As part of the ongoing 8th North East Youth Festival 2025, the Yuva Kriti and Food Stalls at MG Marg were inaugurated today by Tshering Palden Bhutia, Deputy Mayor of Gangtok Municipal Corporation. The festival, which is being celebrated from March 17 to 20, aims to showcase the rich cultural heritage, art, and cuisine of the eight northeastern states of India.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Secretary of the Sports and Youth Affairs Department, the Chief Engineer, the Additional Director, and other officials from the department. The Deputy Mayor and the attending officials were warmly welcomed by representatives from the National Service Scheme (NSS) and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), under whose supervision the food festival and Yuva Kriti have been organized.

The event features a variety of food stalls offering traditional delicacies from the northeastern states and art and craft displays highlighting the region’s unique cultural identity. The festival provides a platform for youth from the northeast to engage in cultural exchange and promote regional heritage.

Officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, also attended the program, further emphasizing the festival’s significance in fostering unity and cultural appreciation among the northeastern states.

The Citizens Action Party (CAP) has strongly opposed the Sikkim government’s decision to introduce a ₹50 Tourism Sustainable Development Fund for tourists, warning that it could negatively affect the state’s tourism industry. CAP has called on the government to withdraw the fee, arguing that it would discourage domestic tourists and harm the local economy.

During a press conference, CAP leaders criticized the government’s move, comparing it to Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). However, they pointed out that while Bhutan imposes the fee only on foreign tourists, Sikkim is extending it to Indian citizens, which could deter domestic visitors.

The party highlighted that tourists visiting restricted areas such as North Sikkim, the Silk Route, and Nathula already pay permit fees and other charges. Additional costs, including parking and wildlife fees, are already in place, with some wildlife fees reaching up to ₹100. According to CAP, adding a new entry fee would further burden tourists and make Sikkim less attractive as a travel destination.

Mahesh Rai also raised concerns over poor road infrastructure, lack of 24-hour amenities, and inadequate toilet and drinking water facilities in major tourist areas. He warned that unless these issues are addressed, tourists may start preferring other destinations in India with better infrastructure and lower costs.

CAP urged the government to explore alternative ways to generate revenue and promote sustainable tourism without adding financial pressure on visitors. The party also emphasized the need for improved road connectivity and streamlined permits to support the tourism sector.

Minister Shri. G.T. Dhungel conducted an inspection today of the proposed construction of a vital link road connecting NH-10 Jhore Dhara (opposite Kajla Petrol Pump) to Tadong. Accompanying him were key officials from the Roads & Bridges Department, including S.E. Pintso Puljer, A.E. Sinora Lepcha, J.E. Sonam Gyaltsen, and Ward Councillor Shri. Milan Gautam.

Given the challenging terrain of hilly regions, the development of alternative routes is essential to easing congestion and enhancing connectivity. By strategically constructing this link road, traffic flow can be better distributed, reducing bottlenecks in high-traffic zones and improving overall accessibility for residents and commuters alike.

This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to infrastructure expansion, regional development, and ensuring seamless mobility for the people of Sikkim. The project, once completed, is expected to significantly enhance connectivity and ease daily travel in the area.

Sikkim witnessed four tragic deaths in a two day, including incidents of accident, suspected suicide, and a fatal fall, raising concerns about safety and well-being across the state.

In Namthang, a 58-year-old man was found dead at a rehabilitation centre on March 16, 2025. Preliminary investigations have ruled out foul play, and the body has been preserved for further legal procedures. The case remains under investigation.

In Namchi, a 26-year-old woman was discovered dead at her residence on March 15, 2025, in a suspected suicide linked to ongoing marital discord. No signs of foul play have been detected so far. The body was sent for a medico-legal autopsy, and an investigation is underway.

A construction worker from Kajigachh, Debijhora, Uttar Dinajpur, West Bengal, lost his life after falling from a ground slab at a construction site in Power Colony, Melli. The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. on March 15, 2025. The worker was found unconscious and rushed to PHC Melli, where he succumbed despite medical efforts. Police have registered a case under UD Case No. 04/2025, dated March 15, 2025, u/s 194 BNSS, 2023 at Melli Police Station. An inquest conducted by BDO Sumbuk ruled out foul play.

