Union Minister Ramdas Athawale Praises Sikkim’s Remarkable Social Harmony and Low Poverty Rate
Ramdas Athawale, the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, is currently on a visit to Sikkim for a review meeting focused on initiatives under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. During his visit, Athawale commended the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha government, led by Chief Minister Prem Singh Golay, for its successful management of poverty, noting the state’s low number of individuals living below the poverty line. He emphasized the significance of the alliance with the National Democratic Alliance in promoting social welfare.
Athawale also praised the state’s progressive stance on inter-caste marriages, reporting minimal incidents of discrimination in this regard. “I learned that inter-caste marriages are prevalent here, with virtually no recorded abuses,” he said, lauding the state’s exemplary efforts in fostering social justice and empowerment.
Highlighting various initiatives for persons with disabilities, Athawale noted that Sikkim has identified 18,000 individuals as beneficiaries of national schemes. Each beneficiary will receive kits worth Rs. 7,000, tailored to their needs, including essential items like wheelchairs and hearing devices, alongside pensions for senior citizens.
Additionally, he praised Sikkim’s housing projects aimed at supporting the rural and urban poor, specifically referencing the Sikkim Garib Awas Yojana. This initiative facilitates the construction of homes valued at Rs. 21 lakhs, spearheaded by the state’s social justice department to uplift the economically disadvantaged.
Athawale also advocated for a caste-based census in India. He noted that no census has been conducted since 2011 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which halted the planned 2021 census. “While there’s a demand for a census of the Other Backward Classes, it is essential to conduct a comprehensive census that includes all communities and religions,” he explained. “According to the last census in 2011, Scheduled Castes comprise 16.66% of the population, with Scheduled Tribes at 8%. An updated census will provide insights into the benefits enjoyed by citizens since independence and the efforts needed to further support them.”
In a strategic move, Athawale announced the establishment of the Republican Party of India (A) in Sikkim, with Namgyal Bhutia as its president. He stated, “We are part of the NDA alliance, and the SKM party in Sikkim is also a member. Our party’s formation here will be in harmony with the SKM as part of the NDA.”
Athawale expressed disappointment over not meeting Chief Minister Prem Singh Golay, who was in New Delhi to formally invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Sikkim’s 50th Statehood celebration on May 16. He extended congratulations to the state on its 50 years of democracy.
Following his review meeting, Athawale paid a courtesy call to Governor Om Prakash Mathur at the Raj Bhawan on Sunday evening. His visit highlights the central government’s commitment to social justice initiatives, particularly in marginalized communities, as Sikkim prepares for its milestone anniversary.
This visit underscores the government’s ongoing efforts to bolster welfare programs and ensure equitable development across the country.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/sikkim/video/union-minister-ramdas-athawale-hails-sikkims-low-bpl-population-zero-inter-caste-marriage-atrocities-1208722-2025-05-04?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-05-04 21:26:00
