16/05/2026
HCM's greetings on the occasion of the 51st State Day of Sikkim !!!
On the joyous and historic occasion of the 51st State Day of Sikkim, I extend my warmest greetings and best wishes to every Sikkimese at home and across the world. Today is a moment of immense pride, gratitude, and celebration for all of us.
Blessed by the majestic Himalayas, rich cultural traditions, and the warmth and resilience of our people, Sikkim has emerged as a shining example of peace, harmony, environmental stewardship, and inclusive progress.
Recently, the visit of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji during the grand closing celebrations of Sikkim’s Golden Jubilee year filled our hearts with immense pride and joy. The celebrations stood as a powerful reminder of the remarkable journey we have undertaken together as one united Sikkimese family since Sikkim’s historic integration with the Union of India.
The Hon’ble Prime Minister’s visit was not merely a ceremonial occasion, but a recognition of the extraordinary journey our State has undertaken over the past five decades. The Hon’ble Prime Minister described Sikkim as the “heaven of the East” and praised Sikkim as a model of sustainable development, environmental conservation, organic farming, cleanliness, and peaceful coexistence, while calling the people of Sikkim the “true protectors and brand ambassadors of nature.”
The visit also marked an important milestone in our developmental journey, with the inauguration and foundation laying of projects worth over ₹4,000 crore across various sectors. I am confident that these initiatives will further strengthen the foundations of a stronger, more resilient, and future-ready Sikkim.
Among the most memorable moments of the visit was witnessing our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi warmly interact with our young footballers and briefly join them in a game, a gesture that deeply resonated with the youth and people of Sikkim alike. It reflected energy, teamwork, discipline, fitness, aspiration, and the limitless potential of our youth. In many ways, it symbolised the spirit of a young and confident Sikkim; rooted in its values, yet ready to compete and excel on larger national and global platforms.
This very spirit captures the direction in which Sikkim must now move as we enter the 51st year of our Statehood.
The first phase of Sikkim’s developmental journey was centred on ensuring access to roads, healthcare, education, livelihoods, social protection, and essential infrastructure. The responsibility before us now is to move from expansion to excellence; from access to quality; and from creation to long-term maintenance, sustainability, and innovation. Above all, our collective endeavour must be to create greater opportunities for our youth, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
It is with this vision that the Government is investing in the youth of Sikkim through a two-pronged approach — first, by expanding access to quality education, skill development, entrepreneurship, innovation, and global opportunities; and second, through the transformation of Sikkim’s sporting landscape into a platform for talent, discipline, and excellence.
From football grounds to classrooms, from sports academies to start up ecosystems, and from vocational institutions to international employment pathways, we are preparing the youth of Sikkim not only to participate in the future, but to lead it.
This vision is perhaps most visible in the growing transformation of Sikkim’s sporting landscape. Over the years, Sikkim has nurtured exceptional sporting talent and built a vibrant sports culture, particularly among the youth. Disciplines such as football, boxing, archery, and combat sports have brought national and international recognition to our State. Legendary figures like Bhaichung Bhutia have inspired generations of young footballers, while accomplished archers like Tarundeep Rai have strengthened India’s presence in global archery through consistent performances and notable achievements. Arjuna Awardee and Olympian boxer Jas Lal Pradhan, along with Dronacharya Awardee Sandhya Gurung, continue to inspire young sportspersons across the State and the country.
Towards this goal, we have steadily strengthened the State’s sports and wellness ecosystem through national flagship initiatives such as the Khelo India Scheme and the FIT India Movement. These programmes have significantly enhanced grassroots sports development through the establishment of Khelo India Centre and greater access to structured training and scientific support systems. Such interventions are fostering a culture of fitness and encouraging wider participation across all age groups.
Complementing these efforts, Sikkim has witnessed encouraging progress in sports infrastructure development in recent years. Modern facilities, including upgraded stadiums such as Paljor Stadium, Bhaichung Stadium, and KyongsaStadium with synthetic turf football grounds, along with multi-purpose indoor halls, are now operational and serving as important centres for training and competition.
One of the major achievements has been the revival of the State Sports Academy at Paljor Stadium, which has historically produced footballers who have gone on to represent India at the highest levels, including the national team as well as professional leagues such as the ISL and I-League.
