Sikkim Highlights Key Development Priorities at NITI Aayog Interaction Programme

New Delhi, June 12: The Chief Minister of Sikkim participated in the Interaction Programme between NITI Aayog and the Chief Ministers and Chief Secretaries of the North-Eastern States in New Delhi today, highlighting the State’s achievements and future development priorities.

During the interaction, the Chief Minister highlighted Sikkim’s recent achievement of being declared a Fully Literate State and outlined significant progress in environmental conservation, education, women’s empowerment, mental health, and sustainable development under Sikkim Vision 2047.

Emphasising the State’s long-term growth strategy, he shared Sikkim’s aspiration to build a USD 70 billion economy through innovation, entrepreneurship, and evidence-based governance, while positioning the State as a premier destination for healthcare, wellness, and high-value tourism.

The Chief Minister also sought support for strengthening road, air, rail, and digital connectivity. Key proposals included the restoration of regular flight services at Pakyong Airport, expeditious completion of the Sivok–Rangpo Railway Project, and railway connectivity to the upgraded Bagdogra Airport to ensure seamless multimodal transport access for Sikkim and the national transportation network.

Further stressing the State’s development priorities, he called for enhanced support for climate-resilient infrastructure in North Sikkim, extension of the North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy (NEIIPP) beyond 2027, strengthening of border trade infrastructure, and greater attention to the demographic challenges facing the State.

Reaffirming Sikkim’s commitment to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that with continued support from the Government of India and NITI Aayog, the State will continue to emerge as a model of inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development.