Tuesday, Sep 17, 2024 22:30 [IST]
Last Update: Monday, Sep 16, 2024 16:50 [IST]
GANGTOK,: State BJP on Monday urged the Sikkim government to issue a white paper on the State’s economy and fiscal health.
Speaking at a media conference here, State BJP spokesperson Passang Sherpa asserted that the State’s economy is declining as seen in the hiking of taxes by the various departments.
“The global 2019 Covid pandemic had an economic impact on our State while the 2023 GLOF further aggravated the financial sufferings. The NH 10 was closed for almost three months causing inflation. The tourism sector is also suffering following various reasons like pandemic and GLOF,” said the State BJP spokesperson.
Passang highlighted the fiscal irregularities of various departments as presented in the CAG report. Besides these, the State’s financial condition was also impacted with the appointment of 22,000 plus casual government workers and regularizing of 25,000 plus employees, he added.
“Now there has been a hike in numerous taxes under various departments like Urban Development, Transport and Forest. There are many more in the pipeline as we are being informed. We request the State government to come out with a white paper on the State’s economy. Based on the white paper, the government should have consultative meetings with the mass stakeholders to find an amicable solution for mitigating the economic crunch,” said Passang.
Increasing taxes on the already burden citizens is not the ultimate solution to the existing economic crunch…we are ready to be a part of the economic solution, said the State BJP spokesperson. He urged the State government to revise the taxes in transport sector so that the taxi drivers get some relief.
Meanwhile, State BJP spokesperson DR Giri informed about the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme for citizens above 70 years launched by the Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The health insurance scheme covering up to Rs. 5 lakh does not require any recommendation or financial background of the beneficiaries.
Earlier Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme was extended to BPL families and our State has enrolled about 80,000 beneficiaries under this scheme, informed Giri. We appeal to all the senior citizens of the State of above 70 years of age to enrol under this scheme and take its benefit, he said.
Giri also informed about the notification issued by the Centre under Staff Selection Commission (SSC) for recruitment in paramilitary forces having vacancies of 39481 posts. Our youths from Sikkim are fully capable of taking this opportunity and our party’s employment cell is ready to extend all possible help to the aspirants regarding filling of employment forms along with coaching for written exams and physical training, he said.
The minimum education qualification is Class 10 pass certificate.
The State BJP requested the State government to generate mass awareness about the SSC employment opportunity.
