'4^ r\ 'IB*', •^>^4 cna^fo djofQ ai/j; 7v CONTENTS •T Part 1: STATUS Part 2 : GOVERNANCE 15-38 (Regional, National and International Status) 5. People's Democracy 17 1. Member of NE Council 6. AssistingPeopleEffectively 19 f. •* " - •' 2. National Awards and Honours 7. Rural People ForRmal 23 Progress 3. Conference Venue 4. Distinguished Visitors 8. People Friendly Administration 9. Planning for People 10. Forging Partnerships for Progress 11. Strict Financial Discipline 35 L. Part 3 : ECONOMY 39-72 Part 4 : SOCIETY 73-102 12. Economic Prosperity 41 . 19. Education 77 13. Agriculture 45 20. Health and Sports 83 90 14. Industry 49 21. Women Empowerment 55 22. Cultural and Intellectual 92 15. Environment "11, 16. Infrastructure 59 Climb • luh.' - ... " • 65 23. Social Emancipation 98 17. Tourism .. If-..'. •'..•".A'' 71 ^ 24. Media 100 18. Information Technology at j' Grassroots Level •v. *Tr^ i PfUlHT'tVf'lV Foreword The Sikkim Democratic Front Government came into E power on 12 December 1994 against a vitiated I: backdrop of throttled democracy, sliding economic performance, deterioratinglaw and order situation, an inefficient governance and ineffective public delivery system. It was a deadly confluence where Chief Minister ofSikkim pessimism, discontentment and disgust writ large in every hearth and home in Sikkim. Fear was the key everywhere. Peoplewanted tobe freefromsuffocative, unproductive anddreadedsystem imposed bythethen autocratic political party led Government. Sikkimese people wanted change and a forward movement to a progressive, healthy andproductive system. Therefore, theyreposedunflinching faith andabiding confidence on the SDF party. As the Head of the SDFParty and the Government, I knew the formidable challenges that lay ahead and the rugged terrains we would be treading in our iV, political journey. What we did not lack were firm conviction, abiding faith on democratic institutions and practices and immense public confidence on the ability ofours todeliver goods. This indeed hasbeen our innermost strength that has enabled us to climb from peak to peak. Today, our people have a huge galore of success stories to narrate to others both within and outside the vast expanse of our motherland. At the same time we on the helm of affairs have learnt both complexities and virtues of good governance. This documeiit is a simple attempt to put together someof the majorachievements myGovernment has been able to make in the last nine years. This indicates as how we have assiduously made progress in diverse areas from societal progress, environmental conservation, economic development to the ultimate goal of human and national security. One can feel, see and assess the light and happiness, satisfaction and enthusiasmand flashes ofcommitment to do more you only as we beheve in "Janata rajma,janatai raja" Preface in every valley and village of Sikkim today. Both (in popular regime, people reign supreme). Wewould physical and emotional integration with the national never be complacent to your needs and indifferent to other individuals and agenciesforproviding data and b your sensitivities. Together we have to attain the mainstream have now established firm roots. Isn't Sikkim is one of the most beautiful States of India information that were required for publishing this hi everySikkimese proud today to mention that we are in insurmountable goal of Dhanadya Bharat bhitra Sukhi with its unique culture and natural landscape. document. A word of thanks to the Director and Stafff1 the forefront of many socio-economic, environmental Sikkim (prosperous Sikkim in affluent India). Nestled in the Himalayas with exceptional natural members of my Department and ShriBhawani Rai ,, and governance indicators in the coimtry of 28States beauty and rich wealth of Alpine Meadows, Public Relations Officer in the ChiefMinister's Office, and 7 Union Territories dotted by one bilhon people ? Jai Bharat and Jai Sikkim Rliododendrons, exotic orchids, colourful butterflies for theirsupport and hard workin the preparation of fi We started late yet we are ahead in the race of and birds, Sikkim has outpaced many other States in this document. conservation, development and competitiveness. social and economic development. It has also set the standards for the entire region by pursuing 0 r arm is to trairsform the entire Sikkimese society development without compromising on its natural into a conscious, well informed, robust and capable environment, tradition, culture and way of life. The entity.Ourhallmark is competitiveness and efficiency objective is to achieve eco-friendly sustainable with a solid emphasis on respect for and conservation (Pawan Chamling) development based on State'sstrength. Vijay Bhushan Pathak, IAS of our rich traditional