12/08/2026
2nd Aama Samman Diwas Celebrated in Rangpo, CM Highlights Women-Centric Initiatives
Pakyong, August 10, 2026: The 2nd Aama Samman Diwas was celebrated at Goli Ground, Rangpo, with Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay highlighting a series of women-centric welfare and empowerment initiatives undertaken by the Sikkim Government.
The programme was organised by the Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department and attended by the Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs-cum-Advisors, elected representatives, Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, senior government officials and other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Tamang-Golay said Aama Samman Diwas is an occasion to recognise the invaluable contribution, sacrifices and dedication of mothers towards their families and society. He paid tribute to mothers who, despite challenges and hardships, continue to work for the welfare and future of their families.
Highlighting the Sikkim Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana, the Chief Minister said the scheme was introduced to promote the economic empowerment and self-reliance of mothers. He announced that from 2027, the scheme would be expanded to cover 50,000 beneficiaries, with more than 1,500 mothers from each Assembly Constituency.
He informed that cheques under the scheme were distributed to 10 mothers from each constituency during the programme, while the remaining beneficiaries would receive their assistance through their respective MLAs by the end of August.
The Chief Minister also highlighted several women-focused initiatives, including the Bahini Yojana, Aama Sahayog Yojana, Widow Pension Reform, Vatsalya Yojana and Sabbatical Leave. Under the Aama Sahayog Yojana, more than 4,200 rural mothers are receiving annual assistance of ₹4,500 towards four LPG refills.
Among other major measures, the Chief Minister highlighted financial assistance of up to ₹3 lakh for IVF treatment for eligible married couples, regularisation and improved remuneration for Anganwadi Workers and ASHAs, and a one-year maternity leave policy for women government employees.
He also stated that women have been exempted from TDR requirements for government contracts and projects, aimed at encouraging greater economic participation. Breastfeeding pods have also been established across all six districts to provide safe and hygienic spaces for mothers in public places.
Speaking on safe and affordable mobility, the Chief Minister highlighted the Aama Didi Bahini Pink Bus Service, operated by women drivers and conductors and offering concessional fares for women. The service aims to facilitate safe travel to schools, colleges, offices, hospitals and markets.
On women's healthcare, he highlighted the ongoing HPV vaccination campaign for adolescent girls and announced that the Budget 2026–27 includes a State-wide HPV screening programme for women aged 30–65 years.
The Chief Minister further announced several initiatives under Budget 2026–27, including support for 200 Self-Help Groups, Mero Rukh Mero Santati, Aama Poetry Competitions in schools and colleges, the Shravan Kumar Puraskar and the establishment of Aama Ko Goad in Siliguri for patients.
The Aama Samman Website was also launched during the occasion.
Minister for Social Welfare Department and Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department, Samdup Lepcha, in his keynote address, outlined various government initiatives aimed at strengthening the social security, economic independence and empowerment of women and children.
He highlighted schemes including Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana, Aama Sahayog Yojana, Bahini Yojana, enhanced widow pension, hostel facilities, One Stop Centre and Mission Vatsalya. He also emphasised the growing role of women in politics, public life and Self-Help Groups in strengthening livelihoods and grassroots development.
32,000 Mothers to Benefit Under Aama Sashaktikaran
As part of the celebration, 32,000 mothers are being felicitated under the Sikkim Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana. The beneficiaries will receive their respective cheques at their Block Administrative Centres.
Cheques were also distributed under the Sikkim Aama Sahayog Yojana, which provides eligible rural mothers with annual assistance of ₹4,500 towards four LPG refills.
A new Aama Samman Puraskar, instituted under the Chief Minister's Discretionary Grant, was also launched. One deserving Aama from each Assembly Constituency was selected for the award, with each recipient receiving ₹51,000. A total of 32 mothers were honoured under the initiative.
Pragatisheel Aama Puraskar
The Pragatisheel Aama Puraskar was presented to beneficiaries of the Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana who demonstrated responsible utilisation of the financial assistance and successfully pursued entrepreneurial activities.
The three awardees were:
- First Prize – ₹5 lakh: Indra Lepcha, Kaluk Bazaar, Gyalshing District
- Second Prize – ₹3 lakh: Gauri Pradhan, Linkey Parakha, Pakyong District
- Third Prize – ₹2 lakh: Sancha Rani Limboo, Mangshila-Tibuk, Mangan District
The State Bank of Sikkim also felicitated 18 best-performing Aama Account Holders, with three beneficiaries selected from each of the six districts. The awardees received cash prizes of ₹2 lakh, ₹1 lakh and ₹50,000 for the top three positions respectively.
Lucky Selfie with Aama Winners Announced
A Lucky Selfie with Aama competition was also organised as part of the public engagement activities, encouraging people to share photographs with their mothers as a gesture of love, respect and gratitude.
The winners were selected through a computerised random selection process.
Lucky Selfie Aama Puraskar winners:
- 🥇 First Prize – ₹2 lakh: Anurodh Rai, Amba, Pakyong
- 🥈 Second Prize – ₹1.5 lakh: Budha Maya Limboo, Chong Zong, Gyalshing
- 🥉 Third Prize – ₹1 lakh: Anup Sharma, Singbel, Makha, Gangtok
- Consolation Prizes – ₹20,000 each: Seven winners from different districts, including Soreng, Rongli, Namthang, Chungthang, Mangan and West Pendam.
Aama Suvidha Ghar Set Up at Venue
To ensure the comfort and convenience of mothers attending the programme, the Chief Minister's Office, in collaboration with the Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department, established an “Aama Suvidha Ghar” at the venue.
The facility included dedicated breastfeeding rooms, creches and healthcare corners, providing a safe, hygienic and comfortable environment for mothers and children.
The 2nd Aama Samman Diwas concluded with a renewed emphasis on recognising the contribution of mothers and strengthening initiatives aimed at women's dignity, economic independence, healthcare, social security and empowerment across Sikkim.
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