been provided for this purpose.
Hon’ble Speaker Sir
The Sikkimese people are aware that we have tried to upgrade our
available health facilities and infrastructure on a regular
basis to provide better health care in the State. In this august
House, I would like to announce some of the new and unfolding
initiatives to be taken up during this financial year.
1. A new Pharmacy College of the State will be started at the
Leprosy Hospital complex, Sajong with an allocation of Rs. 1
crore during this financial year;
2. For the proposed construction of 575 bedded Hospital at
Sichey, I am pleased to allocate a sum of Rs. 30 crores in this
financial year;
3. I earmark a sum of Rs. 2 crores to carry forward our unique
campaign under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Annual and
Total Check-up for Healthy Sikkim (CATCH). Every individual in
each of the village in Sikkim shall be covered under this health
scheme;
4 I am pleased to set aside a provision for Rs. 11 crores which
will be utilized to purchase quality equipment, nutritious foods
& medicines for patients in the State;
5 Health Insurance for all the Sikkimese people are being taken
up. During this financial year, I am pleased to announce similar
provision to cover all the government employees under health
insurance after evolving appropriate modalities;
6 I am privileged one more time to reiterate the State
Government commitment to make Sikkim malnutrition free, goitre
or iodine deficiency free, TB & MDR free and HIV/AIDS free under
the ongoing programme which will be vigorously pursued with
additional resource allocation from time to time.
Sikkim as Producer State
Hon’ble Speaker Sir
Our endeavour has been to free Sikkim from the culture of
consumerism and promote the State as the producer State and the
people as productive citizens. Our Party has made a commitment
to transform our State as a self-sufficient and a producing
State rather than a consumer one particularly with regard to
enhancement of produce from the agriculture and allied sectors.
We are working hard to ensure that all kinds of demands created
in the State are met within the State. And we want to see the
Sikkimese people themselves fulfil local demands by being
producers of goods and services in the State. Therefore, the
State Government is formulating strategies based on Sikkim’s own
natural resources, all the climatic zones found in the State,
geographically rich zone with its immense biodiversity wealth.
On the strength of these natural resources, we are seeking to
make sustainable development creating a host of sustainable
employment opportunities within the State. That means
Demand-Supply graph in the State should be equally maintained
and local demand should be fulfilled through local efforts on
the basis of our own skilled manpower and increased production
of goods and produces locally. The State Government has remained
one of the most progressive States in the Country for our
essential principle to think globally and act locally.
We cannot afford to remain complacent as a consumer State but
rather move ahead to be a progressively producing State by even
exporting agricultural and horticultural produce from our
organic farming environment. Our team of experts in the field of
agriculture, horticulture, floriculture, pisciculture and allied
disciplines will need to dedicate their efforts by
cross-consulting with technical experts in their respective
fields and come out with positive solutions for effective
implementation of viable and feasible projects in their
respective areas. I hope that my colleagues in the Legislature
and the Government machinery will dedicate and devote their
sincere effort and wisdom in bringing about a progressive
transformation in this core sector in which maximum percentage
of our population are dependent upon. The role of village
cooperatives to improve rural economy is a well established
fact. I propose to seek their participation on a larger context
to enable these cooperatives to contribute on a wholesome
manner. I am very happy to bring this to the notice of this
august House that our Cooperative Societies in Melli are doing
excellently well in poultry meat production. In fact, you will
be happy to know that the State Government has been successful
in achieving 100 percent chicken meat self-sufficiency within
the State. We are no longer required to bring chicken meat from
outside the State as our farmers are producing chicken meat for
local consumption as well as for the consumption of the Indian
army stationed in the State as well as in the neighbouring areas
outside the State. In terms of eggs production we will have
secured 100 percent self sufficiency before the end of the
current year. These are examples of Sikkimese people becoming
producers.
Seeing the enthusiasm of the people of that area, we are taking
steps to set up a Poultry Processing Unit at Melli. This will
result in better marketing access. Similarly, a Poultry Estate
is being set up, the first of its kind, in the entire country,
at Mangalbarey on a cooperative basis with progressive farmers.
In addition, two new pig breeding farms at Assam Lingzey and
Melli Dara are being set up for increasing the production of
piglets in the State. You will be happy to know that
construction of a full fledged Regional Training Centre in
animal care services with residential facilities is being taken
up at Sokeythang, East Sikkim with the assistance of North East
Council. A Fisheries Training Centre at Rangpo along with two
new trout farms are also coming up at Kyongsla and Baba Mandir.
750 high yielding cows will be inducted all over the State
during this financial year. This august House is well aware that
a Mother Dairy Farm is being set up at Karfectar to serve as a
model dairy farm.
