Sikkim - The Purbottar

16 Sep

Sikkim Cooperative Union hosts key media training course

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A total of 37 journalists from Sikkim successfully completed an intensive three-day training course on Sunday, September 15, at the Sikkim Cooperative Union premises in Assam Lingzey, Pakyong District. The training aimed to sharpen journalistic skills and tackle the evolving challenges of media in the digital era. Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba, the chief guest at the closing ceremony, reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting independent journalism. He stressed the importance of a robust fourth pillar of democracy, particularly in the fight against misinformation. "The more journalists work independently, the happier we will be," Subba stated, highlighting the enduring…

14 Sep

Drill in Chungthang simulates earthquake emergency procedures

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A comprehensive earthquake drill conducted in Chungthang, North Sikkim, showcased effective disaster response strategies. The joint exercise, involving the State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA), National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and the Indian Army, simulated real-life scenarios including search and rescue operations, patient evacuation, triage, and the setup of a makeshift hospital. The drill demonstrated seamless coordination among the agencies, ensuring a prompt and efficient response, as reported by the Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army. This exercise follows a recent earthquake that struck Sikkim on September 6. The moderate tremor, measuring 4.4 on the Richter scale, hit at 7:58 p.m.…

13 Sep

Verification needed for temporary employee wages in Sikkim

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim government has issued a clarification on wage disbursement for over 22,000 temporary employees across various state departments, resolving confusion caused by the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during the General Elections. A circular from the Department of Personnel outlines that employees who began work before the MCC took effect, and have been attending regularly, will receive wages from their actual joining date. Verification from departmental supervisors will be required to confirm attendance. For those who submitted joining reports after the MCC came into force, wages will only be released from the date they physically started…

10 Sep

NID and Sikkim team up for youth and women empowerment

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, to promote the state’s creative economy. The agreement, signed on September 9, is part of the World Bank-supported Sikkim ‘INSPIRES’ programme. The initiative focuses on enhancing connectivity, improving market access, and fostering skills development and innovation, particularly among women and youth in Sikkim. Officials believe this collaboration will unlock new economic opportunities and boost local industries. Sikkim’s Commerce and Industries Minister, Tshering Thendup Bhutia, emphasized the state’s rich cultural heritage, known for traditional arts like Thangka painting, carpet weaving, and handloom work.…

09 Sep

Former Minister Tshering Wangdi Lepcha resigns from Sikkim Democratic Front amid party restructuring

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Former Minister Tshering Wangdi Lepcha of the Lachen-Mangan constituency has resigned from the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF). A long-serving member of the party since 1993, Lepcha expressed deep gratitude for the opportunities he gained in Sikkimese politics but cited unavoidable reasons for his departure. Lepcha’s resignation follows a major shake-up within the SDF, led by party president Pawan Chamling. In a Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting held at SDF Bhawan on September 2, Chamling dissolved all major party committees, including the Central Working Committee, District Committees, and Frontal Organizations. This strategic restructuring, Chamling noted, aims to rejuvenate the party’s leadership…

07 Sep

Four Army personnel killed in Sikkim crash, honored with military rites

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Indian Army paid tributes to four personnel who tragically lost their lives in a road accident along the Silk Route in Sikkim’s Pakyong District on September 5. The soldiers were honored with full military rites at the Bengdubi Military Station. The fallen heroes—Subedar K Thangapandi, Naik Gursev Singh, Craftsman W Peter Singh, and Sepoy Pradeep Patel—were members of the Enroute Mission Command unit from Binaguri, West Bengal. In a tribute on X, the Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army said, "These brave soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty in Sikkim. The Indian Army stands firm…

05 Sep

Road and bridge upgrades in Sikkim under review

editorSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang held a pivotal meeting with a delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), led by Senior Director Sunouchi Tatsuhiko, to discuss infrastructure development and road upgradation in the state. The Roads & Bridges Department of Sikkim has submitted a Preliminary Project Report (PPR) to the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Government of India, highlighting plans to upgrade four key roads and one bridge. The meeting focused on securing JICA's support for the project, exploring collaboration and technical expertise. Emphasizing sustainable development, both parties discussed integrating environmentally conscious practices while addressing the state's infrastructure…

04 Sep

Pr. Secretary C.S. Rao discusses Sikkim’s tourism initiatives in Shillong

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim's commitment to bolstering its tourism sector took center stage at the North-Eastern and Eastern Tourism Ministers Conference held in Shillong today. The event, presided over by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, brought together key regional leaders and senior officials to discuss strategies for enhancing tourism across the region. Leading the Sikkim delegation, Minister for Tourism & Civil Aviation Tshering Thendup Bhutia highlighted the state’s strategic vision under the guidance of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay). Bhutia emphasized Sikkim’s goal to establish itself as a premier year-round destination, promoting equitable distribution of tourism benefits and…

03 Sep

Pakyong airport to welcome new airlines in October 2024

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim's Pakyong Airport is poised for significant expansion as multiple airlines prepare to commence operations from October 2024. Leading the charge is IndiGo, one of India’s top airlines, which will soon offer flights connecting Pakyong to major cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. Pakyong AAI Director, Sanjeev Kumar Singh, assured that the recent landslide near the airport has not affected the runway, and repair work is being conducted vigorously. "The expansion is part of a broader plan to enhance connectivity and boost tourism in the region," Singh stated. The introduction of IndiGo’s flights is expected to significantly boost tourism…

03 Sep

Triservices dive into freezing waters at 14,000 feet

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Special forces divers from the Indian Army's Trishakti Corps, Eastern Command, and Triservices embarked on an extraordinary underwater diving mission in the freezing waters of East Sikkim, situated at an altitude of 14,000 feet. The daring operation saw these elite divers confront the icy depths in one of the most challenging environments, demonstrating exceptional skill, precision, and teamwork. Known for their unwavering dedication, the Trishakti Corps divers pushed the boundaries of human endurance in this high-altitude expedition. The exercise not only showcased their formidable capabilities but also reinforced their reputation as one of the most elite and feared special forces…