Gangtok, Mar 30 (PTI) Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Monday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for launching the “Pride of Hills” initiative under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) framework.

This meaningful support will play a vital role in accelerating infrastructure development, boosting capital investments, and addressing key fiscal priorities of the state, Tamang said.

“I convey my sincere appreciation to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji and Hon’ble Union Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Ji for the introduction of the ‘Pride of Hills’ initiative under SASCI for the financial year 2026-27,” he said in a post on X.

Observing that this forward-looking measure acknowledges the distinct realities of hill states such as Sikkim, where geographical challenges, remoteness, and limited revenue avenues often constrain growth, Tamang said that it reflects the central government’s commitment to ensuring equitable and inclusive development across all regions.

The “Pride of Hills” scheme is a 2026-27 central initiative providing Rs 25,000 crore in special financial assistance to nine Himalayan states to overcome structural challenges like difficult terrain and limited connectivity. PTI KDK RG