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Sikkim Human Development Index

Sikkim Human Development Index

The practice of human development calls for a three-pronged strategy:

Expand opportunities in Sikkim

In the human development framework, an equitable expansion of opportunities economic, social, political and cultural is regarded as being essential for ending human poverty.
A focus on expanding opportunities for people can ensure that progress can combine growth with inclusion, and social justice with equity.
Human poverty can be fundamentally traced to inadequacies and inequalities in the distribution of opportunities, between women and men, across regions, between rural and urban areas, and within communities.

Enhance security in Sikkim

Human security is more than the absence of violent conflict. For most people, a feeling of insecurity arises from worries about everyday life.
For them, security symbolizes protection from the threat of disease, hunger, unemployment, crime, social conflict, political repression and environmental hazards.
Human security complements human development by addressing ‘downside risks’ that threaten survival, healthy life, livelihoods and the dignity of human beings.
Promoting human security calls for (i) protection against downside risks—shielding people from acute threats and (ii) empowerment of people to take charge of their own lives.

Promote sustainability in Sikkim

Sustainability is a matter of distributional equity—of sharing development opportunities between present and future generations.
The strongest argument for protecting the environment today is the ethical need to guarantee to future generations opportunities similar to the ones previous generations have enjoyed.
This demands guaranteeing both intra-generational and inter-generational equity.
The purpose of sustainable development, therefore, is to create an environment in which all people can expand their capabilities, and opportunities can be enlarged for both present and future generations

Human Development Aspects in Sikkim

Human development in Sikkim is a process of enlarging people’s choices. But human development is also the objective, so it is both a process and an outcome.
Human development implies that people must influence the processes that shape their lives. In all this, economic growth is an important means to human development, but not the end.
Human development is the development of the people through building human capabilities, by the people through active participation in the processes that shape their lives and for the people by improving their lives.
It is broader than other approaches, such as the human resource approach, the basic needs approach and the human welfare approach.
The composite Human Development Index (HDI) integrates three basic dimensions of human development. Life expectancy at birth reflects the ability to lead a long and healthy life. Mean years of schooling and expected years of schooling reflect the ability to acquire knowledge. And gross national income per capita reflects the ability to achieve a decent standard of living
To measure human development more comprehensively, the Human Development Report also presents four other composite indices.
The Inequality-adjusted HDI discounts the HDI according to the extent of inequality. The Gender Development Index compares female and male HDI values.
The Gender Inequality Index highlights women’s empowerment. And the Multidimensional Poverty Index measures nonincome dimensions of poverty

Human development—a people-centred approach in Sikkim

Human development is about acquiring more capabilities and enjoying more opportunities to use those capabilities. With more capabilities and opportunities, people have more choices, and expanding choices is at the core of the human development approach. But human development is also a process.
Anchored in human rights, it is linked to human security. And its ultimate objective is to enlarge human freedoms. Human development is development of the people through the building of human resources, for the people through the translation of development benefits in their lives and by the people through active participation in the processes that influence and shape their lives.
Income is a means to human development but not an end in itself. The human development approach in the 1990 Human Development Report also introduced a composite index, the Human Development Index (HDI), for assessing achievements in the basic dimensions of human development. Those dimensions of human development are to lead a long and healthy life, measured by life expectancy at birth; to acquire knowledge, measured by mean years of schooling and expected years of schooling; and to achieve a decent standard of living, measured by gross national income per capita.

Life Expectancy at Birth in Sikkim

The indicator of life expectancy at birth is used to measure the realised achievement in the health dimension, that is, ‘to be able to live a long life’.
The life expectancy at birth denotes the number of years that a child can expect to live at the time of birth, given the agespecific mortality rates in the population.
The life expectancy, however, is an indicator of very long-term improvement in health.

Mean Years of Schooling in Sikkim

Mean Years of Schooling (MYS) is one of the two indicators used to measure educational achievement in HDRs by UNDP.
It replaced the literacy rate as an indicator under the education dimension in 2010. MYS indicates the average number of completed years of education of a country’s population.
Usually, MYS is estimated for populations aged 25 years and older, which is also the indicator used in the calculation of the HDI by UNDP

Expected Years of Schooling in Sikkim

EYS is a measure of the number of years of schooling a child at the start of his or her education is expected to receive, if current rates of enrolment are maintained throughout the child’s life.

Income Per Capita

Income per capita is considered as an ‘indirect’ indicator of human development. The first HDR of UNDP (1990) observes that an indicator of ‘command over resources needed for a decent living’ requires data on access to land, credit, income and other sources.
In 2010, instead of GDP per capita, Gross National Income (GNI) per capita is taken as the indicator.
For allowing cross-country comparison, the GNI per capita of the countries was adjusted by Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) ratios.

Some Human Development Aspects in Sikkim

By 2009, over 85 per cent of children below two were fully immunized—the highest proportion across Indian states.
Institutional delivery rose to 81 per cent by 2011.
In 2005–06, Sikkim reported the lowest proportion of under-weight children (20 per cent). Only 3 per cent of children under three were severely under-weight—as against the national average of 19.5 per cent in 2005–06.
By 2011, Sikkim reported amongst the lowest percentage of population below the poverty line—8 per cent—across Indian states. In 2004–05, close to 170,000 people lived below the poverty line. By 2011, this number had come down to 51,000—a 70 per cent reduction in the number of poor.
Enrolment in primary and upper primary schooling is near universal, with net enrolment ratios being the highest in India.
Close to 93 per cent of households have electricity and 100 per cent have a latrine facility within the premises.
The sex ratio (number of females per 1,000 males) has improved from 875 in 2001 to 889 in 2011. The child sex ratio (0–6 years) for 2011 is higher at 944, which is also higher than the national average of 914.
Inequalities in the distribution of income and consumption have improved between 2004 and 2010. Sikkim registered the lowest Gini coefficient of urban consumption (0.186) across all Indian states in 2009–10.
The gap between male and female literacy rates in 2011 was 10 percentage points— 16 points less than in 2001. Sikkim ranks highest among the north-eastern states on its per capita health expenditure, Rs 1,507, which is higher than the all-India figure of Rs 1,201.
Sikkim is ranked fourth among all states of India on the Composite Educational Development Index for 2012–13—a significant jump from the 12th position in 2011–12

The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) of Sikkim

The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) identifies overlapping deprivations at the household level across the three dimensions of the HDI (living standards, health and education) and shows the average number of poor people and deprivations with which poor households contend.
The MPI for Indian states varies from a low of 0.051 in Kerala to a high of 0.479 in Bihar. Sikkim ranked eighth with an MPI value of 0.150.
The biggest contribution to this low MPI value has been improvements in health and nutrition.
Sikkim features as the ‘best’ in terms of the lowest levels of deprivation attributable to health and nutrition. Equally significant is the progress that Sikkim has made in providing improved sanitation

Income of People of Sikkim

In 2012–13, Sikkim reported a per capita income (net state domestic product) of Rs 142,625—the highest among the northeastern states, higher than all states and Union Territories with the exception of Chandigarh and Delhi, and more than double the all India average of Rs 68,757.
Between 2004–05 and 2011–12, Sikkim’s real per capita income more than doubled from Rs 26,690 to Rs 70,477.
In 2004–05, Sikkim ranked 15th; by 2011–12, Sikkim ranked among the top five states in terms of per capita income.
The growth performance of Indian states. Between 2004–05 and 2011–12, Sikkim’s real per capita income grew at an annual average rate of around 15 per cent the highest among Indian states and more than twice the national average of 6.7 per cent per annum.

Employment and jobs of the People of Sikkim

Of the total workers, 62 per cent continue to be engaged in agriculture, forestry and fishing. Another 13 per cent of the workers are employed in the secondary sector (mining, manufacturing, electricity, water supply and construction), with more than half of them being employed in construction.
The tertiary sector constitutes 26 per cent of the workers. According to the Census 2011, the number of total workers increased from 263,043 in 2001 to 308,138 in 2011 an increase of 17 per cent.
A majority (55 per cent) of this increase was in the category of marginal workers. The work participation rate has increased by almost 2 percentage points in the decade 2001–11. Also, among the marginal workers, about 30 per cent were found to be employed for almost three months.

Health Aspect of People of Sikkim

Sikkim reported an infant mortality rate of 24 per 1,000 live births in 2012— considerably lower than the national average of 42. Health care in Sikkim is provided almost entirely by the public sector.
The state has established a well-functioning primary health care system through a network of two Community Health Centres, 24 Primary Healthcare Centres and 146 sub-centres.
Health care is provided, among others, by 273 doctors and nine AYUSH practitioners.
This gives an adequate ratio of approximately one doctor per 2,500 population.
Except for the Sikkim-Manipal Central Referral Hospital, which provides secondary and tertiary care, there are very few private medical institutions.
The state had four district hospitals and 1,560 hospital beds in 2012 or 2.6 beds for 1,000 people. Fourteen PHCs out of 24 were without a medical officer in June 2012; most vacancies were in north and west districts.

Nutrition aspect of People of Sikkim

In 2005–06, close to 20 per cent of Sikkim’s children below 5 years were classified as being underweight the lowest in the country against a national figure of around 43 per cent.
According to the National Family Health Survey-3 (NFHS-3), only 10 per cent of children born in Sikkim were of low birth weight.
According to NFHS-3, four out of five women in Sikkim consume milk or curds at least once a week.

Literacy and education aspects in Sikkim

In 1951, Sikkim had an overall literacy rate of less than 7 per cent, with barely 11 per cent of men and 1 per cent of women who could read and write. By 2011, the literacy rate had increased to 82 per cent in 2011 with 87 per cent of men and 76 per cent of women who could read and write.
The most developed East district came on top with 85 per cent, followed by South district (82 per cent), West district (79 per cent) and North district (77 per cent). Sikkim has a strong network of 781 government schools, 421 private schools, 71 monastic schools, 25 local body schools, 11 Sanskrit schools and three Islamic schools.
The state is also experimenting with alternative and innovative models of education. Sikkim became the second state in India to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Quality Council of India on 27 March 2011 for developing accreditation standards towards quality government schools.
Enrolment in primary and upper primary schooling is near universal, with net enrolment ratios being the highest in India.
The gender parity index for enrolment in primary classes (I to V) in Sikkim is 0.98 compared to the all-India figure of 0.94. The net enrolment rate (NER) in primary education in Sikkim is encouraging.
In 2007–08, 90 per cent children aged 6–10 years were enrolled in Class I–V. Only 10 states and Union Territories are ahead of Sikkim in this category.

Poverty aspect in Sikkim

Between 2004–05 and 2011–12, Sikkim recorded a sharp fall in the poverty level—next only to Goa.
Latest data released by the Planning Commission says that in Sikkim, the proportion of people below the poverty line (BPL) came down from 30.9 per cent in 2004–05 to 8.19 per cent in 2011–12 an average annual rate of decline of over 17 per cent.
The number of people living below poverty line in Sikkim has come down from 1.70 lakh in 2004–05 to 51,000 in 2011–12 and the proportion of the poor in the Himalayan state remains well below the national average.
Sikkim has also done well on the poverty gap ratio which reflects the extent to which average consumption of the poor falls below the established poverty line, indicating the depth of poverty.
In 2011–12, Sikkim reported a rural poverty gap ratio of 0.96 next only to Goa. In 2011–12, Sikkim reported the lowest urban poverty gap ratio 0.45. Between 2004–05 and 2011–12, the poverty gap ratios fell in both rural and urban Sikkim

Some Basic Fact about Sikkim regarding Human Development

Per capita Income of Sikkim -48937 (2009-10)
Monthly per capita Consumption Expenditure of Sikkim -738.52 (2004-05)
Rural and Urban Monthly per capita Consumption Expenditure of Sikkim -688.53 & 1106.79

Folk Dances of Sikkim

Folk Dances of Sikkim

People and Culture of Sikkim

The People of Sikkim consist of three ethnic groups, that is, Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali.
Communities of different hues intermingle freely in Sikkim to constitute a homogenous blend.
Hindu Temples coexist with Buddhist Monasteries, Churches, Mosque and Gurudwara.
The predominant Communities are Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese.
These myriad Cultures has produced a quintessential Sikkimese Culture that encompasses all ways and walk of life, but has also managed to preserve their own identity.
These can also be seen in the various places of Worship, Festivals and Cultural dances that are celebrated through the year.

