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Sikkim State Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM) Returns Home with Prestigious SKOCH National Award 2024

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Chief Executive Officer, Sikkim State Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM) Returns Home with Prestigious SKOCH National Award 2024

Mrs Radha Pradhan, Chief Executive Officer, Sikkim State Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM), Rural Development Department (RDD), was welcomed in Rangpo today after receiving the SKOCH National Award 2024 at the 100th SKOCH Summit held at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.

She was accompanied by Ms Sweta Karki, Deputy Project Manager (Livelihood), representing Sikkim SRLM RDD at the event.

The SKOCH Award, established in 2003, honours individuals, projects, and institutions for contributions to India’s development across governance, finance, and social sectors.

On her arrival at Rangpo Tourist Facilitation Centre, she was welcomed by Block Project Managers from various blocks under the district along Block Development Society Leaders.

One Killed, Another Seriously Injured in Sikkim-Registered Vehicle Crash in Assam

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One Killed, Another Seriously Injured in Sikkim-Registered Vehicle Crash in Assam’s Bajali District

A tragic road accident occurred in Bajali district, Assam, today involving a Sikkim-registered vehicle. One person was confirmed dead at the scene, while another was critically injured. Emergency services responded promptly, and the injured victim was transported to a nearby hospital.

Local authorities are investigating the cause of the incident, with more updates expected as the investigation progresses.

Sikkim’s Sandhya Singzango (Subba) Honored with Pratibha Puraskar 2025

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Writer and researcher Sandhya Singzango (Subba) from Assam Lingzey, Pakyong, Sikkim, has been awarded the Pratibha Puraskar 2025, a prestigious recognition conferred by Nepali Pratibha Pratisthan UK under the leadership of Shri Tanka Wanem (UK). The award, which includes a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh, was presented by eminent writer Shri Bairagi Kainla (Tilbikram Nembang). Notably, Sandhya is the first overseas recipient of this honor.

A distinguished researcher in Limbu literature and academia, Sandhya has made significant contributions through her scholarly works. Her notable publications include:

  • Limbu Shamans: A Directory of Limbu Shamans in Sikkim (2022)
  • Yakthung Civilization (2023), a collection of academic articles
  • English translations of Mundhum volumes, including Chaiit Mundhum: The Story of Creation and Mujingna Kheyongna Mundhum (2022), originally compiled by Bairagi Kainla
  • Yakthung Mundhumlore (2024), featuring twenty stories extracted and compiled from the rich legacy of Yakthung Mundhum, offering profound insights into Limbu history and cultural values

In recognition of her academic excellence, Sandhya received the Bishnu Dutt-Saraswati Angbuhang Anusandhanvriti grant from the Limbu Study Centre, Kathmandu, in 2024. She also demonstrated her poetic talent by securing third place at the 32nd National Poetry Festival organized by the Bimal Gurung Memorial Library in Dharan, Nepal.

Beyond literature, she has actively contributed to Limbu cultural preservation, serving as General Secretary of Sukhim Pungwa Yuma Samyo Society and Sukhim Yakthung Chasok Tongnam Lokchum. Currently, she is engaged in ongoing research on Yakthung Civilization and translating additional volumes of ‘Mundhum’ into English.

Her relentless dedication to preserving and promoting Limbu literature and culture makes her a truly deserving recipient of the Pratibha Puraskar 2025.

Sikkim Reports 15 Suicides in One Week, Including Four on a Single Day in February

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A shocking 17 suicides have been reported across Sikkim between February 8 and 15, raising serious concerns about mental health, financial distress, and social pressures. The victims range from teenagers to elderly individuals, highlighting the urgent need for intervention and awareness.

According to police reports, three teenagers, including a 13-year-old in Gyalshing, a 14-year-old in Pakyong, and a 17-year-old in Namchi, died by suicide. One of them was a Class X student preparing for board exams, bringing academic pressure into focus. Among young adults, six cases were reported, including a 19-year-old woman in Temi, a 21-year-old woman in Mangan, and four men aged 25 to 38. Some of these victims were struggling with financial or personal issues. Five middle-aged individuals, including a 30-year-old pharmaceutical employee, three men in their forties, and a 49-year-old laborer, were also among the deceased. Additionally, a 71-year-old man reportedly jumped off Rothak Bridge in Soreng.

Amongst this One suicide was reported in Namchi South Sikkim where one young lady committed suicide and one case was reported in Ganathang Machong Constituency last few day ago.

