Gangtok, February 8 (IPR):
Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang inaugurated the ‘Hamro Gauley Bazar’ today at Reshithang under Upper Burtuk constituency in the presence of area MLA-cum-Advisor Ms Kala Rai. The multi-village, community-driven organic marketplace enables farmers to sell their homegrown produce directly to customers.
In his keynote address, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude to contributors who facilitated the establishment of the Bazar without government expenditure. He said the Bazar has been conceptualized to allow farmers to market agricultural produce directly from the fields. He emphasized the vision of developing it into a hub of rural economic activity and stressed the need for verification mechanisms to ensure stall holders possess agricultural land, safeguarding the concept of the Bazar.
The Chief Minister announced that a new township would be developed at Ranka by the Urban Development and Housing Department to decongest the capital. He further announced relocation of Burtuk Degree Law College to Mangkhim, after which the Education Department will shift to the existing college premises. Highlighting the impact of development, he said progress in one area uplifts surrounding regions. He also announced development of a paragliding landing spot in Upper Burtuk as the previous site has been allocated to Khelo India.
On infrastructure, he informed that 24.67 kilometres of roads comprising eight roads have been sanctioned for Upper Burtuk and announced approval of a 450-kilometre road carpeting tender under the Roads and Bridges Department. The first phase will cover National, State and District Highways followed by feeder roads in the second phase. He also announced construction of a hands-on training institute for engineers.
Under the Forest Department’s “Mero Rukh, Mero Santati” initiative, passbooks were distributed to five child beneficiaries. Six shops each for Kabi-Lungchok and Upper Burtuk were allotted in Bulbulay with scope for expansion while clarifying that sub-letting would not be permitted.
Regarding operations, the Chief Minister advised that the Bazar function twice weekly and reiterated that middlemen would not be allowed. He announced construction of a truck stand and suggested departmental expos be organised at the premises. He further directed the Tourism Department to include the Bazar among the capital’s tourist points to expose the rural economy to outside markets and provide visitors opportunities to experience local cuisine and arts. He concluded by emphasizing promotion and monetisation of rural lifestyles as a priority.
In her address, Ms Kala Rai expressed appreciation for the Chief Minister’s leadership and reiterated the vision of a “Sunaulo, Samriddha ani Samartha Sikkim”. She said strengthening the rural economy through adequate platforms is essential for achieving prosperity and highlighted the struggles of the farming sector. She informed that there would be no permanent stall ownership to ensure equitable participation and that the Bazar would also function as a cultural platform for cuisine, performances and artisan crafts. Envisioning it as a future tourist attraction, she stated that an eco-friendly park is under construction for recreational use, particularly for senior citizens. She encouraged youth to pursue entrepreneurship and informed that a dedicated website has been developed to enhance outreach and accessibility.
Upon arrival, the Chief Minister interacted with stall participants and farmers. He released a magazine titled Hamro Gauley Bazar outlining its concept and objectives and attended screening of a documentary showcasing its development and participation of villages. Stakeholders were felicitated for their contributions.
The programme highlighted the “Mero Rukh, Mero Santati” initiative under which 108 trees are planted to celebrate each newborn while the Sikkim Shishu Samriddhi Yojana deposits ₹10,800 in the child’s name withdrawable at 18 years. Passbooks were distributed and the initiative commended for its showcase at COP28 in Dubai in December 2023. The “Mero Bato Mero Bot” initiative for roadside plantation was also appreciated. Eco-friendly stalls in Bulbulay and a bio-digester machine for waste management and organic farming were handed over to stakeholders.
Cultural performances featured a Nepali dance by Soul Dance Academy Reshithang and a Khaijadi dance by participants from Thami Dara.
The programme was attended by Speaker Sikkim Legislative Assembly Mr M N Sherpa, Deputy Speaker Ms Raj Kumari Thapa, Cabinet Ministers, Members of the Legislative Assembly, Advisors, Chairpersons, Zilla Adakshyas and Up-Adakshyas, Panchayats, Mayor Gangtok Municipal Corporation Mr N B Chettri, Additional Chief Secretary Tourism Department Mr C S Rao, PCCF-cum-Principal Secretary Forest Department Mr Pradeep Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr S D Dhakal, District Magistrate Gangtok Mr Tushar Nikhare, Officers on Special Duty, Heads of Departments, senior officers, SHGs and stakeholders.