Sikkim cabinet's first meeting: Key decisions on relief, fiscal policies, 4 per cent increase in DA

Sikkim Cabinet’s First Meeting: Key Decisions and Tributes

By MyNewsNE Desk On Jun 11, 2024 Last updated Jun 11, 2024

Northeast Desk, 11th June: Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang announced that the first cabinet meeting was held at the secretariat following the swearing-in ceremony.

The meeting began with a solemn two-minute silence in honor of the victims of the recent landslide in Majhua village, Yangang, Namchi District.

The cabinet made several crucial decisions:

Ex-Gratia Payments and Housing for Landslide Victims: The cabinet decided to grant ex-gratia payments according to SDRF norms and to construct a house for each affected family under the SGAY scheme. The cabinet commended the swift response from departments, local administration, NGOs, and individuals involved in recovery, evacuation, and relief efforts.
Pro-tem Speaker Appointment and Assembly Session: The cabinet recommended the appointment of MLA Sanjeet Kharel as the Pro-tem Speaker by the Governor of Sikkim. The 1st Assembly session will commence on June 12, 2024, for administering the oath to Members of the Legislative Assembly and the election of the Speaker.
Increase in Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief: The cabinet approved a 4% increase in the Dearness Allowance for government employees and the Dearness Relief for pensioners, raising it from 42% to 46%, effective from July 1, 2023, as per the 7th CPC recommendations. This increase will have a fiscal impact of ₹174.6 crore in the current financial year.
Revenue Collection Review: Relevant departments were directed to conduct a comprehensive review of the state’s Own Tax and Non-Tax Revenue collection.
Celebration of Sikkim Statehood: The cabinet recommended a grand celebration of the 50th year of Sikkim Statehood and directed the Home Department to prepare and meticulously execute a calendar of activities for the celebration.
Improvement in Education Department: The cabinet decided to improve the functioning of the Education Department by subdividing it into two sections: School Education, and Higher Education, Technical and Medical Education. Each section will be headed by a Secretary under the overall charge of the Additional Chief Secretary.

The meeting concluded with expressions of gratitude to the people of Sikkim for their dedication and support, resulting in the highest voting turnout percentage in the country.