The Hindu Business Line : Sikkim’s happy economy

In the backdrop of the majestic Mount Kanchandzonga, flanked by 22 snow-capped peaks of the Himalayan range, nestles the amazingly beautiful Sikkim State. Virgin forest, hundreds of springs, waterfalls, and rivers, rich handicraft traditions, magnificent Buddhist monasteries, and a clean environment add to this naturally thriving economy.

Active tourism

More than 4 lakh domestic tourists and nearly 50,000 foreign tourists visit Sikkim every year. The tourist flow triggers a wide range of sustainable and eco-friendly economic activities in the State. Around 1,000 Tibetan ethnic dress-makers transform tourists into Tibetan kings, queens, monks and princes. Each of them earns Rs 300-400 a day during the active season. A yak ride across the green valleys amidst the snow-covered mountains is an unforgettable experience. The yak owner earns an income of Rs 400 a day besides selling milk from the cattle. More than 2,000 natives earn about Rs 400 a day by offering kayaking facilities in the rapids of the Teesta river. Sikkim’s water sport activities can generate more employment for the State.

The women possess traditional skills in carpet making, making wall hangings, table mats, belts, soft toys, furniture, and so on. Many of the items are exported to the US and European nations.

Food on offer

A wide range of food crops and edible herbs are available in abundance. Pine, oak, walnut, bamboo and many kinds of minor forest produce are also found. There is no scarcity of water, no drying of the springs; the hills are alive, and the bio-diversity is intact.

The bankers’ community in Sikkim, in order to promote the hospitality sector, provides loans to furnish village homes that are often rented out to tourists. The village tourism sector has good potential to generate employment.

Magnificent Buddhist monasteries amidst peaceful surroundings attract thousands of tourists. The State government has declared Sikkim an organic State, and has banned plastic bags through strict imposition of a fine of Rs 10,000.

State Economics

If a Tibetan dress-provider, a yak owner, a taxi driver and a food retailer can earn Rs 400-600 a day and grow one or two crops, vegetables and fruits in their fields, what is the purpose of leading a miserable life of a semi-skilled factory worker in an urban slum? The purpose of every economic model is to create happiness. Sikkim certainly preserves the kind of economy that keeps people happy and healthy.

(The author is a Pune-based freelance writer. blfeedback@thehindu.co.in)

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