Education becomes a poll issue in Sikkim

Gangtok (Sikkim), Apr 25 (ANI): Political parties have made education a key poll issue in Sikkim to woo young voters.

Youth in the age group of 19-29 years form 40 percent of the total 3,00,584 voters listed in the electoral rolls here.

Many voters want education in the state to improve so that they are not compelled to leave the state to acquire better education.

They stress on improvement of primary education.

"I think where the change has to take place is the primary education because there is where everything starts. There are lots of problems at the elementary level," said Jeewan Rai, a voter.

"Any government, which comes to power, has to address the problem of primary education. Once the issue is addressed everything will fall into place," Rai added.

Meanwhile, the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party is trying to lure the voters with assurance that the whole education system in Sikkim would be changed and brought to the world standards.

"After the completion of their (students) 10th, 10+2, graduation and post graduation, professional course will be given. We will assist them financially for pursuing higher education in international colleges and universities. Even in India, we will help them in getting good colleges and universities. We willrevamp the education system in Sikkim and will professionalise it. When the education is at par with world standards, then only they can get world class job," said Bhim Dahal, general secretary of the (SDF) party.

Sikkim will go to polls in the third phase of elections on April 30.

The first and second phases of polling were held on April 16 and 23, therest of the five-staged elections will be held on April 30 followed by May 7and May 13. By Tashi Pradhan(ANI)