Chief Minister Pawan Chamling inaugurated the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPCS) at PNG school complex here today and dedicated it to the members of the community.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister stressed that Sikkim today is a model of secularism, where every citizen has the right to profess the religion of their choice. “There has been no communal tension and unrest in the last 25 years of our government. Peace, harmony and religious freedom prevail in the State. No person is discriminated or marginalized based on caste, creed or religion. We have also ensured that every community falls within the reservation policy for jobs, higher education and 2 percent reservation is provided to the scheduled caste Christians whom we have categorised as weaker section,” he said.
Calling on the Christian community to realize that there is complete protection of their identity as minority community and treated with respect and honour, Chamling mentioned there is security and all round development of all the communities of the State.  He also highlighted several key indicators on the progress that the State has witnessed in the last two and a half decades.
The Chief Minister further urged the pastors and elders to sensitize the youth regarding the educational facilities provided by the State government and opportunities created in fields like tourism, organic farming and other service sectors. They should be willing to work with sincerity, determination and a sense of purpose to meet their goals, he said.