Rajya Sabha on OT Lepcha's resolution for Sikkim development.

400 old settlers families issue also came up for discussion in Rajya Sabha



New Delhi, December 11: The Rajya Sabha today rejected by a voice vote a Private Member's Resolution calling upon the government to prepare an action plan for all-round development of Sikkim.

The rejection came after Minister for Development of the North East Region B K Handique assured the Members that the government was committed to the all around development of the North East Region.

“All steps will be taken to complete all the projects on time,” Handique said and urged OT Lepcha of the Sikkim Democratic Front to withdraw the Resolution.
However, since the Member was not present in the House, PJ Kurien who was in the Chair put it to a voice vote in which it was rejected.

The resolution, moved by Lepcha on November 26, also urged upon the government to connect the state with air and rail links at the earliest; improve the road infrastructure in the State by aceeding to the proposal received from the State government; consider appointment of the people of Sikkim to the constitutional posts; to develop Sikkim as an international tourist destination in view of its vast potential and to preserve the natural reserves of the State.

Earlier, speaking on the Resolution, Deputy Leader of the Opposition SS Ahluwalia asked the Minister to assure the House that the issue raised by him in particular about the 400 old settlers familes would be taken up with the Finance and the Home Ministries of Government of India.