Gangtok, 09th February, 2021 (IPR): The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim Shri. Prem Singh Tamang launched the Free Gift Milk to Girl Students of Sikkim initiative of the State Government at Samman Bhawan, Gangtok. The Hon’ble Chief Minister was accompanied by Shri. L. N. Sharma, Minister AH&VS and IPR Department and Shri. M. N. Sherpa, Minister Power Department.
The program also had the presence of Shri. Tshering W. Lepcha, Addl. Pol. Secretary to HCM; Shri. L. P. Kafley, Chairman SICUN; Shri. Mangal Jit Rai Chairman NCDFI; Shri. S. B. Subba, Secretary, AH&VS; Shri. A. B. Rai, Secretary Cooperation Department; Shri. Meenesh Shah, Executive Director National Dairy Development Board; Shri. M. S. Sodhi, Executive Director, National Highway and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd., Officers, Staffs and Dignitaries.
The HCM in his address thanked the farming and dairy farming community for their services which has helped the state’s future to grow and become healthy. He mentioned that the state of Sikkim is a developing state hence the smallest contributions made by each and every one of the citizens from every walks of life contributes to the overall development. HCM mentioned that Dairy farming is essential in the state as ‘milk’ is an essential part of the daily diet of all, hence the initiatives of Sikkim Milk Union in collaboration with the NDDB and NHIDCL is worth appreciating as they are also contributing in the state building procedures.
HCM also spoke on the avenues and the endless possibilities of Farming in Sikkim and how it can lead to a secure future. He further mentioned as the PM of India Shri. Narendra Modi advocates ‘Aatma Nirbhar’, the state also has diligently followed his footsteps and the state in the arena of farming is progressing due to the recent initiatives given to the Dairy Farming community like the incentive of Rs. 8 per liter of milk produced by them on top of the standard price and similar incentives by the State Government to encourage agricultural practices in the Sikkim. HCM also encouraged the students of Sikkim to take part in the new revolution of being self-reliant for the state.
Lastly, the HCM applauded the initiative of launching for the Free Gift Milk to Girl Students of Sikkim which targets around 1500 students of Sikkim who would be provided 200ml of milk every day. He assured the students that every possible help in regards to their academics would be given by the State Government. He also thanked and applauded the efforts of Shri. Meenesh Shah (NDDB) and Shri. M. S. Sodhi (NHIDCL) in helping with the initiative of Sikkim Government.
Minister Sharma in his brief address thanked the HCM for his continuous support towards the Farming community in solving their problems. He also appreciated the efforts of the NDDB for their interest in Sikkim which would be beneficial for both the State and NDDB in the long run. He also mentioned that the Development through credit and other similar schemes are beneficial schemes which the farmers need to utilize. He also mentioned that the State Government’s Schemes are people oriented and made for their benefit. He also highlighted that after the launching of incentives to Dairy farmers by the HCM, the milk production rate has increased from 32000 liters to 50000 liters daily which is an achievement for Sikkim.
During the program the Board of Directors of Sikkim Cooperative Milk Producers Union Ltd. Handed over the Award for “Best State Milk Federation/ Union of India” won by Sikkim to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim.
Shri. S. B. Subba, Secretary AH&VS was also given the ‘Token of Gratitude’ for his services by the organizers.
The event was organised by the Sikkim Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union Limited sponsored by National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