Significant progress has also been made in expanding specialised sports infrastructure and training facilities. The ongoing establishment of the Tarundeep Rai Archery Academy in Namchi district marks an important step towards promoting archery through world-class facilities including training fields, gymnasium facilities, and hostel accommodation. Similarly, the establishment of a Sports Academy for Girls in Soreng reflects our strong commitment towards encouraging greater participation of women and young girls in sports.
In boxing, the proposal to establish a state-of-the-art boxing academy named after Jas Lal Pradhan highlights our focused efforts to nurture excellence in specific disciplines through specialised coaching and modern infrastructure. We are confident that our targeted interventions will create a strong pipeline of talented athletes capable of competing at the highest levels.
The Government is also in the process of establishing the Swarna Jayanti Sports and Cultural Complex, envisioned as one of the most significant sporting infrastructure projects in the State. The complex will include a modern football stadium, indoor stadium, track and field facilities, and a high-performance centre equipped with sports medicine, training, and residential facilities. More importantly, it is envisioned as a space where the dreams, energy, and potential of our youth can truly flourish, and where Sikkim can emerge as a leading centre for high-altitude training and sporting excellence in the country.
My fellow citizens,
The vision for Sikkim's progress is rooted in the commitment to empower our people with knowledge and skills that secure their livelihoods while contributing to the overall prosperity of our state. At the heart of our vision lies our broader commitment to preparing the youth of Sikkim for the opportunities and challenges of the future through education, skills, innovation, and meaningful employment.
We have significantly bolstered our institutional framework with four Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in the state offering 28 NCVET-aligned trades, with two more ITIs under establishment in Soreng and Pakyong districts to enhance regional access. This has resulted in a 30 percent growth in ITI enrolment in 2025–26, bringing the total number of trainees to 602, demonstrating growing acceptance of vocational education as a viable career pathway. The Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme will transform our ITIs into world-class training centres, contributing to reliable and robust training infrastructure.
Our flagship initiatives have further strengthened the skilling ecosystem. The State Institute of Capacity Building (SICB)has been successfully implementing schemes like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) which have trained over 13,500 candidates, with a remarkable 11,000 successfully placed. The establishment of the Niyukti Kendra in 2022 has revolutionised the transition from training to employment with over 3,000 candidates registered as of February, 2026.
The Sikkim INSPIRES Program is set to scale up skilling efforts targeting 15,000 youth and women in priority sectors. The programme emphasizes sectoral diversification by focusing on emerging domains such as green jobs, healthcare, IT/ITeS, childcare, and creative industries. Meanwhile, the launch of the Chief Minister – ELEVATE Scheme in 2026 marks a strategic shift towards global workforce integration. By focusing on foreign language training and related international placements, the government aims to position Sikkim as a supplier of globally competitive talent. Complementing this, the Foreign Employment and Recruitment Facilitation Board will ensure structured and ethical overseas employment opportunities that enhance global employability aligning with future workforce requirements.
A recent milestone under our international mobility efforts is the successful overseas placement of 13 trained nurses in Germany through the Sikkim INSPIRES Program. This demonstrates our capability to prepare globally competent professionals and position Sikkim as a reliable source of skilled healthcare workers for global markets.
In the long term, these initiatives aim to facilitate global workforce integration, maintain employment quality and income levels while ensuring sustainable and inclusive economic development and thus secure Sikkim’s position as a skill hub in the North-East.
My fellow citizens,
A future-ready Sikkim must be powered not only by strong infrastructure and skilled human resources, but also by a vibrant culture of entrepreneurship, innovation, and enterprise. Recognising this, the Government has placed entrepreneurship and MSME development at the centre of Sikkim’s economic growth strategy.
A series of progressive policy frameworks, including the Sikkim MSME Policy 2022 and Start-up Policy 2025, provide a comprehensive support system combining fiscal incentives, institutional backing, and ease of access to markets reflecting Sikkim’s commitment to building a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. The impact of these efforts is clearly visible in the growth of the MSME sector. Registered MSMEs have increased from around 250 units in 2019 to more than 35,000 units as of 2026. Under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) program, over 175 training sessions have been conducted, benefiting more than 3,400 entrepreneurs, 80 awareness campaigns across all 6 districtshave reached over 6,800 participants and over 800 MSMEs have showcased their products in exhibitions at both national and state levels.
