'Sikkim Inspires' program facilitates job placements and boosts economic inclusion

The “Sikkim Inspires” initiative, part of the broader Sikkim Integrated Service Provision and Innovation for Reviving Economies (INSPIRES) program, has successfully facilitated job placements for eleven nurses from Sikkim in a German hospital, marking a significant step toward expanding global opportunities for the state's healthcare professionals. This is a pivotal moment for Sikkim's workforce, demonstrating the effectiveness of the program's focus on economic inclusion, particularly for women and youth.

The INSPIRES program, supported by the World Bank (WB), combines two financing modalities—Program for Results (PforR) and Investment Project Financing (IPF)—with a combined budget of US$226.40 million. It aims to improve economic opportunities for women and youth by focusing on skill development, entrepreneurship, and enhancing the delivery of services such as mental health and rural tourism. A significant portion of the funding (US$92 million) will directly support key initiatives, including short-term skill training, digital readiness, and facilitating employment in priority sectors.

The program’s three core areas—strengthening state systems, improving employment linkages, and delivering enabling services—work synergistically to empower women and youth. Key interventions include creating new pathways for employment, providing financial and technical support for women-led businesses, and enhancing access to quality skill development programs.