Sikkim - The Purbottar

19 Sep

BRO completes new Bailey bridge at Zeema in North Sikkim

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has successfully completed the construction of a new Bailey bridge at Zeema in Mangan district, restoring critical road connectivity to the China border along Lachen valley. This development comes after the previous bridge was damaged in flash floods on May 29, 2024. Under Project Swastik, BRO workers commenced the construction on August 24 and completed it on September 16, ahead of schedule. The new bridge will significantly enhance logistics for both local residents and the armed forces stationed in the region. In addition to its strategic importance, the bridge is expected to revitalize tourism in…

18 Sep

Dhapper-Bale-Dhunga Ropeway inaugurated on September 16

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim marked a significant milestone in tourism with the launch of the Dhapper-Bale-Dhunga Ropeway, India’s longest, now operational in Yangang. The ropeway, inaugurated on September 16, saw a grand ceremonial ride attended by Sikkim Assembly Vice-Chairperson Rajkumari Thapa, former Press Secretary to the Chief Minister Vikas Basnet, and other dignitaries. Vice-Chairperson Thapa applauded Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang for his pivotal role in reviving and completing the project, which she credited as a landmark achievement for the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) government. “This ropeway is a historic step towards boosting tourism and local economy in Yangang,” Thapa said. The Dhapper-Bale-Dhunga…

16 Sep

Sikkim CM announces new financial aid for students

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting students by announcing new financial aid initiatives. In a recent meeting with students from various degree programs, Tamang highlighted the government's efforts to ease financial burdens for those pursuing higher education. Through a Facebook post, the Chief Minister underscored ongoing support for students in critical fields such as MBBS, B.Sc Nursing, Physiotherapy, B.Tech, and Paramedical courses. The newly introduced financial aid programs are tailored to meet the specific needs of these students, aiming to provide them with the resources necessary to excel academically. Encouraging students to pursue…

16 Sep

Sikkim Cooperative Union hosts key media training course

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A total of 37 journalists from Sikkim successfully completed an intensive three-day training course on Sunday, September 15, at the Sikkim Cooperative Union premises in Assam Lingzey, Pakyong District. The training aimed to sharpen journalistic skills and tackle the evolving challenges of media in the digital era. Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba, the chief guest at the closing ceremony, reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting independent journalism. He stressed the importance of a robust fourth pillar of democracy, particularly in the fight against misinformation. "The more journalists work independently, the happier we will be," Subba stated, highlighting the enduring…

14 Sep

Drill in Chungthang simulates earthquake emergency procedures

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A comprehensive earthquake drill conducted in Chungthang, North Sikkim, showcased effective disaster response strategies. The joint exercise, involving the State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA), National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and the Indian Army, simulated real-life scenarios including search and rescue operations, patient evacuation, triage, and the setup of a makeshift hospital. The drill demonstrated seamless coordination among the agencies, ensuring a prompt and efficient response, as reported by the Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army. This exercise follows a recent earthquake that struck Sikkim on September 6. The moderate tremor, measuring 4.4 on the Richter scale, hit at 7:58 p.m.…

13 Sep

Verification needed for temporary employee wages in Sikkim

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim government has issued a clarification on wage disbursement for over 22,000 temporary employees across various state departments, resolving confusion caused by the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during the General Elections. A circular from the Department of Personnel outlines that employees who began work before the MCC took effect, and have been attending regularly, will receive wages from their actual joining date. Verification from departmental supervisors will be required to confirm attendance. For those who submitted joining reports after the MCC came into force, wages will only be released from the date they physically started…

10 Sep

NID and Sikkim team up for youth and women empowerment

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, to promote the state’s creative economy. The agreement, signed on September 9, is part of the World Bank-supported Sikkim ‘INSPIRES’ programme. The initiative focuses on enhancing connectivity, improving market access, and fostering skills development and innovation, particularly among women and youth in Sikkim. Officials believe this collaboration will unlock new economic opportunities and boost local industries. Sikkim’s Commerce and Industries Minister, Tshering Thendup Bhutia, emphasized the state’s rich cultural heritage, known for traditional arts like Thangka painting, carpet weaving, and handloom work.…

09 Sep

Former Minister Tshering Wangdi Lepcha resigns from Sikkim Democratic Front amid party restructuring

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Former Minister Tshering Wangdi Lepcha of the Lachen-Mangan constituency has resigned from the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF). A long-serving member of the party since 1993, Lepcha expressed deep gratitude for the opportunities he gained in Sikkimese politics but cited unavoidable reasons for his departure. Lepcha’s resignation follows a major shake-up within the SDF, led by party president Pawan Chamling. In a Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting held at SDF Bhawan on September 2, Chamling dissolved all major party committees, including the Central Working Committee, District Committees, and Frontal Organizations. This strategic restructuring, Chamling noted, aims to rejuvenate the party’s leadership…

07 Sep

Four Army personnel killed in Sikkim crash, honored with military rites

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Indian Army paid tributes to four personnel who tragically lost their lives in a road accident along the Silk Route in Sikkim’s Pakyong District on September 5. The soldiers were honored with full military rites at the Bengdubi Military Station. The fallen heroes—Subedar K Thangapandi, Naik Gursev Singh, Craftsman W Peter Singh, and Sepoy Pradeep Patel—were members of the Enroute Mission Command unit from Binaguri, West Bengal. In a tribute on X, the Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army said, "These brave soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty in Sikkim. The Indian Army stands firm…

05 Sep

Road and bridge upgrades in Sikkim under review

editorSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang held a pivotal meeting with a delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), led by Senior Director Sunouchi Tatsuhiko, to discuss infrastructure development and road upgradation in the state. The Roads & Bridges Department of Sikkim has submitted a Preliminary Project Report (PPR) to the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Government of India, highlighting plans to upgrade four key roads and one bridge. The meeting focused on securing JICA's support for the project, exploring collaboration and technical expertise. Emphasizing sustainable development, both parties discussed integrating environmentally conscious practices while addressing the state's infrastructure…