Sikkim CM Tamang Seeks 'Tailored' Support From Finance Commission

GANGTOK: Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang met with the members of the 16th Finance Commission, led by its chairman Arvind Panagariya, to seek tailored financial support to address the state’s unique challenges and aspirations.

The meeting, held at the state secretariat, focused on Sikkim’s achievements and the need for specific financial aid to ensure sustainable growth.

According to the details shared by him on social media, CM Tamang highlighted Sikkim’s remarkable progress, including having the highest per capita income in the region, notable economic growth, and its global role in biodiversity preservation and climate change mitigation.

He also underscored the state's challenges, such as poor road connectivity, with NH-10, its only road link to the rest of India, being highly prone to disruptions, particularly after the monsoon.

Sikkim’s limited 709 km of national highways and delays in infrastructure projects like railways, airports, and digital connectivity were also emphasized.

The Chief Minister sought financial compensation for revenue losses due to the state's commitment to a green economy, as India’s first fully organic farming state.

He proposed initiatives like introducing QR codes for organic products to enhance transparency and traceability which will contribute in transforming Sikkim into the country’s first Green Capital with sustainable policies and investments.

CM Tamang also raised concerns about the devastation caused by the October 2023 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), which damaged critical infrastructure and hydropower projects, severely impacting the state’s revenue.

He requested significant financial aid for rehabilitation and the capacity to tackle non-traditional disasters and zoonotic diseases.

Other demands included developing the Chewa Bhanjyang Multimodal Corridor, a satellite township for Gangtok, monorail systems, and a state-specific planning body.

Additionally, CM Tamang emphasized the need for greater flexibility in taxation policies to boost revenue from the growing pharmaceutical sector and the establishment of specialized institutions for education and research.

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