The Government of Sikkim has appointed R.B. Bhandari, ADC (Development) of Pakyong District, as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the State Rural Livelihoods Mission (SRLM) under the Rural Development Department. The appointment was confirmed through an official order issued by the Department of Personnel. According to the notification, Mr. Bhandari had earlier been transferred and posted as Director of the Sikkim State Directorate of Lotteries under the Finance Department. However, the latest order has reassigned him to head the SRLM.
The SRLM plays a key role in promoting rural livelihoods, supporting self-help groups, and improving income opportunities for people in rural areas. As CEO, Mr. Bhandari will now be responsible for guiding programmes and initiatives under this mission across the state. In a related change, Ms. Rajani Sharma, SCS, who had been serving as the CEO of SRLM, has now been transferred and posted as ADC (Development) for Pakyong District under the Rural Development Department. This means the two officers have effectively exchanged portfolios as part of the reshuffle.
The government order states that the transfers have been issued with the approval of the Governor. The notification was signed by Tshering Bhutia, SCS, Deputy Secretary to the Government of Sikkim.