Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to Sikkim, where he is participating in the State’s Golden Jubilee celebrations of statehood. During the event, the Prime Minister described the Northeast as India’s “Ashtalakshmi” and highlighted the Himalayan State’s significance within it. During the visit, he also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of several development projects worth over Rs 4,000 crore.These projects cover sectors such as infrastructure, connectivity, healthcare, education, power, urban development, environment, tourism, agriculture and allied areas. The aim is to support overall and inclusive development in the State.In healthcare, the PM laid foundation stone for a 100-bedded Ayurveda Hospital at Yangang in Namchi district. He also inaugurated a 30-bedded Integrated Sowa Rigpa Hospital at NIT Deorali, which will improve access to traditional medical systems in Sikkim.In education, multiple institutions and facilities were inaugurated. These include the permanent campus of Sikkim University at Yangang, the administrative block of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University of Excellence at Chakung, Helen Lepcha Medical College at Socheygang in Gangtok district, and Dentam Professional College at Dentam in Gyalshing district. Model residential schools at Hee Gyathang, a Model Degree College at Mangshila in Mangan district, and a monastic hostel-cum-classroom at Boomtar Gumpa in Namchi district were also inaugurated. In addition, IT-based infrastructure projects in 160 schools were launched. Indoor cricket facilities at Mining, Rangpo in Pakyong district were also inaugurated to support sports development.To improve connectivity, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for two double-lane steel arch bridges over River Teesta at Sirwani and Lower Samdong, linking Namchi and Gangtok districts. He also inaugurated the widening and strengthening of the road from Birdhang to Namchi via Kitchudumra to make travel easier between districts.In the power sector, an upgraded Transmission and Distribution network in Gangtok was inaugurated to improve electricity supply.In urban development, PM Modi launched the Jan Seva Sachivalaya (Mini Secretariat) at Lumsey and the Civil Service Officers Institute in Gangtok. Housing projects were also inaugurated, including homes under the Sikkim Urban Garib Awas Yojana at Lingding, housing for police personnel, and Grade ‘C’ quarters at SAP Pangthang. The foundation stone for the Sadhbhav Mandap (Public Utility Centre) at MG Marg was also laid.In environment-related work, a sewerage system rehabilitation project at Singtam town was launched, along with a pollution control project for River Rani Chu in Gangtok.In tourism, several projects were inaugurated, including the redevelopment of the Ridge area in Gangtok, eco-tourism and pilgrimage facilities at Dodak in Soreng, facilities linked to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra at 18th Mile and Hangu Lake, and a Yatri Niwas at Krishna Pranami Mangaldham, Namphing. An Eco-Pilgrimage Complex at Silnon in Gyalshing district was also announced.In agriculture, the Sikkim IFFCO Processing Plant was inaugurated to support farmers and improve agro-processing.