Governor represents Sikkim in 60th North Eastern Council (NEC) meeting

Gangtok: 21st June: The 60th North Eastern Council (NEC) meeting was held at New Delhi on the 16th and 17th of June under the Chairmanship of Shri B.K.Handique, Union Minister for DoNER and Chairman, NEC. Sikkim was represented by mthe Governor of Sikkim, Shri. Balmiki Prasad Singh, Minister for HRDD, Government of Sikkim, Shri. N.K. Pradhan, Development Commissioner, Department of Development Planning, Economic Reforms, Smt. RinchenOngmu, Commissioner-cum-Secretary to the Governor of Sikkim, Shri. K.N.

Bhutia. The Governor of Sikkim, in this address to the representativesof other north eastern States, expressed his disappointment at the slow progress of work by BSNL to improve connectivity. According to him, in

today’s world, internet is crucial in bringing about national and regional integration. As regards the look east policy of themGovernment of India (GOI), the Governor said that Sikkim stands by the commitment given in the 58th NEC meeting, in its willingness to host a conference of HoGs (Heads of Governments) of South East Asian countries if approved by the GoI. Shri Singh also requested the GoI to consider opening of North East Development Financial Institution in the region. The Governor also desired that NEC should earmark Rs. 1000 crores under NLCPR to develop high class double lane airport road from Ranipul to Pakyong. A self contained urban settlement along the route could also be developed; not only will this aid in decongesting Gangtok, it will also attract high spending tourists. He said the project could be named Naya Gangtok and it should be developed through the involvement of a reputed International Agency. He also requested DoNER to take interest in funding the 575 bedded super-specialty hospital project currently being developed in Gangtok area

Sikkim to attend 60th NEC meeting on 16, 17

GANGTOK, June 10: The 60th North Eastern Council (NEC) meeting is slated to be held on June 16 and 17 in Delhi which is to be attended among others, the chief ministers, governors and chief secretaries of all the North Eastern States including Sikkim.
An official source in the Sikkim government said various topic for over all development of North East & Sikkim including power scenario, education, science and technology, railways, air connectivity, innovation for the North Eastern region, transport and communication in the States, agriculture, sports etc. will be touched upon.
The source said special presentations will be made by Ministry of Power on the Action Plan prepared for the NE region based on the Vision NER 2020 and discussion thereon. Presentation will also be made on Draft Master Plan prepared by the NEC on Tourism in the North Eastern Region as per the NER Vision 2020 (prepared by M/s Tata Consultancy Services Ltd., engaged by NEC) and discussion thereon. The meeting will dwell on the State Government of Mizoram on the Report prepared on Education Sector in the State. Sam Pitroda, Advisor to Prime Minister and Chairman, National Innovation Council will also present on the Innovation for the North Eastern Region. Mission Director, Mission on Geo Spatial Applications, Ministry of Science and Technology will present on “GIS mapping of social infrastructure in Nagaland and Manipur using 3D terrain models”. Ministry of Railways will also present on the Action Plan prepared for North Eastern Region on the basis of NER Vision 2020 and discussion thereon.
The source then said presentation of awards to the winners of the recently constituted North Eastern Council Chairman’s Sports Award for Excellence will be held. Gold Medalist in the recently held International events such as Common Wealth and Asian Games are being given Rs. 10.00 lakhs for Gold Medal, Rs. 5.00 lakhs for Silver and Rs. 3.00 lakhs for Bronze each.
As a body for planning and execution for over all development of the North East States, the meet is to chaired by Union Minister of DoNER and Chairman, NEC, B.K Handique. Almost all the Governors, Chief Ministers, Chief Secretaries will attend