Centre announces Rs 583 crore push for Sikkim's organic, infrastructure growth
New Delhi, June 1
The Union Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region on Monday announced major financial support for Sikkim, highlighting the state as a national model for sustainable development, organic farming and eco-friendly growth.
In his message, Union MDoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said Sikkim has emerged as one of India's strongest examples of ecological stewardship, responsible tourism and organic agriculture under the Centre's Act East vision.
During his recent visit to Gangtok for Sikkim's 51st Statehood Day celebrations, the Union Minister launched the ambitious "Mission Sikkim Organics" initiative with a total estimated outlay of Rs 360 crore aimed at transforming Sikkim into a globally integrated premium organic economy. The programme is expected to benefit more than 66,000 farming families across the state.
Out of the total Rs 360 crore mission, MDoNER itself will contribute Rs 85 crore towards infrastructure, aggregation systems and programme coordination, while additional support will come through convergence with Central ministries, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and private-sector investments.
The Centre also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 21 development projects in Sikkim worth Rs 223 crore during the Statehood Day programme. These projects include roads, bridges, tourism infrastructure and public connectivity works aimed at improving regional access and economic opportunities.
Among the major projects reviewed during the visit were the Temi Tea Estate development works in Namchi, the under-construction Khangchendzonga State University campus at Tarku and the Bhaleydunga Skywalk project under PM-DevINE. The Minister stated that these initiatives reflect Sikkim's balanced model of development and sustainability.
Scindia also praised Sikkim's biodiversity conservation efforts after visiting the Orchidarium at Saramsa and interacting with local residents at MG Marg in Gangtok.
He said the state's rich culture, environmental protection and organic identity continue to make Sikkim a leading example for the Northeast and the country.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good initiative, but Rs 85 crore from MDoNER seems small compared to the total Rs 360 crore. Where will the remaining Rs 275 crore come from? Hope the private sector doesn't exploit the farmers later. We need more transparency on execution deadlines.
Finally some concrete action for our Northeast! Sikkim's organic identity is legendary. But I hope the infrastructure projects (roads, bridges) don't harm the fragile ecosystem. Balancing development with sustainability is tricky. Let's see how the Skywalk and university projects shape up. 🤞
Sikkim is a model for the entire country. From banning plastic to going 100% organic, they've shown what visionary leadership looks like. This Rs 583 crore push will boost local exports too. Temi Tea from Namchi is already world-class—imagine with more investment! Chai pe charcha with pride ☕
Happy to see Sikkim get this attention! But I wish the government would focus equally on other NE states like Manipur and Nagaland which also have huge organic potential. Still, baby steps. Kudos to MDoNER and Scindia ji for remembering the Northeast. Bas ab implementation sahi ho! 🙏
The Khangchendzonga State University campus and Bhaleydunga Skywalk are great, but I hope local Sikkimese youth get priority in jobs and contracts. Too often, big projects benefit outsiders. Also, need to ensure the organic certification process is simplified for small farmers. Otherwise, good move overall.
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