Upper Burtuk MLA Kala Rai announced the inauguration of the Hamro Gauley Bazaar at Reshithang, aimed at empowering Sikkimese farmers and supporting Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay’s vision of a prosperous Sikkim. In her speech, she emphasized the responsibility of all 31 MLAs to realize this vision, stating it can only be achieved if the 70 percent of Sikkim’s rural population becomes prosperous and self-reliant. The bazaar is specifically dedicated to the farmers of rural Sikkim.
The farmers’ market was established on government-allocated land through a community initiative known as Shramdhan, with support from local associations, families, and well-wishers. MLA Rai expressed gratitude towards all those who contributed to constructing the bazaar, situated close to Gangtok town.
Hamro Gauley Bazaar has the capacity to accommodate over 200 stalls, providing a dignified market space for farmers who frequently struggle to access fair market opportunities in Gangtok. Many farmers have faced challenges securing adequate stalls and fair prices despite their hard work. The bazaar is expected to address these issues by operating twice a week.
Rai stated that stalls would be allocated solely to genuine farmers from rural areas for a nominal fee, excluding vegetable retailers from urban Gangtok. Farmers must provide verification documents from their ward panchayats to secure their stalls. By cutting out intermediaries, the bazaar aims to enhance farmers’ incomes, restore confidence in farming, and promote self-reliance. A management committee will oversee the bazaar.
In addition to serving as a farmers’ market, Hamro Gauley Bazaar can also host expos and fairs to help generate funds for maintenance. Rai urged the state government to utilize the space for official expos and departmental programs, noting that fees would assist in maintaining the facility and compensating support staff. Fencing is anticipated to be needed soon.
Rai further encouraged the Chief Minister and tourism stakeholders to include Hamro Gauley Bazaar in Gangtok’s tourism itinerary, suggesting it could become an attraction alongside Ban Jhakri Falls. She proposed organizing cultural programs every evening and highlighting local crafts and cuisine.
Adjacent to the bazaar, an eco-park is also under development, with around 60 percent of the work completed. This park is designed to provide a recreational space for Gangtok’s senior citizens and enhance the area’s appeal.
The MLA requested approximately two acres of land to be designated as a paragliding landing spot to help sustain the livelihoods of local paragliding operators. Previously, Reshithang was a favored paragliding location, but activities ceased after the landing area was repurposed for the Khelo India project. Rai underscored the constituency’s singular request for a paragliding landing spot to support local youth earning their livelihoods through paragliding.
Original Source: https://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/hamro-gauley-bazaar-contributes-to-cms-vision-of-sunaulo-sikkim-kala-rai
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