Celebration of State Civil Services Day in Sikkim

Gangtok, April 21 (NationPress) The State Civil Services Day, organized by the Department of Personnel (DoP), was celebrated at the Chintan Bhawan with the unveiling of the State Civil Service magazine named 'Sikkim Civil Service Chronicle' on Monday, as reported by officials.

Present as the chief guest was the State Agriculture Minister Puran Kumar Gurung.

He remarked that the government offers guidance, while civil servants form the backbone of the administration.

He urged officials to maintain fairness, adhere to the law, and act with precision.

Expressing his concern regarding substance abuse in Sikkim, the Minister called for collaborative departmental efforts focused on awareness, monitoring, and support.

He also instructed officials to ensure strict attendance and encouraged them to assist the public and guide unemployed youth towards suitable opportunities.

He expressed gratitude towards Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang for his leadership and vision in bolstering Sikkim's future through clear policies and programs.

The State Chief Secretary R. Telang, in his address, underscored the duty of civil service officers in guaranteeing efficient and accountable governance.

He observed that officers must effectively respond to the changing expectations of the public, especially in the digital era, and incorporate technology to enhance service delivery.

He reminded officers to prioritize public welfare over personal accolades and to remain solution-oriented and proactive.

He emphasized the necessity of addressing the underlying causes of challenges to implement sustainable reforms.

State Forest and Environment Department Secretary Pradeep Kumar introduced the 'Mero Rukh Mero Santati' initiative.

He explained that the initiative is founded on core principles such as emotional bonding, spiritual connection, celebration, collective growth, and carbon neutrality.

Kumar elaborated that the initiative urges beneficiaries to plant 108 trees each, which is a culturally significant number, to nurture a deeper relationship between individuals and nature.

He also stated that the initiative promotes community participation and aims to transform afforestation into a collective movement that aids in offsetting carbon emissions and supports sustainable living.

Science and Technology Department Secretary, Sandeep Tambe, outlined the state's strategy to mitigate the risks associated with Glacial Lake Outburst Floods.

He emphasized the importance of early warning systems and resilient infrastructure.

Tambe noted that Sikkim follows a four-step protocol: preliminary assessment, comprehensive study, mitigation design, and execution.

He added that this approach has evolved into a national model, enabling local scientists, engineers, and managers to lead the development of long-term and self-sufficient solutions.

Social Welfare Department Secretary, Sarika Pradhan, shared the advancements of the 'Nasha Mukt Sikkim' initiative, part of the national 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan'.

She stated that the campaign is focused on raising awareness, providing rehabilitation, and enforcing laws.

Pradhan also mentioned that the initiative includes community leaders, educators, law enforcement, and health professionals.

She outlined that the objectives encompass reducing the stigma surrounding addiction, encouraging individuals to seek treatment, and fostering a drug-free society.

Key activities consist of public education, counseling, vocational training, and strict enforcement of the NDPS and State laws.