Sikkim Update

29/05/2026

Union Minister for Culture & Tourism concludes his maiden visit to Soreng, Reviews Aspirational District Programme

Soreng, May 29 (IPR): The Union Minister of Culture & Tourism, Government of India, Mr Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Ji, on the second day of his visit to Soreng District participated in an interactive programme with the HODs of the district at Rurban Complex, Soreng today. The programme witnessed the presence of public representatives, district officials, stakeholders, and students.

The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the Union Minister, followed by a welcome song presentation by the students of Government B. Ed. College, Soreng.

In his address, the Union Minister Mr Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Ji expressed his gratitude at being present in Soreng District and described the occasion as a fortunate opportunity to witness the natural beauty, cultural prosperity, modesty, and discipline of the people of the state, which he termed as a strong sign of hope for the nation.
The Union Minister further elaborated on the vision of “Viksit Bharat” envisioned by the Prime Minister of India, stating that the collective determination and participation of every citizen would be instrumental in achieving the mission. He highlighted the challenges faced by several districts across the country and explained that the Aspirational District Programme was introduced to bridge developmental gaps through a focused and competitive approach aimed at accelerating growth.

He informed that the programme is guided by 48 key performance indicators and driven by the three core principles of convergence, collaboration, and competition. The Minister highlighted key focus areas including health and nutrition, education, agriculture and water resources, financial inclusion, skill development, and infrastructure development.

Mr Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Ji stated that the nation is presently witnessing a transformative phase and urged all stakeholders to actively contribute towards the vision of a developed India. He encouraged the district administration, public representatives, and citizens to work collectively so that aspirational districts may evolve into inspirational districts.

Highlighting the importance of the North Eastern region, the Union Minister stated that the perception of the North East has significantly transformed over the years and that the region is now increasingly being recognised as an important growth engine of the nation.

Speaking on tourism, he stressed the need to align tourism development with changing global perceptions and emerging trends. He emphasised the promotion of nature-based tourism, wellness tourism, event-based tourism, and experiential tourism as key areas with immense potential for the region.

Concluding his address, Mr Shekhawat reiterated the nation’s commitment towards self-reliance and urged citizens to remain conscious of unnecessary expenditure leading to foreign currency outflow. He expressed his best wishes to Soreng District and encouraged all stakeholders to work towards transforming the district from aspirational to inspirational.

During the programme in an interaction session with SHGs, students, and Anganwadi workers, he enquired on their work, awareness, and existing challenges while offering suggestions and encouragement. The Union Minister acknowledged the achievements of Soreng District and emphasised the need to achieve 100 percent saturation of the identified performance indicators through focused implementation and effective last-mile delivery. He also highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship and spoke on various government initiatives supporting start-ups and self-employment, noting India’s emergence as one of the largest start-up ecosystems in the world.

Stressing the region’s potential in organic produce and international markets, he encouraged the promotion and recognition of successful local entrepreneurs to inspire entrepreneurial aspirations among the youth. The Union Minister further underlined the importance of responsible and experience-based tourism, stating that tourism growth depends not only on infrastructure but also on the quality of visitor experience.

Earlier, MLA (Soreng-Chakung) Mr Aditya Golay, welcomed Mr Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Ji and highlighted the significance of the Aspirational District Programme. He also spoke about the recent visit of the Prime Minister to Sikkim, describing it as a major highlight and a positive feedback for the State. Expressing gratitude for Mr Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Ji presence, he thanked him for his visit to Soreng District.

The District Collector, Mr Dhiraj Subedi delivered the welcome address and presented introductory notes on Soreng District whereby he talked on the aspirational district programme and its current status.

A presentation on the overall report of the Aspirational District and Aspirational Block Programme was presented by Additional District Collector, Mr DR Bista. He discussed the detailed figures and the status of the report.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by SDM Soreng, Ms Sakchum Lepcha, followed by the National Anthem.

The programme was also attended by MLA Zoom-Salghari Constituency, Mr Madan Cintury, and MLA Rinchenpong, Mr Erung Tenzing Lepcha, along with Vice Chairman (ITS) Mr CP Sharma and Secretary (Tourism and Civil Aviation) Ms Hondala Gyaltsen including Advisors, Chairpersons, OSDs, Head of Offices, Officers and officials.

Later in the day, the Union Minister visited Yamuna Falls, Vrindavan Dham at Dodak and Sikkim Khadi and Village Industries Board Woollen Weaving Centre at Dodak, where he interacted with members of the Board as well as Panchayat members of GPU.

29/05/2026

Awareness programme on “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan” and “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” organised by CBC & PIB Gangtok

Pakyong, May 29 (IPR): The Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) and Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India, Gangtok, organised a publicity programme at Sumin Lingchey Secondary School in Pakyong district today as part of its initiative to spread awareness on environmental issues, health, and social concerns.

The programme focused on two national campaigns — Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam — to raise awareness among students and the local community.

State Coordinator, Sarathi 1.0, Sikkim, and APS to HCM,Bishal Sharma Pokhrel, attended the programme as the chief guest, while Headmistress of the school, Mrs Woeser Doma Bhutia, attended as the special guest.

