Gangtok: The quiet, picturesque village of Yakten in Pakyong district has been declared India’s first Digital Nomad Village under the ambitious ‘Nomad Sikkim’ initiative. Spearheaded by District Collector Rohan Ramesh, IAS, the project aims to create sustainable, year-round income opportunities for local homestay owners by attracting remote workers and digital professionals from across India and abroad.
The initiative is rooted in Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang’s larger vision of “One Family, One Entrepreneur,” and addresses long-standing concerns over the lack of steady income for homestay operators during the off-season. “If we ensure stable internet and electricity, remote workers will come regardless of the season,” said DC Ramesh during the announcement.
To support the transition, the district administration has installed two internet lines and ensured village-wide Wi-Fi connectivity. Inverters have also been provided to maintain uninterrupted electricity. These infrastructural upgrades are central to creating a conducive environment for digital nomads.
Water scarcity, a pressing issue in the village, has been temporarily addressed. A long-term solution is being planned under the Jal Jeevan Mission, aimed at delivering sustainable and reliable drinking water supply. Additionally, environmental sustainability has been identified as a core goal of the project. Waste audits, led by domain experts, are being planned as a first step towards making Yakten a zero-waste village.
Despite the promising vision, local residents remain cautiously optimistic. Gyan Bahadur Subba, President of the Yakten Village Tourism Cooperative Society, welcomed the initiative but pointed out that the community has faced a decade-long struggle to keep homestays running. Many families have incurred personal debt to maintain and improve their properties, hoping for a more dependable stream of guests.
“Over the years, we’ve kept homestays afloat by taking out personal loans and relying on seasonal tourism. We’ve heard many promises, including allotment of new homestays, but most of them are yet to be fulfilled,” said Subba. “We hope this initiative is different, but our basic issues—like drinking water and funding for full-scale development—must be resolved first.”
Locals are hopeful that the Digital Nomad Village status will bring attention, infrastructure, and sustained footfall to Yakten. However, they stress that community consultation, timely implementation of promised schemes, and transparency in allocation of resources will be critical to the success of the programme.
The ‘Nomad Sikkim’ initiative represents a novel approach to rural revitalisation through the gig economy and digital infrastructure. If successful, it could serve as a model for similar villages across the Northeast and the rest of India. For now, all eyes are on Yakten—as it steps into an uncertain but hopeful future at the intersection of technology, tourism, and local livelihoods.
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