Sikkim - The Purbottar

08 Apr

Sikkim advisor Lama proposes regional trade and transport plan

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

In a significant push for regional cooperation, Professor Mahendra P Lama, Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of Sikkim, has unveiled a comprehensive plan to transform trade and transport connectivity in Eastern South Asia. In his latest paper titled “Strengthening Trade and Transport Connectivity in Eastern South Asia”, published by UNESCAP in March 2025, Lama identifies the lack of efficient infrastructure and outdated border systems as key barriers to regional integration between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal (BBIN). Lama emphasizes that despite shared borders and historical ties, the region faces high trade costs, poor road and rail networks, and complicated…

07 Apr

Sikkim BJP reiterates its support for Article 371(F) and indigenous rights

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

On the occasion of its 46th Foundation Day and the 50th anniversary of Sikkim’s merger with India, the Sikkim unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reiterated its firm commitment to protecting the rights of indigenous communities and strengthening Article 371(F) of the Constitution. During the celebration, party leaders passed key resolutions calling for stronger constitutional safeguards to preserve Sikkim’s unique identity. Article 371(F grants special provisions to Sikkim following its merger in 1975. The BJP demanded Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for twelve left-out communities in the state, citing historical relevance and the constitutional protections under Article 371(F). The party…

04 Apr

Sikkim government submits final report on ST status for 12 communities

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

In a major step toward securing Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for 12 left-out communities in Sikkim, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Thursday chaired the fourth and final meeting of the Sikkim State High-Level Committee (SSHLC) in Gangtok. The SSHLC, formed in December 2024, was tasked with conducting ethnographic studies and field research to assess the eligibility of the communities based on the Government of India’s criteria. The final report, shaped through rigorous stakeholder consultations, will now be submitted to the Centre. The meeting saw participation from Cabinet ministers, MLAs, researchers, community leaders, and senior officials. Discussions focused on the…

02 Apr

SNS highlights Sikkim’s challenges as Golden Jubilee approaches

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

As Sikkim prepares to celebrate 50 years of statehood on May 16, 2025, the Sikkimey Nagarik Samaj (SNS), a prominent civil society organization, has called on the government to address long-pending political and socio-economic issues affecting the state. In a letter to key political leaders, SNS has urged immediate action on the restoration of political rights for the Sikkimese Nepali community, legislative seat reservations for the Limboo and Tamang communities, and the protection of Sikkim’s special status under Article 371F. The organization emphasized that while the golden jubilee of Sikkim’s merger with India is a moment of celebration, it is…

01 Apr

Sikkim CM unveils Platinum Pillar to mark 75 years of Dodak School

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang inaugurated a Scheduled Caste (SC) Girls’ Hostel and unveiled the Platinum Pillar at Government Secondary School Dodak in Soreng district on Sunday. The event was part of the school’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, marking 75 years of academic excellence. The newly constructed SC Girls’ Hostel, built by the Social Welfare Department, aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for girls from the Scheduled Caste community, ensuring better access to education. CM Tamang reaffirmed his government’s commitment to inclusive education and infrastructure development for students. "Education is the foundation of progress, and our government remains…

31 Mar

Sikkim authorities penalize passengers for urinating near Atal Setu

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Several travellers were penalized for public urination near Atal Setu in Sikkim as part of a strict cleanliness drive by the Rangpo Nagar Panchayat (RNP). The bus driver of their vehicle was also fined for failing to inform passengers about Swachh Bharat Abhiyan guidelines and the availability of public restrooms. According to officials, the incident occurred on Sunday morning, when a passenger bus stopped near Atal Setu. Instead of using designated public washrooms, some travellers relieved themselves in an open area, prompting immediate action from the RNP inspection team. Authorities emphasized that public nuisance is strictly prohibited, and penalties will…

29 Mar

Sikkim’s 2025-26 budget focuses on development and welfare schemes

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has presented the 2025-26 General Budget, prioritizing development, poverty reduction, and welfare initiatives. The budget, approved by the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, focuses on education, healthcare, employment, and sustainable projects. Addressing the Assembly on the final day of the four-day Budget Session, CM Tamang emphasized that every rupee allocated will contribute to citizens' upliftment. He highlighted that Sikkim's poverty rate stands at just 2.6%, one of the lowest in India, and reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicating poverty and ensuring equitable development, even in remote areas. Key highlights of the budget include:🔹 Education: With Sikkim…

28 Mar

Sikkim expands education with 3 new university bills

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim Legislative Assembly, during its Budget Session 2025-26, passed three key university bills, sparking debates on the rapid expansion of private universities in the state. On March 27, the Assembly approved the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Skill University Sikkim Bill, 2025; Sengol International University Bill, 2025; and Fusion University Sikkim Bill, 2025. With these additions, Sikkim now has 25 private universities, of which 13 are fully operational, while 12 are awaiting the Governor’s assent and land transfer approvals, according to Education Secretary Tashi Chopel. While the government sees this as a step towards educational expansion, concerns have been raised by…

26 Mar

SDF demands probe into ₹1,900 crore fund discrepancy in Sikkim

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) has launched a scathing attack on the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) government, accusing it of financial mismanagement, arbitrary governance, and increased taxation. At a press conference, SDF spokesperson M.N. Dahal highlighted a ₹1,900 crore discrepancy in the Consolidated Fund of Sikkim, citing the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report. He questioned the lack of action from the Governor and judiciary, demanding a transparent investigation. SDF leader Yojana Rai criticized SKM’s budget allocation, alleging a drastic reduction in rural development funds, impacting village infrastructure and essential services. She accused the government of prioritizing publicity over…

26 Mar

Sikkim Assembly passes second supplementary demands for grant of Rs 200.1 cr

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim Assembly on Tuesday unanimously passed the second supplementary demands for the grant of Rs 200.1 crore. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, who also holds the finance portfolio, presented the second supplementary demands and the Appropriation Bill for the same on the first day of the budget session. Tamang, who also heads the Home Department, informed the House regarding the withdrawal of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill 2022.