(a) whether there has been a demand for inclusion of Sikkim in the North-Eastern Council;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any Bill for inclusion of Sikkim in NEC has been introduced in Parliament;
(d) if so, the details in this regard; and
(e) the reasons for not getting the Bill passed from the Parliament?
THE MINISTER OF DISINVESTMENT AND MINISTER OF DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION
(SHRI ARUN SHOURIE)
(a) and (b) There has been a demand from the Government of Sikkim for the inclusion of
Sikkim State in the North Eastern Council. The Council has also passed a resolution for
the inclusion of Sikkim in the Council.
(c) to (e) The North Eastern Council (Amendment) Bill, 1998 was introduced in Rajya Sabha
on 8/12/1998. The Bill proposes to include Sikkim in the Council. After reconsideration by
Government notice for amendments were issued on 20.7.2001 and Statement of objects and
reasons revised, on 3.8.2001.
The Bill has been referred to the Department related Parliamentary Standing Committee on
Home Affairs by Rajya Sabha for examination and report on 9th August, 2001. The Committee
has held several meetings and has examined the officers of the Ministry of Home Affairs,
North Eastern Council, Planning Commission and Chief Secretaries of North Eastern States.
The Committee has also examined some members of North-Eastern MPs` Forum.