Various Lepcha Folk Dances

Lepcha Folk Dances

Through this romantic dance, story of a young boy and a girl in love is conveyed.
A group of boys ask a group of girls for their hands for the purpose of marriage and in turn promise them with rich gifts and ornaments.
The girls, however, turn down the offer and ask them to approach their parents, instead.
This colourful dance is performed with the support of melodious Lepcha songs and musical instruments such as Sanga (drum), Yangjey (string instrument), Cymbal, Yarka, Flute and Tungbuk.

Zo-Mal-Lok Folk Dance of Sikkim

This famous folk dance of Lepcha community shows normal activities such as sowing, reaping and harvesting of paddy.
The old people and young folk alike join hands to sing, dance and indulge in merry making.
The graceful movements of male and female dancers become more noticeable with the background of pleasant sounds of seasonal birds.
Musical instruments used to support the dance are Tungbuk, Flute, Cymbal, Drum, etc.

Chu-Faat Folk Dance of Sikkim

Literal meaning of Chu is Snowy Range, while that of Faat is Worship.
This group folk dance is performed in the honour of Mount Khangchendzonga, the guardian deity of the Sikkimese people.
The dancers while carrying butter lamps and green bamboo leaves perform a ritualistic dance by singing devotional songs.

Tendong Lo Rum Faat Folk Dance of Sikkim

It is based on a famous Lepcha folk lore often retold to the new generation of Lepchas in the form of lyrical poetry.
According to the legend, this group dance is performed to save people from the onslaught of mighty, mountainous rivers, First, the Lepchas living on the Tendong Hill in South Sikkim are reported to have offered prayers to the God through this dance.
They desired the almighty to save them from the disaster of rising water.
As per folklore, God came as a bird and began sprinkling sacred millet beer on water.
Soon, the level of water subsided and people heaved a sigh of relief.

Kinchum-Chu-Bomsa Folk Dance of Sikkim

This famous folk dance vividly describes the natural beauty of Sikkim, or Ney-Mayel-Lyang (a heavenly, hidden paradise) called so, by the Lepchas.
The snow covered mountain peaks, green captivating meadows, enchanting valleys, thick vegetation, rivers and water falls, holy lakes and serene monasteries sanctify this land.
The young Lepcha boys and girls show their attachment with the land by performing the dance in their colourful attire.

Bhutia Folk Dances of Sikkim

Denzong-Neh-Na Folk Dance of Sikkim

This group dance comprising of boys and girls is performed to pay homage to the past saints such as Guru Rimpoche and present saints in order to get their blessings.
The musical instruments which support the graceful steps of the dancers are: Flute, Yangjey, Drum and Yarka.

Ta-Shi-Yang-Ku Folk Dance of Sikkim

A group of boys and girls through this dance try to invoke benign deities to shower fortunes on their home.
They remember some animal deities also to bring good fortune and prosperity to the people.
It is also performed during the consecration of a new house and to bless a newly married couple.

Tashi Shabdo Folk Dance of Sikkim

This age old group dance beautifully and gracefully shows the custom of offering Khadas (scarf) on auspicious occasion.
The white scarf exchanged by the members of the group during the course of dance is basically a symbol of peace, purity and prosperity.
The dancers dance to the melodious tunes duly supported by musical instruments such as Yarka, Drum, Flute and Yangjey.

Guru-Chinlap Folk Dance of Sikkim

Through this particular group dance performed by boys and girls, due respect is shown to the various Buddhist Gurus and Saints of Sikkim and their blessing is requested for overall peace, prosperity and happiness.
Exchange of Khadas also takes place between the dancers during the course of the dance.

Singhi Chham Folk Dance of Sikkim

In this group dance five boys led by a herdsman dance like legendary Snowlion.
The snowlion is a significant cultural symbol of the state.
The presence of two snowlions dancing under the guidance of a herdsman looks extremely attractive and enchanting to the viewers.
Musical instruments (without any songs) used are Drum, Cymbal, Yarka and Yangjey.

Yak Chham Folk Dance of Sikkim

Through this group dance performed by four male dancers under the command of a herdsman, utility of Yak for a common man living in high altitude areas is shown.
The dance begins in slow and measured steps to the clash of cymbals and the sound of the trumpets.
The group dance always makes a powerful impact on the audience and appears very attractive to the children.
Though Chhams are performed in all the monasteries of Sikkim, the ones performed at Pemayangtse, Rumtek and Enchey being more impressive draw large audience.

Nepali Folk Dances of Sikkim

Maruni Folk Dance of Sikkim

It is one of the oldest and popular group dance forms of the Nepali community, usually performed by three male and three female dancers.
In good old days, the role of Maruni, essentially a female character, was enacted by a male. With the change in customs and traditions, female dancers are now performing such a central role.
It is performed during the festival of Tihar in the courtyard of each house.
The steps of the dancers look very graceful in the background of soothing songs ably supported by musical instruments such as Harmonium, Madal, Flute and Ghoongur.

Chutkay Folk Dance of Sikkim

Through this romantic group dance, performed by a group of male and female dancers, joys of life and feeling of happiness is shared during the harvesting season and on some other happy occasions.

Dohori Folk Dance of Sikkim

This group dance of Gurung community is usually performed by three male and three female dancers.
In a traditional setting, after a hard days work, the dancers would assemble at ‘RodiGhar’ (a sort of entertainment centre) and exchange their views through songs and dance.
The musical instruments used are Madat Flute and Ghoongur.

Jeurum Silly Folk Dance of Sikkim

By means of this group dance of Rai community, performed by one man and four women, feelings of family members and friends is expressed on the occasion of a girl’s marriage.
The dancers aim to protect the Lakshmi (prosperity) of the house. Youth and old alike also join the dancers.
Dhol and Jhamta are the two musical instruments used.

Tamang Selo Folk Dance of Sikkim

This group dance of Tamang community with robust foot tapping and elaborate sound and display of Damphu instrument is performed on all happy occasions.
It highlights vigour and vitality of the community.
Tamang songs known as ‘ Hwai’ are full of human emotions.
These are so popular that no Nepali merrymaking is considered complete without singing a Tamang song.

Lakhey (Mask) Dance Folk Dances of Sikkim

This group mask dance of Newar (Pradhan) community is performed to ward off evil spirits and to bring peace and prosperity.
The musical instruments which support the dance form are Khe( Dhol), Jhali and Dhimay.

Naumati Folk Dance of Sikkim

In this beautiful group dance of Damai community nine kinds of musical instruments are used to perfection.
These are two types of Senai ( Shehnai), Turhi, small and big, Damaha (Nagara) of two types, Tuyamko (Small Dhol) of two types, Dholki and Jhyamta (cymbal).
The Naumati Baja is a regular feature during the wedding and other auspicious occasions.

Chyap-Brung Folk Dance of Sikkim

Chyap-Brung is the traditional musical instrument of the Limboo community.
It is like a Dholak in shape but much bigger in size.
During the course of group dance, male dancers hang the instrument around their necks with the help of a rope and beat the drum with an open palm on one side and a stick on the other.
Such a manoeuvre produces two different sounds which echo boldly in valleys and mountains.

Dhaan Nach Folk Dance of Sikkim

This group dance performed by four men and four women with the backing of harmonium, madal, flute and ghoongur shows the symbol of good and firm spirit of farmers against rain and scorching heat.
In order to break the monotony of routine field work, men and women attempt merrymaking through song and dance.
It is a ritualistic dance performed by the youth and old alike in traditional costumes, since time immemorial.

Sikkim Public Finance and fiscal Policy

Sikkim Public Finance and fiscal Policy

Basic Understanding of Public Finance of Sikkim

Public finance as a concept may be understood on two levels –

as a practical activity of all components of public administration and
As a theoretical area.

The term “public finance“ may be defined as the identification of specific financial relationships and functions running between public administration bodies and institutions (i.e. public sector entities – the state) as one party and in mutual interaction with other entities of the economic system as the other party (i.e. private entities – households and companies).
These relationships and functions may be considered special as they include:

Procuring public goods (production and provision);
arranging and funding various transfers (particularly in the social area);
Directing entities existing in the economy towards socially desirable behaviours; for instance through taxes, penalties, subsidies and other stimuli and charges.

In order to arrange the funding of the above-mentioned areas, there is a fiscal system (public budgeting system) whose aim is to collect the required amount of public revenue. Public revenue serves, at various levels of public budgets (governmental, regional and local), to fund public expenditures.
Public expenditures, public revenue and particularly taxes may be considered to be the fundamental elements of public finance. Important terms derived from these three elements include deficit, public debt, budgetary policy and fiscal policy.
The development of public finance is connected with economic mechanisms that should ideally lead to the effective and fair allocation of limited resources.

Public Finance – Causes of Development Aspects of Sikkim

The reason for developing public funding is the state intention to soften the drawbacks resulting from economic decisions made by individual entities (households and companies). It uses fiscal tools (public revenue and expenditure) to accomplish this.
Certain behaviour is classified as the “quasi-fiscal funding principle”, where publiclaw goods are funded from off-budgetary resources (e.g. the public-law television in the Czech Republic is funded from television licence fees).
Another important term that relates to public finance, and that is also a strong argument for its development, is market failure.
The market system follows supply and demand through the price mechanism. It is a system that has developed itself, and that has strong ties with the interactions between people and companies.
All these entities strive to maximize their benefit (welfare). The greatest benefit is strongly interconnected with reaching the economic optimum condition.
A system that reaches the optimum is considered, in the neoclassical economics concept, to be efficient, fair and stable.
The ideal condition is called the Pareto optimum. This exists in an economy when none of the involved entities can improve its position without worsening another entity’s position. If any of the entities intends to improve its position, it is possible for it to do so only to the detriment of another entity. The existence of perfect competition is a necessary requirement for reaching the optimum.
The three above-mentioned elements (efficiency, stability and fairness) are connected with microeconomics from the viewpoint of efficiency, connected with macroeconomics from the viewpoint of stability, and connected with sciences outside economics from the viewpoint of fairness. The perception of fairness is investigated by other social sciences, and is closely linked to ethics, etc.
If no conditions exist for reaching a market-efficient solution, or the conditions are simply violated for any reason, market failure will ensue.
It consists of the following:

The allocation of resources is not efficient,
The economy in the area of macroeconomics indicators oscillates around the desired values and
The distribution of wealth and income may diverge from the consensus on fairness.

It is then up to the state to perform its fiscal function (the public finance function) in those three areas in order to preferably eliminate or at least reduce market failure. Specifically, those are microeconomic failures from the allocation function perspective, macroeconomic failures from the stabilization function perspective, and the redistribution function then falls into the area of market failure caused by outside economies.
If the conditions for perfect competition are not met, a malfunction in the price mechanism will arise, which disturbs the allocation mechanism. Some failures can be eliminated without public finance intervention through auto-regulation (the internalization of externalities). However, others are part of the government’s allocation function and its fiscal tools (taxes and governmental purchases or transfers).
Macroeconomic failure is indicated by instability in the economic system that usually suffers from cyclical inflation, a high rate of unemployment, low or even negative growth of production or problems in the foreign trade balance, etc.
The above-mentioned macroeconomic cases of instability are why governments perform the state stabilization functions (stabilization fiscal functions).
The state uses several tools to perform the stabilization function. The basic classification is a division into monetary and fiscal tools. The monetary tools include open market operations, the setting of basic interest rates, determining the level of mandatory minimum reserves, etc. Fiscal tools may include public expenditure, public revenue and ways of funding deficits.
The causes of market failure outside the economy relate to reaching fairness in society through the distribution of wealth and income. With the distribution of wealth, the market does not practically perceive fairness. In this case, the state performs a redistributive role with 5h3 principles of solidarity, social conscience, charity, etc. based on the social consensus.
The state performs the redistribution function through two basic categories of tools. The first includes revenue (tax) and the other expenditures (transfers, grants and subsidies).

First, a tax transfer mechanism may be implemented through a combination of progressive taxation of high incomes and transfers (subsidies) in favour of low income households.
Secondly, this can occur through the taxation of luxury goods combined with subsidies on goods for the low-income population.

