Nitesh R Pradhan
Mangan, 20 January
While opposition is sharp in its criticism to the Janta Mela, many have received grants from the government for the first time.
For Sonam Gyatso, the wait for a home has been fulfilled.
Living in a remote corner of a far off village between Dzongu and Mangan, housing grant has not just been a happy moment but also a life changing experience for him as building a house is something he could never dream of.
Many students also received grants front the government this Janta Mela including scholarships and laptops.
For Pema Laden, a college student, the scholarship amount of Rupees twenty thousand plus is not just an addition to her education but also a small step towards securing her higher education goals.
The Chief Minister has today asked panchayats and councilors to correct all the anomalies that may have happened when it comes to jobs.
Local body elected representatives play an important role in giving out the correct list for grants in Janta Mela, however there has bern some complaints emanating from different quarters with regards to this.
With most of these elected representatives belonging to the ruling party it is often expected that in an election season such a task is carried out with utmost diligence.
However some irregularities witnessed in one family one job and imbalanced distribution of resources has meant that the intent of these elected representatives is questioned.
The few irregularities witnessed can however not eclipse an entire spectrum of people taking benefit directly from the government with land bank scheme for the landless and doling out grants like sewing machine to encourage empowerment at grassroot level deserving appreciation.
Granting direct monetary help and livestock distribution has also benefited the people particularly the poor.
Looking at the past Janta Melas and this one currently ongoing in the state if the stress lays more on balanced distribution particularly to the deprived would not just give them more empowered life but also has the capacity to transform the face of the Sikkimese society into a more egalitarian one where there is a relative smooth distribution of resources.