New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has confirmed his visit to Sikkim next year to commemorate the state’s 50th Statehood Day celebrations. The announcement was made following a meeting with Sikkim Chief Minister PS Tamang at the Parliament House in New Delhi. CM PS Tamang extended the invitation to PM Modi, emphasizing the cultural significance and developmental achievements of Sikkim. PM Modi’s upcoming visit underscores the government’s commitment to the region’s growth and integration into the national framework.
During the discussion, CM Tamang emphasized the critical need for funds amounting to Rs. 3673.25 crore for flood recovery and reconstruction efforts in the state. These funds are essential to address the aftermath of the devastating floods that struck Sikkim in October 2023. PM Modi assured CM Tamang of his support and committed to promptly addressing the funding requirements for the flood-affected areas.
During the meeting, they discussed several critical issues, including the demand for tribal status for 12 indigenous communities and the reservation of Limboo-Tamang seats in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly. They also deliberated on the upcoming visit of His Holiness the 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorji to Sikkim.
CM Tamang briefed PM Modi on Sikkim’s initiative to establish a multimodal corridor with integrated checkposts between Sikkim and eastern Nepal at Chewa Bhanjyang.
Furthermore, CM Tamang proposed the development of a Himalayan Railway Line between Bakrakote in West Bengal and Rorathang in Sikkim, citing historical precedence from 1917 to support the initiative.
PM Modi commended Sikkim’s efforts under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, aimed at environmental conservation, and assured CM Tamang of his participation in the initiative’s observance on July 7, 2024, in Sikkim.
Accepting the invitation for Sikkim’s 50th Statehood Day celebrations, PM Modi expressed his appreciation for the cultural richness and strategic significance of Sikkim. The meeting was attended by MPs Indra Hang Subba and DT Lepcha, emphasizing collaborative efforts towards Sikkim’s holistic development.
