The Sikkim Olympic Association has formed its new Executive Body for the term 2025–2029 following an uncontested election held on March 16, 2025, at the Conference Hall of Hotel Sikkim Retreat, Gangtok. The election was conducted as per the constitution of the association and witnessed the presence of distinguished observers, including Lakhya Konwar, Secretary General of Assam Olympic Association and Observer from the Indian Olympic Association, and Nabin Lama, Deputy Director of the Sports & Youth Affairs Department, Government of Sikkim.

Kuber Bhandari has been elected as the President, while Chewang Zangpo Bhutia and Tashi Ongdup Lepcha have been chosen as Vice Presidents. Jas Lal Pradhan has taken charge as the General Secretary, with Bhim Bdr Subba and Mahindra Dhakal serving as Joint Secretaries. Sangay Palzang Bhutia has been appointed as the Treasurer.

The Executive Members of the newly formed body include Phuntshok Chopel Bhutia, Bijoy Gurung, Arun Kumar Gurung, and Suman Tamang.

The election process was conducted smoothly under the supervision of M.N. Dhakal, Returning Officer and Election Commissioner. The formation of the new Executive Body is expected to bring renewed vigor to the association’s efforts in promoting sports and athletic excellence in Sikkim.

Chief Minister of Sikkim, Prem Singh Tamang, participated in a high-level meeting on the implementation of new criminal laws in the Northeastern Region, held in Guwahati under the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The meeting aimed to evaluate the execution and impact of three newly introduced criminal laws across the northeastern states.

Representing Sikkim, CM PS Tamang expressed gratitude to Home Minister Shah for his guidance and to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for spearheading these legal reforms aimed at strengthening the justice system.

Sikkim’s Chief Secretary, R. Telang, IAS, presented a detailed report on the state’s progress and challenges in adopting the new legal framework. The report highlighted Sikkim’s strategic focus on national security, given its sensitive location bordering China, Nepal, and Bhutan. CM PS Tamang emphasized the state’s commitment to enhancing law enforcement, forensic capabilities, and judicial processes.

Key issues discussed at the meeting included:

• Strengthening digital infrastructure in police stations
• Expanding video conferencing for judicial access
• Enhancing forensic labs for evidence-based investigations
• Training and capacity-building for law enforcement
• Modernizing police stations with advanced security features
• Strengthening cybercrime response and awareness
• Improving border surveillance and intelligence infrastructure

CM also highlighted Sikkim’s ongoing efforts in modernizing its police force, implementing legal reforms, and prioritizing women’s safety. He commended Assam’s government and the organizing team for their efforts in facilitating the successful event and reaffirmed Sikkim’s commitment to upholding justice, security, and the rule of law in line with the central government’s vision.

The grand finale of The Golden Voice of Sikkim, a singing reality competition, was held today at the Nar Bahadur Bhandari Government College Ground, organized by the Black Cat Division as part of its Sadbhavna outreach initiative.

The event began with a vibrant Ganesh Vandana dance performance, followed by a video presentation showcasing the journey of the competition. The finalists impressed the audience and judges with their passionate and skillful performances.

Dawki Lepcha emerged as the winner, securing a prize of ₹1 lakh, a musical instrument, and a certificate. Sonam Bhutia claimed second place, winning ₹50,000, a musical instrument, and a certificate, while Pranita Tamang secured third place with a prize of ₹25,000, a musical instrument, and a certificate.

Judges for the event included renowned artists Remanti Rai, Geeta Sharma, and Rewash Gurung. A captivating Kathak dance performance added to the vibrancy of the occasion.

Major General Mahipal Singh Rathore, Sena Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, and General Officer Commanding of the Black Cat Division, attended as the chief guest, accompanied by his spouse Meenakshi Rathore. Other notable attendees included Gangtok District Collector Tushar Nikhare, Principal of Nar Bahadur Bhandari Government College Dr. D. Purohit, and Sikkim University Associate Professor Dr. Swati Sachdeva.

Hamro Varta Television has officially announced the launch of Sikkim Idol Season 2, set to begin on April 2, 2025. After the resounding success of Season 1, the upcoming season promises a bigger platform for aspiring singers, with the themes of Sunaulo Sikkim and Samridh Sikkim integrated into the competition to reflect the state’s vision of progress and prosperity through music.

Season 2 will introduce two categories — Junior and Senior — with the first round of digital screenings scheduled from April 2 to April 16, 2025. Hamro Varta Television will soon release detailed information about the application process and form submissions.

Fans and music enthusiasts from Sikkim are eagerly awaiting the grand launch, which is expected to showcase remarkable local talent while highlighting Sikkim’s cultural and musical heritage.

IIT Dhanbad students visiting Sikkim as tourists met with an accident at Pekshap, Mangan in North Sikkim last night, leaving 10 injured.

