Rajya Sabha MP D.T. Lepcha has issued a fervent appeal to the Central Government, calling for urgent and accelerated infrastructure development in Sikkim. Speaking during a recent Parliament session, Lepcha underscored the critical need for immediate action given the Himalayan state’s unique strategic location and challenging terrain. He cautioned against the widening developmental gap between remote Himalayan regions and the more developed parts of the country.
“I am pleased to inform you that Sikkim is celebrating the golden jubilee of its statehood. At this historic juncture, I wish to draw the government’s attention towards the need for accelerated infrastructure development in our state,” Lepcha stated, drawing specific attention to Sikkim’s shared international borders with China, Bhutan, and Nepal.
The Member of Parliament expressed deep concern over the sluggish pace of progress in providing basic amenities. He highlighted that the absence of dependable road networks, inadequate healthcare and educational facilities, limited communication access, and unreliable power supply in rural areas were not only stifling the region’s economic potential but also presenting potential risks to national security. “In a limited time, we are unable to access all essential facilities,” he conveyed to the House, illustrating the daily struggles faced by the populace.
Lepcha seamlessly integrated his plea with the government’s ambitious vision for a developed India by 2047, invoking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guiding principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.” He asserted that for India to achieve truly inclusive national growth, states with smaller populations and more intricate geographical characteristics, such as Sikkim, must be extended targeted and substantial support.
Advocating for a balanced developmental approach, he emphasised that regions like Sikkim should not be overlooked in long-term national planning. “Only through equal and inclusive growth can we collectively realise the dream of a developed India by 2047,” Lepcha affirmed, reiterating his call for equitable progress across the nation.
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