“Highest per capita income but also higher capita debt is a deeply troubling undercurrent”
GANGTOK: “Sikkim stands today at a critical juncture in its fiscal journey. While official data shows an impressive per capita income of Rs 7,07,181 for 2023–24, among the highest in the country, there is a deeply troubling undercurrent – our people are also burdened with the highest per capita debt in the country,” said veteran politician Tseten Tashi Bhutia in a press statement on Monday.
Bhutia is also the Sikkim BJP’s chief advisor.
He stated that according to the 2024–25 budget, GSDP is projected at Rs 52,555 crore (an 11% rise) while the State debt has increased by 83% in five years, now at Rs 22,380.62 crore — 42.6% of GSDP, and the fiscal deficit is estimated at Rs 2,840 crore (5.4% of GSDP).
This contradiction raises hard questions – Where is the money going? Why does prosperity on paper not translate to security for ordinary citizens?, asked Bhutia.
The veteran politician expressed that key concerns include:
- Vote-Bank Freebies: Rampant distribution of freebies for electoral gains drains state resources and diverts funds away from vital sectors like education, health, and infrastructure.
- Lottery Business Dependency: Sikkim’s revenue streams include significant contributions from the lottery business, a volatile and unsustainable source that raises moral and governance concerns. Heavy dependence on such sectors may inflate GSDP figures but does not provide stable, long-term financial strength for the state.
- Misallocation of Resources: High GSDP driven by pharmaceuticals, hydropower, and lotteries often fails to generate corresponding employment or stable state revenue. For example – The pharma sector’s employment contribution is negligible, Hydropower’s actual revenue share to the state is just 12%, and Agriculture is in decline due to farm labour shortages.
- Debt-Fuelled Populism: Higher GSDP allows for more borrowing, but the funds are often used for short-term political schemes rather than long-term productive investments — creating a dangerous debt spiral.
“The people of Sikkim deserve clarity. As a responsible citizen, I demand that the State Government release a comprehensive “White Paper “ on the Fiscal Condition of Sikkim,” demanded Bhutia.
He said the white paper should:
Disclose the full debt profile and borrowing plans.
Provide details on lottery revenues and their social impact.
Audit the effectiveness of subsidies, freebies, and welfare schemes.
Assess revenue contributions from pharma, hydropower, tourism, lottery and agriculture.
Outline concrete steps to curb wasteful expenditure, corruption, and leakages.
“It is high time we move beyond misleading statistics. Sikkim’s high per capita income must translate into genuine prosperity for every citizen, not hidden liabilities. Without prudent financial management, our beautiful state risks sinking under unsustainable debt. We appeal to every stakeholder; policymakers, opposition parties, civil society, and vigilant citizens to come together and demand accountability and course correction. Let us ensure Sikkim’s fiscal future is not mortgaged by corruption and short-sighted politics,” said Bhutia.
- SA Report
[12:24 pm, 30/6/2025] BIJAY DA SIKKIM EXPRESS: use file photo of Tseten Tashi la
[5:59 pm, 30/6/2025] BIJAY DA SIKKIM EXPRESS: Rajya Puruskar Award Ceremony Honours Young Scouts and Guides at Raj Bhavan
GANGTOK: The Rajya Puruskar Award Ceremony was held today at Raj Bhavan, Gangtok, celebrating the achievements of outstanding Scouts and Guides from across Sikkim. The Governor of Sikkim, Om Prakash Mathur, attended the event as the Chief Guest and presented the prestigious awards.
According to a press release issued by Raj Bhavan, the ceremony recognized 20 Guides and 4 Scouts for their exemplary commitment and service under the Bharat Scouts and Guides program. In addition, Mukund Dhungyel was awarded a certificate for successfully completing the Leaders Trainers Course, the highest level of training in the Scouts and Guides movement.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Mathur congratulated the awardees and expressed pride in their dedication to national values and community service. He highlighted the role of the Bharat Scouts and Guides in instilling discipline, patriotism, and social responsibility among the youth.
“Events like these encourage our children to become valuable assets to the nation and contributors to the global human community,” the Governor said, urging students to set their sights on the President’s Award—the highest honour in the movement.
He also acknowledged the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a “Viksit Bharat @2047”, emphasizing that the nation’s youth are central to achieving this goal. He described the Scouts and Guides as active participants in this national vision.
The program began with a welcome address by Elizabeth Shyangbo, followed by cultural performances by students of St. Joseph Convent, Martam, and Sungdunglakaha School. A patriotic song titled ‘Neel Gagan Mein Ek Chand Hai’ was also performed.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Meena Bhutia, State Commissioner (Guides), the Raj Bhavan press note informs.
- SA Report
