Sikkim - The Purbottar

18 Oct

A Union Minister’s visit to Sikkim demonstrates the state’s route to independence

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim is being highlighted as a model for self-reliance and sustainable development following a three-day visit by Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya. During her visit, the minister interacted with BJP workers, toured key locations, and inspected infrastructure projects across the state. Minister Bambhaniya praised Sikkim’s achievements in organic farming, calling it “the first organic state in the country, setting an example of self-reliance in organic development.” She added, “Sikkim represents a beautiful combination of culture, nature, and peace,” underlining the state’s potential to inspire similar initiatives nationwide. In Pakyong district, the…

17 Oct

India is represented at the first Bhutan Butterfly Meet by Sikkim’s “Butterfly Man”

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

In a landmark event celebrating regional cooperation in biodiversity conservation, Sikkim’s Nawang Gyatso Bhutia, widely known as the “Butterfly Man of Sikkim,” represented India at the 1st Bhutan Butterfly Meet, held under the aegis of the Department of Tourism, Royal Government of Bhutan. The event brought together leading butterfly experts, conservationists, and enthusiasts from Sikkim, West Bengal, South India, Arunachal Pradesh, and Bhutan, marking a new chapter in cross-border ecological collaboration. Bhutia, who also serves as the President of the Butterfly and Moths of Sikkim Nature Conservation Society (BAMOS NCS), played a key role in the meet by sharing his…

16 Oct

Through its MSME awareness campaign, the Sikkim government empowers local business owners

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Commerce and Industries Department of Sikkim, in collaboration with the Sikkim Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (SEED) Cell, successfully conducted an awareness programme on State and Central Government MSME schemes at the Rinchenpong constituency. The initiative aimed to educate local entrepreneurs, self-help groups, and aspiring business owners about available financial assistance and business development opportunities under various government schemes. During the programme, officials highlighted key initiatives including the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Scheme, UNNATI Scheme 2024, and the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Programme. Participants were…

15 Oct

The “Connect to CM” helpline is launched by Sikkim CM to bring citizens and governance closer together

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

In a landmark step toward citizen-centric governance, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) on Tuesday launched the ‘Connect to CM’ helpline, a new initiative designed to bridge the gap between the government and the people. The launch ceremony, held at Samman Bhawan, marked a defining moment in the state’s ongoing efforts to ensure transparency, accountability, and participatory administration. The service, which became operational immediately after its launch, allows citizens to directly reach the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) through two dedicated numbers — 80016-81188 and 93327-81188. The helpline will remain open daily from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM, including on…

14 Oct

VP Kiran Zimba was brutally attacked, and the Citizen Action Party denounces this as being connected to SKM

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Citizen Action Party-Sikkim (CAP-S) on Monday strongly condemned a violent attack on its Vice President, Kiran Zimba, alleging that miscreants carried out the assault at Rhenock. The party accused the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) of orchestrating the attack, calling it a “cowardly and barbaric act.” In an official statement, CAP-S described the incident as reflective of “the fear and frustration of those in power” and demanded immediate and strict action by the state government and law enforcement agencies against the perpetrators. The party emphasized that violence has no place in a democracy and warned that such acts threaten…

13 Oct

The phrase “Be Kind to Animals” is mandated for all public transportation vehicles in Sikkim

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

In a move to promote compassion and awareness towards animals, the Sikkim government has made it mandatory for all public transport vehicles to display the slogan “Be Kind to Animals” prominently on their exteriors. The directive, issued by the Motor Vehicles Division of the Transport Department on October 10, aligns with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ advisory and is grounded in Article 51A(g) of the Indian Constitution, which enjoins citizens to protect the environment and show compassion for living creatures. According to the order, transport operators and vehicle owners must ensure immediate compliance. Authorities have been instructed to…

11 Oct

To encourage local innovation and entrepreneurship, Sikkim starts a cohort program

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim government launched a Cohort programme on Thursday at the Digital Nomad Village, Yakten. Organised by the District Administrative Centre (DAC) Pakyong in collaboration with Nomad Village, the initiative aims to connect aspiring and established entrepreneurs with professionals across India specializing in technology, marketing, finance, and design. The programme provides an intensive platform for entrepreneurs to engage in problem-solving sessions, brainstorm innovative solutions, and address practical challenges in their businesses. By promoting knowledge sharing and mentorship, the initiative seeks to nurture local talent and foster sustainable business growth across the state. Speaking at the launch, Member of Parliament Indra…

10 Oct

Meghalaya loses to Sikkim in the U-19 Opening for the Vinoo Mankad Trophy despite hat-trick heroics

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

In an exciting start to the U-19 Men’s Vinoo Mankad Trophy 2025–26, Sikkim registered a hard-fought three-wicket victory over Meghalaya, overcoming a spirited bowling performance that included a stunning hat-trick from a Meghalaya bowler. The match, played on Wednesday, marked a thrilling opener to the prestigious youth tournament, showcasing the emerging cricketing talent from the Northeast. Opting to field first after winning the toss, Sikkim’s bowlers dominated the early stages, bundling Meghalaya out for 99 runs in 36.4 overs. The disciplined bowling attack kept the pressure constant, forcing early breakthroughs and denying Meghalaya any significant partnerships. For Meghalaya, Gaurav Narleng…

09 Oct

Amit Shah’s impending visit is reviewed by Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Wednesday chaired a high-level coordination meeting at Samman Bhawan to review the preparations for Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s upcoming visit to the state. The meeting brought together senior officials from various departments to finalise logistical arrangements, event schedules, and inter-departmental coordination, with a special focus on upholding Sikkim’s trademark warmth and hospitality. According to officials, the visit by the Union Home Minister will include his participation in the Rashtriya Sahkari Sammelan-2025, a major event designed to strengthen India’s cooperative movement and promote new economic opportunities in Sikkim. During his visit, Shah is…

08 Oct

Mamata declares aid for landslide victims and condemns Sikkim hydro projects for the Teesta flooding

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday expressed serious concern over worsening floods in North Bengal, attributing the Teesta river’s overflow to hydel projects in neighbouring Sikkim. She said continuous rainfall, combined with obstructions from these projects, has aggravated flooding in districts such as Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar. “The location of Bengal is like a boat. When floods occur in Sikkim or Nepal, the water naturally flows down to us,” Banerjee explained. “The dams and hydel structures in Sikkim are disrupting the river’s natural course, preventing normal water flow and causing it to overflow into our plains.” The Chief…