Fiscal Policy Meaning

Arthur Smithies defines fiscal policy as “a policy under which the government uses its expenditure and revenue programmes to produce desirable effects and avoid undesirable effects on the national income, production and employment.”
Though the ultimate aim of fiscal policy in the long-run stabilisation of the economy, yet it can be achieved by moderating short-run economic fluctuations.
In this context, Otto Eckstein defines fiscal policy as “changes in taxes and expenditures which aim at short-run goals of full employment and price-level stability.

Objective of Fiscal Policy

To maintain and achieve full employment.
To stabilise the price level.
To stabilise the growth rate of the economy
To maintain equilibrium in the balance of payments.
To promote the economic development of underdeveloped countries

Revenue Receipt Aspects of Sikkim

Tax Revenue Comprises taxes collected and retained by the State and State’s share of union taxes under Article 280(3) of the Constitution.
Non-Tax Revenue Includes interest receipts, dividends, profits etc. Grants in Aid and Contributions
Grants-in-aid represent central assistance to the State Government from the Union Government. Includes ‘External Grant Assistance’ and ‘Aid, Material & Equipment’ received from Foreign Governments and channelised through the Union Government. In turn, the State Government also gives Grants-in-aid to Panchayati Raj Institutions, Autonomous Bodies etc.

Expenditure Aspects of Sikkim

Expenditure is classified as Revenue Expenditure (which is used to meet the day-to-day running of the Government), and Capital Expenditure (which is used to create permanent assets, or to enhance the utility of such assets or to reduce permanent liabilities). Expenditure is further classified under Plan and Non-plan across different services viz., General services, Social services and Economic Services.

General Services Includes Justice, Police, Jail, PWD, Pension etc.
Social Services Includes Education, Health & Family Welfare, Water Supply , Welfare of SC-ST etc.
Economic Services Includes Agriculture, Rural Development, Irrigation, Cooperation, Energy, Industries, Transport etc.

Medium Term Fiscal Plan for Sikkim: 2016-17

Introduction – Fiscal Policy Overview

The fiscal year 2016-17 is the second year of the award period of the 14th Finance Commission (FFC). The fiscal stress faced by the State in the year 2015-16 persisted in 2016-17 as well.
The fiscal challenges faced by the State necessitated modifications in the financing pattern based on the changes in resource transfers by the Central Government.
The share of Sikkim in the divisible pool of Central taxes has been raised to 0.367 per cent as compared to the share of 0.239 recommended by the 13th FC.
The increase in State’s and rise in the divisible pool of Central taxes from 32 to 42 percent due to the recommendations of the FFC has resulted in higher tax devolution to the State. However, rise in tax devolution subsumed many grants to the State and overall Central transfer was declined last year.
However, the State Government is committed to improve the provision of the public services and protect the spending on priority sectors while being prudent in fiscal management.
The Sikkim Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act of 2010 (FRBM Act) provides the benchmark for fiscal management in the State.
The FRBM Act was enacted in the State with the objective of providing fiscal stability and conducting the fiscal policy in a sustainable manner to reduce the deficit and stabilize the debt burden.
It is expected that a rule based fiscal policy will establish long run fiscal sustainability improving the credibility of the Government policy and focus on spending to build social and physical infrastructure.
Given that the State has a limited base to generate resources internally and the provision of public services in a difficult hilly terrain is costly, the Government needs to calibrate it fiscal policy and spending pattern with a restraint provided through the fiscal rules.
The State Government, over the years, managed to adhere to the fiscal targets, while adopting a development oriented fiscal policy. The overall fiscal management in terms of budget decisions and implementation has remained within the boundary set in the fiscal rules.
The fiscal adjustment path for Sikkim recommended by the Thirteenth Finance Commission (TFC) with targeted fiscal deficit to ensure sustainable level of debt ended at 2014-15.
The FRBM Act of the State took into account the recommendations made by the 14th Finance Commission starting from the fiscal year 2015-16.The FFC recommended certain changes in the fiscal consolidation process to provide flexibility in the fiscal management of the State.
The State Government has brought amendments this fiscal to the State FRBM Act reflecting these recommendations.
The development oriented fiscal management over the years helped the State Government achieving socio-economic development and an inclusive growth process. Creating an enabling environment for different sections of the society, different tribal groups, women, and young people to participate in economic activities and contribute to the development of the State has remained as major objectives of the Government

Achievement of social sector commitments

Achievement of social sector commitments constitutes an important element of resource allocation decisions in the context of rule based fiscal policy that restricts incurring deficit and borrowing to a sustainable level. The Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) at constant prices recorded a healthy growth rate of 7.88 percent in 2013-14.
The per capita income of the state, which was Rs.30727 in 2004-05, has increased substantially to Rs.196144 in 2016-17 at current prices. The major socioeconomic indicators for the State show commendable improvement.
The poverty ratio has declined to 8.19 per cent as compared to all India average of 21.92 per cent in 2011-12. The literacy rate at 81.40 per cent in 2011-12 is significant achievement. The IMR has gone down to 24 per 1000 in 2011 as compared to the all India average of 44.

Macroeconomic Outlook of Sikkim

The CSO has not updated the GSDP data of Sikkim for the year 2014-15. For all projection purposes, the method suggested by the FFC has been adopted to update the GSDP. The State GSDP, during 2012-13 and 2013-14, grew consistently at a reasonable rate of 7.6 and 7.9 per cent respectively.
While the service sector dominated the State income during 2005-06 to 2008-09, the share of Industry sector started increasing since 2009-10 and in 2013-14 the service sector constituted about 60.6 per cent of the total GSDP.
The relative share of industry sector has increased mostly driven by manufacturing, construction and power sectors. The inter-sectoral composition of GSDP since 2004-05 shows that the service sector, which accounted for half of the State GSDP till 2008-09, has declined to about 30 per cent in 2013-14.
The relative share of agriculture sector, which comprises of agriculture, forestry and fishing, has been declining over the years. The share of agriculture sector has come down from about 14 per cent in 2008-09 to 9.5 per cent in 2013-14.
The manufacturing and construction sectors remained as major contributors to the growth of the State economy. The year 2009-10 marks a clear shift in the growth path of the GSDP as the growth rate in this year jumped to a high of 73.6 per cent (89.9 per cent in current prices).
The impressive growth of power sector was basically driven by generation of hydroelectricity in newly commissioned power projects.
The manufacturing sector showed very high growth due to higher production in pharmaceutical industries and strengthening of small-scale industries. The manufacturing sector constitutes about one third of the State GSDP in 2013-14.
The initial burst in the growth of power and manufacturing sectors has stabilized in recent years. However, this established a strong base for the GSDP in Sikkim.

Fiscal Profile of the State

The Changing Fiscal Architecture and Its Impact on Sikkim

The budget for the year 2016-17 was the second budget after the FFC gave its recommendations on devolution of resources to the States. Despite the rise in share of Sikkim in tax devolution, aggregate transfers to the State declined in 2015-16 relative to GSDP due to sharp decline in grants.
Based on the tax devolution share for Sikkim and grants recommended by the FFC, the State received less central transfers in 2015- 16 as compared to 2014-15. The loss of assured source of block grants has created fiscal stress for the State and it seems unlikely that the increased tax devolution would compensate for this.
The FFC increased tax devolution to the State from 32 per cent to 42 per cent to provide higher flexibility in the use of enhanced level of untied fund.
As the FFC relied on tax devolution to cover the assessed revenue expenditure needs of the States, it took a holistic view of the revenue expenditure needs of States without Plan and Non-Plan distinction.
The FFC departed from past practice by not awarding specificpurpose grants. These grants, according to the Commission, were small to make any impact and crate confusion where large Plan schemes already exist, and were left to the Centre and the states acting cooperatively for those needs. The only grants awarded by the Commission were disaster relief grants and grants for local bodies.
The Commission was required by their terms of reference to recommend grants for these two purposes. The commission steered clear of both the Plan/Non-Plan distinction and that between special-category and other states.
Consequent upon the enhancement of share of the states in the central divisible pool from the current 32 percent to 42 percent which is the biggest ever increase in vertical tax devolution, Central Assistance to State Plan has been restructured.
The Central Government has discontinued the normal central assistance (NCA), special plan assistance (SPA), special central assistance (SCA), and the additional central assistance (ACA).
The Central Government also delinked eight centrally sponsored schemes (CSS) from funding and brought about substantial changes in the funding pattern of some other schemes.
The higher growth rate assumed by the FFC resulted in higher assessed revenue of the State during the award period of the Commission.
The own tax revenue projected for 2015-16 by the Commission is Rs 876.00 crore (calculation is based on GSDP of Rs 20634 crore), which rises to Rs.3039 crores in the year 2019-20.
Higher tax projection by the Commission reduced the pre-devolution revenue deficit gap for the State during the award period. The FFC projected revenue receipts seems to be unachievable.
The FFC transfer to the State also depends on the resource mobilization by the Central Government. While the FFC recommended Rs.2129 crores as share in Central Taxes to Sikkim, the Union budget for 2015-16 provided Rs.1929 crores only.
The actual flow however, was much less at Rs.1870 crores. This implies a gap of Rs.259 crores, which is expected to grow in the future years unless the the Central taxes increases considerably.
Decline in Central Grants and the gap in actual flow of tax devolution to that of the budget projection makes it very difficult to provide funds to the infrastructure projects started earlier based on the fund flow mechanism existing under the then Planning Commission and the Finance Commission.

Expenditure Profile

The Government of Sikkim has successfully controlled the revenue expenditure as percentage to GSDP. This has helped the State to increase the revenue surplus and expand the capital expenditure.
The priority sectors in social and economic services were traditionally given emphasis in resource allocation. The State Government has initiated several schemes in education and health to improve overall social and human infrastructure in the State.
The revenue expenditure, which was at 29.8 per cent relative to GSDP in 2009-10, was compressed to 23.12 per cent in 2014-15 and was budgeted at 23 percent in 2016-17. While the level of expenditure on social and economic services was protected in 2015-16 as compared to the previous year, the level of spending relative to GSDP projected for the year 2016-17 was low.
The expenditure compression in 2016-17 was due to lower availability of resources.

Outstanding Debt and Government Guarantee

Maintaining the debt burden of the State at sustainable level remains one of the major objectives of the fiscal management of the State as reflected in the FRBM Act.
The TFC in their revised fiscal roadmap have worked out the yearly outstanding debt burden for all the states aligning with the fiscal path.
The debt-GSDP ratio in the State has been reduced considerably, which is projected to be 23 per cent in 201617 BE.
The decline in the average cost of debt of the state because of the debt restructuring formula of the Twelfth Finance Commission has helped to lowering the debt burden.
Decline in the average cost of debt will result in reduction in the volume of interest payments and availability of higher fiscal space for the state government.
The interest payment has declined from 2.5 per cent in 2009-10 relative to GSDP to 1.6 per cent in 2016-17 (BE).

Medium Term Fiscal Plan: 2016-17 to 2018-19

Fiscal Indicators

The fiscal outcomes in the form of indicators like fiscal deficit, revenue deficit, and outstanding liabilities for previous year, current year, ensuing budget year and two outward years are presented.
The fiscal outcomes of the year 2014-15, for which audited figures are available, show that the State Government has adhered to the fiscal targets under the Act. In the year 2015-16, the Government took the benefit of flexibility provided by the FFC to raise the fiscal deficit to 3.25 percent to GSDP.
However, due to slippage in revenue receipts, the fiscal deficit has increased to 3.31 percent. The budget projections of the year 2016-17, however, show that the fiscal deficit has been contained at 3 percent of the GSDP. The Government managed to generate revenue surplus all along.
The projections for the budget year, 2016-17, and for two outward years, which give a medium term perspective to the fiscal stance, is aligned with the FRBM Act. The MTFP from 2016-17 to 2018-19 conforms to the recommendations of the FFC to anchor the fiscal deficit to 3 per cent of GSDP.
The MTFP 2016-17 presents the outlook of the fiscal management of the State Government in the medium term. The detailed projection of fiscal variables show that the revenue account surplus has been maintained during the MTFP period and the fiscal deficit has been stabilized at 3 per cent relative to the GSDP.
Despite reducing the revenue expenditure from 23 percent relative to GSDP to about 22.3 percent, the revenue surplus could not be increased due to low growth of revenues relative to the GSDP.
While GSDP is assumed to grow at 17.69 percent, the total revenue receipt grow at about 16 percent. The loss of block grants has pulled down the aggregate revenue receipts.
In nominal terms the revenue surplus increases from Rs.260.51 croers in 2016-17 (BE) to Rs.359.81 crores in 2018-19. Despite rise in fiscal deficit in nominal terms, it remains at 3 percent of GSDP, the mandatory requirement under the FRBM Act. The outstanding liabilities declines from 23.18 percent in 2016-17 BE to 22.29 percent in 2018-19.
As indicated, due to higher growth of GSDP, the fiscal variable in the medium term show a lower value. However, there has been substantial growth in revenue receipts and allocations to various sectors in nominal terms. While revenue receipts increases from Rs.4885 crores to Rs.6580 crores in the medium term, the revenue expenditure rises from Rs.4625 crores to Rs.6221 crores. The growth of revenue expenditure remains below the growth revenues.
The provision for capital outlay has increased from Rs.847 crores to Rs.1178 croers during MTFP period. Relative to GSDP, the capital outlay has shown an increase in the medium term.
Despite pressure on revenue receipts and competing demands, the focus on investments in infrastructure will remain a key factor in fiscal policy of the Government.

