The Election Commission of India has started the process of fixing duplicate voter ID numbers to ensure a unique identification system for all voters. In Sikkim, where 4,69,925 voters are registered, the process is expected to be completed within three months.

The issue of duplicate voter IDs arose due to inconsistencies in allotment since 2000. A sample verification confirmed that the affected voters are genuine, but errors continued as states and union territories managed electoral data separately. To address this, the Election Commission has now decided to standardize voter ID numbering nationwide.

The electoral roll update in Sikkim is being carried out under the supervision of the District Election Officer and Electoral Registration Officer, with the participation of political parties and the public. The Election Commission has assured that these corrections will not affect voting rights, as each voter remains registered at their designated polling station.

To maintain transparency, the Election Commission recently completed the 2025 Special Summary Revision, conducted from October to December 2024, with the final electoral rolls published in January 2025. Voters can verify their details on the official website and submit objections if needed.

An incident of theft took place at Baba Harbhajan Temple and Shiv Mandir in Bojoghari, near Gangtok, around 1:30 AM on Saturday night. The entire crime was captured on CCTV footage, raising serious concerns about temple security.

The act is not just a theft but a blatant attack on faith and devotion. The culprits forcefully broke iron gates and locks to gain entry, causing damage to these sacred spaces.

Authorities and devotees have expressed deep concern over the violation of religious sanctity. To prevent such incidents in the future, it is crucial to strengthen security measures around temples and other places of worship. An investigation is underway, and police are actively working to identify and apprehend those responsible.

On Thursday, a 14-Year-Old Girl Found Dead in Nerdang, Tashiding, Police Reported.

A 14-year-old girl was found dead at her residence in Nerdang, Tashiding, on Thursday, in what appears to be a case of suicide. Preliminary reports suggest that she died by hanging.

According to sources, the minor had dropped out of school after Class IV and had been living with her father and younger brother. Her mother had reportedly left the family several years ago.Local authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding her death.

Rangpo Police arrested three women involved in a jewellery theft at Senko Gold Shop in Gangtok. The suspects were intercepted while attempting to flee in a West Bengal-registered vehicle, following orders from Rangpo SHO Neeraj Khatiwada.

According to initial reports, the gang stole gold jewellery from the store and tried to escape. As the news of the theft went viral on social media, authorities quickly placed Rangpo Checkpost on high alert. At approximately 3:45 PM, security personnel at the Atal Setu Checkpost successfully intercepted the suspects traveling in a vehicle with registration number WB 75C 4575, which was headed towards Siliguri.

The arrested individuals have been identified as:

1. Tapasi Das, wife of Depankar Das, resident of Kolkata
2. Marjina Bibi, wife of Abul Ali, resident of Kolkata
3. Shokarazan Bibi, wife of Robiun Mondal, resident of Kolkata

The vehicle was driven by Manik Mandal, a resident of Kolkata. Upon apprehension, all suspects were taken into Rangpo Police custody for further interrogation.

Authorities suspect the trio was also involved in a recent theft in Singtam, where they had been on the Singtam Police Station search list. Investigators are now examining potential connections between these cases.

The State-Level International Women’s Day Celebration 2025 at Saramsa Garden witnessed Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang reaffirming his government’s commitment to women’s empowerment and welfare. Addressing the gathering, he congratulated the women achievers honored at the event and emphasized their invaluable role in shaping families, communities, and the state.

CM PS Tamang highlighted several key initiatives undertaken by the government to uplift women across various sectors:

Aama Yojana – Financial assistance of ₹40,000 annually for mothers from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families

• Bahini Yojana, Aama Sahayog Yojana, Shishu Samriddhi Yojana – Focused on supporting education, financial aid, and child welfare
• Mero Rukh Mero Santati and Mero Bato Mero Bot
• – Initiatives promoting environmental sustainability with direct benefits to women
• Widow Pension Reform and Single Mother Assistance Scheme – Reduced processing time for pension disbursement and new financial aid programs for single mothers
• 
  Women Entrepreneurs’ Exemption – Exemption from Tender Deposit Receipt (TDR) for government projects up to ₹10 crore
• Reservation in Jobs and Panchayats – Increased representation of women in governance and public service

Challenges and Data on Women’s Welfare in Sikkim

While the government has implemented several welfare schemes, CM Tamang also acknowledged critical demographic challenges affecting Sikkim, particularly its declining fertility rate.

• Total Fertility Rate (TFR) – Sikkim has the lowest fertility rate in India, recorded at 1.1 children per woman between 2019 and 2021
• Crude Birth Rate (CBR) – The state’s birth rate stands at 10.2 births per 1,000 population, with urban areas at 7.8 and rural areas at 11.7
• Crime Against Women – In 2016, Sikkim recorded 153 cases of crimes against women, accounting for 0.0 percent of India’s total incidents, with a crime rate of 50.3 per 100,000 women

To address the fertility rate issue, the government has prioritized schemes like Vatsalya Yojana, which has provided crucial financial and medical support to couples seeking parenthood. CM Tamang also assured the regularization of Anganwadi and ASHA workers, ensuring job stability and improved healthcare services at the grassroots level.

