Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has announced the launch of the Aspire Sikkim programme, a free and comprehensive initiative to prepare youth for competitive examinations such as UPSC, NDA, Novel Academy courses, CA, IBPS, and CAT. The programme aims not only to equip students for examinations but also to nurture leadership, service, and the capacity to contribute to building India’s future.
In his address, the Chief Minister emphasised his commitment to the principles of Bipasa, focusing on strengthening basic facilities. Highlighting achievements under the Jal Jeevan Mission and the National Rural Drinking Water programme, he noted that 91% of households in Sikkim now have water supply coverage. He also pointed out that tourism contributes 9.48% to the state’s GSDP, benefiting 18% of the population.
The state government has completed major projects, including the Yangyang Dhapad to Bhaleydunga ropeway, with work already initiated on the Wok construction. In Namli, a state-level convention centre and other new infrastructures are under development. Giving priority to pilgrimage tourism, the government has begun enhancing facilities along JN Road to accommodate the Mansarovar Yatra. For rural tourism, special emphasis is being placed on promoting homestays, including the flagship Mega Homestay project, to showcase rural lifestyles and create new livelihood opportunities.
Acknowledging Sikkim’s geographical limitations as a landlocked state with minimal arable land and industrial potential, CM Tamang stressed the importance of exploring new avenues. He identified Artificial Intelligence (AI) as the next big wave of opportunity and outlined the state’s plan to capitalise on it.
The government has a clear strategy to harness AI for tourism and education, recognising them as Sikkim’s natural advantage sectors. Work is underway to develop a comprehensive AI policy, with the CM warning that just as those who ignored the early internet era were left behind, those who fail to embrace AI will also be left behind in the future. Sikkim plans to introduce AI in higher education, develop apps through collaborations with national institutions, and support young entrepreneurs in creating AI-based solutions for local needs. These steps, he said, will open new doors of employment, innovation, and global opportunities for the state.
