Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, commended Sikkim’s social justice initiatives during his visit to the state as part of a review meeting on various schemes under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Athawale praised Sikkim’s low Below Poverty Line (BPL) population, emphasizing the significant progress under the leadership of Chief Minister Prem Singh Golay and the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), which has allied with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). He acknowledged the state’s efforts to combat poverty and enhance the living conditions of its citizens. The Minister also highlighted the state’s remarkable record in promoting inter-caste marriages, noting that atrocities against such unions were nearly nonexistent. “I have learned that inter-caste marriages in the state are not only prevalent but also largely free from social violence. There have only been a few isolated incidents in the past, which is exemplary for the cause of social justice and empowerment,” said Athawale.
In his address, Athawale further lauded the state’s support for Divyangs (differently-abled individuals), with 18,000 Divyangs identified as beneficiaries for various national-level schemes. These individuals will receive personalized kits, including wheelchairs, hearing aids, and pensions for senior citizens, to improve their quality of life. The Union Minister also praised Sikkim’s housing initiatives for the rural and urban poor under the Sikkim Garib Awas Yojana. This initiative provides homes worth Rs. 21 lakh to the eligible beneficiaries, aligning with the government’s vision for affordable housing. Additionally, Athawale called for a caste-based census, noting that a national census had not been conducted since 2011 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “There is an ongoing demand for a census of Other Backward Classes (OBCs), but it is crucial to conduct a census that encompasses all communities and religions. This data will help the government assess the benefits enjoyed by citizens post-independence and plan future interventions,” he remarked.
Athawale also introduced the Republican Party of India in Sikkim, with Namgyal Bhutia as its president, further solidifying his party’s alliance with the SKM and the NDA. However, despite his plans to meet Chief Minister Golay, the meeting did not occur as Golay was in New Delhi inviting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the 50th Statehood celebration of Sikkim on May 16.