Summary Assessment

The State of Sikkim continues to face fiscal stress for the second year in a row after the fiscal architecture involving the fiscal federal arrangements have changed following the FFC recommendations.
As the Central transfers constitute a large portion of the State’s budget, the loss of some of assured source of revenue from plan grants has created difficulties in resource allocation in the State.
Although, the fiscal indicators show a declining trend due to high growth of GSDP, the nominal numbers show growth in revenues and resource allocation. The growth in resource allocation, particularly in the priority sectors in social and economic series and capital outlay has been restrained.
This has added increased responsibility on the State Government to generate higher revenue and continue with the traditional policy of emphasizing social and infrastructure sectors.
Despite the pressure on resources, the MTFP indicates a stable and growth oriented fiscal policy for Sikkim. The rise in production of electricity and growth of the manufacturing sector influenced the economic growth of the State in recent years.
The fiscal policy has to create an enabling environment for further growth and socioeconomic progress.
The resource allocation in the medium term focuses on enhancing the capital expenditure and social and economic sector spending. The economy needs better infrastructure and human development to make progress. The State Government has initiated several schemes in the social and economic sectors in recent years.
Despite the problem of cost disability, the State is committed to improving the service delivery spanning over the social and economic sector. The MTFP safeguards the fiscal consolidation process and provides adequate resources to existing schemes in priority areas.
The FFC recommended anchoring fiscal deficit to 3 per cent of the GSDP. The MTFP continues with the fiscal target set for fiscal deficit at 3 per cent. As debt stock in the State relative to the GSDP remains low, the debt-GSDP target remains stabilized. While projecting State taxes, the MTFP assumed higher buoyancy to augment resources, which will be achievable in the medium term.
The modernization of tax administration and efforts to improve the tax base is expected to improve the revenue receipts. It was observed that there has been some uncertainty in the flow of share in Central taxes. The tax devolution to the State varies depending upon the collection of Central taxes as the Finance Commission recommends a share in the divisible pool.
In the year 2015-16, against a budgeted amount of Rs.1924 crores, which was also less than what the FFC projected, the transfer to the State was only Rs.1870 crores. This level unpredictability affects State finances adversely.
The expenditure side restructuring in the MTFP was based on the realties regarding the resource availability and priorities expressed Government’s policies, and new schemes announced in the budget.
The MTFP protected the capital outlay relative to the GSDP and raised it marginally during the MTFP period. The rise in nominal terms is substantial. The rise in the capital expenditure will be instrumental in strengthening the infrastructure base in the State.
The State Government will be able to enhance the level of capital expenditure with the improvement in resource position.
What is important is to develop a policy to focus more on productive capital expenditure. The debt burden of the State remains below the limit suggested by the FFC to gain from the flexibility clause regarding the fiscal deficit.
The State Government has amended its FRBM Act in 2016-17 to avail the facility of increasing the borrowing limit and consequently the fiscal deficit by 0.25 present separately based on the FFC recommendations.
This will further help in maintaining the fiscal discipline and stability, adequate resource allocation to social and economic sector and strengthening infrastructure base.

The highlights of the Budget for the year 2017-18 with a summarized account of the receipts and disbursements incorporated in the budget.

A	*RECEIPTS*	*AMOUNT* *(in* *crore)*
1	Tax Revenue	669.51
2	Non Tax Revenue	426.46
3	State’s Share of Central Taxes	2477.78
4	Grant in Aid	1752.56
5	Gross Borrowings	881.60
6	Recoveries of Loans and Advances	0.80
7	Net Public Accounts	13.10
A	*Total* *Receipts*	*6221.81*
B	*EXPENDITURE* *(net)*
1	Revenue Expenditure	4613.47
2	Capital Expenditure	1608.35
B	*Total* *Expenditure*	*6221.82*

Sikkim is one of the fastest growing states in India. The state has favorable agro-climatic conditions, which support agriculture, horticulture and forestry. As per the state budget 2016-17, Sikkim got certified as first fully organic state in India by the Central Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare as well as other recognized agencies of the country.

Between 2004-05 and 2015-16, Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) expanded at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.44 per cent to US$ 2.75 billion whereas the Net State Domestic Product (NSDP) expanded at a CAGR of 19.11 per cent to US$ 2.33 billion.

The State Government has achieved remarkable progress in the core areas of agriculture, health, education and development in infrastructure. Today, Sikkim is the most talked-about state in the Country.

Sikkim has evolved as a progressive State with marked improvements in socio-economic indicators, despite facing the disadvantages of inadequate connectivity, high cost of infrastructure building and maintenance, difficulty in delivering services to dispersed populations in hilly areas.

People of Sikkim engage in different economic activities, prominent among which are Tourism, Industries, horticulture & agriculture etc. giving rise to a definite occupational structure. Major contributions to the economy are provided by sectors like Agriculture, Horticulture, Forest, Mining, Industries, Power, Tourism, Aqua Culture and Livestock etc.

Agricultural economy

The state’s economy is largely agrarian, based on the terraced farming of rice and the cultivation of crops such as maize, millet, wheat, oil seeds, pulses, spices, cereals barley, oranges, tea and cardamom.

Agriculture is vital to the progress of Sikkim as more than 64% of the population depends on it for their livelihoods. The Sikkim AGRISNET is an internet-based agriculture information centre to promote scientific agricultural methods and convert research into practice in the agricultural sector. Sikkim has a suitable climate for agricultural and horticultural products. It supports multiple crops; viz., rice, wheat, maize, millet, barley, urad, pea, soya bean, mustard and large cardamom. The surveyed arable land in Sikkim is 109,000 ha, of which only 9.5% is used, this provides a vast untapped potential for development. The state government is also laying emphasis on improving organic farming in the state.

Agriculture is the major economic activity and is practiced on terraced field that has been laboriously created from steep hillsides. There are in all 689 enterprises that have been identified, which are mostly concentrated in rural areas.

Sikkim is the largest producer of cardamom and also boasts to utilize largest area for its cultivation. Tea is exported to USSR & Germany. A coffee plantation has also been started at Majitar.

The economy broadly depends on the agriculture which provides livelihood to the majority of population in the state. However, it’s progress remained limited due to difficult topography and other natural barriers. As a result all head sectors related to agriculture emerged, government is doing its best to improve the situation.

Horticulture

Horticulture also contributes to the economy of Sikkim. Large Cardamom, ginger and turmeric are the principal crops while Mandarin orange, guava, mango, banana and so on are the principal fruits grown in the state. The department of Horticulture is deeply involved in motivating and providing technical guidance to local farmers. Sikkim is also a paradise for flowers. Gladioli, anthuriums, lilliums, primulas, rhododendrons, orchids as well as many other floral species thrive here. The state is home to an amazing 450 species of exotic orchids alone. There is immense potential for developing floriculture on a commercial basis here, and the department of Horticulture is making concerted efforts to turn this sector into an export-oriented industry.

Forest

Sikkim has rich bio diversity and thus provides economic activities. The total land area managed by and under administrative control of Forest Department is above 80% of the total geographical area of the state. The composition ranges from tropical Dry Deciduous Forests with Sal and its associates in the valleys of Teesta and Rangit to the Alpine Scrub and Grasslands in high altitudes. During the two last decades Forest Department has laid emphasis on development of fodder and fuel wood in the agriculture fallow lands of the villagers giving priority to plantation of broom grass for fodder and for economic up liftment of the villagers.

Aqua Culture

Pisiculture is an important area of economic activity particularly in the context of enabling the rural people. The state’s natural resources endowments with an extensive network of freshwater rivers, lakes and streams offers conditions which are conducive for development of inland fisheries where a variety of carps and trout’s can thrive. With a view to exploit these natural resources endowments.

Sericulture

Mulberry, muga, eri and oak-tussar are cultivated in Sikkim. The Sericulture Directorate is responsible for development of sericulture in Sikkim. The sericulture potentiality of Sikkim state has been explored jointly by the State Department and Central Silk Board, through launching a flagship programme titled Catalytic Development Programme. Over the years with consorted efforts from the both ends (state and central governments), considerable success have been achieved by the state sericulture industry in generating employment. Raw silk production in the state increased from 0.20 metric tonnes in 2013-14 to 6.0 metric tonnes in 2015-16.

Livestock

Animal Husbandry provides an additional source of income to the people. Animal husbandry form an extremely important element in the effort to bring about substantial improvements in living standards. The overall area available for agriculture operations is limited to about 15% of the geographical area of the state and with the increasing population, per capita land availability has been consistently declining, it is therefore, essential, that supplementary sources of income should be developed in order to provide not only the much needed support to the rural families but also to make available in increasing quantity, protein rich food items such as milk, egg, and meat. Adequate number of livestock like cattle, buffaloes, pigs, sheep’s, goats, yaks and few other are reared in Sikkim. Yaks are reared in north eastern ranges bordering Tibet, Bhutan and western region bordering Nepal.

Industries and Mining

The Commerce and Industries Department of Sikkim is involved in promoting trade and industry in Sikkim. The Sikkim Industrial Development & Investment Corporation Limited (SIDICO) is the state-level institution engaged in promoting, financing and developing the tiny and small scale industries (SSI) sector in the state.

Brewing, distilling, tanning and watch making are the main industries located in the southern regions of Sikkim. A small mining industry exists in the state, extracting minerals such as copper, dolomite, talc, graphite, quartzite, coal, zinc and lead. Sikkim has identified Rangpo-Gangtok, Melli-Jorethang, Jorethang-Rishi and Ranipool-Gangtok as industrial corridors with provision for giving land to investors on a lease basis.

The units that are engaged in the manufacturing sector are mainly dealing with pharmaceuticals, chemicals, liquors, foam mattresses, food products, iron rods, etc. Sikkim has identified agro-based industries, horticulture and floriculture, minor forest-based industries, animal husbandry and dairy products, tourism-related industries, IT including knowledge-based industries, precision oriented high value-low volume products, hydro-power, tea, education and hospitality as thrust sectors. The Information Technology (IT) Department, Government of Sikkim is in the process of setting up a state-of-the-art IT Park and National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) at Pakyong.

Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceutical is an emerging industry in Sikkim due to tax incentives offered by the state government as well as low manufacturing and labor costs. Sikkim is home to 14 major pharma companies, which have significant investments in the state. The North-East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy, 2007 and the pollution free atmosphere are highly beneficial for pharma investments in Sikkim. Some of the policy incentives are: 100% excise duty exemption on finished products. 100% income tax exemption. 30% capital investment subsidy on investments in plant and machinery.

The policy of framework in regard to industrialization in Sikkim has to be formulated keeping in mind the particular factors endowments that the state has the limitations in regard to resources, particularly, minerals and industrial raw materials as well as man power. The state is not so rich in mineral resources and apart from the deposits of copper, lead and zinc, no other viable and exploitable mineral deposits have so far been discovered. While on the other hand the state enjoys a tranquil climate, a dust free atmosphere and peaceful industrial entrepreneurial talent, has also to be taken note of. In regard to industrial development, a number of small and medium units have been promoted in the state. For example, The Sikkim Time Corporation (SITCO) and Government Institute of Handicraft and Handlooms.

