Sagar Chhetri, Gangtok, 26 Mar:
Chief Minister PS Tamang, in his budget speech at the Legislative Assembly today, highlighted that fiscal year 2025-2026 holds three historic significances for the people of Sikkim; first, the 50th Year of Statehood and smooth entry into the golden jubilee period in the annals of political history of Sikkim and post independent India.
He added that in this year was also see Sikkim endeavour to achieve Zero Poverty and 100 percent Literacy status, signalling the beginning of a new era of development here.
“And finally, this year, while we fondly remember the long period of governance under various kingships and the invaluable contributions made by countless Sikkimese ancestors, including Governors, Chief Ministers, Ministers, MLAs, officials and individuals in shaping the future of modern-day Sikkim. We also wholeheartedly celebrate the ushering in of multi-party democracy and our statehood within the constitutional framework and governance system of India,” he said.
The CM detailed this while presenting the General Budget 2025-26 on the second day of the ongoing second session (Part-III) [Budget Session 2025-26] of the Eleventh Assembly of Sikkim Legislative Assembly.
“We pray and pay our highest respect and gratitude to all our mountain deities for showering on us the blessings that have been beset with peace, tranquillity, harmony, prosperity and stability,” he said.
He urged all to recall that on 16 May, 1975, Sikkim embarked on an inspiring journey, progressing remarkably, embracing democracy and development while steadfastly preserving our rich and diverse cultural heritage and environmental and natural endowments.
He added that over these “transformative” five decades, Sikkim has evolved from a small Himalayan kingdom into a model modern state, recognized nationally and globally for its exemplary strides in peace and tranquillity, sustainable development, robust economic growth and comprehensive social welfare initiatives.
The CM stressed that 16 May, 1975, was a turning point in Sikkim’s history, significant from five crucial perspectives of Integration with India, Realisation and fulfilment of Democratic Aspirations, Remarkable Developmental Transformation, Strategic and National Security Contribution and Global recognition for its unique mountain identity conserved through peace, tranquillity and traditional approaches.
“To commemorate this milestone, our government has planned a year-long celebration, and we are honoured to announce that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accepted our invitation to be the Chief Guest at the main event. I personally met the Prime Minister to extend this invitation, and he has kindly consented to grace the occasion with his presence,” he informed the House.
He further informed that the Prime Minister will inaugurate several key projects, including the 500 bedded Namchi District Hospital, Swarna Jayanthi Maitreya Manjri- a landmark tribute to Sikkim’s fifty golden years of statehood, embodying the philosophy of Mitra Labh, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Statue- a tribute to the visionary leader who played a crucial role in India’s development and Passenger Ropeway at Sangachoeling which will connect Pelling to Sangachoeling Monastery boosting tourism and economic activities in the area.
Additionally, he added, the government has also requested the Prime Minister to lay foundation stones for several transformative projects including Golden Jubilee Convention Centre at Namli- a world-class infrastructure project designed to host national and international events, Bhaleydhunga Skywalk- a pioneering tourism initiative to boost eco-tourism and adventure tourism in Sikkim, a first of its kind in India, Nathula Border Tourism Development Project- an ambitious project to transform Nathula into a world-class global tourist destination, Singhshore Bridge- a vital project to boost tourism and economic activity in the region, Golden Jubilee Integrated Cultural and Sports Village- a complex that shall provide state of the art facilities to our aspiring sportspersons, Working Women’s Hostel at Tadong, which will provide working women a dignified place and further empower them.
The CM stated that Sikkim today was the most integrated state of India and it was more so given the political history and merger with the Republic of India.
“Our diverse and deepening integration is highlighted by the highest per capita income in the country, relatively much higher growth rate, national security and national interest protection and promotion by the state, most peaceful state in the country, proven custodian of natural resources, biodiversity and cultural ecology and core centre of dealing with climate change impact, adaptation and mitigation in the entire Eastern Himalayan region,” he said.
He further expressed that almost all the evaluation reports produced by the Government of India and other agencies put Sikkim as one of the most progressive and variedly performing states in India. He added that Sikkim leads in many development indicators and was being widely deliberated upon in both national and global forum.
