Press Release

Hon'ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) Shri.Indra Hang Subba adopts Damthang GPU under Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY)

Information & Public Relations Department

Date: 22-Oct-2020
Namchi, 22nd October(IPR): As a part of Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) the entry point visit of Hon'ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) Shri. Indra Hang Subba was held at Chemchey, Indian Himalayan Centre for Adventure and Eco-Tourism (IHCAE), today. Present amongst others were Zilla Adhyaksha (South) Smt. Tshering Dem Bhutia, ADC (Dev) Namchi, Dr Chandra Prakash Rai, HoDs, staff, panchayat and public of Damthang GPU.
Addressing, the gathering Hon'ble MP Shri. Indra Hang Subba congratulated on Damthang GPU being adopted under SAGY. He informed that
Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi launched the SAGY on 11th October 2014 on the birth anniversary of Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan. The goal of SAGY is to develop three Adarsh Grams or model villages complete with state of art facilities.
The SAGY scheme encourages MPs to identify and develop one village hence, Damthang GPU has been selected. The Hon'ble MP also said that for SAGY funding is not provided so the public of the GPU need to absorb and harness the GPUs potential which can vary from farming, milk production to various skill development projects so that the masses can earn incentives and be self-reliant.
The Hon'ble MP urged the Panchayats and the public to work with vigour along with much efficiency and underlined that SAGY aims to holistically develop Damthang and for the same collective responsibility is needed. As for unemployed masses, the Hon'ble MP said that they will be introduced and trained in various skill-building schemes which can assist these unemployed people to develop career opportunities while increasing the knowledge and understanding of the local industry thereby creating business out of theses schemes.
He further spoke about various ways to upgrade the GPU and strongly advocated to start on cluster farming, maintain proper sanitation, reserve water resources. As for the tourism industry Shri. Subba informed that the GPUs needs to start on sustainable and responsible tourism activities. Since the GPU is filled with organic farms and ample greenery the same should be harnessed and advertised to the incoming tourist. He also encouraged the public of this GPU to join a Non Governmental Organization or to start with a sports club as these falls under personal growth indicator which can keep the mind, body and soul healthy.
As for education sector, Hon'ble MP elucidated that the school should offer ample spaces namely that of reading corner, a vibrant section for Kindergarden, well equipped library, should have a safe and sound structure, adequate teaching staff and many more. He highlighted the fact that education should be given priority for development of a society and a nation as a whole. Furthermore,he said that Damthang School will be provided with the basic amenities after prior inspection. He also lauded the GPUs efforts in establishing a library where children as well as the adults can explore books and experience new ideas. The Hon'ble MP did inform that he will be visiting the GPU frequently in the coming future and facilitate on the growth of the GPU.
Nodal Officer SAGY Smt. Sarika Pradhan presented an overview of this scheme and how the Rural Development Department will aid in successfully implementing various schemes and projects in the GPU so that it can be a model GPU. She also added that in order for the GPU to be formed under SAGY viable convergence plan of various line departments should be put in force.
Resource person Dr Subash Dhakal explained in detail about SAGY via a PPT presentation. He also highlighted about the timeline and plans to be achieved by the GPU.
Panchayat President Shri. Lalit Rai outlined about Damthang GPU and presented a brief demographic of the area. He also put the spotlight on the revered 'Tendong Hill' which is in Damthang and asserted that this hill can be turned into a natural pilgrimage tourism site.
Local gentry Shri. K.B. Rai shed light on various amenities that Damthang GPU requires. He emphasized that during the COVID-19 lockdown the farmers from this GPU were consistently supplying vegetables and dairy produce to different parts of the state and added that this kind of activities need to be utilized so that the public of the GPU can be self-sufficient.
The MP along with officials also visited various places in Damthang including a church, Damthang school and market