13th FC grants Rs 400 cr for projects in Sikkim


The 13th Finance Commission has recommended a package of Rs 400 crore during the next five years as grants-in-aid for meeting specific needs, including Rs 200-crore Bhaley Dhunga sky walk project, in Sikkim.

The commission, in its report tabled by Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in Parliament on February 25, acknowledged that the Sikkim government had made a strong pitch for the skywalk project, arguing that this would be the first-of-its-kind in India, sources said today.

''We recommend 200 crore-grant, urging the state government to ensure that fragile ecosystem in the region is not disturbed in the course of its implementation,'' the commission said in its report.

Admitting the rationale of the skywalk project, the commision stated that it was expected to be a major tourist attraction as ''it would be exciting to walk over transparent glass at a height of almost 5000 ft.'' The project would, thus, have a major impact on infrastructure development and enhance commercial activities in the state, the Commission felt.

Endorsing the growth of tourism in Sikkim, the commission also recommended a grant of Rs 80 crore for the development of village tourism. The funds would be utilised for the improvement of village surroundings, connectivity and the natural attractions in rural areas, it was learnt.

The commission has recommended a grant of Rs six crore for creating additional storage facilities in Sikkim for essentials since transportation of these commodities had often been disrupted due to closure of the national highway in the wake of unavoidable circumstances.

The state government had also emphasised to the commission on the need to reinforce the existing security infrastructure along both the domestic and international borders with the initiatives like creating new monitoring checkposts, improving road transport links and strengthening security equipments. The commission has recommended a grant of Rs 15 crore to Sikkim in this regard.

The Sikkim government's submission for funds for repair and renovation of suspension of foot bridges in north district has been responded positively by the commission. The state government had highlighted the need for the substitution of old and dilapidated timber bridges with steel as well as replacement of old cables and suspenders.

Since, the bridges ensure connectivity of villages in remote and backward areas, the commission has recommended a grant of Rs 35 crore for repair and renovation of these bridges.

A grant of Rs 20 crore has also been recommended by the commission for taking care of the drinking water supply in south and west districts of Sikkim.

The state government had requested funds for upgradation of the Namchi Water Supply Scheme, overhauling of the Lower Changay Source for Gyalshing Water Supply Scheme and Rabdentse Water Supply Scheme. The commission has also recommended a grant of Rs 25 crore for training police and meeting infrastructural needs in Sikkim. The state government had sought funds to set up a training centre at Yangyang in order to augment the training capacity, including additional residential accommodation and equipment. A sum of Rs 10 crore has been recommended in this regard by the commission.

The commission has recommended a grant of Rs 15 crore for addressing the shortage of residential and non-residential buildings for the police.

A grant of Rs 10 crore, as sought by the state government, has been recommended by the commission for setting up a capacity building institute at Burtuk for enabling the state to help the youth gain knowledge and skills for various career options.

The commission has also recommended a grant of Rs nine crore for conserving the monuments in Sikkim, it was learnt.


source:Yahoo.com