New Delhi, June 12:
The Chief Minister of Sikkim, Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), today participated in the Interaction Programme between NITI Aayog and the Chief Ministers and Chief Secretaries of the North-Eastern States held in New Delhi.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude to NITI Aayog and the Government of India for their continued support and guidance towards the development of the North-Eastern Region. He lauded the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and highlighted the remarkable progress achieved in connectivity, infrastructure, tourism, digital connectivity, investment, and human development across the region.
The Chief Minister proudly informed the gathering that Sikkim was recently declared a Fully Literate State in the gracious presence of the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, making it the fifth fully literate state in the country. He highlighted the State Government’s transformative initiatives in education, including the Chief Minister’s Model School Initiative and the Chief Minister’s Special Numeracy Programme.
He also showcased Sikkim’s achievements in environmental conservation, including the recognition of Khangchendzonga National Park as India’s first UNESCO Mixed World Heritage Site and the declaration of Khecheopalri Lake as the State’s first Ramsar Site. He further highlighted flagship initiatives such as Mero Rukh Mero Santati and Shishu Samriddhi Yojana.
Emphasizing women’s empowerment and social welfare, the Chief Minister spoke about various schemes aimed at improving the health, dignity, and economic security of women, alongside the provision of 33 percent reservation for women in government services and processes.
The Chief Minister also highlighted Sikkim’s pioneering efforts in mental health and suicide prevention through the Sikkim INSPIRES initiative, the strengthening of psycho-social support systems, and the State’s sustained campaign against substance abuse.
Sharing the State’s long-term development roadmap under Sikkim Vision 2047, he informed that Sikkim aims to build a USD 70 billion economy with a per capita income exceeding USD 80,000 through evidence-based governance, value-chain development, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth.
The Chief Minister also raised several key issues requiring support from the Government of India. He emphasized the urgent need to strengthen road connectivity, particularly along NH-10, and sought support for the development of an alternative highway between Melli and Sevoke, implementation of the Singtam–Melli Greenfield Climate Resilient Alignment (NH-210), and construction of NH-717.
He further highlighted the need for climate-resilient infrastructure in North Sikkim, including the upgradation of NH-310A and NH-310AG, development of alternative routes, tunnels, bridges, and slope stabilization measures.
Drawing attention to the suspension of commercial flight operations at Pakyong Airport since June 2024, the Chief Minister requested the early restoration of regular air services. He also proposed railway connectivity to the upgraded Bagdogra Airport to improve seamless connectivity between Sikkim and the national transportation network.
The Chief Minister urged the Government of India to expedite the completion of the Sivok–Rangpo railway project and prioritize future-ready digital infrastructure under BharatNet 3.0 to ensure high-speed internet connectivity in remote and mountainous areas.
Expressing concern over the declining Total Fertility Rate among the indigenous population, he called for greater attention to demographic challenges facing the State.
The Chief Minister also requested the extension of the North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy (NEIIPP) beyond 2027, reconsideration of the discontinuation of the MOVCDNER scheme, upgradation of infrastructure along the Nathula trade route, and support for the proposed Integrated Check Post and Multimodal Corridor at Chewabhanjyang along the Sikkim–Nepal border.
Reaffirming Sikkim’s commitment to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that, with continued support from the Government of India and NITI Aayog, Sikkim would continue to emerge as a model of balanced, inclusive, and sustainable development.
