Sikkim - The Purbottar

14 Jan

On “Maghe Sankranti,” Sikkim Chief Minister Tamang welcomes the public

Banasree SarkarSikkimsikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang hailed and wished the people of the state a happy 'Maghe Sankranti'. I wish everyone in Sikkim joy, prosperity, health, and a renewed sense of purpose in the wake of this important occasion. CM shared the following message on his official social media accounts: "May this festival bring joy, good fortune, and many blessings to every household throughout the state." Known as Makar Sankranti in other parts of the country, Maghey Sankranti holds immense religious, spiritual, cultural, and celestial significance. It heralds the return of life and hope, the start of the harvest season,…

14 Jan

SKM defends Sikkim’s cultural initiatives against CAP’s attacks

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) has strongly condemned the Citizen Action Party's (CAP) allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated. The ruling party, led by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, accused CAP of attempting to regain relevance by repeating old charges despite securing only 6% of the votes in the last election. In a statement, SKM dismissed CAP’s efforts to challenge the government's initiatives, urging the opposition party to focus on the state’s welfare instead of undermining progress. “CAP should focus on the welfare of the state instead of trying to tear down the progress we have made,” the SKM…

13 Jan

Plan for free Wi-Fi in Dzongu constituency revealed by Sikkim CM

Banasree SarkarSikkimSikkim CM

The announcement by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang that the Dzongu constituency in Sikkim will soon be converted into a free Wi-Fi zone is a significant step in improving the region's digital connection. During his speech at the Namprikdang Namsoong Festival in Upper Dzongu, the Chief Minister emphasized the government's initiatives to improve internet connectivity throughout the state, guaranteeing advantages for both locals and tourists. "This initiative reflects our commitment to fostering progress and providing equal opportunities for all," he added. The news follows the successful rollout of a similar project led by Minister NB Dahal in Rabdang hamlet in…

13 Jan

Sikkim CM unveils plans for Ed Sheeran concert to boost state’s tourism

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang announced plans to host international pop icon Ed Sheeran for a concert on the state’s 50th Statehood Day, ensuring that the event will be funded entirely through ticket sales and sponsorships, without using government funds. Speaking at the Namprikdang Namsoong Festival in Upper Dzongu on January 12, the Chief Minister emphasized the concert’s potential to boost tourism. “People from across the country will visit Sikkim, stay in our hotels and homestays, and explore our unique culture, significantly benefiting our tourism industry,” he said. Tamang urged the public to avoid politicizing the event, focusing instead…

11 Jan

Sikkim CM thanks central government for ₹671.35 crore tax devolution

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for the release of ₹671.35 crore as part of the Union government’s tax devolution for January 2025. “This timely support will accelerate Sikkim’s economic development, enhance social welfare initiatives, and advance critical infrastructure projects,” Tamang said, acknowledging the central government’s commitment to aiding smaller states. The allocation is part of the Union government’s monthly tax devolution, which distributes the net proceeds of union taxes to states. For January, the total devolution across India amounts to a substantial financial boost, with Uttar…

10 Jan

Sikkim Government urges public to take HMPV precautions

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim Government has issued a health advisory on Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) amid reports of a surge in severe respiratory illness cases in China linked to the virus. A high-level meeting, chaired by the Chief Secretary on January 7, reviewed the state's preparedness and potential risks. HMPV, first identified in the Netherlands in 2001, typically causes mild respiratory issues but poses severe risks to vulnerable individuals, including those with weakened immune systems. The virus spreads through close contact, coughing, sneezing, or contaminated surfaces, with symptoms ranging from cough and fever to shortness of breath. Health authorities have urged citizens to…

08 Jan

Gorkha Rashtriya Congress issues ultimatum for Darjeeling’s merger with Sikkim

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Gorkha Rashtriya Congress (GRC), led by Bharat Dong, has issued a one-month ultimatum to both the Sikkim and Indian governments, demanding action on the long-standing call for Darjeeling’s merger with Sikkim or statehood for the region. The deadline, set for February 7, 2025, intensifies the debate surrounding Darjeeling's political future. Dong, in his statement, accused the Sikkim government of stalling the merger, a demand that has been central to the GRC’s platform since its formation in 2004. He emphasized Darjeeling's historical ties to Sikkim, claiming, “Darjeeling was never part of West Bengal.” Dong argued that Darjeeling was leased to…

07 Jan

Youth leader Naresh Chettri chosen to host Viksit Bharat Dialogue with PM Modi

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Naresh Chettri, a prominent youth leader from Sikkim and National Youth Parliament awardee, has been chosen to anchor the upcoming Viksit Bharat - Young Leaders' Dialogue in New Delhi. The three-day event, starting January 10, will take place at Bharat Mandapam, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the chief guest. Chettri, who serves as the Joint Secretary of the SKM Youth Wing, gained national recognition for his address on India's G20 Presidency last year. His speech on "One Earth, One Family, One Future" highlighted his knowledge of international affairs and his eloquence as a public speaker. This selection adds to…

06 Jan

ATOR N1200 is used by the Indian Army to traverse the difficult terrain of Sikkim

Banasree SarkarSikkimsikkim

The ATOR N1200 Specialist Mobility Vehicle (SMV) is being added to the Indian Army's fleet to improve its operational capabilities. It is specifically made to handle the difficult terrain of Sikkim. Known for its adaptability and toughness, this cutting-edge vehicle is transforming military operations in some of the most difficult terrain on earth, such as snow-capped mountains and rocky, uneven terrain. The ATOR N1200 is a locally developed derivative of Ukraine's SHERP N1200 that is designed to perform well in conditions where traditional vehicles falter. Because of its amphibious nature, which enables it to move both on land and in…

06 Jan

CM Prem Singh Tamang launches logo for Jorethang Mela

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang convened a coordination meeting at Samman Bhawan to assess preparations for the much-anticipated Jorethang Maghey Sankranti Mela. The meeting was attended by MLA Madan Cintury, members of the Mela Committeeand key officials. The discussion centered on reviewing progress and identifying critical areas to ensure the smooth execution of the event. Highlighting the significance of the festival, CM Tamang stated, “This event is not just a festival but a cherished expression of our cultural heritage, fostering a sense of unity and pride among the people of our state.” Key logistical and organizational aspects were deliberated upon…