Sikkim

PM Modi likely to visit Sikkim on May 29 for 50th statehood anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Sikkim on May 29 to take part in the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of its statehood, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said. He said the final confirmation from the Prime Minister's Office about the proposed visit is yet to be received, but all other formalities have already been completed. "Around 1 lakh people will be present at the Paljor Stadium to greet the PM that day. Earlier, we planned the programme at Manan Kendra, but that place could not accommodate such a large crowd, so we changed the venue," Tamang told reporters on the sidelines of a programme on Sunday. "The PM wholeheartedly wants to visit the state to greet the people on the historic occasion. More or less, the confirmation has come. It is a historic occasion for the state as well as the country, which is why the PM will definitely visit," he said. A high-level meeting was held on Saturday to review preparations for the PM's proposed visit. It was chaired

India enriched enormously by integration of Sikkim, says Jairam Ramesh

On the 50th anniversary of Sikkim's statehood, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Friday said India has been enriched enormously by the integration of Sikkim and the state has a number of impressive achievements to its credit. The Congress general secretary in-charge communications said the 36th Constitution Amendment Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on April 23, 1975, and by the Rajya Sabha three days later. Subsequently after the President's assent, the 36th Amendment was enacted and on May 16, 1975--exactly fifty years ago--Sikkim became the 22nd state of India with special provisions for it and its people enshrined in Article 371-F of the Constitution, he recalled. "The Republic of India has been enriched enormously by the integration of Sikkim. The state has a number of impressive achievements to its credit," Ramesh said. P.N. Dhar's book called Indira Gandhi, the 'Emergency' and Indian Democracy (2001) is the topmost insider's account of how the merger happened, he said. "My

Sikkim: When the 'Kingdom' took a beneficial, timely call 50 years ago

Since Sikkim merged into India in 1975, it has made rapid strides in indicators of economic and social wellbeing, writes Indivjal Dhasmana

Centre approves final location survey for new railway line in Sikkim

The final location survey for a new line in Sikkim, from Melli to Dentam via Jorethang and Legship, has been approved by the Railway Ministry, an official statement said. The survey, to be executed by Northeast Frontier Railway, has been approved at a cost of Rs 2.25 crore, it said. This move marks a major step forward in expanding rail connectivity to the southern and western regions of Sikkim, it added. The proposed route aims to bridge a vital infrastructure gap, linking remote towns like Dentam, located near the India-Nepal border at Chiwabhanjyang, with the national railway network. The new line, estimated to have an approximate length of 75 km during the initial feasibility survey, is envisioned as a strategic extension of the under-construction Sivok-Rangpo railway line, which is expected to be operational by 2027. Melli, a key entry point to southern and western Sikkim, is likely to serve as a junction for the proposed extension, thereby ensuring seamless integration of th

Over 200 stranded vehicles evacuated safely after sudden snowfall in Sikkim

As a precaution, no permits have been issued for travel to Nathula, located on the Indo-China border

Over 1,100 tourists rescued in landslide-hit Sikkim, 1,800 stranded

Around 1,100 tourists stranded in north Sikkkm's Chungthang town following landslides were evacuated by the authorities on Friday, while 1,800 others are awaiting rescue from two other popular hill stations in Mangan district, officials said. The administration is bringing the evacuated travellers to the state capital Gangtok, around 100 km from Chungthang. Those tourists, who spent Thursday night in a gurdwara, left in about 200 vehicles, officials said. From Chungthang, the vehicles reached Mangan, the district headquarters, via a reconstructed bailey bridge at Sangkalang which was opened for traffic movement. Officials said that efforts were also on to clear the roads as fast as possible to evacuate around 1,800 other tourists stuck in Lachung and Lachen. Roads to Lachen and Lachung remained closed due to mudslides caused by heavy rainfall on Thursday evening. Tourists need to travel via Chungthang to reach Lachung and Lachen, hill stations known for their natural beauty and .

