The Sikkim government has appointed 12 women leaders from Self Help Groups (SHGs) as Chairpersons and Officers on Special Duty (OSDs) across various state departments. This bold initiative aims to deepen women’s participation in policymaking and administration while recognizing grassroots leadership.
The announcement has been widely welcomed as a powerful signal of the state’s commitment to women’s empowerment and local development. The appointments are expected to bring fresh community-driven perspectives into public administration and inspire more women across the state to pursue leadership roles.
Expressing gratitude, the newly appointed women leaders collectively thanked Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang for acknowledging their efforts and providing them with an official platform to influence governance. They credited the Chief Minister’s inclusive vision for enabling their transition from grassroots mobilizers to decision-makers.
Among the appointees is Chumila Bhutia, now Chairperson of the Public Health Engineering Department (PHE). In her statement, Bhutia said, “We express our heartfelt gratitude to the Sikkim Government and our most respected, honourable Chief Minister. With his visionary leadership, we are committed to building a golden, prosperous, and empowered Sikkim — in line with the vision of a developed India by 2047.”
She also emphasized the scale and power of the SHG movement in the state. “Our SHG community now includes over 55,000 women across Sikkim. We’re not just a local initiative — we represent a national force of empowered women who are ready to lead change,” she said.
The Self Help Group model in Sikkim has become a cornerstone of rural development, enabling women to engage in economic activities, community welfare, and financial independence. With this latest recognition, these SHG leaders now step into strategic roles within the government, bringing their experience and community insights into policy implementation.