CM Prem Singh Tamang Pledges Stronger Support for Women’s Welfare

The State-Level International Women’s Day Celebration 2025 at Saramsa Garden witnessed Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang reaffirming his government’s commitment to women’s empowerment and welfare. Addressing the gathering, he congratulated the women achievers honored at the event and emphasized their invaluable role in shaping families, communities, and the state.

CM PS Tamang highlighted several key initiatives undertaken by the government to uplift women across various sectors:

Aama Yojana – Financial assistance of ₹40,000 annually for mothers from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families

• Bahini Yojana, Aama Sahayog Yojana, Shishu Samriddhi Yojana – Focused on supporting education, financial aid, and child welfare
• Mero Rukh Mero Santati and Mero Bato Mero Bot
• – Initiatives promoting environmental sustainability with direct benefits to women
• Widow Pension Reform and Single Mother Assistance Scheme – Reduced processing time for pension disbursement and new financial aid programs for single mothers
• 
  Women Entrepreneurs’ Exemption – Exemption from Tender Deposit Receipt (TDR) for government projects up to ₹10 crore
• Reservation in Jobs and Panchayats – Increased representation of women in governance and public service

Challenges and Data on Women’s Welfare in Sikkim

While the government has implemented several welfare schemes, CM Tamang also acknowledged critical demographic challenges affecting Sikkim, particularly its declining fertility rate.

• Total Fertility Rate (TFR) – Sikkim has the lowest fertility rate in India, recorded at 1.1 children per woman between 2019 and 2021
• Crude Birth Rate (CBR) – The state’s birth rate stands at 10.2 births per 1,000 population, with urban areas at 7.8 and rural areas at 11.7
• Crime Against Women – In 2016, Sikkim recorded 153 cases of crimes against women, accounting for 0.0 percent of India’s total incidents, with a crime rate of 50.3 per 100,000 women

To address the fertility rate issue, the government has prioritized schemes like Vatsalya Yojana, which has provided crucial financial and medical support to couples seeking parenthood. CM Tamang also assured the regularization of Anganwadi and ASHA workers, ensuring job stability and improved healthcare services at the grassroots level.

The event also featured cultural performances and exhibitions by Self-Help Groups (SHGs), showcasing women’s achievements in entrepreneurship, crafts, and other sectors.

Government’s Continued Support for Women

In his concluding remarks, CM PS Tamang urged for collective efforts to uplift women, reaffirming that the Sikkim Government will continue to stand by its mothers and daughters. He emphasized that women’s empowerment is key to the state’s development, and his administration remains committed to ensuring equal opportunities, economic support, and representation for women across all sectors.