Sikkim has emerged as one of the most progressive States: CM

GANGTOK, : Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay has said Sikkim has emerged as one of the most progressive States in the Indian Union despite its mountainous terrain and unique geographical challenges.

“Despite our mountainous terrain and unique geographical challenges, Sikkim has emerged as one of the most progressive States in the Indian Union. Over the past eight years, our economy has recorded an average real Gross State Domestic Product growth of more than 12.6 per cent, significantly higher than the national average. Today, Sikkim enjoys the highest per capita income in the country, reflecting the remarkable transformation of our economy and the growing prosperity of our people.”

The Chief Minister was extending his warm greetings and heartfelt best wishes to every citizen of Sikkim on the joyous occasion of the 80th Independence Day of India.

In his message, Golay expressed that Sikkim’s progress is visible not merely in economic indicators but in the everyday lives of the citizens through better roads, modern healthcare facilities, quality education, improved connectivity, stronger social protection, enhanced opportunities for women and youth, and sustained investments in rural development, agriculture and entrepreneurship. Household incomes have improved, poverty has declined significantly and Sikkim today ranks among the leading States in human development, he said.

The Chief Minister added that the State government remains mindful that development is not a destination but a continuous journey. As we reflect upon the progress made across every sector, one truth stands clear: the development of Sikkim is the outcome of a shared vision and the collective efforts of our people, he said.

“Our vision of Viksit Sikkim @2047, aligned with the national aspiration of Viksit Bharat @2047, is to create a State where every citizen has access to quality education, affordable healthcare, sustainable livelihoods, modern infrastructure and a clean and resilient environment; where our farmers prosper, our women lead with confidence, our youth compete with the best, our cultural heritage flourishes and our natural resources are preserved for generations to come.”

The Chief Minister said the State government is giving top priority to the farmers of Sikkim, who sustain the State’s rural economy and preserve its rich agricultural traditions.

“By reducing the effective interest on timely repaid Kisan Credit Card crop loans to just one per cent, we are easing their financial burden and improving access to affordable credit. At the same time, through our flagship mission MeroAlaichi, MeroDhan, we are combining scientific research, modern technology and active farmer participation to revive Sikkim's globally renowned large cardamom sector, protect rural livelihoods and strengthen one of the State's most valuable agricultural assets.”

The Chief Minister emphasized that the establishment of the Helen Lepcha Sikkim Government Medical College marks a historic milestone in medical education in the State. The college now provides 50 free medical seats and 30 paid seats, besides 15 per cent of seats under the All-India Quota and five Society quota seats. In addition, Sikkimese students continue to benefit from 20 concessional seats and 10 fully paid seats at the Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences.

“Together, these provisions have significantly expanded opportunities for our students to pursue medical education within the State. The launch of our own Renal Transplant Programme will enable patients to receive advanced, life-saving treatment within the State itself.”

In his message, the Chief Minister urged the people to carry forward the spirit of unity, dedication and resilience that has brought the State this far. “The strength of Sikkim lies in the collective will of its people: our farmers, workers, entrepreneurs, teachers, students, doctors, nurses, engineers, sportspersons, artists, public servants, security personnel and every citizen who contributes, in ways both visible and unseen, to the progress of our State,” he said.

“Together, with collective resolve and the blessings of our people, we shall stride confidently towards a Viksit Bharat and a Sunaulo Sikkim, Samriddha Sikkim ani Samarth Sikkim, where every citizen can dream without limits, aspire without fear and achieve without barriers.”

On the occasion, the Chief Minister expressed the people’s profound gratitude to the architects of the nation’s freedom and to the countless known and unknown freedom fighters whose courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment secured India's Independence.

“Their selfless devotion laid the foundation of the democratic, sovereign and vibrant Republic that we proudly call home. As we celebrate the blessings of freedom, let us reaffirm our commitment to uphold the ideals of unity, justice, equality and service to the nation for which they dedicated their lives.”

The Chief Minister recorded his deepest respects to the brave men and women of our Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces, State Police and all security personnel who stand vigilant in defence of the nation's sovereignty and integrity. As a proud border State, Sikkim deeply values their unwavering dedication and immense sacrifices under the most challenging conditions, he said.