Gangtok, May 16: Sikkim celebrated its 50th Statehood Day with a grand event at Paljor Stadium on Friday, commemorating five decades since its integration into the Indian Union on May 16, 1975. The celebration was attended by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and Governor Om Prakash Mathur.
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Tamang expressed gratitude to the people of Sikkim and highlighted the state’s journey from a monarchy to a democratic state within India. He emphasized the importance of unity, development, and cultural preservation in shaping modern-day Sikkim.
Tamang reaffirmed the vision of a “Sunaulo Sikkim, Samridha Sikkim, ani Samarth Sikkim” — a golden, prosperous, and capable state — aligned with the national development mission Viksit Bharat.
He paid tribute to the Kingdom of Sikkim and stressed the continued relevance of the Sikkim Subject status and Article 371F in preserving the state’s unique identity, rights, and traditions.
The Chief Minister outlined five key dimensions of the Statehood Day’s significance: integration with India, democratic progress, development, national security, and cultural preservation.
Key achievements of Sikkim over the past 50 years highlighted in the address included:
Highest per capita income in the country and strong economic growth.
Recognition as India’s first fully organic state.
90.67% literacy rate and access to education through over 730 government schools.
Robust healthcare system with 94.7% institutional deliveries.
Strong performance in HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis control.
Inclusive governance with notable gender representation in Panchayats and public services.
Welfare schemes such as Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana, Vatsalya, and Nasha Mukt Sikkim were noted for promoting social welfare and empowerment.
The Chief Minister also acknowledged the support of the Government of India and reaffirmed Sikkim’s commitment to national integrity and peace as a strategically located border state.
Recalling past challenges, including the 2011 earthquake, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2023 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), Tamang praised the resilience and unity of the people of Sikkim.
He concluded by calling for continued efforts to build a more inclusive, vibrant, and sustainable future for the state as it enters a new phase of development.
