Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling announced that Sikkim is on the verge of being declared a fully-literate state with the literacy rate being 96.72 per centr.
He attributed this to the huge impetus laid by the government on human resource development.
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He said this while addressing the state-level Tendong Lho Rum Faat celebrations at Saramsa Garden near Ranipool, the suburban town near Ganktok in East Sikkim.
During his address, Chamling also laid special emphasis on the Lepcha community of Sikkim.
He stated that the respect for the Lepchas, now identifiable as a primitive tribe, is reflected in the numerous developmental initiatives of the government for the social, cultural, economical and intellectual upliftment of the Lepcha community in Sikkim.
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He underlined some of the key initiatives of the government for the development of the Lepcha community such as declaration of Lepchas as Primitive Tribe, institution of Primitive Tribe Welfare Board, introduction of Lepcha language at university level, and various other infrastructural developments focused on the Lepcha community.
Chamling came down heavily on irresponsible statements made by certain sections targeting the HPV vaccine initiative of the government.
He stated that over 150 countries have already administered the HPV vaccine on adolescent girls for prevention of cervical cancer, and Sikkim is the first state in the country to launch it.
He said the government is following the Australian model which is reportedly the best.
He also added that his government is committed in its resolve to serve the people better and ensure for them a healthy, happy and fulfilling life.