Entrepreneurship among the youth is also being actively encouraged through targeted schemes. Through the Skilled Youth Start-up Scheme launched in 2020, over 4,000 loans have enabled young entrepreneurs to become first-generation entrepreneurs in sectors such as homestays, restaurants, commercial vehicles, tourism ventures, farm and non-farm activities, services and small industries.
The Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyamsheelta Vikas Yojana, inspired by the vision of One Family, One Entrepreneur provides seed capital of up to ₹5 lakh to establish micro-enterprises in manufacturing and services with special emphasis to the rural youth, women, differently-abled persons and those from economically weaker sections.
Recently, Sikkim has been recognized as an Aspiring Leader in the States’ Start-up Ecosystem Ranking 2026 by DPIIT. With 30 DPIIT-recognized start-ups, registration of the Sikkim Innovation Hub Society and incubation services at Bardang and Chisopani under Sikkim INSPIRES, the growing culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and enterprise in the state with leading institutions and platforms, especially among the youth highlights Sikkim’s growing role in India’s Start Up and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
To further strengthen ease of doing business, the Government has undertaken significant regulatory reforms. We have successfully implemented Phase 1 of our deregulation exercise across 23 priority areas with Phase 2 currently underway.
The government is also taking significant steps to strengthen Sikkim’s role as a gateway for regional connectivity and international trade. The establishment of a multi-modal trade corridor at Chewa Bhanjyang, along the Sikkim–Nepal border, has been initiated to enhance bilateral trade and economic cooperation between India and Nepal. The historic Nathula trade route is scheduled to reopen during this year’s trading season reviving traditional cross-border trade and economic activity while reaffirming Sikkim’s strategic importance as a vital link in regional commerce and connectivity.
My fellow citizens,
Even as Sikkim expands its economic horizons, strengthens entrepreneurship, and deepens regional connectivity, we remain deeply conscious that our development must always remain rooted in sustainability, ecological balance, and the preservation of our unique Himalayan identity.
Sikkim today has emerged as a global model for sustainable development. Our recognition as India’s first fully organic State and as a premier eco-tourism destination reflects decades of visionary policymaking, environmental consciousness, and collective public participation. At the policy level, Sikkim has consistently remained ahead of the curve through pioneering measures such as early restrictions on single-use plastics, regulation of large plastic water bottles, and continuous environmental monitoring, thereby setting national benchmarks in ecological governance.
Sikkim’s environmental leadership has earned international recognition. The Khangchendzonga National Park was designated as India’s first and only “mixed” UNESCO World Heritage Site, Khecheopalri Lake has been recognised as a Ramsar Site, and the Goecha La–Dzongri trekking circuit received the Gold Award for Best Trekking Circuit in 2025. Our participation at COP28 further strengthened Sikkim’s growing international profile in climate action and environmental diplomacy.
Yet, beyond policies, programmes, and global recognition, the true strength of Sikkim’s environmental movement lies in the values and consciousness of the people
Across the State, farmers embracing organic cultivation, communities protecting forests and water sources, youth leading plantation drives, and citizens actively participating in initiatives such as Mero Rukh Mero Santati, Shishu Samriddhi Yojana, Mero Bato Mero Bot, and My Child from Wild have collectively nurtured a culture of environmental stewardship rooted in shared responsibility and inter-generational care.
This collective environmental consciousness is perhaps most visible in the State’s agricultural transformation. Sikkim’s commitment to sustainable agriculture has been equally transformative. Since becoming India’s first fully organic State in 2016, more than 76,000 hectares of farmland have been brought under chemical-free cultivation. The Government is now strengthening integrated value chains for strategic crops such as large cardamom, ginger, turmeric, and buckwheat through investments in processing, certification, branding, and market access, enabling farmers to secure greater value addition and stronger livelihoods.
The Government has also prioritised horticulture expansion, protected cultivation, and the adoption of modern agricultural technologies. During the past year alone, more than 62 lakh vegetable seedlings were distributed to nearly 28,000 farmers, while protected cultivation and precision farming interventions have significantly boosted off-season production. Flagship initiatives such as the GI-tagged Dalle Khorsani programme and the “Sikkim Fresh” brand have expanded market and export opportunities, further strengthening Sikkim’s identity as a producer of premium organic products.
