Gangtok, Jan 20: Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay addressed the 16th Finance Commission at a meeting held on Monday at the Tashiling Secretariat, chaired by Dr. Arvind Panagariya. The Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay outlined key challenges faced by the state and proposed a range of initiatives to support Sikkim’s growth and development.
During his address, the Chief Minister highlighted the following priorities:
Connectivity Challenges:
- Sikkim’s limited national highways (709 km) compared to other northeastern states.
- Significant delays in infrastructure projects such as railways, airports, and digital connectivity.
- Vulnerability of NH-10, the state’s sole road link, to frequent disruptions, particularly after the monsoon season.
Green Economy and Sustainability:
- A proposal to introduce QR codes for organic products to increase transparency.
- A vision to establish Sikkim as India’s first Green Capital.
- A request for compensation to offset revenue losses due to the state’s green policies.
Flash Floods and Infrastructure Recovery:
- Following the October 2023 flash floods, the Chief Minister sought financial support to rebuild vital infrastructure, including hydropower projects.
- He also called for assistance to address emerging non-traditional disasters, such as Glacial Lake Outburst Floods.
Proposed Development Projects:
- The Chewa Bhanjyang Multimodal Corridor to enhance trade under the “Act East Policy.”
- A new Gangtok Township to alleviate stress on existing urban infrastructure.
- A Mono Rail or Cable Car Network to improve urban mobility.
- A Climate Change University to focus on research in the Eastern Himalayas.
- A State University to meet the educational needs of Sikkim.
Pharmaceutical Sector Growth:
- The Chief Minister emphasized Sikkim’s growing role as a pharmaceutical hub and called for greater taxation flexibility to maximize the sector’s revenue potential.
In closing, the Chief Minister urged the Finance Commission to adopt a flexible, state-specific approach to address Sikkim’s unique challenges and development needs. He expressed his gratitude to Panagariya and the Commission members for their visit and extended a warm welcome to them.
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