Namchi, August 16, 2025: A District Level Consultation on the Integrated Economic Inclusion Action Plan (IEIAP) under Sikkim INSPIRES, organised by the Rural Development Department (RDD), was held today at Town Hall, Namchi.
The programme was attended by Deputy Speaker SLA Ms. Rajkumari Thapa, Minister of Urban Development Mr. Bhoj Raj Rai, MLAs Mr. Rikshal Dorjee Bhutia and Mr. Satish Chandra Rai, Zilla Adhakshya Ms. Anjeeta Rai, NMC Chairperson Mr. Ganesh Rai, councillors, panchayat members, and representatives of Namchi district. Also present were DC Namchi and Chairperson of the District IEIAP Committee Ms. Anupa Tamling, ADCs, SDM (HQ), officers of the RDD, along with entrepreneurs, self-help groups (SHGs), and students.
In his welcome address, ADC (Development), Ravangla, Mr. Sunil Mothey, stressed the importance of stakeholder consultations, particularly with women, youth, and adolescents, to ensure inclusive and sustainable economic opportunities. He highlighted the initiative’s focus on mental health, well-being, and empowerment.
Senior Planning Coordinator (PIU, RDD) Mr. Nima Tashi Bhutia outlined the background and objectives of IEIAP, a state government initiative supported by the World Bank. He said the plan aims to build an evidence-based roadmap for promoting non-farm economic inclusion of women and youth through entrepreneurship, enterprise development, and sustainable livelihoods. The six priority areas identified are Creative Economy, IT & IT-enabled services, Tourism, Hospitality & Wellness, Green Jobs, and Child & Elderly Care.
Further, TSA (RDD) Mr. Gyan Prasad Sharma presented survey findings on employment and enterprise, noting the data would guide targeted strategies for non-farm livelihoods. He emphasized the need to address barriers such as limited access to finance, markets, and training.
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Deputy Secretary RDD Ms. Anupama Rai highlighted observations from block-level planning groups, noting the role of government schemes and the need for skill training, infrastructure, and market access. TSA Team Leader Ms. Priya Darshani Pradhan shared the draft district plan, outlining strengths, challenges, and proposed interventions with tentative budgets.
The programme featured an open discussion with MLAs, councillors, and panchayat members, along with inputs from SHGs, entrepreneurs, and youth. A separate youth consultation session allowed students and young entrepreneurs to share suggestions on skills, entrepreneurship, and livelihood opportunities to strengthen the draft plan.
