Speaking before a large audience on February 27, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at recognizing and empowering the youth of Sikkim for their devotion to caring for their aging parents. Emphasizing the transformative potential of technology in the modern era, CM Tamang underscored the challenges faced by families amidst the fast-paced nature of contemporary life, advocating for a return to traditional values of familial care and solidarity. Through the newly introduced ‘Shravan Kumar Purashkar’, deserving youths from every gram panchayat in Sikkim will be honored for their steadfast commitment to tending to their elderly parents. Commencing annually on August 15th, this initiative will award recipients with a substantial sum of Rs 1 lakh from the Sikkim government, specifically aimed at supporting economically disadvantaged families.
Additionally, CM Tamang announced the ‘Inspire Program’, a collaborative effort with the World Bank aimed at strengthening self-help groups in the region. With a sanctioned budget of Rs 900 crore, this program seeks to provide avenues for skill development and employment, exemplified by the recent placement of 28 nurses in Germany, a feat set to be celebrated on February 29th. Demonstrating a holistic approach to social welfare, the Sikkim government, under the leadership of CM Tamang, has prioritized schemes benefiting mothers and sisters throughout the state. From the ‘Sishu Samriddhi Yojana’ at the birth of a girl child to the ‘Aama Yojana’ for women over 40 and ‘Old Age Pension’ for those above 60, a robust framework of support has been established.
Shifting focus to the burgeoning tourism sector, CM Tamang highlighted the recent accolade bestowed upon Kitam village, recognized as the best tourism village among 729 villages in India. With plans to further enhance tourism through homestay projects, an investment of 48 lakhs has been allocated for the development of homestays in traditional Nepali style, poised to stimulate the local economy and showcase Sikkim’s rich cultural heritage to the world.
