In 50 years of statehood, Sikkim has emerged from being a small Himalayan outpost to a sustainable development leader

Indian Express

2 days ago

Written by Vimal Khawas and Rakhee Bhattacharya
Fifty years ago, on May 16, 1975, Sikkim began its journey as the 22nd state of the Indian federation. Its merger with India was rooted in a complex interplay of internal dissent and India's larger geostrategic interests.
Sikkim, with a population of just 0.7 million, accounts for a mere 0.05 per cent of India's population. Despite its small size, this Himalayan state has emerged as a model for sustainable development over the past 50 years, achieving remarkable economic prosperity, socio-political harmony, and environmental stewardship. With a per capita income of Rs 5.88 lakh in 2024, Sikkim ranks among India's top-performing states. From a modest agrarian economy in 1975, with a GSDP of Rs 50-100 crore, it has grown at a CAGR exceeding 13 per cent, driven by eco-friendly policies and consistent governance. Sikkim's focus on sustainable development has set it apart. By leveraging its indigenous and agrarian strengths, the state achieved economic self-sufficiency, boasting the highest per capita developmental expenditure in India. In 2016, Sikkim became the world's first 100 per cent organic state, a transformative initiative launched in 2003 to protect its fragile environment and promote healthy living. This milestone earned global recognition, including the UN Sustainable Development Leadership Award in 2016 and the UN FAO's Future Policy Gold Award in 2018. In 2024, Sikkim's eco-friendly programme, Mero Rukh, Mero Santati (My Tree, My Legacy), received the SKOCH Silver Award at COP 28, reinforcing its status as a global leader in sustainability.
The state has invested in social infrastructure and its literacy rate has risen from 17 per cent in 1971 to over 90 per cent in 2025, supported by a free education policy up to the college level with a student-teacher ratio of less than 8:1, the best among Indian states. The healthcare system has likewise progressed significantly. With one doctor per 595 people in 2019, it is far higher than the national average. The Infant Mortality Rate in the state, at five deaths per 1,000 live births, is one of the lowest in the country and the Total Fertility Rate, at 1.1 children per woman, is also very low as compared to the national average, as of 2019-21. Sikkim has shown notable improvement in the 'quality of life' indicators over time. Household access to electricity (99.3 per cent) and sanitation facilities (85.3 per cent) is much better than the national average, but access to drinking water (94 per cent) is slightly below the national benchmark, as of 2021.
The state continues to focus on social infrastructure and has the highest per capita social expenditure of Rs 35,673 among Indian states. The transformative Dhara Vikas Abhiyan, launched in 2008, exemplifies an innovative approach to sustainable life in the hilly terrain of Sikkim. This initiative combats water scarcity in drought-prone south and west Sikkim by reviving drying springs using hydrogeological techniques like contour trenches and percolation pits. Sikkim has significantly improved road connectivity, increasing road density from 12 km per 100 sq km in 1975 to 148 km in 2020, despite its challenging hilly terrain. Income poverty dropped from 30.9 per cent in 2004-05 to 2.6 per cent in 2023-24, driven by inclusive policies. Consequently, Sikkim's HDI rose from 0.55 in 1990 to 0.83 in 2024, ranking it second in India after Goa (0.85).
Social empowerment has been systematically backed by political rights at the grassroots level. Sikkim has bagged six National Panchayat Awards in 2024 and the Sarojini Naidu Women Achievers' Award in 2023 for 14 women, highlighting its social progress. Sikkim was granted special status under Article 371F of the Indian Constitution during its merger with India in 1975, providing safeguards to preserve its unique traditional land, culture, and laws, including restrictions on property ownership by non-Sikkimese residents. It has helped the state not only preserve its traditions but also create a shared space among the communities, which consists of Nepalis, Bhutias, and Lepchas with a harmonious blend of cultures. Both Hinduism and Buddhism have shaped their vibrant culture and created social cohesion as a strong pillar for Sikkim's progressive journey, while maintaining its distinct identity. It is noteworthy that Sikkim is the only state that has never confronted any major community conflict or internal security threat.
Fifty years of such progressive policies have made this small Himalayan state a bright spot in India. It is arguably the most progressive state in Northeast India. A pristine Himalayan state with rich biodiversity and cultural heritage, Sikkim has become a global and national tourism destination. From just 5,000 tourists in 1975, Sikkim welcomed 13.2 lakh visitors in 2024, a 260-fold increase. Contributing 8-10 per cent to the GSDP, tourism has increasingly become the most important parameter of Sikkim's economy. Being a fully organic state, Sikkim attracts environment and health-conscious travellers.
Despite its achievements, Sikkim faces significant challenges. Natural disasters and climate change threaten the state, while its hilly terrain limits infrastructure and industrial growth. Social issues, such as increasing suicide rates and crimes against children, demand urgent attention. With 70 per cent of its revenue reliant on central funds, Sikkim must strengthen its financial independence. Prioritising equitable development over GDP is crucial to ensure inclusive progress in the state's development journey.
The writers are professors, Special Centre for the Study of North East India, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi