Sikkim is being highlighted as a model for self-reliance and sustainable development following a three-day visit by Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya. During her visit, the minister interacted with BJP workers, toured key locations, and inspected infrastructure projects across the state. Minister Bambhaniya praised Sikkim’s achievements in organic farming, calling it “the first organic state in the country, setting an example of self-reliance in organic development.” She added, “Sikkim represents a beautiful combination of culture, nature, and peace,” underlining the state’s potential to inspire similar initiatives nationwide.
In Pakyong district, the minister personally inspected National Highway 717 and urged officials to expedite ongoing projects. She also visited schools, the PSSC centre, Agedwadi, and the Kisan Jankar Jeevan Mission, engaging with local communities and addressing public concerns at the Collector’s office. “We discussed all the questions and suggestions raised by the people in these areas,” she noted. Bambhaniya linked Sikkim’s progress to broader development in the northeastern states, crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s focus on connectivity, infrastructure, and economic growth. She said improved roads, railways, and digital networks have transformed the region into an emerging hub for trade and investment.
Highlighting India’s self-reliance initiatives, she stressed the importance of valuing indigenous goods and embracing programs like Make in India, Startup India, and Skill India, which have fostered innovation, entrepreneurship, and employment. India now ranks as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, providing jobs to over 17.8 million people. The minister also pointed to achievements in defence, science, and healthcare, citing examples such as the Tejas fighter jets and indigenous vaccines developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. She encouraged citizens to support domestic products, saying, “Every household has a role to play in strengthening the country.”