Prosperous and Cherished Democracy in Sikkim
SKM has its vision for bringing about change in the realm, social aspect, human relationships and community ecosystem and a method for evaluating and analyzing pressing issues, problems and programs for generations to come.
Dreams of a prosperous and cherished democracy in Sikkim was unfulfilled under the despotic and authoritarian regime of Pawn Kumar Chamling. Sikkim Krantikari Morcha is a revolutionary democratic socialist political party, which is committed to achieve the unfulfilled dreams of our forefathers for Sikkim. Sikkim Krantikari Morcha party’s main agenda is SDF- free Sikkim. However, SKM being a revolutionary democratic socialist party, it has its vision for bringing about change in the realm, social aspect, human relationships and community ecosystem and a method for evaluating and analyzing pressing issues, problems and programs for generations to come. Targeting the nitty-gritty of major genuine issues and problems of Sikkim state, Sikkim Krantikari Morcha party promises to stand by the following promises and policy statements, which are as under;
Government by the people, Power to the people
In democratic Sikkim, a few Maoist brutes took advantage of and channelized the prevailing environment of ignorance of the popular mass. Since 1994, Sikkim has been under the control of Maoist forces in the name of government by the bare footers and for the pro-poor. It is to know well by all Sikkimese that the hidden agenda of the Maoist forces-borrowed from foreign countries-was to capture power and to remain in power at any cost in Sikkim. Majority Sikkimese, who was really ignorant about different facets of political plots, were not aware of the Maoists’ conspiracy and propaganda. By late 1980s, the Maoists clandestinely weakened the strength of Sikkimese terribly by dividing the Nepali ethnic groups into two blocks- Aryan and Monoglian groups. Late Dharma Datta Sharma, who was once close to late N.B.Bhandari and known to be a courageous and prudent leader of Sikkim, was murdered by the Maoist forces tactfully. But, they blamed late Bhandari and exploited the family members of Late Sharma for their political plots. The Maoist forces once succeeded in capturing power in 1994, they murdered many persons those were against them. They consolidated power out of a desire to serve their own interest rather than to serve the state and common people.
As deification is very common in Communist/Maoist culture, the Maoist forces did everything to project Pawan Kumar Chamling as a savior of downtrodden proletariats upon whom all the powers rested. PK Chamling has assumed the power of undeclared crown and the popular mass are destined to be the loyal servants of the crown. The citizens of Sikkim are being trapped in tricks by him. Today, Chamling is king in the rule by people (janta raajma chamling raja).The popular mass became merely bare footers, but Chamling sleeps in with the imported tie and suits (janta bhaye khalikhuttey,chamling bhayetie-shootey).A vast majority became beggars, but Chamling the proprietor( janta bhaye jholey, chamling bhaye maaley).In the government by bare footers, Chamling is the contractor( khalikhutey sarkar, chamling sardar).Chamling is not what he appears; he is not what he says. He is just opposite what he appears and speaks of, Today, Sikkim has turned into a sorry state of affairs-made it a beautiful place of graveyard bones covered with plastic skin. Nobody feels good in the graveyard peace especially in the evening or at night; the popular mass is completely enslaved by PK Chamling. Sikkim Krantikari Morcha party opines that citizens of Sikkim are neither garbage dustbin nor the trashcan. They are not the slaves of Chamling (janta chamling ko das hoina); they are not the bag porters of politicians too (janta netakojhole hoina).Neither the citizens of Sikkim are someone wallet’s coins(janta gojima haalney khudra paisa hoina)nor someone pocket’s property(na janta kasaiko gojiko sampati ho).In a democratic set up, citizens are not the domesticated animals(jantapaltu jantu hoina)as Chamling has treated. Citizens of Sikkim should not be considered as parrot to be in cage; rather they should be valued as treasure-trove. Targeting on the mind of youths of Sikkim to lead the state, SKM party vows to emancipate the citizens of Sikkim from the captive cage or clutches of the Maoist forces. Though, with an army of pliable mass, it is not easy to bring about change in Sikkim, but we have left no choice at hand except to rise up against the despotic regime.SKM party strongly condemns the culture established by Chamling in Sikkim. We can’t accept the SDF culture of tyranny/oppression (julum sanskar), hero-worship (byaktipuja), glorification/idolatry (stutibaad,mahimabbad sanskar),deification(bhagawanbad sanskar),highfalutin policy (aadambari niti),mendicant politics (jogi rajniti),etc. Keeping the above facts in views,SKM party stands for the abolition of SDF party mendicant’s wallet politics, mendicant’s wallet development and storm of mendicant’s wallet. SKM party further takes a strong stand for abolition of theory of dangle (hanging down), rejection of chaff (khosela) culture,financial enticement or the bait theory of development, notion of enticement politics, enticement of colorful packaging and clever advertisement, etc. Many individuals are capable to lead to give the real taste of democracy in Sikkim.
