Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) on Friday urged a stronger, more responsive framework for Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) while speaking at a seminar on EAPs chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Shillong, the Chief Minister’s Office said. The meeting brought together chief ministers from the North Eastern states, senior central and regional officials, and representatives of multilateral development banks and international financial institutions.
Golay thanked Finance Minister Sitharaman for her guidance and for central support to Sikkim’s priorities, citing assistance under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), approval of the Pride of the Hills initiative, and Sikkim’s inclusion in the Scheme for Development of Buddhist Circuits in the North‑Eastern Region, the CMO release said.
Describing Sikkim’s track record with externally funded programmes, Golay said the state has implemented projects across power, forestry, connectivity and welfare for women and youth, which have contributed to socio‑economic development. Drawing on that experience, he offered recommendations to improve EAP design and delivery.
He called for regular capacity‑building and exposure visits for state officials to strengthen skills in project preparation and execution. Golay also pressed for timely, transparent communication of project approvals, including clear details on financing patterns, counterpart funding obligations, conditions and implementation requirements.
Highlighting the fiscal strain on small Himalayan states, Golay pointed out that large counterpart funding requirements can burden financially constrained governments even when projects are supported by multilateral agencies. He proposed aligning the EAP funding pattern for North Eastern and Himalayan states with centrally sponsored schemes — recommending 90 percent central grant assistance and 10 percent in loan support.
Golay asked that loan components under EAPs be allowed beyond prescribed fiscal deficit limits, arguing these projects create productive assets and long‑term critical infrastructure. He also urged recognition of the value of land, right‑of‑way and enabling infrastructure provided by states as part of their contribution, particularly in difficult hilly terrain.
On procedural matters, he noted that EAP approvals often take two to three years and are subject to repeated revisions. He recommended fixed timelines for appraisal and approval — preferably within a single financial year — and continuity in multilateral agency mission teams to ensure smoother coordination and quicker implementation.
Concluding his address, Golay reaffirmed Sikkim’s commitment to working closely with the Government of India and multilateral institutions for sustainable, inclusive and resilient development in the Himalayan and North Eastern regions. He expressed confidence that the seminar’s recommendations would help smaller states better utilise external assistance. He also thanked the governments of Meghalaya for their hospitality and of Assam and West Bengal for their support during the tour, the CMO release added.
Original Source: https://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/cm-golay-highlights-need-for-stronger-eap-framework-at-seminar-chaired-by-sitharaman
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