Agriculture being the most important industry of the world, our
effort has been to attract more and more educated and young
Sikkimese to take up agriculture, horticulture and floriculture
as an industry. In floriculture, Sikkim is already the No. 1
State in the Country which would be further nurtured to play
more crucial role and contribute towards the global floriculture
output. All measures comprising technology transfer, delivery of
inputs, pre and post harvest technology, marketing etc. will be
systematically organized and judiciously harnessed for greater
result. This will be done particularly with regard to
re-plantation of cardamom in our cardamom farms. Similarly,
greater emphasis will be given to tea plantation and new
plantation and rejuvenation of orange orchards in the State.
I am again happy to state that SIMFED is arranging a tie-up with
Himalaya Drug Company, Bangalore to boost the rural economy
through contractual farming with 100% buy-back of the production
in chirata, kutki and bojo and other medicinal plants without
any expenditure of the State Government.
To further provide additional marketing facility to our farmers,
four Kisan Bazars in four districts shall be constructed
followed by seventeen Kisan Bazars at the BDO level in the
villages. I would like to allocate a sum of Rs. 9 crores in this
financial year. We are undertaking this project to provide ready
outlet for organically growth produce by our farming community,
and fulfil demands of the consumers across board. Let me urge
upon my legislative colleagues to work hand in hand with the
concerned departments, representatives of local bodies including
farmers to fix realistic targets in respect of all development
programmes which are tailored to make Sikkim self-sufficient
with regard to improving production in agricultural and allied
crops and step further ahead to make the produces from these
enterprises abundantly surplus for export.
In the sphere of industrial production, our Government has put
in place pragmatic policies that are favourably inclined to woo
investors in areas of investment which are small scale, clean
and eco-friendly and which will offer employment opportunities
for our local unemployed youths. The series of investments in
areas covering pharmaceutical, food processing, hospitability
and service industries are testimonial to the galloping growth
taking place in this area of development.
Sikkim Organic Mission
The call given by my Government to make Sikkim totally organic
has caught the imagination of the entire people in the region
and also the Country. With less than 14 percent land available
for productive cultivation, the share of agriculture to gross
state domestic product (GSDP) has declined from 48.7% in 1980-81
to just 18.8% in 2006-07. Therefore, we have been trying to find
an effective way to supply high value produce within the limited
land to the world population who are growing more health
conscious and seeking to ignore the chemically-treated food
items across board.
While organic farming practices along the hilly states generally
revolves around securing livelihood on their small rain fed
farms, the same farm practices is expected to provide an
alternative low cost farming to people in central Indian States.
Here Sikkim is leading in adoption of organic farming practices
to improve the soil fertility.
Hon’ble Speaker Sir, our approach has been a comprehensive
package seeking to transform every inch of the Sikkimese soil
into organically viable and sustainable land. With immense
pride, may I have your permission to quote and share a line in
this august House which appeared in the significant journal ‘The
India Organic Pathway’ published by International Competence
Centre for Organic Agriculture, Bangalore. The line reads,
“Sikkim was declared as organic state and entry of pesticides
and fertilizers is banned”. I call upon all the Sikkimese people
and the government machinery to cash on the national and
international recognition coming our way to promote Sikkim as
brand entity on organic farming.
The future already offers a very bright prospect for organic
food retailing which is expected to grow from the present level
of under Rs. 3000 crores to Rs. 150,000 crores by 2015. In
addition to regular drive underway to transform our land as
totally organic, there are other related issues to be pursued to
fully reap the benefit accruing from the organic mission which
include organic certification, identifying competitive organic
market and cost effectiveness. In order to facilitate all these
steps, I am very happy to earmark a sum of Rs. 20 crores for
this financial year.
Sikkim Green Mission
Hon’ble Speaker Sir
Beginning with ‘Harit Kranti Varsha’ that we observed during
1995-96, we have come a long way grooming the State into the
best Green State in the Country. It is with immense sense of
satisfaction and pride to state that we have put Green Mission
2006 in place with regular programmes dedicated under the
Mission which are progressing satisfactorily. The recently
concluded International Rhododendron Festival was most
successful earning a unique recognition far and wide.
The State Government has also adequately addressed concern
raised on account of Climate Change consequences and reduction
of CO2 emission. The Central Government has also drafted the
2020 Green India Mission document aiming to increase forested
areas to 20 million hectares by 2020 to serve as carbon sinks
aimed at reducing Green House Gas emission by 6.35% which
otherwise would be less than 1.5 %.
You are aware that we have already constituted Glacier and
Climate Change Commission in the State where scientists are
making in depth observation and carrying out intensive studies
on the behaviour of our glaciers. The findings are very positive
without any perceptible threat as is generally feared. The State
Government has also taken initiative for preparation of State
Action Plan on Climate Change for Sikkim in collaboration with
German Technical Cooperation. The State Government is also
pursuing Climate Change Adaptation Project in Sikkim under the
framework of Indo-German Development Cooperation.