heritage. We want all the July 1, 2003 Secretary, Si-^kimese people to live a full life with freedom, Peace and tranquility, excellent rural infrastructure, Information and Public Relation Department dignity, self respect and righteousness. Wewant each self-sufficiency in power, green and clean Govemment ofSikkim Sikkimese to be a proud and valuable citizen of the environment, investment and environment friendly Gangtok country so that each of them can make significant imageand synergybetweenGovernment initiatives contribution to the nation building process. and Community participation aretheUSPs onwhich Sikkim's development strategy is based. The We have strongly emphasized in setting up Government has kick-started an infrastructure institutions in all spheres of activities so that the development drive. Sikkim isalso fast emerging asa generational links are further strengthened. There are popular tourism destination. Efforts are on to several examples mentioned in this document to this consolidate the gains made bythe state and to ensure effect. Our strength is the constant and irreplaceable that it is not frittered away. Sikkim has thus reached support and faith of the grass root people. Our the 'take-off stage. driving force is our toiling workers, committed employees, enhghtened civil society and a supportive In order to document the progress made in various Union Government. sectors. The Book "The Glory ofNew Sikkim" is an effort by the Department of Information and Public 1 must put in record my deep sense of appreciation Relations to put meaningful communication on behalf to thp Department of Information and Public of Sikkim, which would meet a variety of Rivatioris for bringing out this publication. I am sure communication needs ranging from public this document will be disseminated widely for people information, tourist promotion to research and to know what the Government that they have voted archival work. Itissincerely hoped that this document to power full nine years ago have done for them. ;will adequately showcase Sikkim to the people within ; and outside the State. IonceappealtoalltheSikkimese tc. workwithrenewed •igour, outward looking attitude and unflattered sense The IPR Department expresses its sincere gratitude of dedication. My Government is there for you and to all the Departments in the State Government and and enthusiasmand flashes ofcommitment to do more you only as we beheve in "Janata rajma,janatai raja" Preface in every valley and village of Sikkim today. Both (in popular regime, people reign supreme). Wewould physical and emotional integration with the national never be complacent to your needs and indifferent to other individuals and agenciesforproviding data and b your sensitivities. Together we have to attain the mainstream have now established firm roots. Isn't Sikkim is one of the most beautiful States of India information that were required for publishing this hi everySikkimese proud today to mention that we are in insurmountable goal of Dhanadya Bharat bhitra Sukhi with its unique culture and natural landscape. document. A word of thanks to the Director and Stafff1 the forefront of many socio-economic, environmental Sikkim (prosperous Sikkim in affluent India). Nestled in the Himalayas with exceptional natural members of my Department and ShriBhawani Rai ,, and governance indicators in the coimtry of 28States beauty and rich wealth of Alpine Meadows, Public Relations Officer in the ChiefMinister's Office, and 7 Union Territories dotted by one bilhon people ? Jai Bharat and Jai Sikkim Rliododendrons, exotic orchids, colourful butterflies for theirsupport and hard workin the preparation of fi We started late yet we are ahead in the race of and birds, Sikkim has outpaced many other States in this document. conservation, development and competitiveness. social and economic development. It has also set the standards for the entire region by pursuing 0 r arm is to trairsform the entire Sikkimese society development without compromising on its natural into a conscious, well informed, robust and capable environment, tradition, culture and way of life. The entity.Ourhallmark is competitiveness and efficiency objective is to achieve eco-friendly sustainable with a solid emphasis on respect for and conservation (Pawan Chamling) development based on State'sstrength. Vijay Bhushan Pathak, IAS of our rich traditional heritage. We want all the July 1, 2003 Secretary, Si-^kimese people to live a full life with freedom, Peace and tranquility, excellent rural infrastructure, Information and Public Relation Department dignity, self respect and righteousness. Wewant each self-sufficiency in power, green and clean Govemment ofSikkim Sikkimese to be a proud and valuable citizen of the environment,