Photo Courtesy: northeasttoday
Gangtok: Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang attended the NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting in New Delhi, where he discussed the state's progress toward the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Opening his address, Tamang congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on becoming India's longest-serving elected leader, describing the milestone as a, "testament to his vision and dedication to nation-building."
During the session, the Chief Minister showcased several of Sikkim's recent successes. The state has been declared fully literate and now ranks among the top ten in the national Human Development Index. Tamang highlighted that Sikkim maintains health and child welfare indicators above the national average while keeping nearly half of its territory under forest cover.
To support this growth, the state has launched various initiatives, including Green Schools, the Bahini Scheme, and the MAYA Mission. The government is also investing in technology and youth development through a new AI Centre of Excellence in Gangtok and six Khelo India Centres focused on sports talent. Programs like Sikkim INSPIRES and CM Elevate reflect the state's goal of fostering entrepreneurship within every family.
Despite these gains, Tamang identified connectivity as the most significant hurdle for the border state. He urged the central government to prioritize the development of road, rail, air, and digital infrastructure to boost both the economy and national security. His proposals included a specialized human capital support framework for Himalayan regions and an extension of the North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy beyond 2027 to encourage local employment.
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