Policy Update
Prisha Sachdeva
Background
Sikkim, India’s second-smallest state by area (7,096 sq km), is defined by its Himalayan geography, with elevations ranging from 280 metres to 8,586 metres. The state’s population stood at approximately 6.8 lakh in 2021, up from 6.1 lakh in the 2011 Census. Urbanisation has risen sharply, from 11.1% in 2001 to 25.1% in 2011, with growth concentrated around Gangtok and along main roads at higher elevations.
Between 2014 and 2019, Sikkim recorded an average annual economic growth rate of 8.3%, even as it faces increasing climate-related risks, including flooding and greater variability in precipitation patterns.
The Sikkim Budget for 2026–27, presented by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, who also holds the Finance portfolio, outlines gross expenditure of ₹19,215 crore and net expenditure of ₹18,455 crore after recoveries. Anchored in the “Viksit Sikkim @2047” vision, the Budget aims to transform Sikkim into a high-income Himalayan economy by 2047 and targets sustained annual GSDP growth of over 13%. GSDP at current prices is projected at ₹62,973 crore for 2026–27.
Finance Department
Programme: State Budget 2026-27
Launch/Implementation Year: 2026-27
Key Details: The General Budget was presented on 20 July 2026 with gross expenditure of ₹19,215 crore and net expenditure of ₹18,455 crore after recoveries. Revenue expenditure is ₹11,733 crore and capital expenditure is ₹5,896 crore, with ₹2,460 crore under Centrally Sponsored Schemes. The Budget is aligned with the Viksit Sikkim @2047 vision.
Coverage: Statewide
Latest Budget: ₹19,215 crore gross / ₹18,455 crore net
Programme: Digital Public Financial Management Reforms
Launch/Implementation Year: 2026-27
Key Details: The Budget advances e-Sanction, e-Budget, e-Payment, e-Receipt, e-Voucher and Aadhaar-based DBT systems to improve transparency, efficiency and accountability.
Coverage: Statewide
Latest Budget: Included within departmental allocations
Food Security & Agriculture Development Department
Scheme: Sikkim Organic Mission
Launch/Implementation Year: 2010
Key Details: Sikkim has certified 76,169 hectares as fully organic. The state’s organic-farming framework has banned chemical fertilisers and pesticides statewide. The 2026 Budget continues to position organic agriculture as a core economic sector.
Coverage: 66,227 farming families
Latest Budget: Mission-specific allocation not separately disclosed.
Scheme: State Interest Subvention Scheme
Launch/Implementation Year: 2026 (announced)
Key Details: Eligible farmers who repay Kisan Credit Card crop loans on time can access credit at an effective interest rate of 1%, reducing cultivation costs and improving institutional credit access.
Coverage: Eligible farmers across Sikkim
Latest Budget: Separate allocation not disclosed.
Scheme: Mero Alaichi, Mero Dhan Mission
Launch/Implementation Year: 2026 (strengthened/expanded)
Key Details: The 2026-27 Budget gives renewed emphasis to large-cardamom revitalisation through scientific research, disease-resistant varieties and farmer field laboratories.
Coverage: Large-cardamom farmers across Sikkim
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Scheme: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)
Launch/Implementation Year: 2019
Key Details: Provides direct income support to eligible landholding farmer families through bank transfers.
Coverage: Eligible farmer families
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Scheme: Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)
Launch/Implementation Year: 2014
Key Details: Supports fruits, vegetables, flowers, plantation crops, post-harvest management and related infrastructure.
Coverage: Horticulture farmers
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Scheme: National Food Security Mission (NFSM)
Launch/Implementation Year: 2007–08
Key Details: Promotes food-crop production and productivity through improved technology, demonstrations, inputs and capacity building.
Coverage: Eligible agricultural areas and farmers
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Scheme: Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER)
Launch/Implementation Year: 2015–16
Key Details: Promotes certified organic production and integrated value chains covering production, processing, branding and marketing.
Coverage: Organic farmers and value-chain actors
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Health Department
Scheme: Mukhyamantri Swasthya Seva Yojana (MMSSY) and Chief Minister’s Medicament Assistance Scheme (CMMAS)
Launch/Implementation Year: Ongoing/pre-2022
Key Details: Provide cashless or subsidised access to essential medicines and treatment for eligible beneficiaries.
