02/02/2025
Press Note
Under the guidance and direction of the Hon'ble Party President cm Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) Spokespersons Shri Bikash Basnet and Shri Yougan Tamang participated in a significant meeting of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) political parties with Hon’ble Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman at the Lok Sabha Secretariat, Parliament House Annexe in New Delhi today. The meeting focused on key aspects of the newly presented Union Budget 2025-26, which aims to drive inclusive growth and economic empowerment across the nation. The meeting was convened shortly after the Union Finance Minister delivered her budget speech in the Parliament.
The meeting was chaired by Hon’ble Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman and was attended by Hon’ble Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal, Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India Shri V. Anantha Nageswaran, and Shri Anil Baluni (MP), National Incharge of the BJP Media Cell. Spokespersons from various National Democratic Alliance (NDA) political parties across the country also participated in the deliberations.
A key theme of the meeting was the Union Finance Minister’s emphasis on the vision of Viksh*t Bharat (Developed India) by 2047, as envisioned by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Hon’ble Union Finance Minister Smt. Sitharaman urged NDA spokespersons to effectively communicate the budget’s inclusive initiatives, which focus on the holistic development of all sections of society to citizens across the nation.
During the discussion, Shri Bikash Basnet, Political Secretary (Press & Publicity Affairs) to the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Sikkim and SKM Spokesperson, raised an important query regarding a new budget scheme designed to support 5 lakh women, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes, particularly first-time entrepreneurs. He asked how this initiative could empower tribal women in Sikkim. Hon’ble Union Finance Minister Smt. Sitharaman responded positively, explaining that the scheme would provide significant support to women in northeastern states like Sikkim. By fostering entrepreneurship in border regions, this initiative is expected to uplift entire communities, create sustainable livelihoods, and contribute to overall development. The scheme, she noted, holds transformative potential for tribal women in Sikkim.
Similarly, Shri Yougan Tamang, Press Secretary to the Chief Minister of Sikkim and SKM Spokesperson, highlighted the importance of Alternative Investment Funds (AIF) for startups and entrepreneurship, a key element of the 2025-26 Budget. He inquired about its implications for Sikkim's entrepreneurial ecosystem. In response, Hon’ble Union Finance Minister Smt. Sitharaman elaborated on the introduction of a new Fund of Funds for startups with a contribution of ₹10,000 crore to be set up, aimed at supporting and scaling up startups. She emphasized that this initiative would foster innovation, enhance skill development, and provide crucial backing to young entrepreneurs, across the nation particularly in regions like Sikkim.
The meeting also saw several valuable contributions from spokespersons of other NDA allied parties, who brought forward region-specific perspectives and suggestions.
As the discussions concluded, there was a clear consensus that the Union Budget 2025-26 is a significant step towards a Viksh*t Bharat, focusing on GYAN (Garib, Youth, Annadata, and Nari), a framework aimed at empowering marginalized communities, fostering youth development, and creating abundant employment opportunities. It promises significant progress in gender empowerment, economic development, and entrepreneurship, benefiting every Indian citizen.
Shri Bikash Basnet and Shri Yougan Tamang expressed their gratitude to Hon’ble Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman on behalf of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), the Government of Sikkim, and the people of the state. They thanked her for presenting a comprehensive and forward-looking budget and for including Sikkim in the crucial discussions. The recognition of Sikkim in such dialogues, they noted, reflects the central government’s commitment to the holistic development of smaller states like Sikkim.