Sikkim’s initiatives closely aligned with Viksit Bharat@2047 vision: Governor

GANGTOK,: Governor Om Prakash Mathur has extended his warm greetings and best wishes to people on the proud and auspicious occasion of 80^th Independence Day of India.

In his message, the Governor remembered the countless freedom fighters and the makers of the Constitution, and saluted the brave personnel of the Indian Armed Forces, paramilitary forces and police, as well as all those who guard the nation’s borders, protect national sovereignty and serve the nation with courage and dedication. From our strategically important Himalayan State, we convey to them our deepest respect and gratitude, he said.

“This Independence Day holds special significance for us as we celebrate the completion of 50 glorious years of Sikkim’s Statehood. I congratulate the people of Sikkim on this historic milestone and extend my best wishes for the next fifty years of progress, peace and prosperity.”

Governor Mathur highlighted that the Golden Jubilee year was made particularly memorable by the participation and visits of some of the highest dignitaries of the nation including the President and the Prime Minister, reflecting Sikkim’s growing prominence on the national stage.

“The past fifty years have demonstrated what Sikkim is capable of achieving. Over this period, the State has emerged as a national model of balanced and sustainable development, earning widespread recognition across the country. What distinguishes our development journey is our steadfast commitment to good governance, environmental stewardship, social justice and people-centric policymaking. Despite our geographical and economic constraints, Sikkim has continued to make significant progress across key sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, education, tourism, agriculture, rural development and social welfare.”

As we embark upon the next fifty years of our Statehood journey, the State government remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring peace, prosperity, inclusive growth and sustainable development for all sections of society, said the Governor.

Governor Mathur added that the State remains focused on strengthening connectivity, creating employment opportunities for youth, empowering women, supporting farmers and entrepreneurs, enhancing public service delivery and improving the overall quality of life of every citizen.

“At the same time, we remain equally committed to preserving the rich cultural heritage and fragile ecology of our Himalayan State. Our development must continue to be sustainable, resilient and inclusive, ensuring that economic progress is achieved in harmony with nature and that its benefits reach every household and every section of society.”

The Governor highlighted that Sikkim’s efforts are also closely aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, as envisaged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while remaining firmly rooted in the unique developmental needs, priorities and aspirations of the people of Sikkim.

He informed the government has identified five strategic pillars to guide the State’s growth agenda and to chart the next phase of Sikkim’s development journey.

The pillars are strengthening the productive sectors of the economy; improving infrastructure and connectivity; investing in human capital; promoting development in harmony with our rich ecological heritage; and fostering planned, resilient and sustainable urbanisation.

Together, these five pillars will provide a strong foundation for faster, more inclusive and environmentally sustainable economic growth, carrying us forward towards our shared vision of a ‘Sunaulo, Samriddhaani Samarth Sikkim’, he said.

Translating these strategic priorities into meaningful action, the Governor shared that the State government has undertaken several important initiatives to strengthen public infrastructure, expand social protection and improve the delivery of essential services.

He informed that on 27th May 2026, Sikkim became a fully literate State under the ULLAS Nav Bharat SaakshartaKaryakram, becoming only the fifth State in India to achieve this distinction. Through the efforts of more than 4,000 teachers and volunteers, nearly 15,000 adults attained literacy over the last two years, marking an important milestone in our journey towards Viksit Sikkim @2047, he said.

The Governor mentioned that the State government also continues to undertake focused interventions aimed at expanding economic opportunities for women through entrepreneurship support, self-employment initiatives, skill development, access to credit and livelihood generation programmes. Special emphasis is being laid on supporting women entrepreneurs, rural women and economically weaker sections through institutional and financial assistance mechanisms, he said.

“Simultaneously, sustained efforts are being made towards ensuring workplace safety. Sikkim ranks among the States with the lowest rates of crime against women, while legal protections against gender-based violence and discrimination, wage equity measures and maternity and child welfare support systems are also being strengthened.”

On this special occasion, the Governor extended an earnest call to the youth. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the 'NashaMuktYuva for Viksit Bharat SankalpAbhiyan' is transforming into a powerful mass movement. Its core message is loud and clear: a drug-free society is the greatest foundation for a developed India. I urge our young citizens to stay away from drugs and actively inspire their peers, families, and communities to join this national resolve,” appealed the Governor.

On this Independence Day, the Governor urged the people to renew the collective pledge to build a greener, healthier, stronger and more prosperous Sikkim. The freedom we inherited is both a precious legacy and a solemn responsibility: a responsibility to ensure that every citizen can live with dignity, security and opportunity, he said.