11 years of of Modi Government: A new era of Development in Northeast and Sikkim

-Niren Bhandari Media Incharge BJP Sikkim.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's 11-year tenure has been marked by significant transformations in India's economic, social, technological, and diplomatic landscapes. Overall, Modi's government has focused on inclusive growth, infrastructure development, and social welfare, redefining India's development narrative.

Prime Minister Modi has always recognised the importance of Northeast states and announces the Act East policies for the overall development of the region. He always refers to the 8 states as “Astha Laxmi” and continues support through different initiatives in National level like uprising Northeast investor’s summit in Delhi, UNNATI, start up, stand up India. His special initiatives to develop Northeastern states as a power hub in multiple fields are directed towards - Empower youth Empower Region, education skill development, entrepreneurship, tourism and culture preservation of rich heritage, to train world class talents in sports and arts, eco -tourism, organic farming and sustainable development.

The Modi government has significantly impacted the Northeast region and Sikkim through increased budgetary allocation by over 300% since 2014, reaching Rs. 1,05,833.28  crores in FY2025-2026?compared to Rs 36,108 crores in 2014 . Various infrastructure development initiatives have been undertaken resulting in an increase in infrastructure development scheme outlays by 26 times, This increase in allocated budget has been utilized very efficiently for the better governance of the north eastern region, most prominently Sikkim. The infrastructure outlays have been allocated efficiently for an all-dimensional growth and development of the region.

In Sikkim, the Central Government’s support is evident across multiple sectors. The state’s 2025-26 budget of ?16,196 crores includes ?2,600 crores in central grants, with ?555.7 crores allocated for recovery following the October 2023 GLOF disaster. Infrastructure development has been pivotal, with Sikkim’s National Highway network expanding from 177 km in 2014 to 709 km in 2025. Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), 1,450 km of rural roads have been constructed at a cost of ?1,282 crore, improving accessibility. Gangtok and Namchi have been selected for the Smart City Mission, while ?264.86 crore under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme has bolstered eco-tourism and heritage projects, enhancing Sikkim’s tourism potential.

Under the Modi Government, healthcare and social welfare have reached grassroots communities in Sikkim. The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana provides free health insurance coverage of up to ?5 lakh per year to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) cardholders, benefiting 88,288 individuals, along with 7,415 senior citizens aged 70 and above and 3,116 ASHA and Anganwadi workers registered under the scheme. Sikkim now has 12 Jan Aushadhi Centres providing affordable medicines to the public. Healthcare infrastructure has been strengthened with the establishment of 40 dialysis units across four district hospitals under PM National Dialysis Programme. Additionally, ?167.9 crore has been allocated Under the PM-DevINE scheme for the establishment of a government medical college in Gangtok. Medical education in Sikkim has received a significant boost, with MBBS seats increasing from 50 to 150. Nationally, over 220 crore free COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered, with Sikkim actively included in this massive immunization drive.

Empowerment of women, youth and farmers has been a priority. Under PM Awas Yojana, 4,122 houses have been built in Sikkim since 2015, while 32,190 farmers benefit annually ?6,000 under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi. The Fasal Bima Yojana has supported 10,657 farmers, and the Lakhpati Didi Yojana has empowered 7,794 Sikkimese women with ?184.12 crore allocations from the centre. The startup ecosystem is thriving, with 15 startups registered under Startup India, and 19,479 youth trained under PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana. Additionally, ?1,511 crore in loans have been disbursed to 1,54,402 beneficiaries under the Mudra Yojana, fostering entrepreneurship. The enrollment of 23,503 girls under Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, with savings of ?164.26 crore, further highlight inclusive development and 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies ensured by Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. Following it the first time, women admitted to National Defence Academy.

Connectivity has seen significant advancements, with near-universal 4G penetration bridging the digital divide. Aviation infrastructure has also progressed, with 10 new greenfield airports built across the Northeast, including Pakyong Airport in Sikkim, operational under the UDAN scheme, which has facilitated the construction of 86 new airports nationwide. Cultural and tribal development has been prioritized through PM-DevINE projects, including the ?63 crore Pelling Ropeway, ?58 crore Dhapper-Bhaleydhunga Cable Car, ?220 crore Bhaleydhunga Skywalk, ?52 crore Singshore Bridge Glass Skywalk, and ?200.29 crore Gyan Mandir Library in Gangtok and the establishment of a Tribal Research Institute at Assam Lingzey.

The North East has witnessed a 64% decline in insurgency since 2014, with the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) withdrawn from 75% of the region. Peace accords with groups such as Bodo, Naga, Karbi, and ULFA have fostered stability, creating a conducive environment for development. The Mission Organic Value Chain Development has formed 434 Farmer Producer Companies, covering 1.73 lakh hectares and benefiting 2.19 lakh farmers, reinforcing Sikkim’s leadership in sustainable agriculture.

The Modi Government’s 11 year tenure has laid a strong Foundation for the North East and Sikkim’s development, with a focus on inclusive growth, infrastructure development and Social welfare in the past eleven years of PM Modi’s governance have redefined Sikkim and the North East as integral contributors to India’s growth story. From infrastructure and healthcare to tourism, agriculture, and peace-building, the region has experienced tangible and transformative progress. Sikkim, once geographically distant, now stands as a beacon of inclusive and sustainable development, firmly integrated into India’s national mainstream and poised as a gateway to East Asia.

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