CM of Sikkim launches unique initiative of planting 100 trees for every child born in the state

New Delhi, February 3: Chief Minister of Sikkim Prem Singh Tamang unveiled the ‘Mero Rukh Mero Santati’ initiative in a launch programme organized by the state Forest and Environment Department in Gangtok.

‘Mero Rukh Mero Santati’ is a novel green initiative conceived by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang that entails planting 100 saplings per child born in the State and will be a part of the annual calendar of events beginning this year. This initiative aims to strengthen and reinforce the connection between parents, children, and nature by planting trees to commemorate child birth while catering to the commitment of the State toward the conservation of the environment.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said that the initiative would not only help in reinforcing the age-old bond of Sikkimese society with Mother Nature but will also accentuate the undeniable efforts of the State government in conserving the environment.

CM Tamang said that the Forest Department has facilitated various modes for enrollment and registration of the newborns for the ‘Mero Rukh Mero Santati’ initiative and added that after due consideration of the plantation season in the State, the plantation drive would continue annually throughout the first week of July. The saplings will be provided by the Forest and Environment Department with other line departments and ASHA/Anganwadi workers who will be assisting with onboarding the new parents ensuring seamless delivery of services, he added.

Quoting the ‘Mero Rukh Mero Santati’ as a ‘revolution’ to protect Mother Nature, the Chief Minister urged for widespread awareness of the initiative at the grassroot level to march towards the common goal of making Sikkim the Green State of the country and achieve sustainable prosperity in the State.

CM Tamang further announced that non-government service parents with 1-2 children will now be granted a baby maintenance allowance of Rs. 5000/month and Rs. 10,000/month for parents with more than two children. Both of the parents should not be government job holders, he mentioned.

During his speech the Chief Minister also addressed the controversy over the Supreme Court verdict on the Sikkimese Nepali community and assured that the State government has initiated reformatory steps to address the concerns of the Sikkimese Nepali community.

The programme included unveiling of logo, release of posters and brochures and a theme song. A very informative Nepali skit was also performed which depicted the process of parent enrollment, plantation demand and actual planting activities. On the occasion, saplings were also presented to seven new mothers from the State.