Governor Om Prakash Mathur visits Soreng; emphasises teamwork, development and grassroots governance

On a one-day visit to Soreng District, the Governor of Sikkim, Om Prakash Mathur, held an extensive interaction with Zilla Panchayats, district officials, and department heads at the Rurban Complex. The visit was part of his outreach to understand ground realities, monitor development projects, and encourage officers working at the grassroots level.

During his address, the Governor stressed that the success of any development effort depends on the dedication and cooperation of all government departments. He reminded officials that their roles go beyond just doing a job—they are caretakers of public welfare. “Officials must ensure that Central Government schemes reach every corner of the district,” he said. He also highlighted the importance of community involvement and pointed to the inspirational messages in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s "Mann Ki Baat", urging officers to align their work with these national goals.

The District Collector of Soreng, Mr. Dhiraj Subedi, gave a detailed presentation on the district’s profile, development status, and goals. Soreng has been declared an Aspirational District under the NITI Aayog initiative. The DC explained key programmes like the Aspirational District Programme (ADP) and the Aspirational Block Programme (ABP), which aim to improve health, education, and basic infrastructure. He also listed major projects including the development of Sambhav Village, Vrindavan Dham at Dodak, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose University of Excellence at Chakung, a 100-bedded hospital at Soreng, and eco-tourism initiatives like Stairway to Heaven at Daramdin and Mangarjung at Mangsari.

Several district-level officials presented progress on central and state government schemes. The Deputy Director (Agriculture) highlighted the importance of schemes such as PM-KISAN, PM Fasal Bima Yojana, Soil Health Card Scheme, and Vikshit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan. He pointed out that Soreng is doing well in horticulture, organic farming, and floriculture. Other programmes discussed included Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region (MOVCD-NER), MIDH, and the Mukhya Mantri Krishi Atma Nirbhar Yojana.

The CEO (Education) focused on the educational setup in the district, mentioning government and private schools and student enrolment numbers. He said Soreng was implementing PM SHRI and PM POSHAN schemes to improve education and nutrition among children.

The Chief Medical Officer presented the district’s progress on health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He talked about the current status of hospitals, PHCs, sub-centres and wellness centres. Maternal and child health, immunisation and disease control were identified as key focus areas.

On rural development, the Additional District Collector (Development) explained how schemes like MGNREGA, PMAY-G, Swachh Bharat Mission, PMGSY, and Jal Jeevan Mission were being carried out. He also spoke about 'Swaccha Pani Swastha Hami' and other local initiatives.

The Divisional Forest Officer presented on forest area conservation and environmental projects in the district. Programmes like 'Mero Rukh Mero Santati', 'Ek Ped Maa K Naam', 'A Day for Mother Earth' and eco-tourism were explained in detail.

The Assistant Director (Fisheries) shared updates on aquaculture development, particularly through PMMSY and ornamental fish farming. He also mentioned collaboration with ATMA and steps taken to promote organic fish clusters.

Governor Mathur also visited the Phuntsok Choeling Monastery at Sribadam where he offered prayers and interacted with monks. The monastery committee presented him with a traditional 'Thanka' painting as a mark of respect. He also met Mrs. Dhan Maya Tamang, mother of the Chief Minister, and Madam Sarda Tamang during his visit.

Later, the Governor inspected the upcoming Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose University of Excellence at Chakung. Officials briefed him about the construction and timelines of the project.