While investigations continue, preliminary findings suggest depression, anxiety, financial distress, family conflicts, and substance abuse as contributing factors. Experts have warned that stress, unemployment, and isolation may be playing a significant role in the growing crisis.

The recent spike in suicides has prompted calls for immediate action, including suicide prevention helplines, free counseling services, and mental health programs in schools and workplaces. Authorities and mental health professionals stress the importance of community support, urging families to recognize early warning signs and seek help.

The alarming number of deaths in such a short period underscores a larger crisis in Sikkim. Suicide is preventable, and with timely intervention, awareness, and support, many lives can be saved. Authorities urge those in distress to reach out for help and encourage open discussions on mental health.

Sikkim Forest Dept. & Global Tiger Forum Hand Over Letters for Mitigation

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Sikkim Forest Department and Global Tiger Forum Handover Token letters for Greenhouse construction and Ex-gratia/relief payment as Mitigation measure for Human-Wildlife Conflict Management

Gangtok, February 15: The State Forest and Environment Department, in collaboration with the Global Tiger Forum (GTF), conducted token distribution of allotment letters for Greenhouse construction, Fencing works and Ex-gratia/ relief payment to the affected communities under Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary.
This was carried out in response to the growing Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) resulting from increased forest cover and strengthened biodiversity in the state. These interventions are part of a comprehensive effort to reduce crop damage, livestock loss, and other challenges posed by wildlife in conflict-prone areas, particularly tiger habitats.
Hon’ble MP Dr. Indra Hang Subba presided over the event along with the officials of the Forest Department and representatives of Global Tiger Forum in the Blue Duke Festival in Saramsa Garden.
This initiative is part of the project titled Investigating and Addressing Tiger Conservation in Sikkim – Eastern Himalayas under the IUCN-KfW-supported Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Programme (ITHCP), which promotes coexistence and ecological balance.
As part of efforts to mitigate human-wildlife conflict (HWC), 20 greenhouses were sanctioned , within that 5 token allotment letters were handed over through our Hon’ble MP to areas with high incidences of such conflicts, including Dalapchand, Regu Dara, Dockin, Premlakha, and Singaneybas. Fencing repair materials allotment certificate were also provided to Singaneybas and South Regu. These interventions aim to support affected communities by providing greenhouse structures to help farmers sustain their livelihoods despite wildlife-related damages, strengthening and repairing fences along forest fringes to reduce wildlife incursions into human settlements, and enhancing ex-gratia/relief payments to ensure timely financial support for individuals impacted by wildlife interactions.

The Forest Department remains committed to sustainable conservation while addressing the challenges posed by increasing wildlife presence near human habitations. Further measures, including awareness campaigns, habitat management, and community-based monitoring, are also being explored to foster long-term coexistence.

Suicide Cases Surge in Sikkim This February, Raising Serious Concerns

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"Suicide Cases Reported in Sikkim"

The alarming increase in suicide cases across Sikkim this month continues to raise concerns, with several incidents going unreported like one case in Namchi where teen girl and . While police records have documented multiple cases, sources indicate that there are even more tragic losses that have not made it to official reports. The situation reflects a deeper crisis that demands immediate attention from authorities and the community.

In Chungthang, a 21-year-old woman was found dead at her parental home, with police launching an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

A suicide case in Tamatam, Gerethang, Gyalshing, a 13-year-old found deceased in a forested area. Police are investigating, ensuring all legal formalities are completed.

In Namchi’s Upper Mamring, a 38-year-old man was found dead at his residence. Early reports suggest financial struggles as a possible factor. No foul play has been detected, but a medico-legal autopsy is scheduled for further examination.

On February 13, Pakyong police received a report of a man in his early thirties who was found hanging in his residence in Upper Bering. After an inquest, the body was handed over to the family following an autopsy. While no foul play has been suspected, investigations are still ongoing.

A 17-year-old student in Damthang, Namchi, was found dead at his residence. He had been preparing for his board exams and had recently lost his father. No foul play is suspected, but police are conducting further inquiries.

Another suicide case in Namchi last week, involving a young girl, has not been officially reported by media, highlighting a disturbing trend where many such cases go undocumented.

In Gnathang- Machong Constituency , one incident of suicide occurred recently but has not been widely reported by authorities.

Two unnatural deaths were recorded in Pakyong district. One involved a man found dead near his home, with early reports suggesting suicide. Another body was discovered near the Rangpo River bank. Both cases remain under investigation, with no immediate signs of foul play.

Sikkim has been battling a high suicide rate for years, and the issue remains a serious concern. Many suicides go unreported due to social stigma, lack of awareness, and reluctance from families to disclose such cases. Unemployment, financial struggles, academic pressure, and mental health issues continue to be major contributing factors.

