News & Announcement
Sikkim Legislative Assembly Budget Session 2025-26 commences
Gangtok, March 26 (IPR):
The Second Session (Part-III) of the Eleventh Assembly (Budget Session 2025-26) of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly convened today at the Sikkim Legislative Assembly Secretariat.
The session was presided over by the Speaker Mr Mingma Norbu Sherpa and commenced with an address from the Governor Mr Om Prakash Mathur.
The Governor began his maiden budget address by highlighting Sikkim’s journey towards its 50th Statehood anniversary, transforming from a serene Himalayan kingdom into a model of sustainable growth and economic progress. He said that the golden jubilee celebrations, themed ‘Sunaulo Sikkim, Samridha Sikkim, Samarth Sikkim’, reflect a collective vision for a prosperous, self-reliant state. The Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi will join the celebrations, inaugurate landmark projects, and lay foundation stones for transformative initiatives, he added.
As the FY 2025-26 budget session commenced, the Governor expressed confidence that the budget aligns with Viksit Bharat 2047 while addressing Sikkim’s unique needs. He emphasised the government’s commitment to quality education under NEP 2020, inclusive education for differently-abled students, and the introduction of new primary textbooks recognized by the Ministry of Education.
In the health sector, he highlighted initiatives such as Mukhya Mantri Swasthya Suvidha Yojana (MMSSY), Chief Minister Medical Assistance Scheme (CMMAS), Vatsalya Scheme (2022), and Mobile Village Clinics (2022), setting new benchmarks in healthcare. He underscored that the “Mero Rukh Mero Santati” initiative received the SKOCH Award 2024 for promoting a carbon-neutral future and strengthening community bonds with nature while also informing that Khachoedpalri Lake in West Sikkim has been designated as the first Ramsar Site in Sikkim.
Speaking on the tourism sector he mentioned that tourism was recognised as a transformative sector, with a commitment to sustainable tourism that preserves Sikkim’s natural beauty and cultural heritage while supporting local livelihoods. Strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), along with initiatives like Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), and the Three-Day Panchayat Sammelan, were also underlined.
The Governor stated that from 2019 to 2024, Sikkim’s GDP grew by 85% to ₹52,555 crore, while per capita income rose by 64% to ₹7,07,181. Budgetary expenditure more than doubled, and capital investment surged by 269%, reflecting strategic financial management. He also informed that as per the latest NITI Aayog assessment, the State is ranked 4th in poverty alleviation with only 2.6% below the poverty line, excelling in sustainable development.
In conclusion, the Governor reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive growth, sustainable development, and economic resilience. He called on the House to support the budget as a roadmap for transformation, empowering communities and positioning Sikkim as a leader in economic growth, sustainability, and social equity.
(Full text of the Governor’s Address can be read on www.sikkim.neva.gov.in)
Thereafter, the Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang, also the Leader of the House, moved the Motion of Thanks on Governor's address, which was seconded by Minister Mr Arun Upreti.
The discussion and voting on the Governor’s address will be taken up on March 27, 2025.
During the Financial Business, the Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang, also the Minister-in-Charge of the Finance Department presented the Annual General Budget for the Financial Year 2025-26(Budget First Stage), comprising of the Explanatory Memorandum of the Government of Sikkim, Annual Financial Statement, Estimates of Receipts, and Demands for Grants for the Financial Year (FY) 2025-26.
Informing the house, he stated for the financial year 2025-26, the government have made a gross expenditure provision of Rs 16647 crore and after accounting for recoveries amounting to Rs 451 crore, the net outgo stands at Rs 16196 crore. This brings the total receipts to Rs 16196 crore, ensuring that the financial resources are effectively utilised for the state’s development, he added.
The expenditure is categorised as Revenue Expenditure of Rs 11028 crore and Capital Expenditure as Rs 5168 crore bringing the total net expenditure to Rs 16196 crore.
Additionally, he also mentioned that an allocation of Rs 2896 crore under Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), have been secured to maximise central funding for developmental projects in Sikkim. He said the budget reflects the government’s continued commitment to fiscal prudence, sustainable development, and the welfare of the people, designed to strengthen the economy, foster inclusive growth, and ensure that the benefits of development reach every citizen of Sikkim.
While presenting the Annual Budget for the FY 2025-26, the Chief Minister, in his budget address, highlighted that Sikkim today is the most integrated state of India. The diverse and deepening integration is highlighted by the highest per capita income in the country, relatively much higher growth rate, national security and national interest protection and promotion by the state, most peaceful state in the country, proven custodian of natural resources, biodiversity and cultural ecology and core centre of dealing with climate change impact, adaptation and mitigation in the entire Eastern Himalayan region.