Alongside this, the revival of traditional agricultural strengths through the Mero Alaichi, Mero Dhan mission reflects the Government’s commitment to climate-resilient mountain agriculture. Scientific interventions, farmer-led innovation, and advanced disease-management strategies are restoring confidence in large cardamom cultivation and strengthening the livelihoods of thousands of farming families across the State.
Even as Sikkim advances on the path of sustainable development, we remain deeply conscious of the growing vulnerabilities posed by climate change in fragile Himalayan ecosystems. Extensive scientific assessments of glacial lakes and climate risks are being undertaken in collaboration with national agencies and expert institutions. In a landmark initiative, Sikkim has prepared India’s first demonstrative Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Mitigation Plan for Shako Chho, setting a national benchmark in climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and adaptive mountain governance.
Today, Sikkim stands not merely as a guardian of its fragile Himalayan ecology, but as a national and global example of how environmental stewardship, climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and inclusive development can advance together in harmony.
My fellow citizens,
Since the formation of the Government in 2019, a conscious policy decision was taken to strengthen the healthcare sector through a model of “Health for All”. Guided by this commitment to providing affordable, accessible, and high-quality healthcare to every citizen, Sikkim has since been performing exceptionally well across key health indicators.
The government has undertaken the strengthening of healthcare infrastructure through a series of coordinated initiatives aimed at expanding access, improving quality, and reducing the need for patients to travel outside the state. The inauguration of the 500 bedded Namchi District Hospital and the 100 bedded Mangan District Hospital has enhanced the availability of advanced medical services in South and North Sikkim, respectively. At the Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial Hospital, Sochakgang, the establishment of super specialty services have transformed it into a comprehensive tertiary care centre. These specialized services are further extended to district hospitals through regular outreach visits by super specialists, ensuring wider coverage.
A major milestone has been the establishment of the state’s first tertiary cancer care centre under the Department of Radiation Oncology at STNM Hospital, enabling patients to access advanced cancer treatment within Sikkim. Efforts to address the growing burden of kidney disease have led to the operationalization of dialysis centres in Namchi in October 2019 and Gyalshing in August 2020, along with new facilities in Mangan and Jorethang. In addition, peritoneal dialysis services introduced at the STNM Hospital since September 2021 are currently benefiting patients by reducing the need for frequent hospital visits.
Sikkim has marked significant progress in advanced medical care through a series of notable clinical milestones achieved at the STNM Hospital. A major breakthrough was the state’s first gynecologic oncology procedure performed on 9 October 2023 for a case of carcinoma endometrium, reflecting a high level of surgical expertise within the state. The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology has made notable strides through its Gynae Oncology unit, which has completed over 100 major surgeries and introduced the first Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy procedure in Sikkim for ovarian cancer. In addition, hysteroscopy has been introduced as part of infertility evaluation to enhance reproductive health services.
The Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery has also demonstrated strong capabilities by successfully performing Fogarty extraction and direct clot removal from a clotted vein in an arteriovenous fistula, along with completing 100 laser surgeries for varicose veins as of March 2024. In the field of neurosurgery, a dural arteriovenous fistula was treated using advanced endovascular embolization techniques. Collaboration between the Departments of Urology and Cardiology has further strengthened multidisciplinary care, with the Urology Department undertaking complex procedures including the state’s first management of a retrocaval ureter and conducting angioembolisation procedures for specialized treatment. Advanced cardiac care has been strengthened with the installation of Electrophysiology Study and Radiofrequency Ablation systems along with Intra vascular Ultrasound at STNM Hospital, facilities that were previously unavailable in the entire Sikkim and North Bengal region.
Healthcare access at the grassroots level has also improved with the establishment of 02 Urban Public Health Centres and 13 Urban Health and Wellness Centres across the state, including several in and around Gangtok, and others in Singtam, Mangan, Gyalshing, Soreng, and Namchi. These centres ensure that basic healthcare services are available closer to communities, reducing dependence on district hospitals.
