Sikkim - The Purbottar

19 Dec

Sikkim’s Van Dhan Vikas Kendras receive Rs. 51.76 lakh for tribal empowerment

Banasree SarkarSikkimVan Dhan Vikas Kendras

The Cooperation Department gave seven Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) a grant-in-aid of Rs. 51.76 lakh to strengthen Sikkim's tribal populations. The Hon'ble Minister of Cooperation and Rural Development, Arun Kumar Upreti, presided over the event, which was place at Sahakari Bhawan in Tadong. Senior officials in attendance included the Secretary, Principal Registrar, Registrar, Additional Registrar, and other important staff. The PM Van Dhan Yojana (PM VDY) was inaugurated by Gloria Namchu, Secretary of the Cooperation Department, who also emphasized the program's vital role in improving tribal populations' livelihood chances. According to her, 80 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras have been…

19 Dec

Tamang honors founders of K.B. Limboo School on Platinum Jubilee

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang reaffirmed the Sikkim government’s commitment to inclusive and equitable education during the Platinum Jubilee celebration of K.B. Limboo Senior Secondary School on December 18. The event marked 75 years of the institution's contributions to education in the region. Reflecting on the school's origins, Tamang commended the foresight of community pioneers who established it through donations and voluntary efforts. "The school's journey from a humble committee-run initiative to a government institution is a testament to the dedication of our forefathers," he remarked, expressing gratitude to those who contributed land and resources. Tamang underscored the pivotal role…

17 Dec

Sikkim CM Tamang opens new Sub-Divisional Office to enhance administrative access

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay on December 16 inaugurated the new Sub-Divisional Office at Sang-Rabdang in the Khamdong-Singtam constituency, enhancing administrative accessibility for local residents. The ceremony was attended by key leaders, including Ministers Ven Sonam Lama and Sonam Venzongpa, alongside other dignitaries. The Chief Minister also distributed financial aid to NGOs, schools, and community organizations, underlining the government’s commitment to community welfare. In his address, CM Tamang expressed gratitude to the people of Khamdong-Singtam, emphasizing the importance of efficient governance and infrastructure development. He engaged with attendees to discuss regional concerns and pledged further improvements in public services. The…

14 Dec

Sikkim MP pushes for local governance role in Disaster Management Bill

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim MP Indra Hang Subba of the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha expressed robust support for the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, during its discussion in the Lok Sabha. The bill seeks to bolster disaster management frameworks across the country. Highlighting the vulnerability of Sikkim to natural disasters such as landslides and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), Subba underscored the need for enhanced preventive measures. He emphasized that the amendments could significantly mitigate risks to lives and livelihoods in disaster-prone regions. Calling for a more inclusive approach, Subba advocated for involving local governance bodies like MLAs and panchayats in disaster planning and…

13 Dec

Sikkim High Court hears PIL against stake sale in Sikkim Urja Ltd.

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim High Court is hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the state government’s controversial decision to sell a 60.08% majority stake in Sikkim Urja Limited to Greenko Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. The PIL, filed by MK Subba, raises serious concerns about financial transparency and environmental accountability.The petition targets the February 2024 cabinet decision, alleging procedural lapses, including the absence of statutory audits and failure to conduct a post-disaster impact assessment following the devastating Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in October 2024. Key legal arguments include potential violations of the Companies Act, 2013, which mandates thorough audits for public sector…

12 Dec

149 Bhusuk families seek justice with CM Tamang’s support

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A total of 149 families displaced from Bhusuk due to the Army’s land acquisition in 1978-79 have renewed their demand for compensation. On December 9, the families, led by MLA Tenzing Norbu Lamtha of the 23 Syari Constituency, met with the Secretary of the Land Revenue Department to push for a resolution to their decades-old grievances. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has expressed his support for the affected families, instructing relevant departments to expedite the process. His intervention has offered hope to those who have faced prolonged uncertainty. The displaced families conveyed their gratitude to the Chief Minister for his…

12 Dec

Major event preparations underway for 16th Rholu Diwas in South Sikkim

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A coordination meeting for the 16th Rholu Diwas celebration was held today at the SKM party office in Tadong. The meeting, chaired by Honourable Minister and Area MLA G.T. Dhungel, was attended by CLC President Bimal Thatal, councillors of the 25th Upper Tadong constituency, former CEC members, and NARI youth from the region. Discussions centered on preparations for the event, which is scheduled to take place on December 21, 2024, at Rholu in South Sikkim. Participants deliberated on various arrangements to ensure the successful execution of the celebration, a significant occasion for the local community. Dhungel stated the importance of…

10 Dec

Sikkim receives prestigious rs 5 crore grant for climate mitigation projects

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim has been awarded a Rs 5 crore grant and technical assistance under the Cities 2.0 Challenge, specifically Component 2, aimed at climate change adaptation and mitigation. This initiative is part of the CITIIS 2.0 program, which is a sub-component of the Smart Cities Mission, organized by the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). The grant will help Sikkim in developing climate-smart urban infrastructure and implementing green initiatives, aligning with the state's Strategic Urban Vision Document-2047. The proposal was praised for its approach to building climate resilience while preserving Sikkim's unique…

09 Dec

Indian Army’s flood monitoring system wins national recognition

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

To address natural disasters, the Indian Army's Eastern Command has developed an Advanced Flood Monitoring System (AFMS) in response to the devastating Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) that struck Sikkim's Teesta River region in October 2023. This innovative system has gained national acclaim, earning recognition at Inno Yodha, a prestigious competition for defence and disaster management solutions. The AFMS, designed by the Trishakti Sappers under the guidance of Hav Suresh PK of the Engineer Regiment, plays a crucial role in early disaster detection and response. The system provides real-time water level monitoring and sends early SMS alerts to officials and…

07 Dec

Menstruation leave policy implemented for female students at Sikkim University

Banasree SarkarSikkimSikkim University

Sikkim University has instituted a one-day menstruation vacation policy for female students. As part of the regulation, female students are allowed to take one day off each month throughout their menstrual cycle. The decision takes effect right now. The Sikkim University Students' Association (SUSA) submitted a proposal on November 20, 2024, which resulted to the introduction of menstrual leave. The group advocated for this regulation in order to assist students throughout their menstrual periods, acknowledging the challenges that they may face. At Sikkim University, which aims to create a welcoming environment for its students, this new policy is a step…