Mining

The state of Sikkim is endowed with rich geological resources. The department of mines and geology has been responsible for exploration and establishment of mineral resources, with the object of developing commercially exploitable mineral resources. Moderate to fair amount of success has been achieved during the investigation carried out by different agencies in certain sectors namely dolomite, coal, quartzite, graphite, lime stone, silliminite, talc, mineral water, thermal springs, building stone and materials for porcelain.

Tourism

Tourism provides the main thrust to the economy. With the tranquil climate, the natural beauty and the fine cultural heritage of Sikkim, the growth of tourism has immense possibilities. There are large number of places of tourist attraction particularly the snow clad mountains, the lakes and unspoiled forest areas and valleys of flowers. The advantage of having very fine monasteries in Sikkim can also be taken to attract Buddhist tourists from countries like Japan and the South Eastern countries.

Sikkim has been featured and ranked 17th in the New York Times “52 best places to go in 2017”. Similarly, Sikkim has also been featured as the best destination to visit in the world in 2014.

The Year 2017 has been declared as the Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, an area of development in which Sikkim has already made considerable strides with eco-friendly tourism and the development of innovative initiatives such as Chaar Dham and Tathagatha Tsal. Additionally, Gangtok City has been recognized as the safest tourist destination in the country.

Keeping nature at the backdrop, the State Government proposes to promote tourism mainly through nature based tourism. Few activities which are proposed include, Rock Art Sculpture, Folk Healing Center and Yoga Sthan. In the niche Tourism Sector, facilities such as golf courses, water sports etc, are being proposed.

A priority has been given to create mega projects, one example of which is the Sky Walk at Bhaleydunga. The Ropeway to Bhaleydunga, currently under progress is expected to be completed in 2 years time. Today, Sikkim having been featured in leading International Journals and magazines, has become one of the most sought after destinations and caters to all types of tourists. Film tourism is also catching up fast with the support of the government, as many recent film shoots by popular Bollywood artistes in the state takes place.

Through sustainable forest management practices and massive afforestation drives, about 72.60 lakh saplings have been planted till date under the State Government’s flagship programmes such as Smritivan, State Green Mission, Ten Minutes to Earth and Paryavaran Mahotsav. The forest and tree cover of the State has increased by about 4% over the last two decades from 43.95% to 47.80%. The State Government has also banned the use and sale of disposable Styrofoam products, prohibited the burning of tyres, agricultural waste, use of packaged drinking water bottles, bursting of crackers in Sikkim which are first such prohibitions imposed in the entire world.

The declaration of the Khangchendzonga National Park as UNESCO’s World Heritage Site on 17th July, 2016 at Istanbul, Turkey, is a testimony to the tireless efforts of the government. The Khangchendzonga National Park has also been declared as one of the 100 top Green Destinations of the world for the second consecutive time. In addition to this, the State Government is also proposing to develop a world class Biodiversity Park and Ecotourism Centre at Tendong, South Sikkim.

The State Government has now prioritized the construction of a Ropeway from Pelling to Sangacholing Monastery in West Sikkim connecting the landmark statue of Lord Chenrezig, that is near completion, to Pelling. This project along with the Statue of Lord Chenrezig would be a great value addition to tourism in boosting tourism footfall in the State. The boost in the tourist footfall is very encouraging as Sikkim hosted over 8 lakhs tourists in 2016 alone.

Major initiatives taken by the government to promote economy of the state

The state government launched Sikkim AGRISNET, an internet-based agriculture information centre, to promote scientific agricultural methods and convert research into practice in the agricultural sector.

The Government of Sikkim has placed information technology high on its agenda. The budget allocation for information and broadcasting is expected to be US$ 0.96 million during 2015-16.

Pharmaceutical is an emerging industry in Sikkim due to tax incentives offered by the state government as well as low manufacturing and labour costs. Sikkim is home to 14 major pharma companies, which have significant investments in the state. These include Cipla, Sun Pharma, ZydusCadila, Alembic, IPCA, Alkem Lab, Intas Pharma, Torrent Pharma and Unichem.

The Sikkim government has announced a technical collaboration with floriculturists from the Netherlands and Thailand to develop the state’s potential in floriculture and market cut flowers from the state globally.

The Department of Information Technology, Government of Sikkim is in the process of setting up an IT park and National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) at Pakyong. The IT Park will have state-of-the-art facilities that will offer a plug and play environment and cater to the specific needs of the information technology and business process outsourcing (BPO) segments.

In order to give a boost to handloom and handicrafts sector, the Government of Sikkim has been making several efforts, which include providing training to upgrade the quality and designs of the products; bringing expertise and professionals for their marketing and supply, etc.

The Sikkim Government plans to set up Tea Development Corporation of Sikkim, which would be the nodal agency for developing the tea Industry in Sikkim. It would work to expand the Temi tea estates in the state and acquire new gardens either wholly or partially owned by the government.

The Sikkim Manipal University (SMU), a partnership between the Government of Sikkim and Manipal Education and Medical Group (MEMG), provides technical, healthcare and science education. It is rated as one of the top universities in the country.

The State Government is very concerned with the youth populace and therefore, has laid special emphasis to skill the youth and to make them employable and self-dependent so that they can lead a life of self-respect and confidence. A separate Department of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Capacity Building therefore has been setup with its network of the State Institute of Capacity Building, Livelihood schools, Industrial Training Institutes, Kaushal Kendras and Incubation Centres for skilling the youth. These initiatives aim at creating opportunities for self-employment, for industrial wage employment, and community based employment as Social Entrepreneurs.

Till December 2016, a total number of 10,151 trainees have been trained in sectors such as Beauty & Wellness, Tourism & Hospitality, Apparel, Homestay, Driver cum Tour Guide, Primary Teacher Training etc. An Atal incubation centre has been approved by the Ministry of Skill Development in Assam Lingzey. Two more incubation projects for the distillation of lemon grass oil has been set up in Kerabari, South Sikkim, and Timberbong, West Sikkim, under the Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana.

Handicrafts of Sikkim

Handicrafts of Sikkim

Traditional arts and handicrafts have been the very breath of Indian Civilization visa-vis Sikkim too.
Significantly, Sikkim is also known for its traditional handicrafts, paintings, motifs, carpet, traditional tribal shoes, dresses, ornaments, weaving, and so on.
The traditional handicrafts in Sikkim had has enormous cultural significance.
Many of the Bhutia and Lepcha as well as Nepalese are engaged in traditional handicrafts production of Sikkim.

Handloom Weaving of Sikkim

In ancient times, the Lepcha’s of Sikkim were said to use yarn spun out of stinging nettle (sisnu) plant to weave clothes.
Today cotton and woollen yarn are used together with vegetable dyes and synthetic colours.
Lepcha weaves or ‘thara’ is woven in vertical looms with a backstrap. Such looms are of small width.
Traditional design with different colours are used to make tharas which are used for making bedspreads, bags, belts, curtains, cushion covers, table mats, tray cloths etc, apart from their traditional dress.

Woodcarving of Sikkim

It is one of the most important crafts of Sikkim.
Traditionally, only the Buddhists Bhutias and Lepchas used to practise wood carving. Indeed, wood carving is an ancient art form of both the Lepchas and Bhutias of Sikkim.
The items of woodcraft having wide range of variety can be found from household items to partitions to eight Buddhists lucky signs.
Woodcrafts are available in the following shapes choktse or table, almirah, sofa-sets, drawers or bhodin , screens, lamp stands, cheosum or altars, wall decorations, etc.

Wooden mask of Sikkim

One of the most important materials items of Buddhists’ traditional culture that has special socio-religious significance is wooden mask of various types being used during their religious dances by the Lamas.
The masks are carved out of the tough light wood of the giant climber called Zaru-shing, mostly found in the high altitude areas of Sikkim.
While in Tibet they were composed of mashed paper and cloth.
In all cases they are beautifully painted and varnished, and are provided with yak tail wig.
Each mask has a specific meaning and a story with certain religious connotation associated Various Wooden Masks with it.
Traditionally the mask dances are staged by the Lamas or monks in the Gonpas or Monasteries.
Such dances are normally performed only by men in the monasteries.
There are different types of mask normally made by Bhutias and Lepchas like mask of Khangchendzonga, mask of Garura, mask of Mahakal, etc.

Thangka Painting of Sikkim

The important Thangka is a paintings of divinities or group of divinities on silk clothes which depicts different incarnations and life of Lord Buddha, Goddess Doma (Tara), Guru Padmasambhav or God Chana Dorji or for that matter, any Tibetan saint, wheel of life (one of the purest Buddhists emblems) or some other deity, surrounded by deities of lesser significance etc.
Thangkas are the religious scrolls found hung in monasteries and houses of Buddhists.
It has an excellent tradition in Sikkim.
Such paintings are considered very auspicious and are supposed to drive away evil spirits.
Thangka painting is a renowned art of Sikkim.
“The Thangka works of master craftsmen sell for thousands of rupees abroad. They work in seclusion in remote villages” as cited by exgovernor of Sikkim namely Taleyarkhan (1981)

Cane and bamboo work of Sikkim

It is also the traditional handicraft Bhutias, Lepchas and Nepalese of Sikkim.
Cane and bamboo pieces are first of all split by using simple tools like Khukri or knife to make thin strips.
Thereafter the strips are sized as per requirement and are then intricately woven and modified and improved upon as per the graphical design.
There are varieties of cane and bamboo-craft products like, fruit, baskets, bamboo flower sticks bear mugs, hair clips, tea-trays, tea strainers, spoons, flower vases, piras, mats, hats and tumblers.
In Sikkim bamboo grows in abundance. But the cane is grown only in limited areas; thereby bulk of it comes from neighboring Siliguri or other parts of the North East.

Preparation of Lucky signs of Sikkim

Another important handicraft is the ‘Lucky signs’ mostly made by women in Sikkim.
The lucky signs are made by adopting two types of methods

one type of embroidery work done by using needle on silk or ‘sharteen’ clothes
Another is the paintwork (fabric) on silkl’shirteen’ clothes.

Such lucky signs are presented either in the form of words or symbol. It is used as wall hanging and means the ‘symbol of peace’.

Hand-made paper making of Sikkim

It is another important handicraft item.
Apart from other units, there is another important section namely Handmade – paper unit in the Government Institute of Cottage Industry at Gangtok, Unit was opened in the year of 1962.
Handmade paper, namely ,

Rayon paper (used for rapping);
Rags paper (used for making files);
Card sheet (used for making greeting cards and paper bag).

Raw materials are used to be brought from Kolkata.

Carpet Weaving of Sikkim

Traditionally, carpet (locally known as Den) weaving is a symbol of cultural expression in the state of Sikkim.
Besides, Carpet is very important export oriented handicraft industry in Sikkim.
The carpets are of with various exquisite and intricate designs, motifs and colours which are typical of Sikkimese type and made of various sizes.
The price ranges vary according to size and quality of the particular carpet. Carpet weaving is dominated Carpet product by women.
Though it is a traditional activity, very few families follow it as apart of family tradition.

Blanket Weaving of Sikkim

It is also one of the traditional handicrafts of Sikkim
It is normally done by women particularly in North Sikkim.
The blankets are woven on loom, and the raw materials are available in local market.
There are mainly two sizes of blanket available i.e. 4 ft. by 6ft. and 4 ft. by 7 ft.

Soft Toys of Sikkim Supported by Sikkim Government and GoI

The Soft Toys Production unit of the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, Zero Point, Gangtok is one of the prominent sectors for support and creation of self employment in Sikkim.
This sector is being re-energized into a home to home industry through a project initiative namely “Production and Training for Soft Toys at Gangtok, Sikkim “funded by the North Eastern Council, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India and also Government of Sikkim.
The toy making craft is an activity that can supplement and contribute to the family income and also create self employment.
The focus of the department is therefore to facilitate continuous capacity building and skill upgradation in this sector and thereby create a resource base of trained manpower.
Quality standardization and product diversification are two important areas of focus and therefore the best raw materials for creation of quality products are being used in the training centres.
The training module has been oriented in such a manner so as to emphasis and promote products that are closely connected with the environment and also identify with the local ethos.
Our main motto is to offer quality products to our valued customers at competitive prices.
The Soft Toys Sector provides self employment and income to the large number of artisan in terms of quality and cost comparativeness of the soft toys products of DHH are compared to the best of the world.
Presently, one project on “Production and Training on Soft Toys at Gangtok, Sikkim” funded by North East Council is underway and 225 numbers of trainees are being trained all over the state.
The department is required to ensure placement and create self employment for the trainees within and outside the state.

