Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia on Friday reviewed a series of key infrastructure and development projects in Sikkim’s Namchi district, with a focus on education, tourism, sports and sustainable economic growth in the Northeast.
On the second day of his official visit to Sikkim, Scindia visited several flagship projects, interacted with students, tea workers and sportspersons, and reiterated the Centre’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure and livelihood opportunities in the region under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for Northeast development.
The minister first visited the under-construction Khangchendzonga Sikkim State University at Tarku, the first state university being developed in Sikkim. Spread over 28 acres and partly funded by the North Eastern Council under the Ministry of DoNER with an allocation of Rs 9.61 crore, the university is expected to accommodate more than 1,500 students after completion.
Reviewing the administrative block and campus infrastructure, Scindia suggested integrating more greenery and natural elements into the design to align with Sikkim’s ecological landscape. He also praised the pace of construction work.
Scindia later toured the famed Temi Tea Garden and its tea processing unit, where he interacted with workers and reviewed tea manufacturing and export operations. Officials briefed him on the estate’s transition to LPG-based processing methods aimed at reducing charcoal use and carbon emissions.
In a moment that drew smiles from workers across the plantation, Scindia conversed fluently in Nepali with the tea pluckers, creating a warm and personal connection with the local community. Scindia is fluent in Nepali because of his maternal heritage. His mother, the late Rajmata Madhavi Raje Scindia, was a prominent member of Nepal's royal Rana dynasty. He grew up speaking the language and is deeply connected to Nepali culture, often conversing with locals and enjoying authentic Nepali cuisine.
At the Indian Himalayan Centre for Adventure and Eco Tourism, Scindia reviewed the proposed Namchi–Temi–Ravangla tourism circuit being developed with support from the Ministry of DoNER. He assessed facilities linked to trekking, mountaineering, cycling, skiing and eco-tourism, while advocating broader tourism activities catering to different age groups.
The minister later attended the semi-final of the fourth edition of the Sikkim Premier League at Bhaichung Stadium in Namchi and highlighted the Centre’s push to transform the Northeast into a major sporting hub through grassroots talent development and sports science integration.
Scindia also reviewed progress of the Bhuleydunga Skywalk Project under the PM-DEVINE scheme. Built at a cost of Rs 220 crore, the project includes a proposed 240-metre circular glass skywalk at an elevation of 3,200 metres. Once completed, it is expected to become the world’s highest skywalk and a major attraction for adventure tourism in Sikkim.
Also read: 8 NE panchayats win honours at National Panchayat Awards
Follow us
