Gangtok, May 22: Sikkim has set an ambitious target to achieve 100 percent literacy by 2027, announced Education Minister Raju Basnet during the “State of the States Sikkim@50” conclave, organised by the India Today Group in collaboration with the Department of Information & Public Relations and the Tourism & Civil Aviation Department.

Speaking at the session titled Education in the Himalayas, the Minister said, “Sikkim is going to be a knowledge hub of the future,” highlighting the government’s commitment to improving the education sector through initiatives like the Model Residential School scheme, integration of technology in classrooms, life skills education, and the use of blockchain technology.

The conclave also featured sessions on strategic affairs, economic development, and tourism. Former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla underscored Sikkim’s strategic importance and its potential for economic cooperation with Bhutan and Nepal under the Neighbourhood First Policy.

In the business and tourism sessions, officials and stakeholders discussed the ease of doing business, state incentives, sustainable entrepreneurship, and eco-tourism. A key announcement was the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from June, with 750 pilgrims selected from over 5,500 applicants.

Marking 50 years of statehood, the conclave reflected on Sikkim’s achievements and future plans across education, economy, strategy, and tourism.