SDF-Free Sikkim is the people judgment. With the strength mainly of the youths, SKM party promises to emancipate the enslaved popular mass from the obsessive behavior of Maoist forces and shall always stand for liberty, equality and fraternity in Sikkim.SKM party seeks to end Chamling broker’s rule and to end the peace of graveyard and to destroy mental slavery. We vow to fulfill the long cherished dreams of our common people, i.e., the rule by the people, power to the people in Sikkim. The 21st century is an era of the common man, and the politics of SKM party shall go beyond electoral democracy.
VIBRANT DEMOCRACY
In Sikkim, citizens’ representatives are usually elected on personal charisma, not for their expertise. The voters are a pliable mass; they can easily be influenced on offerings include money and by using muscle power and fear-psychosis-means of stealing votes by SDF party since 1994 . In fact, the voters do not know what their rights and privileges in democracy? In the age of 21st century, their perception about democracy is the Chief Minister, Ministers, MLAs and SDF party functionaries are supreme beings to whom they should for everything to sustain lives. In other way, the ruling Maoist forces have enslaved nearly all people so that they can easily win elections time and again and prolong their rule as much as they can. SKM party vows to educate the pliable and dependent mass about the importance of their greater participation in democracy. SKM party stands for establishing vibrant democracy in Sikkim.
ONE-MAN TO COLLECTIVE LEADERSHIP
From the time of merger with India in 1975 to date, Sikkim has witness usually of one- man leadership in regional political parties. SKM party believes that one-man hegemony is a great danger to cherished democracy. In such democratic frame work, the common citizens would never be benefited from the democratic dividends rather the person in power tends to consolidate all power in him. The power centralization by such person is consider to be the greatest loss in democracy.SKM party believes in collective leadership, this is the only way of benefiting the real democratic dividends to the common citizens. SKM party promises to end one-man leadership and established collective leadership once it comes to power.
ONE MAN, ONE POST; ONE PERSON, TWO TERMS
In the history of democratic Sikkim, citizens have witnessed the same person holding both the Party President and Chief Minister Post. The present Chief Minister also holds the Party President Post. He is supposed to be the Chief Minister for Sikkim and Sikkimese including those opposes him but it not so. He has been the Chief Minister for his party and his party cadres, but not for others. Holding the two post simultaneously under the present regime have paved the way for having the conflict of interest between elected officials and corporate parties and lobbyists. SKM party vows to end the one man holding two post and establishes one man, one post system. The president of SKM party shall not old the post of Chief Minister and vice versa. Further, SKM party opines that all Sikkimese youths and adults are eligible to be elected; the party shall not allow its candidates to hold the elected post for more than two terms. SKM parties promises to provide opportunities to all to be elected so that everybody gets chance to serve their mother Sikkim on rotation basis.
NOT TO RULE, BUT TO GOVERN
As per the oxford dictionary, to govern is to conduct the policy, action and affairas of (a state, organization, or people) with authority were as to rule means to have a powerful and restricting influence on. The `rule` carries hidden meaning of domination were as the same connotation dose not associate with `govern`. Governing is about responsibility for the public affairs; while rulling is what a rular does like king or dictator. Sikkim has witnessed the rule by one man for 25 years. Since its early days, The Chamling has only one vision to rule and fulfill his personal interest. The government through governance is supposed to take responsibility for public affairs like regular supply of potable water, construction and maintenance of good condition of roads, uninterrupted power supply, quality health services and education system, good sustenance of each family, surplus food and vegetable production, strong economy, production of productive population, effective and efficient administrative services, etc. government should have been the facilitator and monitoring agent over the democratic institution. However, the government by the Maoist PK Chamling as always imposed their preferred ideology on the mind of the common citizens in order to make them mentally slave, and bow their head before the supreme ruler of the state. SKM party vows to end the institution of rule by the Maoist forces establish the system of governance in a more democratic way. The government of SKM party shall act as a policy maker, facilitator and monitor democratic institution to make Sikkim a develop and prosperous state so that the citizens of state can meet their time; driven aspiration.
INDEPENDENT PANCHYATI RAJ INSTITUTION
Traditionally, panchyati raj (local self; governance), synonymously known to be as Gram Swaraj (village self; governance), is a system of local self; government in India. It is the form of decentralization of power in which village would be held responsible for its own affairs. At present, panchayati raj function as a system og governance wherein village (Gram) panchyats form the unit of local administration. Now a day’s gram panchyats receive funds from local body grants as recommended by Central Finance Commission and function for implementation of centrally sponsored schemes and funds allocated by the state government. In Sikkim, the panchayati raj institution was started in 1965 (with the enactment of Sikkim Darbar Act, 1965). The Sikkim Panchayati Act (1982) and the Sikkim Panchayat Raj Act (1993) provided two-tier system of governance. The state that `election not to be contested with the support of political party`. However, the government by SDF party conducted party-based panchyat election in October 1997 despite of protest by all others political parties. In fact, people of Sikkim were not in favor of holding party-based panchayat election, the Panchayat Raj institution started loosing its core values and principles. Today, SDF party supremo-cum-Maoist brute as made the panchayats as SDF party cadres in Sikkim; they are after looting funds forgetting the very essence of local self-governance. The rulling party based-panchayats have been working for their party supremo and doing monopoly at the grassroots levels while exercising their fundamental constitutional duties. It has lost its chasity.SKM party vows to end the party based-panchayati Raj system and establish independent panchayati raj institution for village level administration in Sikkim.
