Sikkim - The Purbottar

13 Sep

Minister Sonam Lama is in charge of Sikkim’s Engineer’s Day race in Gangtok

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The capital city of Gangtok came alive early this morning as residents joined hands to celebrate Engineer’s Day with a spirited run organised in honour of Bharat Ratna Sir M. Visvesvaraya, one of India’s most revered engineers. The event, which witnessed enthusiastic participation from engineers, students, and local residents, was also graced by the Hon’ble Minister Ven. Sonam Lama. The minister joined participants in the run and later addressed the gathering, emphasising the significant role engineers play in shaping Sikkim’s infrastructure and overall development. Speaking to the crowd, Minister Lama said, “Engineers are the backbone of our modern society. Their…

12 Sep

In Bengaluru, a delegation from the Sikkim Assembly attends the 11th CPA India Region Conference

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A delegation from the Sikkim Legislative Assembly (CPA Sikkim Branch), led by Speaker Mingma Norbu Sherpa and Deputy Speaker Raj Kumari Thapa, participated in the inaugural ceremony of the 11th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Conference at Vidhan Soudha, Bengaluru, on Thursday. The team also included Assembly Secretary Lalit Kumar Gurung, Principal Director Karma Tshering Gyatso Bhutia, Senior PS to the Deputy Speaker Pradeep Gurung, and PS to the Speaker Aadarsh Chhetri. Before the formal proceedings, Speaker Sherpa joined the Executive Committee Meeting at the Vidhan Soudha conference hall. The conference was inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker and CPA…

11 Sep

In honor of the 59th Nathula Vijay Diwas, the governor of Sikkim flags off a bike rally

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Governor of Sikkim, Om Prakash Mathur, today flagged off a bike rally from Raj Bhavan to mark the 59th Nathula Vijay Diwas, an occasion that honours the bravery and sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces during the 1967 Indo-China war under the leadership of Late Maj. Gen. Sagat Singh. Organised by the 17th Mountain Division of the Indian Army, the rally featured 60 bikers, including women riders, traversing Nathula Pass, Dokala Pass, and Chola Pass. While flagging off the event, the Governor described it as a moving tribute to the courage of the Indian Army and a reminder of the…

10 Sep

Sikkim witnesses the Gen-Z demonstrations in Nepal while migrant workers stand by in solidarity and terror

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The tremors of Nepal’s youth-led protests have travelled far beyond Kathmandu’s streets, reaching the quiet corners of Sikkim where hundreds of Nepalese migrant workers earn their daily bread. On Tuesday evening, a group of porters and daily wage laborers sat on a weathered staircase beside a green corrugated wall in Gangtok, their eyes glued to mobile phone screens. For them, the unrest back home is not just news—it is deeply personal. The protests, popularly called the “Gen-Z movement,” erupted on September 8 after the Nepal government abruptly banned major social media platforms including Facebook, YouTube, and X. Officials said the…

09 Sep

East Sikkim’s NH10 is blocked by landslides, and traffic on the Singtam–Rangpo road is reduced

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Heavy rainfall triggered multiple landslides in East Sikkim early Monday morning, severely disrupting traffic along the Singtam–Rangpo stretch of National Highway 10, a crucial lifeline that connects different parts of the state and facilitates movement of people and goods. The incident occurred at the 20th Mile near Bardang, where large amounts of mud, rocks, and debris rolled down onto the road, blocking vehicular passage. Initial reports indicated that a taxi was stranded at the site of the landslide. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported. For residents and commuters, the disruption has once again highlighted the vulnerability of NH10 during the…

06 Sep

Teacher Karma Tempo Ethenpa of Sikkim received the National Teachers’ Award

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim has marked a proud moment in its educational journey as Karma Tempo Ethenpa, Principal of PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School, Mangan, received the prestigious National Teachers’ Award 2025 from President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi. Ethenpa, among 45 educators recognised nationwide, was honoured for his exceptional service in guiding students beyond academics—encouraging sports, promoting healthy lifestyles, and steering the young away from tobacco use and technology addiction. The award highlights the growing contribution of teachers from smaller states like Sikkim, showcasing how dedicated educators can influence entire communities. Speaking after the ceremony, Ethenpa expressed gratitude to his colleagues…

05 Sep

A historic step for legal education, the Sikkim chief minister officially opens the first National Law University

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

In a momentous development for Sikkim and the Northeast, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Thursday inaugurated the state’s first National Law University (SNLU), describing it as a milestone in the journey of legal education and justice delivery. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Hon’ble Chief Justice and Chancellor of SNLU, Justice Biswanath Somadder, whose pivotal role in making the university a reality was acknowledged by the Chief Minister. Addressing a packed gathering of judges, legal experts, students, and dignitaries, CM Tamang said the creation of the Sikkim National Law University is not just about setting up another academic institution…

04 Sep

By the October deadline, Sikkim’s telecom services must be provided in Nepali

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Central government has directed all telecom operators in Sikkim to make the Nepali language mandatory across customer services and digital platforms. The order, issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Ministry of Communications, was circulated on September 2 and requires compliance within 30 days. According to the notification, signed by Assistant Wireless Advisor (Licensing Policy) Rakesh Yadav, telecom service providers, internet companies, and virtual network operators must integrate Nepali into customer care operations, SMS alerts, and interactive voice response systems (IVRS). The initiative aims to ensure that subscribers across Sikkim can access telecom services in their mother…

03 Sep

The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee chastises the state for using the incorrect Pang Lhabsol date in an official publication

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) has renewed its criticism of the state government over a long-standing error in an official publication that incorrectly mentions the date of the Pang Lhabsol festival. The issue, first raised by the committee over two decades ago, continues to stir concern among Sikkimese communities. The controversy dates back to 2004 when the Sikkim government published the Sikkim Studies Series (Culture, Part-1, Volume-III). In the book’s section on culture, Pang Lhabsol is listed as being observed every year on September 2. SIBLAC maintains that this information is misleading, as the festival follows the Sikkimese…

02 Sep

Sikkim has extended the deadline for paying traffic fines to September 15

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim Transport Department has announced a 15-day extension for its one-time traffic fine settlement scheme under the AI-driven Traffic Management System. Originally scheduled to conclude on August 31, the initiative will now remain open until September 15, 2025, giving vehicle owners extra time to clear pending fines. The scheme allows violators to settle dues by paying 50% of the total penalty or ₹20,000, whichever is lower. Launched in July, the program aims to reduce financial burden on vehicle owners while encouraging compliance with traffic regulations. However, initial collections during August recovered only about 25% of outstanding fines, officials said.…