New Delhi, Feb. 6 -- Raising serious concerns over rural road connectivity in mountainous regions, Sikkim Rajya Sabha MP Shri D.T. Lepcha on Thursday urged the Central Government to reconsider certain Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) guidelines that, he said, are ill-suited for hilly states like Sikkim.

Speaking in Parliament, Lepcha acknowledged the vital role PMGSY has played in expanding all-weather road connectivity across rural Sikkim, significantly improving access to healthcare, education, markets, and livelihood opportunities. However, he pointed out that several remote villages still remain unconnected due to the rigid application of existing eligibility norms, particularly population-based criteria.

Highlighting Sikkim...