The Missing Link

Sikkim’s journey towards sustainable development has been commendable, yet the state continues to struggle with economic stagnation and unemployment. Despite its various growth initiatives, the economic opportunities for its youth remain limited. The missing link? A robust, well-structured capacity-building programme that directly enhances livelihood potentials and fuels economic growth.

The Sikkim government must recognize that capacity building is not just a buzzword but a crucial investment in human capital. Current skill development programmes, though existent, lack alignment with market demands. Most initiatives focus on generic skill training rather than industry-specific expertise, leaving youth underprepared for real-world employment. Without targeted interventions, Sikkim’s workforce remains uncompetitive, leading to migration for jobs and an underutilized local economy.

For capacity-building programmes to be effective, they must be strategically designed to match Sikkim’s economic aspirations. The state has untapped potential in sectors like high-value organic farming, eco-tourism, and clean energy. Yet, instead of equipping youth with advanced agribusiness skills, hospitality management, or green technology expertise, the existing training modules remain rudimentary and fail to create employment pathways.

Moreover, entrepreneurship must be a focal point of capacity-building initiatives. Sikkim’s youth should not just be job seekers but job creators. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can drive the state’s economy, but without business incubation centres, access to credit, and mentorship programmes, young entrepreneurs struggle to survive. The government must integrate financial literacy, digital marketing, and enterprise development into its training framework to ensure that skill acquisition translates into economic independence.

Another critical area is vocational training. While mainstream education is important, not all students will pursue higher academic degrees. Technical and vocational education in fields like sustainable construction, food processing, and renewable energy can bridge the employment gap. Collaboration with industries to provide hands-on apprenticeships will further enhance employability.

The government’s role should not end with launching schemes but must extend to monitoring their effectiveness. A transparent evaluation mechanism should be in place to assess whether capacity-building programmes are leading to tangible economic benefits. Are trained individuals finding employment? Are entrepreneurs sustaining their businesses? Without such data-driven insights, these programmes risk becoming bureaucratic exercises rather than transformative tools.

Sikkim has the potential to be a model for sustainable and inclusive economic growth, but only if its policies move beyond rhetoric. The state must recalibrate its focus towards meaningful skill development that aligns with job markets and economic needs. A generation empowered with the right skills will not only uplift their own livelihoods but also drive Sikkim’s economic future.