Sikkim is celebrating its 48th State Day on Tuesday. It was on 16th May, 1975 that the erstwhile kingdom became part of India as its 22nd state. President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar have greeted people of Sikkim on their Statehood day. In a tweet, the president said that Sikkim presents a blend of modernity and unique traditions. She said the state has pioneered organic farming, enriched biodiversity and created a model for sustainable development. President said, she was touched by the warmth of people during her visit of the state last year.<br />'' <br />''Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said that Sikkim is home to beautiful mountains and rich biodiversity and it is a land of unparalleled natural beauty. He said that the state's commitment to sustainable development, organic farming and cleanliness is truly inspirational.<br />'' <br />''The state level celebration was organised at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok in the presence of governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and chief minister PS Tamang.<br />'' <br />''Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Acharya appreciated the state's progress in gender equality, education, healthcare, employment generation, organic farming and environment conservation. He urged all to draw inspiration from these achievements and work towards taking the state to greater heights. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Act East policy for development and thanked him for providing Sikkim the opportunity to host G20 events which projected the state's rich natural and cultural heritage on a global platform. The governor added that the central government's Vibrant Village programme will transform lives in Sikkim's border villages. He mentioned the celebration of the fifth Jan Aushadhi Diwas this year and stressed on widening the availability of generic medicines across the state. <br />'' <br />''In his address, chief minister PS Tamang highlighted the state government's initiatives across sectors, particularly in the health sector, such as launch of dialysis centres and mobile village clinics, strengthening cancer treatment facilities, boosting oxygen availability at hospitals and increasing MBBS seats in the state. Mr Tamang announced free treatment for dialysis and cancer patients belonging to BPL families on the occasion. The chief minister highlighted Sikkim's strong performance in eradicating Tuberculosis and said that the state is set to achieve targets under the TB-free India campaign. He also showcased reforms in the education sector including those in teacher recruitment policy, and various fellowships offered by the state government.<br />'' <br />''Mr Tamang informed that the state government has plugged revenue leakages to realise a 57 per cent growth in revenue generation in 2022-23 compared to 2018-19. Mr Tamang thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the central government for continued support. He also remembered former governors and chief ministers for their contribution to the state's progress.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">The state level Sikkim State Day celebration in Gangtok included presentation of the Sikkim Sewa Samman to state government officials, launch of a multimedia database management system by the IPR department and a public awareness video on mobile village clinics; and release of a book titled Skill Gap Assessment Study of Sikkim by the state skill development department. Sikkim governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and chief minister PS Tamang also flagged off ambulances for government colleges and mobile diagnostic laboratories for Gyalshing and Mangan districts.</span><br />