An Introduction to Economy of Sikkim

An Introduction to Economy of Sikkim

Sikkim is surrounded by vast stretches of Tibetan Plateaus in the north, the Chumbi Valley of Tibet and the Kingdom of Bhutan in the east, the Kingdom of Nepal in the west and Darjeeling district of West Bengal in the south. Sikkim has several snow-capped peaks including Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest peak that attracts a large number of tourists from across the globe. The state has been able to bag seven out of 25 central government’s national projects to promote India as destination for adventure tourism globally.

The gross state domestic product (GSDP) of Sikkim expanded at a high compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.44 per cent between 2004-05 and 2015-16.

There has been a drastic shift in the sectoral contribution from primary and tertiary to the secondary sector. In 2015-16, the secondary sector contributed 67.73 per cent to the state’s GSDP at current prices. It was followed by the tertiary sector at 23.65 per cent and primary sector at 8.62 per cent. Moreover, at a CAGR of 33.91 per cent, the secondary sector has been the fastest growing among the three sectors from 2004-05 to 2015-16. It was driven by manufacturing, construction and electricity, gas & water supply.

Agricultural Sector

The state’s economy is largely agrarian, based on the terraced farming of rice and the cultivation of crops such as maize, millet, wheat, barley, oranges, tea and cardamom. Sikkim produces more cardamom than any other Indian state, and is home to the largest cultivated area of cardamom

Sikkim has a suitable climate for agricultural and horticultural products. It supports multiple crops; viz., rice, wheat, maize, millet, barley, urad, pea, soya bean, mustard and large cardamom. Sikkim is the top producer of large cardamom, contributing over 80 per cent to India’s total production. As per the state budget 2016-17, Sikkim got certified as first fully organic state in India by the Central Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare as well as other recognized agencies of the country.

Organic Farming

Sikkim has been transformed as the first Organic State of the country and the world by design and have opened unlimited opportunities in sectors like Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry.

Currently, state is exporting large cardamom, ginger, buckwheat, turmeric and cymbidium orchids. Our aim has been to fulfil the domestic market and export our surplus production outside the state.

Under the National Mission on Agricultural Extension & Training, new emerging organic technologies are being disseminated to the farmers through training, demonstration, farm schools, exposure visits, formation of commodity interests groups and food security groups, etc.

The Sikkim Organic Mission is introducing an e-voucher card system as an effective mechanism to distribute assistances under the Direct Benefit Transfer for ensuring that the Scheme’s funds are channeled directly to the beneficiaries. This would be a first of its kind initiative in Sikkim and probably in the Country as well.

Industrial Sector

There has been a drastic shift in the sectoral contribution from primary and tertiary to the secondary sector. The overall performance of the economy of the state during 2015-16 was encouraging. At a CAGR of 33.91%, the secondary sector witnessed the fastest growth among the three sectors during 2004-05 to 2015-16. It was driven by manufacturing, construction and electricity, gas & water supply. In 2015-16, the secondary sector contributed 67.73% to the state’s GSDP at current prices.

The state follows the North East Industrial Investment Promotion Policy, 2007, which provides several incentives and concessions for investment. Institutional support is provided through various central and state government agencies viz., North East Council, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region and Commerce and Industries Department.

The main industries like Brewing, distilling, tanning and watchmaking are located in the southern regions of Sikkim.

A small mining industry exists in the state, extracting minerals such as copper, dolomite, talc, graphite, quartzite, coal, zinc and lead. Sikkim has identified Rangpo-Gangtok, Melli-Jorethang, Jorethang-Rishi and Ranipool-Gangtok as industrial corridors with provision for giving land to investors on a lease basis.

The units that are engaged in the manufacturing sector are mainly dealing with pharmaceuticals, chemicals, liquors, foam mattresses, food products, iron rods, etc.

Sikkim has identified agro-based industries, horticulture and floriculture, minor forest-based industries, animal husbandry and dairy products, tourism-related industries, IT including knowledge-based industries, precision oriented high value-low volume products, hydro-power, tea, education and hospitality as thrust sectors.

The Information Technology (IT) Department, Government of Sikkim is in the process of setting up a state-of-the-art IT Park and National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) at Pakyong.

The state has attracted Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) equity inflows worth US$ 3.93 billion during the period April 2000 to March 2016, according to data released by Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP).

Tertiary sector

Industrial sector was followed by the tertiary sector at 23.65% and primary sector at 8.62%. The tertiary sector grew at a CAGR of 15.23% between 2004-05 and 2015-16. The growth has been driven by trade, hotels, real estate, finance, insurance, transport, communications and other services. The primary sector grew at a CAGR of 15.55% between 2004-05 and 2015-16.

Sikkim was the first to promote the concept of eco-tourism, village tourism and home stay tourism in the country. This essential concept promoting man-nature affinity has been recognized as a new model of tourism. Promotion of village tourism, homestay, cultural tourism, trekking tourism, ecotourism, wellness tourism, flori–tourism and adventure tourism has given fillip to the tourism trade in the state where a large of number of people are engaged under different employment opportunities.

Sikkim has been featured and ranked 17th in the New York Times “52 best places to go in 2017”. Similarly, Sikkim has also been featured as the best destination to visit in the world in 2014.

FDI inflows into the state during April 2000 to March 2016 reached to US$ 3.93 billion. A major part of these investments was directed towards power generation There are 27 completed electricity projects in the state. The central government has invested heavily in the hydro electric power generation projects in Sikkim Himagiri Hydro Energy Pvt Ltd. started the initial construction work of their new project namely; 300 MW Panan hydro power project.

Recent Developments

Allocated budget for the industry and minerals sector in Sikkim is estimated to be US$ 9.46 million during 2016-17. Out of this total allocation, villages and small industries would be allocated US$ 5.97 million and large industries would be allocated US$ 2.75 million. The remaining US$ 0.73 million would be allocated to the non-ferrous mining and metallurgical industries of the state.

Sikkim’s geographical and environmental conditions are quite conducive for development of floriculture at a higher altitude. The state is also considered to be the Kingdom of flowers and is an innovator in cultivating Gladiolus.

The state government is also laying emphasis on improving organic farming in the state. During 2015-16, the state government recognized the existing MPCS in the state to promote and enhance organic farming in the state. As a result of these initiatives, the state was certified as the first fully organic state in India, by the Central Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare as well as other recognized agencies of the country.

It is estimated that Sikkim has a peak potential capacity of 8,000 MW and a steady 3,000 MW of hydroelectric power. About 28 hydropower projects are being set up in the state under the public-private partnership (PPP) mode.

Other Key achievements

Nirmal Rajya

Sikkim became the first Nirmal Rajya in the country in 2008 by achieving 100% sanitation coverage and the first State to achieve Open Defecation Free (ODF) status in the beginning of 2016.

Zero Poverty

Sikkim is the State with zero hunger and the first poverty free State in India. This goal has been achieved through consistent policy prescription and a rigorous implementation regime.

Sikkim : Tax and Economic Reforms

Sikkim : Tax and Economic Reforms

The economic liberalization in India , initiated in 1991, with principles of Liberalization , Privatization and Globalization (LPG) of the country’s economic policies, with the goal of making the economy more market and service-oriented and expanding the role of private and foreign investment. Specific changes include a reduction in import tariffs, deregulation of markets, reduction of taxes, and greater foreign investment. Liberalization has been credited by its proponents for the high economic growth recorded by the country in the 1990s and 2000s. And it has positive impact on the state of Bihar as can be visibly seen from various sectors.

India’s GDP has increased thereafter and also the GSDP of state has increased many folds. Between 2004-05 and 2015-16, Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Sikkim has expanded at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.44 per cent to US$ 2.75 billion whereas the Net State Domestic Product (NSDP) expanded at a CAGR of 19.11 per cent to US$ 2.33 billion.

Agricultural Sector

As per the state budget 2016-17, Sikkim got certified as first fully organic state in India by the Central Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare as well as other recognized agencies of the country.

Organic Farming

Sikkim has been transformed as the first Organic State of the country and the world by design and have opened unlimited opportunities in sectors like Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry.

Industrial Sector

Industries plays an important part to the development of the state. State government has taken various measures to provide impetus to the growth of the economy.

The main industries like Brewing, distilling, tanning and watchmaking are located in the southern regions of Sikkim.

Tertiary sector

State government has implemented various policies to increase the growth rate of Tertiary sector. Various policies like IT Policy , Tourism Policy gives impetus for the growth of the services sector and hence development of economy. Industrial sector contributes majorly to the development, followed by the tertiary sector at 23.65% and primary sector at 8.62%. The tertiary sector grew at a CAGR of 15.23% between 2004-05 and 2015-16. The growth has been driven by trade, hotels, real estate, finance, insurance, transport, communications and other services. The primary sector grew at a CAGR of 15.55% between 2004-05 and 2015-16.

Total Receipts and Total Expenditure

For the fiscal year 2017-18, a gross expenditure of Rs. 6364.02 crores has been projected in the budget.

After taking into account recoveries amounting to Rs. 142.20 crores, the net expenditure comes to Rs. 6221.82 crores.

The fiscal deficit remains in adherence to the fiscal management targets set in the Sikkim Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2010, i.e. not more than 3% of GSDP. The contribution from total tax revenue is of the order of Rs. 669.51 crores and in the case of Non-Tax revenue, Rs. 426.46 crores.

The total gross expenditure includes allocations amounting to Rs. 81.76 crores under the dispensation of the North Eastern Council, Rs. 153.66 crores under Non Lapsable Pool of Central Resources, and Rs. 1326.76 crores under Centrally Sponsored Schemes.

In Union budget, the distinction between Plan and Non-Plan has been done away with from the year 2017-18 onwards. This has been done as a measure towards bringing about major fiscal and budgetary reforms while retaining the distinction on the basis of Revenue and Capital expenditures. Since the Union and the States have to work together on the methodology, State has also adopted the same system from the financial year 2017-18 budget.

Tax proposals

Accordingly, the main taxes of the State Government like the Value Added Tax, Central Sales Tax, Entry Tax, Cess and Luxury Tax etc. and also the taxes of the Government of India like the Central Excise and Services Tax, have now been subsumed in the Goods and Services Tax.

Goods and Service Tax (GST)

GST, will replace multiple state and central taxes to create one national market and single tax in the country. This bill seeks to subsume all central indirect levies like excise duty, countervailing duty and service tax and also state taxes such as value added tax, entry tax and luxury tax, to create a single, pan-India market.

GST will be a game changer in the states as they eradicate the cascading effect on goods and services.GST will bring down the cost of goods and services as there will be no cascading effects of taxes. He added that GST is expected to increase revenue by widening the tax base and improving the taxpayer compliance. 7% items are such on which no taxes would be levied, 14% items would be in the lowest bracket of 5% tax, 17% items will have 12% tax, 43% items will have 18% tax, and 19% items, which are generally not used by people will have 28% tax.

Only the Goods and Services Tax will be levied in place of all these taxes in the indirect tax regime. Petroleum products and liquor have been kept out of the GST, as of now. The rates of the tax will be uniform on goods and services in the entire nation. As per the decision taken by the GST Council, the Goods and Services Tax will be implemented from 1st July, 2017 onwards.

The State Government has made all necessary preparations for the implementation of the new tax regime so that the trade and industry of the State do not face any difficulties. E-payment will be made compulsory for the payment of taxes.

