Gross domestic happiness: After Bhutan, its Sikkim

GANGTOK: "It���s not gross domestic product, but gross domestic happiness that should be the yardstick to measure prosperity of a nation or state." After Bhutan, tiny, mountainous Sikkim is adopting that philosophy. This remains the main commitment of the Sikkim CM on behalf of his party, Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), just before assembly elections in the state.

"Development in any sector is not complete unless it brings extra happiness to the people," said Sikkim chief minister Pawan Chamling. He expects victory in all the 32 assembly seats of the state for the next term. There are two additional seats in the assembly reserved for Buddhist monks. SDF had 31 seats in the current term.

"SDF is determined to bring gross increase in our gross state domestic happiness. This will be done through doubling the state���s internal revenue, per capita income and gross state domestic product (GSDP) during the next five years and ensuring mass involvement of people in the process," said Mr Chamling.

According to government statistics, in 1994, when SDF first came to power in Sikkim, its annual internal revenue, per capita income and GSDP were Rs 44.72 crore, Rs 8,000 and Rs 426 crore. At present, these numbers are Rs 450 crore, Rs. 35,000 and Rs 2,500 crore. Developmental expenditure of Rs 764 crore during the 8th 5-year Plan period has gone up
to Rs 1,655 crore in 10th Plan period.

But, not everything on ground level is as rosy as the statistics. "Industrial power tariff in Sikkim is the highest in country. A pseudo-feudal attitude, red tapism, non-adherence to systems in government offices and poor IT or road connectivity are major retardants for the state���s growth. Mr Chamling was expected to do much better in addressing these factors during the last 15 years. Now, he will have to be introspective on these issues to fulfil his commitments,"said a top functionary in Sikkim industry circles on condition of anonymity.