The Governor of Sikkim, Shriniwas Dadasaheb Patil called on the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh here today and discussed a wide range of issues related to the state including the Prime Minister’s expected visit to the State early next year.Dr Jitendra Singh said that it is a matter of pride that the State of Sikkim, though small in size and population, was going to be declared as the first "organic" State of the country. He said that this will not only give a boost to the economy of the State, but will also open up the opportunity for trade with other countries across the Eastern borders and thus also make Sikkim an important participant in India’s “Act East Policy”.
Dr Jitendra Singh conveyed to the Governor the Centre’s keenness to ensure that the airport at Gangtok becomes functional at the earliest. He said that the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had also taken up this issue with the Chief Secretary of Sikkim during the “Pragati” meeting and the progress in the issue is being followed up. He also said that Chief Minister of Sikkim, during his recent visit to Delhi, had conveyed that the process of shifting the families from the vicinity of airport to an alternative site had begun, which will enable the work for setting up airport to get expedited. The Governor Shriniwas Dadasaheb Patil also extended an invitation to Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh to visit Sikkim. In response to the invitation, the Minister said that it is a part of his responsibilities, as the Minister of DoNER Ministry, to undertake regular visits to North-eastern States and that he is planning his next visit to the State of Sikkim in the month of January itself.