Wednesday

06


August , 2025
Sikkim Rising: A Quiet Revolution of Progress and Purpose
23:59 pm

Madan Kumar Pradhan


Sikkim, a jewel of India’s Northeast, has quietly emerged as a model state in gover-nance, sustainability, and human development. This transformation is being driven by a trio of visionary leaders—Hon’ble Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), Hon’ble Rajya Sabha MP Dorjee Tshering Lepcha, and Hon’ble MLA Pamin Lepcha—whose inclusive, people-centric leadership is shaping a bold and resilient Sikkim for tomorrow.

Under the progressive stewardship of Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), Sikkim is experiencing a new wave of transformation grounded in dignity, access, and empowerment.

“True development is when every citizen feels seen, heard, and supported. That’s the Sikkim we are building together,” said CM Golay during the 2024 Annual State Address.

Key milestones include:

  •  R Sikkim Garib Awas Yojana (SGAY):

Over 4,000 modern houses constructed for low-income families—complete with toilets, kitchens, and water supply. [Source: Sikkim Rural Development Department, 2024]

  •  R Tourism Revival Plan (2022–2025):

Post-pandemic footfall has surged by 30% due to infrastructure upgrades and focus on eco-tourism.

[Source: Sikkim Tourism Department]

  •  R Digital Sikkim Mission:

95% of government services are now digitized, including education portals for rural schools and direct benefit transfers. [Source: Sikkim e-Governance Report, 2025]

  •  R Organic Mission II:

Sikkim remains the only 100% organic state in India, earning international recognition at the UN Food Systems Summit. [Source: FAO, 2024]

As Sikkim’s representative in the Rajya Sabha, Dorjee Tshering Lepcha has emerged as a statesman of deep insight and purposeful diplomacy. His voice in Parliament extends far beyond rhetoric—it is rooted in a lifelong understanding of Sikkim’s socio-political fabric, environmental sensitivity, and tribal heritage.

“Development must come with dignity. Mountain states like ours need policies tailored to our unique ecological and cultural realities,” he emphasized during the 2024 Special Session on Northeast Development.

Key Legislative & Developmental Contributions:

  •  R  Push for Northeast Industrial Development Scheme (NIDS) reforms

Spearheaded efforts to extend and expand fiscal incentives under NIDS for Sikkim’s MSMEs, agro-based industries, and tourism entrepreneurs.

  • R National Highway Expansion Advocacy

Facilitated approval for the Rangpo-Gangtok-Nathu La road upgrade, enhancing defense logistics and boosting regional trade prospects with Southeast Asia under India’s Act East Policy.

Education and Youth Advocacy Lobbied for:

CEstablishment of a Centre for Mountain Research & Innovation under

Sikkim University 

C Expansion of IGNOU hubs in rural blocks to boost higher education accessibility

  •  R Tribal and Indigenous Rights Champion

Advocated for increased ST welfare grants, preservation of endangered tribal languages, and representation of Sikkimese tribal voices in national dialogues.

  •  R Hydro & Green Energy Diplomacy

Collaborated with the Ministry of Power to promote run-of-the-river hydro projects in Sikkim with minimal ecological footprint—positioning Sikkim as a model for sustainable energy.

Constituency of Change: Pamin Lepcha’s Leadership in 21 Gnathang-Machong

In the high-altitude constituency of Gnathang-Machong, Pamin Lepcha has led with quiet strength and exceptional commitment. Known for her humility, accessibility, and responsiveness, she has become a pillar of grassroots transformation.

Major Initiatives & Achievements:

lR Border Area Development Programme (BADP) Optimization

Directed the effective use of BADP funds to:

CEstablisBuild all-weather roads to forward hamlets like Gnathang and Zuluk

CInstall solar-powered street lighting and drinking water units in high-altitude zones

  • R Skill Development & Youth Empowerment

CIntroduced District Youth Bootcamps offering vocational courses in hospitality, trekking, eco-guiding, and IT.

CFacilitated tie-ups with the North East Skill Centre for certified skill training

R Promotion of Eco-Tourism & Homestay Models

Under her leadership, over 80 local families have been trained and linked to homestay certification schemes, creating sustainable livelihoods and preserving cultural authenticity.

  • R Health & Mental Wellness Outreach

CIntroduced Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) in collaboration with NGOs and Health Department

CPiloted “Mind Matters Sikkim”, a community-based mental health initiative—one of the first in the region

  • R Agricultural Revival with Traditional Wisdom

Promoted traditional Lepcha organic practices, while distributing high-altitude resilient seeds and training on permaculture techniques. Local farmer incomes reportedly increased by 30–35% since 2023. [Source: Sikkim Agriculture Field Survey 2024]

  • R School & Infrastructure Upgrades

CRenovated 12+ government schools with modern sanitation, smart classrooms, and sports kits

CSanctioned community centers and libraries in Lingsey and Pacheykhani blocks

Sikkim is proving that progress doesn’t need to come at the cost of culture or environment. Its leadership emphasizes:

  •  R Sustainable Development
  •  R Grassroots Connectivity
  •  R Youth-Centric Innovation
  •  R Social Justice and Representation

The state ranks in the top 5 in India’s SDG Index, with above-average scores in Gender Equality, Health, Education, and Environmental Sustainability. [Source: NITI Aayog SDG India Index, 2024]

Sikkim’s story under this trio of visionary leaders—CM Golay, MP Dorjee Lepcha, and MLA Pamin Lepcha—isn’t just inspiring for India. It is a template for ethical governance in fragile geographies, where compassion, courage, and conviction walk hand in hand. Sikkim isn’t just rising.

It’s redefining what it means to rise.

Add new comment

Filtered HTML

  • Web page addresses and e-mail addresses turn into links automatically.
  • Allowed HTML tags: <a> <em> <strong> <cite> <blockquote> <code> <ul> <ol> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.

Plain text

  • No HTML tags allowed.
  • Web page addresses and e-mail addresses turn into links automatically.
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.