Teachers, school staff, officials from PIB Gangtok and Akashvani Gangtok, and students attended the programme.

During the programme, Mr Pokhrel conducted an interaction session with students on Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, and adolescent-related issues. He used discussions, question-answer sessions, and real-life examples to raise awareness on drug abuse prevention, environmental responsibility through tree plantation, and challenges faced during adolescence, encouraging students to adopt healthy and informed choices.

Mr Pokhrel also addressed concerns related to mobile phone use among adolescents. He discussed how excessive screen time may affect concentration, sleep, mental health, and social interaction. Students were advised to maintain limits on device usage, participate in outdoor activities, and use mobile phones for educational purposes.

He advised girl students to remain cautious while using social media platforms and warned against fake online profiles and AI-generated manipulated images used by anti-social elements. Students were asked to protect personal information, verify online contacts, and inform parents, teachers, or authorities in case of suspicious activities.

Speaking on the occasion, Headmistress Mrs Woeser Doma Bhutia thanked PIB and CBC for organising the awareness programme and stated that similar initiatives on different subjects would benefit students. She also encouraged students to carry the message of the programme to their villages and communities.

Assistant Director, PIB and Akashvani News Gangtok, Mr Manas Pratim Sarma, in his welcome address, thanked the school administration for extending support in organising the programme and acknowledged the participation of the State Coordinator, Sarathi 1.0.

As part of the programme, CBC and PIB Gangtok handed over Swachhta items to the school administration.

A quiz competition was also organised during the programme, where students participated and answered questions related to the themes of the event.

29/05/2026

SPSC Declares Final Results for 22 Under Secretary and 25 Accounts Officer Posts

29/05/2026

Gangtok District Sets Up Media Monitoring Centre for Smooth Conduct of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026

Gangtok, May 29 (IPR): In view of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR), a Media Monitoring Centre (MMC) has been established at the District Administration Centre (DAC), Gangtok, today to ensure smooth communication, continuous media monitoring, voter awareness, and timely dissemination of information related to the SIR process.

The Media Monitoring Centre has been set up to facilitate the smooth conduct of SIR at every stage by enhancing voter awareness, promoting public participation, ensuring clarity on SIR-related procedures, countering misinformation and disinformation, if any, and strengthening grievance redressal and feedback mechanisms.

The centre covers all eight Assembly Constituencies under Gangtok district namely Tumin-Lingee, Khamdong-Singtam, Shyari, Martam-Rumtek, Upper Tadong, Arithang, Gangtok, and Upper Burtuk, along with the Sangha Constituency.

A television set has been installed at the centre to monitor major news channels and media coverage related to the SIR process. In addition, high definition computer systems with reliable internet connectivity have been provided for effective monitoring of social media platforms and online content, along with daily review of leading newspapers.

The communication strategy of the MMC includes dissemination of information on the objectives of SIR, phases and key activities, voter awareness on forms and procedures, and promotion of elector participation. Media narratives surrounding the process are also being closely monitored to identify misinformation at an early stage and enable timely response and fact checking.

Any urgent issue identified by the MMC will be immediately forwarded to the concerned Media Nodal Officer (MNO) and further to the District Electoral Officer (DEO) for necessary and prompt action. Rebuttals to misinformation and disinformation will also be issued through official social media handles for wider public awareness and dissemination.

Further, documentation of the SIR process through photographs and videos, along with collection of success stories and testimonials, is also being undertaken as part of the media and communication activities.

The objective of the Special Intensive Revision is to ensure inclusion of all eligible citizens in the Electoral Roll while preventing the inclusion of ineligible voters in accordance with the constitutional and legal provisions laid down by the Election Commission of India.

Report from DIO-GANGTOK

29/05/2026

Joint Inspection Conducted to Address Ongoing Issues in Gnathang-Machong Constituency

Pakyong, May 29 (IPR): A joint inspection team led by District Collector, Pakyong, Pari Bishnoi, visited several locations under the Gnathang-Machong constituency today to assess and review a range of ongoing issues concerning infrastructure, land stability, and environmental concerns in the region.

The inspection team included Zilla Panchayat member of Rolep-Barapathing, Gauri Maya Rai; Panchayat Member of Barapathing Ward, Sangita Ruchal; OSD to MLA, Gnathang-Machong, MB Gurung; SDM Pakyong, NK Bhandari; DFO (Territorial),SP Bhutia; DPO Pakyong, Mr TR Chettri; officials from the Forest and Environment Department; and representatives of Nalanda Engicon Pvt Ltd.

The inspection commenced at Teendharey, Linkey, where the team reviewed reports of alleged illegal construction on forest land. The District Collector directed the concerned officials to take appropriate action in accordance with existing rules and regulations.

At 4th Mile, Barapathing, the team inspected areas where road construction works undertaken by Nalanda Engicon Pvt Ltd had reportedly extended beyond the designated alignment and encroached upon adjoining private land. Officials were instructed to verify the extent of land acquisition and examine relevant records for necessary action. Affected residents were assured that appropriate steps would be taken following due verification.