Languages and Literature of Sikkim

Languages and Literature of Sikkim

Today, all the main languages spoken in Sikkim have been given the status of a “State language”.
Notably, Bhutia, Lepcha and Limboo languages have been included in college curricula, while other languages, such as Rai, Gurung, Pradhan (Newar), Mangar and Tamang, are taught till the secondary school level.
Financial help is directly given to different communities to promote research in their respective languages
Sikkim is inhabited by over twenty ethnic communities, each unique in their tradition, customary practices, language and attire.
The outstanding beauty of these people living in harmony and sharing in amity each other’s cultures, ethos and traditions is a colourful mosaic of Sikkimese society

Bhutia People Language of Sikkim

Bhutias are divided into two groups – Tongdu-ruzhi with four clans and Bebtsengyed with eight clans, though there are a number of other sub castes.
They speak and write in the Bhutia language which is also called Lhokey although their script, language, religion, dress and ornaments have semblance with the Tibetans.
The Bhutia language, a long with the Lepcha and Limboo languages are taught in Sikkim till t he univer ity level.

Lepcha People Language of Sikkim

They have their own language, known as ‘Rongring’, with its script, ‘Mutanchi Rong Aming’.
The State Government has accorded official status to the language, along with the Bhutia and Limboo languages.
Since the year 2000 it has been taught in schools and colleges in Sikkim and from 2016 it has been taught at the university level.

Bhujels People Language of Sikkim

They have their own language, called Puhgal Gnur which is a part of the Tibeto-Burman sub-family and Sino Tibetan family of languages.
Some o f them converse in their own language .

Gurungs People Language of Sikkim

Gurungs have their own language, Tamu Kye and script, Khema.
The Gurung language (along with six others) was given official status in 1995 by Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, and is being taught in selected Government schools up to the secondary level.
Text books, magazines and dictionaries have also been published in Tamu Kye.
Since 2001, the Gurung edition of the Sikkim Government weekly newspaper, the Sikkim Herald, is also being taken out.

Jirels People Language of Sikkim

Jirels are known to have an ethnic and linguistic semblance with the Sherpas and Central Tibetan tribes.
Their language, like the Sunuwar language, is also a part of the Kanauri branch of Tibeto-Burman.

Kagatey People Language of Sikkim

The community is divided into several sub-groups like Dongba, Sarpa, Shyangba, Lama and Chyaba.
They speak in Kagate, a language of the Kyirong-Kagate language sub-group of the Sino-Tibetan language family, which has similarities with languages of Yolmo, Sherpa and Bhutia

Majhis People Language of Sikkim

Majhis converse in their own language but have no script of their own.
They are dark brown in complexion, medium in height and well built, and have classic Mongoloid features

Mangar People Language of Sikkim

They have their own language, belonging to the Tibeto-Burman family, and also have their own script, ‘Akkharika’.
In 1995, the State Government recognized this language as one of the State languages of Sikkim along with the Rai, Gurung, Tamang, Sherpa, Newar and Sunuwar languages.
The teaching of the Mangar language is being introduced in schools that have the greatest number of Mangar students

Newars People Language of Sikkim

The Newars have their own language.
They used to have a number of scripts as well but in Sikkim the “Prachalit” script is the one in use.
The “Ranjana” script is used in Buddhist Monasteries and the Tantric Kutaktshar Mantra of Buddhists consists of seven letters of Ranjana script.
The Newar language has been declared an Official Language of Sikkim in 1995 and has been introduced in selected Government schools’ curricula from the year 2002.

Rai People Language of Sikkim

The Rai or Kirat Khambu Rai community is one of Sikkim’s major indigenous ethnic communities and has been living in Sikkim from ages past.
Their language and script, which belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family of languages, was recognised as one of the official languages of Sikkim with effect from 31 March, 1995 vide the Languages (Amendment) Act, 1995, and published in the Sikkim Government Extraordinar y Gazette No. 76 dated 21 April, 1995.
This language has, since the year 2002, been taught in various Government schools in Sikkim.

Sherpas People Language of Sikkim

They have their own dialect, which belongs to the Tibeto-Burman languages, and they use the Sambhota script as a medium of writing books in their language.
The Government of Sikkim granted official status to the Sherpa language in 1995 along with other languages and the language is being taught in selected Government schools up to the secondary level.
The Sikkim Herald – the official newspaper of the Sikkim Government – Sherpa edition started publication in the year 2001 and has since been in print on a weekly basis

Sunuwar People Language of Sikkim

Mongoloid in appearance, they speak both in Nepali and Koinchlo, which originates from the Sino-Tibeto-Burman family of languages.
Their script is believed to be of ancient origin and possesses only six vowels and twentyfour consonants.
Koinchlo was recognised by the Sikkim Government under the Sikkim Official Languages Act, 1977, and is being taught in Government schools till Class V.
Since 2001, the Sikkim Government weekly newspaper, Sikkim Herald (Sukhim Neskutek) is also being produced in the Koinch language.

Yolomo People Language of Sikkim

Theys peak the Yolmo language o f the Kyiron g-Ka gate branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family, which has a similarity to the Kagatey, Sherpa and Tibetan languages.
They use the Sambhoti (Tibetan) script, though modern academics pre fer to use the Devana gari scri pt as well.

Thakuri People Language of Sikkim

They speak and write Nepali, using the Devanagari script.
But their spoken language is markedly different from that of common Nepali.
For instance, Thakuris use the word ‘darshan’, instead of ‘namaste’ or ‘namaskar’.
Claiming to have belonged to Rajgharana, they also use a respectable dialect of Nepali like “maiya sahiba”, “babu sahib,” “yuraj,” dulahi rani,” “muma hajur,” “buba hajur”, “khaisyo”, “laisyo” etc.

Agriculture of Sikkim for Sikkim PSC

Agriculture of Sikkim

The economy of Sikkim is linked with Agriculture of Sikkim that serves as the source of livelihood and economic security of sizeable native population.
The growth, however, has been restricted because of biotic and abiotic factors.
It is estimated that over 80 per cent of the rural population depends on agriculture and allied sectors for economic, food, and nutritional security.
The agriculture systems practiced in Sikkim are integrated in natures that have evolved through years of experimentation by the farmers.
A marginal improvement in the lifestyle of the farmers has been witnessed with the adoption of modern technologies.
Sikkim State has some inherent strength that largely supports organic farming.
The policies and programmes on organic farming, in tune with our natural endowment envisage making Sikkim a Model Organic State.
The march towards organic farming has led to substantial departmental intervention.
A large number of initiatives have been taken by the Agriculture and Horticulture departments.

Area, Production and Productivity in Agriculture of Sikkim 2015-16

Crop	Area (000’ hectares)	Production (000’ tones)	Productivity (kg./ha)
Rice	10.67	19.69	1845.25
Wheat	0.32	0.35	1071.21
Maize	38.96	68.31	1753.56
Finger Millet	2.85	2.91	1020.33
Barley	0.45	0.47	1055.93
Buckwheat	3.57	3.47	972.27
Pulses	5.67	5.38	948.85
Oilseeds	6.94	6.31	909.75

Rice

Cultivation of rice requires hot and moist climate.
It is a Kharief crop and is sown in March-April and harvested in Autumn.
Sufficient water must cover the fields.
Temperature: Rice requires hot and humid conditions. The temperature should be fairly high i.e. 24°C mean monthly temperature with average temperature of 22°C to 32°C.
Rainfall: Rainfall ranging between 150-300 cm is suitable for its growth, where rainfall is less than 100 cm, rice is cultivated with the help of irrigation.
Soil: Rice is grown in varied soil conditions but deep clayey and loamy soil provides the ideal conditions.

Wheat

Wheat is another cereal crop of Sikkim growing in almost all villages of Sikkim having cool winter and hot summer climate, irrespective of elevation and irrigation facilities.
It is a rabi crop and its plant requires a cool and somewhat moist climate in the beginning and warm and dry weather at the harvest time.
The average rainfall should be between 50 to 70 cms. and that too at intervals.
It is sown in August and harvested in March, April.

Maize

Maize is one of the most important cereal crops of Agriculture of Sikkim.
It is grown over an area of about 36,000-40,000 hectare which is about 35-40% of total cultivable area.
It requires hot dry climate.
Rainfall required for maize varies from 75 cms to 125 cms.
It is sown in May-July and harvested in August-November.

Oil- seed

Rape Seed, Mustard, linseed, sesamum, toria, cottonseed are the chief varieties of oil-seeds.
They require hot and moist climate.

Barley

Barley is a minor rabi cereal crop of Sikkim grown only in small pockets over an area of about 1.15 thousand hectare.
The production of barley is subjected by systematic implementation of Agronomic Practices as well as crop improvement work including introduction and Acclimatization of high yielding varieties.

Tuber crops, spices, fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants

Tuber Crops: Potato,Sweet Potata
Spices: Large Cardamom, Ginger, Chilli, Turmeric, Coriander
Fruits: Mandarin, Passion fruit, Banana, Guava, Papaya, Jack fruit, Litchi
Vegetables: Brocoli, Onion, Brinjal, Carrot, Iskus, Pumpkin, Radish, Tomato, Tree Tomato, Cabbage, Cauli flower
Ornamental Plants: Anthurium, Cymbidium, Rose

Important Organic Cash Crops of Agriculture of Sikkim

Important organically grown cash crops of the state are oranges, large cardomom, ginger, turmeric, cherry paper, baby corn, buck heat, pulses etc.
All these organic crops have a high demand in domestic and international markets.

SIKKIM MANDARIN ORANGE

Mandarin orange (Citrus reticulata) is the most common among citrus fruits grown in India.
It occupies nearly 50% of the total citrus area in India.
Mandatrin group includes all types of loose jacket oranges commonly called Santra or mandarin such as Nagpur Santra, Coorg Santra, Khasi Mandarin, Sikkim Mandarin etc.
Sikkim mandarin represents the most important commercial fruit of Sikkim and is similar to the Nepal or Assam or Darjeeling mandarin.

TURMERIC

The Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is an important spice used conventionally as a natural food colorant and as an additive for imparting to food orange-yellow colour, flavor and aroma.
It is also valued as an antiseptic for its anti-inflammatory property and is used in beauty treatment or in the cosmetic industry and dye plants.
It is the most researched spice for medicinal use and occupy prominent place in traditional medicine system for treatment of cough, flu, anemia, asthma, sprain and pain, skin diseases, sinus etc. It is loaded with antioxidant properties.
It is propagated through tuberous seed rhizome. Its cultivation in unutilized areas and forest areas as well as in cultivated land is gaining popularity in the state in recent years, especially in niche areas having an altitude of 3000 ft amsl and less.
With similar cultivation practices as that of ginger, turmeric is grown both as pure crop as well as mixed with maize, chilly, bean, vegetable etc under both rainfed and irrigated conditions.
Small and marginal farmers in the state take up the crop in small operational holdings with cultivation of the crop contributing to generation of income as well as in promotion of livelihood of farmers in the state

BUCK WHEAT

The area and production of this crop in Sikkim are 2760 hectares and 1,380 tonnes respectively.
It is widely grown in the hilly tracts of the Sikkim.
In recent years, the area and production has gone up considerably.
It is now considered a cash crop fetching even higher price than rice.
As a result, it is not only grown on slopy dry land but also as a chief rotational crop between paddy and maize in Sikkim.
The crop is grown right from 300 m to 2,500 m in the hills.

BABY CORN

Baby Corn cultivation is a recent development in Sikkim.
Major motive behind popularization of the crop is to increase the economic condition of farmers.
The potential of growing the crop in the state is visualized from the production and productivity of maize.
Thought less remunerative, maize is the only crop in Sikkim which is successfully grown in approximately 39000 ha area across different agroecological condition.

GINGER

Ginger is cultivated in Sikkim since time immemorial.
It is also used for religious purpose by Limboo Phedangma and Rai Bijuwas which shows its attachment with the people of Sikkim from ancient period.
Its commercial value has been recently exploited due to sudden price hike in market.
Now, it is grown as one of the important cash crops of Sikkim below 1,500 m amsl occupying a considerable area.
The important ginger-growing areas are:

Mangalbaria, Chakung, Tharpu, Gyalshing, Zoom in West district;
Turuk, Sumbuk, Rateypani, Namthang, Mellidara, Maniram, Namchi and Temi-Tarku in South district;
Rhenock, Rongli, Pakyong, Rorathang, Khamdong, Pendam, Sirwani and Rangpo in East district and in small pockets of North district.

The important markets of ginger are Melli, Gyalshing, Rangpo, Singtam, Nayabazar and Resh.

