Pawan Chamling urges Niti Aayog to adopt customised development plan for special states

GANGTOK: Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling has made a detailed presentation highlighting the strength and weaknesses of Himalayan States like Sikkim and offered crucial suggestions for smooth functioning of the newly formed Niti Aayog.

Chamling highlighted the difficulties of the resource-starved North Eastern states and said at Sunday's meeting in New Delhi, they should continue to receive central financing arrangement of plan budget in the ratio of 90:10 basis, a state government release said.

He also talked about need for specific planning for the North Eastern States in view of the difficulties of topography surrounded by international sensitive border area, remoteness and resource crunch in the region to facilitate judicious use of abundant natural resources like generating hydro power, promoting tourism growth, encouraging organic farming and apiculture to production of local handicrafts etc.

The chief minister further said that Khangchendzonga in Sikkim was the highest mountain peak in the country and underlined protection of the Himalayan states as very important since these are the water reservoirs for the entire country.

Chamling also lauded the historic decision of Centre in finalising arrangements for opening the second route of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for the Indian pilgrims.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the chief minister held detailed discussion with the Prime Minister and other central and state leaders, a government release said.