Similarly, he also presented an overview on the various government schemes under Education, Health, Environment & Forest, Science & Technology,Tourism, Sports and Rural Development sectors such as Mukhya Mantri Swasthya Suvidha Yojana, the Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Scheme and Sikkim Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana, providing welfare to the people.
Furthermore, he also informed about the formation of Institute for Transforming Sikkim (ITS), to provide data-driven recommendations for governance, planning and economic growth. The ITS will strengthen collaboration with NITI Aayog, oversee policy reforms, and guide Sikkim’s development toward Viksit Bharat 2047.
Concluding his address, he stated that this budget is a reflection of the government’s resolve to strengthen the state’s economy while ensuring financial discipline wherein priorities remain the empowerment of youth, the upliftment of farmers, investment in infrastructure, and the overall welfare of the people.
(Full text of the Chief Minister’s Address can be read on www.sikkim.neva.gov.in)
The discussion on the Annual Budget 2025-26 presented by the Chief Minister also incharge of Finance Department will held on March 27, 2025.
Earlier, during the Legislative Business, Mr Raju Basnet the Minister-in-Charge of the Education Department introduced three Bills in the House:
1.The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Skill University Bill,2025(Bill No.13 of 2025)
The bill was framed with the aim to disseminate and advance knowledge and skills by providing instructional, research and extension of facilities to the students of Sikkim.
2.The Sengol International University Sikkim Bill,2025(Bill No. 14 of 2025)
The bill was drafted with the aim of providing a comprehensive, multidisciplinary education that emphasizes academic excellence, critical thinking and ethical values.
3. The Fusion University Sikkim Bill,2025(Bill No.15 of 2025)
The bill was put up with a view to introduce need and skill based educational programmes for the youth of Sikkim and to contribute to the intellectual, inclusive and sustainable development of the people inhabiting the State of Sikkim through quality teaching, research and extension activities.
The discussion and voting on the above mentioned bills will be taken up on March 27,2025.
Likewise, the Capital University (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (Bill No.12 of 2025) which was introduced by Minister Raju Basnet in the house yesterday, was considered and passed by the House.
The House was then adjourned till 11:00 AM of March 27, 2025.
The Second Session (Part-III) of the Eleventh Assembly (Budget Session 2025-26) of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly convened today at the Sikkim Legislative Assembly Secretariat.
The session was presided over by the Speaker Mr Mingma Norbu Sherpa and commenced with an address from the Governor Mr Om Prakash Mathur.
The Governor began his maiden budget address by highlighting Sikkim’s journey towards its 50th Statehood anniversary, transforming from a serene Himalayan kingdom into a model of sustainable growth and economic progress. He said that the golden jubilee celebrations, themed ‘Sunaulo Sikkim, Samridha Sikkim, Samarth Sikkim’, reflect a collective vision for a prosperous, self-reliant state. The Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi will join the celebrations, inaugurate landmark projects, and lay foundation stones for transformative initiatives, he added.
As the FY 2025-26 budget session commenced, the Governor expressed confidence that the budget aligns with Viksit Bharat 2047 while addressing Sikkim’s unique needs. He emphasised the government’s commitment to quality education under NEP 2020, inclusive education for differently-abled students, and the introduction of new primary textbooks recognized by the Ministry of Education.
In the health sector, he highlighted initiatives such as Mukhya Mantri Swasthya Suvidha Yojana (MMSSY), Chief Minister Medical Assistance Scheme (CMMAS), Vatsalya Scheme (2022), and Mobile Village Clinics (2022), setting new benchmarks in healthcare. He underscored that the “Mero Rukh Mero Santati” initiative received the SKOCH Award 2024 for promoting a carbon-neutral future and strengthening community bonds with nature while also informing that Khachoedpalri Lake in West Sikkim has been designated as the first Ramsar Site in Sikkim.
Speaking on the tourism sector he mentioned that tourism was recognised as a transformative sector, with a commitment to sustainable tourism that preserves Sikkim’s natural beauty and cultural heritage while supporting local livelihoods. Strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), along with initiatives like Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), and the Three-Day Panchayat Sammelan, were also underlined.
The Governor stated that from 2019 to 2024, Sikkim’s GDP grew by 85% to ₹52,555 crore, while per capita income rose by 64% to ₹7,07,181. Budgetary expenditure more than doubled, and capital investment surged by 269%, reflecting strategic financial management. He also informed that as per the latest NITI Aayog assessment, the State is ranked 4th in poverty alleviation with only 2.6% below the poverty line, excelling in sustainable development.