Further strengthening emergency care, Tashiding PHC, RongliPHC, and Jorethang CHC have been upgraded to First Referral Units, enabling them to manage emergency obstetric and newborn care.
Orthopaedic services have been expanded with the successful performance of semi hip replacement surgeries and the first total knee replacement at the hospital.
Furthermore, the Government’s flagship financial assistance schemes continue to provide a vital safety net, ensuring that citizens are not deprived of critical healthcare due to financial constraints. Under the Mukhya Mantri Swasthya Suvidha Yojna, a total of 6,838 patients has received financial assistance since 2019 for treatment outside the state, enabling access to advanced medical care.
The Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Scheme has also played a crucial role in supporting citizens facing critical illnesses. Since its inception, the scheme has provided assistance of up to ₹20 lakhs for lung transplantation and ₹10 lakhs for liver or bone marrow transplantation. A total of 5,577 patients has benefitted from this scheme for treatment outside the state, reflecting the Government’s commitment to addressing high-cost medical needs.
In addition, the Chief Minister’s Vatsalya Scheme has extended support to aspiring parents by facilitating access to infertility treatment. Since 2022, financial assistance has been provided to 816 women, including both government employees and members of the general public, for IVF treatment, helping many families realise their aspirations of parenthood.
Sikkim continues to stand out as one of the top performing states in India in terms of vaccination coverage, consistently achieving high percentages and reflecting a strong and responsive public health system. Significant progress has also been recorded in maternal healthcare. Institutional deliveries increased from 99.3 percent in 2019 to 99.64 percent in 2025–26, while early antenatal registration during the first trimester improved from 76.7 percent to 84.01 percent. The proportion of pregnant women receiving at least four antenatal check-upsalso rose substantially from 66.3 percent to 80.10 percent during the same period.
Child health and nutrition indicators have shown equally encouraging progress. Sikkim achieved an Infant Mortality Rate of 6 as per the 2023 Sample Registration System, significantly lower than the national average. Early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth increased remarkably from 67.2 percent in 2019–20 to 92.81 percent in 2025–26. Specialized neonatal care facilities, including Sick Neonatal Care Units and Newborn Stabilization Units across the State, have also strengthened critical care support for newborns.
Under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, 45,633 beneficiaries have availed treatment as of 31 March 2026, reflecting the expanding reach of affordable healthcare services in the State.
Alongside physical healthcare, the Government has also prioritized mental health and su***de prevention through initiatives such as the Su***de Prevention Action Network Programme and Tele-MANAS. Between 2020 and December 2024, over 36,615 individuals were screened for mental health concerns, while 18,741 received counselling support. A dedicated 24×7 crisis helpline and round-the-clock tele-mental health services have further strengthened access to timely psychological care.
Moreover, Sikkim has moved beyond conventional medicine to embrace a holistic 360-degree wellness model integrating preventive, promotive, and curative healthcare. By blending the ancient Himalayan healing tradition of Sowa Rigpa with Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, and Homoeopathy, the State is addressing the growing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases while reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure for citizens. This integrative approach has already benefitted over 67,000 people through specialised AYUSH interventions delivered across outpatient care, inpatient services, and outreach programmes.
At the institutional level, Sikkim is rapidly expanding AYUSH infrastructure through a robust three-tier strategy. Key facilities include the 50-bedded Integrated AYUSH Hospital at Kyongsa in Gyalshing, a 10-bedded integrated AYUSH facility in Gangtok, and the newly established 30-bedded specialised Sowa Rigpa Hospital at the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Deorali. In addition, 15 AYUSH dispensaries are now operational across Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres, and District Hospitals, providing free consultations and medicines to citizens.
Looking ahead, Sikkim is poised to further consolidate its position as a regional leader in holistic healthcare with the development of a landmark 100-bedded Ayurveda Hospital and Medical College at Lingmoo, Yangang.
Collectively, these initiatives are positioning Sikkim not only as a hub for wellness and medical tourism—attracting visitors seeking holistic and traditional therapies—but also as a model for integrated healthcare that drives economic growth.
My fellow citizens,
Education remains one of the highest priorities of the Government as we advance towards SDG-4: Quality Education for All. We firmly believe that education is the foundation of a Viksit Sikkim and the key to social progress, equity, and human development.
