Sikkim Annual Plan 2010-11 Finalized AT RS.1175 CRORES

Sikkim Annual Plan 2010-11 Finalized


The Annual Plan for Sikkim for the year 2010-11 was finalized here today at a meeting between Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Pawan Chamling. The Plan outlay was agreed at Rs.1175 crores. This includes special Plan assistance of Rs. 225 crores for projects of special importance to the State.


In his comments on the plan performance of the State, Mr Ahluwalia said the plan realization of the State is good. He said the human development indicators indicate balanced growth. He said the State has immense tourism potential but care should be taken to ensure that the growth is more in quality tourism. He said the State must give priority to improving connectivity.


He said that focus on self employment and capacity building initiatives are steps in the right direction. He also appreciated the efforts of the Government to ensure that growth is inclusive and in this regard specially lauded the efforts in empowering women and Panchayati raj institutions. Efforts to improve forest cover were appreciated but the State Government was advised to intensify efforts.



The State Minister Mr R.B. Subba drew attention of the Commission to efforts being made by the State Government to improve infrastructure and improve pace of growth with no compromise on inclusiveness of the development strategy. He said the green field airport at Pakyong will be operational by January 2012. He thanked the Union Government for agreeing to give rail-link to the State. He said in the first phase Rangpo will be linked to Sevok station.



He said the Government has taken up the programme to provide comprehensive annual/periodical check up for all citizens for appropriate intervention individually and collectively. He said out of 450 village blocks, so far 425 have been electrified under ongoing RGGVY scheme and 100 per cent electrification would be reached by the end of this year.



NNK / RK