Gangtok:19th June : Sikkim CM PS Tamamg, Participated in the Seminar on Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) held under the chairmanship of Union Finance Minister , Nirmala Sitharaman . Chief Ministers of the North East,senior officials of the Government of India, multilateral development institutions, and international financial organisations also attended.
CM expressed gratitude to the Finance Minister and the Government of India for their continued support and special consideration towards Sikkim’s developmental needs, including assistance under SASCI, approval of the Pride of the Hills initiative, and inclusion of Sikkim under the Buddhist Circuit Development Scheme for the North Eastern Region.
CM ,highlighted Sikkim’s successful implementation of Externally Aided Projects across sectors such as power, forestry, connectivity, and welfare of women and youth. CM Tamang suggested further strengthening the EAP framework. These included greater capacity building for State officials, timely communication of approvals, transparent funding guidelines, faster appraisal processes, and continuity of project teams.
CM emphasised the need to address the unique financial challenges faced by small Himalayan States and suggested aligning EAP funding with the pattern of Centrally Sponsored Schemes, with 90% grant assistance from the Government of India and 10% loan support. He further requested that State contributions such as land, right-of-way, and enabling infrastructure be recognised under these projects.
CM said ,he is ‘confident that these discussions will help create a more effective and responsive framework, enabling States like Sikkim to harness external assistance for sustainable, inclusive, and resilient development.’
CM has extended thanks to the Government of Meghalaya for their warm hospitality and excellent arrangements during the programme.
‘I express my gratitude to the Governments of Assam and West Bengal for their valuable support and assistance during our tour,’ said CM PS Tamang.
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