Gangtok, Aug 15 (UNI) Sikkim Chief Minister P S Tamang hoisted the Tricolour as the Himalayan state joined the rest of the nation in celebrating the country's 76th Independence Day on Monday.
Addressing a large crowd during the programme at Bhaichung Stadium, Namchi, South Sikkim district, Tamang highlighted the progress and development made since India broke free of colonial rule.
He paid tributes to the freedom fighters, calling them "The epitome of patriotism", and said, "it is to their endurance and selfless sacrifice that we owe our freedom and dignity".
Referring to the progress made by Sikkim, he said there has been a breakthrough in development by the state and the people.
He praises the improvement in the standard of living, creation of infrastructure, and development in the health, education, tourism, agriculture and the dairy sector.
In an oblique reference to the financial problems " passed on" to his government by the erstwhile regime, he said: "We achieved milestones despite major hurdles.Our goal is to further strengthen and lead the state to futher heights, as an excellent state in the country".
Tamang described newly elected President Draupadi Murmu as an inspiration to "our daughters to dream big".
He said the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha government since coming to power in 2019 has constructed 3050 houses for the rural poor the state kutcha house free, while for the urban poor 502 houses are being constructed.
He said his government has stressed enhancing livestock production and farmers' income.
The state government has been providing incentives cropwise and for piggery owners, poultry and fishery while making efforts at transforming Organic Farming into a multi- model agricultural heritage for food security.
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