SKM attends Union Budget deliberations for NDA members

GANGTOK,: SKM spokespersons Bikash Basnet and Yougan Tamang, as directed by Chief Minister PS Golay, attended a NDA meeting with Union Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday at the Lok Sabha Secretariat, Parliament House Annexe in New Delhi.

The meeting focused on key aspects of the newly presented Union Budget 2025-26, which aims to drive inclusive growth and economic empowerment across the nation. The meeting was convened shortly after the Union Finance minister delivered her budget speech in the Parliament, a SKM release informs.

Chaired by Sitharaman, the NDA meeting was attended by Union Commerce & Industry minister Piyush Goyal, Union government’s chief economic advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran, BJP media cell national in-charge Anil Baluni, and spokespersons from various NDA political parties across the country.

A key theme of the meeting was the Union Finance minister’s emphasis on the vision of Vikshit Bharat by 2047, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She urged the NDA spokespersons to effectively communicate the budget’s inclusive initiatives, which focus on the holistic development of all sections of society to citizens across the nation.

During the discussions, SKM spokesperson Bikash Basnet, also the Chief Minister’s political secretary (press & publicity affairs), raised an important query regarding the new budget scheme designed to support 5 lakh women, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes, particularly the first-time entrepreneurs. He asked how this initiative could empower tribal women in Sikkim.

The Union Finance minister responded positively, explaining that the scheme would provide significant support to women in Northeastern States like Sikkim. By fostering entrepreneurship in border regions, this initiative is expected to uplift entire communities, create sustainable livelihoods, and contribute to overall development. The scheme, she noted, holds transformative potential for tribal women in Sikkim.

Similarly, SKM spokesperson Yougan Tamang, also the Chief Minister’s press secretary, highlighted the importance of Alternative Investment Funds (AIF) for startups and entrepreneurship, a key element of the Union Budget 2025-26. He inquired about its implications for Sikkim's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

In response, the Union Finance minister elaborated on the introduction of a new Fund of Funds for startups with a contribution of Rs.10,000 crore to be set up, aimed at supporting and scaling up startups. She emphasized that this initiative would foster innovation, enhance skill development, and provide crucial backing to young entrepreneurs, across the nation particularly in regions like Sikkim.

The meeting also saw several valuable contributions from spokespersons of other NDA allied parties, who brought forward region-specific perspectives and suggestions, the release mentions.

As the discussions concluded, there was a clear consensus that the Union Budget 2025-26 is a significant step towards a Vikshit Bharat, focusing on GYAN (Garib, Youth, Annadata, and Nari), a framework aimed at empowering marginalized communities, fostering youth development, and creating abundant employment opportunities. It promises significant progress in gender empowerment, economic development, and entrepreneurship, benefiting every Indian citizen, the release mentions.

The two SKM spokespersons expressed their gratitude to the Union Finance minister on behalf of Chief Minister PS Golay, the Government of Sikkim, and the people of the State. They thanked her for presenting a comprehensive and forward-looking budget and for including Sikkim in the crucial discussions. The recognition of Sikkim in such dialogues, they noted, reflects the Central government’s commitment to the holistic development of smaller States like Sikkim, the SKM release mentions.