Sikkim

15 Nov

Sikkim to merge 78 schools with low enrollment to boost educational quality

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

In a major step towards improving educational quality and resource efficiency, the Sikkim government has announced a plan to merge schools with persistently low enrollment numbers. Led by Education Minister Raju Basnett, this initiative aims to optimize resources and ensure that students in Sikkim receive education in well-equipped environments. Education Minister Basnett stated that the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) government, in office since 2019, has prioritized education, focusing on infrastructure improvements, timely textbook distribution, and better teacher attendance. "Schools with fewer than 10 students face challenges in maintaining staff and resources," Basnett noted, adding that the merger plan will help…

15 Oct

Sikkim defeats Mizoram by 137 runs in Ranji Trophy 2024-25

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim kicked off its Ranji Trophy 2024-25 campaign with an emphatic 137-run victory over Mizoram at the Sikkim Cricket Ground, Mining. Defending a target of 297, Sikkim bowled out Mizoram for 160 on the final day of the four-day match. After opting to bowl first, Mizoram restricted Sikkim to 191 runs in 70 overs in the first innings, with Nilesh Lamichaney top-scoring for Sikkim with 50 runs. Mizoram’s leg-spinner KC Cariappa starred with the ball, claiming seven wickets for 69 runs. In response, Mizoram was bundled out for 163, conceding a 28-run first-innings lead. Agni Chopra and KC Cariappa both…

03 Sep

Landslide won’t affect Pakyong airport runway, assures director

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim's Pakyong Airport is poised for significant expansion as multiple airlines prepare to commence operations from October 2024. Leading the charge is IndiGo, one of India’s top airlines, which will soon offer flights connecting Pakyong to major cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. Pakyong AAI Director, Sanjeev Kumar Singh, assured that the recent landslide near the airport has not affected the runway, and repair work is being conducted vigorously. "The expansion is part of a broader plan to enhance connectivity and boost tourism in the region," Singh stated. The introduction of IndiGo’s flights is expected to significantly boost tourism…

31 Aug

Sikkim football faces challenges from internal resistance

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) motto, “Indian Football, Forward Together,” symbolizes a vision of collective advancement and unity in football's development across India. However, in Sikkim, this vision seems increasingly distant. Despite the earnest efforts to nurture local talent and advance the sport, the local football association often acts as a stumbling block rather than a supportive partner. Football Development Private Limited, supported by Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, launched the Sikkim Premier League with the aim of genuinely developing football in the region. This initiative reflects our dedication to advancing the sport despite facing significant obstacles.…

24 Aug

CM Prem Singh Tamang named most popular Chief Minister in Sikkim

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has been named the most popular Chief Minister in his home state, according to the latest Mood of the Nation survey by India Today. Conducted by CVoter, the survey highlights a substantial rise in CM Tamang's approval ratings, with 55.7% of Sikkim residents expressing satisfaction with his leadership as of August 2024. This marks a significant improvement from 26% in February 2024 and 32.5% in August 2023. On a national scale, CM Tamang has achieved an outstanding ranking among 30 incumbent Chief Ministers. The survey, which took place from July 15 to August 10,…

23 Aug

Sikkim hosts stakeholder workshop to develop disease-tolerant large cardamom varieties

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Department of Science and Technology, Government of Sikkim, organized a stakeholder consultation workshop at Vigyan Bhawan, Deorali, focused on developing disease-tolerant large cardamom varieties. The event, chaired by Minister Pintso Namgyal Lepcha, aimed to gather feedback on the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for revitalizing large cardamom production in the state. Minister Lepcha emphasized the significant decline in large cardamom production and its adverse impact on the village economy. He highlighted the importance of large cardamom as a niche, high-value crop for Sikkim and praised the collaboration between the Horticulture Department, ICAR, Spices Board, and Sikkim University in addressing this…

13 Aug

Independence Day honors Sikkim’s dedicated health workers

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

In a proud moment for Sikkim, two dedicated health workers from the state have been invited as special guests to the 78th Independence Day celebrations at the iconic Red Fort in New Delhi. Glorymit Lepcha, an Auxiliary Nurse and Midwife (ANM) at the Turuk Health & Wellness Centre, and Smt. Tara Subba, an ASHA worker at the Phongla Health & Wellness Centre, have been recognized for their exemplary contributions to public healthcare. Their invitation to this prestigious event highlights the vital role they have played in enhancing healthcare services in their communities. Accompanied by their spouses, Lepcha and Subba will…

11 Jun

Prem Singh Tamang takes oath as CM of Sikkim for a sec consecutive term

editorSikkim

In recent, state polling, the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) party, led by PS Golay, won 31 out of 32 seats against the Pawan Chamling-led Sikkim Democratic Front. After the victory Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) took oath as newly elected Chief Minister of Sikkim along with other Council of Ministers. According to the sources, a total of eleven minister in the swearing-ceremony took oath for development and balance of the state, Sikkim. Additionally, the group of ministers including PS Golay are Sonam Lama, Arun Upreti, Samdup Lepcha, Bhima Hang Limboo, Bhojraj Rai, G.T. Dhungyel, Puran Kumar Gurung, Pintso Namgyal Lepcha, N.B.…

23 Dec

16 Army soldiers died, 4 injured in road accident in Sikkim

Business CorrespondentSikkimaccident

Sixteen Army soldiers died and four others were wounded after their vehicle slided down a steep slope close to North Sikkim on Friday. The vehicle was part of a three-vehicle convoy that was driving from Chatten in the morning towards Thangu. Enroute at Zema, the bus came across with an accident. “A rescue plan was instantly arranged, and 4 wounded soldiers have been air evacuated. Unluckily, three Junior Commissioned Officers and 13 soldiers died due to the injuries sustained in the accident,” the Indian Army told in a statement. PM Modi and Defence minister Rajnath Singh expressed the grievances on…

18 Jun

Heavy rain alert for north Bengal, Sikkim over weekend; warns IMD

editorNorth Bengal, Sikkim

The India Meteorological Department issued a clean warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in north Bengal over the weekend elevating fears of landslides and rising water stage in rivers, even as authorities in Sikkim advised tourists not to go to some of the popular destinations in the northern components of the Himalayan state. “All tourists who had been stranded in locations like Lachen and Lachung have been added back to safer places like Gangtok. However, the street conditions in the top reaches of the kingdom are very bad as primary landslides have occurred at locations in Dzongo, Chungthang, Lachen,…