Sikkim has taken pioneering steps in strengthening foundational learning by becoming the first State to implement a kindergarten system across all Government schools, alongside co-locating Anganwadi Centres wherever feasible. Through partnerships such as Jodo Gyan, early literacy and numeracy are being strengthened through play-based and experiential learning approaches. Since 2023, the Vidya Pravesh school readiness programme has ensured a smooth transition into formal schooling. Complementing this, the NIPUN initiative has strengthened mathematics teaching across all 735 Government schools through teacher training, exposure visits, and school-based interventions. As a result, children demonstrating confidence in basic mathematics increased from 17 percent in 2024 to 72 percent in 2026. Building on this progress, the programme will now be extended to Class III.
Our commitment also extends to children who have dropped out of the formal education system. Mission MAYA (Mission for Adolescents and Youth Advancement) aims to identify, counsel, rehabilitate, and reintegrate Out-of-School Children through coordinated inter-departmental efforts. Initially piloted in Namchi, the initiative will now be expanded statewide.
We are transforming schools to deliver excellence with equity.The Chief Minister’s Model School at Assam Lingzey stands as a benchmark of future-ready education, integrating academics, sports, vocational training, and leadership development through modern facilities including STEAM laboratories and residential learning environments. Encouraged by its success, we are in the process of establishing more such model schools. Academic quality is also being strengthened through the Monitoring of School Academic Performance initiative and the State Academic Achievement Survey conducted in March 2026, which has established a strong foundation for targeted learning interventions. The Student Study TourInitiative further continues to broaden student exposure to institutions of excellence, heritage sites, and innovation hubs.
Recognising that education must nurture both the mind and the spirit, wellness and value-based learning have been integrated into the curriculum through yoga, mindfulness, and mental health programmes. Dedicated weekly periods have been introduced for these activities, while teachers across the State have been trained in yoga instruction, mindfulness, and meditation practices to strengthen emotional resilience and life skills among students.
At the secondary and senior secondary levels, the Government has achieved 100 percent coverage of vocational education across all Government schools, with nearly 15,000 students enrolled annually under NSQF-aligned programmes. STEM laboratories are also being established to foster scientific temperament, while collaboration with IISER Pune has strengthened science and mathematics education through large-scale teacher training across all districts.
The Government also remains committed to dignity and gender equity in education through the Bahini Scheme, under which nearly 16,000 girl students receive free sanitary napkins annually, improving attendance and retention.
Focused interventions have also strengthened academic outcomes and aspirational pathways. The Chief Minister’s Mentorship Programme has significantly improved pass percentages and increased the number of high-performing students and schools achieving near-perfect results. Mission Lakshya is preparing our brightest minds for IIT-JEE and NEET within the state, while the Chief Minister’s Education Assistance Scheme has supported 1,399 students in pursuing higher education across India and abroad.
Sikkim is also advancing lifelong learning through the ULLAS programme, under which 14,447 adult learners have achieved foundational literacy. Sikkim is now on track to achieve full functional literacy and be declared a fully literate State in 2026.
At the higher education level, significant strides are being made to strengthen access, quality, and governance. The establishment of the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose University of Excellence at Chakung and the Khangchendzonga State University at Temi Tarku marks a major step towards multidisciplinary and globally aligned education. The Sikkim Government Vocational College at Dentam has also been inaugurated to strengthen skill-based higher education. In medical education, the State has secured 80 MBBS seats annually at the Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences exclusively for Sikkimese students, including 50 fully funded seats.
To support global academic excellence, the Nar Bahadur Bhandari Fellowship Scheme provides financial assistance of up to ₹50 lakh for meritorious students pursuing Master’s programmes at leading international universities, while the APATAN Fellowship Scheme supports doctoral studies in regional languages and literature. Further, the Sikkim Private Universities Act, 2025, has established a transparent and unified regulatory framework to ensure quality, accountability, accreditation, and protection of student interests.
Through these interventions, the Government is transforming education into a powerful instrument of equity, opportunity, innovation, and human development, ensuring that every learner in Sikkim contributes meaningfully to the vision of a Viksit Sikkim.
