Sikkim MP Meets PM Modi, Highlights Key Issues Requiring Centre’s Support

Sikkim’s lone Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba on Thursday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Parliament House and sought the Centre’s intervention on several long-pending developmental, constitutional and strategic issues concerning the Himalayan state. During the meeting, Subba submitted a memorandum outlining key demands aimed at accelerating Sikkim’s overall growth and addressing pending concerns.

Subba conveyed greetings and gratitude to the Prime Minister on behalf of the people of Sikkim and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay). He thanked the NDA government for its continued support towards the state’s development and highlighted the need for further central assistance in areas of infrastructure, connectivity and social welfare.

During the interaction, Prime Minister Modi also enquired about the recent tunnel mishap in Sikkim. Subba briefed him about the state government’s response to the incident and expressed gratitude for the Centre’s concern and support for the affected families.

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A major demand raised in the memorandum was the inclusion of 12 left-out communities of Sikkim in the Scheduled Tribe list, a long-standing issue in the state. The MP also urged the Centre to review provisions under the Representation of the People Act, 1950, to enable reservation of seats for Scheduled Tribes in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly and resolve pending matters related to the Limboo and Tamang Scheduled Tribes.

On infrastructure development, Subba requested the construction of a Greenfield Highway parallel to National Highway-10 to improve connectivity in the state. He also sought the development of an all-weather strategic road along the Indo-Nepal border in western Sikkim, with links to Border Outposts to strengthen regional connectivity and security.

The MP further raised demands for the restoration of scheduled commercial flight operations at Pakyong Airport, establishment of an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) or an extension campus in Sikkim, and setting up of a National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in the state.

Subba also requested the Centre’s assistance in facilitating the visit of His Holiness the 17th Karmapa to Sikkim. According to a statement from his office, the MP expressed confidence that the issues raised would receive positive consideration from the government and contribute towards Sikkim’s inclusive, strategic and sustainable development.

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