LARGE CARDAMOM

It is a native crop of Agriculture of Sikkim.
The presence of wild species, locally known as ‘Churumpa’ like Amomum aromaticum, A. dealbatum, A. Kingir, A. corynostachyum, A. Lingiforme etc. and tremendous variability within the cultivated species in Sikkim support the view of its origin.
It is the most important revenue earning crop of Agriculture of Sikkim.
The dried capsules are marketed at Amritsar,Delhi, Kanpur, Kolkata and Lucknow for further distribution.
Large cardamom is also cultivated in parts of Uttarakhand and in some other North-Eastern States.
Nepal and Bhutan are other countries where large cardamom is cultivate.

Salient Features of India/Agriculture of Sikkim

Subsistence Agriculture of Sikkim: Most parts of India have subsistence agriculture. This type of agriculture has been practised in India for several hundreds of years and still prevails in a larger part of India in spite of the large scale change in agricultural practices after independence.
Pressure of population on Agriculture of Sikkim: Despite increase in urbanization and industrialization, about 70% of population is still directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture.
Mechanization of farming of Agriculture of Sikkim: Green Revolution took place in India in the late sixties and early seventies. After more than forty years of Green Revolution and revolution in agricultural machinery and equipments, complete mechanization is still a distant dream
Dependence upon monsoon: Since independence, there has been a rapid expansion of irrigation infrastructure. Despite the large scale expansion, only about one third of total cropped area is irrigated today. As a consequence, two third of cropped areas is still dependent upon monsoon. Monsoon in India is uncertain and unreliable. This has become even more unreliable due to change in climate.
Variety of crops Agriculture of Sikkim: India has diversity of topography, climate and soil. Since India has both tropical and temperate climate, crops of both the climate are found in India. There are very few countries in the world that have variety comparable to that of India..
Predominance of food crops of Agriculture of Sikkim: Since Indian agriculture has to feed a large population, production of food crops is the first priority of the farmers almost everywhere in the country. However, in recent years, there has been a decline in the share of land used for food crops due to various other commercially most advantageous uses of this land.
Seasonal patterns of Agriculture of Sikkim: India has three distinct agricultural/cropping seasons. You might have heard about kharif, rabi and zaid. In India there are specific crops grown in these three seasons. For example rice is a kharif crop whereas wheat is a rabi crop.

Challenges are faced by farmers

Farmers of our country are facing lot of problems regarding agricultural production of crop. Few of them are shortlisted below:

Uncertain weather
Uneven water availability
Lesser yield
Low quality crops
Lack of soil nutrients
Buyer’s monopoly
Less cash in hand
Less scientific guidance during agricultural
Less information regarding selection of crop seed
Inadequate information of plant root moisture holding capacity
Less information of scientific irrigation process for maximum yield
Less aware of the market and growing technology

Drainage system and River of Sikkim

Drainage system and River of Sikkim

Sikkim is a small Himalayan state in north-east India situated between 27degree 00’ 46″ to 28 degree 07’ 48″ N latitude and 88 degree 00’ 58″ to 88 degree 55’ 25″E longitude with geographical area of 7,096 sq km constituting only 0.22% of total geographical area of India.
It has a human population of 5,40,493 as per Census, 2001, which constitutes only 0.05% of India’s total population.
The state is somewhat rectangular in shape with maximum length from north to south of about 112 km and maximum width of 90 km from east to west.
Sikkim is bounded in the north by the Tibetan plateau, by China (Tibet) on the northeast, by Pangola range of Bhutan on the southeast, by Darjeeling district of West Bengal on the south and Singalila range and Mt. Khangchendzonga on the west and northwest.
Entire state of Sikkim constitutes upper basin of Teesta river except for a small area of 75.62 sq km in extreme southeast that of Jaldhaka river, which originates in East Sikkim and flows through West Bengal parallel to Teesta river to meet Brahmaputra river.
In southernmost part of Sikkim, Teesta river flows in southwest direction and defines the inter-state boundary between Sikkim and West Bengal up to Melli Bazar where it is joined by Rangit river which drains West Sikkim district.
Rangit river, the largest tributary of Teesta river in Sikkim, from Naya Bazar point flows in southeast direction and marks the interstate boundary between Sikkim and West Bengal in the southwest.

Teesta River

One of the rivers that almost flow right across the length of Sikkim is the Teesta.
It’s major tributary is the Rangeet which originates from the Rathong Glacier, meets it at the border between Sikkim and West Bengal.
Teesta originates from the Cholamu lake where Teesta is hardly a stream.
No one can imagine that this innocuous looking stream would transform into a thundering mighty river less than a hundred kilometers downstream.
The source of the Teesta is the pristine Tso Lhamu Lake in North Sikkim, some 5,300 metres above sea level.
The glacial waters then move downwards to meet Zemu Chu just above Lachen village and then rushing down deep gorges it meets Lhachung Chu at Chungthang.
At Mangan, the river is joined by the Talung Chu as it continues its journey down, finally reaching Singtam in East Sikkim, becoming slower and widening to almost double its width.
Further down at Melli, the Teesta merges with the river Rangeet which is born of the Rathong glacier in West Sikkim, before entering the plains of North Bengal and eventually joining Brahmaputra in Bangladesh.
During monsoons the otherwise innocuous looking rivers of Sikkim become swollen, swift, muddy and dangerous.
The rivers are narrow, serpentine and full of rocks and hence are not navigable.
Because of swift currents hitting rocks, the rivers are very noisy and can be heard for miles together.
The Teesta finally joins the Bhramaputra in Bangladesh.
The rivers are fed by snow melting on the mountains as well as rain that accumulates in the catchment areas during the monsoons.
Human settlements usually must exist above the level of rivers and hence even if flooding takes place life and property remain safe.

The Rangeet or Rangit

It is a tributary of the Teesta river, which is the largest river in the Indian state of Sikkim.
The Rangeet river originates in the Himalayanmountains in West Sikkim The river also forms the boundary between Sikkim and Darjeeling district.
A perennial river, it is fed by the melting snow of the Himalayas in early summer and the monsoonrains in June–September.
It is popular among rafting enthusiasts owing to its turbulent waters.
The river flows past the towns of Jorethang, Pellingand Legship.
During its final few kilometres, it joins the TeestaRiver at a confluence known as Tribeni, which is a popular picnic spot.
The Rangeet River has an NHPChydropower plant with the capacity of 60 megawatts (80,000 hp) capacity in Sikkim.

River Rangpo

It is a river in the Indian state of Sikkim.
A tributary of the Teesta River, it is fed by the Rangpo chu.
The town of Rangpo in Sikkim lies on River Rangpo north bank.
The river forms the border between Sikkim and West Bengal states at Rangpo town.
There is no separate name for the town in West Bengal that lies on south bank of the river and therefore it is also called Rangpo.
The river runs through most of East Sikkim and a few parts of the Darjeeling District of North Bengal.
This tributary flows mainly from east to west with a variable channel pattern including braided, meandering, straight, gorge and blocked lake.
Landslides are very common along the river bank as cliff-like bedrocks are considerably exposed along the river valley wall.
Its confluence with Teesta River is immediately downstream of Rangpo town.

The Talung River

It is an east-south east flowing river in the North Sikim Himalayas.
It originates at the Talung-Tonsyong Glacier’s confluenceat the meeting point of Talung and Tongshiong River & then flows east south east to meet the River Teesta near Singhik, North Sikkim of India.
The upper catchment is fed by a number of streams and rivulets.
These streams & rivulets flow from the southern part of Simvu-Sinialchu region to meet the main river.
Another tributary which feeds the main stream flows from the Zorpetam mountain valley.
Zorepetam valley is a typical inaccessible mountain terrain in the east of Pandim and Tinchenkhang.
Number of River of Sikkim originates from this region.
Owing to the complexity of the river systems its name in its catchment area changes from place to place.
According to records it is Rukel Chu at first, then Rungayang or Rongyoung Chu and thereafter Talung River or Tholung Chu till its confluence

The Jaldhaka River

It is also known as Dichu River in earlier times, is a trans-boundary river with a length of 192 kilometres that originates from the Kupup or Bitang Lake in southeastern Sikkim in the eastern Himalayas and flows through Bhutan and the Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar districts of West Bengal, India.
At that point the river enters Bangladesh through the Lalmonirhat District and then joins with the Dharla River until the Dharla debouches into the Brahmaputra River near the Kurigram District.
Due to the river’s wandering over several international borders, only a small length of the river lies within Bangladesh

The Lachen River

It is a tributary of the Teesta River in the state of Sikkim, India.
It is one of the two main tributaries of the Teesta along with the Lachung River, which rise on opposite sides of the Donga Rangein neighbouring Bhutan and converge in Chungthang in the North Sikkim district.

The Lachung River

Itis a tributary of the Teesta River located in the North Indian state of Sikkim.
It is a chief tributary of the Teesta, which is an important river in Sikkim along with Rangeet River.
The village of Lachungis perched on the craggy bank of the river approximately 23 kilometres from Chungthang. It is at Chungthang where the Lachung and Lachen rivers converge and give rise to the Teesta.
The river is 2,500 metres (8,200 ft) above sea level.

Drainage systems

Drainage systems, also known as river systems, are the patterns formed by the streams, rivers, and lakes in a particular drainage basin. They are governed by the topography of the land, whether a particular region is dominated by hard or soft rocks, and the gradient of the land.

Teesta River Basin Information

The river Teesta is one of the main Himalayan rivers and originates from the glaciers of Sikkim in North at an elevation of about 5,280 m.
The river rises in mountainous terrain in extreme north as Chhombo Chhu, which flows eastward and then southward to be joined by Zemu Chhu, upstream of Lachen village near Zema.
The river takes a gentle turn in southeast direction and meets Lachung Chhu at Chungthang where it takes the form of a mighty Himalayan river.
Teesta, therefore, is the main river of the state with its several tributaries viz. Zemu Chhu, Lachung Chhu, Rangyong Chhu, Dik Chhu, Rani Khola, Rangpo Chhu and Rangit river and constitutes an extremely important resource of the state.
After the confluence of Teesta river and Lachung Chhu at Chungthang, the river gradually widens and takes a strong westward turn upstream of Tong and after flowing down to Singhik, the river drops from 1,550 m to 750 m.
At Singhik, the river receives one of its major tributaries, Rangyong Chhu on its right bank, which originates from the Talung glacier, a part of the Khangchendzonga mountain range.
From Singhik, the river flows southwards to Dikchu with a 200 m drop through a very deep valley for about 30 km.
From Dikchu onwards, the river takes many sharp and wide curves and flows down to Singtam with a further drop of about 200m.
Rangpo Chhu, which drains the Chhangu lake area in East Sikkim joins Teesta river on its left bank at Rangpo. Downstream of Rangpo, Teesta river widens and is joined by Rangit river at Melli Bazar on Sikkim-West Bengal border.
From Melli Bazar downstream, the river leaves the hilly terrain and enters the plains of West Bengal at Sevoke near Siliguri. Teesta river ultimately drains into Brahmaputra at Teestamukh Ghat (Kamarjani-Bahadurabad in Rangpu district of Bangladesh) and traverses a distance of about 400 km from its origin.
Teesta and most of its tributaries are flashy mountain rivers and carry boulders and considerable quantity of sediment. The flow is turbulent and characterised by high velocities.
Throughout its course in Sikkim, Teesta and its tributaries flow in very narrow and deep valleys having precipitous hill slopes, except where the tributaries join the main stream.
The hill slopes are mostly friable and landslips are very common throughout the basin.

WATERSHEDS OF TEESTA BASIN IN SIKKIM

The main Teesta while flowing from north to south divides the state into two parts.
Teesta drainage basin in Sikkim cover an area of 7,020.38 sq km of Sikkim and 75.32 sq km of the state is under Jaldhaka river watershed, which is not the part of Teesta basin. In order to understand the profile and behaviour of the prominent tributaries of Teesta river basin in Sikkim, Teesta basin was divided into its major tributary watersheds.
The entire Teesta basin falling in Sikkim has been delineated into 17 watersheds following the conventional methodology of delineation based upon drainage order classification.
For this Survey of India toposheets at 1:50,000 scale were used, with ridge line demarcating the boundaries between adjacent watersheds.
These watersheds vary in size and shape depending upon the drainage pattern in a particular watershed.