NON-ADHERENCE TO VIP CULTURE
In the government by the people, all persons are equal in the eyes of law. The rule by SDF party has made its coterie VVIPs and VIPs as many as possible on the huge expenses of public money in Sikkim. The sole purpose of these VVIPs and VIPs are to meet their personal interests and to act as agents of SDF party supremo. They have no real purpose and service to government and public as such. The VVIPs and VIPs culture has made a great loss on public fund that could be used for societal upliftment. Further, these persons have also confiscated the property, rights and privileges of the common citizens by influencing representatives and the recruited officials. Providing the pilot vehicle to the Council of Ministers with a minimum three number of cops has not only added additional burden on state exchequer, but it has also created traffic problems mainly in the state capital’s narrow roads. Furthermore, VIP culture is not restricted to the elected representatives but governments employees have been engaged to serve the VIPs include Secretaries, DIG and other senior officials. As per the rule of law, the bureaucrats and senior officials should manage their personal and household activities on their own expenses, but not on the government expenses by engaging government employees. All government employees have their own dignity of service in life; they should do their duty to Sikkim Government but not to the bureaucrats or senior officials. Anyone who engages government employees to serve the interest of bureaucrats and carry out their household activities at home is considered as VIP culture. SJKM party promises to end all such culture of VVIPs and VIPs in Sikkim. SKM party shall never adhere to VIP culture once it comes to govern the state.
END OF FLAG POLITICS
Flag of a political party attaches party’s philosophy to its supporters and the public at large excluding the national flag. The flag is supposed to be used by the party members voluntarily. Citizens shouldn’t be forced to use the political flag by any political party because voting is secret as per the Constitution of India. However, holding flag of a political party by citizens reflects their affiliation to political party which affects in choosing able candidates while exercising votes. On the other hand, doing this doesn’t make voting secret, which is against the Constitution of India. In Sikkim, when the SDF party captured power in 1994, Pawan Kumar Chamling dictated the ignorant, innocent and naïve people for holding SDF party flag at home. In the state where the total number of household doesn’t cross 1.6 lakhs(in the year 2018) with the voter size, on average, of 12,000, people have to undergo sever pain and agony of victimization and denial of constitutional rights by not holding the ruling party flag by citizens in their house. Recently, a new culture of using the photo of Pawan Kumar Chamling in SDF flag has emerged in the democratic state of Sikkim. What hidden message that SDF party wants to send to Sikkimese society and the nation as well? Is Chamling an undeclared King of democratic Sikkim? Never in the history of Sikkim, had not had even the king of Sikkim used his photo in Sikkim flag. Only the dictator does this kind of act. SKM party promises to end the flag politics to liberate the ignorant and innocent citizens of Sikkim and protect them from the tortures of Maoist forces. Only the political party office shall be allowed to hoist party flag.
UNITED SIKKIM: LIVING IN UNITY IN DIVERSITY
The Maoist forces led by Pawan Kumar Chamling came to power in 1994 by resorting to the communal ideology of Other Backward Class (OBC) and Non-Backward Class (NBC). As Sikkim has OBC population in majority, Maoist Chamling has continuously been exploited the popular mass votes of OBC population and few disgruntled NBC persons to be in the chair of the Chief Minister of Sikkim. Chamling’s one-man hegemony with dictatorial and communal ideology has undermined the very fabric of social and communal harmony in Sikkim. Today, the popular masses have realized the looming danger of such dictatorial and communal ideology of Chamling in creating the idea of Sikkim. The growing discontent against the very communal ideology propagated by Chamling has already begun among all sections of the Sikkimese society. Therefore, democratic unification of the citizens of Sikkim is urgently warranted to protect and prevent further damage and/or dilution of the sovereign rights enshrined in the Constitution of India. SKM party vows to reunite the fragmented societies to secure and safeguard the future of Sikkim. The party has taken a firm stand for living in unity in diversity.
SECURED SIKKIM: PROTECTION OF ARTICLE 371F
In the present political climate of Sikkim, the regime is dictatorial and oppressive that has undermined the fundamental rights of Sikkimese people as enshrined in the 8th May Triparties Agreement of 1973 and the non-obstante clause of Article 371F of the Constitution of India. The rate of influx is uncontrollably alarming which is a great threat to indigenous Sikkimese of Bhutia, Lepcha, Nepali, Limboo and Old Settlers from other parts of India and neighboring countries. If it continues to grow, the day is not too far away that the votes of non-Sikkimese will decide not only the fate of representatives for the unreserved Constituencies but also of the protected Constitutencies, such as, Dzongu(protected for the indigenous Lepcha tribe),Gnathang-Machong (BL reserved seat), Tashiding (BL reserved seat),Barfung(BL reserved seat), etc. The nexus between mega-corporate persons (non-voters) and the present dicttorial regime has greatly influenced on the decision of voters by pouring huge amounts of funds into election’s campaigns. The popular mass of Sikkim has become discontent towards the oppressive behavior of the present regime. SKM promises to protect Article 371 F at any cost and the rights and privileges of all ethnic Sikkimese shall be accorded based on the Article 371F.
