Governor Shri Shriniwas Patil participated in the 65th Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council

Shilong: Hon’ble Governor of Sikkim Shri Shriniwas Patil participated in the  65th Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council held at Shilong, Meghalaya from 26th May to 27th May 2016.  He is joined by Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Pawan Chamling on the occasion. The two day Plenary Session of the council   chaired by Dr. Jitendra Prasad, Hon’ble Minister of State for DoNER cum  Chairperson, NEC was also attended by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on its second day on 27th May 2016 besides Governors and Chief Ministers of all eight North Eastern  States.

Hon’ble Governor attended the technical session on the opening day which saw the presentations by various Central Ministries on their developmental road map on government’s Act East policy.  Hon’ble  Governor also chaired a technical session of the meet on the morning of 27th May 2016 which dealt with the law and order, insurgency, health, inland waterways and connectivity issues in the region.

Addressing the valedictory session on 27th May 2016, attended by Hon’ble Prime Minister,  Hon’ble Governor  stated that the presence of Hon’ble Prime Minister at the meet and his concern towards the specific problems of North Eastern States will certainly fast track the developmental process in the region and motivate the member states of NEC  to work hand in hand  with the Centre’s Act East Policy. He stressed on the need to empower various organisations working in the region such as NEDFi, NERIWALM, NERAMC, NEHU for better performance and output and called for a dedicated organisation for promotion and research on organic farming in the region led by Sikkim.

Hon’ble Governor reiterated the demand of better infrastructure, marketing, cold chain and transport subsidy for organic farmers, should organic farming bring intended dividends for farming community. Hon’ble Governor while calling the forum to simplify the process of sanction of projects and schemes under NEC, also sought the added assistance for State through NLCPR to compensate the shortfall of fund due to implementation of 14th Finance Commission Recommendations. Stating that the problem of Rail, Air, Road and Broadband Connectivity continue to pose serious challenge to the collective developmental pursuits of North Eastern States, its early resolution on priority basis will usher a new era of progress and prosperity in the region.