Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Nov 21: Chief Minister of Sikkim, Pawan Chamling called on Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh at his office here and discussed a wide range of issues related to development and financial allocations.
Dr Jitendra Singh emphasised the need to expedite the work to set up the first-ever airport in the capital city of Gangtok and said, when this airport becomes functional, it would be one of the most sought after and attractive destinations in the East. He informed the Chief Minister that the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation had conveyed its eagerness to make the airport functional at the earliest and were waiting for the State Government to conclude the process of shifting of families living in the vicinity. In response, Chamling informed Dr Jitendra Singh that the process has been put on a fast track and the airport will hopefully become functional in 2017.
Dr Jitendra Singh also expressed satisfaction to note that Sikkim is set to be declared as the first Organic State in the region.
Chief Minister Chamling conveyed to the Union DoNER Minister, inputs regarding the status of 53 ongoing projects in the State under the DoNER Ministry’s Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR). Out of these, he said, for 11 projects the Central funds have been fully received but due to the paucity of funds with the Sikkim State, the contribution of 10% of State share has got delayed. Similarly, he said, in another 38 ongoing projects, the Utilization Certificates (UCs) and other related documents are being sent and requested that, following the receipt of these documents and release of State share, the second/third installments of the projects may kindly be released by the DoNER Ministry.
Chief Minister also suggested certain road projects which the State wanted to be sanctioned. These include Sichey-Ranka road in East Sikkim.
The implications of the award of the 14th Finance Commission were also brought up for discussion by the Chief Minister.
Dr Jitendra Singh assured the Chief Minister that the suggestions put across by the State Government will be considered seriously.
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