On a larger canvass, a new study has concluded that global
warming will not shrink the Himalayan glaciers that feed Asia’s
five largest rivers by 2035 including Brahmaputra, Indus and
Yanzse. On this positive note, I am pleased to allocate a sum of
Rs. 30 lakhs to carry forward our glacial studies and related
research works in the State.
Under the Biotechnology Mission, the State Government has taken
initiatives for construction of Biotechnology Research and
Application Centre at Sajong, Rumtek, in East Sikkim. Further,
green houses using state of the art technology will also be set
up in this centre in addition to modern equipment facilities.
Emphasis is given to tissue culture, vegetative propagation of
rare and endangered and economically important plants. During
this financial year, I am pleased to allocate a sum of Rs. 30
lakhs to carry forward all works under the Biotechnology
Mission.
I am very proud to share with you that eleven research scholars
from Sikkim have been selected for research work on Sikkim by
the National Centre on Biological Science and Ashoka Trust for
Research in Ecology and Environment, Banglore.
Besides the already implemented battery of green initiatives and
incentives, we have recently introduced yet another green
campaign known as “Ten Minutes to Earth” since 2009. This is the
unique green program started by my Government which will be
promoted as annual ritual planting trees every year. This year
on June 25, lakhs of Sikkimese people will rise up again and
converse to plant thousands of saplings across the State.
In order to further complement and reinforce our green drive, I
am pleased to inform this august House that my Government will
soon formulate legislation for Clean Air Act, Water Quality Act,
Environment Policy Act, Pesticide Act and Endangered Species Act
in the State. Here I am very happy to inform that we are working
towards outsourcing our garbage management and disposal more
scientifically so that the garbage water could be re-cycled for
use as well as the waste disposal re-cycled for productive
purpose.
Hon’ble Speaker Sir
I convey my thanks to the people of Sikkim, panchayats, the
NGOs, civil society members and all government machineries for
the steady cooperation provided to the State Government. The
age-old tradition of the Sikkimese people to live with nature
and worship all forms of nature has not only strengthened our
green campaign but inspired world community at large to follow
our example. To carry forward this green campaign in the State,
I would take this privilege to allocate a sum of Rs 1 crore for
2010-2011.
Eco-tourism destination:
Our efforts towards harnessing the potential in the tourism
sector has begun to yield dividends to all stakeholders engaged
in this industry and more importantly to our numerous local
youths in terms of employment in various activities relating to
this booming trade.
We have brought about investor-friendly tourism policies with
rigidly binding safeguard provisions for environmental concern
including employment guarantee for our local youths. Over the
recent years, many hotels in all categories have been
established and many more project proposals are in the
pipe-line. This emerging trend is indicative of the conducive
climate that is in place not only in terms of the pristine and
picturesque environment that the State is blessed with, but also
the atmosphere of peace and tranquillity in this region as well
as the investment friendly policy that has been brought into
effect to woo investors in this sector. This is a happening area
of economic activity in the State and I am convinced that Sikkim
which is already a premiere destination within the Country shall
soon find a respectable place in the world map. The rich
cultural heritage, the peace and tranquillity, the natural
scenic beauty with a breath taking collection of flora and fauna
and last but not the least, the congenial and hospitable nature
of our people are very favourable attributes which, in essence,
are the greatest inherent strengths that we are blessed with to
fully exploit the immense potential that we have in the tourism
industry.
As part of our Government’s effort in taking initiatives that
will provide economic spin-offs for the upliftment of the
livelihood of the rural population, a few noble projects
designed to promote pilgrimage tourism along the lines heralded
by the installation of the 135 ft. tall statue of Guru
Padmasambhava at Samduptse, will be considered to complement the
development works which are already in progress at Chardham,
Solophok. There is a need to develop ancillary infrastructural
facilities like Rishi Kutir, Meditation Centres etc. in the
vicinity of this project location for the comfort and
convenience of our visitors. We have engaged consultants to
finalize action plans for the planning, design and execution of
these projects. Another pilgrimage centre Buddha Park at
Ravangla is being constructed which will be completed soon.
