Latest news with #Sikkim@50
India Today
2 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
A small state with big vision
The India Today State of the States—Sikkim@50 conclave, held in New Delhi on May 22, marked 50 years since the Himalayan state's accession to the Indian Union. Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang—re-elected with a near-total mandate last year—hailed the moment as historic not just for Sikkim, but for the outlined three core governance priorities: national security, connectivity and human development. He cited the transfer of the Sevoke-Rangpo stretch of the NH-10 from West Bengal to the central authority and upcoming railway connectivity by 2026 as transformative for trade and Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang | High on ambition:The Sikkim@50 Conclave reflects on the state's transformation and its future. advertisementOn health, he shared that dialysis services have now reached every district hospital, cancer treatment has begun in the state, and a new 500-bed referral hospital is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 29. Education, aligned early with the National Education Policy, is also central. The state already has a literacy rate exceeding 90 per cent, and the government aims for universal literacy by 2027. Tamang also envisions at least one university in every constituency to stem youth migration. His flagship 'One Family, One Entrepreneur' scheme has disbursed Rs 240 crore in collateral-free loans to over 25,000 applicants, fostering grassroots enterprise. Environmental stewardship remains core to Sikkim's identity. The 'Mero Rukh, Mero Santati' (My Tree, My Family) scheme links afforestation with financial security for conclave also featured insights on strategic policy, sustainable development and Sikkim's vision for 2047. From women changemakers to educationists, from MPs, ministers and top officials to entrepreneurs and football icon Bhaichung Bhutia, the event showcased a 50-year-young state determined to scale new heights. Must Watch advertisement
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
"Sikkim's biggest reason for transformation is connectivity improvement": PM Modi highlights rail-road infra development in region
Bagdogra (West Bengal) [India], May 29 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said improving connectivity remains one of the main achievements of his government, which has, over the past decade, ushered in a slew of rail and road projects, including in the Northeastern state of Sikkim. In his address delivered via videoconferencing at the Sikkim@50 event held at Gangtok's Palzor Stadium, the Prime Minister recalled a time when travel for education, healthcare, and employment was a major challenge for the region. However, he noted that the situation has changed significantly over the past decade. 'In Sikkim alone, approximately 400 kilometres of new national highways have been constructed. In rural areas, over 100 kilometres of new roads have been built. With the Atal Setu, connectivity between Sikkim and Darjeeling has also greatly improved,' PM Modi remarked. PM Modi had to cancel his visit to Gangtok and instead laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects in Sikkim virtually from West Bengal's Badgogara. PM Modi emphasised that the biggest reason for the transformation of Sikkim is the improvement in connectivity, a change that the people of Sikkim have witnessed firsthand. He said that work is progressing rapidly on the road linking Sikkim with Kalimpong, adding that the Bagdogra-Gangtok Motorway will make travel to and from Sikkim much easier. He also announced plans to connect this motorway with the Gorakhpur-Siliguri Motorway, further strengthening the region's infrastructure. Highlighting the efforts to connect the capital cities of all Northeastern states to the railway network. PM Modi also underlined that the Sevoke-Rangpo rail line will integrate Sikkim into the national rail network. He emphasised that where roads cannot be built, ropeways are being constructed as an alternative. 'It is time for the world to see Sikkim not just as a hill station but as a global tourism destination. Sikkim is a complete tourism package, offering immense potential for adventure and sports tourism. India is one of the major economies of the world, and in the coming years, we are set to become a sporting superpower. The youth of Sikkim will play a vital role in realising that dream. This land has already given us legends like Baichung Bhutia, Olympian Tarundeep Rai, and Jaslal Pradhan,' the Prime Minister said. 'In the past decade, our government has brought the Northeast to the centre of the development agenda. We are working on an 'Act Fast' model, driven by our firm commitment to the 'Act East' policy,' he added. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects in Sikkim. Projects include a new 500-bedded District hospital worth over Rs 750 crore in Namchi district; a Passenger Ropeway at Sangachoeling, Pelling, in Gyalshing District; and a Statue of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji at Atal Amrit Udyan at Sangkhola in Gangtok District, among others. Prime Minister also released the Commemorative coin, souvenir coin and stamp for 50 years of Statehood. (ANI)
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Will keep working hard for progress of Sikkim: PM Modi
