Sikkim CM Provides Vehicle Loans to Unemployed Youths

Gangtok, 4 Feb 2014 – A group of educated but unemployed youths, who completed a three-month motor driving course at the State Institute of Capacity Building in Karfectar, received vehicle loans under SIDICO today. The loans were handed over by Chief Minister Pawan Chamling during the Gram Swaraj Mela.

Among the beneficiaries was Ms Chandrika Chettri from Chisopani, now the proud owner of a Sumo Gold vehicle. She shared with IPR that she plans to use the vehicle as a taxi to earn a livelihood. Being a trained driver herself, she expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister and the state government for providing such opportunities, particularly for women, and for empowering them.

Next to her, Mr Santosh Limboo from Kholaghari, who now owns a Bolero vehicle, plans to use it for tourism purposes. He expressed his deep gratitude to the Chief Minister and the state government, stating that this support will help him become self-reliant.

Mr Subit Narayan Chettri from Lower Mamley, another recipient of a Sumo Gold vehicle, also thanked the Chief Minister and the state government for this opportunity, saying it has allowed him to fulfill his dream. He plans to use his vehicle for tourism.

Mr Saroj Rai from Nandugaon, who received a Hyundai Eon car, said he intends to use it as a taxi in the future. He too conveyed his sincere appreciation to the Chief Minister and the state government.

Their shared message to both educated and uneducated unemployed youth in Sikkim was that they should take advantage of the facilities provided by the state government to become self-reliant and proud vehicle owners and support the government’s efforts to make Sikkim a self-sufficient state.

Women Receive Induction Stoves

Pictured below are Mrs Sabitri Chettri from Dalep Temi Namphing and Mrs Manita Tamang from Namthang Rateypani, who received induction cooking stoves along with utensils.

They expressed their happiness and thanked the Chief Minister and the state government for this benefit. Mrs Chettri said she would now move away from using the traditional chullah (wood-burning stove) and use the induction stove instead, after learning how to operate it from her daughter.

Both women agreed with the Chief Minister’s statement in his speech that these stoves would save women from the hassle of dealing with smoke, lighting fires, and collecting firewood. They also felt relieved when the Chief Minister addressed concerns about electricity costs, assuring them that rural areas would receive subsidised electricity.

Additional Welfare Schemes

Under the Unmarried Women Pension Scheme, Ms Doma Tamang from Upper Boomtar, Namchi, received Rs 500 per month for the period from September to November 2013.

Under the Land Bank Scheme, Ms Santa Kumari Rai from Tinik Chisopani and Mr Bir Bahadur Kami from Sumbuk were among 100 beneficiaries for 2013-2014 who received land grants today.

 

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