In conclusion, the Governor reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive growth, sustainable development, and economic resilience. He called on the House to support the budget as a roadmap for transformation, empowering communities and positioning Sikkim as a leader in economic growth, sustainability, and social equity.
(Full text of the Governor’s Address can be read on www.sikkim.neva.gov.in)
Thereafter, the Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang, also the Leader of the House, moved the Motion of Thanks on Governor's address, which was seconded by Minister Mr Arun Upreti.
The discussion and voting on the Governor’s address will be taken up on March 27, 2025.
During the Financial Business, the Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang, also the Minister-in-Charge of the Finance Department presented the Annual General Budget for the Financial Year 2025-26(Budget First Stage), comprising of the Explanatory Memorandum of the Government of Sikkim, Annual Financial Statement, Estimates of Receipts, and Demands for Grants for the Financial Year (FY) 2025-26.
Informing the house, he stated for the financial year 2025-26, the government have made a gross expenditure provision of Rs 16647 crore and after accounting for recoveries amounting to Rs 451 crore, the net outgo stands at Rs 16196 crore. This brings the total receipts to Rs 16196 crore, ensuring that the financial resources are effectively utilised for the state’s development, he added.
The expenditure is categorised as Revenue Expenditure of Rs 11028 crore and Capital Expenditure as Rs 5168 crore bringing the total net expenditure to Rs 16196 crore.
Additionally, he also mentioned that an allocation of Rs 2896 crore under Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), have been secured to maximise central funding for developmental projects in Sikkim. He said the budget reflects the government’s continued commitment to fiscal prudence, sustainable development, and the welfare of the people, designed to strengthen the economy, foster inclusive growth, and ensure that the benefits of development reach every citizen of Sikkim.
While presenting the Annual Budget for the FY 2025-26, the Chief Minister, in his budget address, highlighted that Sikkim today is the most integrated state of India. The diverse and deepening integration is highlighted by the highest per capita income in the country, relatively much higher growth rate, national security and national interest protection and promotion by the state, most peaceful state in the country, proven custodian of natural resources, biodiversity and cultural ecology and core centre of dealing with climate change impact, adaptation and mitigation in the entire Eastern Himalayan region.
Similarly, he also presented an overview on the various government schemes under Education, Health, Environment & Forest, Science & Technology,Tourism, Sports and Rural Development sectors such as Mukhya Mantri Swasthya Suvidha Yojana, the Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Scheme and Sikkim Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana, providing welfare to the people.
Furthermore, he also informed about the formation of Institute for Transforming Sikkim (ITS), to provide data-driven recommendations for governance, planning and economic growth. The ITS will strengthen collaboration with NITI Aayog, oversee policy reforms, and guide Sikkim’s development toward Viksit Bharat 2047.
Concluding his address, he stated that this budget is a reflection of the government’s resolve to strengthen the state’s economy while ensuring financial discipline wherein priorities remain the empowerment of youth, the upliftment of farmers, investment in infrastructure, and the overall welfare of the people.
(Full text of the Chief Minister’s Address can be read on www.sikkim.neva.gov.in)
The discussion on the Annual Budget 2025-26 presented by the Chief Minister also incharge of Finance Department will held on March 27, 2025.
Earlier, during the Legislative Business, Mr Raju Basnet the Minister-in-Charge of the Education Department introduced three Bills in the House:
1.The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Skill University Bill,2025(Bill No.13 of 2025)
The bill was framed with the aim to disseminate and advance knowledge and skills by providing instructional, research and extension of facilities to the students of Sikkim.
2.The Sengol International University Sikkim Bill,2025(Bill No. 14 of 2025)
The bill was drafted with the aim of providing a comprehensive, multidisciplinary education that emphasizes academic excellence, critical thinking and ethical values.
3. The Fusion University Sikkim Bill,2025(Bill No.15 of 2025)
The bill was put up with a view to introduce need and skill based educational programmes for the youth of Sikkim and to contribute to the intellectual, inclusive and sustainable development of the people inhabiting the State of Sikkim through quality teaching, research and extension activities.
The discussion and voting on the above mentioned bills will be taken up on March 27,2025.
Likewise, the Capital University (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (Bill No.12 of 2025) which was introduced by Minister Raju Basnet in the house yesterday, was considered and passed by the House.
The House was then adjourned till 11:00 AM of March 27, 2025.