The Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, appreciated State Government for economic development and said that achievements are quite satisfactory. Efforts to introduce village level planning and diversify agriculture were also appreciated. He said that Sikkim has immense tourism potential and efforts should be made to involve private sector in making this State an ideal tourism destination. Mr. Ahluwalia said the Commission was aware of infrastructural constraints of the State and would support efforts aimed at strengthening infrastructure particularly related to tourism.
Attention was also drawn to low sex ratio and high drop out rates. It was pointed out that allocation of funds towards special component plan and tribal sub-plan should be clearly demarcated. The State was asked to review expenditure pattern in the agriculture sector and have more emphasis on animal husbandry and horticulture.
The Chief Minister of Sikkim said that during the next financial year the government intends to give focused attention to accelerate growth in tourism, floriculture and horticulture. He said infrastructure development in rural areas was being taken up on priority and efforts are on to encourage private participation in the sectors of tourism and organic farming. He requested for extension of East West corridors of National Highway Development Project to Sikkim and also construction of an alternative highway to ensure free and regular movement of traffic.