Sikkim - The Purbottar

17 Jan

SIBLAC proposes white paper on Sikkim’s 50-year journey

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

As Sikkim marks 50 years of statehood, the Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) has urged the state government to issue a comprehensive "White Paper" assessing the state's progress and challenges over the past five decades. SIBLAC has proposed the document, titled Sikkim: Then and Now—50 Years of Progress and Challenges, to critically examine fiscal health, demographic changes, and political developments. Key concerns raised by SIBLAC: Fiscal Health: The committee highlighted rising debt, income disparity, and concerns over financial sustainability. Population Influx: Protective measures for indigenous rights and cultural preservation were emphasized. Constitutional Safeguards: SIBLAC demanded action against illegal land…

16 Jan

DAC in Gangtok launches new systems to enhance public service delivery

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The District Administrative Centre (DAC) in Gangtok took a major step toward modernization with the launch of advanced systems and upgraded infrastructure aimed at enhancing public service delivery. The inauguration ceremony, held on January 15, was led by Kala Rai, MLA of Burtuk and Advisor to the Rural Development Department. Key projects unveiled included a Renovated Single Window System, a Token Management System, and beautification initiatives within the DAC complex. The Token Management System, designed to streamline public work requests, was the highlight, with District Magistrate Tushar Nikhare emphasizing its user-friendly and transparent design. Rai, accompanied by senior officials like…

15 Jan

The governor of Sikkim opens the Jorethang Maghey Mela Utsav

Banasree SarkarSikkimSikkim Governor

The Jorethang Maghey Mela Utsav, a traditional celebration that has been a pillar of Sikkim's cultural and economic environment for decades, was formally opened by Governor Om Prakash Mathur. Diverse facets of society participated in large numbers at the magnificent event, which was planned with a blend of tradition and innovation. The way the festival was organized was praised by Governor Mathur in his inaugural address. "I have worked in several Indian states over the course of my career, but the work I have seen in Sikkim is just amazing. I express my gratitude to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang…

15 Jan

Chamling invites Mamata Banerjee to visit Sikkim

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met former Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling at the state secretariat, Nabanna, in a meeting that combined political dialogue with cordiality. Banerjee shared her admiration for Chamling, who served as Sikkim's Chief Minister for a record 25 years, in a social media post following the meeting. She described the interaction as an "honor," emphasizing the mutual respect and camaraderie between the leaders. Chamling, the founding president of the Sikkim Democratic Front, extended an invitation to Banerjee to visit Sikkim, proposing collaboration on shared goals between the neighboring states. The discussions underscored the potential for…

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…