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Hemlata Chhetri (born 14 June 1955) was an Indian Politician and social worker who had the distinction of being the first woman member of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly from 1974 to 1979, a rare feat for Sikkimese women during the initial phase of the State’s transition into democracy. She set a benchmark by her courage and determination as her inspiring work in politics paved way for a new beginning in Sikkimese society and ignited many aspiring Sikkimese, especially womenfolk to embark on the sphere of work which was traditionally helmed by menfolk at that time.

Early Life

Hemlata Chhetri was the daughter of Late Dhan Bahadur Tewari and Late Amrita Tewari. She was born on 14 June 1955 in Tarku, South Sikkim. She completed her primary education from Temi Tarku (South Sikkim) and high school from Pelling (West Sikkim). She pursued her graduation from Kalimpong College.

Hemlata Chhetri married Nar Bahadur Khatiwada in 1975, who was a firebrand leader instrumental in ushering in democracy in Sikkim, and also a Member of Sikkim Legislative Assembly from 1974 to 1984. She has two sons and two daughters- namely Dr. Shailaja, Ujjwal Khatiwada, Prajwal and Dr. Puniya.

Political Career

She entered mainstream politics after the revolution of 1973. In 1974, at the age of 19 years, she was elected to the Sikkim Legislative Assembly from Geyzing constituency as a candidate of the Sikkim National Congress Party. As an MLA she worked relentlessly for the welfare of the people and took up their problems and grievances. She was known to be practical and thoughtful and managed to resolve issues concerning the common public with her own grit and determination. The problems she worked were on issues like road connectivity, electricity, water scarcity, and several other pertinent issues. She was also fully supported by the public and worked as a team to deliver development at the grass-roots level. After serving as the first woman MLA for one term, she resigned from active politics and joined social service.

Social Service

She joined government service as Secretary of the Sikkim State Social Welfare Board in 1984 and retired in the year 2013. Post-retirement, she continued to remain active in various organizations like the Balika Niketan, National Blind School, mostly working for the welfare and upliftment of women and children.

Honours and Awards

In the year 2000, the State Government of Sikkim conferred the prestigious ‘Role of Honour’ upon Hemlata Chhetri in honour of her notable contribution to society. She was also awarded the Best Performing Legislator Award in 2016.

Positions Held

1974 to 1979 – Member of Sikkim Legislative Assembly 1984 to 2013 -Secretary, Sikkim State Social Welfare Board, Central Social Welfare Board

Death

Hemlata Chettri passed away on 10 June, 2020 in a Siliguri Hospital due to cardiac arrest.

References

“Pioneers of Democracy in Sikkim”. Sikkim Legislative Assembly Secretariat, April 2017 “Sikkim’s first woman MLA Hemlata Chettri passes away”, Sikkim Express.11 Jun 2020.http://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/sikkims-first-woman-mla-hemlata-chettri-passes-away

External Links

Government of Sikkim Official Sitehttps://sikkim.gov.in/media/news-announcement/news-info?name=Condolence+message+of+Hon%27ble+Governor+on+the+passing+away+of+first+woman+legislator+and+first+woman+journalist+of+Sikkim