Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Thursday pledged to "protect and conserve" Article 371(F) of the Constitution, which provides special status to the tiny border state.
Tamag, better known as Golay, also said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured him that the rights granted to the state will not be tinkered with.
"On the occasion of 73rd Independence Day celebrations, I pledge to protect, conserve and consolidate the Article 371(F) of the Constitution which provides a special status to our state," he said after unfurling the national flag at Paljor stadium here.
According to Article 371(F), "the Governor shall have special responsibility for peace and equitable arrangement for ensuring the social and economic advancement of different sections of the population of Sikkim... and the Governor of Sikkim shall, subject to such directions as the President may, from time to time, deem fit to issue, act in his discretion".
It also states that "neither the Supreme Court nor any other court shall have jurisdiction in respect of any dispute or other matter arising out of any treaty, agreement, engagement or other similar instrument relating to Sikkim...."
The recent abrogation of the provisions of Article 370 in J&K by the Centre have raised apprehensions in the northeast, with several parties and organisations fearing that the Centre may also tinker with the special status accorded to their states.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, however, clarified that the central government has no such intention.
Outlining his government's priorities, Golay said he will strive to make Sikkim a corruption-free state by ensuring transparency and accountability in the functioning of all institutions, public utilities and development programmes.
"Attaining the goal of 'zero corruption' will require single-minded grit, technological interventions, technical vigil, transparency and accountability and reforms in moral and other attitudes of all stakeholders in public life.
Golay, whose party Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) came to power earlier this year after ending the 25-year rule of the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), promised to fulfill his election promises of providing assembly seat reservation to Limboo and Tamang communities and bestowing tribal status to 11 Nepalese communities.
Will not allow tinkering of Article 371H
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday allayed fears of revocation of the special provisions of Article 371H and said the rights are aimed at developing the backward areas of the state.
In his address, on the occasion of Independence Day, Khandu said the provisions enshrined in Article 371 are aimed at "protecting the economic and cultural interests" of some states, including Arunachal.
The recent abrogation of the provisions of Article 370 in J&K by the Centre have raised apprehensions in the northeast, with several parties and organisations fearing that the Centre may also tinker with the special status accorded to their states.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah had clarified that the central government has no such intention.
Congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his bold move in J&K, Khandu said, "The provisions of Article 371 are inclusive in nature, but that of Article 370 are primarily divisive. The government has taken the first step towards the inclusive development of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
"I assure the people of my state that the provisions of Article 371-H will continue to stay in force and the same had been categorically assured in the Parliament by the Centre," he said after unfurling the Tri-colour at Indira Gandhi Park here.
Article 371H vests the governor of Arunachal Pradesh with special responsibility with respect to the law and order siatuation in the state and in the discharge of his functions in relation thereto.
It also states that the Legislative Assembly shall consist of not less than thirty members.
"The main objectives behind Article 371 granting special provisions to some states, including Arunachal, are to meet the unique needs of the backward areas of these states, protect the economic and cultural interests, combat local challenges and protect customary laws," he maintained.
Khandu also asserted that his government would work towards ensuring peace and harmony in the state, where all communities co-exist and cooperate with each other.
"We have to put in our best efforts to make Arunachal Pradesh one of the best-administered and -governed states in the country in line with the prime minister's mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas aur Sabka Vishwas'," the chief minister added.
