Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Sikkim's organic farming model is a movement for the entire country and the state's lifestyle and the people's determination have become a part of the country's future dreams.
Prime Minister Modi was addressing a public meeting on the occasion of the conclusion of the state's 50th foundation day celebrations on Tuesday morning. He said that Sikkim has immense potential, and one of the key areas is sports, where the youth have proven their capability and talent. The Prime Minister stated that his government is working to promote sports and increase facilities across the country through programs like 'Khelo India'.
He said that Sikkim has made significant progress in its development journey, but we have to work hard to take Sikkim forward at a faster pace and fulfill the dream of 'Viksit Bharat' so that the state can be taken to new heights.
Appreciating Sikkim's cleanliness, beauty, and the soft nature of its people, Prime Minister Modi said that the central government is giving top priority to the development of infrastructure in the state. The Prime Minister said, "One of the best things I saw throughout my journey was the cleanliness of Sikkim's roads. There is no dirt anywhere, cleanliness in the air and on the roads, the people of Sikkim are the real guardians and true ambassadors of nature."
The Prime Minister further said that we are giving the most attention to connectivity and infrastructure in Sikkim. Hundreds of kilometers of highways have been built here in the past few years, and work is underway to connect villages with roads at a rapid pace.
Prime Minister Modi said that his government is also focusing on providing affordable healthcare to the people of the state. In this regard, he mentioned 'Ayushman Yojana' (under which all people above 70 years of age get free treatment) and 'Jan Aushadhi Kendras'.
The Prime Minister said that Sikkim's tourism-based economy is a major strength of the state. This state, which is just one percent of the country's total area, represents a quarter of India's botanical diversity. There are 500 species of birds, 700 species of butterflies, and the magnificent peaks of Kanchenjunga. The natural beauty of the state mesmerizes tourists and encourages them to come back again and again.
On this occasion, the Prime Minister also said that Sikkim and the northeastern states are not just an important part of the country for us, but they are also India's 'Ashtalakshmi'. That's why the government has started working on the 'Act East' policy and has resolved to work 'Act Fast' in the northeast.
He said that when attempts are being made to divide the country on the basis of language, region, and politics, Sikkim reflects the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'. He termed the state as an ideal example of unity and harmony.
The Prime Minister, while mentioning the central government's special focus on this region, said that the development of infrastructure has become their top priority. This includes plans to build an expressway from Bagdogra and a ring road in Gangtok to improve connectivity and increase tourist arrivals.
He said, "Tourism is the backbone of Sikkim's economy, and strengthening connectivity will create new opportunities for the people." He informed that about 1,000 homestays are being developed to further promote local employment.
Prime Minister Modi compared the current pace of development with the 'negligence' of the previous Congress governments. He said that for decades, the Congress governments had put Sikkim's development projects in cold storage. The entire northeastern region, including Sikkim, was neglected, and the central government's schemes could not reach the people effectively. He also alleged that the health infrastructure was inadequate in the past, while his government has prioritized infrastructure and public welfare schemes.