My dear citizens,
Tourism continues to remain one of the most important pillars of Sikkim’s economy, contributing significantly to employment generation, rural livelihoods, cultural preservation, and sustainable economic growth. The Government has consistently pursued a comprehensive and forward-looking tourism policy focused on infrastructure creation, destination diversification, eco-tourism, spiritual tourism, adventure tourism, heritage conservation, skill development, and community participation, with the larger vision of positioning Sikkim as a premier all-season global tourism destination.
In recent years, Sikkim has witnessed remarkable progress in tourism infrastructure development. Passenger ropeways at Bhaleydhunga, Yangang, and Pelling have been successfully inaugurated and operationalised, greatly enhancing accessibility and visitor experience. Under the PM-DevINEscheme of the Ministry of DoNER, iconic projects such as the Skywalk at Bhaleydhunga and the Glass Bridge at Singshoreare under implementation and are expected to place Sikkim among India’s leading high-value tourism destinations. Similarly, under the SASCI scheme, the development of a multi-level parking facility and allied amenities at Nathulawill significantly improve traffic management and tourist convenience in one of the State’s most strategically important destinations.
The Government has also focused on expanding and diversifying tourism circuits across the State. The opening of Chola Pass and Dokala Pass under the Bharat RanbhoomiDarshan initiative marks a historic milestone in promoting battlefield tourism while honouring the courage and sacrifices of the armed forces. Under the Challenge Based Destination Development Scheme, projects such as the Kabi Chronicle Project and the Echoes of Valour Project at Gnathang Valleyare being developed to showcase Sikkim’s unique historical and cultural legacy. At the same time, projects under the Swadesh Darshan such as the Gangtok Cultural Village at Namli, Eco-Wellness Experience at Yuksom and the Four Patron Saints of Sikkim at Yuksom under the PRASHAD schemes, are strengthening spiritual, cultural, and wellness tourism in the State.
Recognising the transformative role of rural tourism in generating grassroots livelihoods, the Government has launched the Mega Homestay Scheme targeting the establishment of 1,000 homestays across the State. This initiative is empowering rural communities, promoting entrepreneurship, reducing regional disparities, and preserving indigenous architecture, traditions, cuisine, and cultural heritage through authentic community-based tourism experiences. Several State-sponsored projects promoting pilgrimage tourism, eco-tourism, wellness tourism, and cultural tourism are also progressing across districts, including Brindabhan Dham at Dodak, the Herbal Medical and Spiritual Healing Tourism Complex at Nandugaon, the Rabindranath Tagore Park & Cultural Centre at Meghidara, and the Regional Kirat Rai Linguistic & Cultural Research Centre at Paren Goan.
Alongside infrastructure and destination development, the Government continues to prioritise human resource development through extensive skill enhancement programmes under Sikkim INSPIRES, creating a trained and professional tourism workforce while generating sustainable employment opportunities for local youth. Reflecting the success of these sustained efforts, Sikkim recorded a tourist footfall of 17.2 lakh visitors in 2025 and has been performing significantly well in the implementation of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme.
My dear fellow citizens,
At the heart of Sikkim’s development journey lies the progress, empowerment, and resilience of its villages and rural communities.
The government is implementing a comprehensive range of targeted programmes aimed at strengthening infrastructure, enhancing livelihoods, and improving the overall quality of life in rural Sikkim.
With the support of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, rural connectivity has seen substantial expansion, with over 4,600 km of roads constructed, significantly improving access to remote areas. Under the Vibrant Village Programme, critical infrastructure including 8 long-span bridges and 3 roads covering 18.73 km in North Sikkim is under implementation. Further strengthening connectivity, approval has been accorded for PMGSY-IV (Batch-I), covering 96 roads spanning 384.27 km at an estimated cost of ₹788.06 crore.
Housing security has also been a major focus under the Sikkim Garib Aawas Yojana, through which 3,000 houses in Phase I and 3,050 houses in Phase II, along with an additional 1,000 houses, have been successfully completed. Building on this progress, SGAY-II has been launched with a target of 10,000 houses, of which nearly 4,000 houses are currently under construction, ensuring safe and durable housing for economically weaker sections.
Ensuring access to safe drinking water remains a priority under the Jal Jeevan Mission. In Sikkim, 1,791 water supply schemes are under implementation, including 1,755 Single Village Schemes and 36 Multi Village Schemes. Of these, 1,223 Single Village Schemes and 26 Multi Village Schemes have been completed, ensuring reliable tap water supply to rural households and strengthening water security across the State.
