Governor seeks NEC funding for Rs. 1,000 crore Pakyong-Ranipul Airport Road

…SEEKS NEC INVOLVEMENT IN DEVELOPING SUPER SPECIALTY HOSPITAL IN GANGTOK, COMPLAINS AGAINST SLOW WORK BY BSNL

GANGTOK, 21 June: Governor Balmiki Prasad Singh led the Sikkim representation to the 60th North Eastern Council meeting held in New Delhi on 16 and 17 June. The Governor was accompanied by HRD Minister NK Pradhan, Development Commissioner, Rinchen Ongmu and Commissioner-cum-Secretary to the Governor, KN Bhutia. The meet was chaired by the DoNER Minister, BK Handique, who is also the Chairman, NEC.
In his address, the Governor expressed his disappointment on the slow work by BSNL in its efforts to improve connectivity, an official press release informs. He stressed that in today’s world, internet was crucial in bringing about national and regional integration.

As regards the Look-East policy of the Government of India, the Governor said that Sikkim stands by the commitment given at the 58th NEC meeting to host a conference of HoGs (Heads of Governments) of South East Asian countries if approved by the GoI.
The Governor also requested the GoI to consider opening of North East Development Financial Institution in the region.
He also desired that NEC earmark Rs. 1,000 crore 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, he added, which would not only aid in decongesting Gangtok, but will also attract high-spending tourists. He said the project could be named Naya Gangtok and 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, the release informs.