Sikkim - The Purbottar

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.

11 Feb

Sikkim CM takes bold step toward securing ST status for 12 communities

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim State High-Level Committee (SSHLC) held a crucial meeting at Sikkim House, New Delhi, today, focusing on securing Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for 12 left-out communities. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang reiterated his government’s strong commitment to the cause, emphasizing that ST recognition is both a constitutional right and essential for preserving cultural heritage. Addressing representatives of the 12 communities, CM Tamang acknowledged their long-standing struggle for recognition and stressed the socio-economic benefits of ST status. He urged all stakeholders to remain proactive in addressing queries from the Government of India and ensuring all procedural requirements are met."The aspirations…

10 Feb

Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang takes holy dip at Maha Kumbh 2025

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, along with a 72-member delegation from the state, participated in the Maha Kumbh 2025 by taking a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj. Expressing spiritual fulfillment, Tamang described the experience as a "truly blessed moment." “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, as Maha Kumbh is held once every 144 years. I feel extremely fortunate to be here,” Tamang said. He acknowledged Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for extending the invitation, allowing him and his delegation to take part in the grand event. As of February 7, over 40 crore devotees have taken…

07 Feb

Gangtok to have Ropeway system to ease traffic

editorSikkim

In a move to address urban traffic challenges and to boost tourism, the Sikkim government has unveiled a plan to introduce a modern aerial ropeway system in Gangtok, an official statement said on Thursday. The initiative, discussed during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister P S Tamang during the day, aims to transform the city's transport infrastructure and provide a sustainable alternative to traditional road-based commuting. The meeting, attended by officials from the Urban Development Department (UDD), key stakeholders and potential investors, focused on the implementation of the ropeway project under the Sikkim Ropeway Act, 2023.

05 Feb

The Northeast sends well wishes to Sikkim’s CM on his 57th birthday

Banasree SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang's birthday Today, and politicians, MLAs, and ministers from all over the nation sent him well wishes. Tamang, who was born on February 5, 1968, in Singling Busty, West Sikkim, to Kalu Singh Tamang and Dhan Maya Tamang, has played a pivotal role in the growth and governance of Sikkim. On his special day, all of Sikkim's ministries and other political figures wished the chief minister a happy birthday. Best congratulations to the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri @PSTamangGolay ji on his birthday were sent by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. He is…

05 Feb

Sikkim-Darjeeling merger a “baseless” issue, says CM Prem Singh Tamang

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has dismissed speculations about a possible Sikkim-Darjeeling merger, calling it a baseless claim spread by the opposition to mislead the public. Speaking at the 13th Foundation Day of the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) in Pacheykhani, Tamang urged people not to believe such rumors."The person raising this issue—go and ask him. Even he will say that the Sikkim-Darjeeling merger can never happen. The opposition is making such claims only because they lack real political issues," Tamang said. He emphasized that Article 371(F) of the Indian Constitution safeguards Sikkim’s distinct identity and history, making a merger…