High Court Continues Hearing on PIL Challenging Stake Sale to Greenko

The Sikkim High Court today the sixth hearing on the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by former SDF candidate M.K. Subba, challenging the state government’s decision to sell 60.2% of its stake in the Teesta III hydropower project to private company Greenko Energies Pvt. Ltd. The petition questions whether the disinvestment was in Sikkim’s best interest and raises concerns about financial mismanagement and lack of transparency.

Following the hearing, M.K. Subba stated that no verdict was issued today, and the court will schedule the next hearing soon. He criticized the government’s decision, questioning why a profitable state asset was handed over to a private company without exploring alternative financial solutions.

The Sikkim government, under Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, has defended the move, arguing that it was essential to clear outstanding debts and stabilize the state’s economy. However, critics argue that Sikkim Urja Ltd had reported a ₹1,270 crore profit in 2022-23, proving that the company was financially strong. They further claim that ₹3,500 crore was due from power distribution companies in Punjab and Haryana, which could have improved Sikkim’s financial position without selling state assets.

Major Concerns Raised in PIL

• No Open Bidding: Critics argue that a competitive bidding process could have secured a better deal for Sikkim.
• Profitability Ignored: With ₹1,270 crore in profits, Sikkim Urja Ltd was already financially viable.
• Unpaid Dues Overlooked: The state could have recovered ₹3,500 crore from Punjab and Haryana instead of selling its stake.
• Political & Legal Scrutiny: The BJP’s Sikkim unit has written to PM Narendra Modi, seeking a review, while opposition parties SDF and Congress have slammed the move.

The Teesta III project, which suffered major damage in the October 2023 glacial flood, is set for reconstruction, with the central government approving a new dam design. However, environmental experts warn of risks, as Sikkim has 119 glacial lakes, with 50 classified as high-risk zones. Separate legal challenges regarding the environmental impact are still pending before the Sikkim High Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

With political, financial, and environmental concerns mounting, the controversy surrounding Teesta III disinvestment continues to escalate. While the government maintains that selling the stake was a financial necessity, opposition parties argue that Sikkim may have lost out on a much better deal. The next High Court hearing is expected to provide further clarity on the matter.

Dalai Lama Awarded Honorary Doctorate by Danubius University of Galati, Romania

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has been awarded the title of Doctor Honoris Causa by Danubius University of Galati, Romania. The honor recognizes his outstanding contributions to global peace, non-violence, human rights, and interfaith harmony.

A delegation of academicians and officials from the university visited His Holiness at his residence in Dharamshala for a formal ceremony. The university praised the Dalai Lama’s lifelong commitment to compassion, wisdom, and universal responsibility—values that align with higher education and intellectual growth.

This recognition highlights His Holiness’s global influence in promoting peace and understanding among different communities.

Chief Minister Inaugurates New Village Administrative Centre at 51 Rabong Barfung GPU

On the way to the constituency-level Gyalbu Losar celebration at Bakhim Primary School, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, inaugurated the Village Administrative Centre at 51 Rabong Barfung GPU, Namchi district.

The newly established centre aims to enhance accessibility and streamline administrative processes for the local community. It is expected to serve as a crucial resource, enabling residents to carry out their tasks more efficiently and with greater convenience.

Chief Minister highlighted the importance of the centre in improving public service delivery and ensuring smoother governance at the grassroots level. “The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen local administration and provide better support to the people”, he added.

Report from DIO Namchi

A joint inspection was carried out today at Singtam Shopping Complex to review ongoing infrastructure projects and urban development initiatives. Officials from the Urban Development & Housing Department (UD&HD) and Singtam Nagar Panchayat participated in the assessment, led by N.B. Dahal, Minister for Roads and Bridges and MLA of 17-Khamdong Singtam Constituency, along with Bhoj Raj Rai, Minister for UD&HD and MLA of Poklok-Kamrang.

The visit focused on evaluating project progress, identifying areas needing improvement, and ensuring compliance with urban planning guidelines. Discussions also centered on enhancing infrastructure to support sustainable development and improve facilities for local residents and businesses.

The inspection team emphasized the importance of timely execution and strategic planning to meet the growing demands of the region.

Tseten Tashi Bhutia, Convenor of the Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC), has issued an open letter to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and a public appeal to the Bhutia-Lepcha (BL) community, urging them to stand up for their constitutional rights. He expressed deep concern over the weakening of Article 371F protections and criticized the community’s silence on critical issues.

Bhutia warned that continued inaction could lead to the loss of hard-earned rights, blaming personal ambition, ignorance, and fear for the lack of resistance. He reminded BL representatives that they serve their people, not just political parties, and should step aside if they cannot protect their community’s interests.

His letter highlighted key resolutions passed by SIBLAC, including the need for high-security holographic papers and digitalization of identification documents like the Sikkim Subject Certificate (SSC) and Certificate of Identification (COI) to prevent misuse. He also opposed the 2018 amendment that reduced BL reservations in Panchayati Raj Institutions to 8%, demanding its immediate reversal as unconstitutional.

Bhutia further called for the withdrawal of Notification No. 12/Home/2018, which he claimed undermines Sikkim’s old land laws by enabling non-locals to register land. He criticized both the past SDF and present SKM governments for failing to address these concerns and urged the implementation of the Ms. Sarala Committee Report to nullify illegal land registrations.

Expressing disappointment with the SKM government, Bhutia reminded CM Tamang that SIBLAC had supported SKM’s rise to power in 2019 with the expectation of safeguarding Sikkim’s identity. He called for urgent action, warning that peace cannot exist without justice and fairness. He urged the Bhutia-Lepcha community to unite, act before it’s too late, and remember that protecting Sikkim means protecting India.