The Sikkim government has appointed 12 women leaders from Self Help Groups (SHGs) to key positions—11 as chairpersons and one as Officer on Special Duty (OSD). This marks the first time that SHG members have been directly inducted into state-level roles, reflecting a broader effort to promote community-led development.
The announcement was originally made during the State-level SHG Bharosa Sammelan held at Jorethang Ground on March 3, 2024. The event was organized by the Rural Development Department (RDD) in collaboration with the Sikkim Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM).
At the Sammelan, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang declared the government’s intent to create 12 new posts for women leaders drawn from SHGs across all districts. These posts include chairpersons and advisors for various departments, aiming to strengthen participatory governance and acknowledge the role of women in local economic transformation.
Among the newly appointed leaders is Ongkit Lepcha, now Chairperson of the Horticulture Department, and Chumila Bhutia, who will lead the Public Health Engineering Department. Lilly Rai takes charge of the Agriculture Department, while Nim Chiki Sherpa assumes the role in the Commerce and Industries Department.
Bidya Biswakarma has been appointed to head the Cooperation Department, and Khus Maya Tamang will lead the Water Resources Department. Similarly, Kala Pradhan has been given charge of the Department of Food Processing Industries, and Doma Lepcha will oversee the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services Department.
The Sikkim Consumer Cooperative Society will now be chaired by Shanti Limboo, while Mingma Lhamu Sherpa will lead efforts in Capacity Building, Skill Development Training, Youth Empowerment, and the Self-Reliant Board. Anuradha Gurung has taken over the Fisheries Department.
The post of Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Department of Panchayati Raj has been entrusted to Indra Kala Chettri, completing the group of empowered SHG leaders.
According to the Rural Development Department, the appointments are part of a broader strategy to recognize the contributions of women-led SHGs in promoting self-reliance and socio-economic development in rural areas. Officials noted that this initiative sets a precedent for how women from marginalized and community-based collectives can play a direct role in policy-making.
The selected SHG leaders are expected to serve as bridges between the administration and rural communities, bringing their grassroots experience into decisions on development, livelihoods, and local governance.
This policy move aligns with Sikkim’s ongoing efforts to empower women and promote inclusive growth, especially in the post-COVID recovery phase where local economies have leaned heavily on SHG activity for resilience and regeneration.
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