Gangtok, Feb 9: Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang inaugurated the ‘Hamro Gauley Bazar’ on Sunday at Reshithang in Upper Burtuk constituency. The community-driven organic marketplace aims to provide farmers a platform to sell their homegrown produce directly to consumers, promoting rural economic growth. The event was attended by area MLA-cum-Advisor Kala Rai and other dignitaries.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude to contributors who helped establish the Bazar without government expenditure. He said the initiative allows farmers to market their produce directly from the fields and emphasized developing it into a hub of rural economic activity. He highlighted the need for verification of stall holders to ensure they possess agricultural land, safeguarding the Bazar’s concept.

CM Tamang announced the development of a new township at Ranka to decongest the capital and the relocation of Burtuk Degree Law College to Mangkhim. He also proposed developing a paragliding landing site in Upper Burtuk and informed about infrastructure projects, including 24.67 km of new roads in Upper Burtuk and a 450-km road carpeting project covering National, State, and District Highways. Plans for a hands-on training institute for engineers were also shared.

Under the Forest Department’s “Mero Rukh, Mero Santati” initiative, passbooks were distributed to five child beneficiaries. Six shops each for Kabi-Lungchok and Upper Burtuk were allotted in Bulbulay, with expansion planned. The Chief Minister instructed that the Bazar operate twice weekly, disallow middlemen, and suggested departmental expos at the venue. He also directed the Tourism Department to include the Bazar as a tourist destination, promoting local cuisine, arts, and rural lifestyles.

Kala Rai appreciated the Chief Minister’s leadership and reiterated the vision of a “Sunaulo, Samriddha ani Samartha Sikkim.” She highlighted the struggles of farmers, equitable participation in stalls, and plans for the Bazar to serve as a cultural platform for cuisine, performances, and artisan crafts. An eco-friendly park for recreational use, especially for senior citizens, is under construction. A dedicated website has been developed to increase outreach.

During the event, the Chief Minister interacted with farmers and stall participants, released the Hamro Gauley Bazar magazine, and attended a documentary screening on its development and village participation. Stakeholders were felicitated for their contributions.

The programme also showcased the “Mero Rukh, Mero Santati” initiative, which plants 108 trees to celebrate each newborn and deposits ₹10,800 in the child’s name under the Sikkim Shishu Samriddhi Yojana. The “Mero Bato Mero Bot” roadside plantation initiative and eco-friendly stalls with a bio-digester machine for waste management and organic farming were also highlighted.

Cultural performances included a Nepali dance by Soul Dance Academy, Reshithang, and a Khaijadi dance by participants from Thami Dara.

The event was attended by Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly M N Sherpa, Deputy Speaker Raj Kumari Thapa, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, Advisors, Zilla Adakshyas and Up-Adakshyas, Panchayats, Mayor of Gangtok Municipal Corporation N B Chettri, senior officials, SHGs, and stakeholders.