Prime Minister Narendra Modi, from the grand setting of Srinagar’s Bakshi Stadium, virtually inaugurated 53 development projects worth a staggering 6,400 crore rupees, including two transformative tourism endeavors in Sikkim, as part of the Ministry of Tourism’s Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and PRASHAD schemes. The launch ceremony, held in the conference hall of Paryatan Bhawan, Tadong, saw the presence of Mr. BS Panth, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Department (T&CAD), along with esteemed dignitaries and stakeholders. Among the projects unveiled were the Gangtok Cultural Village at Namli and the Eco-Wellness Experience at Yuksom Cluster, Gyalshing.
The Namli Cultural Village, situated 13 km from Gangtok, will serve as a vibrant showcase of Sikkim’s rich cultural tapestry, encompassing diverse communities, organic markets, and serene landscapes. Meanwhile, the Eco-Wellness Experience in Yuksom promises rejuvenation amidst picturesque surroundings, blending heritage preservation with holistic wellness offerings. Addressing the audience, Mr. CS Rao, Principal Secretary of T&CAD, hailed these projects as a “golden opportunity” for Sikkim’s tourism sector, emphasizing their focus on sustainable development and community engagement. With sanction letters totaling over 38 crore rupees being released for the two initiatives, and plans for six additional projects in the pipeline, Sikkim’s tourism landscape is poised for remarkable growth.
The virtual launch ceremony, part of PM Modi’s broader agenda to empower regional economies, also witnessed the unveiling of nationwide projects worth over 1,400 crore rupees under the ‘Swadesh Darshan’ and ‘PRASHAD’ schemes, further bolstering India’s tourism infrastructure. In a momentous occasion for Jammu and Kashmir, PM Modi announced initiatives aimed at boosting the agri-economy, integrated development of the Hazratbal shrine, and the selection of tourist destinations under the CBDD scheme. His engagement with newly recruited government employees and beneficiaries of central schemes underscored the government’s commitment to inclusive development.
