Gangtok, May 16: Union Minister for Communications and Development of Northeastern Region Jyotiraditya M. Scindia today participated in the 51st Statehood Day celebrations of Sikkim, reaffirming the Government of India’s commitment towards the State’s sustainable, connected and future-ready development journey. Joining the celebrations alongside Vice President of India CP Radhakrishnan, Governor of Sikkim Om Prakash Mathur and Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang, the Union Minister participated in the inauguration and foundation stone laying of 21 development projects worth Rs 223 crore supported by the Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region (MDoNER).
Addressing the gathering in Nepalese, Scindia described Sikkim as “a model of balanced development where progress walks hand in hand with nature, culture and identity.” He noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sikkim has emerged as a leading example of sustainable growth, organic agriculture, tourism-led development and ecological stewardship.
Under NESIDS-Roads, strategic connectivity infrastructure projects worth over Rs 45 crore were inaugurated, including bridge connectivity works linking NH-10 to IBP Road, connectivity over Rongrong River in Pakyong district and across Rangpo Khola in Namchi district. The dignitaries also laid the foundation stone for the geometric improvement and carpeting of the 15.8-km Rimbi Khola–Yuksam road in Gyalshing district at a cost of Rs 24.52 crore, aimed at improving regional access and tourism connectivity.
A major highlight of the programme was the launch of Mission Sikkim Organics as Sikkim USP, an ambitious convergence-led initiative with an estimated programme outlay of Rs 360 crore aimed at transforming Sikkim from a certified organic producer into a globally integrated premium organic economy. Anchored by MDoNER in partnership with the Government of Sikkim, APEDA, NABARD, NERAMAC, SIOL, FPOs, cooperatives and private-sector stakeholders, the Mission is expected to benefit over 66,000 farmer families across the State.
As part of the integrated funding framework, MDoNER will contribute ₹85 crore towards core infrastructure, aggregation systems and programme coordination. The broader Mission adopts a Whole-of-Government approach bringing together multiple Central Ministries, State agencies, institutional financing mechanisms, farmer equity participation and private-sector investments.
The Mission aims to strengthen certification systems, processing, branding, export-market integration and institutional value chains for organic produce, thereby enhancing farmer incomes and reducing post-harvest losses. Special focus will also be placed on value-chain development for key crops such as large cardamom and ginger through a robust three-tier aggregation mechanism.
Additional projects undertaken under SoNEC include augmentation of the Namthang Bazar water supply system, development of a Multi-Purpose Hall at Government Degree College, Rhenock, establishment of a Bamboo Industrial Park and Innovation Product Cultural Craft Centre, construction of an Academic Block at Government Degree College, Burtuk, construction of a Science Block at Kamrang Government Degree College in Namchi, remodeling and upgradation of Burtuk Heliport, and tourism infrastructure support facilities for the passenger ropeway project at Upper Dhaper, Yangang.
The Minister noted that the projects collectively represent focused investments across connectivity, education, tourism, agriculture, water supply and industry, laying a strong foundation for balanced regional development and long-term economic growth across Sikkim.
Speaking on Sikkim’s developmental trajectory, Minister Scindia highlighted that Government of India in close coordination with the Government of Sikkim and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, is actively working towards an alternative alignment to NH-10 to secure resilient, reliable and all-weather connectivity for the State. The Minister further highlighted that the State today has the highest per capita income in the country and has become a national benchmark for sustainable and organic development.
Extending greetings on the occasion of Sikkim’s 51st Statehood Day, the Minister stated that Sikkim represents “a rare harmony between aspiration and authenticity” and reaffirmed that every initiative undertaken by MDoNER would continue to be guided by a deep commitment towards the people and progress of the State.
