The Sikkim Government has announced an increase in dearness allowance (DA) and dearness relief (DR) for state government employees and pensioners, effective July 1, 2024.

For employees receiving pay under the pre-revised structure, DA has been raised from 239% to 246%. Meanwhile, those under the revised pay structure will see an increase from 50% to 53%. This revision also applies to All India Service Officers following the 7th Central Pay Commission guidelines.

Additionally, contractual employees and work-charged staff drawing revised pay will benefit from the updated DA rates. The Finance Department has directed that payments involving 50 paise or more be rounded up to the next rupee, while those below 50 paise will be ignored.

The circular, issued by the Principal Director (Budget), Finance Department, reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to support its employees and pensioners amid rising costs of living.

FDPL and Sikkim Football Association Sign MoU for SPL Management.

Football Development Private Limited (FDPL) has partnered with the Sikkim Football Association (SFA) to oversee the management of the third season of the Sikkim Premier League (SPL). Under the new agreement, SFA will take charge of technical support to the league.

The decision follows concerns raised by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) over the conduct of previous seasons, which were solely managed by FDPL. To address these issues and improve league operations, FDPL has entrusted SFA with management responsibilities to ensure greater transparency and efficiency.

Today in Press Conference Football Development Private Limited (FDPL) and the Sikkim Football Association (SFA) announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the management of the third season of the Sikkim Premier League (SPL).

This collaboration aims to enhance the league’s structure and align it with national football standards. Further details regarding team participation and the event schedule will be announced soon.

An unidentified male body was discovered floating near the Teesta Riverbank in Bardang east Sikkim. The deceased was wearing black trousers and had distinctive tattoos, including a female figure on the chest and additional tattoos on both arms. A silver-colored bracelet was also found on his wrist.

Authorities have preserved the body at the District Hospital Singtam mortuary for 72 hours to facilitate identification. Images of the deceased are being circulated to aid the process.

Police have urged anyone with information or claims regarding the deceased person.

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay met the Former Governor of Sikkim, Shri Ganga Prasad, at his official residence, Mintokgang, today. Describing the meeting as a heartwarming reunion, CM shared his sentiments on social media, highlighting Shri Ganga Prasad’s guidance and unwavering support since 2019.

During their interaction, the two leaders first exchanged pleasantries before engaging in discussions on significant matters concerning the state. CM Tamang expressed deep admiration for Shri Ganga Prasad’s wisdom and recalled how his leadership helped navigate critical milestones, including the challenges posed by the global pandemic.

Acknowledging the former Governor as a mentor and guiding force, CM Tamang extended his heartfelt gratitude for his visit, insightful discussions, and continued encouragement. He wished Shri Ganga Prasad good health and happiness and looked forward to more such enriching engagements in the future.

Sikkim marked a new milestone in adventure tourism with the launch of its first-ever bungee jumping facility at Singshore Bridge, Uttarey. The initiative was inaugurated by Area MLA and Tourism Advisor Mr. Sudesh Kumar Subba as part of the Sikkim Rural Tourism Meet 2025 under the Sikkim INSPIRES initiative.

Standing at over 100 meters high and spanning 240 meters, Singshore Bridge—Sikkim’s highest and Asia’s second-highest—is also being developed into a glass-deck skywalk. The event saw three successful jumps, signaling the start of a thrilling new adventure attraction.

Speaking at the press briefing, Mr. Subba emphasized the government’s commitment to adventure tourism and local employment generation. He assured that the facility meets international safety standards, with certified equipment and trained professionals ensuring a secure experience. After a training phase, local youth will manage operations, creating sustainable employment opportunities.

The event was attended by District Collector Tenzing Dorjee Denzongpa, Joint Director-cum-Principal of IHCAE Chemchey Kazi Sherpa, ADC (Development) Gyalshing, SDM Dentam, BDO Dentam, tourism officials, and adventure sports experts. The launch of bungee jumping at Singshore Bridge is expected to attract adventure seekers from across the country, further boosting rural tourism in Sikkim.

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.