The government is also focused on strengthening rural livelihoods through the State Rural Livelihood Mission (2016–2026), which has emerged as a cornerstone of inclusive development. A total of 5,869 Self-Help Groups has been formed and supported, with ₹10.738 lakh provided as revolving fund assistance. Notably, 14,719 women have emerged as “Lakhpati Didis”, including 3,210 from Scheduled Tribe communities, reflecting tangible progress in enhancing incomes and economic resilience.
In the area of sanitation and environmental sustainability, the government continues to make significant strides through the Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen Phase II. Sikkim has achieved the distinction of being declared India’s first ODF Plus Model State on 14 August 2023. Extensive infrastructure has been created, including 26,411 individual household latrines, 743 community sanitary complexes, and thousands of soak pits and compost pits, alongside plastic waste management units, segregation sheds, and resource recovery systems, promoting scientific waste management and environmental protection. Sikkim has also secured 3rd position among small States and UTs in Swachh Survekshan2022, with districts such as Mangan, Namchi, Soreng, and Gyalshing performing exceptionally well.
To further strengthen grassroots governance, the separation from the Rural Development Department has been undertaken to ensure sharper administrative focus and improved efficiency. This has enabled enhanced attention to community development, strengthening of Panchayati Raj Institutions, and capacity building through the State Institute of Rural Development, alongside more effective implementation of the Panchayats Act, 1993. In FY 2025–26 alone, 10,531 participants have been trained under various capacity-building programmes. Infrastructure has been strengthened with 10 Panchayat Bhawans completed, 22 Common Service Centres co-located, and 10 Panchayat Learning Centres established.
Digital empowerment has also been prioritised through the establishment of a modern computer laboratory at the State Panchayat Resource Centre, Deorali, Gangtok, and the distribution of computer systems to Panchayati Raj Institutions, transforming them into efficient, technology-enabled service delivery hubs. All 6 Zilla Panchayats and 199 Gram Panchayats have prepared and are implementing Panchayat Development Plans aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals through the eGramSwaraj platform, ensuring transparency and accountability.
In recognition of these efforts, Namphing Gram Panchayat Unit has achieved ISO Certification—the first in the State—while Gyalshing Omchung Gram Panchayat Unit has secured 3rd rank nationally in the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar 2025.
Together, these initiatives reflect the government’s unwavering commitment to holistic rural development—strengthening infrastructure, empowering communities, enhancing livelihoods, and building a sustainable and inclusive future for all.
My dear fellow citizens,
Road connectivity has witnessed remarkable progress under the Government, recognising that connectivity is the backbone of socio-economic development in a hilly and strategically located State like Sikkim. We have been steadfast in expanding, upgrading, and strengthening the road network to ensure seamless connectivity to every village, market, tourist destination, and border area.
Some of the major infrastructure works have been successfully completed, including key road up gradationprojects such as the Namchi–Birdhang road (9.38 km) and Tharpu–Daramdin road (22.23 km), along with the construction of multiple bridges across rivers such as Rangit, Kalej Khola, and others, significantly improving inter-district connectivity and resilience.
The State has also leveraged support from central and external agencies, with projects funded under CRIF, NESIDS, and NABARD-RIDF covering hundreds of kilometres of roads and bridges, further strengthening infrastructure capacity. Looking ahead, the Government envisions upgrading highways to double-lane standards, replacing ageing bridges, improving border connectivity, and adopting eco-friendly technologies. With a current road density of approximately 48 km per 100 sq. km, we aim to achieve 70 km per 100 sq. km by 2047.
My dear fellow citizens,
As I conclude, I extent my sincerest gratitude to your tireless contributions. Today, we stand proud of how far we have come together as a people, and even more ready to shape the future with courage, ambition, and renewed resolve. Let us build upon the strong foundations laid over the past five decades and continue striving towards an even greater Sikkim, one that is prosperous, sustainable, inclusive, and full of opportunity for every generation.
Together, let us move forward in the spirit of a Sunaulo, Samriddha ani Samarth Sikkim, contributing meaningfully to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Jai Hind!
Jai Sikkim!
