Singh takes charge as 14th Governor of Sikkim

Gangtok, Jul 9 (UNI) Former Union Home Secretary Balmiki Prasad Singh today took charge as the 14th Governor of Sikkim.

Justice A P Subba of the High Court administrated the oath of office to Mr Singh during the swearing-in-ceremony at Raj Bhavan here in the presence of Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, Cabinet ministers and senior government officials.

Opposition leader and state Congress chief Nar Bahadur Bhandari was also present on the occasion.

Later, the Chief Minister introduced the new Governor to his Cabinet ministers and senior government officials.

The Governor was presented with khadas (traditional silk scarves) by the dignitaries who attended the oath-taking ceremony.

Later, speaking to the press informally, the 66-year-old Governor said the overall development of the state, especially of children, would be at the top of his agenda during his tenure in the state.

He also showed keen interest in knowing about the position of Information Technology and computer literacy of the children here.

The Governor also assured that he would provide all possible help to the government for the approval of its demand for revised and enhanced list of trade items to boost the Nahtu La border trade between the state and the Tibet Autonomous Region.

Mr Singh claimed that under his tenure, the sufferings of the people of the landlocked state following frequent blockades of its linelife NH 31 A would be a thing of the past.

Former Governor Sudarshan Agarwal was given a warm farewell by the state government yesterday.

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