Coverage: Statewide
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Scheme: Statewide HPV Screening Programme
Launch/Implementation Year: 2026 (announced)
Key Details: The Budget introduces statewide Human Papillomavirus screening for cervical-cancer prevention, targeting approximately 1.5 lakh women aged 30–65 years.
Coverage: Approximately 1.5 lakh women
Latest Budget: Separate allocation not disclosed.
Scheme: Renal Transplant Programme
Launch/Implementation Year: 2026 (announced)
Key Details: Sikkim’s first renal transplant programme is to be operationalised at STNM Hospital.
Coverage: Statewide
Latest Budget: Separate allocation not disclosed.
Scheme: Sikkim Government Medical College
Launch/Implementation Year: 2026–27
Key Details: The government medical college is to commence with an annual intake of 100 MBBS students.
Coverage: Statewide
Latest Budget: Separate allocation not disclosed.
Scheme: Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Centre
Launch/Implementation Year: 2026 (announced)
Key Details: An ART facility is proposed at STNM Hospital to expand fertility-treatment services.
Coverage: Statewide
Latest Budget: Separate allocation not disclosed.
Scheme: National Health Mission (NHM)
Launch/Implementation Year: 2013
Key Details: Strengthens primary and secondary healthcare, maternal and child health, disease-control programmes, infrastructure and human resources.
Coverage: Statewide
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Scheme: Ayushman Bharat – PM-JAY
Launch/Implementation Year: 2018
Key Details: Provides cashless hospitalisation coverage to eligible beneficiaries for secondary and tertiary care.
Coverage: Eligible beneficiaries
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Scheme: Mission Indradhanush
Launch/Implementation Year: 2014
Key Details: Improves immunisation coverage among children and pregnant women, especially where routine coverage is inadequate.
Coverage: Children and pregnant women
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
School & Higher Education Department
Scheme: National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 Implementation
Launch/Implementation Year: 2020/ongoing
Key Details: Education reforms include vocational education, inclusive education, open schooling and regulatory reforms. The 2026 Budget Session also introduced the Board of Open Schooling and Vocational Education, Sikkim Bill, 2026.
Coverage: Statewide
Latest Budget: Department-specific amount should be taken from the Demand for Grants; do not estimate it as 15% of the total Budget.
Scheme: Chief Minister’s Meritorious Scheme and Winter Crash-Course Centres
Launch/Implementation Year: Ongoing
Key Details: Provides academic support, scholarships/coaching and seasonal learning interventions. In 2026–27, 132 winter crash-course centres for Class 10 students are supported.
Coverage: Statewide
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Scheme: Samagra Shiksha
Launch/Implementation Year: 2018
Key Details: Supports school infrastructure, teacher development, inclusive education, digital learning and learning outcomes.
Coverage: Government and supported schools
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Scheme: PM POSHAN
Launch/Implementation Year: 2021
Key Details: Provides nutritional meals to eligible schoolchildren to improve nutrition, attendance and retention.
Coverage: Government and government-aided schools
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Scheme: National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS)
Launch/Implementation Year: 2008
Key Details: Provides scholarships to meritorious students from economically weaker sections to encourage continuation of secondary education.
Coverage: Eligible students
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Women, Child, Senior Citizen & Divyangjan Welfare Department
Scheme: Mission Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0
Launch/Implementation Year: Current framework 2021–22; ICDS origin 1975–76
Key Details: Sikkim’s ICDS network has expanded from one project and 150 Anganwadi centres to 13 projects and 1,308 centres.
Coverage: All districts
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Scheme: Mission Vatsalya
Launch/Implementation Year: 2022
Key Details: Strengthens child-protection systems through Child Welfare Committees, District Child Protection Units, Child Helpline services, foster care and rehabilitation.
Coverage: Children requiring care and protection
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Scheme: Mission Shakti
Launch/Implementation Year: 2022
Key Details: Consolidates interventions for women’s safety, security and empowerment, including One Stop Centres, Women Helpline 181, Shakti Sadan and the Hub for Empowerment of Women.
Coverage: Women across Sikkim
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Scheme: Aama Didi Bahini Pink Bus Service
Launch/Implementation Year: 2026 (announced/launched)
Key Details: A women-focused public transport initiative highlighted in the 2026 Budget measures.
Coverage: Women and commuters in Sikkim
Latest Budget: Separate allocation not disclosed.
Scheme: National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)
Launch/Implementation Year: 1995
Key Details: Provides social-security assistance through pensions for eligible elderly persons, widows and persons with disabilities, and the National Family Benefit Scheme.
