SHILLONG, June 4: Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay on Thursday highlighted the state's key development priorities and called for enhanced support for agriculture, infrastructure and connectivity during the 73rd Plenary Meeting of the North Eastern Council (NEC) chaired by Union Home Minister and NEC Chairman Amit Shah in Shillong.
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| Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay participates in the 73rd Plenary Meeting of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Shillong. (Image: facebook.com/cmpsgolay) |
The high-level meeting was attended by Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Governors and Chief Ministers of the Northeastern states, senior government officials and policymakers.
Addressing the plenary, Tamang outlined Sikkim's development agenda in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, focusing on organic agriculture, tourism, education, skill development, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), innovation and infrastructure development.
The Chief Minister emphasised the need to strengthen agricultural value chains and market linkages across the Northeast to improve farmers' incomes and enhance the competitiveness of agricultural products from the region. He also sought the continuation of the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) scheme, describing it as crucial for sustaining the momentum of organic farming in Sikkim and other Northeastern states.
In addition, Tamang urged the Centre to extend the benefits of the North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy (NEIIPP) beyond 2027 to support industrial growth, investment and employment generation in the region.
As Convenor of the High-Level Task Force on Agriculture and Horticulture for Addressing Gaps in Value Chains and Market Linkages in the North Eastern Region, the Chief Minister presented the task force's recommendations through a detailed presentation. The report proposed strategic interventions aimed at strengthening value chains, expanding market access, improving agricultural productivity, promoting value addition and ensuring sustainable growth in the agriculture and horticulture sectors across the Northeast.
Tamang also drew attention to challenges posed by recurring flash floods and their impact on infrastructure and connectivity in Sikkim. He called for a permanent solution to recurring disruptions along National Highway-10 (NH-10), the state's primary road link with the rest of the country.
The Chief Minister further sought the early completion of critical road, rail, air and digital infrastructure projects and urged immediate restoration measures for the Chungthang-Lachen road in North Sikkim, particularly in the Tarum Chu area, which has been affected by natural calamities.
According to Tamang, the discussions reflected a shared commitment among Northeastern states and the Centre to unlock the region's vast developmental potential through sustainable, inclusive and resilient growth strategies.
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Expressing gratitude to Amit Shah for his leadership and commitment to the development of the Northeast, the Chief Minister also thanked Jyotiraditya Scindia, the Ministry of DoNER, the NEC Secretariat, the Government of Meghalaya led by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, and the governments of Assam and West Bengal for their support and hospitality during the event.
He also acknowledged the efforts of officials, security personnel, protocol teams and support staff who facilitated the successful conduct of the plenary meeting.
The NEC plenary serves as an important platform for reviewing development priorities and strengthening cooperation among Northeastern states, with a focus on infrastructure, connectivity, economic growth and regional integration.