Another statue of Chen Regiz in West Sikkim is being constructed
by the Government. Further, construction of Culture Centre at
Yangang, Bhanubhakta Study Centre at Geyzing, Sirijunga Study
Centre and Tenzing Hillary Park shall be completed within this
financial year. Construction of Kanchendzonga Tourist Villa cum
Socio-Cultural Centre and Amusement Park at Ranka is completed
which was formally inaugurated by Her Excellency President of
India Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil on 15th April, 2010. In
fact, we are creating our own pilgrimage and culture tourist
circuit within the State. These infrastructural development
works have been conceived as a means to project Sikkim as a
favoured pilgrimage destination for tourists from within the
country as well as from across the globe and also to facilitate
in creating a business hub for our local entrepreneurs in the
hospitality and other related business activities for betterment
of their economic livelihood. Construction of Ramayan Busty is
very much in the pipeline which shall be started at the early
date. The State Government has also undertaken an ambitious
project of installing Skywalk at Bhaleydunga which will be a
unique project not only in Sikkim but also in the Country. I am
pleased to share with this august House that the 13th Finance
Commission has already sanctioned Rs. 200 crores for this
project. In this connection, I am very pleased to allocate a sum
of Rs. 50 lakhs for the Ramayan project and also set aside a sum
for Rs. 1 crore as Consultancy Fee for the Skywalk project.
The tempo of growth in the tourist traffic has been phenomenal.
We need to further expand on the available physical
infrastructure to accommodate as many tourists coming to us in
terms of available accommodation, tourist amenities and
well-organized capacity building measures covering all
stake-holders in the hospitability business. We need to
facilitate project proposals from private investors comprising
local residents as well as outsiders under a conducive and
workable policy framework. Apart from these issues, we need to
prepare our future plans and programmes to address the need for
other complementary infrastructural support to sustain the
euphoria generated by our successful promotion of eco-tourism in
the State.
Hon’ble Speaker Sir, we are committed to further expand our
tourism potential in the State by locating appropriate tourist
amenities across the State. However, in many cases, ownership of
land lies with the private individual. Therefore, in order to
reposition ourselves for the impeding growth envisaged during
the next few years, we will acquire additional land in the State
at our own disposal for construction of different types of
infrastructure, tourist spots etc.
Harnessing hydro-power potential
Closely linked with our mission to attain self sufficiency to
harnessing our rich natural resources. My Government has taken a
bold initiative to judiciously harness the abundant resource
potential with regard to hydel energy despite resistance from
some elements who have been stalling the process of development
of the State. Bestowed with a handsome hydel power potential of
8000 MW, we have so far commissioned projects which have the
capacity to generate 610 MW of hydel energy which leaves
considerable gap against the total exploitable hydel potential
of 8000 MWs.
The present generation capacity of 610.70 MWs is particularly
contributed by the 510 MW Teesta Stage V Hydel Project as well
as the 60 MW Rangeet Hydel project along with several other mini
and micro hydel projects which have been commissioned over the
recent years.
We also have, in the pipe-line, as many as 21 hydel power
projects which have been entrusted for execution on joint
venture between State Government and reputed power producers and
the National Hydro-electric Power Corporation. These projects
envisage a combined installed generation capacity of 5000 MW.
Four projects are targeted to be operational during the XIth
Five Year Plan with a projected installed generation capacity of
1900 MWs. The Sikkim Power Development Corporation (SPDC) will
also initiate steps to take up projects in partnership with the
State Government under the PPP module. In all these ventures,
the SPDC and the Government of Sikkim will hold equity of 26% as
well as enjoy 12% free power for 15 years which will be enhanced
to 15% over the subsequent period till the 35th year of the
contractual agreement. Apart from the above arrangements from
the PPP contract, the contractual agreement will also yield a
fair share of dividend from these projects.
Beautification and Modernization of Bazars
We have made significant progress with regard to Gangtok and
some other major townships in terms of beautification and other
miscellaneous development works. These innovative efforts have
been instrumental in changing the psyche of the people in the
urban areas towards a more positive attitudinal change in
focusing concern for environmental safeguards within our
surroundings. The dramatic transformation of the M.G.Marg
complemented by the proactive participation of all the
stakeholders, business community and local gentry within the
locality has clearly demonstrated that we have an ideal system
of governance at place with developmental initiatives being
triggered by the State Government.
As part of town beautification drive, a uniform, standard
state-of-art design and architectural model shall be evolved as
a blue-print for construction of all private and government
structure and buildings. I would propose that the State
Government enforce strict adherence to the design and model so
provided to enhance the aesthetic value of our landscape.
I would like to humbly acknowledge people’s appreciation
including the visiting tourists of our innovative pebbled lane
developed along the Mahatma Gandhi Marg in the heart of the
city. Similarly, Namchi bazaar has been remodelled giving a
distinct look attracting both the common men and the visiting
tourists. I would like to further propose that our towns and
bazars in the State namely, Melli Bazar, Makha Bazar, Namthang
Bazar, Kaluk Bazar, Yangang Bazar, Rhenock Bazar, Rongli Bazar,
Pakyong Bazar, Soreng Bazar, Maniram Bhangyang Bazar, Ranipool
Bazar, Sombarey Bazar, Kewzing Bazar, Majitar in South Sikkim
and Dentam Bazar may be similarly modified, upgraded and
beautified by constructing or adding additional flyovers and
pedestrian foot paths at all vantage points across the towns and
bazaars in the State. For this purpose, I am pleased to allocate
a sum of Rs. 7 crores in the current financial year.
