Sikkim - The Purbottar

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…

04 Sep

Pr. Secretary C.S. Rao discusses Sikkim’s tourism initiatives in Shillong

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim's commitment to bolstering its tourism sector took center stage at the North-Eastern and Eastern Tourism Ministers Conference held in Shillong today. The event, presided over by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, brought together key regional leaders and senior officials to discuss strategies for enhancing tourism across the region. Leading the Sikkim delegation, Minister for Tourism & Civil Aviation Tshering Thendup Bhutia highlighted the state’s strategic vision under the guidance of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay). Bhutia emphasized Sikkim’s goal to establish itself as a premier year-round destination, promoting equitable distribution of tourism benefits and…

03 Sep

Pakyong airport to welcome new airlines in October 2024

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim's Pakyong Airport is poised for significant expansion as multiple airlines prepare to commence operations from October 2024. Leading the charge is IndiGo, one of India’s top airlines, which will soon offer flights connecting Pakyong to major cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. Pakyong AAI Director, Sanjeev Kumar Singh, assured that the recent landslide near the airport has not affected the runway, and repair work is being conducted vigorously. "The expansion is part of a broader plan to enhance connectivity and boost tourism in the region," Singh stated. The introduction of IndiGo’s flights is expected to significantly boost tourism…

03 Sep

Triservices dive into freezing waters at 14,000 feet

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Special forces divers from the Indian Army's Trishakti Corps, Eastern Command, and Triservices embarked on an extraordinary underwater diving mission in the freezing waters of East Sikkim, situated at an altitude of 14,000 feet. The daring operation saw these elite divers confront the icy depths in one of the most challenging environments, demonstrating exceptional skill, precision, and teamwork. Known for their unwavering dedication, the Trishakti Corps divers pushed the boundaries of human endurance in this high-altitude expedition. The exercise not only showcased their formidable capabilities but also reinforced their reputation as one of the most elite and feared special forces…

02 Sep

Sikkim hosts opening event for 7th Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2024

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The 7th Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2024, a nationwide initiative under the POSHAN Abhiyan, commenced with a grand opening ceremony organized by the Women and Child Development Department (WCDD) of Sikkim at Khel Gaon, Reshithang, on September 2. The event marks the beginning of a month-long drive aimed at combating malnutrition through a holistic and community-driven approach. The inaugural ceremony was graced by Samdup Lepcha, Minister of Social Welfare, Women and Child Development, and Printing and Stationery Departments, as the chief guest. He was joined by key officials including Bandana Rai, Additional Secretary, WCDD, and Sonam Lhamu Bhutia, Joint Director, WCDD,…

31 Aug

Former footballer Nirmal Chettri urges collaboration for Sikkim’s football growth

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) motto, “Indian Football, Forward Together,” symbolizes a vision of collective advancement and unity in football's development across India. However, in Sikkim, this vision seems increasingly distant. Despite the earnest efforts to nurture local talent and advance the sport, the local football association often acts as a stumbling block rather than a supportive partner. Football Development Private Limited, supported by Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, launched the Sikkim Premier League with the aim of genuinely developing football in the region. This initiative reflects our dedication to advancing the sport despite facing significant obstacles.…

30 Aug

Youth arrested in Sikkim’s Jorethang over viral molestation video

Sonakshi SarkarCrime, Sikkim

On August 29, Sikkim police arrested 19-year-old Sagar Thapa in connection with a disturbing video of an elderly woman being molested, which had gone viral on social media. The video, depicting the molestation of a 61-year-old deaf and mute woman, was recorded on August 26, 2024. It was allegedly captured by a juvenile using a mobile phone belonging to another minor and later uploaded to Instagram by Thapa, leading to widespread outrage and condemnation. The incident was reported to authorities through a formal complaint on August 28, 2024, resulting in the registration of Jorethang PS Case FIR No. 28 of…