Two Drug Peddlers Arrested at Melli Check Post with Brown Sugar and SP Capsules today evening.

Acting on credible intelligence, a police team from Melli Police Station successfully apprehended two drug peddlers at Melli Check Post. The accused have been identified as Rohit Pradhan from Sumbuk, South Sikkim, and Obed Lepcha from Gangtok. They were traveling from West Bengal to Melli on a scooty bearing registration number SK04PA0919.

During a thorough search at the check post, the police recovered 24.920 grams of brown sugar, along with a small quantity of SP capsules and cough syrup, from their possession.

Following the recovery, a case has been registered under the relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Sikkim Anti-Drugs Act (SADA). Further investigation is currently underway.

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang attended the State-level Gyalpo Losar celebration at Wangmasukhey Ground, Perbing, in Namchi district. The event was organized by the Denzong Sherpa Association (DSA) with support from the Sherpa Samaj of Sikkim (Kiduk). Chief Minister was accompanied by Krishna Kumari Rai, who attended as the special guest. The religious heads for the occasion were Ben Tulku Dasang Rinpoche and Ben Tulku Ngawang Tenzin Chogyal Rinpoche.

The celebration witnessed the presence of Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly and Chief Patron M.N. Sherpa, Deputy Speaker Raj Kumari Thapa, Urban Development Minister Bhoj Raj Rai, Ecclesiastical Affairs Minister Sonam Lama, along with MLAs, former MLAs, advisors, HoDs, and other dignitaries.

The Chief Minister was warmly welcomed by the Denzong Sherpa Committee and adorned with traditional Sherpa garments — the ‘Kho’ (dress) and ‘Shambu’ (hat) — symbolizing respect. He explored Sherpa stalls and food stalls that showcased the community’s rich cultural heritage.

In his address, Chief Minister emphasized the importance of preserving Sikkim’s diverse cultural identity through traditions, customs, costumes, and languages. He announced that the government has mandated wearing traditional attire at least once a week in schools and passing language subjects for promotion to the next class. He also mentioned that language teachers are being appointed to support language preservation.

Highlighting development plans, CM PS Tamang announced a grant of ₹2 lakh for roadside vendors from Namthang-Rateypani to build stalls. He also promised the renovation of Perbing Samtelling Gumpa, road construction in Namcheybong, and support for a Sherpa film and vision document by the DSA.

M.N. Sherpa expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for his inclusive governance and for allocating 50 reservation seats in medical programs for economically disadvantaged students. Three Sherpa students and one Chettri student recently received scholarships.

Area MLA Sanjit Kharel requested the Chief Minister’s support for road maintenance, renovation of Wangmasukhey Ground into a cricket stadium, a Janta Vaat program in Namthang Rateypani, and a four-story plaza with car parking, a Haat Bazaar, a police station, and a water supply line.

Two books — “Ethnography of Sikkimese Sherpa Tribe” and “Food Habits of Sherpa Tribe” — were launched during the event. Cultural performances featuring traditional Sherpa songs and dances were held, with Perbing Sherpa Kyidug securing first place in the Sherpa Dance Competition. The Chief Minister reiterated his commitment to preserving and promoting Sikkim’s rich cultural heritage.

The Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Gangtok, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism & Civil Aviation, Government of Sikkim, hosted the Industry Partnership Summit 2025 at Mayfair Spa & Resort in Ranipool. The summit, held under the Sikkim INSPIRES Project, brought together industry leaders, hospitality professionals, and government officials to address the evolving trends and workforce challenges in the tourism and hospitality sector.

Mr. Tshering Thendup Bhutia, Minister for Tourism & Civil Aviation and Commerce & Industries, graced the event as the chief guest. He was accompanied by Mr. CS Rao, Principal Secretary, Tourism Department, as the guest of honour, along with key government officials and industry experts.

In his keynote address, Minister Bhutia emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between education and industry to create a skilled workforce. He highlighted that the Sikkim INSPIRES initiative aims to empower youth and women through sustainable economic opportunities, skill development, and entrepreneurship. “A well-trained, well-mentored student with hands-on industry exposure will be better prepared to tackle real-world challenges,” he said.

Minister Bhutia urged major hotel chains such as Mayfair, ITC, Taj, Ramada, and Summit to collaborate with IHM Gangtok and introduce industry-driven training programs. He also called for the introduction of short-term industry-certified courses aligned with employer needs to improve employability and career prospects for IHM graduates.

Mr. Rao, Principal Secretary, underscored the need for systematic reforms in hospitality education, including a specialized Himalayan Region Hospitality course to equip students with region-specific expertise. He stressed the importance of improving work conditions and competitive salaries to retain talent in the industry.

Mr. Neeraj Pradhan, Principal Chief Engineer and Nodal Officer of Sikkim INSPIRES, highlighted that the project’s objective is to enhance IHM Gangtok’s curriculum and placement opportunities through tailored training programs. He announced upcoming initiatives to address the skilled manpower gap and strengthen industry-academic ties.

The summit featured interactive sessions with industry leaders, including Mr. Rajesh Arya, President of the Global Association of Events and Hospitality Professionals, and Ms. Ritu Jolly, Head of Learning & Development at ITC Hotels. A panel discussion explored strategies to improve workforce readiness and employee retention.

