Tucked away in the northeastern part of India, Sikkim is a stunning place known for its natural beauty and diverse culture. It’s a unique destination for travellers seeking adventure and tranquillity.
In the financial year 2024, Sikkim received a sum of Rs 41.87 crore in CSR funds from 40 companies. Among the top priorities for CSR projects in Sikkim were education, rural development, and health. These areas got Rs 14 crore, Rs 12.8 crore, and Rs 7.02 crore, respectively. This investment is aimed at addressing important issues and improving the lives of the local people.
The top contributors to Sikkim’s CSR scene in FY24 were well-known companies like NHPC Limited, which gave Rs 9.54 crore, Sikkim Urja Limited, with a generous donation of Rs 9.16 crore, and HDFC Bank Limited, providing Rs 5.2 crore for CSR work. These companies see the potential in Sikkim for making a positive difference and are directing their resources to meet the unique needs and challenges of the state.
Let us explore some of the top CSR initiatives happening in Sikkim, highlighting the creative projects and partnerships that are shaping a better future for this fascinating state.
CSR of Bisleri for sustainability in Sikkim’s Schools
Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. has joined hands with the KATALYTIC Charter Educational Foundation (KCEF) to promote responsible plastic use and recycling across schools in Sikkim.
As part of their flagship programme Bottles of Change, the collaboration will conduct year-round awareness sessions in charter schools, encouraging students to creatively repurpose used plastic into functional and artistic objects, also engaging over 214 Schools to redefine plastic responsibility in Sikkim. The most innovative and impactful student creations will be recognised and awarded-celebrating youth-led action in environmental stewardship.
The initiative will also feature a mega cleanliness drive led by students from charter school students, and local communities. The partnership aims to embed sustainable habits within classrooms and nurture a culture of environmental responsibility among students and educators alike.
World Bank project to empower women and youth in Sikkim
The World Bank is running a project to support the state government of Sikkim’s efforts to train, upskill, and provide jobs for 300,500 women and youth in high-growth and priority sectors. The project was approved by the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors in December, 2023.
In Sikkim, over 40 percent of youth are currently engaged in agriculture. Studies have shown that around 70 percent of Sikkim’s youth aspire to work in sectors like renewable energy and IT and would need technical and foundational skills.
The state also has a growing manufacturing and services industry. To sustain growth, the state government aims to skill its women and youth in jobs in non-farm sectors like renewable energy, information and technology (IT) services, tourism, hospitality and wellness care, and creative design.
The $100 million Sikkim: Integrated Service Provision and Innovation for Reviving Economies (INSPIRES) Operation is expected to establish an Employment and Entrepreneurship Promotion Facility, which will promote partnerships with private-sector firms, central agencies, and business associations. In addition, the project will provide staff trainings and build public procurement capacity across priority state departments.
CSR of NHPC
In the wake of the flash floods in the Teesta River basin triggered by a cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim on 3rd October last year, NHPC Limited contributed Rs 3 crore to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund of Sikkim to support the relief efforts of the Govt. of Sikkim for the victims. NHPC also organised langars, distributed rations and other supplies to the flash flood victims in coordination with the state administration.