PROTECTION OF OLD LAWS
In 1975, merger of Sikkim with the Republic India was a conditional merger based on 8th May 1973 tripartite agreement. The non-obstante clause of Article 371F of Constitution of India completely protects the laws in force before Sikkim merged with India. However, the present regime of the Maoist forces has repealed the old laws of Sikkim; for examples, Income Tax Manual, 1948 and Sikkim Registration of Companies Act, 1961and violated many old laws of as much as they could just to meet their personal interests. SKM party takes its strong stand for complete protection of all old laws.
EQUALITY: JUSTICE FOR ALL
To be truly democratic, the concept of equality affects the citizens’ lives. Equality means citizens are equal before the law without any discrimination on race, religion, gender, class and birth. After all, democracy implies commitments to equality because it preserves dignity of an individual. As no one is above the law, all humans should enjoy the same rights, resources, opportunities, privileges and protections in democracy. However, in Sikkim, the rule by the Maoist forces served to meet their vested interests by not adhering to the rule of law since 1994. Today, many forms of inequality exist in the graveyard peaceful Sikkim, some of the most prominent are; social inequality ( the ruling forces dictate social status, values and relationship), economic inequality( about 80% state capital is restricted to 0% people of the ruling elite), unequal opportunity (favoritism and nepotism to the kith and keens of the ruling elite), inequality inclination towards the ruling elites), inequality in outcome (rich is growing richer, and the poor is poorer), racial inequality( emergence of neo-feudalism in the ruling elites, inequality in act(legislation to serve the interests of the ruling elites and corporate) and political inequality ( existence of non-man rule and deprivation of rights to opposition political parties), etc. The common sense of SKM party is that the common citizens possess enough sense to govern them and fight for eradicating all social inequality and evils. With the support of common peoples’ sense, SKM party takes a strong stand to uphold the law of equality to all irrespective of caste, creed, class, birth and affiliation to political parties.
RESTORATION OF SIKKIMESE OF NEPALI AND TSHONG ORIGIN SEATS
Sikkimese of Nepali and Tshong ethnic groups had their separate and distinct origin of history and culture. Historical documents clearly show that Sikkimese of Tshong origin doesn’t belong to the Sikkimese of Nepali origin community. During the tenure of the first elected Government of Sikkim headed by late L.D. Kazi (1974-79), Sikkimese of Nepali and Tshong origin lost their reserved seats in 1979. After objections and suggestions raised by Hon’ble MPs (Anand Pathak from Darjeeling, West Bengal and Ngangom Mohendra from Inner Maniour, Manipur) while validating the reservation system in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly incorporated in the Representation of people(Amendment) Bill in 1980(8 of 1980) in the floor of Parliament, the then Law Minister, late Shiva Shanker, had said that “This Bill has a very limited purpose, namely to preserve the validity of the elections that have taken place when the Ordinance was in force, and I may straightway submit that if we do not enact this Bill, the difficulty will be with reference to the election that have already taken place……………..a Bill was introduced in May 1979, and on the same lines, because the Sixth Lok Sabha was dissolved, an Ordinance was issued, and under the Ordinance, the elections have been held. So, necessarily those elections have got to be saved……The suggestions that have been made can be considered for the future elections, but inasmuch the elections have already been held, I commend to the House the acceptance of this Bill as it stands. Otherwise, the elections themselves will be imperiled. It is a case of revising the reservations for the future that is a matter which can be taken cognizance of. The hopes and aspirations of the people can also be considered and a new policy evolved. No doubt, valuable suggestions with reference to reservations have been made by either side, but they can be considered at the appropriate stage, and since the purpose of this Bill is very limited, to preserve the validity of the elections already held under the Ordinance, I request that the House may kindly accept this Bill”. This is how Sikkimese of Nepali and Tshong origins had to bear the loss of their reserved seats. However, there lies ample scope and hope of revalidating the Representation of people (Amendment) Act, 1980 in the floor of parliament. Late N.B. Bhandari, the former Chief Minister of Sikkim, had said,” the merger conditions cannot be violated and Nepali and Tshong seats must be restored”. SKM party promises to restore the lost seats of Sikkimese of Nepali and Tshong origins in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly.
RESERVATION OF LIMBOO AND TAMANG SEATS
In the year 2002, Central Government recognized Sikkimese of Limboo and Tamang communities as the Scheduled Tribes. The incumbent assembly would be held in 2006, and in order not to grant the rights of Limboo and Tamang communities, Chamling cunningly formed a committee headed by Prof.A.C. Singha to prolong the matter in 2004. Later in 2006, a Commission was formed headed by Prof. Burman and directed it to submit the Report by 2008. The hidden intention of forming the Burman Commission was to deny reservation to Limboo and Tamang communities. As expected, the delimitation of constituency was held in 2006, Chamling deliberately denied the constitutional rights to Limboo and Tamang communities. Two elections were held in 2009 and 2014, but Limboo and Tamang communities did not enjoy their constitutional rights. The next 209 election is knocking at the door; Chamling is still doing politics that only prolong the genuine issue of granting reservation to Limboo and Tamang communities in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly. SKM party promises to provide the reservation to Limboo and Tamang communities within the ambit of Article 371F after coming to power in 2019.
