Sikkim: SKM delegation advocates for Sikkim's development in Finance Commission meeting
The delegation urged the Commission to prioritize alternative all-weather highways, enhance roadway networks, expedite the railway network's completion, and revitalize Pakyong Airport. Improved connectivity, they argued, is vital for economic growth, tourism and the state's overall development.
LOCAL
A high-level delegation from the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) party, led by senior leaders, presented a comprehensive memorandum at the 16th Finance Commission's meeting with political parties of Sikkim. The session, chaired by the Commission's Chairman, Prof. Arvind Panagariya was held at Chintan Bhawan in Gangtok.
The SKM delegation included Kunga Nima Lepcha (Working President and Advisor to the Chief Minister), Arun Kumar Upreti (Secretary General and Minister), Sonam T. Venchungpa (Vice President and MLA/PAC Chairman) and Bikash Basnet (Spokesperson and Political Secretary to the Chief Minister). Their detailed presentation underscored Sikkim’s unique developmental priorities and sought robust financial support to address critical challenges and opportunities.
Key concerns raised included disaster management, particularly in light of the October 2023 Teesta flood, which devastated the region. The delegation called for long-term strategies to mitigate natural disasters, including glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), a significant threat in the Himalayan state. They proposed a Green Livelihood Framework to integrate sustainable agriculture, eco-tourism, employment generation, and environmental conservation, aligning with Sikkim's vision for resilience and sustainability.
The SKM leaders highlighted the vision of “Sunaulo, Samriddha, and Samartha Sikkim” (Golden, Accomplished, and Empowered Sikkim), articulated by Chief Prem Singh Tamang on the 50th anniversary of Sikkim's statehood. This vision focuses on inclusive growth, sustainable practices, and holistic well-being, aiming to position Sikkim as a model state within the Indian Union.
Connectivity emerged as a critical theme in the memorandum. The delegation urged the Commission to prioritize alternative all-weather highways, enhance roadway networks, expedite the railway network's completion, and revitalize Pakyong Airport. Improved connectivity, they argued, is vital for economic growth, tourism and the state's overall development.
The SKM also called for targeted financial support to transform Sikkim into a hub for education, healthcare, and tourism, fostering self-reliance and global competitiveness. They reiterated the need for the Finance Commission to align its resource allocation with the aspirations of the people of Sikkim.
Reaffirming their commitment to sustainable and inclusive development, the SKM delegation said that the state’s unique challenges and opportunities warrant special attention and support.
“The vision of a prosperous and empowered Sikkim can only be realized with focused financial interventions that prioritize resilience, sustainability, and inclusivity,” said Bikash Basnet, SKM Spokesperson, during the meeting.