I have recently been to Sikkim. Sikkim and Goa are similar in many ways. Both joined the Indian Union after independence under unusual circumstances. Goa joined the Indian Union in 1961when Nehru was the PM and Sikkim joined the Indian Union in 1975 when Indira Gandhi was the PM. Goa borders the Arabian Sea on the west coast and Sikkim borders China and Nepal in the north-east. Goa's population in 1961 was around 6 lacs. Sikkim's population is also around 6 lacs.Sikkim like Goa (until recently) has no slums and no beggars. Every Sikkimise has a pucca home. Sikkim like Goa (in 1961) has few industries to boast of. Most of its people depend on government jobs and on remittances from Sikkimese from outside the state. Both have rare natural beauty. The Sikkimese people are as innocent, simple and peaceful as the goans. One does not see any aggressive behaviour like one sees this side and in the north. The people are a largely contented lot, though not well off.
Sikkim is now opening its borders to industries. I had the good fortune to meet up with its CM as well as its lone Lok Sabha member. I am impressed with the vision they have for the state.Here are some of my observations: 1.They are absolutely clear in their minds that only non-polluting industries like IT, BPO's, Education, Tourism, Pharma will be allowed. 2. They are enacting and laying down rules that the local population will have to be employed / trained. 3. Plastic bags are totally banned. Only cloth or paper bags are allowed. 4. A number of schools and colleges have been set up and the literacy levels are quite high. Manipal has set up a university. 5. Non-Sikkimese cannot buy land. They can only take land on lease. 6. Traffic is disciplined. Everyone observes traffic rules and the police are quite strict in enforcing the law. 7. The police are respected and are helpful like one sees in London. 8. Sikkim has a lot of natural beauty. The snow capped Kanchenjunga looks fabulous. The Rumtek monastery looks lost in time. Sikkim is at the stage today what Goa was some years ago. A new aerodrome is coming up at Gangtok and will soon be connected to the rest of India. I sincerely hope that the pristine beauty of the state will be preserved and not go the Goa way. Regards, Marshall
