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PM Modi Extends Sikkim Statehood Day Wishes, Vows Central Support for Development

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Statehood Day wishes to Sikkim, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. He recalled his recent visit and assured continued central support for the state's development. Sikkim became India's 22nd state on May 16, 1975, after a referendum abolished the monarchy. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia is attending the celebrations and launching development projects.

Key Points: PM Modi Greets Sikkim on 50th Statehood Day

  • PM Modi greets Sikkim on 50th Statehood Day
  • Centre pledges continued support for state's development
  • Sikkim became 22nd Indian state in 1975 after referendum
  • Union Minister Scindia attends celebrations, launches projects
2 min read

PM Modi extends Statehood Day wishes to Sikkim, says "Centre will support state's development"

PM Narendra Modi extends Sikkim Statehood Day wishes, pledges Centre's support for state's development. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia attends celebrations.

"The Central Government will keep supporting Sikkim's growth trajectory in the times to come. - PM Narendra Modi"

New Delhi, May 16

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday greeted the people of Sikkim on the occasion of Statehood Day and said the Centre would continue supporting the Himalayan state's growth and development trajectory.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister extended his wishes as Sikkim marked its 50th Statehood Day celebration this year.

"Greetings to my sisters and brothers on their Statehood Day. The contribution of Sikkim to India's development is deeply valued. Wishing the people of the state good health and prosperity. This occasion comes at a time when Sikkim is marking 50th Statehood Day celebrations," PM Modi said.

Recalling his recent visit to the state, the Prime Minister said the affection shown by the people of Sikkim would remain memorable for him.

"A few days ago, I had the good fortune of being among the people of Sikkim for the celebrations. The warmth I received in Sikkim will remain a part of my memory. The Central Government will keep supporting Sikkim's growth trajectory in the times to come," he added.

Sikkim Statehood Day is observed annually on May 16 to commemorate the historic day in 1975 when the former Himalayan kingdom officially became the 22nd state of the Indian Union following a public referendum that abolished the monarchy.

Before joining India, Sikkim was ruled by the Namgyal dynasty and later functioned as an Indian protectorate under the Indo-Sikkim Treaty of 1950. In April 1975, a referendum was conducted in which more than 97 per cent of voters supported abolishing the monarchy and integrating with India. Subsequently, on May 16, 1975, Sikkim formally became a state under the 36th Constitutional Amendment.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia is attending the Statehood Day celebrations during his official visit to Sikkim.

According to official information, Scindia will lay the foundation stone for several projects under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) and launch the flagship USP Organic Farming Project aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the state.

The Union Minister is also reviewing key tourism, infrastructure and connectivity projects across Sikkim during his three-day visit. His itinerary includes visits to Temi Tea Garden, the Bhaleydunga Skywalk Project, Orchidium and Nathula Pass, where he is expected to inspect facilities related to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

Scindia is scheduled to attend the State Day celebrations in Gangtok as the Guest of Honour.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Happy Statehood Day to all Sikkimese brothers and sisters! The referendum of 1975 was a historic moment – 97% voting for integration shows the will of the people. Proud that India respects such diversity. Hope the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route gets better facilities too.
V
Vikram M
Good gesture from PM Modi. But let's be honest – Sikkim still struggles with connectivity and tourism infrastructure beyond Gangtok. The Bhaleydunga Skywalk project is nice, but what about roads to remote villages? Hope this isn't just photo ops. 🤔
A
Ananya R
As a Sikkimese, I feel proud today! The organic farming USP project is a big deal – our state was already declared organic in 2016. Now with MDoNER backing, we can help other states too. Scindia ji visiting Temi Tea Garden and Nathula is a good sign for tourism. 🙏
S
Sarah B
I've visited Sikkim twice – it's stunning. But the state needs more sustainable development, not just big projects. The 50th anniversary is a reminder of how unique Sikkim's path to statehood was. Respect for the monarchy's peaceful transition. Great to see Central support continuing.
K
Karthik V
Only 50 years of statehood – Sikkim is still a young state in Indian terms! The cultural richness, biodiversity and peaceful integration are something to celebrate. But the Centre must ensure border infrastructure along the China boundary doesn't get ignored for tourism projects. National security first. 🇮🇳

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