While emphasizing the need for capacity building and skill enhancement in key sectors, Sikkim Minister Puran Gurung highlighted that the state, despite being the second most literate in the North East after Mizoram, continues to face challenges in human resource development. Addressing a gathering in Pakyong, Minister Gurung observed that Sikkim’s high literacy rate has not yet fully translated into technical expertise, entrepreneurship, or innovation, particularly in emerging sectors such as fisheries, livestock, and cooperative ventures.
He stressed that while the state has made significant progress in education, there remains a pressing need to invest in skill development and professional training to strengthen its workforce.“The state has the potential to harness its educated population to drive economic growth and sustainable development,” Gurung said. “However, literacy alone is not sufficient; we must focus on equipping our youth with practical knowledge, technical skills, and innovative capacity to compete in modern sectors.”
Officials from the fisheries and livestock departments echoed the minister’s concerns, noting that skill enhancement programmes, entrepreneurship training, and cooperative development initiatives are critical to unlocking Sikkim’s full human resource potential. The minister called for concerted efforts from government agencies, educational institutions, and private stakeholders to bridge the gap between literacy and employable skills.