NSE Investor Base Crosses 13 Crore; Assam and North East Among Fastest-Growing Regions

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April 26, 2026

Spearhead Division of Spearcorps organised a large-scale Veterans Rally on 26 April 2026, in close coordination with the State and District Administrations of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The event witnessed an overwhelming participation of over 1,500 veterans, Veer Naris, serving soldiers, Next of Kin (NOKs) and dependents, reflecting the strong bond between the Armed Forces and its veteran fraternity.

The primary objective of the rally was to reach out to veterans and address key concerns, including pension disbursement anomalies, land and legal matters and other challenges faced by veterans and their families.

The Hon’ble Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd), graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and addressed the gathering. Representatives from Rajya Sainik Board Itanagar, Zila Sainik Welfare Offices of Dibrugarh and Lakhimpur, PCDA Guwahati, ECHS, Record Offices, along with officials from state and district administration, government agencies and various banks present at the venue actively assisted veterans in resolving grievances and provided necessary guidance and support.

Veterans were also sensitised about resettlement schemes, second career avenues and re-employment opportunities facilitated by the Army Welfare Placement Organisation (AWPO). A comprehensive medical camp was organised to cater to the healthcare needs of attendees.

On this occasion, Veer Naris, Veer Matas, Veer Putris, special children and distinguished veteran achievers were felicitated by the Chief Guest in recognition of their resilience and contributions.

In his address, the Hon’ble Governor highlighted the invaluable contributions of veterans and the supreme sacrifices made by soldiers in service to the nation. He also spoke on pension-related issues, welfare schemes and lauded the wholehearted support of the civil administration in successfully conducting the rally.

Adding vibrancy to the event, a cultural programme was presented by students of Sainik School Ruksin and NCC cadets, showcasing patriotic fervour and youthful energy.

The rally proved to be a significant initiative in addressing routine challenges faced by veterans and Veer Naris. It provided a direct platform for interaction with authorities and reinforced the commitment of the Army and civil administration towards the welfare of the veteran community.

The event concluded on a highly successful note, leaving a lasting positive impact on all participants and further strengthening the bond with the veteran fraternity.k

Sikkim Delegation Meets Union Minister, Seeks Centre’s Support for “Mission Siri”

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April 18, 2026

A high-level delegation from the Government of Sikkim, led by Minister for Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Agriculture, Horticulture and Fisheries, Puran Kumar Gurung, called on Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh), at his official residence in New Delhi.

The delegation also included Dr. K.T. Bhutia, Principal Director of the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services Department, and Dr. Pratik Sharma, Chief Executive Officer of the Sikkim Livestock Development Board.

During the meeting, the Sikkim delegation submitted a Demi-Official (DO) letter addressed to the Union Minister, duly signed by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang. The letter outlined a proposal for “Mission Siri,” a flagship conservation initiative aimed at the preservation and promotion of Siri cattle, an indigenous breed significant to the region.

The project is proposed to be implemented by the Sikkim Livestock Development Board under the centrally sponsored Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM). The initiative seeks to strengthen breed conservation, improve genetic quality, and enhance the livelihood of farmers dependent on livestock in the state.

The discussions were held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, with the Union Minister giving a patient hearing to the issues and proposals presented by the delegation. He appreciated the state government’s efforts to conserve indigenous cattle breeds and emphasized the importance of such initiatives in strengthening rural economies and sustainable agriculture.

Assuring full support from the Government of India, the Union Minister expressed confidence in the successful implementation of “Mission Siri.” The meeting concluded on a positive note, reflecting strong cooperation and commitment between the Centre and the State towards advancing livestock development and conservation efforts in Sikkim.

Sikkim Likely to Have 11 Women MLAs by 2029 Under Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam

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April 15, 2026

For decades, women in Sikkim have been visible in rallies, grassroots movements, and party work for very long, but largely missing where it matters most: the Legislative Assembly. That imbalance may soon be forced to change.

In the before 2024 Sikkim Assembly, women’s representation remained minimal, with only a handful of women MLAs (around 2–3) in a 32-member House. The numbers tell a clear story—political space has long been dominated by men, despite women forming a crucial part of the electorate and party machinery.

Now, with the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in place, the equation is set to shift dramatically. The law mandates 33% reservation for women in both Lok Sabha & State Assembly, which could push Sikkim to 10–11 women MLAs once implemented—nearly a fourfold jump from current levels.

With reservation becoming inevitable after delimitation, parties will be compelled to rethink strategies, promote women candidates, and invest in leadership beyond tokenism. The coming political cycle could witness a new class of women leaders stepping forward—not as substitutes, but as contenders.

