GANGTOK: The Seventh Sarathi Samman Diwas was observed on July 27 at Mannan Kendra, Gangtok, in the gracious presence of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, who attended the event as the chief guest and Krishna Rai as the special guest. This occasion, dedicated to recognising the invaluable contribution of drivers, has been observed annually since 2019.
The Chief Minister began his address by stating that Sarathi Samman Diwas is a unique event celebrated only in the state of Sikkim. He highlighted the crucial role of drivers in ensuring the smooth functioning of society and the progress of the state. Without their contribution, he said, both development and day-to-day household activities would come to a standstill.
The Chief Minister celebrated drivers’ contributions, highlighting their crucial role in society and state progress. He made key announcements of support for drivers’ children through the Chalak Welfare Board, allocation of 300 houses, GCI sheets, and inverters, parking facilities and financial support for driver associations, increased ex-gratia amount for driver fatalities.
New initiatives of the state government were also announced – ‘Aama Samman Diwas’ on August 10 wherein under the Aama Yojana, 32,000 mothers will receive cheques of Rs 20,000 each as the first installment of a Rs 40,000 annual benefit will be disbursed for which a total of Rs142 crore has been earmarked, which also includes provisions for LPG cylinders, and ‘Hamro Elaichi, Hamro Dhan’ for promoting large cardamom cultivation in the state.
The Chief Minister stated that two floors of the West Point Mall parking facility will be allocated to the South and West Taxi Drivers Association and come under the jurisdiction of the Gangtok Municipal Corporation. In partnership with the Asian Development Bank, parking complexes are also under construction at Soreng, Gyalshing, Tadong, Ranipool, Deorali, Rangpo, Singtam, Pakyong and Tsomgo.
He mentioned that fines issued via AI-based traffic cameras have been significantly reduced and the payment period extended to two months. Drivers are now permitted to use fog lights on two-wheelers and show digital documents during traffic checks.
Chairman of the Chalak Welfare Board, Sonam Ongdup Bhutia, expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for extending financial support to drivers during the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2023 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF). He thanked him for housing allotments under SGAY and the distribution of LPG cylinders, GCI sheets, and inverters. He noted that 36 Wagon Rs and six Boleros have been distributed so far. He also acknowledged the Chief Minister’s support for the Sikkim Sarathi Idol competition and urged all drivers to drive safely and responsibly.
MLA cum Advisor of Power Department, Sanjeet Kharel appreciated the consistent efforts of the government towards driver welfare and highlighted the role of the Chalak Welfare Board in transforming the lives of countless drivers and their families. He commended the Chief Minister’s vision in ensuring inclusivity and dignity for all professions.
MLA cum Advisor for Skill Development and Transport Departments, Madan Cintury emphasised the importance of upskilling and training in the driving profession. He reiterated the department’s commitment to equipping drivers with tools and knowledge for better service delivery and road safety, and thanked the Chief Minister for making driver welfare a state priority.
The event began with a cake-cutting ceremony, followed by a video presentation on the Sarathis of Sikkim and the Transport Department. Song performances were presented by winners of the Sikkim Sarathi Idol Season 1, organised by the Central Joint Action Committee.
The Chief Minister was felicitated by the Transport Department, Sarathi Welfare Board, State Chalak Wing, and Bengal Taxi Association. Cheques were distributed to 420 beneficiaries under various Sarathi organisations through the Chief Minister’s Discretionary Grant. Educational financial assistance was also provided to students who are children of drivers under the Chief Minister’s Education Assistance Scheme.
A skit on ‘Nasha Mukt Sikkim’ was performed by the Government Driver’s Association. Ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh was given to families of accident victims. Best performing drivers of SNT Trucks, Tankers, Bus Drivers, and Bus Conductors were felicitated, along with the most disciplined drivers in each vehicle category. Lady drivers, children of drivers pursuing MBBS or who have completed PhDs (a total of 15 beneficiaries), and drivers who have excelled in sports were also honoured.
Twelve Wagon R VXI vehicles were handed over to the winners of the Best Sarathi Award. Twelve Wagon R vehicles were also handed over to selected drivers. The families of drivers will also benefit from health insurance under Medical Bhima Suvidha, through signed MoUs with various hospitals.
The event also included cultural performances and the release of a song, composed by Santosh Manger and Binod Kumar Ghalay.
Today’s programme was attended by Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Sikkim Legislative Assembly MN Sherpa and Raj Kumari Thapa respectively, along with Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, Advisors, Chairpersons, Zilla Adakshyas, Zilla Up-Adakshyas, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Gangtok Municipal Corporation, Head of departments, OSDs, senior officials of the Transport Department, RTOs and MVIs from Karnataka and West Bengal, and members of various driver associations.
The welcome address was delivered by Commissioner cum Secretary of Transport Department, Prabhakar Verma and the vote of thanks was proposed by Secretary of the State Transport Authority, Dukpa Sherpa.
- IPR Report
