Shillong, June 19: Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Friday highlighted the importance of Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) in driving sustainable development and called for reforms to strengthen the implementation framework during a seminar on “Leveraging Externally Aided Projects (EAPs)” held in Shillong.
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| Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang addresses the seminar on “Leveraging Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) in the North-Eastern States” in Shillong. (Image: X/PSTamangGolay) |
The seminar was chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and attended by Chief Ministers of the Northeastern states, senior officials of the Government of India, representatives of multilateral development institutions, and international financial organizations.
Addressing the gathering, Tamang expressed gratitude to the Union Finance Minister and the Government of India for their continued support towards Sikkim’s developmental aspirations. He acknowledged assistance provided under various initiatives, including SASCI, the approval of the Pride of the Hills initiative, and the inclusion of Sikkim under the Buddhist Circuit Development Scheme for the Northeastern Region.
The Chief Minister highlighted Sikkim’s successful implementation of externally aided projects across sectors such as power generation, forestry, connectivity, and welfare programmes for women and youth. He said such projects have contributed significantly to the state's socio-economic progress while promoting sustainable and inclusive development.
Tamang also put forward several suggestions aimed at strengthening the EAP framework. These included enhanced capacity-building programmes for state officials, timely communication of project approvals, transparent funding guidelines, faster appraisal and clearance processes, and continuity in project management teams to ensure efficient implementation.
Drawing attention to the unique financial challenges faced by small Himalayan states, he proposed that EAP funding be aligned with the pattern followed under Centrally Sponsored Schemes, with 90 percent grant assistance from the Government of India and 10 percent loan support. He also urged authorities to recognize state contributions such as land, right-of-way clearances, and enabling infrastructure as part of project support.
Expressing confidence in the outcomes of the discussions, Tamang said a more responsive and effective EAP framework would enable states like Sikkim to better utilize external assistance for resilient and long-term development.
During his visit to Meghalaya, the Chief Minister also attended the inauguration of the Organic Spice Processing Plant in Ri-Bhoi district, the largest facility of its kind in Northeast India. The event was attended by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Chief Ministers from across the region, and other dignitaries.
Tamang said the state-of-the-art facility marks a major milestone in promoting organic agriculture, value addition, and sustainable economic growth in the Northeast. He also thanked the Government of Meghalaya for its hospitality and appreciated the support extended by the Governments of Assam and West Bengal during the visit.
