Gangtok,
June 26 (IPR):
June 21,
2024:
- Chief
Minister Mr Prem Tamang meets Union Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs and
Power, Mr Manohar Lal Khattar, at the latter’s official residence in New
Delhi.
- CM
congratulates Mr Khattar on his recent appointment as a Union Minister and
expresses optimism about future cooperation that will benefit both Sikkim and
the nation.
June 22,
2024:
- Mr Prem
Singh Tamang joins Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, along with Chief
Ministers, Finance Ministers, and senior officials from various states in a
pre-budget meeting held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
- The
Chief Minister congratulates the Finance Minister and emphasises the importance
of cooperative federalism. He presents Sikkim's urgent concerns, urging their
favorable inclusion in the Union Budget 2024-25.
-
Highlighting the severe impact of the South Lhonak Lake outburst, which caused
massive flooding and widespread destruction in Sikkim, the Chief Minister calls
for an additional special grant to support long-term recovery efforts. He
stresses the immediate need to restore NH10, Sikkim’s main arterial road.
- The
Chief Minister also draws attention to the risks posed by heavy rainfall and
advocates for sustainable, lasting solutions. He expresses concern over the
significant cost disparity in construction and maintenance in Sikkim,
requesting consideration of this issue in planning rehabilitation efforts.
-
Additionally, he urges the authorities to address the need for compensation for
the annual revenue loss from the Teesta III project and calls for a review of
the shortfall in IGST settlements for 2023-24.
-
Acknowledging the positive impact of long-term interest-free loans for capital
expenditure, the Chief Minister requests a higher allocation for Sikkim. He
also proposes retaining the borrowing limit for states and increasing
assistance under the National Social Assistance Programme.
- The
Chief Minister expresses confidence that the forthcoming budget would address
these issues and promote growth and welfare in Sikkim.
June 23,
2024:
-
The Chief Minister pays a courtesy visit to the Union Minister for
Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, Mr Kiren Rijiju at the latter’s
residence in the capital.
- The
Chief Minister congratulates Mr Rijiju on his recent appointment as Union
Minister and conveys best wishes for a successful and impactful tenure.
Expressing confidence in Mr Rijiju's leadership, the Chief Minister highlights
the potential for positive changes under his guidance.
- The
Chief Minister holds productive discussions with the Union Minister regarding
the prospect of bringing HH the 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje to Sikkim.
- The
Union Minister assures his support for upgrading monastic schools and proposes
a phased approach to upgrading monasteries. He also commits releasing funds for
ongoing social welfare schemes, including the Singtam hospital.
June 23,
2024:
-
Continuing his visits, Chief Minister Mr PS Tamang pays a courtesy call on the
Lok Sabha Speaker, Mr Om Birla.
- The
Chief Minister commends Mr Birla's extensive experience and deep insights into
legislative processes, expressing appreciation for his significant
contributions to the country's democratic framework.
- The
meeting turns out to be a valuable opportunity for the Chief Minister to
acknowledge Mr Birla’s distinguished service and seek his guidance on important
legislative matters.
June 23,
2024:
- Chief
Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang calls on the Union Home Minister Mr Amit Shah at
his office in the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- On
behalf of the people of Sikkim, the Chief Minister congratulates Mr Shah on
being sworn in for a second term as Union Home Minister. He highlights the
remarkable progress achieved under Mr Shah’s leadership and expressed
aspirations for even greater accomplishments in the future.
- The
Chief Minister conveys deep gratitude for Mr Shah’s support following the
devastating flash floods in Sikkim on October 3rd and 4th, 2023. He
acknowledges the prompt release of funds from the National Disaster Response
Fund, which was crucial for immediate relief and restoration efforts.
- Chief
Minister also thanks the Home Minister for the swift assessment conducted by
the Inter-Ministerial Central Team. He briefly discusses the Post-Disaster Need
Assessment (PDNA) report, which outlines the funds required for comprehensive
recovery. The report has been submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
-
Emphasising the need for continued support for the permanent restoration of
damaged infrastructure, the Chief Minister requests the release of additional
grants. He highlights the importance of Mr Shah’s leadership in rebuilding
Sikkim and strengthening its resilience against future disasters.
June 23,
2024:
- Chief
Minister Mr PS Tamang calls on the Union Minister for Railways, Information
& Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology Mr Ashwini
Vaishnaw at the latter’s official residence.
- He
congratulates Mr Vaishnaw on his appointment as a Union Minister and expressed
gratitude for the Ministry of Railways' support in enhancing railway
connectivity.
- The
Chief Minister submits a proposal for developing a Himalayan Railway Line
between New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal and Rorathang in Sikkim. This project
aims to improve transport, enhance defense, ensure year-round food supply, cut
costs, and boost local industry, informs Mr Tamang.
