Sikkim – Propelling towards Transformtive Growth

Published By : Admin | April 12, 2024 | 17:50 IST

Sikkim – nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas, and renowned for its pristine landscapes and rich cultural heritage, became a part of India as its 22nd state on 16th May 1975. However, the state witnessed the series of its real developments only after when PM Modi took leadership in the year 2014.


The state saw unprecedented push, catalytic efforts and transformative changes in sectors such as infrastructure, tourism, healthcare and education. With PM Modi’s visionary approaches, progressive mindset and strategic policies, the government led a multifaceted approach, accompanied by far-reaching policies to bring inclusive and sustainable development in the region.


Last 10 years of growth in the state can be hailed as a gamechanger event for Sikkim as PM Modi led government initiated a charismatic overhaul of the entire state. PM Modi saw immense potential in the region and acted upon it to optimize it and bring the much necessitated and anticipated wave of fresh changes which none of the previous governments ever did. Because of PM Modi’s strategically devised outreach programs, today the region has been witnessing all-round developments.


One of the prominent areas where PM Modi's government has made significant strides in Sikkim is infrastructure development. Roads, highways, railways and airways, along with health and educational infrastructure have been constructed and upgraded to connect remote areas, facilitating better access to markets, healthcare, and education. With government’s unprecedented attention and support, today the region has been witnessing all-round developments.
In last 9 years, the government through its 55 ministries and departments has spent over Rs. 4 lakh crore till date in Northeast Region. This can be touted as being more than the cumulative spending in 25 years before that. The government believes in supporting the states to help them finance various social welfare measures and infrastructure development schemes. It is a remarkable feat that tax devolution has been increased by more than 500% in the 10 years of PM Modi led government as compared to 10 years of previous government. Additionally, grants-in-aid have increased by 28% in the 9 years of NDA compared to the 10 years of UPA.


The introduction and implementation of GST in 2017 by the government can be termed as one of the most remarkable initiatives by the government. With a compound annual growth rate of 27.5% in GST revenue since its implementation, the North-eastern States have benefited the most from the GST regime.


The government has introduced a number of policies, schemes and initiatives in order to promote welfare and social equality among the people. Due to the concerted and continuous efforts of the government, today more than 89000 Jan dhan accounts have been opened in the state, with the percentage of women account holders being an overall 53%. Along with that, because of the robust health infrastructure planned and dedicated to the people of Sikkim, today there are more than 72000 beneficiaries under Ayushman Bharat in the state of Sikkim as compared to more than 31 crore beneficiaries in the nation altogether. PM Modi led government believes in empowering all the sections and sectors, leaving behind no one. Due to government’s unwavering attention and diligent efforts in the agricultural sector, today there are more than 18000 farmers who have benefitted under PM Kisan.


When it comes to boosting the infrastructure in the state, a total of 8 projects have been allotted under North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) at an approved cost of over Rs 244 crores. Roadways have witnessed a remarkable progress as the length of National Highways in Sikkim has increased from 149 km in 2014 to 709 km in 2023 witnessing an overall increase of 560 km.


Today under PM Modi, Sikkim, for the first time, has been connected via air services. Pakyong airport which was inaugurated by PM Modi in 2018 is operationalized under RCS UDAN, along with being covered under Krishi Udan Scheme to facilitate the farmers in transporting agricultural products across the state and nation.


PM Modi led government has always prioritized the development of tourism in Sikkim, leveraging its natural beauty and cultural heritage to attract domestic and international tourists. Under Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spirituality Augmentation Drive (PRASAD), over Rs 33 crore have been sanctioned for development of infrastructure for tourism. Additionally, over Rs 193 crore have been sanctioned for development of North-East Circuit under Swadesh Darshan Scheme. Further, 46 villages in Sikkim are being developed under Vibrant Villages Programme.


In recent developments, PM Modi, in March 2024 inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth more than Rs 450 crore in Sikkim. Foundation stone for re-development of Rangpo Railway Station and several road projects have been laid. Under the 'Viksit Bharat Viksit North East' programme, the government has also announced 55,000 crore worth of funds for the development of Northeast India including Sikkim.

In conclusion, Sikkim's development under PM Modi's leadership stands as a testament to the government's commitment to holistic and sustainable growth. By prioritizing infrastructure development, tourism, healthcare, and education, the Modi government has propelled Sikkim towards becoming a model of progress in the Himalayan region. As Sikkim continues its journey towards prosperity, the transformative impact of PM Modi's policies underscores the promise of a brighter future for the people of the state.

Explore More
وزیراعظم نریندر مودی کا 78 ویں یوم آزادی کے موقع پر لال قلعہ کی فصیل سے خطاب کا متن

Popular Speeches

وزیراعظم نریندر مودی کا 78 ویں یوم آزادی کے موقع پر لال قلعہ کی فصیل سے خطاب کا متن
With over four lakh participants, national learning week gets encouraging response: Centre

Media Coverage

With over four lakh participants, national learning week gets encouraging response: Centre
NM on the go

Nm on the go

Always be the first to hear from the PM. Get the App Now!
...
PM Modi’s Vision Fuels Delhi’s Development
April 12, 2024

“Delhi has the good fortune to get an opportunity of keeping the flag of nations' prestige flying high.”
- PM Narendra Modi as Delhi prepared to host the G20 Summit

The last ten years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government have set in motion the creation of a New India—from rural to urban, from water to electricity, from houses to health, from education to employment, from castes to classes—a comprehensive plan bringing growth and prosperity to each doorstep.

