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Sikkim, under the stewardship of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), has seen remarkable development from 2019 to 2024. This era of growth has been complemented by the dedicated efforts of Shri. Dorjee Tshering Lepcha, a seasoned politician whose leadership has significantly transformed the 21-Gnathang Machong Constituency.

Chief Minister Tamang’s tenure has been characterized by substantial progress across various sectors:

Infrastructure and Economic Growth: Major infra-structure projects, including road expansions and tourism facility upgrades, have driven economic growth and enhanced the state’s commercial prospects.

Environmental Initiatives: Tamang’s administration has reinforced Sikkim’s commitment to environmental sustain-ability with new policies aimed at preserving the state’s natural beauty and biodiversity.

Education and Healthcare: Investments in education and healthcare have resulted in the establishment of new institutions and the upgrading of existing ones, improving access and quality of services.

Social Welfare: Programs focused on women’s em-powerment, youth development, and rural upliftment have been successfully implemented, fostering inclusive development.

In terms of tourism infrastructure building, the government has sanctioned numerous theme-based projects which are ongoing and some are at the completion stage. Some of the major projects being undertaken are:

i.Eco-tourism Pilgrimage Complex at Dodak in West Sikkim,

ii.Ropeway from Pelling to Sangacholing in West,

iii.Herbal & spiritual healing complex at Nandugaon, South Sikkim,

iv.Construction of 16th Karmapa Park at Sang in East Sikkim,

v.Construction of Magarzong at Mangsari in West Sikkim,

vi.Passenger Ropeway from Dhapar to Bhaleydhunga,

vii.1000 Mega Home Stay in Sikkim (1st Phase),

viii.Astha Chiranjivi religious complex at Namthang, South Sikkim,

ix.Statue of Goddess Nishani Kali at Central Pendam, East Sikkim, etc.

x.Construction of Rholu Mandir and Legship Trikaleshwar Mandir.

xi.Construction of Rabindranath Tagore Park and Monastery at Meghidara, Rinchenpong.

Dorjee Tshering Lepcha: A Decade of Visionary Leadership 

Dorjee Tshering Lepcha, a veteran politician with a distinguished career, having served the State of Sikkim as a 5-term MLA and 3-term Cabinet Minister, has made significant strides in the 21-Gnathang Machong Constituency. Serving as MLA for two terms (2014-2019 and 2019-2024) and currently as Rajya Sabha MP, Lepcha has spearheaded numerous development initiatives:

Tea Promotion and Development

Tea Welfare Board of Gnathang Machong: Under Lepcha’s leadership, the Tea Welfare Board has been established to promote tea cultivation and welfare in the constituency. The board focuses on identifying suitable plantation areas, encouraging local participation, and assisting with marketing and technical aspects of tea farming.

Tea Manufacturing Factory: Lepcha has committed to setting up a tea manufacturing factory in the constituency by 2025, utilizing his MP fund. Recent efforts include planting 1.6 lakh tea saplings, with the aim of producing tea of superior quality compared to Temi Tea Garden and Darjeeling estates.

Diverse Tourism Initiatives: The constituency is capita-lizing on its rich natural resources to boost tourism. Key activities promoted include adventure tourism, nature and wilderness tourism, tea tourism, and cultural tourism. The Tourism Development and Welfare Board of Gnathang Machong, another brainchild of Lepcha, is actively marketing these activities. Activities such as paragliding, rock climbing, rappelling, river crossing, nature camping, and village tourism are being vigorously promoted.

Healthcare Expansion

National-Level Dental College: Shri. D.T. Lepcha is also striving to establish a national-level dental college in the constituency. This initiative aims to enhance healthcare education and provide advanced dental care facilities to the local population.

Appreciation for Area MLA Smt. Pamin Lepcha

The Honourable Area MLA for 21-Gnathang Machong Constituency, Smt. Pamin Lepcha, has been a steadfast leader, tirelessly working for the betterment of her constituency. Her deep commitment to the welfare of her people, especially in empowering women and fostering community-driven development, has earned her immense respect and admiration. Her progressive approach to development aligns with the visionary goals of sustainable growth for the region.

Under the combined leadership of MP Dorjee Tshering Lepcha and MLA Pamin Lepcha, Shri. Madan Kumar Pradhan, retired Director of Sikkim Tourism, Government of Sikkim, has been appointed as President of the Tourism Development and Welfare Board of 21-Gnathang Machong Constituency, under Pakyong District. His expertise and leadership will further strengthen tourism initiatives in the area.

Advocacy and Legislative Efforts

In his capacity as a Rajya Sabha MP, Shri. Lepcha has championed several important issues: Kailash Manasarovar Yatra: Advocated for the reopening of the Yatra via Nathula. Indo-Tibet Trade Route: Pushed for the reopening of the Indo-Tibet trade route.

Border Terminology: Proposed renaming the border area to reflect its status as an Indo-Tibet border rather than Indo-China.

Central Support: Sought assistance from central ministries to advance tea and tourism sectors in Sikkim. Under the combined leadership of Prem Singh Tamang, Dorjee Tshering Lepcha and Pamin Lepcha, Sikkim and the 21-Gnathang Machong Constituency have seen transformative growth. Their visionary approaches in tea promotion and tourism development set a precedent for other regions and underscore their commitment to sustainable development and self-sufficiency for their communities.