- He
apprises the Union Minister about the rising Teesta River levels causing severe
damage and requests for intervention to stop debris dumping and implement
mitigation measures to protect Melli settlement and ensure safety during the
Sikkim Railways connectivity project.
- Various
other significant matters concerning the completion of the ongoing railway
project connecting Sikkim also discussed.
June
24,2024:
- Chief
Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang calls on Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi at
Parliament House, extending congratulations on
PM Modi's third consecutive electoral victory and expressing confidence in his
leadership. He thanks the Prime Minister for his unwavering support,
particularly following the Sikkim flash flood in October 2023.
- During
the crucial meeting, the Chief Minister of Sikkim and the Prime Minister
discuss several critical issues, including demands for tribal status for 12
indigenous communities, Limboo-Tamang seat reservations in the Sikkim
Legislative Assembly, and the visit of His Holiness the 17th Karmapa Ogyen
Trinley Dorji to Sikkim.
- Chief
Minister Shri Tamang updates the Prime Minister on the initiative to build a
multimodal corridor with an integrated checkpost between Sikkim and eastern
Nepal at Chewa Bhanjyang. He also presents the Post Disaster Need Assessment
report, estimating Rs. 3673.25 crore for recovery and reconstruction,
emphasizing the need for continued support.
-
Addressing infrastructure concerns,the Chief Minister highlights the strategic
importance of NH-10, requesting a permanent solution to its frequent
disruptions and proposing its maintenance be entrusted to a Central Agency like
NHAI/NHIDCL.
- He also
seeks urgent intervention to restore NH-310A, which connects Gangtok to the
Indo-China border, following recent cloudbursts in North Sikkim.
- Mr
Tamang proposes developing a Himalayan Railway Line between Bakrakote in West
Bengal and Rorathang in Sikkim, presenting historical correspondence from 1917
to support this initiative.
-
Applauding the Prime Minister’s environmental initiative, 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam,'
Mr Prem Singh Tamang announces that Sikkim will observe this initiative on July
7, 2024.
- He
extends an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to be the Chief Guest at Sikkim’s
50th Statehood Day celebrations on May 16, 2025, which the Prime Minister
graciously accepts.
June
24,2024:
- On the
same day, Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang meets Vice President Mr Jagdeep
Dhankhar at the Vice President Enclave.
- During
the meeting, the Chief Minister expresses his heartfelt gratitude to the Vice
President for acknowledging and praising the development initiatives of the
Sikkim state government.
- Vice
President Mr Dhankhar assures his support and pledges to communicate with the
relevant ministries regarding the proposed Himalayan Railway Line between
Bakrakote in West Bengal and Rorathang in Sikkim, as well as addressing issues
concerning NH-10.
June
24,2024:
- Chief
Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang meets Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at his
official residence.
- The
Chief Minister congratulates the Defence Minister on his appointment and wished
him a successful tenure. He expresses gratitude for the Union Minister's kind
words regarding the resounding victory of the SKM party in the Assembly and Lok
Sabha elections.
- The
Defence Minister assures his support concerning the NH-10 connectivity
issues.
-
Additionally, the Chief Minister extends an invitation to the Union Minister to
visit Sikkim, to which Union Minister expresses desire to make the visit
tentatively in October.
June 25,
2024:
- Chief
Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang extends his heartfelt congratulations to the newly appointed Union Minister
for Jal Shakti Mr C.R Patil at Shram Shakti Bhawan expressing confidence that
the Ministry will achieve new heights under his leadership.
- He
conveys profound gratitude to the Prime Minister and the Ministry for their
unwavering support for Sikkim's development.
- The
Chief Minister highlights the immense challenges faced by the state following a
sudden cloudburst on October 3rd and 4th, 2023, which led to a significant
discharge in the Teesta River. This event brought in enormous debris, causing a
substantial rise in the water level due to sedimentation, with the riverbed
level rising by approximately 8-10 meters and drastically altering the
morphology of the river, he informs.
-
Emphasising the urgent need to strengthen the Teesta River banks, the Chief
Minister calls for appropriate River Training Works (RTW) along the alignment
from Zeema to Melli. Implementing these RTWs will help mitigate the devastation
from the river and prevent further disasters, he apprises.
- The
Chief Minister details how the silt deposits have caused the river to swell,
partially submerging low-lying areas and endangering lives and properties.
Continuous heavy downpour during the monsoon has raised water levels
dangerously, threatening to submerge the towns of Dikchu, Singtam, Rangpo, and
Melli. Infrastructure such as road networks, jhora training works, and river
protection walls have been severely damaged.
- In
light of these challenges, the Chief Minister earnestly requests the Ministry
of Jal Shakti to execute a team of experts to study the River Teesta's
morphology, assess the damage, and provide guidance, resources, and expert
recommendations.
- He
emphasises that the Minister's leadership in this critical matter will be
invaluable in helping the state overcome the catastrophe.
