Sikkim - The Purbottar

01 Mar

BJP Sikkim calls for infrastructure upgrades at Pakyong Airport

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A delegation from BJP Sikkim, led by Gangtok District President Pempo Dorjee Lepcha, submitted a memorandum to Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation & Cooperation, Murlidhar Mohol, seeking urgent intervention in enhancing air connectivity and reviving the cooperative sector in the state. The memorandum outlined three key demands: New All-Weather International Airport – To ensure uninterrupted air connectivity and boost tourism in Sikkim.Revival of Pakyong Airport – Calling for infrastructure upgrades and resumption of regular flight operations at the state's only airport.Strengthening of Cooperatives – Advocating for the restoration of contractual and supply work eligibility for cooperative societies.The BJP…

28 Feb

Prem Singh Tamang joins Mahakalla pooja at Rumtek Monastery

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) participated in the Mahakalla Pooja, a revered Buddhist ceremony, at Rumtek Monastery ahead of the Tibetan Losar (New Year). The Mahakalla Pooja, also known as the Kagew Protector ritual, is conducted once every two years to seek divine blessings and protection. The Chief Minister, accompanied by his spouse and former MLA Krishna Kumari Rai, attended the event as the Chief Guest, alongside several dignitaries, monks, and devotees. MLA Sonam Venchungpa, addressing the gathering, emphasized the cultural and spiritual significance of the ritual, highlighting its deep roots in Buddhist traditions and its importance to…

27 Feb

Officials review the Sevoke-Rangpo Railway Project’s progress in High-Level Meeting

Banasree SarkarSikkimSevoke-Rangpo

The Tashiling Secretariat hosted a major review meeting to assess the Sevoke-Rangpo Railway Project's (SRRP) continued development. Senior officials from several state government ministries as well as representatives from the North East Frontier Railway (NFR), including Hitendra Goyal, CAO/NFR, and Renya Eta, CGM (IRCON), attended the meeting, which was presided over by Chief Secretary R. Telang (IAS). The development of infrastructure, project schedules, and the difficulties faced during implementation were among the main topics of discussion at the meeting. The 45-kilometer railway line from Sevoke to Rangpo has accomplished more than 70% of its physical progress, according to an update…

27 Feb

February 26 is now Khas Foundation Day in Sikkim

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang declared February 26 as Khas Foundation Day, making it a permanent government holiday to honor the Khas community's contributions. The announcement was made during the 30th Foundation Day celebration of the Akhil Sikkim Khas Chettri Bahun Kalyan Sangh at Kyongsa Ground in Gyalshing district. Emphasizing unity and harmony, CM Tamang stated, “Our government will not allow any division among communities. Progress depends on harmony.” He also criticized the opposition for questioning the arrest of Samson Tamang, who was held for allegedly making offensive remarks against the Khas community. In a major welfare push, the…

26 Feb

Sikkim CM acknowledges citizens’ participation as ‘Janta Bhet Karyakram’ concludes

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang successfully concluded the three-day public outreach initiative, 'Janta Bhet Karyakram,' at Mamring Gaushala in Amba. The programme, aimed at fostering direct engagement between the government and the people, witnessed an overwhelming response from residents of the Rhenock constituency. Over the course of the event, CM Tamang personally met with approximately 1,200 individuals daily, resulting in benefits reaching around 4,000 people.The initiative, which began on February 23, was launched at Padamchey Secondary School, where the Chief Minister interacted with residents from various parts of the constituency. The following day, the event continued at the Rhenock…

25 Feb

Dr. Sharman Rai wins Best Indian Golden Personalities Award 2025

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Dr. Sharman Rai, Secretary of the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AH&VS) Department, Government of Sikkim, has been conferred the prestigious Best Indian Golden Personalities Award 2025 by the Friendship Forum of India (FFI). Dr. Rai has played a pivotal role in livestock management, veterinary services, and rural development in Sikkim. His leadership has led to key initiatives aimed at improving farmers' welfare and strengthening the livestock industry, earning him recognition at both state and national levels. The Friendship Forum of India honors individuals excelling in various fields. Previous awardees from the Northeast include former Governors and Chief Ministers like:…

24 Feb

Sikkim CM discusses key issues with 1,100 residents in Rhenock

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay engaged with 1,100 residents during the Janta Bhet Karyakram held at Padamchey Secondary School in Rhenock Constituency, reaffirming the government’s commitment to direct public outreach. The programme saw participation from Budang Kamarey GPU, East Pendam GPU, and residents of East Dikling, Loosing, and Bengthang Wards under Chalamthang Pacheykhani GPU. CM Tamang assured the gathering that the government remains committed to resolving public grievances effectively. During the event, citizens raised key concerns related to road infrastructure, water supply, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. Senior government officials provided insights into welfare schemes and policy measures aimed…

22 Feb

Sikkim CM links opposition to Samson Tamang’s controversial statements

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has accused the opposition of instigating Samson Tamang’s inflammatory remarks against the Khas community. Speaking in the assembly on February 21, the CM stated that the opposition lacked genuine issues and was deliberately stirring controversy. Samson Tamang, who was arrested in Bodhgaya, Bihar, on February 19 after an extensive 13-day manhunt, alleged that opposition leader Ganesh Rai, through Kurseong MLA BP Bajgai, influenced him to make the controversial statements. His arrest was facilitated by Sikkim Police and Bihar Police, who tracked him across Siliguri, Delhi, Darjeeling, and Nepal’s border regions using advanced surveillance. Tamang…

21 Feb

SBS takes action against loan defaulters, seizes three properties

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The State Bank of Sikkim (SBS) has seized three properties in East Sikkim after repeated attempts to recover unpaid loans. One of the seized properties, located near Tadong outpost in Gangtok, is linked to Sushila Chamling, daughter of former Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling. She defaulted on a loan of Rs 2.3 crore. Another seized asset is Hotel Lhasa at Metro Point, Gangtok, whose owners failed to repay a Rs 6 crore loan despite repeated reminders. The third property, owned by Palden Bhutia in Sangtong Block, Ranka, involves a loan default of Rs 2 crore.SBS has issued notices to the…

19 Feb

EIECOS+1 collective to submit comprehensive report on ST status by March

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The EIECOS+1 collective, representing 12 left-out communities in Sikkim seeking Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, announced plans to submit a comprehensive report on their demand by March 31, 2025. During a press conference, EIECOS+1 Chairman Dr. S.K. Rai emphasized the momentum gained after a high-level meeting in Delhi. Delegations from all 12 communities—Bhujel, Gurung, Jogi, Kirat Khambu Rai, Kirat Dewan (Yakha), Khas (Chettri-Bahun), Mangar, Newar, Sanyashi, Sunuwar (Mukhia), Thami, and Majhi—presented detailed cases for inclusion in the ST category. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang congratulated the delegations and expressed strong support for their cause. Dr. Rai confirmed that Tamang recommended involving…