Release_Sikkim CM Met NITI Aayog VC to Review Sikkim’s Development Trajectory

New Delhi, Jan 16: The Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Prem Singh Tamang, met the Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog, Shri Suman K. Berry, at his official residence to review the state’s developmental progress, key achievements, and future priorities.

At the outset, the Vice Chairperson lauded Sikkim’s remarkable progress, particularly its phenomenal rise from 4th to 1st position in per capita income at the national level. He expressed keen interest in understanding the inspiration and policy framework behind this achievement. In response, the Chief Minister attributed the success to the state government’s unwavering commitment to people-centric governance, with a sustained focus on health, education, and environmental sustainability through initiatives such as Mero Rukh Mero Santati, supplemented by the Sishu Samriddhi Yojana. He noted that these programmes have played a significant role in achieving a notable 2.9 per cent increase in forest cover, reinforcing Sikkim’s standing as a progressive state while maintaining its core strength as an environmentally responsible one.

While discussing challenges, the Chief Minister pointed out that tourism, being the backbone of Sikkim’s economy, is significantly affected by inadequate and vulnerable connectivity with the rest of the country, particularly in terms of road infrastructure. He also mentioned that this issue was recently raised in a meeting with the Managing Director of NHIDCL, where the need to expedite an alternative highway with a new alignment opposite the existing NH-10 was strongly emphasised to support long-term development.

Another major challenge highlighted was Sikkim’s continued commitment to remaining a 100 per cent organic state. The Chief Minister explained that organic farming is a low-volume, high-priced production model, making it essential for farmers to receive premium prices for their produce. To sustain organic agriculture, he stressed the need for substantial investment in branding, marketing, and cold-chain infrastructure, enabling Sikkim’s organic products to reach major metropolitan markets.

The Chief Minister also sought the Vice Chairperson’s support and guidance in addressing urban overcrowding, drawing upon the importance of satellite town development and rapid urban mobility. He emphasised that alternative modes of transport, including cable cars and monorail systems, are the need of the hour to ensure sustainable urban expansion.

Highlighting opportunities for economic growth under the vision of Viksit Bharat and Viksit Sikkim, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of strengthening border trade management and border tourism, as Sikkim shares international borders on three sides. With the proposed resumption of the Nathula trade from April 2026, he requested for his support to expand the currently limited list of tradable commodities to ensure meaningful and substantial trade volumes. Similarly, he called for revitalising cross-border trade with Nepal through the Chewabhanjyang corridor, which could open new economic avenues, particularly in the health and education sectors.

The Chief Minister also highlighted key concerns related to employment-generating sectors, particularly the pharmaceutical industry, and requested the Vice Chairman to provide support for the extension of subsidies for pharmaceutical companies beyond 2027. He also acknowledged the consistent and wholehearted support extended by the Government of India under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, stating that such cooperation has been instrumental in accelerating Sikkim’s overall growth and development.

The Chief Minister expressed his sincere appreciation and gratitude for the kind visit of the Chairman and lauded his creative initiatives aimed at the overall development of the State.

The meeting was attended by Member, NITI Aayog, Prof. Ramesh Chand; State Advisor (Sikkim), NITI Aayog, Dr Darpajit Sengupta; Chief Administrator-cum-Cabinet Secretary, Shri V.B. Pathak; Chief Secretary, Shri R. Telang; Secretary (Planning), Shri M.T. Sherpa; Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Shri S.D. Dhakal, and Secretary, Chief Minister’s Office, Shri Karma Namgyal.