Author: Nikita Mukhia

The first meeting organised with the officials of Horticulture Department, was attended by the Additional Chief Secretary-cum-Agriculture Production Commissioner Shri A.K.Yadav, Secretary Horticulture Department Shri M. T.Sherpa, CEO, Sikkim Organic Farming Development Agency (SOFDA) Dr. S. Anbalagan, Principal Director Shri Padam Subba, Director, Additional Directors, Scheme heads and senior officials.

The Minister took stock of detailed activities taken up by the department during the financial year 2020-21 and also outlined an Annual Action Plan for the financial year 2021-22. He also stressed upon time bound implementation of schemes, utilisation of allocated fund and execution of quality works at all levels. Further, the Minister directed the concerned scheme heads to work with renewed vigour and proactiveness and to keep regular monitoring on implementation of schemes, so as to ensure adequate benefits to the farmers. He also advised to give top most priority on quality works in terms of purchase of seeds, required resources and execution of works.

The meeting also thoroughly discussed on various schemes under Horticulture Mission for North Eastern and Himalayan States (HMNEHS) and National Bamboo Mission in the State of Sikkim.

Similarly, the Minister also convened a review meeting with the officials of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department( AS&VS). The meeting had the presence of the Secretary AH&VS Dr. Sangey D. Bhutia, Director B.M. Chettri, Additional Directors and Schemes heads of piggery, sheep, goatery, feed and fodder, poultry, dairy, veterinary services, statistics, accounts and senior officials.

The Minister reviewed on the activities taken up by the department in previous financial year and discussed on the public oriented programmes and Annual Action Plan for the financial year 2021-22.

He also instructed the concerned officials for proper utilisation of funds in carrying out various activities within stipulated time period. He also directed the officials to conduct field visit in order to monitor proper implementation of the schemes in the field. The Minister also stressed upon stock maintenance of medicines and required resources in Stockman Centres/Veterinary dispensaries. He further stressed on strengthening of dairy, piggery, poultry, goat farming and other allied sectors and also advised to conduct motivational programmes to encourage farmers towards livestock farming.

During the meetings, the officials thoroughly discussed various programmes and future course of action of the departments and also gave their invaluable inputs.

I was pleased to meet the recently elected councillors of Gangtok Municipal Corporation (GMC) and Nagar Panchayat at Samman Bhawan in the capital, today.

In my address, I stated my unavailability to personally extend my congratulations to the newly elected members due to prior commitments. Speaking on the recently concluded municipal election, our government had prioritised independent election, to provide an opportunity to all. I stated that they have won the election because of their ability and hard work. It was delightful to witness a comprehensive number of women representatives which was previously few and far between.

Addressing the recent surge in positive COVID-19 cases in the country and the state, I apprised the gathering that we were prepared in advance and had already procured every necessary equipment and medicines. We had also set up an oxygen plant in STNM, Sochyagang and will be starting the process for the second one in May 2021. The state government has also been extending support to Sikkimese people outside the state.

I stated that the Councillors and the Nagar panchayats are an integral part of the government mechanism and encouraged them to work as one. They have also been requested to submit a list of essential projects and works in their areas for allocation of funds in the upcoming budget session.

During the event, the councillors also put forth their experiences and grievances of the people in their respective areas. Issues like drainage, drinking water and traffic management were also mentioned.

I informed the gathering that, we will be starting the process of Governance at the doorstep, to provide basic facilities online or delivered to their home to expedite basic government facilities.

I extended my best wishes to all and assured them that our government will lend every possible support and asked them to approach me if required.