SKM promises govt jobs for unemployed youths of Sikkim

Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), the main opposition party in the state, on Wednesday promised government jobs for unemployed youths if voted to power.

The SKM also said it will provide a subsistence allowance of Rs 10,000 per month to those unemployed youths who somehow don't land a government job.

"We will provide government jobs to all unemployed youths in Sikkim within 100 days of coming to power in the state," SKM president P S Golay told a press conference here, while releasing the election manifesto of his party.

Golay, who is not contesting the upcoming assembly polls in Sikkim despite the fact that his party has projected him as the chief ministerial face, said all ad hoc teachers will be regularised in service if it comes to power.

In its manifesto, the SKM said private companies in Sikkim will be required to deposit salaries of its employees with the state government for distribution by the latter.

On political issues, Golay said his party will ensure that Article 371(F) of the Constitution, which protects the rights of local people, "remains untouched at all cost".

Golay said that the SKM will press for restoration of assembly constituencies of the Nepalese community, and reservation of seats to the tribal Limboo and Tamang communities.

The opposition party also sought to woo the old settlers and traders by promising exemption from taxes.

The SKM is contesting all 32 assembly seats as well as the lone Lok Sabha seat in Sikkim, where simultaneous polls will be held on April 11.