Sikkim - The Purbottar

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.

25 Mar

GMC sets March 26 deadline for physical verification of trade licences

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Gangtok Municipal Corporation (GMC) will conduct physical verification of trade licences from March 26 onwards to ensure that business establishments operate under legitimate licences and are not subletting them, officials confirmed on Monday. Key directives for traders: Shops and business owners must display their trade licences prominently at their place of business. Traders must produce a fresh No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the building owner. A verification slip will be issued to each trader, which must be uploaded at the time of trade licence renewal for FY 2025-26. Licences found sublet to outsiders could face cancellation, in line with…

25 Mar

The GI-tagged Dalle Chilli from Sikkim exported to the Solomon Islands

Banasree SarkarSikkimDalle Chilli

An official announcement announced the export of a significant consignment of Dalle Chilly, which is tagged as a Geographical Indication (GI) in Sikkim, to Solomon Islands. Dalle Chilly, sometimes called Fire Ball Chilly or Dalle Khursani, is well-known for its strong pungency, vivid red color, and high nutritional content. It is abundant in potassium and vitamins A, C, and E. Mevedir purchased the most recent export, weighing roughly 15,000 kg, from farmers and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in South Sikkim. These farmers have been able to obtain a premium price of Rs 250-300 per kg thanks to the GI tag, which…

22 Mar

Sikkim supports ‘One Nation, One Election’, says BJP leader

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

BJP leader Dr. Anirban Ganguly, Chairman and Trustee of the Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee Research Foundation, highlighted strong public support for the ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative during his visit to Gangtok. Dr. Ganguly stated that discussions with various groups in the state showed enthusiasm for the idea, with people eager for debates and deliberations. "People are welcoming the idea. They trust Prime Minister Modi’s intent to strengthen democracy and governance through this reform," he said.Addressing concerns about migrant workers, Dr. Ganguly noted that frequent elections disrupt their work, as they must return home multiple times to vote. A single…

21 Mar

Sikkim issues strict warning over illegal sub-letting of trade licenses

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim government has launched a strict crackdown on illegal sub-letting of trade licenses, with Urban Development Minister Bhoj Raj Rai warning of severe penalties for violators. Addressing a press conference, Rai stressed that unauthorized businesses will no longer be tolerated, and regulatory measures will be strictly enforced. Official records show that Sikkim has issued 9,449 trade licenses and 190 hawker licenses, but many holders are allegedly illegally sub-letting them to third parties. The Urban Development Department has already taken action, shutting down multiple illegally operated businesses. Authorities have urged the public to report violations, assuring strict enforcement. In addition…

20 Mar

Gangtok, Pakyong, and Mangan to face power interruptions

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Power Department of Sikkim has announced scheduled power outages in Gangtok, Pakyong, and Mangan districts due to the commissioning of a new 50MVA transformer at the 132/66KV Substation at LLHP under PGCIL. Scheduled Power Shutdown DatesMarch 22 (Saturday) – 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM (4 hours)March 23 (Sunday) – 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM (4 hours)April 12 (Saturday) – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (7 hours)April 13 (Sunday) – 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM (4 hours) The power cuts will affect residents during the fourth weekend of March and the second weekend of April.