Rajya Sabha MP D.T. Lepcha from Sikkim called upon the Central Government to fast-track infrastructure development in the Himalayan state. As Sikkim marks 50 years of its statehood, Lepcha said this is the right time for the Centre to prioritise the state’s development, especially in view of its strategic location and ongoing infrastructure challenges.
“Sikkim is celebrating its golden jubilee, but the benefits of development have yet to fully reach our people,” Lepcha stated in the Upper House. He highlighted the state’s sensitive geographical position, sharing borders with China, Bhutan, and Nepal, which demands stronger connectivity and robust civic infrastructure for both national security and local prosperity.
The MP raised concerns over the slow progress in building essential facilities such as roads, healthcare centres, schools, communication systems, and electricity grids, particularly in remote and rural areas. “Without timely access to these basic services, the people of Sikkim are left behind,” he warned.
Lepcha aligned his appeal with the Centre’s long-term vision of a ‘Developed India by 2047’ and urged that smaller, hilly states like Sikkim be given special attention in policy planning. He referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s slogan, “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” emphasizing that inclusive growth is only possible if areas with difficult terrain and low population density are not neglected.
The MP also noted that such imbalances not only widen regional disparities but also risk weakening national security. “We must remember that regions near international borders need stronger support, both for people’s welfare and the country’s strategic interests,” he said.
Lepcha called for a balanced and region-specific development strategy, warning that sidelining Sikkim and similar regions could hinder the national goal of equitable progress. “If India is to rise as a truly developed nation by 2047, we must make sure that no state is left behind—especially those that serve as the country’s frontline,” he said.