New Delhi, Aug 17: The 80th Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok, in the presence of Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang, who hoisted the National Flag and addressed the gathering, outlining the State Government’s development priorities and announcing a series of major welfare and development initiatives.
Following the National Anthem, the Chief Minister inspected the grand parade comprising contingents from the ITBP, SSB, Assam Police, SAP, 2nd IRBn, 3rd IRBn, Sikkim Police, Forest Department, Home Guards and Civil Defence, NCC and participating school contingents, along with the Sikkim Police Band. The 7th Assam Police Battalion participated as the Guest Platoon. The parade was commanded by Additional Superintendent of Police Shri Santosh Baniya, with Police Inspector Shri Manish Gurung serving as Parade 2IC.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister paid tribute to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for India’s independence and expressed gratitude to the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces, border guarding forces, Sikkim Police and all security personnel for safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, unity and security.
Highlighting Sikkim’s strategic importance as a sensitive border state, the Chief Minister announced that 20% reservation each has been ensured for ex-Agniveers in the recruitment of Constables in Sikkim Police and Forest Guards in the Forest and Environment Department. He further highlighted infrastructure development in 46 border villages under the Vibrant Villages Programme, stressing that strong border areas require not only infrastructure and connectivity but also schools, healthcare, employment opportunities and confident communities.
A major announcement during the address was the 2% increase in Dearness Allowance for State Government employees and Dearness Relief DR for pensioners, applicable from January 1 to June 30, 2026. The Chief Minister announced that the arrears would be paid before Dashain 2026, stating that Sikkim has consistently followed revisions made by the Government of India in extending DA and DR benefits.
In the healthcare sector, the Chief Minister announced the launch of the Kidney Transplant Programme at STNM Hospital and informed that Helen Lepcha Sikkim Government Medical College has received permission to admit 100 MBBS students annually from the 2026–27 academic session. He also highlighted the State’s progress in cancer treatment, dialysis and specialist healthcare services.
In education, the Chief Minister highlighted Sikkim’s achievement of being declared a fully literate state in May 2026, making it the fifth state in the country to attain the status. He also highlighted the implementation of the Kindergarten System in government schools, Chief Minister’s Model Schools, the Special Numeracy Programme and the Chief Minister’s Mentorship Programme.
For farmers, the Chief Minister announced that eligible beneficiaries who repay their KCC crop loans on time would effectively receive loans at 1% interest, with the State Government bearing the interest component. He also highlighted the “Mero Elaichi, Mero Dhan” initiative for revival of large cardamom cultivation.
Emphasising youth development and employment, he highlighted initiatives including Sikkim INSPIRES, Skilled Youth Start-up Scheme, Mukhyamantri Yuva Udhyamsheelta Vikas Yojana \, SIKKIM RISE and Niyukti Kendra, aimed at strengthening skills, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities.
On women’s empowerment, the Chief Minister announced the expansion of Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana to cover 50,000 mothers from 2027. He also highlighted the Aama Didi Bahini Pink Bus Service, operated by women drivers and conductors, as an initiative promoting safe public transport, self-reliance and economic opportunities for women.
In the sports sector, he announced plans for a Swarna Jayanti Integrated Sports and Cultural Village, comprising a FIFA-standard football stadium, athletics and field sports complex, indoor stadium, high-performance training centre and sports medicine facilities. Plans for a modern Swarna Jayanti Convention Centre were also highlighted.
The Chief Minister further announced plans to upgrade the existing New Sikkim House in New Delhi, originally constructed as a 26-room facility during the tenure of former Chief Minister Late Nar Bahadur Bhandari, into a modern facility with more than 100 rooms.
Highlighting Sikkim’s economic progress, the Chief Minister stated that the State’s real GSDP growth had averaged more than 12.6% over the past eight years, while the GSDP had increased from ₹28,402 crore in 2018–19 to approximately ₹62,973 crore in 2026–27. He set a target of achieving an annual average economic growth rate of more than 13% in the coming years towards the vision of Viksit Sikkim @2047, in alignment with Viksit Bharat @2047.
The Chief Minister also highlighted major initiatives in tourism, infrastructure, urban development, housing, environment and cultural preservation, including proposed ropeways, the Skywalk, adventure tourism projects and the Holistic Institute of Ayurveda and Wellness Centre. He also emphasised efforts to document, reconstruct and preserve traditional Lepcha Ru-Soam or cane bridges in collaboration with UNESCO.
On environmental conservation, he highlighted the increase in Sikkim’s forest cover from 47.08% in 2021 to approximately 47.33% in 2023 and initiatives including “Mero Rukh, Mero Santati” and “Mero Bato, Mero Bot.” He also noted the recording of a tiger at an altitude of 3,966 metres in the Kyong-Nos-La area and the designation of Khecheopalri Wetland as Sikkim’s first Ramsar Site.
The Chief Minister recalled Sikkim’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle and paid tribute to freedom fighters Savitri Devi, also known as Helen Lepcha, and Trilochan Pokhrel, popularly known as ‘Bande Pokhrel’ or ‘Gandhi Pokhrel’. He stated that their legacy has been honoured through the naming of the State Medical College after Helen Lepcha and Pakyong Airport after Trilochan Pokhrel.
He also highlighted Sikkim’s achievements during its Golden Jubilee year, including the conferment of the prestigious President’s Colour upon Sikkim Police by Hon’ble President Smt Droupadi Murmu, and expressed gratitude to the President, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the Government of India for their support and participation in the State’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.
The occasion also witnessed the presentation of Gallantry Awards, Police Medals, Shrawan Kumar Awards and State Meritorious Service Awards, recognising distinguished service and acts of courage. Academic excellence was recognised through State Meritorious Awards for students securing top ranks in the Class X and XII Board Examinations 2025–26. The Chief Minister’s Award for Best Performing Cooperative Societies under the Cooperation Department and State Sports Awards for Outstanding Sportspersons were also presented.
The celebrations further featured the release and launch of several important publications, guidelines, products and reports. The Education Department released the Reintegration of Out-of-School Children in Sikkim – Operational Guidelines, while the Social Welfare Department released five books featuring translations in five tribal languages of Sikkim. The Information and Public Relations Department released the latest edition of Sikkim Today. Three new products from Temi Tea Estate—Temi Milk Tea, Temi Guras Tea and Temi White Tea—were also launched. DESM&E released the Survey of Hotels and Homestays and Survey of Industries reports.
The ceremonial programme also featured a band display by Sikkim Police, cultural presentations by students organised by the Culture Department, a band display by Chief Minister’s Model School, Assam Lingzey, and a performance by the Indian Army Band.
The results of the parade competitions were subsequently announced, with 2nd IRBn adjudged the All-Round Best Platoon in Division A, Home Guards and Civil Defence adjudged the All-Round Best Platoon in Division B, and Tashi Namgyal Senior Secondary School adjudged the Best School Contingent.
Calling upon citizens to contribute collectively towards nation-building, the Chief Minister urged the people to uphold the Constitution and democracy, remain vigilant towards national security, preserve communal harmony, protect the environment and the Himalayas, and make hard work, honesty and innovation the foundations of a stronger Sikkim.
He expressed gratitude to farmers, workers, teachers, doctors, nurses, government employees, police personnel, entrepreneurs, artists, sportspersons, youth, students, mothers and sisters, senior citizens and citizens from all walks of life for their contribution to the State’s development.
The programme concluded with a mass singing of the National Song, led by artists from the Culture Department.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that through collective resolve, hard work and unity, Viksit Sikkim @2047 would progress proudly alongside the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, and extended his greetings and best wishes to the people of Sikkim and the nation on the 80th Independence Day.