Complete Decentralization and devolution
The spirit of democracy as is ingrained in the ideology of the
SDF Government has been clearly demonstrated during the tenure
of our Government over the last 16 years. After having put in
place, the Institutional machinery of the Panchayati Raj
Institutions as per the 73rd Constitution Amendment, our
Government has forged ahead in creating yet another historic
milestone with the peaceful and orderly conduct of the elections
to the urban local bodies in accordance with the 74th
Constitutional Amendment. The resounding mandate that our Party
received from this election is testimony to the complete faith
and confidence the people have in the transparent and democratic
people’s Government in the State. The entire election process,
which is historical, was peaceful and orderly and for which I
would like to extend my appreciation and thanks to all the
respected people of Sikkim for their active participation in the
electoral process and the State Election Commission for
conducting free, fair and peaceful election. The new regime that
has emerged in the true spirit of the 74th Constitution
Amendment will infuse a more creative input into the
developmental scenario of our State.
I extend my heartiest congratulations to all the elected members
of the local urban bodies and call upon them to exercise their
leadership with utmost care, maturity and diligence and work
towards the welfare of the community at large as well as in
improving the overall civic environment with assured basic
amenities to the people. In order that they are better
positioned to discharge their duty and better empowered with
broader options, I am pleased to allocate Panchayat
Discretionary Fund of Rs. 5 crores which could be equally
accessed by both the panchayats at the Gram Panchayat level and
Members of the urban bodies.
Democratic decentralization with inclusive and participative
governance has been put in place in every panchayat
administrative unit throughout the State. With the creation of
the Block Administrative Centres, the process of decentralized
district planning for every micro unit of administration within
the State has been brought into operation. The bottoms-up
approach to the planning process involving District level
officials and elected representatives of all Gram Panchayats and
Zilla Panchayats has now become a reality. With a view to
empowering the Panchayat institutions, our Government will
continue to earmark 10% of the plan outlay under every
developmental sector as decentralized allocation to be devolved
and utilized under the independent discretion and control of the
Zilla and Gram Panchayats within their respective administrative
jurisdictions. We have proposals under consideration to
strengthen and equip the administrative powers of the Block
Development Units with the constitution of Block Development
Committees in order to assist the BDO’s in the discharge of
their duties under the regime of decentralized administration.
MLA-Local Area Development Fund
We have a clear agenda to achieve a double digit growth rate by
the end of the XIth Five Year Plan. Our move forward towards
achieving this objective will be focused on inclusive growth for
the welfare and betterment of all citizens. My fellow
colleagues, Hon’ble MLAs in the State Assembly are sacredly
bound by the common objective of serving the interest of the
people to the best of their abilities. Starting this financial
year, I would propose to set aside a sum of Rs. 8 crores under
MLA-Local Area Development Fund. An equal share of resources
from this allocation shall be earmarked for individual MLA to
carry out important development works in their areas.
Village Development Mission
In keeping with the underlying strategies and objectives
envisaged in the XI th Five Year Plan, my Government will
continue to lay emphasis in sustaining the impressive growth
rate of 7.79% which, I believe is, by all means achievable. The
flag-ship programmes as charted under the UPA Government’s
Common Minimum programme will continue to be underlined in the
State’s Plan agenda and our developmental strategy will focus on
inclusive growth with a view to ensuring that each and every
single citizen of the State both at urban and rural level can
participate and reap the resulting benefits from the burgeoning
growth process. I call upon the leadership under the rural and
urban local bodies including my legislative colleagues to work
in tandem with a view to complementing the rural-urban
development pace that is taking place in the State.
Unlike in other parts of the country, the rural-urban divide in
Sikkim is quickly narrowing down based on the dedicated program
like Village Action Plan being prepared by Professor Bernard
Dafflon of the Freebourg University under the broad assistance
and support of the State Government. The report prepared by
Prof. Dafflon is ready which will be released soon as the
roadmap for scientific development of village under the eco-city
concept. I would like to allocate a sum of Rs. 50 lakhs for
undertaking Village Action Plan and designing in this financial
year.