Coverage: Eligible vulnerable households
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Rural Development Department
Scheme: Sikkim State Rural Livelihood Mission (SSRLM) and Mission Poverty Free Sikkim
Launch/Implementation Year: Ongoing
Key Details: Promotes SHGs, livelihood capabilities and financial inclusion through Bank Sakhis. As of 2026, 5,148 SHGs have been formed, of which 742 are credit-linked.
Coverage: Statewide; 5,148 SHGs
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Scheme: SHG Bharosa Sammelan
Launch/Implementation Year: 2026 (announced)
Key Details: A Budget-announced initiative to recognise and strengthen Self-Help Groups and their role in livelihood generation and community development.
Coverage: SHGs across Sikkim
Latest Budget: Separate allocation not disclosed.
Scheme: Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)
Launch/Implementation Year: 2006
Key Details: Provides a legal guarantee of wage employment while creating durable rural assets.
Coverage: Rural households
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Scheme: Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G)
Launch/Implementation Year: 2016
Key Details: Provides assistance to eligible rural households for construction of pucca houses with basic amenities.
Coverage: Eligible rural households
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Scheme: Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin (SBM-G)
Launch/Implementation Year: 2014
Key Details: Supports rural sanitation, waste management and sustaining ODF outcomes.
Coverage: Rural areas
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Scheme: Jal Jeevan Mission
Launch/Implementation Year: 2019
Key Details: Aims to provide functional household tap connections and strengthen rural drinking-water infrastructure.
Coverage: Rural households
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Scheme: Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV (PMGSY-IV)
Launch/Implementation Year: Current phase
Key Details: Supports all-weather rural road connectivity in rural habitations.
Coverage: Rural habitations across Sikkim
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Scheme: Road Upgradation through Mastic Asphalt Surfacing
Launch/Implementation Year: 2026 (announced)
Key Details: The Budget provides for upgrading approximately 570 km of roads using Mastic Asphalt Surfacing.
Coverage: Road network across Sikkim
Latest Budget: ₹546 crore
Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Department
Scheme: Sikkim INSPIRES
Launch/Implementation Year: Ongoing; World Bank-supported
Key Details: Supports skilling, entrepreneurship, employment, economic inclusion and livelihood development. The 2026 Budget states that more than 3 lakh women and youth are expected to benefit, with training linked to tourism, adventure sports and emerging creative industries, overseas employment opportunities for nursing professionals, and expanded mental-health and suicide-prevention initiatives.
Coverage: More than 3 lakh women and youth
Latest Budget: ₹2,044.77 crore total project outlay, as stated in the existing document.
Scheme: Skill Development Programme under Sikkim INSPIRES
Launch/Implementation Year: Ongoing
Key Details: Strengthens employment-oriented skills and livelihood opportunities, especially for women and youth.
Coverage: Youth and women
Latest Budget: Included under Sikkim INSPIRES.
Scheme: Entrepreneurship Development under Sikkim INSPIRES
Launch/Implementation Year: Ongoing
Key Details: Supports enterprise development, business skills and livelihood promotion.
Coverage: Statewide
Latest Budget: Included under Sikkim INSPIRES.
Commerce & Industries Department
Scheme: Sikkim State MSME Policy 2024–2034
Launch/Implementation Year: 2024
Key Details: Provides a long-term framework for MSME investment, incentives, entrepreneurship and industrial development. The existing document notes capital investment incentives under UNNATI, state subsidy support, CGTMSE and PMEGP support.
Coverage: Statewide MSMEs
Latest Budget: ₹10,037 crore over 2024–2034, as stated in the existing document.
Scheme: Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)
Launch/Implementation Year: 2008
Key Details: Provides credit-linked margin-money subsidy for establishment of micro-enterprises.
Coverage: Eligible entrepreneurs
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Scheme: Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP)
Launch/Implementation Year: 2022
Key Details: Improves MSME access to markets, finance, technology and institutional support.
Coverage: MSMEs
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Scheme: PM Vishwakarma
Launch/Implementation Year: 2023
Key Details: Supports traditional artisans through recognition, skill training, toolkit incentives, concessional credit, digital incentives and marketing.
Coverage: Eligible artisans
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Scheme: Skilled Youth Startup Scheme
Launch/Implementation Year: Ongoing
Key Details: Supports skilled young people establishing enterprises and pursuing self-employment.
