CM calls on PM

GANGTOK, 09 June: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence in New Delhi this evening. The Chief Minister congratulated Mr Modi on assuming the office of the Prime Minister of the country and for the impressive mandate given to him by the people of India.

The Chief Minister discussed wide-ranging issues with the Prime Minister pertaining to programs at the national level and also highlighted state-specific developmental issues, an official press communiqué informs.

The Chief Minister informed the Prime Minister about the impressive economic growth recorded by the State Government in spite of its many geographical constraints.

He also apprised the Prime Minister about many hardships faced by the people of Sikkim in the development path of Sikkim. The Chief Minister flagged some of the ongoing activities being taken up on mission mode like hydro-power generation, organic farming, health, education, tourism, connectivity issue etc.

The Chief Minister also apprised about the pending demands of the people of Sikkim and the State Government on reservation of seats in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly for the Limboo and Tamang communities, Inclusion of left-out Sikkimese ethnic communities in the central list of STs, granting permission to the17^th Gyalwa   Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje to take his seat at Rumtek Monastery and Income Tax Exemption to left out and Old Business Communities of Sikkim, the release informs.

The Chief Minister also requested the Prime Minister to provide one time grant of Rs. 5,000 crore to keep up the developmental tempo in the State despite challenges.

The Prime Minister discussed all issues with the Chief Minister and assured all-out support to the State Government of Sikkim, the release adds.