Sikkim celebrates 50 glorious years of statehood, CM Prem Singh Tamang reaffirms vision for a inclusive future

Marking a historic milestone in its democratic journey, Sikkim celebrated the 50th anniversary of its Statehood with a grand ceremony attended by Governor, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Members of Parliament, the State Cabinet, and dignitaries from across the state and nation. In his ceremonial address, Chief Minister of Sikkim Prem SIngh Tamang conveyed congratulations to the people of Sikkim and reflected on the state’s extraordinary journey from monarchy to a vibrant and progressive member of the Indian Union.

Recalling the historic day of May 16, 1975, when Sikkim officially became the 22nd state of India, the Chief Minister described it as the dawn of a new chapter that embraced democratic values, inclusive development, and national unity. Over five decades, Sikkim has emerged as a model of harmonious coexistence, sustainable progress, and cultural preservation.

Tamang paid rich tributes to the visionary monarchs of the erstwhile Kingdom of Sikkim, whose foresight laid the groundwork for the state’s enduring institutions and identity. He emphasized the importance of the Sikkim Subject status and Article 371F of the Constitution, which continue to safeguard the unique socio-cultural and political rights of the Sikkimese people.

“Our golden jubilee is not just a commemoration of the past—it is a reaffirmation of our shared vision for a Sunaulo Sikkim, Samridha Sikkim, ani Samarth Sikkim,” he said, aligning the state's aspirations with the national mission of Viksit Bharat under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Sikkim's progress was illustrated through several achievements across sectors. The state now enjoys the highest per capita income in the country and a robust GSDP expected to cross Rs 50,000 crore in 2024-25. Sikkim’s development is closely aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, with a commendable Multi-Dimensional Poverty Index of 0.011, next only to Kerala and Goa.

Pioneering in environmental stewardship, Sikkim is India’s first fully organic state, known for its innovative policies like banning single-use plastics and promoting climate-resilient agriculture. The Chief Minister highlighted the state’s deep-rooted bond with nature, emphasizing that development must walk hand in hand with environmental conservation.

From its lush forests and biodiversity-rich landscapes to global recognitions like the UNESCO-tagged Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim remains a beacon of ecological harmony. Programmes like Mero Rukh Mero Santati and Shishu Samridhi Yojana were lauded for combining environmental and social goals.

The Chief Minister also spotlighted the state's successes in education and healthcare. With over 730 government schools and a literacy rate of 90.67%, Sikkim has one of the most inclusive and equitable education systems. The state’s health indicators are equally impressive, with institutional delivery rates of 94.7% and an infant mortality rate of just 4 per 1,000 live births. Groundbreaking schemes like Vatsalya and the Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Scheme have provided critical support to families across the state.

Social inclusion was underscored through gender-focused policies like 50% reservation for women in Panchayats and 33% in government jobs. Welfare schemes such as the Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana and Mission Vatsalya, along with the “Nasha Mukt Sikkim” campaign, demonstrate the state’s commitment to an empowered and addiction-free society.

The Chief Minister reiterated Sikkim’s role as a strategic border state, acknowledging every Sikkimese as a sentinel of the frontier. He expressed profound gratitude to the Government of India for its unwavering support and pledged continued cooperation in building a secure, prosperous, and vibrant state aligned with the national dream of a developed India.

Speaking on the resilience of the Sikkimese people, the Chief Minister paid homage to the unity displayed during testing times, including the 2011 earthquake, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the devastating GLOF of October 2023. “We have rebuilt Sikkim brick by brick—with courage, compassion, and conviction,” he said.

Chief Minister Tamang urged all citizens to carry forward the legacy of the past 50 years with renewed commitment to innovation, inclusion, environmental stewardship, and cultural pride. “Let us build a Sikkim that leads not just in statistics, but in spirit. A Sikkim that is strong, sustainable, and ever shining,” he said.