Coverage: Skilled youth
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Urban Development Department
Scheme: Sikkim Integrated Urban Development Project
Launch/Implementation Year: Ongoing; ADB-supported
Key Details: Focuses on water supply, sewerage, citizen-centric e-governance, urban gender planning and climate-resilient infrastructure. The 2026 Budget also highlights satellite townships around Gangtok and revitalisation of the capital’s historic core.
Coverage: Gangtok and other urban centres
Latest Budget: Primarily externally aided; separate 2026–27 state allocation not disclosed.
Scheme: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Urban (PMAY-U)
Launch/Implementation Year: 2015
Key Details: Supports affordable housing for eligible urban households.
Coverage: Eligible urban households
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Scheme: AMRUT / Urban Water & Infrastructure Development
Launch/Implementation Year: 2015
Key Details: Supports urban water supply, sewerage, drainage and related infrastructure.
Coverage: Eligible urban centres
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Tourism Department
Scheme: Buddhist Circuit Development
Launch/Implementation Year: Ongoing
Key Details: Develops faith and cultural tourism infrastructure at important monasteries and heritage sites.
Coverage: Buddhist Circuit nodes
Latest Budget: ₹225 crore, as stated in the existing document.
Scheme: Swadesh Darshan
Launch/Implementation Year: 2014
Key Details: Supports destination-based tourism infrastructure, including major visitor and adventure-tourism facilities.
Coverage: Identified destinations
Latest Budget: ₹193 crore, as stated in the existing document.
Scheme: PRASAD
Launch/Implementation Year: 2014
Key Details: Supports pilgrimage and spiritual tourism infrastructure.
Coverage: Identified pilgrimage destinations
Latest Budget: ₹33 crore, as stated in the existing document.
Scheme: Sustainable Tourism Development Initiatives
Launch/Implementation Year: Ongoing
Key Details: Focus on destination development, adventure tourism, eco-tourism and preservation of cultural and ecological assets.
Coverage: Major tourism destinations
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Scheme: Rural Tourism Development
Launch/Implementation Year: Ongoing
Key Details: Promotes village-based tourism, local livelihoods, cultural experiences and community participation.
Coverage: Rural tourism destinations
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Forest, Environment & Wildlife Department
Scheme: Green Skill Development Programme
Launch/Implementation Year: Ongoing
Key Details: Provides conservation- and environment-focused skills training aligned with sustainable livelihoods.
Coverage: Statewide
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Scheme: Mero Rukh Mero Santati (MRMS)
Launch/Implementation Year: 2023
Key Details: Links the birth of a child with plantation of trees to strengthen community participation in afforestation and climate action.
Coverage: Families and communities
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Scheme: Mero Bato Mero Bot
Launch/Implementation Year: Ongoing
Key Details: Promotes plantation and greening along roads and public spaces.
Coverage: Roads and public spaces
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Scheme: Nagar Van
Launch/Implementation Year: Ongoing
Key Details: Promotes urban forests and green spaces.
Coverage: Urban areas
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Scheme: Green India Mission
Launch/Implementation Year: 2014
Key Details: Supports afforestation, restoration of degraded landscapes and ecosystem resilience.
Coverage: Forest and landscape areas
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Scheme: Integrated Waste Management Facility, Martam
Launch/Implementation Year: 2026 (ongoing transformation)
Key Details: The Budget highlights transformation of the Martam landfill into a modern Integrated Waste Management Facility through biomining and scientific waste-processing technologies.
Coverage: Urban/statewide waste-management system
Latest Budget: Separate allocation not disclosed.
Energy & Power Department
Scheme: Sikkim Power Sector Development Project
Launch/Implementation Year: Ongoing
Key Details: Supports grid modernisation, climate resilience and reliable electricity supply. The 2026 Budget notes that more than 92,000 smart meters have been installed across the state.
Coverage: Statewide
Latest Budget: Separate allocation not disclosed.
Scheme: Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS)
Launch/Implementation Year: 2021
Key Details: Supports modernisation of electricity distribution and improved reliability and efficiency.
Coverage: Statewide
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Scheme: Sikkim Renewable Energy Development Agency (SREDA) Initiatives
Launch/Implementation Year: Ongoing
Key Details: Promotes renewable energy, including solarisation of public facilities and health sub-centres.
Coverage: Statewide
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services Department
Scheme: Border Area Development Programme (BADP)
Launch/Implementation Year: Ongoing
Key Details: Supports livestock development and livelihoods in remote border areas through hay storage, livestock conservation and farm strengthening.
