Sikkim CM Pawan Chamling Inaugurates New School Building at Yangang ~ KHALVONTAWI

Yangang, Sikkim – July 22, 2014: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling inaugurated the newly constructed Multi-Purpose Hall cum 12-room school building at Yangang Senior Secondary School in South Sikkim, amidst a large gathering. Dignitaries present included HRDD Minister R.B. Subba, Former Speaker Kalavati Subba, SLA Speaker K.N. Rai, Ministers A.K. Ghatani, N.K. Subba, S.B. Subedi, G.M. Gurung, Ugen Gyatso Bhutia, Somnath Poudyal, and Tilu Gurung, along with heads of various government departments, Zilla Panchayat members, school staff, students, and the public of the 15 Rangang Yangang Constituency and adjoining areas.

Key Announcements by the Chief Minister:

Free Education Initiative: Chamling announced that education in Sikkim will now be free up to the college level, eliminating even minimal fees. Additionally, all previously paid school fees will be fully refunded, making Sikkim the only state in the nation and worldwide to implement such a pro-student policy.
Geography Stream Introduction: The school will now offer a Geography stream as per the school administration’s request, with teachers being made available accordingly.
Focus on Skill Development: HRDD will emphasize nurturing students' skills to prepare them for competitive exams.
12% Reservation for BPL Students: A new policy by the Central Government will provide 12% reservation for students from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.
School Renaming: The newly inaugurated school building has been named after Late Ashraj Subba, the school's first teacher. Additionally, Yangang Government Senior Secondary School will now be known as Late Lobsang Gyaltsen Senior Secondary School, in honor of the land donor.

Addressing the Government College Fee Hike:

Chamling clarified that he was unaware of the fee hike as he was in New Delhi for official meetings with Union Ministers.

He condemned the disturbances caused in the capital, emphasizing that HRDD promptly rolled back the fee hike decision.
An inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the matter.
He accused vested interests of exploiting the situation to instigate unlawful activities in the name of student protests.
Chamling urged students and civil society to stay away from anti-social activities and remain focused on education.
He stressed that the protests had adversely affected students by causing school and college closures.
He encouraged students to uphold moral and ethical values, advocating for a civilized and intellectual approach to resolving issues.

Commitment to the 15 Rangang Yangang Constituency:

Chamling assured the public of his commitment to fulfilling developmental projects in his birthplace. He urged students to utilize the opportunities available in both central and state-run universities. He emphasized the importance of teachers taking on the responsibility of not only educating but also nurturing students to become responsible citizens.

He pledged to address the shortage of Science teachers and faculty members at Sikkim University.
He expressed his vision of a self-reliant, educated Sikkim with competent professionals across all fields.

New Infrastructure and Scholarships Announced:

Skywalk at Bhaley Dhunga: The Central Government has granted environmental clearance for the construction of a Skywalk at Bhaley Dhunga, expected to boost tourism.
Scholarships and Study Grants: Chamling highlighted merit scholarships and financial aid available for economically disadvantaged students.
‘Prerna’ Scheme for Girls: This state-backed scheme promotes girl child empowerment through merit-based scholarships.
Cash Prizes for CBSE Toppers: He informed students about the cash awards given to Class 10 and 12 toppers.
He urged youth to embrace honesty, meticulousness, and integrity in their academic and professional pursuits.
Chamling praised the SICB Livelihood Schools Program, which trains youth in self-sufficient skills, reinforcing Sikkim’s goal of self-reliance.

Upcoming By-Elections:

Chamling appealed to the public to support the candidate nominated by him in the upcoming by-elections. He assured that he would not practice nepotism and would provide fair opportunities to non-family members.

School Tour and Felicitation Ceremony:

Before the official program, the Chief Minister toured the newly constructed building and inspected an exhibition set up by the students.

The Chief Engineer of HRDD presented a technical report, detailing that the school building houses 12 classrooms on the ground floor and a multipurpose hall on the top floor, along with a well-equipped computer lab and library.
The school committee submitted an infrastructure report and felicitated Chamling for his contributions to the school's development.
The public of Yangang also honored him for his relentless service towards the holistic progress of Sikkim.

Minister R.B. Subba’s Address:

HRDD Minister R.B. Subba emphasized the transformative impact of the new school building and called on the public, school staff, and students to protect and maintain the facility.

He highlighted the relocation of Sikkim University to Yangang, which will spur regional development.
He urged immediate cooperation in shifting the university from the capital to Yangang.
He reiterated HRDD’s commitment to deploying trained Science teachers to improve the quality of education.
He announced 127 para-medical seats reserved for Sikkimese students in institutions outside the state.
Addressing the recent student protests over the fee hike, Subba advised educators and scholars to discourage students from participating in anti-social activities.

Cultural Program and Conclusion:

The event concluded with a cultural dance performance by the students of Yangang Senior Secondary School. The gathering ended on a high note, celebrating the educational advancements and opportunities being introduced in Sikkim.