Promotion of local talents:
Hon’ble Speaker Sir
The wealth of human resources in our youth population is one
that matches the best mind available in the world both for their
dynamism, creativity and imagination. The State Government is
well on its path to harness this resource by facilitating
measures for channelizing and developing skills and talents
among this critical target group in their respective spheres of
interest and talents. They constitute the upcoming generation of
leaders who will need to be fully equipped and groomed with
qualities to be in a position to inherit the responsibilities
and duties of leadership in different fields. In this context,
our endeavor has been to cultivate skills and personalities in
various fields among our youths. We have produced a few
nationally and internationally acclaimed local celebrities in
the fields of sports and film acting. These accomplishments have
been an eye-opener and motivation for our aspiring youth to
strive and take the path of the role models in our celebrities
in different fields.
The Government is well prepared to establish Sports Academy at
the Paljor Stadium which will be dedicated towards development
of talents in various sporting activities. We have also taken
initiatives in the area of adventure sports particularly with
regard to river rafting, para-gliding, rock climbing etc. and
the prospects of introducing training in Skiing, hang-gliding
and bungee jumping are also being considered. These few areas of
adventure sports have been identified for introduction in the
Sports Academy’s training format keeping in mind the interest of
tourists in these areas of sporting activities. This new
initiative will open up avenues for our youths to
professionalize in these fields of adventure sports whereby they
can be well geared and technically equipped to conduct adventure
sporting activities for the entertainment of tourists and
thereby be self-employed.
Hon’ble Speaker Sir, I am very pleased to announce that the
State Government has already sanctioned a sum of Rs. 5 crores
for laying of green turf, the artificial grass in Paljor Stadium
to make it all-weather, world class stadium in the Country. In
addition, I also propose to allocate a sum of Rs. 3 crores for
construction of Bhaichung Stadium in Namchi, Geyzing Stadium and
Mangan Stadium during this financial year. Construction of 16
Community Playgrounds at the BAC level shall also be taken up
during this financial year.
Sikkim is blessed with unmatched scenic beauty with the
breath-taking Himalayas at the background. With the most
attractive locale coupled with peace and hospitable people,
Sikkim will be promoted as a premiere destination for production
of commercial films on a large scale. In order to facilitate
further action and encourage local talents, I am very pleased to
allocate a sum of Rs. 50 lakhs for this financial year as grants
to local film makers working in Sikkim showcasing people’s
lifestyle, culture and tradition.
Total Connectivity
True economic development of the State can be realized with the
good standard of transport and communication network including
both road linkage, airways and railhead. Being a geographically
land-locked State, Sikkim genuinely needs all kinds of
communication system to connect it with the mainland India.
Without going into greater details, I am happy to announce that
within 2015, Sikkim will have one of the best linkages both on
ground and airways.
1. Construction of Greenfield Airport under the aegis of the
Airport Authority of India is in full swing at Pakyong which
will be ready by July 2012;
2. Foundation stone of the Rail link project from Sevoke to
Rangpo is already laid. The project is expected to be completed
by 2015 at the estimated cost of Rs. 3380 crores;
3. Double laning of the existing 31A National Highway on the
progress;
4. Construction of alternative route to Siliguri via Chalsa is
on the pipeline which will be taken up soon.
5. Construction of alternative Highway from Sevoke in West
Bengal to Gangtok and onward to Nathula post located at the
Sino-India border;
6. Expansion of State Highways and new roads within the State is
also being adequately covered under the PMGSY programme to
provide connectivity to remote settlements.
Hon’ble Speaker Sir
I end this section on a very positive note. As all the major
connectivity projects are on-going projects, we need some time
before we are fully connected with the Indian mainland with
uninterrupted communication links. I would call upon all the
officials in the State Government and all the central government
agencies to work collectively to see that the projects are
completed on time, for the benefit of the people and in the
larger interest of the security and safety of the border State
of the Country.
Media Development
Media fraternity in Sikkim has been an important arm of
democratic functioning. Through hardwork and sincerity of the
Press Members, the State Government has received regular
feedback, suggestions and other significant happenings. This has
put us in a better position to assess or re-assess the impact of
our programs in every sphere of activities. Having recognized
the vast contribution made by the Fourth Estate in furthering
the cause of democracy, I feel privileged to allocate a sum of
Rs. 50 lakhs for further development of media in the State
Hon’ble Speaker Sir
Having shared some of our new thought processes, I shall now
table, for the consideration of this august Assembly, the
highlights of the budget for the fiscal year 2010-2011. I
present a gross budget size of Rs. 4046.71 Crores comprising Rs.
1175.00 crores under Plan and Rs. 2306.90 Crores under the
Non-Plan account excluding recoveries. This budget represents an
increase of 13.80 % over the corresponding figures for the
preceding year. There has been a 12.44% enhancement in the Plan
budget allocation and an increase of 11.30% under the Non-plan
side over the previous year. The gross expenditure I propose in
this budget is Rs. 4046.71crores composed of Rs. 1715.05 under
the Plan account which includes funding from the NLCPR, NEC, CSS
as well as provision kept towards recoveries which will be
adjusted as reduction in expenditure subsequently.
