Sikkim - The Purbottar

21 Jan

Sikkim’s financial future to be revealed in 16th Finance Commission’s 2025 report

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The 16th Finance Commission of India, chaired by Dr. Arvind Panagariya, announced that its final report on Sikkim's financial health and development will be released in October 2025. The announcement was made during a press conference in Gangtok on January 20, 2025. Dr. Panagariya highlighted the Commission’s ongoing evaluation of state finances, emphasizing the need for equitable fund allocation based on standardized criteria. Key factors under review include forest cover, GDP contributions, and per capita income. “While we acknowledge Sikkim’s leadership in sustainable development and energy security, we must maintain fairness in our recommendations across all states,” he stated. The…

20 Jan

Finance Commission chairman Arvind Panagariya meets Sikkim CM

editorSikkim

The full team of the 16th Finance Commission, led by its chairman Arvind Panagariya, met Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang at the state secretariat in Gangtok on Monday. Panagariya and his colleagues arrived in Sikkim on Sunday on a five-day visit for consultation with various stakeholders. "This morning, I had the distinct honor of meeting the Hon’ble Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, Prof. Arvind Panagariya Ji, along with the esteemed members and distinguished officials of the commission, at my office, Tashiling Secretariat," Tamang said in a social media post.

20 Jan

CM Prem Singh Tamang-Golay inspects Jautar Stadium for Sonam Lhochar

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay visited Jautar Stadium in Soreng district to review the preparations for the upcoming state-level Sonam Lhochar celebrations scheduled for later this month. During the inspection, the Chief Minister assessed the progress of arrangements and issued directives to officials to ensure timely completion of all tasks. He emphasized maintaining the highest standards of organization for the event, which holds significant cultural importance for the Tamang community. Sonam Lhochar, marking the Tamang New Year, is celebrated with traditional fervor and community participation across Sikkim. The state-level celebration at Jautar Stadium is expected to draw a large…

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…