Gangtok: Pawan Kumar Chamling, the lone opposition legislator, has alleged that the selling of government’s stakes at Teesta Urja Limited has cost Sikkim a loss of over Rs 3 lakh crore.
The Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) leader made these claims while addressing a public gathering in Makha, Gangtok District, on Thursday, highlighting the previous Teesta Urja project as the state’s best venture.
Chamling emphasised, “The sale of Teesta Urja to Greenco has resulted in a loss of Rs 3 lakh crore to Sikkim. Over the next 90 years, its valuation could have reached Rs 30 lakh crore. We had established the best project, akin to a golden goose for the state. Yet, the government chose to sell it, leaving us devoid of significant revenue.”
He also unveiled alleged corruption within the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) government, citing a loan acquisition of Rs 21,000 crore. “The state treasury is now empty, with the Rs 500 crores reserve also depleted. If this trend continues, government employees may face delayed salaries. We previously boasted a surplus budget, but now we are burdened with loans,” Chamling stated.
He further criticised the disappearance of over Rs 100 crores from the Chief Minister’s Discretionary Fund and the minimal allocation of Rs 3 crore for the Aama scheme in the recent supplementary budget.
Regarding SKM’s regularisation policy, Chamling accused the government of lacking an employment strategy. He stated, “Golay [SKM leader] lacks a policy. With 1.20 lakh unemployed individuals, merely creating government posts isn’t sufficient. We need sustainable job creation initiatives.” Chamling pledged to unveil a mega-employment scheme in the party’s upcoming manifesto.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
Chamling boasted about his government’s employment record, claiming to have provided government jobs to over 1 lakh individuals. However, he criticised SKM for allegedly interfering in police operations, leading to what he termed a “Gunda Raj” instead of the rule of law.
Calling for the 2024 elections to be a pivotal moment for Sikkim, Chamling welcomed several former officials and activists into the SDF party fold at the Makha gathering.
Also Read | Sikkim: CAP protests against sale of Teesta Urja stakes