Sikkim Governor, CM attends 71st Plenary of NEC in Shillong'

CM draws Centre’s focus on Sikkim issues & requirements

SHILLONG,  (IPR): Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang alongside Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya attended the 71st Plenary of the North Eastern Council (NEC) at the State Convention Centre, Shillong, Meghalaya today.

The meeting was chaired by Union Home minister Amit Shah, and had the presence and participation of Governors and Chief Ministers of North Eastern States, Union DoNER minister G Kishan Reddy, DoNER Minister of State BL Verma and senior officers of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of DoNER, Government of India.

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang was accompanied by VB Pathak, chief secretary, Government of Sikkim, SD Dhakal, secretary CMO, and Rinzing Chewang Bhutia, secretary, Planning and Development department, Government of Sikkim.

Extending his warm greetings to the Union Home minister and chairman of the North-East Council Amit Shah, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang expressed gratitude to the Central government for continuous support and guidance in the development of the North-East region.

Speaking on the recent crisis in Sikkim due to a catastrophic flood that occurred on October 3-4, 2023, the Chief Minister further expressed his heartfelt thanks to the Prime Minister, Union Home minister and the Central government for the thorough and timely support.

A joint memorandum has been submitted to the Government of India for temporary restoration and permanent reconstruction of the affected areas, and prompt action is anticipated, added the Chief Minister.

Further, he appealed to the Ministry of DoNER and the North-East Council for additional funds to expedite the restoration activities crucial for the State's economy, especially considering the extended timeline for completing PMGSY work until March 2024. He highlighted transport connectivity concerns, stressing the need for NH 10 upgrade, rail line completion, and improved digital connectivity.

The Chief Minister also discussed global connectivity initiatives, emphasizing the importance of policy shifts for economic integration in the BBIN region. He further described the transformation of the tourism sector in Sikkim, emphasizing technology, ecological practices, and heritage revival. He proposed streamlining the process of obtaining Restricted or Protected Area Permits for foreign tourists, considering on-arrival issuance.

Drawing attention to the weakened retaining wall and visible cracks at Pakyong Greenfield Airport leading to suspension of flight services, the Chief Minister urged the Government of India for an early solution.

The Chief Minister highlighted the ‘Mero Rukh Mero Santati’ programme, a unique initiative of the Government of Sikkim, symbolizing environmental conservation with the planting of 108 trees for every new born child. The campaign also garnered global recognition during COP' 28 held in Dubai in November-December 2023, he informed.

The Chief Minister also briefly highlighted other notable programmes of the Government of Sikkim.

Highlighting the importance of the multi-modal corridor connecting Sikkim and Eastern Nepal, the Chief Minister highlighted its significance for national security.  In the context of Sustainable Development Goals, Sikkim stands as a leader in the overall index, thanks to the State government's proactive steps to fulfill citizens' goals and aspirations, he mentioned.

To encourage vital manufacturing employment in the North-East regions, the Chief Minister called upon the Central Government to adopt a new industrial investment policy. He also proposed the creation of an export-oriented Organic Food Park-cum-Free Trade Warehousing Zone (SEZ-FTWZ) with NEC and DoNER support.

He addressed shortcomings in health delivery and civic amenities, sharing Sikkim’s initiatives like the CATCH program and healthcare partnerships.

He also reiterated the demand for reservation of seats for the Limboo-Tamang communities in the State Legislative Assembly and bringing the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorjee to Sikkim.

The Chief Minister extended gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Central government for the "Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra," which has actively involved the government agencies. He also extended heartfelt congratulations on the historic consecration of Ram Lalla in the newly constructed Ram Mandir at Ayodhya, which is scheduled for 22nd January.