The event also showcased a placement software developed by Argia Solutions under the Sikkim INSPIRES Project, aimed at streamlining job opportunities for IHM graduates. The summit concluded with the distribution of mementos to participants and resource persons, marking a significant step toward building a resilient and skilled hospitality workforce in Sikkim.

Sikkim has emerged as the top destination for foreign tourists in the Northeast, welcoming a record-breaking 1.62 lakh international visitors over two years. According to data presented by the Union Tourism Minister in response to a parliamentary question by Sikkim Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba, Sikkim registered 68,645 foreign tourists in 2022 and 93,908 in 2023 — the highest among the Northeastern states.

The surge in foreign arrivals follows the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, reflecting Sikkim’s successful tourism revival strategy. MP Indra Hang Subba credited the increase to the state government’s proactive efforts under Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, who spearheaded campaigns to promote Sikkim as a safe and attractive destination. Strategic partnerships with the Travel Agents Association of Sikkim and other tourism stakeholders helped rebuild tourist confidence.

Tourism remains a key pillar of Sikkim’s economy, supporting the livelihoods of around 18% of the state’s population. Recognizing its significance, the state government has allocated substantial funds in the 2024-25 budget for tourism infrastructure and road connectivity improvements. Measures include enhanced operations at Pakyong Airport and the maintenance of National Highway 10 to ensure smooth access for tourists.

Sikkim’s rich cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and adventure tourism options have bolstered its appeal among international travelers. The state’s focus on sustainable tourism, combined with improved infrastructure and safety standards, has positioned it as a premier travel destination in the region.

Officials anticipate a further increase in foreign arrivals in the upcoming summer season, supported by ongoing efforts to strengthen air and road connectivity and promote Sikkim’s unique tourism offerings globally.

The first Executive Body Meeting of the newly elected Office Bearers and Executive Body Members of the Badminton Association of Sikkim (BAS) was held today 11th of March 2025 under the leadership of President-elect Shri Jacob Khaling.

The meeting served as a platform for crucial discussions regarding the mission, vision, and core objectives of BAS, emphasizing the association’s commitment to fostering the growth of badminton in Sikkim. Key deliberations included aligning organizational goals with core values to ensure the holistic development of the sport and its players.

A significant part of the meeting was dedicated to event planning and activities, where discussions focused on upcoming tournaments, training programs, and grassroots development initiatives. Responsibilities for organizing and executing these events were assigned to respective committee members to ensure efficient implementation.

Furthermore, strategies for communication and public relations were explored, with emphasis on enhancing internal and external communication channels, strengthening branding, and increasing media outreach to promote the association’s initiatives. Efforts to establish a stronger digital presence were also discussed.

To boost engagement within the badminton community, the executive body also deliberated on membership development strategies, including ways to enhance member participation and provide greater benefits to players and stakeholders associated with BAS.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all executive members to work collectively towards the promotion and development of badminton in Sikkim. The association is set to announce its upcoming events and initiatives soon.

A legal and political storm has erupted over the Sikkim government’s decision to disinvest its majority stake in the Teesta III Hydropower Project. Tsheten Tashi Bhutia, Chief Advisor of the BJP state cadre, has filed a writ petition in the Sikkim High Court challenging the sale of a 60.08% stake in Sikkim Urja Limited (SUL) to Greenko Energies, a renewable energy firm.

The petition, filed on February 24, argues that the decision was “arbitrary and unreasonable.” Bhutia claims the state government ignored revival strategies proposed during a meeting with the Union Minister of Power and the Sikkim Chief Minister in December 2023, which included claiming insurance, recovering ₹3,500 crore in outstanding dues from Punjab and Haryana, and securing a loan moratorium.

Bhutia questions why the government opted for disinvestment rather than pursuing these alternatives. He also raises concerns over the lack of an expert committee to assess the project’s value, calling the ₹4,000 crore capital infusion demand unjustified.

The decision to rebuild the dam, which was severely damaged by a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in October 2023, has drawn criticism from environmentalists. Despite seismic risks and incomplete assessments of spillway capacity, the centrally-appointed Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) approved the reconstruction on January 10, 2024. Activists argue that the environmental risks have been overlooked.

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang defended the disinvestment, stating that Greenko’s acquisition was necessary to prevent long-term financial instability. He blamed the previous government for agreements that left the state with no choice but to transfer the stake.

The controversy has heightened political tensions in Sikkim, with the BJP state unit urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to halt the project’s clearance until a thorough environmental study is conducted. The next court hearing is set for March 18, where the case will be heard alongside a similar petition by former SDF leader M.K. Subba.

The dispute underscores the fragile balance between economic development and environmental sustainability in Sikkim’s hydropower sector.

Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang Revokes Promotions of 19 Nurses for Poor Duty Performance

In a clear message signaling no compromise in the healthcare sector, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang announced the revocation of conditional promotions given to 19 senior nurses to the position of Assistant Nursing Superintendent (ANS). The decision comes after concerns that these nurses had not performed their duties satisfactorily.

Speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony for Sikkim Global Technical University in Rongbul, Singtam Ward, South Sikkim, the Chief Minister stated that these nurses had failed to meet the required standards in their duties, leading to the decision to withdraw their promotions.

He emphasized that the government would not tolerate negligence in healthcare services and would take firm actions against any such lapses.