The National Capital Territory of Delhi has emerged as a pivotal part of this dynamic developmental momentum spearheaded by PM Modi throughout this transformative decade.

The city has been at the heart of the infrastructural shift that has given a dedicated facelift to the entire nation. Today infrastructural marvels like Atal Setu, Chenab Bridge, Statue of Unity, and Zojila Tunnel dot India’s ever-evolving landscape.

With its focus on revamping transportation networks, upgrading urban amenities, and expanding digital infrastructure, the Modi government has launched an array of transformative initiatives. From railways, highways to airports, these initiatives have been key in galvanising inclusive and sustainable development across the length and breadth of the country.

The impressive expansion of the metro rail network has revolutionised urban commuting in India. From a mere 5 cities in 2014, the metro rail network now serves 21 cities across the nation—expanding from 248 km in 2014 to 945 km by 2024, with 919 km of lines under construction in 26 additional cities.

The Union Cabinet has recently approved two new corridors of Delhi Metro Phase-IV—Lajpat Nagar to Saket G-Block and Inderlok to Indraprastha. Both the lines have a combined length of over 20 kms with a project cost of over Rs. 8,000 crore (funding being sourced from the Union Govt, Govt of Delhi, and international agencies). The Inderlok- Indraprastha line will play a significant role in enhancing connectivity to the Bahadurgarh region of Haryana. Additionally, India’s first Namo Bharat train, operating on the Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor further underlines the Modi government’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and upgrading its transportation infrastructure.

Further, the Bharatmala Pariyojana envisages improved logistics efficiency and connectivity via the development of nearly 35,000 km of National Highway corridors. 25 greenfield high-speed corridors have been planned under the plan out of which four intersect with Delhi’s growing infra capacity: Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, Delhi-Saharanpur-Dehradun Expressway, and the Urban Extension Road-II. The total project length sanctioned for Delhi is 203 km with an allocation of over Rs. 18,000 crore.

Over the past decade, the Modi government has consistently dedicated efforts towards augmenting capacity and decongestion of airports. After the IGI Airport Delhi became the first airport in the country to have four runways and an elevated taxiway, the expanded state-of-the-art Terminal 1 has also been inaugurated recently. In addition, the upcoming Noida International Airport (Jewar) shall further contribute to decongestion of the Delhi airport which is serving millions of passengers annually.

Besides, the inauguration of the New Parliament has further added civilisational yet modern connotations to the city’s landscape. Inauguration of the Yashobhoomi (India International Convention & Expo Centre) has given Delhi India’s largest convention and exhibition centre, offering a mixed purpose tourism experience. Along with Yashobhoomi, the Bharat Mandapam, a world-class convention and exhibition centre, showcases India to the world.

In terms of welfare, the Modi government has launched several schemes benefitting people hitherto on the margins of growth and development. Women’s safety in Delhi has been a key concern. To address the same, the Modi government strengthened the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 by increasing the quantum of punishment for rape, including capital punishment for rape of a girlchild below the age of 12.

The Union Home Ministry established a separate Women Safety Division back in 2018. One-stop centers, Sakhi Niwas, Safe City Project, Nirbhaya Fund, SHe-Box, Investigation Tracking System for Sexual Offences, and Cri-MAC (Crime Multi-Agency Center) among others are significant additions in the government’s campaign towards women safety.

In addition, Swachh Bharat Mission, PM Ujjwala Yojana, PM Matru Vandana Yojana, and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao have further led to the empowerment of Nari Shakti in India.

As India becomes the 3rd largest startup ecosystem in the world, Delhi is also contributing significantly towards this development. Today over 13,000 DPIIT-recognised startups are functioning in Delhi even as the government is promoting self-employment through PM MUDRA Yojana with over 2.3 lakh loans sanctioned worth over Rs. 3,000 crore for FY2023-24 (as on 26.01.2024).

PM SVANidhi, which provides collateral free loans to street vendors, is supporting over 1.67 lakh beneficiaries in Delhi. Further, under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana, launched in 2020 to incentivise employers for creation of new employment and restoration of loss of employment during Covid-19 pandemic, over 2.2 lakh employees benefitted in Delhi.

Further, nearly 30,000 houses have been sanctioned and completed in Delhi under PM Awas Yojana (Urban).

Air pollution has been a recurring problem for the people of Delhi. Conscious of this reality, the central government has launched the National Clean Air Programme as a national level strategy to reduce air pollution level across the country.

The Modi government's tenure over the last decade has brought about a remarkable transformation in Delhi across various fronts. From infrastructure development to governance reforms, from education to employment, the government's initiatives have left an indelible mark on the capital city. As Delhi continues on its journey of progress and development, the contributions of the Modi government are set to shape its future trajectory for years to come.