Authorities and community leaders are urging people to seek mental health support and encouraging families to be more open about addressing mental health concerns. The need for crisis intervention, awareness campaigns, and suicide prevention initiatives has never been greater.

With more cases continuing to surface, it is clear that Sikkim must take urgent action to tackle this growing crisis. 

The Bailey Bridge collapse at Sankalang is set to undergo repairs

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The Bailey Bridge at Sankalang collapsed on February 11, 2025, disrupting connectivity in the region. In response, the Sub Divisional Magistrate of Dzongu, Mangan District, has issued an order regarding public movement across the alternative Bamboo Suspension Bridge at Sankalang.

With the Bailey Bridge out of service, the Bamboo Suspension Bridge has become the only route for the general public and employees traveling between Dzongu and Mangan. However, authorities have found that the suspension bridge, which was previously unused during the Bailey Bridge’s operation, now requires urgent repairs and maintenance for public safety.

Following directives from the competent authorities, the Bamboo Suspension Bridge at Sankalang will remain closed for public use on February 16 (Sunday) and February 17, 2025. Maintenance work will be carried out during this period to ensure the safety and durability of the bridge.

The notice has been circulated to relevant officials, including the District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police, Information and Public Relations Department, local Panchayat Presidents, and Police Outpost In-charges of Sankalang and Phidang.

Authorities have urged residents and commuters to plan their travel accordingly while repair works are underway. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.

Sikkim Blue Duke Festival 2025 Celebrates Innovation, Culture, and Youth Empowerment

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The Sikkim Blue Duke Festival 2025 continued its second day at Saramsa Garden, Ranipool, today.

The festival, which began on February 14 and will conclude on February 16, is an initiative of the Office of Dr. Indra Hang Subba, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, and is supported by the Tourism Department, Government of Sikkim.

A major highlight of the festival is its focus on emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, drone tech, culinary arts, literature, and music, bringing together students, tech enthusiasts, and culture lovers for an immersive experience. It serves as a platform to explore new ideas, innovations, and interactive sessions, featuring exhibitions and expert-led talk shows across various fields to guide and inspire participants.

Drawing inspiration from the Blue Duke butterfly, the State Butterfly of Sikkim, the festival symbolises transformation, growth, and limitless potential, much like the aspirations of young minds.

Additionally, live music performances by renowned artists add to the festival’s vibrancy, creating a dynamic mix of learning, networking, and entertainment.

The festival aims to inspire the next generation to think beyond boundaries, dream big, and empower young minds and entrepreneurs. With its blend of cutting-edge discussions, cultural showcases, and engaging experiences, the Sikkim Blue Duke Festival 2025 stands as a testament to innovation, creativity, and youth empowerment.

Report from DIO Pakyong

CM’s Janta Bhet Karyakarm Preparations Underway with Focus on Logistics

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Pakyong, February 15 (IPR): A preliminary meeting for the upcoming Chief Minister’s Janta Bhet Karyakarm took place at the Rurban Complex in Pakyong today. The three-day event is scheduled to occur from February 23 to February 25, within the Rhenock Constituency.
During the gathering, Mr Bishnu Kumar Khatiwada, Advisor to the Chief Minister, emphasized the necessity of expediting the work process and encouraged collaboration among departments to ensure a successful event.
Mr Sangay Gyatso Bhutia, ADC Pakyong, underscored the importance of ensuring adequate washroom facilities and electricity supply at venues, highlighting the need to create a space to minimise overcrowding and prevent chaos.
Furthermore, he urged the department to remain updated with the operational aspects and schemes implemented by their office at the event.
Additionally, he urged department representatives to stay informed about the operational aspects and programs administered by their offices in relation to the event.
The meeting also addressed various topics, including venue arrangements, power supply, restroom facilities, crowd management, and parking logistics.
Present during the meeting were Mr Robin Pd Sewa, ADC (Development), Mr ML Pradhan, ASP Pakyong Head of Offices, along with officials from various departments.

Report from DIO Pakyong

Man Passes Away After Fall from Building in Tadong

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IRBJawans from Sikkim were killed

A 54-year-old man succumbed to injuries at STNM Hospital after reportedly falling from a three-story building in Tadong. The incident occurred on February 13, and the victim was receiving treatment in the emergency ward before passing away the following day. Authorities are conducting necessary investigations, and the body has been sent for legal formalities.

The deceased’s personal details and family information have been kept minimal to respect privacy.