MLA Erung Tenzing Lepcha Honored with Best Indian Golden Personalities Award 2025 for Political and Public Service Excellence.

Rinchenpong Constituency MLA Erung Tenzing Lepcha has been awarded the prestigious Best Indian Golden Personalities Award 2025 by the Friendship Forum in recognition of his exceptional contributions to politics and public service.

Expressing gratitude to his supporters and the people of Sikkim, he dedicated the award to everyone striving to improve the lives of others. “This award is a testament to the collective effort of all those working toward the betterment of our society,” he remarked.

Erung Lepcha pledged to continue serving his community with integrity and commitment, emphasizing that the honor motivates him to work even harder for the welfare of the public. The Best Indian Golden Personalities Award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding excellence and leadership in their fields.

A road accident at Lingtam in Pakyong District claimed the life of a tourist and left another injured on Monday afternoon. The incident occurred around noon near Cue Khola Waterfall, also known as the Viewpoint, when a bike with a BH Bharat number plate lost control and came under the wheels of a truck.

According to local sources, the bike was descending from Zuluk when the accident took place. The rider died on the spot due to severe head injuries, while the pillion rider sustained multiple injuries and was rushed to Sochyagang Hospital in Gangtok for treatment.

The victims were reportedly part of a larger group of bikers from Kolkata who were on a tour of Sikkim. Eyewitnesses reported that the road was slippery due to recent rainfall, which may have contributed to the accident.

Local police and emergency response teams arrived promptly at the scene and initiated an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. Preliminary reports suggest that speeding and poor road conditions could have been factors.

As part of the ongoing 8th North East Youth Festival 2025, the Yuva Kriti and Food Stalls at MG Marg were inaugurated today by Tshering Palden Bhutia, Deputy Mayor of Gangtok Municipal Corporation. The festival, which is being celebrated from March 17 to 20, aims to showcase the rich cultural heritage, art, and cuisine of the eight northeastern states of India.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Secretary of the Sports and Youth Affairs Department, the Chief Engineer, the Additional Director, and other officials from the department. The Deputy Mayor and the attending officials were warmly welcomed by representatives from the National Service Scheme (NSS) and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), under whose supervision the food festival and Yuva Kriti have been organized.

The event features a variety of food stalls offering traditional delicacies from the northeastern states and art and craft displays highlighting the region’s unique cultural identity. The festival provides a platform for youth from the northeast to engage in cultural exchange and promote regional heritage.

Officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, also attended the program, further emphasizing the festival’s significance in fostering unity and cultural appreciation among the northeastern states.

The Citizens Action Party (CAP) has strongly opposed the Sikkim government’s decision to introduce a ₹50 Tourism Sustainable Development Fund for tourists, warning that it could negatively affect the state’s tourism industry. CAP has called on the government to withdraw the fee, arguing that it would discourage domestic tourists and harm the local economy.

During a press conference, CAP leaders criticized the government’s move, comparing it to Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). However, they pointed out that while Bhutan imposes the fee only on foreign tourists, Sikkim is extending it to Indian citizens, which could deter domestic visitors.

The party highlighted that tourists visiting restricted areas such as North Sikkim, the Silk Route, and Nathula already pay permit fees and other charges. Additional costs, including parking and wildlife fees, are already in place, with some wildlife fees reaching up to ₹100. According to CAP, adding a new entry fee would further burden tourists and make Sikkim less attractive as a travel destination.

Mahesh Rai also raised concerns over poor road infrastructure, lack of 24-hour amenities, and inadequate toilet and drinking water facilities in major tourist areas. He warned that unless these issues are addressed, tourists may start preferring other destinations in India with better infrastructure and lower costs.

CAP urged the government to explore alternative ways to generate revenue and promote sustainable tourism without adding financial pressure on visitors. The party also emphasized the need for improved road connectivity and streamlined permits to support the tourism sector.

Minister Shri. G.T. Dhungel conducted an inspection today of the proposed construction of a vital link road connecting NH-10 Jhore Dhara (opposite Kajla Petrol Pump) to Tadong. Accompanying him were key officials from the Roads & Bridges Department, including S.E. Pintso Puljer, A.E. Sinora Lepcha, J.E. Sonam Gyaltsen, and Ward Councillor Shri. Milan Gautam.

Given the challenging terrain of hilly regions, the development of alternative routes is essential to easing congestion and enhancing connectivity. By strategically constructing this link road, traffic flow can be better distributed, reducing bottlenecks in high-traffic zones and improving overall accessibility for residents and commuters alike.

This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to infrastructure expansion, regional development, and ensuring seamless mobility for the people of Sikkim. The project, once completed, is expected to significantly enhance connectivity and ease daily travel in the area.

Sikkim witnessed four tragic deaths in a two day, including incidents of accident, suspected suicide, and a fatal fall, raising concerns about safety and well-being across the state.

In Namthang, a 58-year-old man was found dead at a rehabilitation centre on March 16, 2025. Preliminary investigations have ruled out foul play, and the body has been preserved for further legal procedures. The case remains under investigation.

In Namchi, a 26-year-old woman was discovered dead at her residence on March 15, 2025, in a suspected suicide linked to ongoing marital discord. No signs of foul play have been detected so far. The body was sent for a medico-legal autopsy, and an investigation is underway.

A construction worker from Kajigachh, Debijhora, Uttar Dinajpur, West Bengal, lost his life after falling from a ground slab at a construction site in Power Colony, Melli. The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. on March 15, 2025. The worker was found unconscious and rushed to PHC Melli, where he succumbed despite medical efforts. Police have registered a case under UD Case No. 04/2025, dated March 15, 2025, u/s 194 BNSS, 2023 at Melli Police Station. An inquest conducted by BDO Sumbuk ruled out foul play.

In another tragic accident, a 55-year-old man from Ravangla died after being struck by a scooter near Raindrop Hotel on Ralong Road, Ravangla, on March 16, 2025. The victim sustained critical injuries and was rushed to Ravangla Primary Health Centre (PHC) but was declared dead upon arrival by the attending medical officer. The rider, a 31-year-old man from Namchi District, is currently under investigation.