INDIGENOUS TRIBE STATUS TO SIKKIMESE OF TSHONG ORIGIN
As the historical documents amply evidence that Sikkim was ruled by the Tshong (Limboo race) and Rong (Lepcha race) tribes before the dawn of Namgyal dynasty in 1642. The Tshong tribe is as old as Lepcha tribe in Sikkim. However, the Tshong tribe lost its primitive ethnic identity after losing the political battle with Namgyal rulers. It is unfortunate that the aboriginal Tshong tribe not only lost its kingdom, but also its ethnicity and their rights gone astray after Sikkim merged with India. SKM party opines that a great injustice has been done to Tshong tribe of Sikkim. The party promises to restore the lost ethnic identity of Tshong tribe and shall accord the status of primitive tribe to Tshong tribe at par with Lepcha tribe.
PRESERVATION OF BHUTIA-LEPCHA’S RIGHTS
Since the early days of Chamling’s politics, the rights of Bhutia and Lepcha provided by the Constitution of India have been challenged directly or indirectly both at the government level and by creating political outfits. In the name of proportionate representation to Sikkim Legislative Assembly, the ruling SDF party is constantly targeting the BL community to undermine their strength SKM party promises to preserve the rights and privileges of BL community in Sikkim.
RESERVATION RIGHTS TO SIKKIMESE OF NEPALI ORIGIN
Before Sikkim merged with India in 1975, the living conditions of Sikkimese of Khas Chettri-Bahun and Newar origins too were not different from, other Sikkimese who has been included in the Central OBCs list. However, the present regime has been doing vote bank politics and playing with the sentiments of these two communities. PK Chamling never showed his sincerity and seriousness in granting the Central OBCs to Sikimese of Khas Chettri-Bahun and Newar origins.SKM party promises to grant the Central OBCs to Khas Chettri –Bahun and Newar communities. Further, the left out Nepali community of Sikkim has been struggling to get the Scheduled Tribe status despite of having their distinct ethnic identity in India. This is due to the submission of wrong ethnographic report on these communities to the Central Government by Chamling. SKM party shall put all its efforts within the ambit of Article 371F grant the Scheduled Tribe status to the left out communities of Sikkimese of Nepali origin.
EQUAL STATUS TO THE SIKKIMESE OF SCHEDULED CASTES
Sikkimese of Schedule Caste category belongs to Sikkimese of Nepali origin. Socially, they have been neglected and denied enjoying many rights by none other than their own people. They have all equal rights to enjoy in life as other Sikkimese of Nepali origin have. SKM party promise to provide equal social status to them at par with other Sikkimese of Nepali origin within the ambit of Article 371F.
SIKKIM AND SIKKIMESE FIRST
Naturally, Sikkim is a beautiful region endowed with rich resources and peace loving citizens. In its 25 years of rule, Chamling has exploited the resources to fulfill their insatiable desire of making money. Today, the turbulent mighty Teesta and Rangit rivers hardly exist in the inner Himalayan part. Sikkim lost a substantial portion of its fertility agriculture land, forest resources, surface water bodies, water ecosystem and lots many faunal and plant species in the exchange of more than 25 mega Hydro-Power projects and 32 big Pharma Companies. Nobody knows the exact density of tunnels existed under the surface in the beautiful kingdom of the deity Mt. Kanchenjunga. Further, while tunneling, in the name of Hydro-power projects, how much quantity of mineral resources went outside Sikkim? In fact, Sikkim lost her chastity as she has continuously exploited by Chamling to amass money. Chamling has made Sikkim a full of hollow and desert land in the world and, in return, she gained nothing. Our motherland is at the mercy of Chamling and his goons from outside. The indigenous ethnic tribes too have lost rights and privileges over their own land.
Whenever, the poor and educated original Sikkimese aspired to serve his/her own state, the matter of austerity maintenance topped the issue to the incumbent ruler. But, the same rule of law didn’t apply to non- Sikkimese when they were recruited in the departments. For example, Mr. SC Gupta, the Additional Chief Secretary, recruited Mrs. Anita Gupta (his wife), Mr. Supratim Chaudhary, Mr. Sudhir Giri, etc. to the lucrative posts in different departments. Lifelong service extension after superannuation has been given mostly to non-Sikkimese and the lobbyists. Chamling used State Vigilance to torture Sikkim State Service Cadres, but the same weren’t applied to the All India Service Cadres- majority of them are highly corrupt compared to the State Cadres. The true fact is that Chamling has no concern for Sikkim and Sikkimese; he is after only doing business staying in the government. Protection of indigenous ethnic communities shall be the top priority for SKM party. The party vows to stand by Sikkim and Sikkimese first.
