The BJP Sikkim Delegation, led by DR Thapa, presented a Memorandum of Demands to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at Raj Bhavan in Gangtok. She was on a three-day visit to the State to attend Credit Outreach Programme that began on January 6.
Key Demands:
- To review Clause 26AAA to avoid possible damage to Sikkim.
- Centre’s support to Sikkim BJP, which is working on a plan to boost the State’s economy, focusing on self-employment.
- A relief package for victims of recent flash floods and to rebuild the State post natural disaster.
- Hassle-free loans for unemployed individuals, promoting financial inclusivity without complex collateral requirements.
- The delegation pledged active support to implement and spread the outreach programs of the Central Government at the grassroots and across the State for the benefit of the people.
The Finance Minister assured full support from the Centre and underscored the importance of improving self-employment schemes in Sikkim.
Sitharaman at Credit Outreach Programme
Sitharaman, on the first day, attended Credit Outreach Programme in presence of CM Prem Singh Tamang Golay at Manan Kendra in Gangtok on January 6.
She distributed sanctioned letters to 2,641 various bank beneficiaries for Rs 228 crore under MUDRA, PM SVANidhi, PMEGP and other schemes as well as handed over replica models of Chandrayaan 3 to students of 10 Government Schools.
Key Points of Sitharaman’s Speech
The Central Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gives a lot of attention to hill States, mainly the Northeast.
Sikkim’s first airport was built at Pakyong, Gangtok in 2018. Krishi UDAN flights take off from Pakyong.
Gangtok and Namchi are being developed under the Smart Cities Mission.
Under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, projects worth Rs 193.37 crore have been sanctioned.
With the efforts of the Centre and Sikkim Government, everything possible will be done to revive Sikkim after last year’s flood.
There’s immense potential for Sikkim to grow and the banking and re-financing institutions like NABARD and SIDBI will help in re-building this beautiful State.
The presence of banks in Sikkim, as compared to the rest of the country, is high in terms of per lakh population
Sikkim has 32 bank branches and 36 ATMs per lakh population. Gangtok alone has 43 bank branches and 58 ATMs per lakh population. It is way higher than the national average of 14 bank branches per lakh population.
The youth and women must utilise these banking facilities to the maximum. Today, banks aren’t just for keeping money safe and earning interest. They’re also there to lend money and help businesses to grow.
CM Tamang’s Main Points
Acknowledged about the vital role Sitharaman played in spearheading transformative financial reforms in the nation and in seeking financial help for long-term restoration and rehabilitation post flash floods in Sikkim.
Addressed the challenges faced by Micro and Small Enterprises or MSEs in Sikkim
Praised the Centre’s Udyam Assist Platform or UAP, aiming to formalise Informal Micro Enterprises or IMEs and provide them with access to benefits.
Accentuated the pivotal role played by banks, mainly the State Bank of India and others.
Took pride in Sikkim, which is now ranking among the top three in the Northeastern States, with its remarkable growth in the credit-to-GSDP ratio.
Sikkim boasts an encouraging Credit-Deposit Ratio of 64 per cent, indicating improved credit accessibility and utilisation, till last September.
The State achieved full banking coverage across all blocks, setting an exemplary example in financial inclusion.
Sikkim exceeded targets in schemes like PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and PM Suraksha Bima Yojana.
The State made strides in digital enablement, with Gyalshing district achieving 100 per cent digital coverage.
The State contributed to numerous schemes of the Centre, primarily in Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Commerce, Industry and Rural Development.
Raised concerns about staff shortages in key offices like the MSME Development & Facilitation Office, Khadi & Village Industries Commission and SIDBI.
Earlier, Sitharaman was accorded a warm welcome by Gangtok MLA YT Lepcha and other dignitaries at Rangpo Tourist Facilitation Centre in the State.
Lepcha exuded hope Sitharaman’s Sikkim visit will ensure further growth and progress of the State in near future.
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