Member of Parliament calls on Hon'ble Governor Shriniwas Patil

 Press Release

• Discusses the opening of the Nathu La - Mansarovar route and its implications
• The governor reiterates maintaining peace is a high-priority

Gangtok: September 27, 2014

Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) Shri Prem Das Rai called on the Hon'ble Governor Shri Shriniwas Patil this morning at Raj Bhawan as a courtesy call.

Hon'ble Governor discussed matters relating to the welfare of the people and the development of the state with Shri Rai.

They also discussed at length the landmark agreement between India and China to open an alternate route to Mansarovar and Mount Kailash through Sikkim’s Nathula pass. The Hon'ble Governor noted that this would create many new opportunities for the youth of Sikkim to exploit in tourism and other sectors. He noted that this was a long-standing demand of the Chief Minister with the Centre.

He emphasized the need to move in this direction and create the capacity amongst the youth to ensure the maximum extent possible of livelihoods for the people of Sikkim and such opportunities. Shri Patil also offered several suggestions that the Government will consider.

The Hon'ble Governor expressed happiness that the State Government has prioritized preparedness for this unique opportunity and reviewed the ground conditions. He was referring to the Hon’ble Ministers' visit to Nathula yesterday.

The Governor reiterated that Sikkim's peace and tranquility must be maintained at no cost. The Lok Sabha MP informed the Hon’ble Governor on several other important issues, especially the functioning of Parliament. He also said that many experts will be coming to the State to assess Sikkim's organic status, which would ultimately benefit the state's farmers.