The event also featured cultural performances and exhibitions by Self-Help Groups (SHGs), showcasing women’s achievements in entrepreneurship, crafts, and other sectors.

Government’s Continued Support for Women

In his concluding remarks, CM PS Tamang urged for collective efforts to uplift women, reaffirming that the Sikkim Government will continue to stand by its mothers and daughters. He emphasized that women’s empowerment is key to the state’s development, and his administration remains committed to ensuring equal opportunities, economic support, and representation for women across all sectors.

BJP Sikkim Mahila Morcha Celebrates International Women’s Day with Enthusiasm in Gangtok Sikkim.

BJP Sikkim Mahila Morcha marked International Women’s Day with great fervor, bringing together women from diverse backgrounds to celebrate their achievements and contributions to society. The event in Gangtok featured Mrs. T. Norzing Bhutia, a retired Central Government employee, as the Chief Guest, alongside State President D.R. Thapa as the Special Guest and GMC Councillor Bindhya Cintury as Guest of honour

Mrs. Bhutia expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Central Government for the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, emphasizing its vital role in supporting senior citizens. Sharing her personal experience, she highlighted how, at the age of 85, she has greatly benefited from the scheme, which provides medical coverage of up to ₹5 lakh.

In his address, State President D.R. Thapa reaffirmed the BJP-led government’s dedication to women’s welfare and empowerment, highlighting landmark initiatives such as 33% reservation for women in state assemblies and Parliament. He also lauded the immense contributions of Sikkimese women across various fields and paid tribute to those who have played a pivotal role in shaping Sikkim’s progress.

Beyond Gangtok, International Women’s Day was also celebrated at BJP’s Head Office, Singtam, and Soreng District, reflecting the party’s commitment to recognizing and uplifting women across Sikkim. The celebration honored womanhood, resilience, and progress, reinforcing BJP’s unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment.

High Court Continues Hearing on PIL Challenging Stake Sale to Greenko

The Sikkim High Court today the sixth hearing on the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by former SDF candidate M.K. Subba, challenging the state government’s decision to sell 60.2% of its stake in the Teesta III hydropower project to private company Greenko Energies Pvt. Ltd. The petition questions whether the disinvestment was in Sikkim’s best interest and raises concerns about financial mismanagement and lack of transparency.

Following the hearing, M.K. Subba stated that no verdict was issued today, and the court will schedule the next hearing soon. He criticized the government’s decision, questioning why a profitable state asset was handed over to a private company without exploring alternative financial solutions.

The Sikkim government, under Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, has defended the move, arguing that it was essential to clear outstanding debts and stabilize the state’s economy. However, critics argue that Sikkim Urja Ltd had reported a ₹1,270 crore profit in 2022-23, proving that the company was financially strong. They further claim that ₹3,500 crore was due from power distribution companies in Punjab and Haryana, which could have improved Sikkim’s financial position without selling state assets.

Major Concerns Raised in PIL

• No Open Bidding: Critics argue that a competitive bidding process could have secured a better deal for Sikkim.
• Profitability Ignored: With ₹1,270 crore in profits, Sikkim Urja Ltd was already financially viable.
• Unpaid Dues Overlooked: The state could have recovered ₹3,500 crore from Punjab and Haryana instead of selling its stake.
• Political & Legal Scrutiny: The BJP’s Sikkim unit has written to PM Narendra Modi, seeking a review, while opposition parties SDF and Congress have slammed the move.

The Teesta III project, which suffered major damage in the October 2023 glacial flood, is set for reconstruction, with the central government approving a new dam design. However, environmental experts warn of risks, as Sikkim has 119 glacial lakes, with 50 classified as high-risk zones. Separate legal challenges regarding the environmental impact are still pending before the Sikkim High Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

With political, financial, and environmental concerns mounting, the controversy surrounding Teesta III disinvestment continues to escalate. While the government maintains that selling the stake was a financial necessity, opposition parties argue that Sikkim may have lost out on a much better deal. The next High Court hearing is expected to provide further clarity on the matter.

Dalai Lama Awarded Honorary Doctorate by Danubius University of Galati, Romania

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has been awarded the title of Doctor Honoris Causa by Danubius University of Galati, Romania. The honor recognizes his outstanding contributions to global peace, non-violence, human rights, and interfaith harmony.

A delegation of academicians and officials from the university visited His Holiness at his residence in Dharamshala for a formal ceremony. The university praised the Dalai Lama’s lifelong commitment to compassion, wisdom, and universal responsibility—values that align with higher education and intellectual growth.

This recognition highlights His Holiness’s global influence in promoting peace and understanding among different communities.