The Hindu Business Line : Sikkim’s annual Plan finalised at Rs 1,045 cr

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The State has a comparative advantage in horticulture and floriculture and should make optimum use of Central initiatives for these sectors, it was pointed out.
Hydel generation should also be given priority as it would generate revenue and create employment.

Sarikah Atreya

Gangtok, Feb. 9 The 2009-10 Annual Plan for Sikkim has been finalised at Rs 1,045 crore against Rs 852 crore in the previous year.

This was decided at a meeting in New Delhi between the Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Mr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, and Chief Minister of Sikkim Mr Pawan Chamling. The outlay includes additional Central assistance of Rs 82.70 crore for projects of special importance to the State.

Mr Ahluwalia complimented the State for its performance in the social sector. He said in terms of human development indicators, Sikkim’s position was quite good as compared to a majority of States. The State has a comparative advantage in horticulture and floriculture and should make optimum use of Central initiatives for these sectors, it was pointed out. Hydel generation should also be given priority as it would generate revenue and create employment. The State was asked to pursue public-private partnerships in tourism, hydel power generation and floriculture.

Education is being given priority and by the end of next year two degree colleges will start functioning. A comprehensive educational loan scheme has been launched to facilitate students securing admission to good universities.

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