14/10/2025
MP Indra Hang S***a calls on Hon’ble Vice President, highlights key concerns of Sikkim
New Delhi, October 14, 2025: Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Sikkim, Shri Indra Hang S***a, called on the Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, in New Delhi today to extend heartfelt congratulations on his election as the Vice President of India and to submit a detailed memorandum outlining several key issues concerning the State of Sikkim.
At the outset, Shri S***a conveyed greetings on behalf of the people of Sikkim and the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), and expressed confidence that under the Hon’ble Vice President’s esteemed leadership, the nation will continue to uphold the values of democracy, harmony, and inclusive growth.
The memorandum presented by Shri S***a highlighted eight priority issues of Sikkim that require national attention and intervention from the Union Government.
It was underscored that the Government of Sikkim, under the leadership of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), has made sustained efforts and engaged consistently with the Union Government to address these long-pending concerns. A favourable consideration and intervention by the Hon’ble Vice President would be instrumental in ensuring that these issues are resolved conclusively.
The priority issues submitted by the Hon’ble Lok Sabha MP were:
1. Inclusion of 12 Left-out Communities of Sikkim in the Scheduled Tribes List – It is a long-pending demand of the people and the Government of Sikkim aimed at ensuring social justice and equitable representation.
2. Reservation of Assembly Seats for Limboo and Tamang Communities – Despite recognition as Scheduled Tribes in 2003, the constitutional provision for their reserved seats in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly remains unimplemented for more than two decades.
3. Facilitation of His Holiness the 17th Karmapa’s Visit to Sikkim – A long-cherished aspiration of the people, holding immense cultural and spiritual significance.
4. National Highway-10 Connectivity Issues – Urgent need for stabilization and strengthening of Sikkim’s primary lifeline, which faces frequent disruptions due to landslides and erosion. The repeated highway disruptions have adversely impacted Sikkim’s development and tourism sector.
5. Railway Connectivity and Expansion – Completion of the Sevoke–Rangpo railway line is at the verge of realization, while the proposed Melli–Dentam line, once sanctioned, would enhance Indo–Nepal border connectivity and promote border trade and tourism through West Sikkim.
6. Restoration of the North Sikkim Highway (Lachen–Lachung Axis) – Essential for restoring civilian and defence connectivity following severe damage from the 2023 Teesta flash flood.
7. West Sikkim Connectivity and Indo–Nepal Border Development at Chiwabhanjyang – Proposed development of a multimodal trade and cultural corridor at Chiwabhanjyang in West Sikkim border to strengthen Indo–Nepal friendship and regional cooperation.
8. Operationalization of Pakyong Airport – The state’s only air link has remained non-functional since mid-2024; urgent intervention is sought for its resumption and sustainable operation.
During the meaningful talks with the Hon’ble Vice President, Shri S***a emphasized that these issues are vital for ensuring balanced regional development, strengthening connectivity, and deepening Sikkim’s integration with the national mainstream as Sikkim celebrates its 50 glorious years of being a proud State of the Indian Union. The Hon'ble Vice President responded positively to the demands made, and assured all possible support from his office.
Issued by:
Office of Shri Indra Hang S***a
Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha)
Sikkim
