Sikkim MPs push for connectivity, education and youth empowerment at India Today State of the States Conclave

Sikkim’s Members of Parliament, Indra Hang Subba (Lok Sabha) and DT Lepcha (Rajya Sabha) on may 22 appealed for greater focus on the Himalayan state’s development during the India Today State of the States Conclave. Addressing national policymakers and stakeholders, both MPs emphasized the urgent need for improved connectivity, educational infrastructure, and youth empowerment in Sikkim.

“We want better accessibility, better connectivity, and robust infrastructure,” said Subba, stressing that despite limited incentives, Sikkim holds immense potential for investment due to its unique offerings. He underscored the decades-long struggle to establish the state’s first central university. “We had to fight for more than 30 years just for one central university. That shows how overlooked we have been,” he noted, calling for more quality institutions in the region.

Subba also raised alarm over the environmental vulnerabilities of the Himalayan region, particularly the recurring floods that often escape national attention. “The Himalayan region is home to vital freshwater sources. Yet, year after year, we suffer from floods. We must act now to protect these resources for future generations,” he urged.

DT Lepcha appealed to Sikkim’s youth to broaden their career horizons. “The government is doing its part, but now the youth must also take initiative,” he said, encouraging them to look beyond traditional white-collar and government jobs. Lepcha praised Sikkim’s low crime rate and stable governance as ideal conditions for entrepreneurial growth, expressing confidence in the Centre’s continued support for the state’s development.