Yuksam, July 28:
In a groundbreaking step towards environmental sustainability and grassroots entrepreneurship, Sikkim has launched ‘Ecosculpt’, a plastic waste upcycling unit at Labing, Yuksam-Tashiding. The project was inaugurated by Mr. Tshering T Bhutia, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Commerce & Industries, and Food Processing Departments, who is also the area MLA. With plastic waste becoming a rising national concern, Ecosculpt offers a replicable solution that combines innovation, eco-consciousness, and livelihood creation. The unit aims to “transform plastic waste into art”—reusing discarded materials to make useful and market-ready products.
Ecosculpt is a community-based project funded by the Chief Minister’s Discretionary Fund of Sikkim and supported by Minister Mr. Tshering T Bhutia. The unit currently employs four local youths and produces eco-friendly items such as:
- Laptop bags
- Office bags
- Grocery totes
- Household containers
- Floor mats
All products are crafted from upcycled plastic, aligning with India’s national mission to reduce single-use plastic.
Ms. Laxmi Limboo, a founding member of Ecosculpt, explained the functioning of the unit and shared plans for scaling up production to meet growing market demand.
During the inauguration, Minister Bhutia praised the initiative as a model for green entrepreneurship. He said such innovations are vital not only for Sikkim but for the entire country as India advances toward its sustainability goals. He assured continued government support and personally committed to helping the project expand.
Highlighting Sikkim’s leadership in eco-initiatives, he mentioned state-level missions such as:
- Zero Waste Mission
- Mero Rukh Mero Santati (My Tree, My Offspring)
- Connect to Earth Campaign
These programs reflect the vision of Chief Minister Mr. Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), aiming to make Sikkim a role model for sustainable development in India. Minister Bhutia used the occasion to urge Indian youth to consider entrepreneurship as a powerful career path, rather than relying solely on government jobs. He highlighted schemes such as:
- One Family, One Entrepreneur – Each household supports one entrepreneur.
- Sikkim INSPIRES – A youth-focused initiative under the Tourism & Civil Aviation Department.
- MSME support & SEED Cell – Offering skill training, financial aid, and mentorship for startups across sectors.
He encouraged rural youth across the country to take inspiration from Ecosculpt and become job creators instead of job seekers.
A Model for India’s Sustainable Future
As India tackles the challenges of plastic pollution and youth unemployment, Ecosculpt offers a working model of how community, government, and innovation can come together. Turning waste into opportunity, the project not only protects nature but also provides dignity through work.
Three Suggestions for National Scale-Up:
- Link with Tourism and Handicraft Markets:
Eco-products can be promoted through India’s tourism circuits and handicraft expos, generating sustainable income for rural artisans. - Integrate with National Skill Mission:
Collaborate with PMKVY and Skill India to provide formal training in eco-design, plastic recycling, and green entrepreneurship.
Final Words
The launch of Ecosculpt in Sikkim is not just a state story—it’s a national inspiration. At a time when India is striving to reduce waste and boost local employment, initiatives like Ecosculpt show that small ideas, with the right support, can lead to big changes.
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