Innovation in Tourism, New Careers for Youth Top Chamling’s Agenda: PD Rai

PRESS RELEASE

Press Secretary

Office of PD Rai, Lok Sabha MP for Sikkim

SDF’s 5th term in Government will see new career paths getting created for the youth and remarkable innovation in tourism, says PD Rai commenting on the Governor’s address that spelt out the priorities of the Pawan Chamling-led administration.

Statement:

As the Governor said today, connecting Organic Mission with Eco-Tourism adds a new dimension of innovation to Sikkim’s Tourism strategy. Tourists, especially those who visit our home-stays, will not only enjoy Sikkim’s remarkable beauty but also get a chance to taste our organic produce. I’m sure that when they return home, they’ll tell their friends and family about it. This will give a fillip to both Sikkim’s Organic Brand and it’s Tourism.

This is the logical next step to promote the Chamling-led Government’s two great achievements - organic farming and eco-tourism - especially after the unprecedented endorsement by PM Narendra Modi. PM Modi had hailed Sikkim as a model for the entire north-east saying, "If a small state like Sikkim can do it, why can’t we dream of developing the whole of our north-east as an organic state? The Government of India will help it in capturing the global market."

The fact that the Center is eager to develop low-cost airports and promote connectivity to smaller towns means that Sikkim will be one of the first beneficiaries. The Governor’s address also pointed out that a fast, time-bound, and well monitored program for execution of National Highways will end the stagnancy of the past. This is a clear indication of this Government’s resolve to accelerate road construction and solve connectivity issues in this term.

Better connectivity will boost the upcoming flagship tourism projects that the Governor pointed out in his address: Development of the Buddhist Tourism Circuit, Statue of Ban Jhakri at Jhakri Dunga, Skywalk at Bhaley Dhunga, Development of Phamdong Waterfall along with a Ropeway, and the Water Park and Picnic Spot at Sumin Lingzey and Sikkip.

Another thing that stands out is the focus on creating new career paths for the youth within the Skill, Scale and Speed framework. Eco-Friendly Industrialization, Eco-Tourism linked to Organic Farming, and new Hospitality Infrastructure, all supported with Skill Development and Capacity Building will create several new avenues for our youth. High-Priority placed on Information Technology Education will also help create knowledge-based jobs.

The Government’s plans to setup academies in the fields of Archery, Taekwondo, Karate, Boxing and Wushu will lift the morale of Sikkim’s sportspersons engaged in these sports and give them the platform they need to participate in national and international tournaments.

There is now a renewed confidence that with a new Govt. at the center which believes in ‘Cooperative Federalism’, we will see a resolution of our long pending demands of seat reservation for Limboo-Tamang communities, ST status for all left-out communities, Tribal Status for the whole of Sikkim and brining HH 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Ugen Trinley Dorjee to take his seat at Rumtek Monastery.