Sikkim News Today - Live Updates & Latest Sikkim News

16 Dec

Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang assures full support for high-level committee to secure ST status

Priyanka BhowmickNews, Politics, Sikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has reiterated his government's commitment to securing Scheduled Tribe (ST) recognition for 12 left-out Sikkimese communities, emphasizing its importance for equity and inclusivity. Addressing the inaugural meeting of the Sikkim State High-Level Committee, CM Tamang stressed the urgency of resolving this long-standing issue as the state prepares to celebrate its 50th year of statehood in 2025. Expressing gratitude to the committee led by Chairman B.V. Sharma and Vice Chairman Mahendra P. Lama, Tamang acknowledged the excluded communities' contributions to Sikkim's cultural and social heritage. “These communities have been integral to our society, yet they…

07 Dec

Sikkim University’s menstrual leave policy for female students is a step forward

Banasree SarkarSikkimSikkim University

Sikkim University has instituted a one-day menstruation vacation policy for female students. As part of the regulation, female students are allowed to take one day off each month throughout their menstrual cycle. The decision takes effect right now. The Sikkim University Students' Association (SUSA) submitted a proposal on November 20, 2024, which resulted to the introduction of menstrual leave. The group advocated for this regulation in order to assist students throughout their menstrual periods, acknowledging the challenges that they may face. At Sikkim University, which aims to create a welcoming environment for its students, this new policy is a step…

27 Sep

Sikkim braces for heavy rainfall, warns IMD

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim is bracing for heavy rainfall as monsoon activity picks up across the region, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD has forecast widespread rain and thundershowers in the coming days, warning of above-normal rainfall across most districts. In its latest weather bulletin, the IMD reported evolving synoptic conditions, including cyclonic circulations and troughs, which have been influencing the region since September 19. A new cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal and a trough extending from the Andhra Pradesh coast to southern Myanmar have contributed to Sikkim’s intensified rainfall. From September 19 to 25, districts like Mangan…

26 Sep

Swami Avimukteshwaranand expresses discontent over ban

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, currently on his spiritual tour as part of the "Gaudhwaj Sthapna Bharat Yatra," expressed his discontent over being barred from entering Nagaland by the state government. The spiritual leader, known for advocating cow protection, voiced his concerns during a public address in Sikkim, emphasizing the importance of cows in Indian tradition and Sanatan Dharma. Swami Avimukteshwaranand questioned the decision, saying, "I have not spoken ill of anyone. All I seek is the chance to share my message with the people. Why should I be stopped?" He appealed to the Chief Ministers of Northeastern states to allow his…

10 Sep

Sikkim’s creative economy set to grow with NID collaboration

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, to promote the state’s creative economy. The agreement, signed on September 9, is part of the World Bank-supported Sikkim ‘INSPIRES’ programme. The initiative focuses on enhancing connectivity, improving market access, and fostering skills development and innovation, particularly among women and youth in Sikkim. Officials believe this collaboration will unlock new economic opportunities and boost local industries. Sikkim’s Commerce and Industries Minister, Tshering Thendup Bhutia, emphasized the state’s rich cultural heritage, known for traditional arts like Thangka painting, carpet weaving, and handloom work.…

09 Sep

Former Minister Tshering Wangdi Lepcha leaves Sikkim Democratic Front

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Former Minister Tshering Wangdi Lepcha of the Lachen-Mangan constituency has resigned from the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF). A long-serving member of the party since 1993, Lepcha expressed deep gratitude for the opportunities he gained in Sikkimese politics but cited unavoidable reasons for his departure. Lepcha’s resignation follows a major shake-up within the SDF, led by party president Pawan Chamling. In a Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting held at SDF Bhawan on September 2, Chamling dissolved all major party committees, including the Central Working Committee, District Committees, and Frontal Organizations. This strategic restructuring, Chamling noted, aims to rejuvenate the party’s leadership…

12 Aug

Sikkim protesters demand better animal protection laws

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Animal rights activists assembled at Zero Point on Sunday to protest the recent shooting of a stray dog on Kazi Road, calling for immediate action against animal cruelty. The rally, spearheaded by Guardian of Sikkim, People for Animals, and Citizens Animal Shelter Sikkim, aimed to spotlight the brutal act and advocate for justice. The controversy erupted following the discovery of a 3-4-year-old stray dog with a gunshot wound to its chest on July 19. Initially buried in haste, the dog’s body was later exhumed after an anonymous tip and examined at a local polyclinic, confirming it had been shot. Karma…

07 Aug

Sikkim assembly passes key bills on fees and gaming

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

On the second day of the Budget Session 2024-25, the Eleventh Sikkim Legislative Assembly passed three significant bills, reflecting crucial legislative changes. The bills approved were the Sikkim Court Fees and Stamps on Documents (Amendment) Bill, 2024; the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2024; and the Sikkim Registration of Tourist Trade Bill, 2024. The session commenced with tributes to three distinguished figures: late Sonam Gyatso Bhutia, former MLA of Barfung Constituency; late Pahalman Subba, former MP of Sikkim; and late Ram Chandra Poudyal, former Deputy Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly. Speaker Mingma Norbu Sherpa and Chief Minister Prem…

13 Jul

Landslide victims urgently transported to hospitals in Sikkim

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A tragic incident in Sikkim has claimed the life of a 40-year-old woman and left several others critically injured when their vehicle was struck by massive boulders. The accident occurred near Sisney, at the 10th Mile in Makha, as they traveled from Lingee in South Sikkim to Singtam. The injured were swiftly transported to the nearest hospital for urgent medical care. The severity of the landslide has raised significant concerns about the safety of travel in the region. Sikkim has been grappling with severe landslides in recent days, resulting in the closure of National Highway 10 at multiple points. This…

11 Jul

Sikkim budget session set for August 5-9, job regularization to begin August 1: CM Tamang

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has revealed pivotal developments for the state, underlining the government's commitment to its promises and the welfare of the public.Chief Minister Tamang declared that the Sikkim Budget session is scheduled to convene from August 5 to August 9, aiming to address crucial state issues and lay out the financial course ahead. Concurrently, he announced the commencement of job regularization for approximately 27,000 ad-hoc and OFOJ employees starting August 1. These employees, who have received memorandums, will have their joining dates finalized during a cabinet meeting slated for July 17. "We are not a government…