Sikkim - The Purbottar

18 Mar

CAG highlights ₹2.69 crore loss from SMU tariff error

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has flagged a misclassification in electricity tariffs, leading to an undue benefit of ₹2.69 crore to Sikkim Manipal University (SMU) over five years (2017-18 to 2021-22). The audit report revealed that SMU was incorrectly classified under the Bulk Supply High Tension Industrial Supply (HTIS) category, instead of the standard HTIS category, which applies to most industrial and institutional consumers. This misclassification resulted in revenue losses for the Power Department of Sikkim (PDS). According to the CAG report: SMU was charged ₹12.33 crore in energy costs under the incorrect category. If classified correctly…

17 Mar

Sikkim Buddhist delegation joins protest for Mahabodhi Temple control

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A delegation of Buddhist monks from Sikkim, led by Ongdi Pintso Bhutia, state convenor of the All India Buddhist Forum, has joined the ongoing protest in Bodh Gaya, demanding Buddhist control over the administration of the Mahabodhi Vihara. The protest, organized by the All India Buddhist Forum, seeks to repeal the Bodh Gaya Temple Management Act of 1949, which currently mandates a nine-member committee to oversee the temple’s administration. Protesters argue that only four of these members are Buddhists, while the rest, including the chairman—who is the District Magistrate—may not be from the faith. Demonstrators, including volunteers from Ladakh, have…

13 Mar

Sanklang Bridge to resume operations by June 30

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The reconstruction of the Sanklang Bridge in Dzongu, which was damaged by a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), is set for completion by June 30, Mangan Deputy Commissioner Anant Jain has confirmed. The bridge serves as a crucial link between Mangan and Dzongu, and its restoration aims to improve connectivity and ease travel for residents and tourists. Authorities have also implemented contingency measures, including footbridges and transhipment operations, to ensure movement during the reconstruction period. Despite ongoing repairs, officials have reassured visitors that North Sikkim remains accessible via the Fidang-Dzongu route, with efforts underway to minimize disruptions to tourism.

12 Mar

Sikkim becomes the top destination for foreign tourists in Northeast India

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim has emerged as the leading Northeastern state in attracting foreign tourists, with a total of 1.62 lakh international visitors recorded in 2022 and 2023, according to the Union Tourism Ministry. The state welcomed 68,645 foreign tourists in 2022, and the number surged to 93,908 in 2023, marking a strong post-pandemic recovery in the tourism sector. These figures were revealed in a written response by the Union Tourism Minister to a parliamentary question by Sikkim Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba. Indra Hang Subba credited the swift recovery to the proactive efforts of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, stating: “The…

11 Mar

Sikkim’s Amit Patro honored at 19th Media Excellence Awards in New Delhi

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Amit Patro from Sikkim has been honored with the 'Best Journalist of Sikkim' award at the 19th Media Excellence Awards, held in New Delhi on March 8. The event, organized by the Media Federation of India, recognized outstanding contributions in journalism, with Union Minister of State for Corporation, Highway, and Transport, Harsh Malhotra, attending as the chief guest. Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Chairman of AAFT University, was present as a special guest. Several journalists, media educators, and public sector officials were felicitated for their efforts in raising societal awareness and promoting journalism excellence. In his address, Arun Sharma, Founder and President…

10 Mar

Illegal entry by Chinese-origin US Nationals raises alarm over Sikkim’s border security

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Two Chinese-origin US nationals were deported twice from Sikkim for illegally entering the state without obtaining mandatory clearances, raising concerns over border security lapses. The two women, including 31-year-old Tenzin Choeney, attempted to enter Sikkim via the Karma Dolma Rangpo Checkpost on February 14 but were turned away for failing to produce the required Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) clearance. As per Indian regulations, foreign nationals of Chinese origin fall under the Prior Reference Category and must secure MHA approval before applying for a Restricted Area Permit (RAP). Despite the rejection, the duo illegally re-entered Sikkim on February 20, bypassing…

07 Mar

ED seize ₹65.46cr in Sikkim State Bank fraud

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached movable and immovable assets worth ₹65.46 crore in connection with the misappropriation and laundering of funds from the State Bank of Sikkim (SBS). The action was taken under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The assets belong to Dorjee Tshering Lepcha, former General Manager (Operations) of SBS, and his family members. The attached properties include residential buildings and land in Deorali, Syari, Ranipool, and Penlong, along with bank balances and fixed deposits. The case involves alleged financial irregularities and fund diversion during Lepcha’s tenure at SBS. The ED’s action is a…

05 Mar

Pawan Chamling attacks Sikkim CM Golay over false promises and unfulfilled schemes

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Former Sikkim Chief Minister and Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) President Pawan Chamling launched a scathing attack on the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) on the occasion of SDF’s 33rd foundation day, accusing Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) of deceiving the people with unfulfilled promises. Mocking the SKM government, Chamling remarked, “Golay deserves a Nobel Prize for lying and a Guinness World Record for false promises.” He criticized the ruling party for failing to deliver key promises such as the ₹20,000 unemployment allowance (Bekari Bhatta) and the ₹50,000 Dashain festival allowance. Chamling also accused SKM of misleading the public by…

04 Mar

Bungee jumping trials to begin soon at Sikkim’s Singshore bridge

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim is poised to elevate its adventure tourism appeal with the potential introduction of bungee jumping at Singshore Bridge in West Sikkim. A team of experts recently conducted an assessment to determine the feasibility of the extreme sport at the state's highest suspension bridge. The experts are currently in discussions with Deputy Director of Tourism Manoj Chettri to evaluate safety measures and operational logistics. Trial jumps are expected to be conducted soon, and if successful, Singshore Bridge could emerge as a premier attraction for adventure enthusiasts. Standing 100 meters high and 240 meters long, Singshore Bridge is the second-highest suspension…

03 Mar

Bhutia-Lepcha community’s constitutional rights at risk, warns SIBLAC convenor

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Convenor of the Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC), Tseten Tashi Bhutia, has issued an open letter to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, urging the Bhutia-Lepcha (BL) community to actively safeguard their constitutional rights. Bhutia expressed deep concern over the erosion of Article 371F protections, warning that the community’s silence could lead to the loss of their hard-earned safeguards. He criticized the reduction of BL-reserved seats in Panchayati Raj Institutions, calling for an immediate rollback of the 2018 amendment that reduced reservations to 8% from the constitutionally mandated 50%. In his letter, Bhutia also demanded the implementation of high-security…