Sikkim - The Purbottar

02 Jul

Illegal gambling sites under scanner in Sikkim

Banasree SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim State Lotteries Directorate, in coordination with the State CID Police and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has launched a statewide crackdown against illegal online gambling platforms operating in the region. Addressing the media on Tuesday, Mr. Pawan Awasthy, Principal Director of Sikkim State Lotteries, issued a stern public advisory urging citizens to avoid unauthorized and unregulated gambling websites, warning that such platforms are wreaking havoc on families and individuals across the state. “These websites are not licensed by the Sikkim government. They are completely outside the purview of legal and financial regulations,” said Awasthy. “They…

01 Jul

Sikkim govt warns of disciplinary action & issues a strict circular regarding staff transfers

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim Government has issued a strict directive mandating immediate compliance with employee transfer orders, warning that non-adherence will invite disciplinary action against both employees and department heads. In a circular released on Monday by the Department of Personnel, the state government laid out clear timelines for employees to assume their new postings. Employees transferred within the same station must join immediately, while those moving between stations must do so within six days, excluding Sundays and public holidays. The directive follows a government review that revealed several instances where employees remained at their original postings despite transfer orders, often with…

28 Jun

BJP team visits STNM Hospital over job concerns

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Amid rising concerns over the job regularisation process at STNM Hospital, a delegation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by senior party leader Sangay Gyatso Bhutia, visited the hospital on Thursday to clarify issues and calm the growing anxiety among staff members. The visit followed reports that several hospital employees were worried about unverified rumours suggesting that political influence or high-level references were needed for their contractual jobs to be regularised. These rumours had reportedly created confusion and distress among many workers. In a bid to understand the concerns directly, the BJP team held discussions with hospital authorities and…

26 Jun

Sikkim CM urges citizens to actively defend democracy

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Stressing that democracy is a continuous responsibility and not limited to elections alone, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Wednesday urged citizens to stay alert and actively involved in defending democratic values. Speaking at a commemorative programme held at Manan Kendra, Tamang was addressing a large audience on the occasion of ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’, observed to remember the imposition of Emergency in 1975 — a dark chapter in India’s democratic history. “Democracy is not just about elections. It needs constant care, active participation, and above all, deep respect for the Constitution,” Tamang said in his keynote address. He reminded…

25 Jun

SKM dismisses Chamling’s remarks as empty rhetoric

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Amid mounting criticism from the opposition Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) has mounted a strong defence of its governance, dismissing remarks by former Chief Minister Pawan Chamling as politically motivated and lacking substance. In a press conference held on Tuesday, several SKM leaders jointly addressed issues ranging from organic farming to fiscal management, accusing the SDF of distorting facts and misleading the public.At the forefront of the rebuttal was Jacob Khaling Rai, Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, who labelled Chamling’s recent comments as “baseless claims” and questioned the credibility of a leader who had…

24 Jun

FYUP brings new opportunities for Sikkim students

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Government of Sikkim on Monday officially launched the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, ushering in a new era of academic opportunity for students across the state. The launch ceremony took place at the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation conference hall and was attended by Education Minister Raju Basnet, Vice Chancellor of Sikkim University Prof. Abhijit Dutta, university deans, senior faculty members, and representatives from various colleges. The event began with a traditional lamp lighting ceremony and Saraswati Vandana, performed by the university’s Department of Music. Professors Satyananda Panda and Yodida Bhutia welcomed…

23 Jun

Former CM says crme and drgs are rising in Sikkim

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Former Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling launched a sharp and scathing attack on the current Sikkim government during the 33rd Kranti Diwas rally, accusing it of widespread corruption, political criminalisation, and failing to protect the identity and rights of the native Sikkimese people. Speaking before a large gathering, Chamling, who led the state for 25 years, alleged that 70% of the state budget is being lost to corruption, and warned that criminal networks have now penetrated the political system. “Who is the real threat to Sikkim? It is this very greed,” he declared, accusing the present administration of turning governance…

21 Jun

After long break, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resumes with joy

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur on Friday flagged off the first batch of pilgrims for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025 from the Nathula border point in East Sikkim, marking the pilgrimage’s resumption after a five-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing the gathering, Governor Mathur expressed gratitude for being part of the historic moment and assured that all logistical, medical, and safety arrangements have been made. “It is my good fortune to flag off this holy journey after five years. The Central Government was determined to restart the yatra at the earliest,” he said, urging pilgrims to prioritize their…

20 Jun

Sikkim leads green movement with ‘Connect to Earth’ drive

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

As Sikkim celebrates 50 years of statehood, the state’s flagship environmental campaign—‘Connect to Earth’, launched in 2023 by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, has taken centre stage in shaping a greener and more sustainable future. The campaign recently drew national attention on World Environment Day 2025, when a state-wide plantation drive was held under the theme “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (One Tree in the Name of Mother). Thousands of saplings were planted across all districts, with CM Tamang describing the event as a tribute not only to nature but also to motherhood. “This is our way of honouring both…

19 Jun

Sikkim begins sustainable tourism drive with ₹50 entry fee

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim’s newly introduced Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) aimed at promoting responsible tourism and protecting its fragile Himalayan environment has collected over ₹40,000 since its rollout in March, state tourism officials said on Wednesday. As per the notification issued on March 5, 2025, tourists visiting Sikkim are required to pay an entry fee of ₹50, which will be used to develop tourism infrastructure and ensure environmental conservation. However, the response has been modest so far. C.S. Rao, Additional Chief Secretary of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, acknowledged that only 28 to 30 hotels have begun collecting the fee. “This is…