The team further visited the Barapathing-Rolep road stretch, where hill-cutting activities had reportedly caused adjoining private land to slide. At the Chandu bridge area, the inspection revealed vulnerable stretches below the road due to continuous water flow, raising concerns over possible landslides.

Representatives from Nalanda Engicon Pvt Ltd informed the team that water flow in the area had been temporarily diverted and that alternative mitigation measures were under consideration. During the inspection, Ms Bishnoi directed the executing agency to remove loose stones, undertake slope-cutting and stabilisation measures, and install protective mesh in vulnerable locations.

The team also examined areas where hill-cutting activities had reportedly impacted a PMGSY road. Instances of muck dumping along the road were observed, following which the executing agency was directed to take immediate remedial measures.

At the Chandu bridge-Chettri village stretch, another landslide-prone site was inspected. The executing agency was instructed to coordinate with PMGSY authorities for the construction of a protective wall before the onset of the monsoon to ensure uninterrupted movement and prevent inconvenience to students and nearby residents.

Discussions were also held regarding concerns over disturbance to a pond water source reportedly caused by muck dumping activities. District Collector Ms Pari Bishnoi stated that the matter would be taken up for necessary action and directed the executing agency to exercise caution while disposing of muck, conduct regular inspections of dumping sites, and ensure disposal is carried out only at secure locations.

The inspection team later visited Chochen, where discussions focused on land sinking issues at the 7th Mile turning. Officials from Nalanda Engicon Pvt Ltd informed that alternative technical measures were being explored to address the concern and that detailed investigations would be undertaken before finalising a solution.

The installation of rockfall protection barriers at Nevatey, Rongli, was also discussed during the visit.

Subsequently, the team inspected Maltini Khola at Thek Latuk, where a suspension bridge had earlier been washed away in a flash flood. Considering the inconvenience faced by local residents and schoolchildren who had been using the route, the team suggested the construction of a temporary Bailey bridge.

District Collector Ms Bishnoi directed the concerned officials to initiate the necessary process at the earliest. During the inspection, it was also noted that muck dumping activities in the area had been discontinued.

29/05/2026

Press release from District Administrative Centre,Gangtok

Three days training on Enterprise Group in the Off-Farm Sector of District IEIAP under Sikkim INSPIRES for the SHGs of SRLM RDD, Martam Block, Gangtok District was inaugurated today i.e 28/05/2026 at Chuba Ward under Namli GPU,Martam block.
The SHG Entrepreneur Group comprises 20 members.

The training program was inaugurated in the gracious presence of Honourable Chairperson, PHE Department, Mrs. Chumila Bhutia, Block Project Manager, SSRLM RDD, Martam Block-cum-Nodal Officer of Sikkim INSPIRES under Gangtok District for SSRLM, Mr. Uttam Kumar Chettri and Non-Farm Sakhi of Namli GPU, Mrs. Anju Rai and trainee participants was present in the event.

The trainer for the three-day training program is Mrs. Sunita Gadaily from Sikkim Pragatishil Nari Cooperative Society (SPNCS), Jorethang.

The main objective of the training is to provide better livelihood opportunities to the Enterprise Group (EG) members through skill development and entrepreneurship promotion. After successful completion of the training, the aim is to establish product-based enterprise off farm units under the guidance and support of SSRLM RDD and Sikkim INSPIRES.

29/05/2026

Chief Minister held a high-level meeting at Samman Bhawan today with Pipons, representatives of the Lachen Dzumsa, local residents, senior government officials, BRO Project Swastik, and Army authorities to address the ongoing Lachen road connectivity issue.

After detailed discussions, the CM urged the Army to continue temporary road restoration works and complete them by July 15. A high-level committee will also conduct a site inspection to recommend a permanent and sustainable solution, with the possibility of a tunnel project to be explored based on technical feasibility.

The Chief Minister assured the people of Lachen that the matter is being treated with utmost priority, highlighting its importance for public welfare, tourism, and national security. He further stated that the issue has already been raised with the Hon’ble Prime Minister and efforts will also be made to personally meet the Defence Minister regarding the long-pending concern.

29/05/2026

The much-awaited Sikkimese film Shape of Momo was officially released on 28th May at Vajra Cinema in the presence of director Tribeny Rai and cast member Shyamashree Sherpa.

Sharing her thoughts during the release, director Tribeny Rai expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support towards the film, which beautifully portrays identity, relationships, and womanhood through a deeply rooted Himalayan story.

The award-winning film is all set for its theatrical release from 29th May at INOX Gangtok, alongside a pan-India and Nepal release, marking a proud moment for Sikkimese cinema on the global stage.

29/05/2026

Audiences have praised Shape of Momo for its emotional depth, realistic storytelling, and powerful performances following its release at Vajra Cinema on 28th May.

Viewers described the film as heartfelt and relatable, appreciating the direction of Tribeny Rai and the strong screen presence of the cast, including Shyamashree Sherpa.

The positive public response has created growing excitement as the film releases from 29th May at INOX Gangtok, across India, and in Nepal.

28/05/2026

8th Mr Sukhim Bodybuilding Championship Organised by the Bodybuilder Association of Sikkim to be held on June 7, 2026 at SMIT Marina Hall, Rangpo Majitar..

28/05/2026