Sikkim - The Purbottar

09 Dec

Indian Army’s flood monitoring system wins national recognition

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

To address natural disasters, the Indian Army's Eastern Command has developed an Advanced Flood Monitoring System (AFMS) in response to the devastating Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) that struck Sikkim's Teesta River region in October 2023. This innovative system has gained national acclaim, earning recognition at Inno Yodha, a prestigious competition for defence and disaster management solutions. The AFMS, designed by the Trishakti Sappers under the guidance of Hav Suresh PK of the Engineer Regiment, plays a crucial role in early disaster detection and response. The system provides real-time water level monitoring and sends early SMS alerts to officials and…

07 Dec

Menstruation leave policy implemented for female students at Sikkim University

Banasree SarkarSikkimSikkim University

Sikkim University has instituted a one-day menstruation vacation policy for female students. As part of the regulation, female students are allowed to take one day off each month throughout their menstrual cycle. The decision takes effect right now. The Sikkim University Students' Association (SUSA) submitted a proposal on November 20, 2024, which resulted to the introduction of menstrual leave. The group advocated for this regulation in order to assist students throughout their menstrual periods, acknowledging the challenges that they may face. At Sikkim University, which aims to create a welcoming environment for its students, this new policy is a step…

07 Dec

Prem Singh Tamang attends inaugural day of Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav in New Delhi

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang attended the inaugural day of the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav on December 6, marking a significant milestone for Northeast India. The event, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, also saw the participation of Union Minister for DoNER Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union MoS for DoNER Sukanta Majumdar, and the Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers of various northeastern states. The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav, a unique cultural festival, aims to connect the vibrant markets of Northeast India with the global stage. It celebrates the region’s rich cultural heritage by showcasing traditional arts, crafts,…

06 Dec

Sikkim tourism minister kicks off mountain biking expedition

Banasree SarkarSikkimsikkim

On December 6, Sikkim Tourism Minister Tshering Thendup Bhutia launched the 'Tour De Sikkim' mountain bike excursion, which included 40 cyclists from all around the nation. The three-day trip will be organized by Sikkim's tourism and civil aviation department in association with the Cycling Association of Sikkim and the Indian Himalayan Centre for Adventure and Eco-Tourism (ICHAE). Minister Bhutia urged everyone to enjoy the stunning beauty that Sikkim has to offer while highlighting the health advantages of cycling and wishing the bikers a safe trip. The famous Silk Road will be traversed throughout the three-day mountain bike adventure, providing cyclists…

06 Dec

Sikkim MP pushes for cultural preservation and tourism growth in Rajya Sabha speech

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim MP Dorjee Tshering Lepcha emphasized the Government’s initiatives for socio-economic development in the Northeast during a Rajya Sabha session on Thursday, focusing on rural livelihoods, tourism, and cultural preservation. Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, lauded the success of the North East Rural Livelihood Project (NERP), a World Bank-funded initiative that ended in 2019. He revealed that the project improved livelihoods across Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura, benefitting 292,889 households, forming over 28,000 Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and providing skill training to 10,000 individuals. Lepcha also addressed the untapped potential of rural tourism…

06 Dec

Sikkim Democratic Front president wary over reliability of EVMs, demands probe

editorSikkim

During the recent 2024 state assembly elections, Pawan Chamling, the former chief minister and president of the Sikkim Democratic Front, expressed doubts about the accuracy of electronic voting machines. Chamling asserted that possible voting machine manipulation was the reason behind the Sikkim Democratic Party's defeat. Chamling drew a contrast with other nations, pointing out that Japan chose paper ballots over electronic voting machines because of doubts about their dependability. He also brought out the persistent mistrust of EVMs in nations like India and Russia. "There are many experts and scientists in India who claim that voting machines can be hacked…

05 Dec

Sikkim MP seeks support for organic farming growth in meeting with Union Minister

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba met with Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan on December 4 to discuss vital issues surrounding the state's organic farming and food processing sectors. The meeting focused on securing grants for the Integrated Processing Unit (IPU) and expanding infrastructure to support Sikkim’s thriving organic industry. Subba highlighted the importance of the IPU, located in Rangpo Pakyong district, which processes organic products such as ginger, turmeric, large cardamom, and buckwheat. This facility plays a key role in promoting Sikkim's organic produce on the global stage. He stressed that previous compliance issues had…

04 Dec

Minister Tshering Bhutia joins Hornbill Festival 2024 to celebrate Northeast heritage

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim’s Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Tshering Thendup Bhutia, graced the Hornbill Festival 2024 as a distinguished guest on its third day, held at Kisama Heritage Village in Nagaland. The festival, a vibrant showcase of Northeast India’s diverse cultural heritage, featured performances by cultural troupes representing 18 indigenous tribes. Minister Bhutia was accompanied by notable figures, including Tenzing Dorjee Bhutia, Chairman of SIMFED, and Javier Paulinich, Ambassador of Peru to India. The event also saw the participation of Irena Pal, Project Manager of the Vienna Economic Forum, and Michael Pal, Director of the Cultural Forum at the Austrian Embassy…

03 Dec

Sikkim’s Para-Athletes bring home glory at Guwahati’s Northeast Para-Sports Meet

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim's para-athletes delivered an impressive performance at the 1st Northeast Para-Sports Meet 2024, held in Guwahati, Assam. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang lauded their achievements, calling them a testament to the state’s sporting spirit. Phuntsok Tashi Bhutia made history by clinching a Gold medal in Table Tennis, while Nima Dorjee Tamang earned a Bronze in the 100m Freestyle Swimming event. Adding to the state’s tally, Sher Bahadur Thapa and DB Basnet secured Bronze medals in Shot Put. Congratulating the athletes, Chief Minister Tamang expressed his pride: “Heartiest congratulations to all the participants and medalists for their outstanding accomplishments! Your dedication…

03 Dec

At the 25th Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, Sikkim showcases sustainability and culture

Banasree SarkarNagaland, SikkimHornbill Festival

The Hornbill Festival, also known as the "Festival of Festivals," is celebrating its 25th year at Nagaland's Kisama Heritage Village with a breathtaking display of cultural diversity. One of the year's highlights is Sikkim's participation, which has sent a diverse group to showcase its traditions, handicrafts, and environmental initiatives. The Sikkim team is encouraging rural and eco-tourism endeavors under the direction of Manoj Chettri, Deputy Director of Tourism & Civil Aviation, and TAAS members. Through their distinctive contributions, notable individuals such as bamboo craftsmen and Padmashree recipient Jordan Lepcha and Millet Man Tshering Gyatso Lepcha are demonstrating Sikkim's eco-conscious culture.…