Gangtok: Governor Om Prakash Mathur of Sikkim conducted an extensive tour of the Sang-Rabdang Subdivision within Gangtok District on Wednesday, engaging directly with local officials and assessing the implementation of key government initiatives. His engagements underscored a commitment to enhancing public service delivery and addressing pressing social issues.
At the Matam Block Administrative Centre (BAC), the Governor convened with officials from various departments, including Health, Rural Development, Agriculture, and Horticulture. Discussions centered on the practical execution of Central government schemes such as MGNREGA, Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojana, and Ujjwala Yojana, among others. Governor Mathur emphasized the pivotal role of grassroots officials in ensuring the success of these programmes, stressing that dedication and collaborative effort are essential for achieving developmental goals.
A significant portion of his address addressed the rising prevalence of suicides in Sikkim, prompting a call for collective community action. He advocated for the development of robust community support systems to combat mental health challenges and drug abuse, pledging Raj Bhavan’s support for initiatives aimed at fostering a healthier society. To enhance oversight of welfare schemes, he recommended the appointment of dedicated officers to monitor progress and submit monthly reports, urging officials to extend their roles beyond routine duties to serve as societal guides.
Furthering his commitment to environmental sustainability, Governor Mathur inaugurated the Beng-Phegyong Plastic Waste Management Unit, a pioneering facility under the Swachh Bharat Mission within the Martam BAC. He lauded the local authorities’ efforts in establishing the unit, highlighting its importance in safeguarding Sikkim’s ecological integrity.
The Governor’s itinerary also included a visit to the under-construction National Institute of Technology (NIT) campus at Khamdong, where he assessed the progress of the project, acknowledging its potential to elevate higher technical education in the state. At the Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI) in Makha, supported by the State Bank of India, he commended the skill development programmes, particularly those empowering women, and encouraged trainees to contribute to the “Vocal for Local” initiative, aligning with the “Viksit Bharat @2047” vision.
Concluding his tour, Governor Mathur inspected the ongoing construction of the 300-bed District Hospital at Chisopani, near Singtam, which adheres to Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) and National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS). The hospital is poised to significantly enhance healthcare accessibility for the district’s residents.
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