HCM SIKKIM MEETS PRESIDENT OF INDIA

SIKKIM: CM briefs President Patil about Sikkim’s contribution towards nation’s integrity

FROM SIKKIM EXPRESS

GANGTOK: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today highlighted the contributions made by Sikkim towards the integrity and nation before the President, Pratibha Devisingh Patil.

The Chief Minister had called on the President at New Delhi where he informed about the recent very peaceful elections in Sikkim, which was unprecedented in the nation.

An official release informs that Mr. Chamling briefed the President about the range of development activities undertaken in sectors like hydel power, floriculture, horticulture, tourism, education and health.

Talking about the rapid progress in all sectors, the Chief Minister informed the President that Sikkim will earn the unique distinction to secure the highest per capita income among its citizens by 2014.

Highlighting the strategic location of Sikkim, the Chief Minister said that the State has three international borders with China, Nepal and Bhutan which is further compounded by Maoist problem in Nepal, insurgencies in the NE region and unrest in neighbouring West Bengal.

Nevertheless, we have kept Sikkim immune from all these disturbances and maintained complete peace and harmony in the State, said Mr. Chamling to the President. This is the greatest contribution made by the people of Sikkim towards the integrity and sovereignty of the nation which can be replicated in other parts of the country, he pointed out.
Further highlighting other socio-cultural measures, the Chief Minister said that Sikkim is the No. 1 State in the context of gender equity and where people live on the principle of mutual co-existence and brotherhood.

The President gave a patient hearing to the Chief Minister and thanked him for the visit.

The Chief Minister also extended an invitation to the President to visit Sikkim preferably in the month of March/April.

The President has requested the Chief Minister to file a detailed program for the proposed visit to Sikkim, the release informs.