POWER DECENTRALIZATION
In the socialist democracy, decentralization of power should be the top priority of the government, not only limiting it to words but also in principle and actions. In Sikkim, power decentralization under the reign of SDF party has been just an eye wash in the public face. Not a single hair of Ministers, MLAs and bureaucrats moves without the breathe of Pawan Kumar Chamling. The portfolios to Ministers, MLAs, bureaucrats, etc. are being created just to engage them so that public sees Chamling is doing good work. However, the fact of the matter is that the elected representatives and recruited officials are to dance on the tune of Chamling. They have no purpose to serve the state and its people except to act as ‘yes men’ of Chamling and continue to keep him in power. Chamling trusts none and he never accorded independent power neither to his Council of Ministers and MLAs nor to any other incumbents. Chamling has made nearly all of them the partners in Percentage and commission of the public works. No rule of law existed in the rule by Maoist Chamling. All power is rested upon Chamling and the government functions at his mercy. Keeping all this view, SKM party promises to end the dictatorial regime and establish the truth democratic government. SKM party shall provide independent power and authority to all Council of Ministers, MLAs, bureaucrats, etc. The power decentralization shall be made from top to bottom at the ward level, Block level and Constituency in principle.
PROTECTION FROM CENTRAL DIRECT INCOME TAX
As the merger of sovereign Sikkim with India was a conditional merger, Government of India took a wise decision of exempting the holders of Sikkim Subject Certificate and Certificate of Identification having Volume No. and Serial No. from the Central Direct Income Tax. Further, Govt. of India has also planned to exempt the old business families who were settled during the Chogyal rule in Sikkim. Extension of GST shall be reviewed within the ambit of Article 371F in Sikkim. Further, Central Government is also debating on repealing its Income Tax Act to go for cashless banking system, which may bring injustice to Sikkimese if the said Act is repealed in future. Our government shall always protect the Sikkimese of Bhutia, Lepcha, Nepali and Tshong origins and the identified old business settlers from the Central Direct Income Tax and any such decision in future by the Central Government.
SUICIDE AND DRUGS ADDITION FREE SIKKIM
For the progressive civilization of human beings, discipline is the most important edifice to hold the society that prevents it from malpractices, disintegration and chaos. Simply acquiring material assets, Knowledge, talent and skill without principle and discipline is tantamount to wasting resources towards irresponsible breeding population. The strength of a society lies on how disciplined it is? A civilized society is, therefore, guided by principle, discipline, etiquettes, manners, value and independency. Only the civilized society can produce the responsible citizens, which in turn produce good and great leaders to state, nation and world. State and nation cannot progress without making the law abiding disciplined society. A society lacking the proper discipline only encourages the anti-social or unsocial activities, such as, violence, suicide, crimes, rape, drug abuses, etc. In its 25 years of rule by Chamling, he encouraged murder, violence, crime, fraud, propaganda, scandal, hypocrisy, fake, fear, mongering, deception, corruption, illegal human affairs, etc. in the peaceful state of Sikkim. The rate of suicides, school dropouts, drug abuse, missing of young boys and girls and other crimes has been continued to soar high day by day. Our society has lost the aged-old social, cultural and human values. Today’s society is completely chaos to young and coming generations. SKM party out rightly rejects the existing chaos created by Chamling and promises to rebuild a new disciplined and civilized society to produce responsible citizens and good to great leaders so that the dream of making healthy Sikkim can be achieved in near future.
QUALITY SERVICE
Quality in service has always been a critical factor for getting success in any public and private business affairs. Therefore, quality service and citizen satisfaction should become a primary goal in order not to deprive the citizens from their rights and privileges in a democratic citizen-centric government. However, under the rule by Chamling since 1994, Sikkim has witnessed very poor services in all the sectors. The elected government has inherently neglected to meet the basic needs and expectations of the citizens of Sikkim except to amass money by Chamling and his goons. For example, construction of houses has benefited more to Chamling and his forces than the poor beneficiaries. In fact, there are no services, at all, to improve the products and services in public health, education sector, electricity power supply, water supply in both urban and rural areas, public delivery and distribution system, extension service, social welfare and administrative service. It takes a long process-often hard-earned money goes waste and consumes day’s or months’ time-to get a simple document or certificate from the office of the authority concerned. The poor mass never received the quality food grains meant for them from the public delivery and distribution system. SKM party shall direct its efforts toward relieving the plight of citizens living in poverty. The party shall focus on the time-driven needs and expectations of the citizens of Sikkim. SKM party ensures to provide quality services and improve the products and services to the citizens of Sikkim.
EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT PUBLIC-CENTRIC ADMINISTRATION
In a democratic government, public administration as a democratic institution forms an important link between citizens and the government. The public administration must be built on organizational structures, processes and procedures that are effective, efficient, accountable, transparent and decentralized. The public administrators should be able to conduct legitimate elections and operate the administration of equality and justice as per the rule of law enshrined in our Constitution. The administrators should also be able to combat exclusion, protect public properties, and engage civil society, use private sector and other agencies to uphold sanctity of the Constitution. Effective and efficient public administration must promote and strengthen democracy and more governance. However, the present regime headed by Chamling has made the public administration as weak as possible in Sikkim. The public administrators are forced to meet the personal interest of Chamling and his forces, but not to serve the public at large. The democratic institutions lack complete transparency and accountability, and the concept of decentralization is limited to paper works only. There is no justice even at the local (Village Panchayat) and district level (Zilla Panchayat) administration. Partiality and favoritism are the means of delivering right and facilities to the citizens of Sikkim. Further, the red tapism (excessive redundant regulations to formal rules) implemented by Chamling regime has created a lot of problems especially to the underprivileged and poor grassroots. SKM party ensures to uphold the democratic institution (public administration) effective, efficient, accountable and transparent, and decentralization shall be done in principle to promote equality and justice to all. The party also promises to end the red-tapism in the administration.