- The
Union Minister instructs the authorities to pay utmost heed to the proposal
regarding the costitution of team of experts for the needful and immediate
necessities and mitigation in regards to the rivers and glaciers of Sikkim.
June 25,
2024:
- Chief
Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang holds a significant meeting with the Union
Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers, Mr
J P Nadda, at the Parliament House.
- The
Chief Minister congratulates Mr Nadda on his new role and extending his best
wishes for a successful tenure.
- During
their discussion, the Chief Minister provides an update on the health sector in
Sikkim, with a particular focus on Namchi Hospital and Singtam Hospital. In
response, Minister Mr Nadda assures comprehensive support through various
schemes to enhance the state's hospital infrastructure.
- The
Union Minister recommends establishment of super-specialty blocks at STNM
Hospital, specifically for cancer and orthopedic treatment.
June 25,
2024:
-
Continuing the series of visits on June 25, Chief Minister Mr PS Tamang meets
Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways Mr Nitin Gadkari at the
latter’s official residence to discuss critical infrastructure needs in Sikkim.
- On
behalf of the people of Sikkim, Chief Minister congratulates Mr Gadkari on his
reappointment for the third consecutive term.
-
Acknowledging the efforts of the Government of West Bengal, with funding from
the Government of India, to maintain NH10, Chief Minister highlights the urgent
need for a sustainable solution for the Sevoke-Rangpo stretch.
- He
proposes a comprehensive study by a team of experts and requests that the
construction and maintenance of NH10 be entrusted to a central agency like the
National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) or the National Highways and
Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), given Sikkim's heavy
reliance on this route and its regular disruptions, particularly after the
devastating flood of October 2023.
- Chief
Minister also addresses broader road infrastructure concerns in Sikkim,
focusing on enhancing connectivity to Pakyong Airport and strategic areas. He
submits a proposal for an alternative highway from Chochen Barapathing to
Pakyong Airport via Gangchung, Tokchi and Machong, emphasizing its strategic
and logistical benefits.
-
Additionally, he emphasises the need for an alternative highway from Melli to
Singtam, covering 22.514 kilometers. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) with an
approved alignment and an estimated cost of Rs 2318 crore was submitted to the
Ministry on April 20, 2023, he informs.
- He
requests Minister Gadkari's intervention for the approval of three pending
proposals in the Ministry, noting that this new route could extend up to Sevoke
in West Bengal, providing an alternative to the frequently problematic stretch
of NH10 between Melli and Sevoke.
- The
Chief Minister highlights the impact of recent cloudbursts in June 2024, which
disrupted NH310A, a critical route connecting Gangtok to the Indo-China border,
and requests prompt restoration.
- The
meeting underlined the strategic importance of these projects for Sikkim's
connectivity and overall infrastructure development.
June 25,
2024:
- Chief
Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang pays a courtesy visit to Union Minister of
Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
- The
Chief Minister extends his heartiest congratulations to
Mr Chouhan on his appointment as Union Minister.
- The
discussion centres on several matters related to Sikkim's agricultural
landscape, with a particular focus on traditional farming practices and the
potential for expanding kiwi and avocado plantations.
- The
Union Minister assures his valuable support and commitment to providing the
necessary assistance to Sikkim.
- The
meeting is overall fruitful and reassuring, with both leaders sharing a vision
of advancing Sikkim's agricultural sector and ensuring the prosperity of its
farming communities.
June 26,
2024:
- On the
final day, Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang meets the former Vice President
of India, Mr M Venkaiah Naidu, in the capital.
- During
their brief but meaningful interaction, a range of topics are discussed.
- The
Chief Minister takes the opportunity to express deep admiration for Mr Naidu's
unwavering dedication to the nation's development and his relentless efforts in
fostering unity and progress.
Other
visits:
June 22,
2024:
- Chief
Minister visits residence of Mr Sunil Kumar, IFS, Joint Resident Commissioner
of Sikkim House, to pay respects to his late father, Shri Ramratan Lal Verma.
June 24,
2024:
- The
distinguished delegation representing H.H. the 12th Chamgon Kenting Tai Situ
Rinpoche makes a courtesy visit to the Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang at
Sikkim House in New Delhi. The delegation conveys heartfelt congratulations and blessings from His Holiness to the
Chief Minister.
June 24,
2024:
- The
Chief Minister meets students from Sikkim in Sikkim House, New Delhi.
- The
Chief Minister reassures the students of the government's unwavering support in
all their endeavors.
*During
the tour, the Chief Minister was accompanied by Health and Family Welfare
Minister Mr G T Dhungel, Lok Sabha MP Mr Indra Hang Subba, Rajya Sabha MP Mr D
T Lepcha, Chief Secretary Mr V B Pathak, and Secretary-CMO Dr S D Dhakal.