In another tragic accident, a 55-year-old man from Ravangla died after being struck by a scooter near Raindrop Hotel on Ralong Road, Ravangla, on March 16, 2025. The victim sustained critical injuries and was rushed to Ravangla Primary Health Centre (PHC) but was declared dead upon arrival by the attending medical officer. The rider, a 31-year-old man from Namchi District, is currently under investigation.

The Sikkim Olympic Association has formed its new Executive Body for the term 2025–2029 following an uncontested election held on March 16, 2025, at the Conference Hall of Hotel Sikkim Retreat, Gangtok. The election was conducted as per the constitution of the association and witnessed the presence of distinguished observers, including Lakhya Konwar, Secretary General of Assam Olympic Association and Observer from the Indian Olympic Association, and Nabin Lama, Deputy Director of the Sports & Youth Affairs Department, Government of Sikkim.

Kuber Bhandari has been elected as the President, while Chewang Zangpo Bhutia and Tashi Ongdup Lepcha have been chosen as Vice Presidents. Jas Lal Pradhan has taken charge as the General Secretary, with Bhim Bdr Subba and Mahindra Dhakal serving as Joint Secretaries. Sangay Palzang Bhutia has been appointed as the Treasurer.

The Executive Members of the newly formed body include Phuntshok Chopel Bhutia, Bijoy Gurung, Arun Kumar Gurung, and Suman Tamang.

The election process was conducted smoothly under the supervision of M.N. Dhakal, Returning Officer and Election Commissioner. The formation of the new Executive Body is expected to bring renewed vigor to the association’s efforts in promoting sports and athletic excellence in Sikkim.

Chief Minister of Sikkim, Prem Singh Tamang, participated in a high-level meeting on the implementation of new criminal laws in the Northeastern Region, held in Guwahati under the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The meeting aimed to evaluate the execution and impact of three newly introduced criminal laws across the northeastern states.

Representing Sikkim, CM PS Tamang expressed gratitude to Home Minister Shah for his guidance and to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for spearheading these legal reforms aimed at strengthening the justice system.

Sikkim’s Chief Secretary, R. Telang, IAS, presented a detailed report on the state’s progress and challenges in adopting the new legal framework. The report highlighted Sikkim’s strategic focus on national security, given its sensitive location bordering China, Nepal, and Bhutan. CM PS Tamang emphasized the state’s commitment to enhancing law enforcement, forensic capabilities, and judicial processes.

Key issues discussed at the meeting included:

• Strengthening digital infrastructure in police stations
• Expanding video conferencing for judicial access
• Enhancing forensic labs for evidence-based investigations
• Training and capacity-building for law enforcement
• Modernizing police stations with advanced security features
• Strengthening cybercrime response and awareness
• Improving border surveillance and intelligence infrastructure

CM also highlighted Sikkim’s ongoing efforts in modernizing its police force, implementing legal reforms, and prioritizing women’s safety. He commended Assam’s government and the organizing team for their efforts in facilitating the successful event and reaffirmed Sikkim’s commitment to upholding justice, security, and the rule of law in line with the central government’s vision.

The grand finale of The Golden Voice of Sikkim, a singing reality competition, was held today at the Nar Bahadur Bhandari Government College Ground, organized by the Black Cat Division as part of its Sadbhavna outreach initiative.

The event began with a vibrant Ganesh Vandana dance performance, followed by a video presentation showcasing the journey of the competition. The finalists impressed the audience and judges with their passionate and skillful performances.

Dawki Lepcha emerged as the winner, securing a prize of ₹1 lakh, a musical instrument, and a certificate. Sonam Bhutia claimed second place, winning ₹50,000, a musical instrument, and a certificate, while Pranita Tamang secured third place with a prize of ₹25,000, a musical instrument, and a certificate.

Judges for the event included renowned artists Remanti Rai, Geeta Sharma, and Rewash Gurung. A captivating Kathak dance performance added to the vibrancy of the occasion.

Major General Mahipal Singh Rathore, Sena Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, and General Officer Commanding of the Black Cat Division, attended as the chief guest, accompanied by his spouse Meenakshi Rathore. Other notable attendees included Gangtok District Collector Tushar Nikhare, Principal of Nar Bahadur Bhandari Government College Dr. D. Purohit, and Sikkim University Associate Professor Dr. Swati Sachdeva.