Northeast, August 19 – On Raksha Bandhan, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang addressed the state, emphasizing the festival’s deeper significance of unity, protection, and respect. Speaking at the State-Level Raksha Bandhan Festival, Tamang highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to support and empower women through various initiatives.
Tamang described Raksha Bandhan as a symbol of broader societal values beyond the traditional sibling bond. “Raksha Bandhan signifies unity, purity, love, protection, and responsibility. It is our duty as brothers to protect and respect our sisters, while they, in turn, safeguard us from evils and enemies,” he stated.
The Chief Minister acknowledged the challenges of violence against women, although Sikkim faces fewer incidents compared to other states. He reiterated the government’s dedication to combating such issues with proactive measures and stringent laws. “Since 2019, our vision has been to make Sikkim a safe place where everyone is treated equally. Our focus remains on early intervention and immediate punishment for offenders,” Tamang said.
Tamang also praised the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) government’s schemes designed to enhance women’s welfare. He highlighted the Aama Yojana, providing Rs 40,000 to mothers to aid with household and educational expenses, and the Aama Sahyog Yojana, offering Rs 4,400 annually for LPG refills to economically disadvantaged mothers.
Expressing gratitude to Sikkim’s women, Tamang acknowledged their crucial role in community progress. “Women have always been at the heart of our development. As we celebrate Raksha Bandhan, I seek their blessings to continue serving the people of Sikkim with dedication,” he said.
The Chief Minister also outlined plans to regularize jobs for women, including ASHA workers and ad hoc staff, and praised the reservation of 53% for women in Zila and Gram Panchayats. He announced future efforts to involve women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) as advisors and chairpersons in each district to further bolster their role in community development.
Tamang’s message was clear: unity, respect, and proactive support for women are essential for Sikkim’s progress. “Together, we can build a stronger, safer Sikkim where every woman has the opportunity to lead and thrive,” he concluded.
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