While our revenue receipts have been recording steady progress,
the huge burden on account of committed liabilities is a matter
of serious concern. The impact of the pay revision with the
concomitant liabilities towards settlement of arrears will need
to be cushioned tactfully. These are unavoidable developments
which we have to manage with more stringent efforts being
addressed towards austerity measures and curtailment of non-plan
expenditure. The steps to be taken for administering fiscal
reforms as prescribed by the Government of India will need to be
complied with for bringing about discipline in the management of
the financial affairs of the State. Concerted efforts to narrow
the fiscal deficit and to liquidate the debt burden of the State
are areas which need to be addressed. The implementation of
fiscal reform measures particularly in the context of the
prescriptions under the framework of the Fiscal Reforms and
Budget Management scheme of things will need to be monitored and
an appropriate authority instituted for this purpose with the
mandate to not only oversee issues relating to curtailment of
non-plan expenditure but also in respect of matters pertaining
to revenue mobilization including debt management.
The revenue generation figure for the base year of the XI th
Plan (2006-07) was Rs. 344.93 Crores which now stands at Rs.
571.98 Crores representing a 65.82% increase. This performance
is attributed to our efforts made towards broadening the
tax-base as well as improving and revamping the revenue
collection drive. Apart from the significant contribution to our
State’s coffers from the hydel power projects which constitutes
52.67% of the State’s total non-tax revenue of Rs. 360.72 Crores,
we have also ventured into broad-basing the lottery operations
with the introduction of the on-line lotteries. These new
developments have yielded promising returns. Our earning from
the Lottery today is of the order of Rs. 60 Crores as compared
to Rs. 50 Crores in the initial year of the XIth Plan. Hon’ble
Speaker, Sir, I would also wish to apprise this august House
that Sikkim is the pioneering State in introducing on-land
casino operations. With the passage of the Sikkim Casino Games
(Control & Tax) Act of 2002, one Casino complex is already in
operation in Gangtok and a few more applications are under
consideration. This historic legislation had been conceived with
a view to attracting investors to develop five star category
hotels in the State.
In this budget, I have projected an expenditure of Rs. 8535.77
crores including Public Accounts against the projected gross
revenue receipt of Rs. 8535.42 Crores. An amount of Rs. 211.26
crores from tax- revenue sources and Rs. 1274.57Crores from
non-tax revenue sources compose the gross revenue receipts in
the budget. The budget being presented is inclusive of funding
under the dispensation of the NEC amounting to Rs. 101.00 Crores,
Rs.139.11Crores under Non-Lapsable Pool of Resources, Rs. 298.34
Crores under Centrally Sponsored Schemes and Rs.4515.42Crores
under Public Account. A provision of Rs.526.10 Crores has also
be made as earmarked allocation for schemes under the Additional
Central Package of Assistance.
Hon’ble Speaker Sir, I now present the scheme of revenue
receipts and expenditure envisaged in this budget for the fiscal
year 2010-2011.
(A) REVENUE RECEIPTS (RS. IN CRORES)
1. State’s Revenue Rs. 1485.83
(i)Tax Revenue Rs. 211.26
(ii)Non-Tax Revenue Rs. 1274.57
2. Grants-in-Aid Rs. 1598.96
3. State’s share of shareable Tax Rs. 500.36
4. Loans from other Institutions Rs. 385.12
5. Loans from Central Grant Rs. 4.04
6. Recoveries of Loans and Advances Rs. 0.83
7. Public Accounts Rs. 4560.28
8. Total Receipts Rs. 8535.42
(B) EXPENDITURE
1. State Annual Plan Rs.1175.00
2. Centrally Sponsored Scheme Rs. 298.34
3. Non-Plan Expenditure Rs. 2306.90
4. Non-Lapsable Pool of Central Resources Rs. 139.11
5. North Eastern Council Rs. 101.00
6. Public Accounts Rs. 4515.42
Total Disbursement Rs. 8535.77
( C) DEFICIT (-) Rs. 0.35
Opening Balance ( 2010-2011) (+) Rs. 123.32
Closing Balance ( 2010-2011) (+) Rs. 122.97
Hon’ble Speaker Sir
In every sphere of development, we have covered unprecedented
milestones. The development strategies we adopted and the means
we employed to achieve results are being recognized both within
and outside the Country. Having successfully provided all the
basic needs and requirement to the people, our next aim is
providing qualitative service and qualitative infrastructure to
our people.
