Sikkim - The Purbottar

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…

28 Dec

Ravindra Telang takes charge as Chief Secretary of Sikkim

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on December 28 announced the promotion of Ravindra Telang, IAS, as the Chief Secretary of the Government of Sikkim. The Chief Minister lauded Telang’s elevation as a recognition of his unwavering dedication, expertise, and commitment to public service. In a congratulatory message, CM Tamang said, “Heartiest congratulations to Shri Ravindra Telang, IAS, on his well-deserved promotion as Chief Secretary of the Government of Sikkim. This remarkable achievement is a testament to his dedication, expertise, perseverance, and resolute commitment to the ideals of public service. During his tenure, I am confident that Sikkim will scale…

27 Dec

Tiger conservation in Eastern Himalayas gets a boost as Sikkim enhances efforts

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

In a significant boost to tiger conservation in the Eastern Himalayas, Sikkim’s Forest and Environment Minister Ren Pintso Namgyal Lepcha handed over critical resources, including a patrolling van, high-altitude field gear, and safety equipment, to the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary (South Range) on December 26. The initiative is part of the “Investigating & Addressing Tiger Conservation in Sikkim – The Eastern Himalaya” project, designed to enhance conservation strategies and strengthen the operational efficiency of frontline staff. Held in collaboration with the Global Tiger Forum, the event emphasized the government’s commitment to preserving tigers and maintaining the ecological balance of the Eastern…

26 Dec

CAP-Sikkim calls for delay in Teesta-III dam redesign amid GLOF concerns

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Citizen Action Party - Sikkim (CAP-Sikkim) has praised the Union Ministry of Environment’s Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for its cautious approach towards the redesign of the Teesta-III Chungthang Dam. The dam, which suffered significant damage during the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in October 2023, has raised concerns over its structural integrity and environmental risks. The EAC recently deferred approval for the proposed redesign, citing serious concerns about the dam's resilience to future natural disasters, including potential GLOF events. CAP-Sikkim applauded the committee's thorough evaluation, calling for more stringent safety measures, expert consultations, and comprehensive site assessments before moving…

24 Dec

80 young job seekers secure appointments at Gangtok’s Rozgar Mela 2024

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav distributed 80 appointment letters to job aspirants during the 'Rozgar Mela 2024' held in Gangtok on December 23. The initiative, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022, aims to empower youth and contribute to the nation’s development. Addressing the event, Jadhav, who serves as the Union Minister of State for AYUSH and Health & Family Welfare, urged the newly appointed individuals to work diligently towards building a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. "The youths receiving their appointment letters today must embrace their roles with a sense of responsibility and commitment to national development," he said. Rozgar…

23 Dec

47 Lifters from Sikkim ready to take on National Championship in Haryana

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A robust 47-member contingent from the Sikkim Strength Lifting Association is gearing up to represent the state at the 34th National Strength Lifting and Incline Bench Press Championship, set to take place in Haryana from January 1 to 5, 2025. The team comprises 34 men and 13 women, who have been rigorously preparing under the guidance of Chief Coach Pema Dorjee Bhutia. Speaking at a press conference in Gangtok on Sunday, Vice President of the association, Allen Targain, expressed optimism about the team’s prospects. “Our athletes have shown immense dedication and are fully prepared to compete at the national level.…