Sikkim - The Purbottar

25 Jul

Govt says all Sikkim villages have network, locals disagree

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Union Ministry of Communications’ claim that Sikkim has achieved 100% mobile network coverage across all 68 border villages under the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) scheme has sparked criticism from tourists and local operators who report persistent connectivity issues in key destinations. While the Centre announced the installation of 11 new mobile towers, tourists travelling to Nathula Pass, Baba Mandir, and Tsongmo Lake highlighted frequent blackouts in these high-altitude areas. “There was no network after 3rd Mile Check Post. UPI and calls didn’t work — even Airtel failed,” said Surinder Singh, a tourist from Guwahati. Local driver Ajay Tamang confirmed,…

25 Jul

Despite Centre’s 100% Network Connectivity Claim, Nathu La Border Faces Signal Drop

Purbalee DuttaNews, Sikkim

A day after the Central Government declared that Sikkim has achieved 100% mobile network coverage across its 68 border villages, tourists and local drivers have raised concerns about persistent network issues in high-altitude tourist spots such as Nathu La Pass, Tsomgo Lake, and Baba Mandir. In a written statement to Sikkim MP Indra Hang Subba on July 23, the Union Ministry of Communications announced that 11 mobile towers had been installed under the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) scheme, covering all border villages. Sikkim and Assam were noted as the only Northeastern states to reach this milestone. However, on-ground experiences tell…

24 Jul

India connects 100% of Sikkim’s border villages to mobile network

Banasree SarkarSikkim

The Government of India has achieved complete mobile network coverage in all 68 identified border villages of Sikkim, and has successfully covered over 90% of similar habitations across the Northeastern states. Responding to a question in the Lok Sabha by Sikkim MP Dr. Indra Hang Subba, the Ministry of Communications revealed that 4,696 out of 5,200 remote villages along international borders in the Northeast have now been connected. The milestone is especially significant for Sikkim, which shares strategic boundaries with China, Nepal, and Bhutan. The Digital Bharat Nidhi (earlier known as the Universal Service Obligation Fund or USOF) has played…

23 Jul

Sikkim MP urges centre to speed up development work

Banasree SarkarSikkim

Rajya Sabha MP D.T. Lepcha from Sikkim called upon the Central Government to fast-track infrastructure development in the Himalayan state. As Sikkim marks 50 years of its statehood, Lepcha said this is the right time for the Centre to prioritise the state’s development, especially in view of its strategic location and ongoing infrastructure challenges. “Sikkim is celebrating its golden jubilee, but the benefits of development have yet to fully reach our people,” Lepcha stated in the Upper House. He highlighted the state's sensitive geographical position, sharing borders with China, Bhutan, and Nepal, which demands stronger connectivity and robust civic infrastructure…

23 Jul

Sikkim Athlete Bags Silver

Purbalee DuttaNational, News, Sikkim

Manoj Kami, a talented long-distance runner from Sikkim, secured a silver medal in the 1500-metre race at the Indian Open Athletics Meet 2025. The prestigious national athletics competition was hosted earlier this month in Patna by the Bihar State Sports Authority in collaboration with the Bihar Athletics Association. Manoj, 21, finished second in the 1500 m track event, earning the silver medal. He hails from Bongten, Dentam in West Sikkim and currently trains at the Bright Future Athletic Club located in Reshithang near Gangtok. The athletic club extended its heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Sikkim, the Sports Department, and…

22 Jul

Over 60 students join ABVP’s Prant Abhyas Varg in Sikkim

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), Sikkim-Darjeeling Prant, organised a three-day student training camp — the Prant Abhyas Varg — at Janta Bhawan in Gangtok. The camp witnessed enthusiastic participation from over sixty students representing various colleges and universities across the state. The camp offered an immersive experience through lectures, group discussions, ideological sessions, and cultural activities, all designed to cultivate discipline, leadership, and a strong sense of cultural and social awareness among students. Organisers emphasised that the purpose of the training was not limited to academic growth but extended to nurturing character, civic sense, and emotional bonding with society…

22 Jul

Puja Held At New Shiva Mandir In Raj Bhavan

Purbalee DuttaSikkim

On the auspicious second Monday of the holy month of Sawan (Shravan), Governor Om Prakash Mathur and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay performed the ‘Pran Pratishtha Puja’ at the newly built Shiva Temple within the Raj Bhavan premises. The month of Sawan holds deep spiritual importance in Hindu tradition, and it is widely believed that offering prayers to Lord Shiva on Sawan Mondays brings divine blessings. According to a Raj Bhavan press release, the Governor and Chief Minister prayed for the prosperity of the State's citizens and the well-being of society during a special puja ritual held in the temple…

21 Jul

Dr. Indra Hang Subba raises alarm over Glacial melting in Sikkim

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) Lok Sabha MP Dr. Indra Hang Subba urged the central government to address a series of pressing issues that directly impact Sikkim and have far-reaching national implications. Representing the voice of Sikkim in the national forum, Dr. Subba called for a holistic approach to challenges that affect the region’s ecology, youth, infrastructure, and security. Speaking in clear and firm terms, he said these were not isolated concerns of a small Himalayan state, but urgent matters that require collective national attention. One of the most serious concerns raised by the MP was the alarming retreat of glaciers…

19 Jul

Gangtok clash sparks political dispute in Sikkim

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Political tensions flared in Sikkim after a reported violent incident near Gangtok’s Sadar Police Station on the night of July 17, involving members of the Citizen Action Party (CAP). The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has come down hard on the Sikkim Police, accusing them of negligence and demanding full disclosure, including CCTV footage from the site. The incident, which reportedly took place within or near the premises of Sadar Police Station, has reignited debate over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. BJP spokesperson Passang Gyali Sherpa, addressing the media in Gangtok, condemned the alleged attack and questioned…

17 Jul

Govt employees in Sikkim barred from seeking political help for promotions

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim government has issued a fresh warning to all state government employees against using political or external influence to secure personal benefits related to service matters. The directive reinforces long-standing rules meant to ensure transparency and fairness in public service. The circular, issued by the Department of Personnel on July 15, was signed by Chief Secretary R. Telang and serves as a direct reminder of Rule 21 under the Sikkim Government Servants' Conduct Rules, 1981. This rule explicitly bars government employees from seeking political or other forms of external influence to advance their personal interests in areas such as…