For over 30 years, Sikkim fought an uphill battle to establish its first central university. This delay exposes more profound systemic neglect of India’s Northeast. While the region is celebrated for its natural beauty and cultural richness, its developmental challenges often go unnoticed. Member of Parliament Indra Hang Subba’s recent remarks at the India Today State of the States Conclave laid bare this disparity: “We had to fight for more than 30 years just for one central university. That shows how overlooked we have been.”.
This isn’t just about education. It’s about infrastructure gaps, climate vulnerabilities, and a youth population struggling to find opportunities without migrating. Yet, amid these hurdles, Sikkim is scripting a quiet revolution through skill development programs, sustainable tourism, and policy shifts in the 2025 Union Budget. Here’s the whole story.
A Three-Decade Struggle for Education Equity
Sikkim became India’s 22nd state in 1975, but its integration into national educational frameworks moved slowly. Unlike other states that secured central institutions early, Sikkim’s geographical isolation and political marginalization left it behind.
- Key Obstacles:
- Connectivity: Poor road and rail links deterred investment in higher education infrastructure.
- Policy Neglect: Central funding prioritized larger states, leaving Sikkim to rely on state-run colleges until 2023.
- Brain Drain: Without quality institutions, students migrated to West Bengal or Karnataka, draining local talent.
The university’s eventual establishment marks progress, but MP Subba argues it’s not enough: “We need more institutions to stop our youth from leaving.”.
Northeast India’s Systemic Neglect
Sikkim’s struggle mirrors broader issues in the Northeast:
- Economic Disparities: Despite rich resources, the region contributes just 2.8% to India’s GDP.
- Skill Gaps: Only 13% of India’s workforce is formally skilled, with Northeastern states lagging further.
- Climate Vulnerabilities: Recurring floods and landslides disrupt education and livelihoods, yet disaster response remains underfunded.
Rajya Sabha MP DT Lepcha notes, “The government is doing its part, but youth must explore beyond government jobs.” Initiatives like Sikkim’s INSPIRES Program (upskilling 300,500 women and youth) aim to bridge this gap.
Youth Empowerment: Challenges and Innovations
Sikkim’s youth face a paradox: high literacy (98%) but limited local opportunities.
- Employment Trends:
- 70% of youth seek white-collar jobs, but only 12% of Sikkim’s GDP comes from organized sectors.
- Solutions in Motion:
- Hospitality Training Institutes: Preparing youth for tourism jobs, a sector growing at 15% annually.
- Digital Push: The 2025 Budget’s focus on e-learning aims to reach remote students.
“We must create leaders who outdo us,” Subba asserts, a vision taking shape through programs like Mero Rookh Mero Santati, which won the SKOCH Award for community-led environmentalism.
Policy Shifts: Budget 2025 and Beyond
The Union Budget 2025 signals change with targeted investments:
- Infrastructure: ₹5,168 crore for roads/railways, including the Sevoke-Rangpo rail line.
- Renewable Energy: Incentives for hydropower to reduce dependency on imports.
- Tourism: Eco-tourism projects to generate 5,000+ jobs by 2026.
Yet, implementation is key. “Funds alone won’t fix decades of neglect,” warns MP Subba, urging faster execution.
Conclusion: A Test Case for Inclusive Development
Sikkim’s central university is a milestone, but progress requires sustained attention. The state’s low crime rate, eco-friendly policies, and skilled workforce offer a blueprint for Northeastern development—if Delhi listens.
As Subba puts it: “We’re not just a scenic postcard. We’re a demand for equity.”.