Coverage: Border and high-altitude areas
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Scheme: Dairy Development Programme
Launch/Implementation Year: Ongoing
Key Details: Supports dairy production, livestock productivity and dairy-based rural livelihoods.
Coverage: Rural livestock farmers
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Co-operation Department
Scheme: National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) Assistance
Launch/Implementation Year: Ongoing
Key Details: Provides financial and institutional support for agricultural marketing, processing, storage, dairy, livestock and other cooperative activities.
Coverage: Cooperative societies
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Scheme: Computerisation of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS)
Launch/Implementation Year: Ongoing
Key Details: Supports digitisation and modernisation of PACS to improve transparency, accounting and cooperative financial services.
Coverage: Eligible PACS
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Cultural Department
Programme: Cultural Heritage Preservation & Promotion
Launch/Implementation Year: Ongoing
Key Details: Supports preservation and promotion of traditional practices, heritage, performing arts, music, dance, languages and community traditions. The 2026 Budget reiterates support for the Sikkim Art, Culture and Heritage Development Board, Sikkim Akademi and Namgyal Institute of Tibetology.
Coverage: Statewide
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Programme: Cultural Events & Heritage Promotion
Launch/Implementation Year: Ongoing
Key Details: Supports cultural events, exhibitions and heritage activities involving local artists and communities.
Coverage: Statewide
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Programme: Lepcha Ru-Soam Cane Bridge Preservation
Launch/Implementation Year: 2026 (ongoing initiative)
Key Details: Continued preservation of the traditional Lepcha Ru-Soam cane bridge and efforts toward recognition as intangible cultural heritage.
Coverage: Lepcha cultural heritage sites
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Ecclesiastical Affairs Department
Scheme: Grants-in-Aid to Monastic Schools & Sanskrit Patshalas
Launch/Implementation Year: Ongoing
Key Details: Provides assistance for stationery, textbooks, uniforms, teacher-related support, infrastructure and meals.
Coverage: Monastic schools and Sanskrit Patshalas
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Programme: Assistance to Religious Institutions
Launch/Implementation Year: Ongoing
Key Details: Supports maintenance, repair and reconstruction of recognised religious institutions.
Coverage: Religious institutions
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Excise Department
Programme: e-Abkari Project
Launch/Implementation Year: 2021
Key Details: Digitises excise administration, monitoring, revenue collection and regulatory workflows.
Coverage: Statewide
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Programme: NDPS Enforcement
Launch/Implementation Year: Ongoing
Key Details: Supports enforcement under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances framework through inter-agency coordination.
Coverage: Statewide
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Home Department
Programme: Relief & Rehabilitation
Launch/Implementation Year: Ongoing
Key Details: Coordinates relief and rehabilitation-related government interventions and assistance.
Coverage: Statewide
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Programme: Ex-Servicemen Welfare
Launch/Implementation Year: Ongoing
Key Details: Through the Rajya Sainik Board, supports ex-servicemen, war widows and eligible dependant
Coverage: Eligible beneficiaries
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Housing & Development Board
Programme: Housing & Site Allotment
Launch/Implementation Year: Ongoing
Key Details: Undertakes housing-related development and allotment of residential sites and facilities to eligible applicants.
Coverage: Urban and designated development areas
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Programme: Housing Development & Infrastructure
Launch/Implementation Year: Ongoing
Key Details: Supports planned housing development and associated infrastructure.
Coverage: Urban areas
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Information Technology Department
Policy: Information Technology, Electronics & Telecommunication Policy for the State of Sikkim
Launch/Implementation Year: 2021
Key Details: Provides the policy framework for IT, electronics, telecommunications, digital services and technology-enabled governance.
Coverage: Statewide
Latest Budget: Policy-specific allocation not separately disclosed.
Policy: Sikkim Artificial Intelligence Policy
Launch/Implementation Year: 2026 – proposed/development stage
Key Details: The government has initiated development of an AI policy to guide responsible adoption of artificial intelligence, technology-enabled governance and innovation.
Coverage: Statewide
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Scheme: Digital Governance Reforms
Launch/Implementation Year: 2026–27
Key Details: Expands digital public-service and financial-management systems, including e-Sanction, e-Budget, e-Payment, e-Receipt, e-Voucher and Aadhaar-based DBT.
