Gangtok, February 8: Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Saturday inaugurated the Hamro Gauley Bazar at Reshithang under the Upper Burtuk constituency, marking a significant step towards strengthening Sikkim’s rural economy. The inauguration was held in the presence of area MLA-cum-Advisor Kala Rai and other dignitaries.
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| Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang addresses the gathering during the inauguration of Hamro Gauley Bazar at Reshithang, Upper Burtuk, aimed at strengthening the rural economy through direct farmer-to-consumer trade. |
The multi-village, community-driven organic marketplace has been designed to enable farmers to sell their homegrown produce directly to consumers, eliminating middlemen and ensuring better returns for cultivators.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude to all contributors who facilitated the establishment of the Bazar without any government expenditure. He said the initiative was conceptualised to allow farmers to market agricultural produce straight from the fields and envisioned the Bazar as a future hub of rural economic activity. Emphasising the need to protect its core concept, he stressed the importance of verification mechanisms to ensure that stallholders possess agricultural land.
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The Chief Minister announced that a new township would be developed at Ranka by the Urban Development and Housing Department to decongest the capital. He also declared the relocation of Burtuk Degree Law College to Mangkhim, following which the Education Department would shift to the existing college premises. Highlighting the ripple effect of development, he said progress in one area positively impacts surrounding regions.
He further announced the development of a paragliding landing spot in Upper Burtuk, noting that the previous site had been allocated to Khelo India. On infrastructure, he informed that 24.67 kilometres of roads comprising eight roads had been sanctioned for Upper Burtuk and announced approval of a 450-kilometre road carpeting tender under the Roads and Bridges Department. The project will be executed in two phases, with the first covering National, State and District Highways, followed by feeder roads. He also announced the construction of a hands-on training institute for engineers.
Under the Forest Department’s Mero Rukh, Mero Santati initiative, passbooks were distributed to five child beneficiaries. Six shops each for Kabi-Lungchok and Upper Burtuk were allotted in Bulbulay, with scope for expansion, while clarifying that sub-letting would not be permitted.
Regarding operations of the Bazar, the Chief Minister advised that it function twice a week and reiterated that middlemen would not be allowed. He announced the construction of a truck stand and suggested organising departmental expos at the premises. He further directed the Tourism Department to include the Bazar among Gangtok’s tourist points to expose the rural economy to wider markets and provide visitors opportunities to experience local cuisine and arts. He concluded by emphasising the promotion and monetisation of rural lifestyles as a key priority.
In her address, Ms Kala Rai lauded the Chief Minister’s leadership and reiterated the vision of a “Sunaulo, Samriddha ani Samartha Sikkim.” She stressed that strengthening the rural economy through adequate platforms was essential for prosperity and highlighted the challenges faced by the farming sector. She informed that there would be no permanent stall ownership to ensure equitable participation and that the Bazar would also serve as a cultural platform showcasing cuisine, performances and artisan crafts. Envisioning it as a future tourist attraction, she said an eco-friendly park was under construction for recreational use, particularly for senior citizens. She also encouraged youth to take up entrepreneurship and informed that a dedicated website had been developed to enhance outreach.
Upon arrival, the Chief Minister interacted with farmers and stall participants, released a magazine titled Hamro Gauley Bazar outlining its concept and objectives, and attended a documentary screening highlighting its development and village participation. Stakeholders were felicitated for their contributions.
The programme also highlighted the Mero Rukh, Mero Santati initiative, under which 108 trees are planted to celebrate each newborn, along with the Sikkim Shishu Samriddhi Yojana, which deposits ₹10,800 in a child’s name, withdrawable at 18 years. The initiative was commended for its showcase at COP28 in Dubai in December 2023. The Mero Bato Mero Bot roadside plantation initiative was also appreciated. Eco-friendly stalls in Bulbulay and a bio-digester machine for waste management and organic farming were handed over to stakeholders.
Cultural performances included a Nepali dance by Soul Dance Academy, Reshithang, and a Khaijadi dance by participants from Thami Dara.
The event was attended by Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly M. N. Sherpa, Deputy Speaker Raj Kumari Thapa, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, Advisors, Chairpersons, Zilla Adakshyas and Up-Adakshyas, Panchayat representatives, Mayor of Gangtok Municipal Corporation N. B. Chettri, senior officials, SHGs and other stakeholders.
