Centre committed to support Sikkim growth: MoS Shobha Karandlaje

GANGTOK,: Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment and MSME, Shobha Karandlaje, today said the Narendra Modi-led Central government transformed the development landscape of the North East over the past 12 years through “unprecedented” investments in infrastructure, welfare, connectivity and social security.

Addressing a “Media and Intellectuals Convention” in Gangtok commemorating 12 years of the NDA government, Karandlaje said the North East has received focused attention under the present NDA government.
“For the first time, every ministry has been asked to think about how its schemes and programmes can benefit the North East. Prime Minister Modi regularly asks ministers to identify opportunities within their departments to contribute to the region's development,” she said.

Highlighting Sikkim's development, Karandlaje said major investments had been made in roads, railways, healthcare, social welfare and tourism. “Villages that once lacked basic communication facilities are now connected through mobile networks and internet services. Through the Vibrant Villages Programme, border villages are being linked with roads, telecommunications and livelihood opportunities,” she said.

The minister said 46 border villages in Sikkim are being developed under the Vibrant Villages Programme, while over 1.22 lakh rural households received tap water connections under the Jal Jeevan Mission.

Referring to the 2023 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood disaster, she said the Centre responded swiftly to assist affected communities.

“When the people of Sikkim suffered during the GLOF disaster, the Government of India immediately stepped forward to help. Such quick assistance was rarely seen earlier," she said.

Karandlaje also highlighted the government's welfare initiatives, saying they have directly benefited thousands of people in Sikkim.

“More than 99,000 beneficiaries, including senior citizens and ASHA workers, are covered under Ayushman Bharat in Sikkim. Nearly 36,000 farmers are receiving support under PM-Kisan, while more than 1.70 lakh beneficiaries have received Mudra loans worth over Rs. 1,688 crore," she said.

She added that over 51,000 unorganised workers have been registered under the e-Shram portal, nearly 20,000 families received LPG connections under Ujjwala Yojana and more than 1.7 lakh Jan Dhan accounts had been opened in the State.

"According to figures acknowledged by the International Labour Organization, India has extended social security coverage to 64 per cent of its population. Through free food grains, Ayushman Bharat, pensions, housing assistance and other welfare programmes, we are reaching millions of people. Our goal is to increase this coverage further," she said.

The minister said Direct Benefit Transfer has transformed welfare delivery.

"Earlier, a large portion of government assistance would not reach the intended beneficiary. Today, benefits are directly transferred into bank accounts, ensuring transparency and eliminating middlemen," she said.

Karandlaje stated that more than 430 kilometres of National Highways have been developed in Sikkim over the last 12 years, with projects worth over Rs. 10,000 crore underway. She said over 3,250 kilometres of rural roads have been built under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana with investments exceeding Rs. 2,500 crore.

She also referred to the Rs. 11,973 crore Sevok-Rangpo Railway Project, which will provide Sikkim with its first railway connection.

"The Sevok-Rangpo railway line will significantly improve tourism, trade, transportation and strategic connectivity for the state," she said.

On healthcare, Karandlaje said 195 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and 18 Ayush Health and Wellness Centres are operational in Sikkim, while 17 Jan Aushadhi Kendras are providing affordable medicines to residents.

The minister further highlighted major projects being implemented under PM-DevINE.

"Projects worth more than Rs 760 crore have been sanctioned for Sikkim under PM-DevINE, including the Pelling-Sangachoeling Ropeway, the Bhaleydunga Skywalk, the Singshore Bridge Glass Skywalk, the State Medical College at Sichey and the Gyan Mandir Library in Gangtok. These projects will boost tourism, healthcare, education and employment," she said.

Karandlaje noted that Sikkim also received substantial support under tourism development schemes.

"Under Swadesh Darshan and Swadesh Darshan 2.0, Sikkim has received more than Rs. 231 crore for tourism infrastructure. Under the PRASAD Scheme, over Rs. 33 crore has been sanctioned for tourism and pilgrimage infrastructure," she said.

Describing Sikkim as India's organic State, the minister said the State was uniquely positioned to benefit from global demand for organic products and medicinal plants.

“There is tremendous demand internationally for organic produce, flowers and medicinal plants. Sikkim has immense potential in food processing, branding, packaging and exports. These sectors can generate employment and increase farmers' incomes,” she said.

Karandlaje also highlighted employment and entrepreneurship initiatives. “More than 21,000 youth have been enrolled under skill development programmes. Thousands of entrepreneurs and job seekers from Sikkim are connected through national employment and enterprise platforms. More than 2,140 street vendors have benefited under PM SVANidhi, while over 13,000 enterprises have received support,” she said.

Karandlaje also highlighted the Centre's recent development commitments to the State, including projects worth over Rs 4,000 crore inaugurated or announced by Prime Minister Modi during his recent visit to Sikkim.

She added that Sikkim had also been allocated Rs. 820 crore under the newly launched "Pride of Hills" Special Development Assistance component aimed at addressing the unique developmental challenges of hill states.

Calling upon citizens to contribute towards the vision of a developed India by 2047, she said, “Prime Minister Modi often says that every citizen has a role to play in building Viksit Bharat. Whether it is educating our children, keeping our surroundings clean or working honestly, each of us can contribute to the nation's progress.”

Expressing confidence in Sikkim's future, the MoS said the State would continue to advance under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.

“Sikkim has immense potential and will continue to move forward. The Government of India remains committed to supporting the State’s growth, creating opportunities for its youth and improving the lives of its people,” she opined.

The event also had the presence of State Rural Development minister Arun Upreti and BJP Sikkim president D.R. Thapa.