Coverage: Statewide
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Information & Public Relations Department
Scheme: Positive Journalism Grant
Launch/Implementation Year: 2005–06
Key Details: Provides recognition and financial support for constructive journalism and public information.
Coverage: Journalists in Sikkim
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Programme: Media Support & Government Information Dissemination
Launch/Implementation Year: Ongoing
Key Details: Supports dissemination of government policies, programmes and achievements through press releases, publications, advertising, exhibitions and media support.
Coverage: Media organisations and citizens statewide
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Labour Department
Scheme: Building & Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Welfare Scheme
Launch/Implementation Year: 2010
Key Details: Provides welfare assistance to eligible registered construction workers, including maternity, marriage, medical, funeral, disability, education and pension-related benefits.
Coverage: Registered construction workers
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Programme: Labour Welfare & Worker Protection
Launch/Implementation Year: Ongoing
Key Details: Covers implementation of labour laws relating to wages, working conditions, occupational safety, child labour, migrant workers and social security.
Coverage: Workers and establishments
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Land Revenue & Disaster Management Department
Scheme: Land Bank Scheme
Launch/Implementation Year: Ongoing
Key Details: Maintains and develops land banks for allocation to eligible residents and government development requirements.
Coverage: Eligible residents and government development requirements
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Programme: Disaster Management, Relief & Restoration
Launch/Implementation Year: Ongoing
Key Details: Covers disaster preparedness, mitigation, emergency response, relief, rehabilitation and restoration, especially in view of earthquake, landslide and flood vulnerability.
Coverage: Statewide
Latest Budget: Not separately disclosed.
Conclusion
The Sikkim Budget 2026–27 reflects a development strategy centred on the state’s organic-farming identity, climate vulnerability and Himalayan-terrain infrastructure needs. With gross expenditure of ₹19,215 crore under the Viksit Sikkim @2047 vision, the Budget places emphasis on health-system expansion, education reform, MSME-led industrialisation, sustainable tourism, rural livelihoods, digital governance and continued investment in organic agriculture. The 2026 announcements also introduce or strengthen initiatives in cervical-cancer screening, renal transplantation, medical education, fertility treatment, farmer credit, road upgradation, waste management, smart metering and women- and youth-focused economic inclusion. At the same time, many departments do not publicly disclose scheme-specific budget amounts, so this document distinguishes between overall Budget figures, externally financed project values and allocations that are not separately disclosed.
References
- Finance Department, Government of Sikkim https://www.sikkim.gov.in/departments/finance-revenue-expenditure-department
- Sikkim Finance Department, Budget 2026–27 http://www.sikkimfred.gov.in/Budget_2026-27/Documents/Budget%20Circular%2026-27.pdf
- Chief Minister’s Budget Speech, 2026–27 https://www.sikkimfred.gov.in/Budget_2026-27/Documents/CM%20Speech%20English%202026.pdf
- Food Security & Agriculture Development Department, Government of Sikkim https://www.sikkim.gov.in/departments/food-security-and-agriculture-development-department
- Sikkim Agriculture Department https://agri.sikkim.gov.in/
- Women & Child Development Department, Government of Sikkim https://sikkim.gov.in/department/departmentsubmenudetails?url=Menu%3Dwomen-child-development/Division+and+Cell/icds-division
- Sikkim State MSME Policy 2024–2034, Commerce & Industries Department https://industries.sikkim.gov.in
- Sikkim Integrated Urban Development Project, Asian Development Bank https://www.adb.org/projects/57230-001/main
- PMGSY-IV Road Sanctions, News on AIR https://www.newsonair.gov.in/govt-sanctions-over-10000-km-of-road-projects-for-jk-chhattisgarh-uttarakhand-rajasthan-himachal-pradesh-and-sikkim/
Contributor
Prisha Sachdeva is a Research & Editorial Intern at IMPRI. She is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Psychology (Honours) from the University of Delhi. Her interests include cognitive science and human behaviour, with a focus on evidence-based policy and behavioural research.
Acknowledgement
The author sincerely expresses gratitude to the reviewers and the editorial team for their valuable comments, constructive suggestions and continuous guidance throughout the preparation of this article. Their insightful feedback significantly enhanced the clarity, organisation and analytical quality of the manuscript. The author also acknowledges the support and encouragement received during the research and writing process, which contributed to the successful completion of this work.
Reviewers: – Vibha Sethi and Pritha Chowdhary
Publisher: Neha Kumari
Disclaimer
All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.
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