State Budget 2025-26 aligns with Viksit Bharat 2047: Governor

GANGTOK, : Governor Om Prakash Mathur has expressed that the State Budget 2025-26 aligns with Viksit Bharat 2047 while also addressing the unique needs of the people of Sikkim.

I am confident that the budget to be placed will work towards the Sikkim we envision – one that aligns with Viksit Bharat 2047 while also addressing the unique needs of the people of Sikkim, said the Governor in his address to the Sikkim Legislative Assembly on Wednesday.

Mathur remarked that the State Budget 2025-26 is not just a financial statement but a roadmap for transformation. “It reflects our resolve to uplift every citizen, empower every community, and drive Sikkim towards greater prosperity. Through fiscal discipline, innovation, and people-centric policies, we will ensure that every rupee spent translates into meaningful progress,” he said.

The Governor added that there is still much to be done. With bold reforms, enhanced infrastructure, and targeted investments, we will continue to build a stronger, self-reliant, and future-ready Sikkim, he said.

“I urge this august House to support this budget, as we take decisive steps towards realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and positioning Sikkim as a leader in sustainable development, economic growth, and social equity. Together, let us usher in a new era of progress, where opportunity, prosperity, and well-being reach every corner of our State,” said the Governor.

Mathur noted that a significant portion of the State’s budget has been dedicated to the prioritized sector of education. Sikkim is emerging as an education hub with multiple universities established in recent years and more in the pipeline, he said.

“School infrastructure development remains a key focus, with numerous schools being upgraded under various schemes. Selected institutions will be transformed into green schools, incorporating sustainable practices such as rainwater harvesting, solar energy and eco-friendly materials,” he said.

On the public healthcare sector, the Governor said the State government has led transformative initiatives to strengthen infrastructure, promote preventive care, and improve medical accessibility.

“Our future healthcare vision includes the inauguration of the 500-bedded Namchi district hospital, reducing the patient load at STNM Hospital. Plans are underway to introduce kidney transplant facilities, expand dialysis services across all districts, and enhance super-speciality care. Mobile village clinics have already been deployed to remote areas, ensuring healthcare access through medical camps that have benefitted thousands of patients,” said the Governor.

In his Budget Session address, the Governor also highlighted the State government’s commitment to promote sustainable tourism that preserves Sikkim’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and traditions while boosting local livelihoods. He added that the Tourism Sustainable Development Fund initiative, under which a nominal fee is collected from tourists visiting Sikkim, is widely supported by the tourism stakeholders.

“To streamline tourism management, an advanced software system is being implemented to track tourist inflow, assess carrying capacity, and monitor foreign visitors. This data-drive approach will allow for more efficient resource utilization while maintaining environmental sustainability,” said the Governor.

Mathur also highlighted the upcoming 50^th Statehood Day celebrations of Sikkim under the theme ‘Sunaulo Sikkim, Samridha Sikkim, Samarth Sikkim’. He said the theme symbolizes the collective vision and commitment to build a golden, prosperous, and self-reliant State.

The Governor informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has graciously consented to join the Golden Jubilee celebrations and to inaugurate landmark projects that marks Sikkim’s historic journey.

“Among these, the state-of-the-art Namchi District Hospital stands as a testament to our unwavering dedication to improving healthcare infrastructure. The Swarna Jayanti Maitreya Manjri, featuring an expansive open plaza with majestic views of Kanchenjunga, and the tribute in the form of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee statue reflect our gratitude and reverence towards leaders who have significantly shaped or nation’s trajectory,” said the Governor.