Reap maximum benifit of opening of Nathu La:Governor

Gangtok, Aug 15 (UNI) Acting Sikkim Governor R S Gavai today called upon traders, business houses and people of the state to take maximum benefit out of the reopening of the Nathu La.

In a message on the occasion of the 59th Independence day celebration, the Governor said the recently reopened pass ''is a golden opportunity for every Sikkimese to demonstrate his genius'' and urged them to take maximum benefit.

He said the state had made rapid progress in the last few years and the Gross Domestic Product at current prices increased from Rs 403 crore in 1993-94 to Rs 1531 crore in 2004-05.

During the tenth plan period the state achieved a growth rate of over ten per cent and is expected to maintain it in the eleventh plan period.

He said the government had been encouraging private sectors and policies had been formulated to attract investment in social and infrastrcture sectors to increase the pace of development.

Private participation had begun in the power sector and by 2008 Sikkim would be a power surplus state, he said.

UNI BD PL/src0940