07/08/2025
Issued by -Yougan Tamang,
Press Secretary to Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim
Aama Samman Diwas: A Historic Tribute to Mothers, Inspired by the Compassionate Leadership of Shri. Prem Singh Tamang Golay
Sikkim has steadily distinguished itself as a state in introducing people-centric policies that leave a direct and lasting impact on its people, the state has been setting examples for the rest of the country on many fronts, with a special emphasis on uplifting and empowering women. The steady rise of women’s participation in politics, governance, sports, and community leadership is a proof to the vision and commitment of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang Golay, whose leadership has consistently prioritised respect, dignity, and opportunity for women at every level. Among his many initiatives, the reverence he accords to mothers stands out as both deeply personal and profoundly symbolic for the people of Sikkim.
This sentiment found its most heartfelt expression in the declaration of “Aama Samman Diwas’ to be observed for the first time on 10th August and followed each year marks a significant moment in the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s own life, the day of his release from imprisonment in 2018 which he chose not to celebrate as a political victory or personal triumph, but to dedicate entirely to the mothers of Sikkim. For seven years, the day had been commemorated as “Jan Unmukti Diwas,” symbolising the SKM Party’s long struggle against injustice and suppression of free speech. However, in 2025, the Hon’ble Chief Minister redefined the occasion, transforming it into a tribute to maternal love, sacrifice, and nurturing strength. Thus, the Home Department, Government of Sikkim issued a notification on July 30, 2025 vide letter no. 66/Home/2025 declaring 10th August of every year to be celebrated as ‘Aama Samman Diwas’.
This year’s Aama Samman Diwas will hold historic importance as Sikkim becomes the first state in India to hold a statewide public celebration entirely dedicated to mothers. The day will not only honour their immeasurable contributions but will also mark the distribution of two major welfare initiatives designed to provide direct support to mothers across the state.
Notified in 2023, the Sikkim Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana under Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department stands as a landmark welfare initiative aimed at providing annual financial assistance of ₹40,000 to eligible mothers, disbursed in two instalments through Direct Bank Transfer via the State Bank of Sikkim. The scheme specifically supports non-working, unmarried, widowed, divorced, or separated mothers between the ages of 18 and 59.
Initially, the plan was to extend this benefit to around 15000 beneficiaries. However, driven by the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s compassionate vision and deep commitment to the welfare of mothers, the number has been doubled, so 32,000 beneficiaries.
This significant expansion transformed the scheme’s reach from just 15,833 mothers benefiting in 2022-23, to 31,768 in 2023-24, and now directly reaching over 32,000 mothers in the 2025-26.
On this Aama Samman Diwas, the first instalment will be distributed directly to beneficiaries through cheques, symbolising not only financial relief but also the state’s firm commitment to uphold the dignity, independence, and well-being of mothers across Sikkim.
The impact of the Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana is both profound and immeasurable, touching the lives of mothers across Sikkim in deeply meaningful ways. For many, it has brought not only financial relief but also a renewed sense of dignity, security, and empowerment. Countless mothers have shared their heartfelt experiences and expressed their sincere gratitude, reflecting how this initiative has become a source of hope and meaningful change in their lives.
Deena Rai (49) from Namchi on Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana: “I used the amount to pay my children’s college fees and meet other essential needs. It came as a great support during a crucial time in my life, and for that, I am deeply grateful to Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang Golay for his thoughtfulness and compassion.”
Pushpa Rai (47) from Upper Aho, Pakyong: “I received the amount just before the Dashain festival, which enabled me to buy clothes for my children and purchase groceries for the celebrations. With no breadwinner in my family and three children to care for, part of the amount was also used for their education. This support came as a blessing in a time of need, and I am profoundly grateful to Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang Golay for making it possible.”
Bijaya S***a from Kabi-Lungchok: “All mothers are immensely happy with the Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana. The amount I received has helped me with my child’s treatment and education. We had never experienced this kind of support under the former government. It is not just me, but mothers across Sikkim who feel deeply happy and grateful to Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang Golay for this compassionate initiative.”
Mon Maya S***a (54) from Rongong- Tumlong GPU : “I used the Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana amount for my medical treatment. I have witnessed significant changes under the present government, with far greater support for the women of Sikkim. I am truly grateful to Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang Golay for this thoughtful initiative.”
Phaykik Bhutia (57), Namok Swayem GPU, Deythang: “I am immensely grateful to Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang Golay for introducing such a noble and compassionate initiative. This scheme has truly benefited mothers like me, who often face financial hardships. I was able to use the amount to address my own health issues, and it came as a much-needed support during a difficult time.”
Leomit Lepcha (50) from Regu Dara: “It is never easy for mothers to manage a household while facing so many challenges. Through this scheme, I have been able to meet essential household needs and also support my children’s education. It has truly been a great help, and I am deeply thankful for it.”
Complementing this, the Sikkim Aama Sahayog Yojana, implemented by the Rural Management and Development Department (RMD), will provide four free LPG refills annually to over 4,200 mothers in rural areas, reducing the financial strain of cooking fuel expenses and supporting cleaner, healthier households.
Through these initiatives, the Hon’ble Chief Minister has translated his emotional reverence for mothers into tangible policies that ease their burdens, enhance their financial security, and recognise their central role in shaping families, communities, and the state itself. His approach reflects a rare blend of personal conviction and political will, where symbolic gestures are reinforced by concrete action.
Aama Samman Diwas holds added significance as, on August 10, a total of 210 mothers from the grassroots level, carefully selected across various categories from all districts, will be specially invited and honoured at the state-level celebration. These distinguished women include 15 Best Amma Hospital Safai Mitras from STNM and all district hospitals; 30 Best Amma ASHA Workers, with five chosen from each district; 30 Best Amma Anganwadi Workers, also five from each district; 30 Best Amma SHG Workers selected by the Office of OSD to the Hon’ble Chief Minister; 15 Best Amma Safai Mitras from GMC, SNP, MNP, NJNP, NMC, and GNP; 30 Best Amma Panchayat Representatives, both former and present; 30 Best Amma PWD Workers, five from each district; and 30 Best Amma Mid-Day Meal Cooks, five from each district. This gesture not only celebrates their invaluable contributions to society but also reflects the government’s commitment to recognising and honouring the selfless service of mothers in every sphere of community life.
“Aama Samman Diwas” will not be just confined to an annual observance but it will be a living reminder of the bond between the government and the people it serves. It celebrates the nurturing spirit of mothers while embedding respect, gratitude, and empowerment into the very framework of governance. In dedicating his own day of liberation to the mothers of Sikkim, Shri. Prem Singh Tamang Golay has not only written an emotional chapter in the state’s history but has also set a precedent for compassionate leadership, one where love for the land and its people takes the form of lasting, meaningful change.
