New Delhi : Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia continued his official visit to Sikkim with a series of engagements in Namchi, reviewing projects related to education, tourism, tea production and sports development. During the visit, the Minister interacted with students, tea workers, tourism stakeholders and young sportspersons, while reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure and livelihood opportunities across the Northeast.
Scindia visited the under-construction Khangchendzonga Sikkim State University at Tarku, which will be the first state university in Sikkim. Built across 28 acres, the project is partially funded by the North Eastern Council with financial assistance of ₹9.61 crore. Once completed, the university is expected to accommodate more than 1,500 students.
During the inspection, the Minister reviewed progress on the administrative block and other campus infrastructure. Emphasising Sikkim’s ecological identity, he suggested incorporating more greenery and natural elements into the campus design and appreciated the engineering teams for the pace of construction work.
Later, the Minister visited the Temi Tea Estate and the adjoining tea processing unit, where he interacted with workers and officials involved in tea production and packaging. Discussions focused on international market expansion and export opportunities for Temi Tea.
Officials briefed the Minister on the estate’s transition towards LPG-based tea manufacturing, aimed at eliminating charcoal usage and reducing carbon residue. Scindia also recommended pursuing GI certification for Temi Tea. During the visit, he interacted with women tea pluckers and estate staff while conversing fluently in Nepali.
The Union Minister also reviewed the proposed Namchi–Temi–Ravangla tourism circuit at the Indian Himalayan Centre for Adventure and Eco Tourism (IHCAE), Chemchey. The tourism circuit is being developed jointly by the Government of Sikkim and the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region as part of a broader tourism infrastructure initiative in the Northeast.
Scindia reviewed adventure and eco-tourism activities planned at the centre, including rock climbing, trekking, skiing, mountaineering, cycling tracks and guided eco-tourism programmes. He suggested introducing more recreational activities catering to visitors across different age groups to further boost tourism potential in the region.
Discussions were also held on infrastructure and tourist amenities connected to pilgrimage and tourism routes, including the Char Dham corridor.
Later in the day, the Minister attended the semifinal match of the fourth edition of the Sikkim Premier League at Bhaichung Stadium in Namchi, where he also witnessed traditional Nepali Maruni dance performances by local artists.
Addressing players and spectators, Scindia highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of transforming the Northeast into a major sports hub. He said the Ministry of DoNER is focusing on grassroots talent identification, scientific coaching, sports science integration and athlete development through its high-level task force initiatives.
The Minister also spoke about the “One Sport, One State” approach and the Ministry’s 60:40 framework that prioritises coaching, talent scouting and technology alongside sports infrastructure development. He noted that the Sikkim Premier League is emerging as an important platform for nurturing young football talent in the state.
Scindia also travelled on the 3.5-km-long Bhaleydhunga Ropeway and reviewed the progress of the Bhaleydhunga Skywalk being developed under the PM-DevINE scheme at a cost of ₹220 crore.
The proposed 240-metre-long circular glass skywalk, located at an elevation of 3,200 metres, is expected to become the highest skywalk in the world upon completion and is projected to significantly enhance Sikkim’s tourism and adventure tourism infrastructure.