New Delhi [India], May 29 (ANI): Calling Sikkim as the 'pride of the nation,' Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the State over the past 50 years has become a model of progress. Greeting the people of Sikkim on marking the 50th anniversary of obtaining statehood, the PM took to X to post that he 'unfortunately' could not travel to the State due to inclement weather and vowed to work hard for the progress of the Northeastern state in the future. 'I was eagerly awaiting my Sikkim visit but unfortunately, the weather did not permit it. I did, however, address the programme virtually and expressed my greetings to the people. We will keep working hard for the progress of Sikkim in the times to come,' PM Modi said on X. PM Modi said this while reposting a post of Sikkim's Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang. 'We, the people of Sikkim, convey our sincere thanks to the Hon'ble Prime Minister, Shri @narendramodi ji, for blessing us virtually on the occasion of our 50th Statehood Day celebrations,' Tamang said on X. 'Although the weather did not permit his physical presence, his message and goodwill resonated deeply across the state. We look forward to welcoming the Hon'ble PM to our serene and majestic Himalayan homeland in the near future,' the Sikkim CM added. The Prime Minister addressed the 'Sikkim@50' programme in Gangtok via videoconferencing. The theme of the event was 'Where Progress Meets Purpose, and Nature Nurtures Growth'. PM Modi in his address noted that over the past 50 years, Sikkim has become a model of progress alongside nature. He said the State has transformed into a vast sanctuary of biodiversity, achieved the status of a 100 per cent organic state, and emerged as a symbol of cultural and heritage prosperity. He highlighted that today, Sikkim is among the states with the highest per capita income in the country. These achievements, he affirmed, are a testament to the capabilities of the people of Sikkim. He recognized the many stars that have emerged from Sikkim over the last five decades, illuminating India's horizon. He acknowledged the contribution of every community in Sikkim towards its rich culture and prosperity. PM Modi was scheduled to arrive in the state around 11 AM, however, virtually laid the foundation stone and inaugurated several key development projects to boost infrastructure, connectivity, and overall growth in Sikkim. Prime Minister Modi said improving connectivity remains one of the main achievements of his government, which has, over the past decade, ushered in a slew of rail and road projects, including in the Northeastern state of Sikkim. In his address delivered via videoconferencing at the Sikkim@50 event held at Gangtok's Palzor Stadium, the Prime Minister recalled a time when travel for education, healthcare, and employment was a major challenge for the region. However, he noted that the situation has changed significantly over the past decade. 'In Sikkim alone, approximately 400 kilometres of new national highways have been constructed. In rural areas, over 100 kilometres of new roads have been built. With the Atal Setu, connectivity between Sikkim and Darjeeling has also greatly improved,' PM Modi said. PM Modi emphasised that the biggest reason for the transformation of Sikkim is the improvement in connectivity, a change that the people of Sikkim have witnessed firsthand. He highlighted that where distance from Delhi once posed a barrier to progress, the same region is now opening new doors of opportunities. He pointed out that nearly 400 kilometers of new national highways have been built in Sikkim during the last 10 years. He said that hundreds of kilometers of new roads have been constructed in villages. Remarking that the construction of Atal Setu has enhanced Sikkim's connectivity with Darjeeling, PM Modi said that work is progressing rapidly on the road linking Sikkim with Kalimpong. He added that the Bagdogra-Gangtok Expressway will make travel to and from Sikkim much easier. Looking ahead, he announced plans to connect this expressway with the Gorakhpur-Siliguri Expressway, further strengthening the region's infrastructure. Highlighting efforts to connect the capital cities of all Northeastern states to the railway network are progressing rapidly, PM Modi underlined that the Sevoke-Rangpo rail line will integrate Sikkim into the national rail network. He emphasized that where roads cannot be built, ropeways are being constructed as an alternative. PM Modi also noted that several ropeway projects were inaugurated earlier today, further improving convenience for the people of Sikkim. Prime Minister laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects in Sikkim. Projects include a new 500-bedded District hospital worth over Rs 750 crore in Namchi district; Passenger Ropeway at Sangachoeling, Pelling in Gyalshing District; Statue of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji at Atal Amrit Udyan at Sangkhola in Gangtok District among others. Prime Minister also released the Commemorative coin, souvenir coin and stamp of 50 years of Statehood. (ANI)
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Pahalgam's incident, an attack on humanity, brotherhood, says PM Modi
Bagdogra (West Bengal) [India], May 29 (ANI): Describing tourism as a celebration of diversity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that what happened to tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam is an attack on 'humanity' and 'brotherhood'. Addressing the 'Sikkim@50: Where Progress Meets Purpose and Nature Nurtures Growth' programme from Bagdogra in West Bengal through videoconference, the Prime Minister said that India gave the terrorists a fitting reply through Operation Sindoor in response to the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. 'All you people of Sikkim understand the power of tourism well. Tourism is not just about entertainment but also a celebration of diversity. But what terrorists did in Pahalgam wasn't just an attack on India but on humanity and brotherhood. The terrorist snatched away the happiness of many families in India. They also conspired to divide India. But the whole world is seeing how India is more united than ever... We unitedly gave the terrorists a fitting reply through Operation Sindoor. After we destroyed their terrorist hubs, Pakistan, in a fit of rage, attacked our civilians and Army. This exposed Pakistan. By destroying many of their airbases, we showed them how precisely and swiftly India can act,' the Prime Minister said. 