GANGTOK, : Governor Om Prakash Mathur has expressed that the State Budget 2025-26
aligns with Viksit Bharat 2047 while also addressing the unique needs of the
people of Sikkim.
I
am confident that the budget to be placed will work towards the Sikkim we
envision – one that aligns with Viksit Bharat 2047 while also addressing the
unique needs of the people of Sikkim, said the Governor in his address to the
Sikkim Legislative Assembly on Wednesday.
Mathur
remarked that the State Budget 2025-26 is not just a financial statement but a
roadmap for transformation. “It reflects our resolve to uplift every citizen,
empower every community, and drive Sikkim towards greater prosperity. Through
fiscal discipline, innovation, and people-centric policies, we will ensure that
every rupee spent translates into meaningful progress,” he said.
The
Governor added that there is still much to be done. With bold reforms, enhanced
infrastructure, and targeted investments, we will
continue to build a stronger, self-reliant, and future-ready Sikkim, he said.
“I
urge this august House to support this budget, as we take decisive steps
towards realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and positioning Sikkim as a
leader in sustainable development, economic growth, and social equity.
Together, let us usher in a new era of progress, where opportunity, prosperity,
and well-being reach every corner of our State,” said the Governor.
Mathur
noted that a significant portion of the State’s budget has been dedicated to
the prioritized sector of education. Sikkim is emerging as an education hub
with multiple universities established in recent years and more in the
pipeline, he said.
“School
infrastructure development remains a key focus, with numerous schools being
upgraded under various schemes. Selected institutions will be transformed into
green schools, incorporating sustainable practices such as rainwater
harvesting, solar energy and eco-friendly materials,” he said.
On
the public healthcare sector, the Governor said the State government has led
transformative initiatives to strengthen infrastructure, promote preventive
care, and improve medical accessibility.
“Our
future healthcare vision includes the inauguration of the 500-bedded Namchi
district hospital, reducing the patient load at STNM Hospital. Plans are
underway to introduce kidney transplant facilities, expand dialysis services
across all districts, and enhance super-speciality care. Mobile village clinics
have already been deployed to remote areas, ensuring healthcare access through
medical camps that have benefitted thousands of patients,” said the Governor.
In
his Budget Session address, the Governor also highlighted the State
government’s commitment to promote sustainable tourism that preserves Sikkim’s
natural beauty, cultural heritage, and traditions while boosting local
livelihoods. He added that the Tourism Sustainable Development Fund initiative,
under which a nominal fee is collected from tourists visiting Sikkim, is widely
supported by the tourism stakeholders.
“To
streamline tourism management, an advanced software system is being implemented
to track tourist inflow, assess carrying capacity, and monitor foreign
visitors. This data-drive approach will allow for more efficient resource
utilization while maintaining environmental sustainability,” said the Governor.
Mathur
also highlighted the upcoming 50th Statehood Day celebrations of
Sikkim under the theme ‘Sunaulo Sikkim, Samridha Sikkim, Samarth Sikkim’. He
said the theme symbolizes the collective vision and commitment to build a
golden, prosperous, and self-reliant State.
The
Governor informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has graciously consented to
join the Golden Jubilee celebrations and to inaugurate landmark projects that
marks Sikkim’s historic journey.
“Among
these, the state-of-the-art Namchi District Hospital stands as a testament to
our unwavering dedication to improving healthcare infrastructure. The
Swarna Jayanti Maitreya Manjri, featuring an expansive open plaza with majestic
views of Kanchenjunga, and the tribute in the form of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee
statue reflect our gratitude and reverence towards leaders who have
significantly shaped or nation’s trajectory,” said the Governor.
