Press Release
Press Release from Raj Bhavan
Information & Public Relations Department
SKM/GOV/PR/2024/82
Rajbhavan: Gangtok
Date: 21/11/2024
Hon'ble Governor of Sikkim Mr. Om Prakash Mathur attended the 72nd Full Session of North East Council (NEC) held at Agartala, Tripura, headed by Hon'ble Home Minister and NEC President Mr. Amit Shah. Minister of North East Region Development, Mr. Jyotiraditya M in this session. Scindia, Hon'ble Governors of North East States, Chief Ministers including Chief Secretary of all states and officers of departments participated.
Key issues raised by the Governor during this time:
1. Road Connectivity: The Governor has thanked the decision of maintenance of NH-10 by NHIDCL on behalf of the people of Sikkim. Also, emphasized the need for immediate maintenance and upgrades of National Highway 10 and state highways, which supports state connectivity and economic stability. Important for.
2. AIR PROBLEMS: Describing the volatility of flight operations at Pakyong Airport as major obstacle to tourism and economic growth they sought immediate solution to ensure uninterrupted air service.
3. Vibrant Village Program: Under the Vibrant Village Program initiated by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, emphasized the need for appointment of a dedicated Nodal Officer for the overall development of 46 villages of Sikkim.
4. Economic Structure and Tourism Development: Governor sir emphasized the importance of supporting tourism development and MSMEs for Economic Development of Sikkim.
5. Natural disasters and infrastructure: Mr. Governor lines the impact of natural disasters such as floods and landslides in the region. They requested approval and allocation in time of funds for rebuilding and rehabilitation efforts.
6. Digital Connectivity: The Governor proposed to establish a dedicated committee for the implementation of Bharatnet 3.0 in the Himalayan states, to improve internet connectivity and support economic and social growth.
The Governor expressed gratitude for the continuous support of the Central Government and highlighted the importance of cooperation for the development of prosperous and progressive North East India. He expressed belief that with continuous participation and commitment, shared goals will be achieved and the dream of developed India by 2047.
Agartala, December 21:The Hon’ble Governor of Sikkim, Shri Om Prakash Mathur, attended the 72nd Plenary Meeting of the North Eastern Council (NEC) was held today at Pragna Bhavan, Agartala, Tripura, under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble Union Home Minister and NEC Chairman, Shri Amit Shah.
In his address, the Hon’ble Governor extended warm greetings to the Hon’ble Union Home Minister, distinguished dignitaries, and participants, expressing hope that the discussions would address key challenges and accelerate socio-economic development in the region.
Commending the NEC’s efforts in reducing regional disparities and building critical infrastructure, the Hon’ble Governor emphasized the importance of strategic planning as the NEC approaches its 75th anniversary. Reflecting on the Golden Jubilee celebrations in December 2022, he proposed formulating a comprehensive roadmap titled “Developed North East 2047” to align with India’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
The Hon’ble Governor proposed establishing an Ethno Medicine and Tourism Commission under a Public-Private Partnership model to commercialize the region’s rich traditional and herbal medicinal resources. This initiative, he suggested, would promote medical tourism and unlock significant economic opportunities.
On tourism development, the Hon’ble Governor called for significant investments in infrastructure and connectivity. With coordinated efforts, Sikkim’s tourism revenue could potentially increase tenfold by 2047. He highlighted the need to address pressing concerns related to connectivity and infrastructure while integrating Sikkim’s tourist circuits with those of other northeastern states.
Addressing disaster resilience, the Hon’ble Governor mentioned the October 2023 floods in Sikkim and expressed gratitude for the Government of India’s unwavering support in facilitating recovery efforts. Referring to the Union Finance Minister’s commitment in the 2024-25 Budget Speech, he earnestly requested the timely approval of proposed funds, which are critical for the State’s reconstruction and rehabilitation.
The Hon’ble Governor expressed gratitude to the centre government for entrusting National Highway10’s (NH-10) maintenance to NHIDCL. He also expressed concern over damages to NH-10 and other key roads due to heavy rains, which have severely affected Sikkim’s economy. He urged the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the NEC to prioritize road maintenance, upgrade essential routes, and fast-track alternative highway projects.
Further, the Hon’ble Governor raised concerns regarding the suspension of flight operations at Pakyong Greenfield Airport, Sikkim’s sole airport, and sought the early intervention of the Government of India to address the air connectivity issue.
He requested the restoration of annual allocations, re-assessment of allocation criteria, and additional funding for critical projects, noting the relatively low allocation for Sikkim compared to other northeastern states.
He emphasized the need to improve telecommunication connectivity through collaboration between the Ministry of DoNER and the Department of Telecommunications, considering its critical role in the region’s holistic development. The Hon’ble Governor called for collective and committed efforts to realize the vision of a Developed North East by 2047, which he said would greatly contribute to Viksit Bharat @2047.
The Hon’ble Governor expressed his gratitude for the Central Government’s consistent efforts to promote development in the North Eastern States and appreciated Prime Minister emphasis on the importance of North East India as a vital part of the nation. The Hon’ble Governor also lauded the DoNER Ministry and NEC for formulating a comprehensive North East Region Vision 2047, which outlines a progressive roadmap for the region's development and described it as a significant achievement.
The 72nd Plenary Meeting of the NEC was also attended by Hon’ble Union DoNER Minister and NEC Vice Chairman Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for DoNER Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, Hon’ble Governors, Hon’ble Chief Ministers and NE States and NEC Members, among others.
