GANGTOK, August 6, 2024 – The Sikkim Assembly’s second day of the Budget Session 2024-25 marked a significant milestone in the state’s governance, blending solemn remembrance with progressive legislation. The session, held at the Assembly House in Gangtok, saw legislators paying tribute to departed political stalwarts while advancing key bills aimed at propelling Sikkim’s development.
Sikkim Assembly Budget Session 2024-25
The 32-member Sikkim Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Mingma Norbu Sherpa, commenced the Budget Session 2024-25 with heartfelt tributes to three recently deceased political luminaries who had profoundly shaped Sikkim’s political landscape:
Sonam Gyatso Bhutia (1958-2024): Champion of Grassroots Development
- Former MLA of Barfung Constituency
- Passed away on May 29, 2024, at STNM Hospital, Gangtok
- Born on April 3, 1958, in Pipaley Ward
- Career highlights:
- Served as Panchayat President
- Elected as Zilla Panchayat member
- Won MLA seat in 2009 Sikkim Assembly elections
- Recognized for his tireless efforts in:
- Local infrastructure development
- Improving educational facilities in rural Sikkim
- Enhancing healthcare access in underserved areas
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, addressing the Sikkim Budget Session 2024-25, lauded Bhutia’s legacy, stating, “His unwavering commitment to grassroots development set a benchmark for public service in Sikkim.”
Pahalman Subba (1934-2024): Sikkim’s Pioneering Parliamentarian
- Sikkim’s first elected Lok Sabha MP
- Died on June 26, 2024, at the age of 90
- Born on December 23, 1934, in Timberbong
- Notable achievements:
- Led the pro-Sikkim movement during a crucial period in the state’s history
- Staunch advocate for Limboo culture and linguistic preservation in Sikkim
- Literary contributions:
- “Yumasam Nu Palam” (1964) – A seminal work on Limboo traditions
- “Sikkim ka Limboo ani Limboo bhasha” (2005) – A comprehensive study on Limboo language and culture
During the Sikkim Budget Session 2024-25, the Chief Minister remarked, “Pahalman Subba’s transition from educator to political leader exemplifies the multifaceted talents that have shaped our state.”
Ram Chandra Poudyal (1945-2024): Architect of Sikkim’s Democratic Reforms
- Key figure in Sikkim’s democratic movement
- Found deceased on July 16, 2024, aged 80
- Born on March 29, 1945, in Chhota Singtam
- Political milestones:
- Founder of Jhulke Gham Party
- Instrumental in the landmark 1973 democratic reforms in Sikkim
- Served in various capacities in the Sikkim Assembly:
- Deputy Speaker
- Minister of Forest and Land Reforms
Chief Minister Tamang emphasized Poudyal’s role during the Budget Session 2024-25, noting, “His tireless advocacy for democratic reforms laid the foundation for modern Sikkim’s governance structure.”
Sikkim Assembly 2024: Shaping Sikkim’s Future
The Sikkim Assembly made significant strides in its legislative agenda during the Budget Session 2024-25, passing three pivotal bills:
1. Sikkim Court Fees and Stamps on Documents (Amendment) Bill, 2024
- Introduced by: Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang
- Key provisions:
- Streamlines court fee structure in Sikkim
- Updates stamp duty regulations for various documents
- Expected impact: Enhanced efficiency in judicial processes and document registration across Sikkim
2. Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2024
- Introduced by: Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang
- Core objectives:
- Strengthens regulatory framework for online gaming activities in Sikkim
- Addresses concerns related to responsible gaming and consumer protection
- Potential outcomes: Balanced growth of Sikkim’s online gaming sector while safeguarding public interests
3. Sikkim Registration of Tourist Trade Bill, 2024
- Introduced by: Tshering Thendup Bhutia, Minister-in-Charge of Tourism and Civil Aviation
- Primary aims:
- Establishes a comprehensive registration system for tourism businesses in Sikkim
- Sets quality standards for tourist accommodations and services
- Anticipated benefits: Boost to Sikkim’s tourism industry through improved regulation and service quality
Minister Bhutia commented during the Sikkim Budget Session 2024-25, “This bill is a cornerstone in our efforts to position Sikkim as a premier, sustainable tourism destination.”
Sikkim Budget Session 2024-25 Deliberations and Financial Matters
The Sikkim Budget Session 2024-25 also addressed critical financial aspects:
- In-depth discussions on the Governor’s address, focusing on Sikkim’s developmental priorities
- Debate on the Annual General Budget for 2024-25
- Budget vote scheduled for August 9, 2024
- Key allocations to be scrutinized for sectors like agriculture, education, and healthcare in Sikkim
- Passing of Demands for Excess Grants/Appropriation 2015-16
- Presented by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang
- Ensures financial compliance and addresses past budgetary overruns in Sikkim
Sikkim Assembly Budget Session 2024-25
The Sikkim Assembly observed a two-minute silence to honor the departed members before adjourning the Budget Session 2024-25 until August 7, 2024, at 11:00 am. This session exemplified Sikkim’s commitment to honoring its political heritage while advancing its legislative agenda for future growth.
Speaker Mingma Norbu Sherpa reflected on the day’s proceedings, stating, “Today’s session of the Sikkim Budget Session 2024-25 beautifully encapsulates Sikkim’s spirit – reverence for our past leaders and determination to forge ahead with progressive legislation.”
Sikkim Assembly Takeaways from Sikkim Budget Session 2024-25:
- Sikkim Assembly paid heartfelt tributes to three influential former members, acknowledging their diverse contributions to the state’s development
- Three significant bills passed, focusing on court fees, online gaming regulation, and tourism industry enhancement in Sikkim
- Critical budget discussions and financial matters addressed, setting the stage for Sikkim’s economic trajectory
- Next session of the Sikkim Assembly scheduled for August 7, 2024, promising continued focus on Sikkim’s developmental agenda
As Sikkim continues to navigate the complexities of governance and development, this legislative session stands as a testament to the state’s balanced approach – honoring its rich political legacy while actively shaping its future through thoughtful legislation and fiscal planning.
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