The Chief Minister of Sikkim, Prem Singh Tamang, announced the launch of the CM-SAATHI initiative on Saturday. This program aims to provide high-quality and free preparatory courses for aspirants taking the JEE and NEET examinations who come from low-income backgrounds.
Speaking at an event celebrating Teacher's Day, Tamang stated that this scheme is being implemented in partnership with IIT Kanpur. Under the terms of cooperation, students from poor families will receive a two-month intensive course to prepare for entrance exams into engineering and medical universities.
Prem Singh Tamang noted that the proposal was approved by the state cabinet the day before. He emphasized that many students from modest families aspire to participate in the JEE and NEET competitions but cannot afford the services of proper coaching centers.
Tamang himself, who left the teaching profession over three decades ago to pursue politics, expressed his respect for teachers, acknowledging their dedication, sacrifice, and hardships. He stated that the unwavering belief of teachers in education continues to inspire, and modern educators are proud custodians of the legacy of sacrifice, service, and commitment.
The Chief Minister also stressed that his government has always viewed education not as an expense item, but as the most important investment. He specified that during the 2025–26 period, approximately 15 percent of the state's total expenditure is directed towards education, which confirms a firm commitment to the vision of transforming Sikkim into an educational hub and building a 'Golden, Prosperous, and Capable Sikkim' (Sunaulo, Samriddha ani Saamarth).
It was noted that Sikkim was recognized as a fully literate state on May 27, 2026, marking an important milestone in the region's educational journey. The government is making continuous efforts to strengthen the education system through regular teacher recruitment and hiring, as well as by implementing various programs.
Tamang reported that the state government is working on introducing the Sikkim Life Skills Curriculum. This program is designed to equip students with practical skills such as Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), first aid, fire safety, and disaster preparedness.
He highlighted that as a Himalayan state located in a high seismic risk zone, disaster preparedness is not an option but an absolute necessity. The goal is to nurture a generation capable of saving not only their own lives but also the lives of those around them.
Emphasizing the availability of adequate educational infrastructure in Sikkim, he stated that by 2035, students from the state will not have to leave it in search of quality education. Instead, he expressed a desire for students from all over India to come to Sikkim for excellent, inclusive, and future-ready education.