Gangtok, May 17: Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to the development of Sikkim during the state’s 51st Statehood Day celebrations, stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains focused on accelerating the Himalayan state’s growth and economic progress.
Scindia, who is on a three-day visit to Sikkim, attended the Statehood Day celebrations and extended greetings to the people of the state.
“On the 51st Statehood Day, on the occasion of Foundation Day, from my heart, best wishes and greetings to everyone. The Prime Minister’s resolve is Sikkim’s progress, Sikkim’s development,” he told reporters.
Sikkim marks Statehood Day every year on May 16 to commemorate its merger with the Indian Union in 1975.
Highlighting the Centre’s efforts to strengthen the state’s organic economy, the minister said a ₹360-crore initiative supported by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region aims to transform Sikkim from a certified organic producer into a globally connected premium organic economy.
In a social media post, Scindia stated that the mission would focus on developing world-class infrastructure, strengthening aggregation systems, branding, traceability mechanisms and export market integration. He added that the initiative is expected to improve farmers’ incomes, strengthen Farmer Producer Organisations and enhance cold-chain and logistics infrastructure across the state.
According to the minister, more than 66,000 farming families in Sikkim are likely to benefit from the programme.
Scindia arrived in the state on Thursday to review major projects related to infrastructure, tourism and connectivity. His visit is being seen as significant in the context of ongoing centrally supported initiatives linked to border infrastructure, transport networks and pilgrimage tourism in the region.
During the visit, the Union Minister also toured the Temi Tea Garden in South Sikkim, where he interacted with tea workers and participated in tea plucking activities.
Wearing the traditional bamboo basket commonly used by tea workers, Scindia spent time with labourers and acknowledged their contribution to preserving Sikkim’s globally recognised tea heritage.
