Chintan Bhavan, Sikkim,15.02.2024:In a historic move aimed at fostering economic growth and inclusivity, the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Mr. Prem Singh Tamang, officially launched the Sikkim INSPIRES program today at Chintan Bhavan. The program, operating under the aegis of the Planning and Development Department and with World Bank assistance, marks the first direct partnership between the Government of Sikkim and the World Bank.
The launch event was attended by key dignitaries, including Mr. Kunga Nima Lepcha, Minister of the Education Department, and Mr. Sonam Lama, Minister of the Rural Development Department. Also present were Mr. Rinzing Chewang Bhutia, Secretary of the Planning and Development Department, Ms. Rohini Pradhan, Program Director of Sikkim INSPIRES, and representatives from the World Bank, Ms. Anna C O’Donnell and Ms. Benedicte Leroy.
In her opening address, Ms. Rohini Pradhan highlighted Sikkim INSPIRES as a groundbreaking program focused on evidence-based modules for providing enhanced economic inclusion opportunities, particularly for women and youth. The initiative aims to create diverse training and employment opportunities aligned with the aspirations of the state’s youth.
Mr. Rinzing Chewang Bhutia, Secretary of the Planning and Development Department, emphasized the establishment of an employment and entrepreneurship promotion facility to engage various stakeholders in contributing to Sikkim’s growth story, with a specific focus on fulfilling the aspirations of the youth.
The Chief Minister, Mr. Prem Singh Tamang, officially launched the Sikkim INSPIRES program, underlining its significance as a pioneering partnership between the State Government and the World Bank. Over the next five years, the program will collaborate with nine government departments, taking a holistic approach to economic growth.
Notably, the program will bring together eight line departments, including Forest Department, Women and Child Development Department, Information Technology Department, Commerce and Industries Department, Skill Development Department, Rural Development Department, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, and Health and Family Welfare Department. The collaborative effort, led by the Planning and Development Department, aims to create an ecosystem for economic prosperity by providing capacity services, employment training programs, robust institutions, and sector partnerships.
During the event, the Chief Minister also announced the winner of the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) slogan writing competition, with Ms. Rebika Chettri receiving a cash prize for her winning slogan, ‘Jansankhya ma Vriddhi, Sikkim Ko Samriddhi,’ focused on improving the Total Fertility Rate.
In addition, the Chief Minister launched the ‘Swasth Maan’ Sikkim Mobile App, a collaborative effort between the Department of Science and Technology and the Health Department, aimed at promoting well-being and awareness for strengthening mental health.
In his concluding remarks, Chief Minister Mr. Prem Singh Tamang highlighted the collaborative and comprehensive nature of Sikkim INSPIRES, urging all stakeholders to join hands in realizing the vision of a prosperous Sikkim. The program, with its inclusive growth and economic empowerment initiatives, marks a significant step towards a brighter and more prosperous future for the state.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Swabhaw Gurung, Deputy Project Director of Sikkim INSPIRES, after detailed deliberations on the comprehensive approach of the program.