In over two decades, only two women have ever reached the Deputy Speaker’s chair in Sikkim—and none have ever been Speaker.

Women play a decisive role in Sikkim politics. Take Kala Rai, for example—rising from the grassroots after years of struggle, she is now an MLA and a leading force behind Nari Shakti in her party.

From Sushma Swaraj to Nirmala Sitharaman, Mamata Banerjee to Rekha Gupta, and Mayawati—each of them struggled for years before rising to positions of power and going on to lead from the state to the national level.

Women’s political representation has indeed come a long way since the turn of the century.

7 women ministers in the Union Council of Ministers NDA (Modi 3.0 government That’s roughly ~10% representation. If the spirit of 33% reservation reflects in governance, India could see over 20 women ministers by 2029—compared to just 7 today.

Sikkim CM PS Golay has welcomed and backed the bill, calling it a bold and historic step.

On April 17, Deputy Speaker Raj Kumari Thapa, along with MLAs Kala Rai and Pamin Lepcha, accompanied by women representatives from across Sikkim, announced a major women-led rally scheduled to be held in the state capital.

The rally aims to celebrate and express gratitude for the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which provides 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. The legislation was passed under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

They termed the Act a landmark step towards strengthening women’s participation in governance and decision-making, marking a new phase of gender equality and empowerment in the country.

(Written by Roshni Sharma Bhattarai, Editor, The Sikkim Today)

Gauhati High Court Upholds Sikkim’s COI Policy, Overturns Earlier High Court Ruling

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April 12, 2026

The Gauhati High Court has upheld the Sikkim Government’s policy on the issuance and use of the Certificate of Identification (COI), setting aside a previous judgment of the Sikkim High Court that had struck down key restrictions.

The Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar and Justice Arun Dev Choudhury delivered the judgment on April 8, 2026, in connection with a writ appeal filed by the State of Sikkim. The appeal challenged the 2020 decision of the Sikkim High Court, which had declared certain provisions in government notifications as unconstitutional.

At the center of the case were notifications issued in 1995, 1996, and a clarification in 2006, which restricted the use of COI for a particular category of individuals—mainly those whose parents were in government service before December 31, 1969—to employment purposes only. The earlier Sikkim High Court ruling had termed these restrictions arbitrary and violative of fundamental rights.

However, the Gauhati High Court disagreed, stating that the earlier judgment failed to consider Sikkim’s unique constitutional and historical context. The Court emphasized the importance of Article 371-F, which grants special protections to the State and preserves laws that existed prior to its merger with India in 1975.

The Bench observed that the classification among different categories of COI holders was not arbitrary but based on long-standing legal and administrative frameworks, including the Sikkim Subjects Regulation, 1961, and subsequent government rules. It further noted that such distinctions were part of a consistent policy aimed at safeguarding the interests of original Sikkimese residents.

The Court also referred to earlier Supreme Court rulings that upheld preferential treatment for local residents in public employment, reinforcing the legality of the State’s approach.

Importantly, the judgment reaffirmed that policies limiting COI benefits for certain groups to employment purposes were valid and in line with historical practices. It also underscored that continuity of pre-merger laws was essential to ensure a smooth transition and maintain socio-economic balance in the State.

With this ruling, the Gauhati High Court has restored the State Government’s authority to regulate COI issuance and usage, overturning the earlier relief granted by the Sikkim High Court. The verdict is likely to have implications for identity, employment rights, and administrative policies in Sikkim.

Sikkim High Court Rejects Plea of Women Married to Non-Sikkimese

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April 12, 2026

The Sikkim High Court has dismissed a writ petition filed by over 100 Sikkimese women married to non-Sikkimese men, challenging restrictions on property rights and the non-issuance of Certificate of Identification (COI) to their children.

The case, Puspa Mishra & Others vs State of Sikkim, was heard by a Single Bench of Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai, with the judgment pronounced on April 6, 2026.

The petitioners had contested a 2018 government notification and sought directions to grant COI to their children, ensure eligibility for government employment, and secure inheritance rights over immovable property. They argued that the denial of such rights was discriminatory and violated constitutional guarantees under Articles 14, 15, 16, 19, and 21.

However, the Court rejected these arguments, holding that Sikkim’s unique historical and constitutional framework—protected under Article 371-F—continues to govern such matters. It observed that laws in force prior to Sikkim’s merger with India in 1975 remain valid and protected.

Referring to the Sikkim Subject Regulation, 1961, the Court noted that a Sikkimese woman marrying a non-Sikkimese does not retain the same status as a Sikkim Subject, which impacts the rights of her children, including eligibility for COI.