'Sikkim decided a democratic future for itself 50 years ago... The people of Sikkim believed that when everyone's voice was heard and everyone's rights were protected, everyone would have the same opportunities for progress. Today, I can say that the belief of each family in Sikkim has strengthened. In the last 50 years, Sikkim has become a model of nature and progress. In these 50 years, such stars have emerged from Sikkim who have illuminated India's sky,' the Prime Minister added. He further pointed out that Viksit Bharat will be formed on four strong pillars-----poor, farmers, women, and the youth. He hailed the efforts of farmers of Sikkim, calling it at the forefront of the new trend of agriculture. 'Viksit Bharat will be formed on four strong pillars: the poor, farmers, women, and the youth... On today's occasion, I want to show appreciation to the farmers of Sikkim with an open heart. Sikkim is at the forefront of the new trend of agriculture towards which the country is moving today... To promote Sikkim's Organic Basket, the Central Government is constructing the country's first Organic Fishery Cluster in Sikkim... This will generate new opportunities for the youth of Sikkim,' he noted. 'During the NITI Aayog Governing Council's meeting in Delhi, I said that every state should develop such tourist destinations that can establish themselves internationally. The time has come for Sikkim to become a global tourist destination... Sikkim also has a vast potential for adventure and sports tourism... Our dream is to make Sikkim a hub of conferences, wellness, and concert tourism... I want the world's biggest artists to perform in the valleys of Gangtok. We conducted G20 meetings in Sikkim so the world could understand the state's potential. I am glad that the NDA government in Sikkim is making this vision a reality,' the Prime Minister added. According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the Prime Minister will also visit West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh on May 29 and 30, inaugurating and laying the foundation stones of development projects worth more than Rs 70,000 crore. PM Modi will also be visiting West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. During his visit, PM Modi will inaugurate, dedicate, and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 70,000 crore. (ANI)
India.com
3 days ago
- Business
- India.com
PM Modi Highlights Sikkims Transformation, Announces New Infrastructure Projects
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said improving connectivity remains one of the main achievements of his government, which has, over the past decade, ushered in a slew of rail and road projects, including in the Northeastern state of Sikkim. In his address delivered via videoconferencing at the Sikkim@50 event held at Gangtok's Palzor Stadium, the Prime Minister recalled a time when travel for education, healthcare, and employment was a major challenge for the region. However, he noted that the situation has changed significantly over the past decade. "In Sikkim alone, approximately 400 kilometres of new national highways have been constructed. In rural areas, over 100 kilometres of new roads have been built. With the Atal Setu, connectivity between Sikkim and Darjeeling has also greatly improved," PM Modi remarked. PM Modi had to cancel his visit to Gangtok and instead laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects in Sikkim virtually from West Bengal's Badgogara. PM Modi emphasised that the biggest reason for the transformation of Sikkim is the improvement in connectivity, a change that the people of Sikkim have witnessed firsthand. He said that work is progressing rapidly on the road linking Sikkim with Kalimpong, adding that the Bagdogra-Gangtok Motorway will make travel to and from Sikkim much easier. He also announced plans to connect this motorway with the Gorakhpur-Siliguri Motorway, further strengthening the region's infrastructure. Highlighting the efforts to connect the capital cities of all Northeastern states to the railway network. PM Modi also underlined that the Sevoke-Rangpo rail line will integrate Sikkim into the national rail network. He emphasised that where roads cannot be built, ropeways are being constructed as an alternative. "It is time for the world to see Sikkim not just as a hill station but as a global tourism destination. Sikkim is a complete tourism package, offering immense potential for adventure and sports tourism. India is one of the major economies of the world, and in the coming years, we are set to become a sporting superpower. The youth of Sikkim will play a vital role in realising that dream. This land has already given us legends like Baichung Bhutia, Olympian Tarundeep Rai, and Jaslal Pradhan," the Prime Minister said. "In the past decade, our government has brought the Northeast to the centre of the development agenda. We are working on an 'Act Fast' model, driven by our firm commitment to the 'Act East' policy," he added. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects in Sikkim. Projects include a new 500-bedded District hospital worth over Rs 750 crore in Namchi district; a Passenger Ropeway at Sangachoeling, Pelling, in Gyalshing District; and a Statue of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji at Atal Amrit Udyan at Sangkhola in Gangtok District, among others. Prime Minister also released the Commemorative coin, souvenir coin and stamp for 50 years of Statehood.
