Sonakshi Sarkar

The week-long Maghey Sankranti Mela 2025 at Jorethang Playground concluded on January 21 with a grand ceremony, marking a significant cultural event in Sikkim. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, speaking at the event, announced the closure of all ongoing melas in the state to facilitate uninterrupted preparation for the upcoming board exams for Class 10 and Class 12 students. "This year's mela is historic as it was inaugurated by the Governor for the first time in Sikkim's history," CM Tamang said. "Starting tomorrow, all melas will be closed to ensure our students can focus on their studies without distractions." The…

The 16th Finance Commission of India, chaired by Dr. Arvind Panagariya, announced that its final report on Sikkim's financial health and development will be released in October 2025. The announcement was made during a press conference in Gangtok on January 20, 2025. Dr. Panagariya highlighted the Commission’s ongoing evaluation of state finances, emphasizing the need for equitable fund allocation based on standardized criteria. Key factors under review include forest cover, GDP contributions, and per capita income. “While we acknowledge Sikkim’s leadership in sustainable development and energy security, we must maintain fairness in our recommendations across all states,” he stated. The…

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay visited Jautar Stadium in Soreng district to review the preparations for the upcoming state-level Sonam Lhochar celebrations scheduled for later this month. During the inspection, the Chief Minister assessed the progress of arrangements and issued directives to officials to ensure timely completion of all tasks. He emphasized maintaining the highest standards of organization for the event, which holds significant cultural importance for the Tamang community. Sonam Lhochar, marking the Tamang New Year, is celebrated with traditional fervor and community participation across Sikkim. The state-level celebration at Jautar Stadium is expected to draw a large…

As Sikkim marks 50 years of statehood, the Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) has urged the state government to issue a comprehensive "White Paper" assessing the state's progress and challenges over the past five decades. SIBLAC has proposed the document, titled Sikkim: Then and Now—50 Years of Progress and Challenges, to critically examine fiscal health, demographic changes, and political developments. Key concerns raised by SIBLAC: Fiscal Health: The committee highlighted rising debt, income disparity, and concerns over financial sustainability. Population Influx: Protective measures for indigenous rights and cultural preservation were emphasized. Constitutional Safeguards: SIBLAC demanded action against illegal land…

The District Administrative Centre (DAC) in Gangtok took a major step toward modernization with the launch of advanced systems and upgraded infrastructure aimed at enhancing public service delivery. The inauguration ceremony, held on January 15, was led by Kala Rai, MLA of Burtuk and Advisor to the Rural Development Department. Key projects unveiled included a Renovated Single Window System, a Token Management System, and beautification initiatives within the DAC complex. The Token Management System, designed to streamline public work requests, was the highlight, with District Magistrate Tushar Nikhare emphasizing its user-friendly and transparent design. Rai, accompanied by senior officials like…

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met former Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling at the state secretariat, Nabanna, in a meeting that combined political dialogue with cordiality. Banerjee shared her admiration for Chamling, who served as Sikkim's Chief Minister for a record 25 years, in a social media post following the meeting. She described the interaction as an "honor," emphasizing the mutual respect and camaraderie between the leaders. Chamling, the founding president of the Sikkim Democratic Front, extended an invitation to Banerjee to visit Sikkim, proposing collaboration on shared goals between the neighboring states. The discussions underscored the potential for…