IBEF-印度锡金的工业发展与经济增长（英文）-2018.12-45页_2mb

Summary of Sikkim's Development and Infrastructure

Core Content

Sikkim, located in the northeastern region of India, is a small state with a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and growing economic potential. It is known for its rich biodiversity, strong agricultural base, and recent advancements in infrastructure and industry. The state has made significant strides in promoting organic farming, developing its tourism sector, and enhancing connectivity through roads, railways, and air.

Main Points

Economic Overview

• GSDP Growth: Sikkim's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) grew at a CAGR of 12.18% from 2011-12 to 2017-18, with a per capita GSDP of US$ 5,286.32 in 2017-18.
• NSDP Growth: The Net State Domestic Product (NSDP) grew at a CAGR of 12.21%, and the per capita NSDP reached US$ 4,620.09 in 2017-18.
• FDI Inflows: FDI inflows in Sikkim from April 2000 to June 2018 amounted to US$ 4.78 billion, contributing 1% to India's total FDI.
• Key Sectors: The state's economy is primarily agricultural, with cardamom and floriculture as major contributors. It also has a growing pharmaceuticals and IT sector.

Key Sectors

Agro & Food Processing and Horticulture

• Sikkim is a leading producer of cardamom, contributing over 80% of India's total production.
• The state produces 24,010 tonnes of fruits and 190,720 tonnes of vegetables in 2017-18.
• Organic Farming: Sikkim was certified as the first fully organic state in India in 2016.
• Agricultural Schemes: The state has allocated US$ 67.42 million in 2018-19 for the development of agriculture and allied services.
• Training & Development: The state has established three Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and is implementing the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) to support organic farming clusters.

Tourism

• Tourist Arrivals: Domestic and foreign tourist arrivals have increased from 99,000 in 1994 to over 1.4 million in 2017.
• Tourism Corridors: The state is developing tourism-related industries such as village tourism, homestay, and cultural tourism.
• Infrastructure Boost: The Pakyong Airport, the first in Sikkim, is expected to significantly enhance tourism connectivity and boost the sector.
• New Attractions: Sikkim is setting up a fossil park in Mamley and a geological museum to attract paleontologists and tourists.

Physical Infrastructure

Roads

• Total road network: 2,425.45 km.
• NH-31A connects Sikkim to West Bengal and the rest of India.
• Road Development: Over 2,977 km of new roads were constructed since 1994.
• Budget Allocation: Rs 278.59 crore (US$ 43.23 million) was allocated for roads and bridges in 2018-19.

Railways

• Rail Connectivity: A 52.7 km rail link between Sevoke (West Bengal) and Rangpo (Sikkim) is under construction.
• Major Projects: Rs 40,000 crore (US$ 6.21 billion) worth of railway projects are planned in the northeast region, including Sikkim.
• Industrial Corridors: Rangpo-Gangtok, Melli-Jorethang, Jorethang-Rishi, and Ranipool-Gangtok are designated as industrial corridors.

Airports

• Pakyong Airport: Inaugurated in September 2018, it is a greenfield airport covering 201 acres and costing Rs 605 crore (US$ 90.24 million).
• Connectivity: The airport handles 50 in-bound and 50 out-bound passengers, with an expected capacity of 0.5 million passengers per annum.
• First Flight: Spicejet launched the first commercial flight from Pakyong to Kolkata on October 4, 2018.

Power

• Installed Capacity: 962.15 MW as of November 2018, with 823 MW from hydropower and 52.12 MW from renewable sources.
• Major Projects: A 500 MW hydropower project on the Teesta River is under construction and is expected to be completed in 3-4 years.
• Future Plans: Sarda Energy and Minerals Limited (SEML) plans to add 125 MW of hydroelectric capacity in the next 2-3 years.

Social Infrastructure

Education

• Literacy Rate: 81.42%, with male literacy at 86.55% and female literacy at 75.61%.
• Institutions: Sikkim Manipal University and Sikkim University provide technical, healthcare, and science education.
• Education Schemes: 29,000 students were enrolled in higher education in 2017-18.
• SDG Implementation: Sikkim partnered with UNESCO MGIEP to implement Sustainable Development Goals in primary education.

Health

• Health Infrastructure: Sikkim has 28 primary health centres, 197 sub-centres, 2 community health centres, 1 sub-district hospital, and 5 district hospitals.
• Health Indicators: The birth rate is 16.6 per 1,000, and the death rate is 4.7 per 1,000.
• Healthcare Projects: A Drug Testing Laboratory, Tuberculosis hospitals, and a 1,000-bed multi-specialty hospital are in the pipeline.
• Free Healthcare: The government plans to provide free health services with improved infrastructure.

Industrial Infrastructure

• Thrust Sectors: Agro-based industries, horticulture, tourism, IT, and organic farming are the main focus.
• SIDICO: The Sikkim Industrial Development and Investment Corporation Limited promotes and finances industries in the tiny, cottage, and small sector.
• Industrial Incentives:
  • Central Capital Investment Incentive: Up to 30% of investment in plant and machinery (up to Rs 5 crore).
  • Central Investment Incentive: 3% on working capital for five years.
  • Insurance Incentive: 100% reimbursement of insurance premium for five years.
  • Tax Reimbursement: Income Tax and GST reimbursement for five years.
  • Transport Incentive: 20% on rail and inland waterways, 33% on air freight.

Key Statistics

Conclusion

Sikkim is a small but economically vibrant state in India with a strong agro-based economy, high literacy rate, and impressive infrastructure developments. The state's focus on organic farming, tourism, and industrial growth positions it as a promising destination for investment and development. With improved connectivity, modern education and healthcare systems, and supportive policies, Sikkim is poised for continued growth and integration into the national and global economy.