Sikkim - The Purbottar

06 Jan

ATOR N1200 is used by the Indian Army to traverse the difficult terrain of Sikkim

Banasree SarkarSikkimsikkim

The ATOR N1200 Specialist Mobility Vehicle (SMV) is being added to the Indian Army's fleet to improve its operational capabilities. It is specifically made to handle the difficult terrain of Sikkim. Known for its adaptability and toughness, this cutting-edge vehicle is transforming military operations in some of the most difficult terrain on earth, such as snow-capped mountains and rocky, uneven terrain. The ATOR N1200 is a locally developed derivative of Ukraine's SHERP N1200 that is designed to perform well in conditions where traditional vehicles falter. Because of its amphibious nature, which enables it to move both on land and in…

06 Jan

CM Prem Singh Tamang launches logo for Jorethang Mela

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang convened a coordination meeting at Samman Bhawan to assess preparations for the much-anticipated Jorethang Maghey Sankranti Mela. The meeting was attended by MLA Madan Cintury, members of the Mela Committeeand key officials. The discussion centered on reviewing progress and identifying critical areas to ensure the smooth execution of the event. Highlighting the significance of the festival, CM Tamang stated, “This event is not just a festival but a cherished expression of our cultural heritage, fostering a sense of unity and pride among the people of our state.” Key logistical and organizational aspects were deliberated upon…

04 Jan

Sikkim CM directs all discos, pubs to close by 11 pm

editorSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has directed all discos and pubs in the state to close by 11 pm, warning that any venue found operating beyond that time will face the cancellation of its license. The decision comes as part of the state government's efforts to preserve the cultural heritage of Sikkim and address rising concerns about public safety.

04 Jan

To preserve culture, the Sikkim CM orders pubs and discos to close by 11 p.m.

Banasree SarkarSikkimSikkim CM

Prem Singh Tamang, the chief minister of Sikkim, has ordered all pubs and discos in the state to shut down by 11 p.m., threatening to revoke the license of any establishment that is discovered to remain open after that hour. The state government made the move in an attempt to protect Sikkim's cultural legacy and allay growing public safety worries. "We need to protect our heritage, customs, and culture. Even in this era of laptops and computers, we may still have fun and visit pubs and discos, but we must exercise moderation. Limits must exist," CM Tamang stated. The closure…

04 Jan

Prem Singh Tamang calls for global unity among Gurung communities

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang emphasized unity and cultural preservation while addressing the state-level Gurung Tamu Lochar Festival 2024-25 on January 3. Highlighting the importance of such programs for community development, Tamang expressed his deep respect for the Gurung community. “Today, I am here not just to console you but to honor the Gurung community. Events like these play a vital role in fostering development,” said the Chief Minister. Tamang underscored the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) government's commitment to the Gurung community’s progress. He assured that the initiatives taken under SKM’s leadership would bear fruit in the coming decades, with…

03 Jan

GOC of Trishakti Corps visits East Sikkim’s forward posts, praises troops’ dedication

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Trishakti Corps conducted an extensive visit to forward posts in East Sikkim, including the strategically vital Doka La area, on January 2. The visit aimed to assess the operational readiness of troops stationed in the challenging high-altitude terrain and to commend their unwavering commitment to safeguarding India’s borders. During his tour, the GOC reviewed the preparedness of the Trishakti Warriors operating under extreme weather conditions and inhospitable altitudes. He praised their professionalism and vigilance in maintaining security in one of the country’s most demanding operational regions. Addressing the troops, the GOC conveyed his New…

02 Jan

Retired IAS officer Vijay Bhusan Pathak takes over as Sikkim’s new Cabinet Secretary

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Vijay Bhusan Pathak, a retired IAS officer, has been appointed as the Chief Administrator-cum-Cabinet Secretary of Sikkim, effective January 1, 2025. Pathak, who retired as the state's Chief Secretary in December 2024, will now hold a role equivalent to a Cabinet Minister. Known for his administrative acumen, Pathak is expected to leverage his vast experience to strengthen governance in Sikkim. His appointment marks a significant step in ensuring continuity in leadership and expertise at the highest level of the state administration. Meanwhile, IAS officer Ravindra Telang has taken over as the new Chief Secretary of Sikkim, succeeding Pathak. Telang, a…

31 Dec

The CM of Sikkim wishes everyone a happy Losoong and Namsoong festivities

Banasree SarkarSikkimSikkim CM

The Losoong and Namsoong holidays were celebrated, and Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang sent his best wishes to the state's citizens. The Chief Minister emphasized the festivities' cultural significance and gave special recognition to the Bhutia and Lepcha groups, for whom they are extremely significant. Tamang mentioned in his statement how the celebrations represent rebirth and solidarity. In order to maintain traditions and promote harmony, Losoong and Namsoong are essential components of Sikkim's cultural fabric. The Chief Minister urged people to consider their common heritage and emphasized the importance of leveraging these events to fortify ties of peace and…

30 Dec

Six Assamese tourists were saved after becoming stuck owing to snowfall

Banasree SarkarSikkimNorth Sikkim

Six Assamese visitors were successfully rescued on motorcycles on Monday after becoming stuck in North Sikkim due to heavy snowfall, according to local authorities. Since Sunday evening, the group had been stuck in the Mangan district's Yakshe area, some 10 kilometers from Lachung. The fact that there was black ice on the highways made matters worse by preventing the motorbikes from continuing their trip. The vacationers found themselves stranded in the harsh conditions as the weather grew stronger. Police responded by planning a rescue operation to get the stranded visitors to safety with the help of locals. Following the rescue,…

30 Dec

Sikkim ranks #1 in MPCE, surpassing India’s top 5% income bracket

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim has secured the top spot in Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE) for both rural and urban areas in 2023-24, according to the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey released by the Union Ministry of Statistics. The survey reveals that Sikkim's rural MPCE stands at ₹9,474, while its urban MPCE is ₹13,965, significantly exceeding the national averages of ₹4,122 and ₹6,996, respectively. Even with imputed values from social welfare goods, national averages of ₹4,247 (rural) and ₹7,078 (urban) fall far behind Sikkim's figures. Sikkim’s MPCE outpaces even the top 5% of India’s population, whose rural and urban averages are ₹10,137 and…