Sonakshi Sarkar - The Purbottar

04 Sep

Prime Minister Modi’s historic GST changes are hailed by Himanta Biswa Sarma as a “defining moment” for the Indian economy

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council for introducing what he described as “one of the most consequential reforms in India’s GST structure.” The Chief Minister expressed his views shortly after the Council approved a sweeping overhaul of the country’s indirect taxation system, a move that experts believe could reshape India’s economic landscape. On Wednesday, the GST Council decided to reduce the tax slabs, consolidating them into just two primary categories—5 per cent and 18 per cent. The new structure is expected to come into effect from…

03 Sep

The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee chastises the state for using the incorrect Pang Lhabsol date in an official publication

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) has renewed its criticism of the state government over a long-standing error in an official publication that incorrectly mentions the date of the Pang Lhabsol festival. The issue, first raised by the committee over two decades ago, continues to stir concern among Sikkimese communities. The controversy dates back to 2004 when the Sikkim government published the Sikkim Studies Series (Culture, Part-1, Volume-III). In the book’s section on culture, Pang Lhabsol is listed as being observed every year on September 2. SIBLAC maintains that this information is misleading, as the festival follows the Sikkimese…

02 Sep

Sikkim has extended the deadline for paying traffic fines to September 15

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim Transport Department has announced a 15-day extension for its one-time traffic fine settlement scheme under the AI-driven Traffic Management System. Originally scheduled to conclude on August 31, the initiative will now remain open until September 15, 2025, giving vehicle owners extra time to clear pending fines. The scheme allows violators to settle dues by paying 50% of the total penalty or ₹20,000, whichever is lower. Launched in July, the program aims to reduce financial burden on vehicle owners while encouraging compliance with traffic regulations. However, initial collections during August recovered only about 25% of outstanding fines, officials said.…

02 Sep

Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind delegation to Goalpara, and Assam CM promises strict security

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday announced heightened security measures in Goalpara district ahead of the visit by a delegation of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Chief Minister emphasized the need for maintaining peace and stability in the district, given the sensitive context surrounding the upcoming Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) elections. “Considering the upcoming BTR elections and the sensitive situation in the district, the Assam Police will continue strict monitoring to ensure peace and stability,” Sarma stated, reassuring residents of the district. The visiting delegation includes prominent leaders of the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, such as Maulana…

01 Sep

Sikkim’s new anthropological research reinforces its campaign for tribal recognition

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

out communities with the submission of a fresh ethnographic study to the Union government in New Delhi. The report, prepared by a nine-member expert committee, was formally handed over on August 18 in the presence of representatives from the Eleven Indigenous Ethnic Communities of Sikkim plus one (EIECOS+1), scholars, and senior officials. The study is the outcome of months of detailed fieldwork and academic collaboration. It includes contributions from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) scholars, inputs from economic advisor to the Chief Minister Mahendra P. Lama, and officials from the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India (ORGI).…

01 Sep

The chief minister of Assam denies the “Bengali as Bangladeshi Language” dispute, claiming it is politically driven

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has strongly dismissed the controversy over the labeling of Bengali as a “Bangladeshi language,” terming it a politically motivated issue designed to divide communities for electoral gains. Speaking at a large public gathering in Silchar on Sunday, the Chief Minister underlined that there is no conflict between the Assamese and Bengali communities in Assam, and urged people not to fall into the trap of divisive politics. In his address, Sarma sought to reassure the people of Barak Valley, where a large section of the population speaks Bengali, that the government respects every language and…

30 Aug

“America is attempting to intimidate India”: Sikkim chief minister supports Modi’s “vocal for local” in the tariff dispute

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang accused the United States of attempting to “bully India” by slapping a 50 per cent tariff on Indian imports, and urged citizens to rally behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “vocal for local” campaign to strengthen domestic industries. Speaking to reporters after offering prayers at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, Tamang said, “America is trying to bully India. PM Narendra Modi has said that we will not come under any pressure and work for the welfare of our people. The call to go ‘vocal for local’ must be followed.” He added that his temple…

30 Aug

Congress criticizes Amit Shah for the Guwahati waterlogging and the Assam Accord

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Assam Congress on Friday launched a scathing attack on Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing him of failing to deliver on long-standing promises concerning the Assam Accord and the recurring waterlogging crisis in Guwahati. The party also questioned the propriety of Shah inaugurating the new wing of the Raj Bhavan during his visit to the state. Addressing the media, senior Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Pradyut Bordoloi said that the people of Assam have been repeatedly assured by Shah of progress on issues central to the state’s identity and development, but very little has been achieved on the…

29 Aug

The NARI 2025 research identifies Gangtok as one of the safest cities for women

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The recently released National Annual Report and Index on Women’s Safety (NARI 2025) has highlighted a stark contrast in women’s safety across India, while bringing a note of optimism for the Northeast. According to the report, four out of every ten women in Indian cities feel “not so safe” or “unsafe” in their surroundings, with safety concerns peaking during night hours due to poor street lighting and lack of visible security. Surveying 12,770 women across 31 cities, the report revealed that harassment—ranging from catcalling, lewd remarks, and staring to physical touching—is a daily challenge for many women. Some young girls…

29 Aug

Guwahati is paralyzed as widespread waterlogging and traffic mayhem are caused by heavy rain

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Life in Assam’s capital came to a virtual standstill on Thursday as relentless heavy rains flooded peripheral roads and residential areas, leaving commuters stranded and daily activities disrupted. The downpour, which lasted for several hours in the afternoon, submerged major thoroughfares and minor lanes, creating traffic snarls across the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, heightening concerns about further flooding. Several areas, including Zoo Road, RG Baruah Road, GS Road, Nabin Nagar, Anil Nagar, Hatigaon, Ganeshguri, Gita Nagar, Maligaon, Hedayetpur,…