On the issue of alleged gender discrimination, the Court held that while equality is a fundamental right, reasonable classification is permissible in law. It ruled that the distinction between Sikkim Subjects and non-Sikkimese is based on historical and legal considerations and does not violate constitutional provisions.

The Court also clarified that children of such marriages are not entitled to COI under existing rules, but may obtain Residential Certificates (RC), which provide access to various state benefits, including education and certain property rights.

Concluding that the matter falls within the domain of legislative policy, the Court dismissed the petition, stating that any changes must be made through appropriate legal or legislative measures.

Military Engineer Services Honoured with Prestigious CIDC Vishwakarma Awards 2026

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April 11, 2026

The HQ CWE Tezpur, under the aegis of CE Siliguri and Gajraj Corps, proudly announces that Ms. Nazneen Banu, Commander Works Engineer (CWE) of Tezpur and a distinguished IDSE officer, has been honoured with the esteemed Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC) Vishwakarma Award 2026.

In a moment of immense pride for the team, the 155 Base Hospital (Phase-III), Tezpur, under GE (South), has been recognized with the prestigious award for “Best Health Infrastructure.” This recognition underscores the department’s outstanding commitment to providing state-of-the-art healthcare services to the armed forces.

Additionally, the CIDC Vishwakarma Achievement Award for Public Officer was conferred upon Ms. Nazneen Banu, IDSE. Her dedication and exemplary service of over two decades in the Military Engineer Services (MES), along with her deputation to the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, have set a benchmark for excellence.

These awards highlight the unwavering commitment of the MES to nation-building and the holistic development of defence infrastructure.

The award was presented by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Union Minister, at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre, Delhi, on April 10, 2026.

Sikkim Sets Up 24×7 LPG Control Rooms Across Districts Amid Supply Concerns

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March 30, 2026

The Government of Sikkim has established a centralized State Control Room in Gangtok along with district-level control rooms in all six districts to monitor and regulate LPG distribution. The move comes amid concerns over supply disruptions due to the current geopolitical situation.

According to the Food & Civil Supplies Department, the control rooms will operate round-the-clock to ensure smooth distribution, prevent black marketing, and address public grievances. A regulated refill system has been introduced, allowing domestic LPG refills every 25 days in urban areas and 45 days in rural regions.

Priority in commercial LPG supply will be given to essential services such as hospitals and educational institutions. Authorities have also mandated strict enforcement of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, along with daily reporting from district units to the State Control Room.

Oil companies including IOCL, HPCL, and BPCL will coordinate with the government to maintain uninterrupted supply. Officials have assured swift action against malpractice and emphasized that the system will remain in place until further notice.

Sikkim Gets ₹820 Crore First as Centre Announces ₹25,000 Crore ‘Pride of Hills’ Package

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March 30, 2026

Sikkim is set to receive ₹820 crore under the Centre’s newly launched “Pride of Hills” initiative for 2026–27, aimed at accelerating development in India’s mountainous regions. Despite being one of the smaller allocations in absolute terms, officials say the funding is significant for Sikkim given its size, population, and unique geographical challenges.

The state faces constraints such as difficult terrain, limited connectivity, and restricted revenue-generating capacity, which often slow infrastructure growth. The new allocation is expected to support capital expenditure projects, including road expansion, rural connectivity, and sustainable infrastructure. It will also help the state manage committed liabilities while maintaining fiscal stability.

Experts believe Sikkim can leverage this funding to strengthen sectors like eco-tourism, organic agriculture, and hydropower—areas where the state already has a comparative advantage. With a strong focus on sustainability, the initiative aligns with Sikkim’s environmentally conscious development model. If utilized efficiently, the funds could enhance economic resilience, improve public services, and generate employment opportunities across remote regions of the state.

Beyond Sikkim, the Centre has earmarked a total outlay of ₹25,000 crore for nine hill states under the Special Development Assistance framework. Arunachal Pradesh received the highest allocation of ₹4,900 crore, followed by Himachal Pradesh with ₹3,920 crore and Nagaland with ₹3,880 crore. Other beneficiaries include Uttarakhand (₹3,460 crore), Tripura (₹3,450 crore), Manipur (₹2,400 crore), Meghalaya (₹2,070 crore), and Mizoram (₹100 crore).

The initiative is designed to address structural issues such as low population density, high logistics costs, and weaker fiscal indicators common across hill states. By boosting investment in infrastructure and providing financial support, the government aims to reduce regional disparities and unlock growth potential. Analysts say the success of the scheme will depend on efficient implementation and state-specific planning tailored to local needs.

Inauguration of 155 Base Hospital by Lt Gen Gambhir Singh, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, GOC Gajraj Corps

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March 28, 2026