1. In terms of hygiene and cleanliness, Sikkim is today the No.
1 State in the country having already received Nirmal Rajya
award from her Her Excellency, the President of India as the
total sanitation covered State.
2. In terms of rural connectivity, Sikkim is the No. 1 State in
the Country and the India Today Group has already recognized our
effort by giving us Bharat Nirman Awards in Rural Roads.
3. In terms of providing drinking water, we are again the No. 1
State in the Country with over 99 percent coverage.
4. In terms of rural electrification, we are again the No. 1
State in the Country wherein we have already earned national
recognition in the form of Bharat Nirman Awards in Rural
Electrification
5. In terms of Education, we have got national recognition a
number of times, the latest being the Best State in Education in
small state category instituted by the India Today Group
6. In terms of health services, we are the No. 1 State in the
Country with many national recognition coming our way including
the JRD TATA Memorial Award, 2008
7. In terms of environment management and protection, Sikkim has
already earned unique distinction both nationally and
internationally
8. In terms of social justice and empowerment, Sikkim again is
the No. 1 State in the Country for all the affirmative action
and share granted to all the deserving groups including the
women.
9. In terms of low figure poverty index, Sikkim is one of the
best States in the Country with higher amount of per capita
income than the national average. Our next target would be
improving the Per Capita Income of Sikkimese to Rs. 1 lakh
10. In terms of infrastructural assets, Sikkim has one of the
best facilities to make Sikkim the Conference capital of the
region. In addition to the existing assets, we are going to
initiative or complete construction, as the case may be, of host
of other infrastructural facilities within this financial year
like State Museum and Art Gallery, Habitat Centre, State
Library, Suchana Bhawan, Udhyog Bhawan and Paryatan Bhawan.
11. In terms of peace and tranquillity, Sikkim is the No. 1
State and the torchbearer for the entire nation.
Hon’ble Speaker Sir
Sikkim has today emerged as the best State in the country in all
the fields. Next, we will further accelerate the pace of our
development under the Mission mode to address quality aspects
with regard to all the infrastructure and public amenities
created in the State. We will continue to further develop the
status of our people into a more productive and proactive people
through imparting proper knowledge, skill and capacity and
transform Sikkim into the best State in all parameters
nationally and internationally. Our endeavour will be to
consolidate on all our achievements and translate them into
total happiness and well being of the people.
Sikkim is passing through a promising phase from dependency to
self-reliance both at the domain of physical and material needs.
The State’s own resources and economic potential must be
harnessed to judicious and sustainable use. I propose applying
stringent austerity measures to curtail avoidable government
expenditure at all levels. Therefore, I would like to call upon
all the government machinery to be more responsible and
contribute towards overall economic health of the State.
Hon’ble Speaker Sir
The Sikkim Democratic Front party has been elected to head the
Government for the record fourth consecutive term. With 19 seats
in 1994, the party secured increased public mandate in every
subsequent election. Today, the House is in full strength with
100 percent mandate gone in favour of the SDF party. This is the
highest forum to showcase your strength in a Democracy and any
right minded leaders having faith in the democratic system
should be able to honour public mandate and respect their
decision.
However, some of the people are out in the wild trying to
tarnish the good image of the State by blaming the State
Government. Let me ask them, have I ever failed in my duty to
discharge my assignment as a leader of the people? I am reminded
of Abraham Lincoln who once said,
“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a
man’s character, give him power”.
Respected fellow Sikkimese, you have given me the opportunity to
serve you for the last sixteen years as the Head of the
Government. Have I changed myself? You know that I have passed
that agni-pariksha through my sincerity, hard work and my
integrity. In any case, I need not explain to people opposed to
me the dialectic between becoming and being and I am not
interested in managing their decline in the political realm
either. I feel like a man more sinned against than sinning- born
of envy, jealousy and unfounded resentment.
Hon’ble Speaker Sir
The war was bound to happen- for the just cause. Arjuna argued
but finally gave way to Lord Krishna arguing in favour of
retrieving the right to rule from the unjust Kauravas. Drawing
quick reference to the epic Mahabharata, I want to say that I
have, for the interest of one and all, followed the principle
propounded by Arjuna to ‘fare forward’ and also to ‘fare well’,
bringing in absolute harmony between niti and the nyaya. I also
call upon all the people opposed to me to come out of the ‘state
of denial syndrome’. As required under the democratic system,
may we respect public mandate to accept the truth and shoulder
greater responsibility- both in words and deed. Under the
perfect environment of peace and harmony in Sikkim, we must
forge ahead collectively to provide better future for our
people. This is the very basis on which democracy thrives and
prospers.
Hon’ble Speaker Sir
With these words, I very heartily dedicate this budget of my
government to the great people of Sikkim.
Thank you
Jai Sikkim
Jai Bharat
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