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.

Raju Basnett, Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Education, and Law and Parliamentary Affairs, along with Secretary Yangchen D. Tamang and senior department officials, met with the Chief Minister of Sikkim at Mintokgang on March 10, 2025.

During the meeting, the delegation formally invited the Chief Minister to attend the 8th North East Youth Festival, scheduled from March 17 to 20, 2025. The opening and closing ceremonies will be held at Paljor Stadium, while various competitive and non-competitive events will take place at MG Marg, Nar Bahadur Bhandari Government College, and Chintan Bhawan.

Secretary Yangchen D. Tamang provided updates on key sports and youth development initiatives led by the department under the Chief Minister’s guidance. She also highlighted upcoming activities planned for the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Sikkim’s Statehood under the theme “Sunaulo, Samariddha Ani Samarth Sikkim.”

Senior officials, including Chief Engineer Milan Pradhan, Additional Director Dr. R. B. Biswakarma, and Deputy Directors Palior Lepcha, Karma D Bhutia, and S. B. Subba from the Sports and Youth Development Board, also attended the meeting.

The Sikkim Road Asset Management System (RAMS) program was launched at Royal Plaza in Gangtok, aiming to improve the management and maintenance of road infrastructure in the state. The initiative focuses on utilizing modern technology and structured planning to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of road maintenance.

During the workshop, experts discussed the program’s core objectives, strategies for implementation, and the expected long-term impact on road management. The project is set to streamline data collection, optimize resource allocation, and support better decision-making in infrastructure development.

The implementation of the RAMS program has been made possible through the technical assistance of M/s LEA Associates South Asia Pvt. Ltd., whose contributions have been crucial to the project’s success.

Bhoj Raj Rai, Minister for Urban Development Department (UDD), led an inspection drive in Namchi town to assess business compliance, encroachments, and sanitation standards. The initiative aimed to enforce urban regulations and ensure a cleaner, well-organized town.

Accompanied by MLA Satish Chandra Rai (11-Namchi Singhithang), UDD Secretary Yogita Rai, and other officials, the minister inspected shops, residential areas, and public spaces. Businesses operating without valid permits were shut down, and encroachers were served notices to vacate unauthorized spaces within 15 days. Unauthorized hawker stalls at Namchi Plaza were also cleared.

The inspection extended to Kazitar Children Park, the Food & Civil Supplies Department, and the SNT Department, where the team interacted with staff and reviewed facilities. Sanitation conditions in various parts of the town were also assessed.

Authorities emphasized that these measures aim to maintain urban order and improve public infrastructure in Namchi.

The Sikkim Judicial Academy, in collaboration with the Sikkim State Legal Services Authority, organized a one-day orientation programme on “Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Drug Addiction: Prevention and Intervention” at its premises in Gangtok. The event aimed to raise awareness and provide insights into mental health challenges, suicide prevention, and drug addiction among judicial officers, government stakeholders, advocates, and students.

The programme featured Dr. Satyajit Ash, Consulting Psychiatrist from Kolkata, and Professor Sujit Sarkhel, Head of the Institute of Psychiatry, Kolkata, as resource persons. They addressed critical issues such as Sikkim’s high suicide rate and the growing concern of substance abuse in the state.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Justice of the High Court of Sikkim highlighted the complexities of suicide laws and the need to balance decriminalization with accountability. He also emphasized the importance of responsible media reporting on suicides and urged media houses to act with sensitivity.

The resource persons provided valuable insights into suicide prevention, including early warning signs, first-aid techniques, and the role of social engagement in intervention. They also explained how drug addiction affects the brain, the risk factors such as family conflict and peer pressure, and the importance of professional help in rehabilitation.

The programme underscored the critical role of healthcare professionals, NGOs, and the media in tackling these pressing social issues and promoting mental well-being in Sikkim.

An accident occurred near 11th Mile, Gom Bridge, in Majhitar, where a truck carrying scrap materials from Jorethang to Siliguri veered off the road and plunged 300 feet into the Rangit River, resulting in the death of the driver.

According to police reports, the incident took place around 9:30 PM. A police patrol team from Majhitar Outpost, led by Head Constable Rajan Chettri, heard an unusual sound while patrolling along the Jorethang-Melli Road. Upon reaching the site, they noticed lights below the road and discovered that a truck had fallen into the gorge.

The vehicle, bearing registration number WB73G1658, was swept away by the strong river current. By the time the police arrived, local fishermen had already rescued the driver from the riverbank. However, the driver, identified as Bittu Das from Siliguri, had succumbed to his injuries on the spot.

Preliminary investigations confirmed that he was the sole occupant of the vehicle at the time of the accident. 

A Maruti Wagon R taxi traveling from Chakung to Gangtok met with an accident on Zoom Road, injuring six people, including the driver and passengers.

According to reports, the vehicle lost control, hitting two pedestrians before plunging 15 feet off the road. The injured individuals were immediately rushed to CHC Jorethang for medical treatment.

Local authorities and police have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident.