Gangtok: The Second Session of the Eleventh Assembly of Sikkim commenced on Tuesday with the presentation of the Annual Budget for the Financial Year 2025-26. The budget, amounting to a total of Rs. 16,196 crore, was introduced by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang who also serves as the Minister of the Finance Department.
The session, presided over by Speaker Mingma Norbu Sherpa, began with an address by Governor Om Prakash Mathur. In his address, the Governor reflected on Sikkim’s remarkable transformation over the years, marking a significant milestone as the state prepares for its 50th Statehood anniversary.
He highlighted the state’s progress and the golden jubilee celebrations under the theme “Sunaulo Sikkim, Samridha Sikkim, Samarth Sikkim.”
The Governor emphasised the government’s commitment to sustainable growth, focusing on sectors such as education, healthcare, and tourism. He pointed out initiatives like the Mukhya Mantri Swasthya Suvidha Yojana, Chief Minister Medical Assistance Scheme (CMMAS), and Mobile Village Clinics, which are setting new benchmarks in the state’s healthcare sector.
In terms of economic growth, the Governor shared impressive statistics, such as an 85% rise in Sikkim’s GDP from 2019 to 2024, reaching ₹52,555 crore, and a 64% increase in per capita income. He also noted the state’s achievement in poverty alleviation, with only 2.6% of the population below the poverty line, and its position as 4th in the NITI Aayog’s assessment of poverty alleviation.
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang presented the state’s budget for the financial year 2025-26. The Chief Minister detailed a gross expenditure provision of Rs. 16,647 crore, with a net outgo of Rs. 16,196 crore after accounting for recoveries amounting to Rs. 451 crore. The budget allocates Rs. 11,028 crore for revenue expenditure and Rs. 5,168 crore for capital expenditure, reflecting the government’s commitment to sustainable fiscal management and development.
A key feature of the budget is the allocation of Rs. 2,896 crore under Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), aimed at maximizing central funding for crucial developmental projects in Sikkim. The Chief Minister also outlined the government’s vision to position Sikkim as a leader in sustainable growth, with a strong emphasis on infrastructure development, youth empowerment, farmer welfare, and the overall well-being of the citizens.
Additionally, the Chief Minister highlighted Sikkim’s significant progress, including being the most integrated state in India, with the highest per capita income, a relatively high growth rate, and a proven track record in protecting national security, natural resources, and biodiversity. He also spoke about Sikkim’s role as a core center for addressing climate change impacts in the Eastern Himalayan region.
In his address, the Chief Minister also detailed the government’s various schemes aimed at improving education, health, and rural development. Key initiatives such as the Mukhya Mantri Swasthya Suvidha Yojana, Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Scheme, and Sikkim Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana were mentioned, all aimed at promoting the welfare of the people.
The Chief Minister concluded his address by emphasizing the government’s resolve to strengthen the state’s economy while ensuring financial discipline. He reiterated that the budget’s priorities include youth empowerment, farmer upliftment, infrastructure development, and enhancing the overall welfare of the people.
Earlier during the Legislative business, Raju Basnet, the Minister of the Education Department, introduced three significant bills in the House aimed at improving the educational framework in Sikkim. The first of these was the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Skill University Bill, 2025, which seeks to advance knowledge and skills by offering instructional, research, and extension facilities to students. The university proposed under this bill is expected to help enhance the employability of youth in Sikkim by providing practical and industry-relevant training.
The second bill, the Sengol International University Sikkim Bill, 2025, aims to establish a comprehensive, multidisciplinary education system. This university will focus on academic excellence, critical thinking, and ethical values, contributing to the overall educational development of the state and preparing students to meet global challenges.
The third bill, the Fusion University Sikkim Bill, 2025, focuses on introducing skill-based and need-based educational programs for the youth of Sikkim. The bill seeks to create opportunities for intellectual growth, inclusive development, and sustainable progress by offering specialized courses that meet the evolving needs of students and the state.
The discussion and voting on these bills are scheduled for tomorrow. In addition, the Capital University (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was introduced by Minister Raju Basnet in a previous session, was considered and passed by the House.
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