SORENG: Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang attended the pre-157th Gandhi Jayanti celebration organised by Gyanodaya Sansthan, at Reshi Government Secondary School playground on September 30.
The programme commenced with the arrival of the Chief Minister followed by a Guard of Honour by the 2nd IRBn, Pipalay.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister reflected on his earlier work experience in the constituency and recalled the support and goodwill extended to him by the people over the years. He stated that he would resume his point to visit each constituency and interact directly with the people, adding that such interactions would provide an opportunity to understand local concerns and aspirations.
Acknowledging and appreciating the support extended by Former MLA(Rinchenpong) Mr KS Lepcha of Rinchenpong, the Chief Minister also appreciated the efforts of MLA (Rinchenpong) Mr Erung Tenzing Lepcha and called upon the people of the constituency to work collectively towards development and progress.
The Chief Minister highlighted various welfare schemes of the State Government, including the Aama Yojana, under which mothers across the State are being provided financial assistance. He intimated that the scheme currently covers mothers across 32 constituencies, with beneficiaries receiving financial assistance , and informed that the initiative would be further expanded in the coming years. He also highlighted the benefits being extended under the Sikkim Garib Awas Yojana (SGAY) and stressed the need for proper verification and identification of beneficiaries to ensure that government schemes reach the genuinely eligible and needy.
Speaking on the progress of the constituency, the Chief Minister highlighted the growing number of students pursuing MBBS from the constituency to which financial assistance have been provided and individuals from the area serving in various official capacities. He noted that several of these students are alumni of government schools, describing their achievements as an indication of the continued improvement in government education.
He further highlighted the Government’s efforts to regularly create new employment opportunities through the roll-out of vacancies. Acknowledging achievements from the constituency, he also mentioned Mr Sonam Dong’s participation and representation of Sikkim in Nepal Poet Idol.
The Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of the people in promoting farming as a agro based Sub Divisional Magistrate (Mangalbaria) office. He also outlined various infrastructure projects undertaken in the area, including projects nearing completion and those in the pipeline. He informed that funds had already been allocated for the construction of several roadways in the district and directed the concerned officials to take up the works in full swing following the monsoon.
Highlighting entrepreneurship among local residents, he cited the example of Mr Arpan Gurung, a mathematics teacher and trout fish farmer from the constituency, whose entrepreneurial initiative was facilitated by the Government’s sabbatical leave provision.
On infrastructure and connectivity, the Chief Minister assured that pending road works would be completed comprehensively. He further informed that the Forest Office would be shifted to previous BAC office Soreng, while the existing site would be utilised for construction of a Parking Plaza, in view of growing traffic and parking constraints. He also informed that a designated parking facility would be developed at Rinchenpong.
The Chief Minister assured the gathering that public demands relating to infrastructure and other essential facilities would be addressed. He further announced that financial support would be extended annually to content creators producing reels and digital content to disseminate information on Government schemes and initiatives.
The Chief Minister concluded by extending his warm greetings and best wishes to the people on the occasion of the 157th Gandhi Jayanti Celebration 2026, and called upon everyone to uphold the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and contribute collectively towards the development and progress of the State.
Earlier, MLA, Rinchenpong, Mr Erung Tenzing Lepcha, delivered the welcome address. Recalling the earlier celebrations of Gandhi Jayanti at Reshi, he highlighted that the occasion was being revived after a gap of 22 years. He recalled that the celebrations had previously been held when the Chief Minister represented the constituency during his tenure as a Minister, and said that the revival was an effort to recreate a memory and reconnect with the legacy of the occasion.
The MLA acknowledged the Chief Minister’s contribution towards the upgradation of schools and the growth of Reshi Bazaar, stating that these developments had contributed significantly to the progress of the area. On behalf of the people of Rinchenpong constituency, he expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for the development taking place in the constituency, which, he said, had remained constrained for nearly 25 years, and for the new opportunities that had opened up in recent years.
Highlighting the achievements of students from the constituency, he noted the increasing number of students qualifying for MBBS and appreciated the financial assistance extended to students pursuing the degree, thanking the Chief Minister for the support.
He also highlighted several development projects and initiatives undertaken since 2019, including the Reshi–Rinchenpong Highway which is set be to be underway, measures to address water supply issues, and the resolution of long pending land registration issues concerning residents of Mangalbaria Bazaar. He expressed appreciation for the establishment of the SDM Office (Mangalbaria), additional project sanctions and the various road development works being undertaken across the constituency.
Concluding his address, Mr Erung T Lepcha, thanked the Chief Minister for strengthening human resources and development opportunities in the constituency and expressed confidence that the people would continue to work collectively towards the progress and development of Rinchenpong.
Following the welcome address, the Chief Minister was felicitated by Government Secondary School, Reshi, and Gyanodaya Sansthan. Advisors, Chairpersons, OSDs and other dignitaries under the Rinchenpong Constituency also made contributions towards the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for Rimbi Disaster. The programme further featured a welcome dance by students of Reshi Government Secondary School and a flute band display by CM Shri Parengaon Primary School.
The programme also featured an inter-school debate competition at the senior secondary level and a football semi-final between Dodak FC and Blue Sheep FC.
- IPR Report
