Sikkim - The Purbottar

19 May

Sikh Marriages to Get Legal Recognition Under Separate Law in Sikkim

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Central Government has announced that the Anand Marriage Act, which allows Sikh couples to officially register marriages conducted through the traditional Anand Karaj ceremony, will come into force in Sikkim from June 1, 2026.The decision was notified by the Union Law Ministry through an official notification issued on May 14. The move is expected to provide legal recognition to Sikh marriages in the state under a separate framework specifically meant for the Sikh community.Until now, Sikh couples in Sikkim were required to register their marriages under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, for legal recognition, despite marriage ceremonies being conducted…

19 May

MLA Raj Kumari Thapa Promotes Maternal Care Facility in Yangang Constituency

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A new Breastfeeding Corner was inaugurated at Ravangla Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Sikkim’s 15-Rangang Yangang Constituency as part of an initiative aimed at promoting motherhood support and child welfare in the region.The facility was donated by Deputy Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly and MLA of 15-Rangang Yangang Constituency, Raj Kumari Thapa. The Breastfeeding Corner has been set up to provide mothers visiting the health centre with a safe, comfortable and dignified space to breastfeed and care for their infants.The facility was inaugurated by a breastfeeding mother in the presence of members of the Zilla Panchayat from Rabong Samdung…

18 May

Sikkim electoral roll revision to use 2002 list as base for eligibility verification

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Election Commission is preparing to begin the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in Sikkim, with the final electoral roll scheduled to be published on September 6, 2026, according to official documents related to the exercise.The revision process is aimed at ensuring inclusion of all eligible voters while identifying and removing ineligible entries after verification. Officials said the electoral roll of the last SIR conducted in 2002 will be used as the reference point for eligibility verification. Under the process, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will carry out house-to-house visits across the state and distribute Enumeration Forms (EFs) to voters. The…

18 May

Sikkim government rolls out cost-cutting measures after appeal by Narendra Modi, cuts motorcade and promotes public transport use

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang today walked from his official residence at Mintokgang to Manan Kendra to attend an official programme as the Sikkim government formally began implementing austerity measures across the state. According to a press note issued by Press Secretary Yougan Tamang, the move follows an appeal made by Narendra Modi urging governments to adopt disciplined and responsible governance practices in the interest of economic management and efficient administration. Officials said the Chief Minister walked for around 14 minutes from Mintokgang to Manan Kendra as part of an effort to demonstrate the government’s commitment to austerity and…

18 May

Vice President Radhakrishnan Concludes Two-Day Official Visit to Sikkim

riya EditorSikkim

Vice President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, concluded his two-day official visit to Sikkim on Sunday following a series of engagements held as part of the 51st State Day celebrations of the State. Prior to leaving Lok Bhavan by road, the Vice President planted a sampling of a Rhododendron tree at the Old Lok Bhavan complex in Gangtok. The visit marked the first official tour of Radhakrishnan to Sikkim after assuming office as the Vice President of India. During his visit to Sikkim, the Vice President participated in the 51st Statehood Day celebration held at Manan Kendra on Saturday, where…

17 May

DoNER Minister Highlights Organic Mission to Elevate Sikkim’s Global Economic Presence

riya EditorSikkim

Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya M. Scindia said the journey of globally acclaimed organic state, Sikkim would be taken a notch higher with Mission Sikkim Organics. "The Rs 360-crore Mission, with support from Ministry of DoNER, seeks to elevate Sikkim from a certified organic producer to a globally integrated premium organic economy driven by world-class infrastructure, aggregation, branding, traceability and export-market integration,” Scindia said. He said the mission would strengthen farmer incomes, empower FPOs, expand cold-chain and logistics networks and impact more than 66,000 farmer families across the state. “Led by the Prime Minister, India’s growth…

16 May

President Murmu PM Modi and Amit Shah Extend Greetings on Sikkim Statehood Day

riya EditorSikkim

President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday extended warm greetings to the people of Sikkim on the occasion of the state’s Statehood Day, praising its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and strong commitment to environmental conservation. In a post shared on X, President Murmu described Sikkim as a model of sustainable development for the country. “Warm greetings to the people of Sikkim on the occasion of Statehood Day. With its magnificent natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and strong commitment to environmental conservation, Sikkim stands as a model of sustainable development for the nation,” she said. The President also highlighted the spirit and harmony…

15 May

DoNER Minister Scindia Visits Temi Tea Garden in Sikkim, Joins Workers in Tea Plucking

Paromita EditorSikkim

Minister for Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia, on the second day of his Sikkim tour, visited the famed Temi Tea Garden in Namchi district.The DoNER Minister was seen spending time interacting with tea garden workers in the state’s only tea estate.A heartening moment was observed as the Minister engaged with the tea pluckers and workers, appreciating their immense contribution towards preserving Sikkim’s globally admired tea legacy.Scindia also donned the traditional bamboo basket and joined the workers in plucking tea leaves himself.The Minister also marvelled at the remarkable speed, precision and skill with which the tea pluckers carried out…

15 May

Musical tribute held for legendary singers at SKBS closing event in Sikkim

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Prominent Sikkim artistes were felicitated during the closing ceremony of the third season of Sikkim Kalakar Barosha Sammelan (SKBS) held at Manan Kendra in Gangtok on Thursday, with the event also featuring a musical tribute to legendary singers from across the country. Well-known artistes Tribeny Rai, Jetshen Dohna Lama and Girish Pradhan were honoured for their contribution to Sikkim’s artistic and cultural landscape and for representing the state at national and international platforms. The programme brought together singers, musicians and cultural performers from different parts of Sikkim, turning the closing ceremony into a celebration of music, art and cultural identity.…

15 May

Sikkim launches austerity drive to cut fuel use and government expenditure

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim government has announced a one-year ban on the purchase of new official vehicles as part of a wider austerity and fuel conservation initiative aimed at reducing government expenditure and promoting responsible governance. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang announced the measures during a high-level administrative meeting held on May 14. The meeting was attended by Cabinet ministers, MLAs, the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Heads of Departments, District Collectors and Superintendents of Police, while senior officials from other districts joined virtually. The decisions were taken in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for austerity, fuel conservation and…