Rajbhavan: Gangtok
Date: 21/11/2024
Hon'ble Governor of Sikkim Mr. Om Prakash Mathur attended the 72nd Full Session of North East Council (NEC) held at Agartala, Tripura, headed by Hon'ble Home Minister and NEC President Mr. Amit Shah. Minister of North East Region Development, Mr. Jyotiraditya M in this session. Scindia, Hon'ble Governors of North East States, Chief Ministers including Chief Secretary of all states and officers of departments participated.
Key issues raised by the Governor during this time:
1. Road Connectivity: The Governor has thanked the decision of maintenance of NH-10 by NHIDCL on behalf of the people of Sikkim. Also, emphasized the need for immediate maintenance and upgrades of National Highway 10 and state highways, which supports state connectivity and economic stability. Important for.
2. AIR PROBLEMS: Describing the volatility of flight operations at Pakyong Airport as major obstacle to tourism and economic growth they sought immediate solution to ensure uninterrupted air service.
3. Vibrant Village Program: Under the Vibrant Village Program initiated by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, emphasized the need for appointment of a dedicated Nodal Officer for the overall development of 46 villages of Sikkim.
4. Economic Structure and Tourism Development: Governor sir emphasized the importance of supporting tourism development and MSMEs for Economic Development of Sikkim.
5. Natural disasters and infrastructure: Mr. Governor lines the impact of natural disasters such as floods and landslides in the region. They requested approval and allocation in time of funds for rebuilding and rehabilitation efforts.
6. Digital Connectivity: The Governor proposed to establish a dedicated committee for the implementation of Bharatnet 3.0 in the Himalayan states, to improve internet connectivity and support economic and social growth.
The Governor expressed gratitude for the continuous support of the Central Government and highlighted the importance of cooperation for the development of prosperous and progressive North East India. He expressed belief that with continuous participation and commitment, shared goals will be achieved and the dream of developed India by 2047.
Agartala, December 21:The Hon’ble Governor of Sikkim, Shri Om Prakash Mathur, attended the 72nd Plenary Meeting of the North Eastern Council (NEC) was held today at Pragna Bhavan, Agartala, Tripura, under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble Union Home Minister and NEC Chairman, Shri Amit Shah.
In his address, the Hon’ble Governor extended warm greetings to the Hon’ble Union Home Minister, distinguished dignitaries, and participants, expressing hope that the discussions would address key challenges and accelerate socio-economic development in the region.
Commending the NEC’s efforts in reducing regional disparities and building critical infrastructure, the Hon’ble Governor emphasized the importance of strategic planning as the NEC approaches its 75th anniversary. Reflecting on the Golden Jubilee celebrations in December 2022, he proposed formulating a comprehensive roadmap titled “Developed North East 2047” to align with India’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
The Hon’ble Governor proposed establishing an Ethno Medicine and Tourism Commission under a Public-Private Partnership model to commercialize the region’s rich traditional and herbal medicinal resources. This initiative, he suggested, would promote medical tourism and unlock significant economic opportunities.
On tourism development, the Hon’ble Governor called for significant investments in infrastructure and connectivity. With coordinated efforts, Sikkim’s tourism revenue could potentially increase tenfold by 2047. He highlighted the need to address pressing concerns related to connectivity and infrastructure while integrating Sikkim’s tourist circuits with those of other northeastern states.
Addressing disaster resilience, the Hon’ble Governor mentioned the October 2023 floods in Sikkim and expressed gratitude for the Government of India’s unwavering support in facilitating recovery efforts. Referring to the Union Finance Minister’s commitment in the 2024-25 Budget Speech, he earnestly requested the timely approval of proposed funds, which are critical for the State’s reconstruction and rehabilitation.
The Hon’ble Governor expressed gratitude to the centre government for entrusting National Highway10’s (NH-10) maintenance to NHIDCL. He also expressed concern over damages to NH-10 and other key roads due to heavy rains, which have severely affected Sikkim’s economy. He urged the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the NEC to prioritize road maintenance, upgrade essential routes, and fast-track alternative highway projects.
Further, the Hon’ble Governor raised concerns regarding the suspension of flight operations at Pakyong Greenfield Airport, Sikkim’s sole airport, and sought the early intervention of the Government of India to address the air connectivity issue.
He requested the restoration of annual allocations, re-assessment of allocation criteria, and additional funding for critical projects, noting the relatively low allocation for Sikkim compared to other northeastern states.
He emphasized the need to improve telecommunication connectivity through collaboration between the Ministry of DoNER and the Department of Telecommunications, considering its critical role in the region’s holistic development. The Hon’ble Governor called for collective and committed efforts to realize the vision of a Developed North East by 2047, which he said would greatly contribute to Viksit Bharat @2047.
The Hon’ble Governor expressed his gratitude for the Central Government’s consistent efforts to promote development in the North Eastern States and appreciated Prime Minister emphasis on the importance of North East India as a vital part of the nation. The Hon’ble Governor also lauded the DoNER Ministry and NEC for formulating a comprehensive North East Region Vision 2047, which outlines a progressive roadmap for the region's development and described it as a significant achievement.
The 72nd Plenary Meeting of the NEC was also attended by Hon’ble Union DoNER Minister and NEC Vice Chairman Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for DoNER Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, Hon’ble Governors, Hon’ble Chief Ministers and NE States and NEC Members, among others.
