Sonakshi Sarkar

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…

The Sikkim State High-Level Committee (SSHLC) held a crucial meeting at Sikkim House, New Delhi, today, focusing on securing Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for 12 left-out communities. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang reiterated his government’s strong commitment to the cause, emphasizing that ST recognition is both a constitutional right and essential for preserving cultural heritage. Addressing representatives of the 12 communities, CM Tamang acknowledged their long-standing struggle for recognition and stressed the socio-economic benefits of ST status. He urged all stakeholders to remain proactive in addressing queries from the Government of India and ensuring all procedural requirements are met."The aspirations…

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, along with a 72-member delegation from the state, participated in the Maha Kumbh 2025 by taking a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj. Expressing spiritual fulfillment, Tamang described the experience as a "truly blessed moment." “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, as Maha Kumbh is held once every 144 years. I feel extremely fortunate to be here,” Tamang said. He acknowledged Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for extending the invitation, allowing him and his delegation to take part in the grand event. As of February 7, over 40 crore devotees have taken…