Over 1,000 tourists stranded as landslides hit Sikkim, permits suspended

Relentless rain triggered massive landslides in North Sikkim, stranding over 1,000 tourists; travel permits suspended as roads remain blocked

Tourism accounts for 10% of Sikkim's GSDP, has growth scope: CM Tamang

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said tourism contributes nearly 10 per cent of the gross state domestic product (GSDP) of the Himalayan state with a strong potential for further growth. He said his government is focused on eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and community-based models that empower local economies. "With over 1,000 homestays, initiatives like 'Mero Rukh Mero Santati' and 'Shishu Samriddhi Yojana' reflect our commitment to future generations and climate action," Tamang said at the inauguration of the three-day Internation Youth Conclave for tourism development at Yangang, a small hamlet in Namchi district, on Saturday. The youth conclave is being organised by Yangang Tourism Development Committee and the Tourism Department. Around 176 representatives from different countries are participating in the event. The event is being organised to mark 50 years of statehood. The chief minister said the conclave is more than just an eventit is a platform for collaboration, .

PM Modi to visit Sikkim on May 16 for golden jubilee celebrations: CM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Sikkim on May 16 for the state's golden jubilee celebrations, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang informed the Assembly on Wednesday. "The PM's visit will be a historic moment in the political journey of Sikkim which celebrates its golden jubilee since it became the 22nd state of India on May 16, 1975," he said while presenting the state budget on the second day of the four-day session. According to the CM, Modi is scheduled to inaugurate several development projects. "These include the 500-bed Namchi District Hospital, Atal Bihari Vajpayee statue to honour the legacy of the former PMa ropeway at Sangachoeling, among others" Tamang added. He said the PM will lay foundation stones for various projects such as the Golden Jubilee Convention Centre at Namli, a premier venue for national and international events; Bhaleydhunga Skywalk, an innovative eco-tourism project providing a unique experience for visitors; Nathula Border Tourism Developm

Sikkim CM presents Rs 16,196 cr Budget for 2025-26 with focus on growth

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Wednesday presented in the assembly a budget of Rs 16,196 crore for the 2025-26 fiscal with a focus on empowering youth, uplifting farmers, investing in infrastructure and ensuring financial discipline. The budget comprises Rs 11,028 crore of revenue expenditure and Rs 5,168 crore of capital outlay. The devolution of taxes from the Centre was estimated at Rs 5,519 crore, a leading source of receipts, along with Rs 2,600 crore that the central government will provide to Sikkim as grants and aids in 2025-26, said Tamang, who also holds the finance portfolio. The state government will generate its own tax revenue worth Rs 2,076 crore and non-tax revenue to the tune of Rs 1,007 crore, he said, adding that Rs 2,651 crore will be raised through borrowing. The chief minister said that a provision of Rs 2,896 crore has been made in the next fiscal year's budget for the state government's contributions to the centrally sponsored schemes with a goal

Sikkim's Rs 50 tourism toll sparks debate over cost, sustainability

State argues the "entry fee" for travellers will boost infrastructure and instil ownership of sustainable tourism, but critics call it unjust and a burden on the sector. ADITI PHADNIS weighs in

Ashtalakshmi vision: Centre cites gains, Oppn points to Manipur unrest

The Centre highlights a decade of development under PM Modi, while the Opposition criticises its handling of Manipur unrest and the PM's continued absence from the state

ED attaches Rs 65 cr assets linked to ex-GM of Sikkim Bank in fraud case

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has provisionally attached movable and immovable properties worth Rs 65.46 crore in connection with a money laundering case involving a former general manager-ranked officer of a Sikkim-based bank. The ED said in a statement that the attached assets include four residential properties and land parcels located in Deorali, Syari, Ranipool and Penlong - all in Sikkim. These properties were allegedly acquired using proceeds from fraudulent activities linked to siphoning of funds from the State Bank of Sikkim (SBS) by Dorjee Tshering Lepcha, its former general manager (operations). Additionally, several bank accounts with a combined deposit of approximately Rs 53.41 crore in the names of Lepcha and his family members have also been frozen, the statement said. These actions are parts of an ongoing investigation into the misappropriation and laundering of funds from the bank under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. Established in 1968

Sikkim CM Tamang seeks 'tailored' support from Finance Commission

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Monday sought 'tailored' support from the 16th Finance Commission in view of the Himalayan state's unique challenges, achievements and aspirations. The full team of the 16th Finance Commission, led by its chairman Arvind Panagariya, met the Sikkim chief minister at the state secretariat. "I emphasised Sikkim's unique challenges, achievements and aspirations while calling for tailored support from the 16th Finance Commission to ensure sustainable growth for our people", Tamang said in a social media post after meeting Panagariya and the members of the Finance Commission team. Tamang said that he highlighted Sikkim's remarkable progress, including the highest per capita income in the region, significant growth rates, and the state's role as a global custodian of biodiversity and a hub for climate change mitigation to seek additional financial support from the 16th Finance Commission. The Sikkim CM also underlined critical challenges like roa

