United Progressive Organisation of Sikkim (UPOS) an NGO that has been working for the upliftment of the poor tribal people in the three backward villages of Ray,Mindu & Tempyem since its inception in 2004. It has been implementing various ways to help benefit the people, its current project being “WADI” which helps the farmers to achieve sustainable livelihood. Wadi in Gujarati term means “Orchar
d“, thus covering almost 300 odd families who have already joined together in maintaining their own orchard i.e of Oranges & Guava. “Chalum Sing” is the term given to this project by the local people which in Lepcha language means Orange Orchard. The funding partner for this project is through NABARD Regional Office Gangtok. Every possible step is taken by the NGO to ensure that the farmers are brought to the learning curve of maintaining their orchard, for this frequent trainings and exposure visits are organised. NABARD has played a vital role for granting the project and help people benefit through it. United Progressive Organisation of Sikkim has also introduced the concept of “Village Tourism” in the three Tribal belts. People have been trained on hospitality management,sanitation & hygiene. Almost 46 families are part of the Village Tourism where in they can accomodate tourist from different countries. Tourist are welcomed in the traditional way, traditional rituals and dances are performed and not to forget the tradition lepcha dishes are served. Local sight – seeing is also conducted where in the tourist have the opportunity to see the natural flora and fauna, bird watching, visit to the nearby Gumpa of Ray, Rumtek & Lingdum. NABARD is the key funding partner for the Village Tourism in the three villages.