A Mahindra Maxx carrying ten tourists, including six males and four females, plunged approximately 100 feet down the road near Pakshep, Forest Dara, Mangan, at around 9:30 PM last night. The tourists, students from Jharkhand, were traveling from Lachung to Gangtok when the vehicle lost control and veered off the road.

The driver and passengers sustained injuries, with three of the injured tourists transported to Gangtok Hospital for further treatment, while others received medical attention in Mangan.

A preparatory meeting for the International Youth Conclave on Tourism Development, set to be held in Yangang from April 12 to 14, 2025, was held at the Sikkim Legislative Assembly (SLA) Secretariat. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Speaker Raj Kumari Thapa and attended by key government officials and representatives from the Yangang Tourism Development Committee (YTDC).

Among the attendees were Bikash Basnet, Political Secretary to the Chief Minister; Karma Subba, OSD to the Chief Minister; CL Gurung, former Zilla Adhyaksha; Phurba Wangdi Bhutia, MD of SBS; Sonam Denzongpa, Principal Director of Education; and BB Izam, Principal Director of Accounts. Officers from various departments representing the Rangang-Yangang constituency were also present.

The conclave will commemorate 50 years of Sikkim’s statehood by highlighting the state’s growth, challenges, and opportunities in the tourism sector. Organized by YTDC, the event aims to promote lesser-known tourist destinations in Sikkim, with a focus on Yangang, while encouraging global tourism, creating employment opportunities, and fostering community development.

Deputy Speaker Raj Kumari Thapa emphasized the importance of collective responsibility and community participation in ensuring the success of the conclave. She noted that hosting such a high-profile event would significantly boost Yangang’s tourism industry and inspire local youth to engage in tourism entrepreneurship and event management.

The three-day conclave will feature forums, discussions, and experience-sharing sessions to strengthen Sikkim’s tourism sector. A key focus will be on adventure tourism, promotion of cultural heritage, and encouraging local entrepreneurship. The event will bring together 250 delegates from 28 Indian states and 3 Union Territories, along with participants from 10 countries.

A major decision taken during the meeting was to extend an invitation to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang to attend the event. Discussions also focused on strategies to enhance national and international participation, ensuring that the conclave becomes a global platform for tourism development.

Since its establishment in 2008, YTDC has played a crucial role in promoting sustainable tourism and local economic growth. With support from the tourism department and the state government, the conclave is expected to strengthen Sikkim’s position as a leading tourism destination while showcasing its cultural and natural heritage to a global audience.

Two Sweet Shops in Singtam Bazar Ordered to Shut Down for Violating Food Safety Norms.

The Health & Family Welfare Department of Sikkim has issued closure notices to two sweet shops in Singtam Bazar for violating food safety regulations. The orders, dated March 13, 2025, were issued to “Fast Food/Sweets Shop” owned by Umesh Prasad and “Baba Sweets” owned by Shiwratri Giri.

During inspections conducted by the Food Safety Officer of Gangtok District, both establishments were found to be breaching Schedule 4 Guidelines under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and its Rules and Regulations, 2011. The violations pertain to Good Manufacturing and Hygienic Practices. Consequently, the department has exercised its authority under Section 36, read with Food Safety & Standards Rules 2.1.2, to prohibit the manufacturing and sale of sweets and other prepared food items at these premises until further notice.

The action aims to safeguard public health and ensure compliance with food safety norms. Further inspections are expected to follow to enforce standards and regulations across the district.

The Phidang Bridge in North Sikkim, which was damaged due to an overloaded truck, has been successfully repaired, allowing the resumption of light vehicle traffic. The repair work has eased connectivity issues and provided relief to commuters affected by the disruption.

Officials confirmed that the damage resulted from an overloaded truck, which led to the temporary closure of the bridge. Following the incident, the Mangan Police Station registered an FIR on March 15, 2025, against the truck driver, Sandeep Limbu, under Section 281 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Section 3 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property (PDPP) Act, and Section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act. The complaint was lodged by officials from the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF).

Sikkim Chief Minister PS Golay met with the Hon’ble Governor of Assam, Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya, at Raj Bhawan, Assam, today. The meeting was marked by warm exchanges and reflections on Acharya’s tenure as the Governor of Sikkim.

Describing the meeting as a heartfelt reunion, CM Golay expressed deep admiration for Acharya’s wisdom, humility, and dedication to public service. He shared that reconnecting with Acharya felt like meeting a long-lost guardian, highlighting the Governor’s kindness and insightful guidance during the interaction.

“I am sincerely grateful for his time, thoughtful words, and encouragement,” CM Golay stated. He also extended his best wishes to Shri Acharya for continued health, happiness, and success in his future endeavors.

CM PS Tamang extended his heartfelt gratitude for the Governor’s time, thoughtful words, and encouragement. He also conveyed his best wishes for Acharya’s continued good health, happiness, and success in all his future endeavors.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary R Telang, DGP Akshay Sachdeva, Principal Secretary to CMO SD Dhakal, and Law & Parliamentary Affairs Secretary Suraj Chettri.