Sikkim BJP backs people-focused measures in Budget 2026-27, flags jobs and revenue gap
Sikkim BJP welcomed several initiatives in the State Budget 2026-27, including farm credit interest support and road allocations, while expressing concern over
The Sikkim BJP welcomed several people-focused initiatives announced in the State Budget 2026-27, but said the state still faces serious concerns around employment and financial dependence on the Centre. Speaking at a press conference in Gangtok, BJP spokesperson Passang Sherpa said the budget was delayed but praised the coalition government for passing an Rs 18,455 crore state budget.
Sherpa said the BJP studied the budget book and noted that Sikkim’s gross state domestic product (GSDP) is projected at Rs 62,973 crore, while the total outlay is Rs 18,455 crore. He pointed to capital spending of Rs 5,896 crore and revenue expenditure of Rs 11,733 crore, and argued that the state’s own revenue capacity remains limited.
Central funds bridge a large part of the gap
According to Sherpa, the state’s own tax and non-tax revenue is projected at Rs 3,399 crore, raising what he called a basic question about where the remaining money comes from. He said Sikkim is set to receive Rs 5,113 crore as its share of central taxes, along with Rs 3,967 crore as grant-in-aid and Rs 3,312 crore under special central assistance for special category states. He added that after accounting for these, the gap is expected to be bridged through gross borrowing of Rs 2,765 crore.
Despite these concerns, the BJP spokesperson highlighted areas he said would help people directly. He welcomed the government’s additional three percent interest subsidy for Kisan Credit Card borrowers who repay on time, which he said would reduce the effective interest rate to 1 percent for agriculture and allied activities. He also noted allocations for road infrastructure, including Rs 546 crore for mastic asphalt surfacing of 570 kilometres and Rs 362 crore for general road repairs, while asking agencies to ensure drainage and retaining walls in landslide-prone regions.
Health, housing, education and digital governance
On health and social services, Sherpa welcomed provisions for an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) centre at STNM Hospital and the launch of an HPV screening programme using 1.5 lakh testing kits. He also said a medical college has received approval to start its MBBS programme with 100% gap funding, and noted budget steps towards digital governance through e-Sanction, e-Budgeting and e-Payment systems.
In education and housing, Sherpa pointed to Rs 2,768 crore allocated for education and welcomed Rs 250 crore for completing Phase II of the Sikkim Garib Awas Yojana, plus Rs 108 crore for additional housing for economically weaker families. However, he said the budget needs a stronger approach for skill development, direct employment creation, and support for dairy farmers facing pending incentive payments, along with clearer plans to diversify tourism and back local start-ups and MSMEs.