PROSPEROUS SIKKIM: NO COMPROMISE IN QUALITY AND STANDARD
Construction of quality and standard infrastructures should become another important prioritized strategic area in a democratic government. Continued sustenance of substandard infrastructures and not being able to complete any work within the scheduled time frame is tantamount to no development at all. Sikkim, under the rule by Chamling for 25 years, is still struggling to have quality and standard facilities, works and infrastructures. Sikkim with its poor and substandard facilities and infrastructures can never become a prosperous state. Sikkim lacks basic improvements that led to the decrease of food development, quality works and the increase of poor infrastructures. Citizens of Sikkim are still living in poor quality of works and services. SKM party shall never compromise in quality and standard works, infrastructures and services in Sikkim. The party promises to create the best quality infrastructures and services so that Sikkim shall no longer become a poor state in India.
PRODUCTIVE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Conventionally, development is about increase of economic size that produces more products and services, which in turn allow humans to enjoy a higher standard of living. The modern concept of development is ‘ it is a process or approach that creates growth, progress, good changes or the addition of physical, economic, environmental, social and demographic components using scientific and technical knowledge to meet specific objectives or requirements’. The main purpose of development is to uplift the level of mental growth, quality of human life and to create or expand the income and employment opportunities without damaging existing resources of the environment. As per the World Bank, the latest/modern idea of development is sustainable development. It is the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to their own needs (World Commission on Environment and Development.1987) Sustainable development has emerged as the guiding principle in the context of long-term development. The main objective of sustainable development is to balance out economic, environmental and social needs protecting the existing prosperity for future generations. Each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals has specific targets to be achieved by 2030 involving action on all fronts government, business, civil society and people everywhere must play a major role in reaching the goals. In Sikkim, the rule by Chamling has destroyed nearly all resources (both natural and human resources) in the name of development. It is also a fact that development creates opportunities but never promotes corruption as has been done by the present regimes in Sikkim. The SDF regime has carried out the developmental activities at the cost of productive employees. Not a single development work has been turned out to be the productive and sustainable under the present regime. SKM party promises to bring about good changes in the concept of development that will be productive and sustainable development in action.
GLORIOUS ECONOMY
Cottage industry and agriculture and allied productions used to be a backbone of economy in Sikkim. Nearly, 80% population of Sikkim used to depend on small-scale cottage industry and agriculture and allied activities. Every member of the family used to be hard worker and productive. Not a single member of the family and household used to depend on government facilities during the erstwhile governments headed by late L.D. Kazi and late NB Bhandari. Nearly, all the citizens were economically independent individuals. After Maoist Chamling confiscated power in 1994, he deliberately destroyed the cottage industry, sustenance agricultural practices and production, and forced the poor rural people to depend on the facilities offered by him. The rural people left their agriculture and allied activities and ran after the propaganda designed by Chamling. Sikkim witnessed a great loss of all vital pillars of economic growth-lost productive employees, productive services, huge quantity of agri-and allied productive and other productive cultures that are required for becoming productive state. Chamling cut the strong hands that, in fact, would make progressive and prosperous Sikkim. The sustenance agricultural production in the past using indigenous crop varieties and cattle breeds used to serve twin purposes, i.e. feeding the hungry stomach and meeting the requirement of nutrition to the citizens of Sikkim. Scientifically, it is a proven fact that indigenous crop varieties and cattle breeds are not only the rich food, but also rich in nutrition. Today, all the citizens of Sikkim became the victim of Chamling’s propaganda and they are made to completely depend on outside supplies of poor grade food and vegetables. The citizens of Sikkim must reject the ideology of making dependable Sikkimese on outside supplies. SKM party promises to bring back the lost glory of rural economy so that Sikkim achieves the self-reliant statehood in future.
