News & Announcement
Chief Minister of Sikkim Addresses the 16th Finance Commission
Gangtok, January 20 (IPR):
The Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang-Golay attended the 16th Finance Commission Meeting, led by its Chairman Dr Arvind Panagariya, at the conference hall of Tashiling Secretariat.
Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister highlighted Sikkim’s unique challenges and achievements, emphasising the need for tailored support to drive sustainable growth.
Key points from the address included:
1. Connectivity Challenges:
• Limited national highways (709 km) compared to other northeastern states.
• Delayed infrastructure projects, including railways, airports, and digital connectivity.
• The vulnerability of NH-10, Sikkim’s only road link, which faces severe disruptions post-monsoon.
2. Green Economy Initiatives:
• Proposal to introduce QR codes for organic products to enhance transparency.
• Vision to establish Sikkim as India’s first Green Capital.
• Request for compensation for revenue forgone due to green policies.
3. Flash Flood Impact (October 2023):
• Appeal for financial aid to rebuild critical infrastructure, including hydropower projects.
• Need for support to address non-traditional disasters like Glacial Lake Outburst Floods.
4. Proposed Transformative Projects:
• Chewa Bhanjyang Multimodal Corridor: Boosting trade under the “Act East Policy.”
• New Gangtok Township: Relieving stress on existing infrastructure.
• Mono Rail or Cable Car Network: Enhancing urban mobility.
• Climate Change University: A research hub for the Eastern Himalayas.
• State University: Addressing state-specific education needs.
5. Pharmaceutical Sector:
• Sikkim’s emergence as a pharmaceutical hub, with a call for greater taxation flexibility to harness its revenue potential.
The Chief Minister concluded by urging the Commission to adopt a flexible, state-specific approach to support Sikkim’s aspirations. He thanked the Chairman and members for their visit and hoped they would enjoy their stay in Sikkim.
The Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang-Golay attended the 16th Finance Commission Meeting, led by its Chairman Dr Arvind Panagariya, at the conference hall of Tashiling Secretariat.
Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister highlighted Sikkim’s unique challenges and achievements, emphasising the need for tailored support to drive sustainable growth.
Key points from the address included:
1. Connectivity Challenges:
• Limited national highways (709 km) compared to other northeastern states.
• Delayed infrastructure projects, including railways, airports, and digital connectivity.
• The vulnerability of NH-10, Sikkim’s only road link, which faces severe disruptions post-monsoon.
2. Green Economy Initiatives:
• Proposal to introduce QR codes for organic products to enhance transparency.
• Vision to establish Sikkim as India’s first Green Capital.
• Request for compensation for revenue forgone due to green policies.
3. Flash Flood Impact (October 2023):
• Appeal for financial aid to rebuild critical infrastructure, including hydropower projects.
• Need for support to address non-traditional disasters like Glacial Lake Outburst Floods.
4. Proposed Transformative Projects:
• Chewa Bhanjyang Multimodal Corridor: Boosting trade under the “Act East Policy.”
• New Gangtok Township: Relieving stress on existing infrastructure.
• Mono Rail or Cable Car Network: Enhancing urban mobility.
• Climate Change University: A research hub for the Eastern Himalayas.
• State University: Addressing state-specific education needs.
5. Pharmaceutical Sector:
• Sikkim’s emergence as a pharmaceutical hub, with a call for greater taxation flexibility to harness its revenue potential.
The Chief Minister concluded by urging the Commission to adopt a flexible, state-specific approach to support Sikkim’s aspirations. He thanked the Chairman and members for their visit and hoped they would enjoy their stay in Sikkim.