Jyotiraditya Scindia begins 3-day Sikkim visit focused on infrastructure, tourism

Gangtok, May 14 Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia will undertake a three-day official visit to Sikkim from May 14 to 16 to participate in the Statehood Day celebrations and review a series of developmental initiatives and infrastructure projects across the Himalayan state, officials said on Thursday.

According to officials, the Minister has decided to keep the accompanying convoy strength, number of vehicles and officials to the minimum required during the tour, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on fuel saving measures and minimising unnecessary expenses, efficiency and responsible public expenditure in view of the prevailing global scenario.

Scindia, who holds the Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) portfolios, will join Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan during the Statehood Day celebrations in Gangtok.

During the programme, the Vice President will lay foundation stones and inaugurate several projects supported by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, including the flagship USP Organic Farming Project of Sikkim, officials said.

The Union Minister is also scheduled to participate in a series of developmental, tourism, educational and agricultural engagements across Namchi, Ravangla, Yangang and Gangtok during the visit.

His itinerary includes visits to Sikkim State University, Temi Tea Garden, Buddha Park and the Bhaleydunga Skywalk Project, which has emerged as a major tourism infrastructure initiative in the state.

Scindia will also review the NESIDS-OTRI Project at Nathu La as part of the Centre’s continued focus on improving infrastructure, connectivity and economic opportunities in the Northeast region.

Officials said the visit reflects the Centre’s continued emphasis on tourism promotion, educational development, sustainable agriculture and infrastructure expansion in Sikkim and other northeastern states.

Ahead of the Statehood Day programme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recently visited Sikkim and laid the foundation stones for multiple development projects worth around Rs 4,000 crore in the state, asserting that the Northeast region is India’s “Ashtalakshmi” and that Sikkim is an important part of it.

Addressing a public gathering at Paljor Stadium, the Prime Minister said the Centre has attached special importance to the development of the Northeast over the past several years and has moved beyond the “Act East” policy to an “Act Fast” approach.

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