Chief Minister PS Golay expressed his delight in meeting Ms. Pratikcha Rai, a resident of Lower Martam, who has successfully cleared the Commercial Pilot Training exams from Zenith Aviation, Dwarka, New Delhi.

Pratikcha Rai, daughter of Shri Janga Dhoj Rai and Smt. Renuka Chettri, hails from a marginalized family. She pursued her primary education at Nimtar Govt. JHS, studied up to Class X at Middle Camp Govt. Secondary School, and completed her higher secondary education at Deorali Govt. Girls Senior Secondary School.

Acknowledging her hard work and perseverance, CM Golay commended her achievement and emphasized his commitment to supporting individuals from economically weaker backgrounds who strive for excellence.

“It brings me immense joy to extend a helping hand to those who are determined to achieve greater heights through dedication and hard work,” said CM Golay.

Sikkim’s farmers and consumers are voicing concerns as subsidized pulses under the Bharat Dal Utpadan Swava-lamban Abhiyan appear to be missing before they reach the state. Although the Central Government asserts that the scheme—launched in July 2023—covers all states including Sikkim, local stakeholders report that pulses such as Moong Dal, Moong Sabut, Masur Dal, and Chana Dal have not been delivered as promised.

Rajya Sabha MP Dorjee Tshering Lepcha has raised the issue, questioning the discrepancy between the government’s claims and the ground reality. The absence of subsidized pulses has left farmers puzzled and consumers anxious about the availability and pricing of essential dal varieties.

Officials are yet to provide a detailed explanation for the missing consignments.

52-Year-Old Man from Sikkim Arrested in Siliguri for Alleged Cheating and False Promise of Marriage with 26 year old girl.

A 52-year-old man from Sikkim has been arrested by Siliguri police for allegedly deceiving a 26-year-old woman under the false promise of marriage. The accused, currently residing in the Pradhan Nagar area for work, is facing charges of cheating and breach of trust.

According to the complaint filed at Pradhan Nagar police station on March 17, the woman claimed that she met the accused two years ago and entered into a relationship with him. During this time, he reportedly gifted her a luxurious flat worth ₹36 lakh. However, the relationship soured when the accused began demanding the flat back and ultimately refused to marry her.

Following the complaint, Pradhan Nagar police arrested the accused on Wednesday. He was presented before the Siliguri court on Thursday, while the woman’s medical examination and statement before the magistrate were recorded.

Police have initiated a detailed investigation to uncover further details surrounding the case.

The Urban Development Department (UDD), Government of Sikkim, has announced strict measures to curb the subletting of trade licences, aiming to protect business opportunities for Sikkimese residents. The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Conference Hall of Gangtok Smart City Development Ltd. (GSCDL), Kisan Bazar, Lall Market.

The press conference was presided over by Minister for Urban Development and Food & Civil Supplies Department, Bhoj Raj Rai, who was joined by Commissioner-cum-Secretary Jitendra Singh Raje, PCA-cum-Secretary Yogeeta Rai, Principal Chief Engineer Shailendra Sharma, and Additional Secretary Hemant Rai.

Minister Rai stated that licence holders will no longer be allowed to sublet their licences to non-Sikkimese individuals. This decision aligns with Notification No. GOS/UDHD/1(257)/9, dated 14 August 2014, which allows only the original licence holder and immediate family members to operate businesses under the issued trade licence.

The Minister informed that 9,449 trade licences and 190 hawker licences have been issued to date, and the government plans to gradually convert all hawker licences into trade licences. He also addressed concerns over government-allotted shops being illegally sublet to third parties and warned that action will be taken against those violating regulations.

Labour verification will be conducted to ensure compliance with existing rules, and all labour cards will be checked as part of the verification process. Business owners and officials issuing licences have been directed to follow the terms and conditions strictly. Physical site inspections will now be mandatory before new licences are issued.

Minister Rai urged non-Sikkimese individuals residing in the state to complete all legal formalities and warned that individuals holding unauthorised trade licences should surrender them voluntarily. Public announcements (miking) will be carried out to raise awareness about the new regulations.

In his concluding remarks, the Minister emphasized that strict enforcement of these measures is necessary to ensure that business opportunities remain accessible to Sikkimese residents and that government regulations are upheld.

A 16-year-old girl was found dead at her residence in Sikkim’s Bering Timgmoo, under Namchi District, on Wednesday. Medical have confirmed that the girl’s death is being treated as a case of suicide, with no foul play suspected.

Local police responded to the incident after receiving information from the family. Officials conducted the necessary procedures at the scene and have initiated an inquiry to determine the circumstances leading to the tragic incident.

While the exact reason behind the suicide remains unclear.

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay emphasized the power of youth and regional development at the 8th North-East Youth Festival held at Paljor Stadium today. The event, celebrating cultural diversity and national integration, witnessed the presence of Union Minister of State Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse and over 550 participants from across the Northeast.

In his address, CM Tamang highlighted the festival’s theme, “Empower Youth, Empower Region – My Bharat, Viksit Bharat,” aligning it with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047—a roadmap for a fully developed India. He credited the government’s focus on improving connectivity, infrastructure, and economic opportunities since 2014, recognizing the Northeast as ‘Ashta Lakshmi’—a symbol of prosperity and potential.

CM Tamang underscored the importance of education, skill development, entrepreneurship, and eco-tourism in unlocking the Northeast’s vast potential. He called upon the youth to take leadership roles, innovate, and actively contribute to the nation’s growth.

“The festival reflects the spirit of unity and progress, offering young minds a platform to share ideas, embrace cultural diversity, and drive India’s future development,” said the Chief Minister.

Expressing gratitude, CM Tamang thanked Union Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Governor Om Prakash Mathur, Union MoS Smt. Raksha Khadse, and all participants for their support and contributions. Despite Dr. Mandaviya’s absence due to unforeseen circumstances, the Chief Minister acknowledged the Ministry’s unwavering support.

Organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, the festival brought together NSS volunteers, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan members, and youth leaders to foster collaboration and strengthen the spirit of national unity.

Renowned filmmaker Anurag Basu has completed a successful recce in Gangtok and is set to begin shooting his latest project in Sikkim by the end of this month. The project is expected to highlight Sikkim’s breathtaking landscapes, further promoting the state as a rising hub for film production and tourism.

Basu shared that filming in Sikkim had been a long-standing dream. “It feels incredible that this dream is finally coming true. The beauty and tranquility of Sikkim will bring a special visual quality to the film,” he stated.

He expressed deep gratitude to the Sikkim government and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang for their seamless support in facilitating the filming process. Basu praised the efficiency and professionalism of the local authorities, noting that the experience had been remarkably smooth.

“The support we’ve received has been fantastic. I am genuinely impressed with how efficiently things have been managed here. I would strongly recommend Sikkim as a filming destination to my colleagues,” Basu added.

With production set to begin soon, the project is expected to draw more attention to Sikkim’s cinematic potential. The scenic backdrop and film-friendly policies could position Sikkim as a sought-after destination for future film projects, further boosting the state’s tourism industry and creative economy.