REJUVENATION OF DESOLATE (KANGAAL AGRICULTURE LAND) AND ANIMAL FARM
Without the support of facilities like today’s education, power supply, technology and accessibility of roads-our forefathers toiled all days and nights for many generations to develop fertile land not only in the smooth areas but also in the steep gorges or difficult terrains in the Himalayan. There was a culture that if the father had developed five numbers of fertile terraced farmlands, then his next generation would have definitely added at least two\three numbers of fertile terraced farmlands to increase agriculture production so that they could feed the increasing population. It feels very sad that, after Chamling confiscated power in 1994, Sikkim lost its valuable unpleasant odor of farmer’s sweats. Chamling-led SDF government destroyed nearly all the aged-old paddy fields and fertile land plots, surface water bodies and perennial water sources in the name of development. Chamling has converted many paddy fields and fertile lands plots into the massive concerts structure for no real benefits, at all, to Sikkim and her children. Children of the landowners who lost their paddy fields and fertile land for factories and companies will listen the story of their wealth and assets once existed under the massive concrete structures. Furthermore, today, a large chunk of potential agriculture land is transformed into either barren or fallow land due to the implementation of fraud Sikkim Organic Mission. Nothing has been done under Sikkim Organic Mission, all data and information under the component of Internal Certification System and Organic Certification are manipulated and fake. The agriculture productions figures are limited to file and documents only, while there exists approx. 5% agriculture productions and around 20-25% vegetable production in ground reality. Because of Sikkim Organic Mission, the once fertile agriculture land has become desolated (kaangaal –devoid of soil fertility) land. How will our future generations feed their children belly is a great concern for us today? SKM party promise for restoration of soil fertility and rejuvenation of desolate land and animal farm to feed nutritious food to increasing population of Sikkim and to provide food security to our future generations.
LAND OF KNOWLEDGE HUB
Sikkim is small in size with a total of 7096 km2 geographical area, out of which nearly 82% fall under the forested areas. The remaining 18% land is available for human settlements, agriculture, public and private business and development activities. At present, approx. 9% is available for agriculture purpose which is not sufficient to produce raw materials for commercial scale. In addition, as Sikkim has already lost its productive farmers and work force, only a limited number of farmers are doing agriculture for their sustenance. Again, establishment of industries has not benefited much to the local populace of Sikkim. The unemployment rate is soaring high which indicates that the present education system lacks quality education to produce able and qualified human resources. In this scenario, Sikkim must seek other options where it can excel to grow and develop. Education sector has high scopes and avenues in creating wealth and assets worldwide. Since Sikkim is naturally a blessed land with its forever peace loving people, rich natural resources, reservoir of talents and environmentally ideal place, investment in quality and standard education and service sectors can bring prosperity to the state. Promoting science, technology and innovation (STI) sector can play a great role for achieving inclusive growth not only in the region but also at the national level. Research and development (R&D) including medical sciences, engineering, architecture, designing, computer science, etc. are itself a big industry for overall growth and development for the state. SKM party promises to make Sikkim a land of knowledge hub by investing STI.
CORRUPTION FREE SIKKIM
Since the very early days, Chamling promoted corruption, nepotism and favoritism at all levels from a group of rogues to the top bureaucracy, minister offices and the Chief Minister office. When we looked to the development in the ground reality, we found that not a single development work has been done without an issue, controversy and corruption. Nearly, all the development works lack quality and standard or the cost of construction is multiple times high. Sikkim looks good and beautiful outwardly, but the dictatorial Chamling left it with skeleton without fleshy part. The corruption promoted by Chamling has made our grassroots poorer and economically weak. Reality is that they have been restricted to live on for daily bread and butter. To limit our grassroots to hand –to-mouth life has been the draconian strategy of Maoist Chamling to be in power for eternity. SKM party vows to end the corruption at any form I n Sikkim.
UNEMPLOYEMENT-FREE SIKKIM
In a democratic government, unemployment rate is one of the indicators of its performance. High unemployment rate means the government has failed to perform. Since the socialist democratic government is in power as has been claimed by Maoist Chamling is one of the best forms of governance, it is supposed to keep the unemployment rate of 3% to 4% in Sikkim. However, as per the national survey statistics, Sikkim has been occupying the top rank in unemployment @20% in the country. Sikkim with the highest rate of unemployment clearly shows that the present dictatorial regime of chamling has completely failed to perform despite of its tall claim of good governance. SKM party promises to reduce the unemployment rate @2-3% in the state. The party shall work tirelessly to make Sikkim unemployment free state India.
INDEPENDENT MEDIA
In a democratic government, media is considered to be the fourth pillar of democracy. The media play a very vital role in upholding the democratic values and principles. Democracy without the presence of strong and vigilant media becomes like a lamb to the slaughter. However, Chamling from his early days has made media as his private property. Sikkim lacks the presence of strong media; no nation media are allowed to set up by chamling. All the TV news channel are private property of chamling. The local newspaper have to survive at the mercy of chamling. What not coward chamling dose to keep him safe and secure in life? SKM party promise to keep all media independent and shall allow the national media to operate their units in Sikkim.
SKM PARTY’S PLANS & PROGRAMS
We, all citizens of Sikkim, had a great hope in 1994 : but we has a lot of anxiety and disappointment today ! The future that was once so bright is now full of uncertainty and dark .the very idea of making Sikkim was betrayed by Maoist PK Chamling .We want to see different Sikkim –Sikkim of hopes, aspirants , full of scopes and opportunities ,and a place of to live worthy life. We want to see sikkimese of all walks of life to work for better governance .Our revolution is shaped by the radical ideas of enlightenment. We consider that will of indigenous citizen including Sikkimese Bapaari shall be supreme .Sikkimese including sikkimese bepaari shall be treated equal : they shall govern and serve their mother Sikkim .our all policies and programs of action shall be based on the key principles that Sikkimese shall govern to make their state as they want to see and secure generations .The SKM party , have envisaged the many salient policies , plans and programs for making New Sikkim.