Gangtok, Sikkim: Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang launched the Public Purse magazine at the Kuzu Cultural Festival’s curtain-raiser event, marking a rare fusion of financial transparency and cultural pride. The magazine, unveiled in the presence of Madam Krishna Rai and key stakeholders, outlines the state’s ambitious vision for a “Sunaulo, Samriddha ani Samarth Sikkim“ (Golden, Prosperous, and Capable Sikkim).
A Cultural Stage for Financial Accountability
The Kuzu Cultural Festival, known for celebrating Sikkim’s indigenous heritage, became an unlikely backdrop for a governance milestone. CM Tamang described the Public Purse as a “bridge between the people and their government,“ offering citizens a clear breakdown of state finances, policy reforms, and welfare initiatives.
The timing aligns with Sikkim’s ₹16,196 crore budget for 2025–26, prioritising infrastructure, youth employment, and climate resilience. “This isn’t just a magazine; it’s a commitment to accountability,“ Tamang said, noting that 63% of the budget is allocated to public welfare schemes.
Inside the Magazine: Governance, Welfare, and Culture
The Public Purse features three core sections, each reflecting Sikkim’s multi-pronged development strategy:
- Governance Reforms
- Details fiscal policies, including a push to reduce wasteful spending.
- Highlights IT infrastructure projects, such as fibre optic expansion in Soreng and Pakyong.
- References the newly formed Climate Change Impact and Mitigation Commission to address rising environmental risks.
- Social Welfare & Equity
- Spotlights the CM Scholarship 2025, benefiting 12,000 economically disadvantaged students.
- Outlines upgrades to 47 model schools under the National Education Policy framework.
- Cultural Policy as an Economic Driver
- Explores how traditions, like those celebrated at Kuzu, can boost tourism and local entrepreneurship.
Funding the Vision: Budget Breakdown and Challenges
Sikkim’s 2025–26 budget reveals a delicate balancing act:
- Revenue Expenditure: ₹11,028 crore (salaries, pensions, and subsidies).
- Capital Expenditure: ₹5,168 crore (roads, schools, and water supply projects).
- Fiscal Deficit: 4.5% of GSDP, partly offset by ₹2,600 crore in central grants.
Key revenue sources include ₹2,076 crore from state taxes and ₹1,007 crore from non-tax streams like hydropower. However, challenges persist:
- Debt Burden: The state will borrow ₹2,651 crore this fiscal year.
- Climate Vulnerabilities: According to state disaster reports, flash floods and landslides cost Sikkim ₹150 crore annually in damages.
Voices from the Ground: Stakeholders React
Public servants featured in the magazine praised its transparency. “Farmers can now see exactly how funds reach agricultural schemes,“ said one contributor.
Critics, however, question the SKM government’s reliance on central funds. Opposition leaders argue that long-term sustainability requires stronger local revenue generation.
Can Sikkim’s Model Inspire Other States?
With a population of just 700,000, Sikkim’s small size allows for agile policymaking. Experts suggest its blend of cultural pride and fiscal openness could be a template for other Northeastern states.
Conclusion: An Experiment Worth Watching
The Public Purse magazine is more than a financial report—it tests whether transparency can fuel trust and progress. As Sikkim navigates economic and environmental hurdles, its experiment may offer lessons for all of India.
Key Data Sources:
- Sikkim Budget 2025–26 documents.
- PRS India’s 2023–24 state finances report.
- Interviews with Sikkim government officials.
For Further Reading:
- Visit [Sikkim Government Portal] for the Public Purse e-magazine.
- Check [CM Scholarship 2025] eligibility at sikim.gov.in.