Sikkim govt firm on inclusion of 12 left-out communities in ST list: CM

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Sunday said that his government has remained steadfast in advocacy for the inclusion of 12 left-out communities of the Himalayan state in the Scheduled Tribe list. He attended the inaugural meeting of the Sikkim State High-Level Committee, established to secure the inclusion of 12 left-out Sikkimese communities in the ST list under the Constitution of India. Later, in a social media post, he said, "Our government has been unwavering in its advocacy for their inclusion. A landmark resolution passed by the Sikkim Legislative Assembly in January 2021, along with sustained engagements with national policymakers, including the Hon'ble Prime Minister and Home Minister, underscores our dedicated commitment. Encouraging responses have given us confidence that this rightful recognition is within reach." "As we approach Sikkim's 50th statehood anniversary in 2025, addressing this decades-old demand is paramount for achieving true inclusivity and ...

No Opposition in state, but Sikkim CM Tamang faces environmental challenges

CM Prem Singh Tamang leads a state without Opposition in the Assembly, but faces dual challenges of ecological crises and sustainable development

6 killed, 15 hurt as bus plunges into gorge near West Bengal-Sikkim border

Six people were killed and 15 others injured as a bus plunged into a 150-ft-deep gorge near the West Bengal-Sikkim border on Saturday afternoon, police said. The accident happened between Andheri and Atal Setu, about 1 km from the Rangpo border, around 3 pm, they said. The private bus, heading to Gangtok from Siliguri, veered off the NH-10 and crash-landed on the bank of the Teesta river, said SP of West Bengal's Kalimpong district Srihari Pandey. The identities of the deceased and the injured were being ascertained, police said, adding that there was a woman among the deceased. The injured persons were initially taken to a health centre in Rangpo for treatment and later moved to various hospitals in Sikkim, they said. Police said the number of deaths is likely to go up as many injured passengers were very critical. Among the passengers on the bus when the accident happened were some tourists, they said. The bus, named 'Quality', used to operate daily between Siliguri, the large

First phase of Army Commanders' Conference to be in Sikkim forward area

The two-phase Army Commanders' Conference during which the army will review current operational preparedness and deliberate on critical strategies is set to begin in Sikkim on Thursday. The second ACC this year is being organised in a hybrid mode, with the first phase planned on October 10-11 in a forward location at Gangtok, the defence ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. Top army commanders will brainstorm conceptual issues, and review and assess the "overall security situation" during the key conference. "As the nation faces numerous regional security challenges, the upcoming Army Commanders' Conference scheduled to commence in Sikkim tomorrow, assumes significance," it said. Conducting the conference of senior commanders at a forward location underlines the Indian Army's "focus on ground realities", the ministry said. The commanders' conclave in a forward area in Sikkim, which is close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC), comes amid the lingering border row in eastern .

CM Tamang chairs meeting with BRO for improvement of roads in North Sikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang asked the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and state government officials to find out ways to improve road infrastructure, particularly in the strategically crucial North Sikkim. At the high-level review meeting held at the Chief Minister's official residence late Monday evening, Tamang stressed the need to find immediate and sustainable solutions to address road infrastructure in vulnerable and landslide-prone areas, particularly in North Sikkim, officials said. A joint inspection of critical regions was agreed upon to ensure a comprehensive assessment and action plan. The chief minister emphasised the importance of speeding up joint inspections and urged the officials to ensure swift execution of necessary actions. He also asked for restoration of damaged roads across the state on an urgent basis and called for immediate steps to expedite the recovery process. Tamang expressed his gratitude to BRO for its active participation and valuable .

Sikkim announces 100% concession on bus fares for PWDs, BPL women

The Sikkim government on Wednesday announced a 100 per cent concession on bus fares for persons with over 40 per cent disability and women in the BPL category, an official notification said. The order issued by the state transport department said that the facility can be availed of in both intra and inter-state services effective immediately. To avail of the concession, PWDs (persons with disability) must produce a valid Unique Disability ID card issued by the Centre, certifying 40 per cent or above degree of disability. Women in the BPL category must produce a BPL certificate issued by Directorate of Economics, Statistics, Monitoring and Evaluation (DESME), the order added.