Sonakshi Sarkar

Sikkim’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has dropped to 1.1 births per woman, one of the lowest rates globally, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) 2019-21. This figure is significantly below India’s national average of 2.0 births per woman. The state’s fertility rate has steadily declined over the past two decades, falling from 2.0 in 2005-06 to 1.2 in 2015-16 before reaching its current low. Sikkim now mirrors nations like South Korea (0.78), Hong Kong (0.70), and Macao (0.66), which are grappling with demographic challenges due to low birth rates. Experts warn that prolonged fertility decline could result in…

Bollywood actor and comedian Rajpal Yadav expressed admiration for Sikkim’s natural beauty and hospitality while attending the Sikkim Blue Duke Festival 2025. Held at Saramsa Park near Ranipool, the festival celebrates Sikkim’s rich culture and heritage through performances, exhibitions, and nature-based activities. During a press conference, Yadav praised the efforts of the Sikkim government, led by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, in organizing the vibrant event. He also congratulated Lok Sabha MP Dr. Indra Hang Subba and the organizing committee for promoting tourism and youth engagement. “I feel truly honored to be part of this wonderful celebration. Sikkim’s beauty is…

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has announced key upgrades to NH-10 to improve traffic flow between Sikkim and Siliguri. The upgrades are expected to significantly benefit tourism and infrastructure development in Sikkim. Union Road Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari confirmed the initiative in a written reply to Sikkim Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba on February 13. Subba had sought details about the Centre’s plans for enhancing the highway, which is the main route connecting Sikkim to Siliguri and beyond. Five major projects are underway: 4/6-laning from Balason Bridge to Sevoke Army CantonmentDPR for 4-laning from Sevoke…

The State Bank of Sikkim (SBS) has collected over ₹35 lakh from more than 30,000 individuals since the tenant verification drive began on February 1. Each participant paid a fee of ₹50 as part of the initiative led by the Sikkim police to ensure proper tenant documentation. A recent government notification has exempted local citizens holding specific documents—Sikkim Subject Certificate, Certificate of Identification, Sikkim Voter ID, Residential Certificate, or land documents—from the verification process. This exemption has led to public concerns about refunds for those who had already paid. SBS Managing Director PW Bhutia clarified that the decision on refunds…

Strengthening public safety measures, Sikkim’s Director General of Police (DGP) Akshay Sachdeva announced mandatory tenant verification for outsiders under the Sikkim Tenants and Domestic and Professional Helps (Compulsory Verification) Act, 2008. Addressing the press, DGP Sachdeva clarified that local residents holding any of five key documents are exempt from police station verification. The exempt documents include the Sikkim Subject Certificate, Certificate of Identification (COI), Residential Certificate, land documents in Sikkim, and Sikkim Voter ID Card. The move comes after concerns over the state’s rising illegal influx and criminal activities. “This is not to harass locals but to safeguard national and…