Sonakshi Sarkar

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…

The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) has strongly condemned the Citizen Action Party's (CAP) allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated. The ruling party, led by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, accused CAP of attempting to regain relevance by repeating old charges despite securing only 6% of the votes in the last election. In a statement, SKM dismissed CAP’s efforts to challenge the government's initiatives, urging the opposition party to focus on the state’s welfare instead of undermining progress. “CAP should focus on the welfare of the state instead of trying to tear down the progress we have made,” the SKM…

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang announced plans to host international pop icon Ed Sheeran for a concert on the state’s 50th Statehood Day, ensuring that the event will be funded entirely through ticket sales and sponsorships, without using government funds. Speaking at the Namprikdang Namsoong Festival in Upper Dzongu on January 12, the Chief Minister emphasized the concert’s potential to boost tourism. “People from across the country will visit Sikkim, stay in our hotels and homestays, and explore our unique culture, significantly benefiting our tourism industry,” he said. Tamang urged the public to avoid politicizing the event, focusing instead…

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for the release of ₹671.35 crore as part of the Union government’s tax devolution for January 2025. “This timely support will accelerate Sikkim’s economic development, enhance social welfare initiatives, and advance critical infrastructure projects,” Tamang said, acknowledging the central government’s commitment to aiding smaller states. The allocation is part of the Union government’s monthly tax devolution, which distributes the net proceeds of union taxes to states. For January, the total devolution across India amounts to a substantial financial boost, with Uttar…

The Sikkim Government has issued a health advisory on Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) amid reports of a surge in severe respiratory illness cases in China linked to the virus. A high-level meeting, chaired by the Chief Secretary on January 7, reviewed the state's preparedness and potential risks. HMPV, first identified in the Netherlands in 2001, typically causes mild respiratory issues but poses severe risks to vulnerable individuals, including those with weakened immune systems. The virus spreads through close contact, coughing, sneezing, or contaminated surfaces, with symptoms ranging from cough and fever to shortness of breath. Health authorities have urged citizens to…