Sikkim - The Purbottar

19 Feb

EIECOS+1 collective to submit comprehensive report on ST status by March

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The EIECOS+1 collective, representing 12 left-out communities in Sikkim seeking Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, announced plans to submit a comprehensive report on their demand by March 31, 2025. During a press conference, EIECOS+1 Chairman Dr. S.K. Rai emphasized the momentum gained after a high-level meeting in Delhi. Delegations from all 12 communities—Bhujel, Gurung, Jogi, Kirat Khambu Rai, Kirat Dewan (Yakha), Khas (Chettri-Bahun), Mangar, Newar, Sanyashi, Sunuwar (Mukhia), Thami, and Majhi—presented detailed cases for inclusion in the ST category. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang congratulated the delegations and expressed strong support for their cause. Dr. Rai confirmed that Tamang recommended involving…

18 Feb

Strict measures against toilets at petrol pumps and government offices are ordered by the Sikkim CM

Banasree SarkarSikkimSikkim CM

Prem Singh Tamang, the chief minister of Sikkim, has threatened to take severe measures against government buildings and gas stations that do not have hygienic restrooms. Speaking at the opening of Lebunba Pungwa Ne-ing Yuk Him (Manghim) in Yuma Yok, Darap, Gyalshing, the chief minister issued a warning that gas stations with dirty restrooms will be shut down and subject to fines. "The people of Sikkim are known for their cleanliness," said Chief Minister Tamang, highlighting cleanliness as a fundamental Sikkim cultural value. We have to keep this tradition alive. We will prohibit any gas station that has dirty restrooms…

18 Feb

Demographic disparity raises alarm over Sikkim-Darjeeling merger proposal

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The proposal for a merger between Sikkim and Darjeeling has triggered widespread concerns, particularly regarding the potential loss of Sikkim’s special protections under Article 371F. Critics fear that such a merger could undermine the region’s cultural identity, economic stability, and political power.One of the major concerns stems from the significant demographic disparity between the two regions. As per the 2011 Census, Sikkim's population stands at 6,10,577, while Darjeeling has a much larger population of 18,46,823. This stark difference has raised worries that Sikkim’s unique identity could be overshadowed by Darjeeling's larger population, particularly as both regions share cultural and social…

17 Feb

Sikkim’s fertility rate nears South Korea’s levels, raising alarm

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has dropped to 1.1 births per woman, one of the lowest rates globally, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) 2019-21. This figure is significantly below India’s national average of 2.0 births per woman. The state’s fertility rate has steadily declined over the past two decades, falling from 2.0 in 2005-06 to 1.2 in 2015-16 before reaching its current low. Sikkim now mirrors nations like South Korea (0.78), Hong Kong (0.70), and Macao (0.66), which are grappling with demographic challenges due to low birth rates. Experts warn that prolonged fertility decline could result in…

15 Feb

Bollywood’s Rajpal Yadav celebrates Sikkim’s culture at Blue Duke Festival

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Bollywood actor and comedian Rajpal Yadav expressed admiration for Sikkim’s natural beauty and hospitality while attending the Sikkim Blue Duke Festival 2025. Held at Saramsa Park near Ranipool, the festival celebrates Sikkim’s rich culture and heritage through performances, exhibitions, and nature-based activities. During a press conference, Yadav praised the efforts of the Sikkim government, led by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, in organizing the vibrant event. He also congratulated Lok Sabha MP Dr. Indra Hang Subba and the organizing committee for promoting tourism and youth engagement. “I feel truly honored to be part of this wonderful celebration. Sikkim’s beauty is…

14 Feb

Nitin Gadkari announces NH-10 enhancements to strengthen Sikkim-Siliguri link

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has announced key upgrades to NH-10 to improve traffic flow between Sikkim and Siliguri. The upgrades are expected to significantly benefit tourism and infrastructure development in Sikkim. Union Road Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari confirmed the initiative in a written reply to Sikkim Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba on February 13. Subba had sought details about the Centre’s plans for enhancing the highway, which is the main route connecting Sikkim to Siliguri and beyond. Five major projects are underway: 4/6-laning from Balason Bridge to Sevoke Army CantonmentDPR for 4-laning from Sevoke…

13 Feb

SBS receives ₹35 lakh from 30,000 participants in tenant verification campaign

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The State Bank of Sikkim (SBS) has collected over ₹35 lakh from more than 30,000 individuals since the tenant verification drive began on February 1. Each participant paid a fee of ₹50 as part of the initiative led by the Sikkim police to ensure proper tenant documentation. A recent government notification has exempted local citizens holding specific documents—Sikkim Subject Certificate, Certificate of Identification, Sikkim Voter ID, Residential Certificate, or land documents—from the verification process. This exemption has led to public concerns about refunds for those who had already paid. SBS Managing Director PW Bhutia clarified that the decision on refunds…

12 Feb

Sikkim Police exempts local document holders from tenant verification; CAP slams govt for ‘poor planning’

editorSikkim

Over the past week, Sikkim Police has been strictly enforcing the Sikkim Tenants and Domestic and Professional Helps (Compulsory Verification) Act, 2008, which requires property owners to report and verify the backgrounds of their tenants, domestic helpers, and professional assistants. The deadline for verification expired on February 10. However, on February 11, Sikkim's Director General of Police (DGP) Akshay Sachdeva issued a clarification, exempting tenants who hold relevant documents proving their domicile in the state. Anyone possessing a Sikkim Subject Certificate, Certificate of Identification, Voter ID Card of a Sikkim constituency, land documents in Sikkim, or a residential certificate from…

12 Feb

DGP Akshay Sachdeva announces new tenant verification policy in Sikkim

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Strengthening public safety measures, Sikkim’s Director General of Police (DGP) Akshay Sachdeva announced mandatory tenant verification for outsiders under the Sikkim Tenants and Domestic and Professional Helps (Compulsory Verification) Act, 2008. Addressing the press, DGP Sachdeva clarified that local residents holding any of five key documents are exempt from police station verification. The exempt documents include the Sikkim Subject Certificate, Certificate of Identification (COI), Residential Certificate, land documents in Sikkim, and Sikkim Voter ID Card. The move comes after concerns over the state’s rising illegal influx and criminal activities. “This is not to harass locals but to safeguard national and…

12 Feb

Only registered workers will be permitted to work in Sikkim: Official

editorSikkim

The Sikkim government recently said only registered workers – in both organised and unorganised sectors – will be permitted to work in the state. The directive is applicable for both Indians and foreign nationals, and non-registration can have legal consequences, Labour Secretary Regul K said. Labour registration is an ongoing process and can be completed any time of the year at any designated office across the state, he said.