GANGTOK: Marking a milestone in its journey, the State Bank of Sikkim (SBS) celebrated its 58th Foundation Day in the capital with a series of significant events on Tuesday.
Minister of Rural Development and Cooperation Departments, Arun Kumar Upreti graced the function as the chief guest. The celebration commenced with the formal inauguration of the refurbished Head Office building of the State Bank of Sikkim, situated near Old STNM, Gangtok in the presence of dignitaries, marking a milestone in the Bank’s journey of modernisation and enhanced service excellence.
Following the inauguration, the Foundation Day programme was held at Manan Kendra, Gangtok.
Conveying warm greetings and best wishes on behalf of the Chief Minister of Sikkim, the Minister lauded the contribution of SBS to strengthening the state’s financial ecosystem.
Highlighting the Bank’s growth, he noted its expansion from 2019 to 2025 and credited this achievement to the visionary leadership of the Chief Minister who, as Finance Minister, granted the Bank operational independence to flourish.
He remarked that the inauguration of the new Head Office stands as a symbol of SBS’s progressive vision and future commitment, while the launch of the Core Banking Solution (CBS) application and data centre marks a major technological milestone to enhance transparency, efficiency, and customer service. This innovation, he added, will extend digital banking facilities even to remote rural areas, thereby strengthening financial inclusion.
Commending the dedication and integrity of SBS employees, with special recognition for those honoured as “Employee of the Year,” he emphasised that the trust of loyal customers remains the foundation of the Bank’s success. He mentioned that alongside its financial services, SBS has also contributed to social development through scholarships, concessional loans for youth entrepreneurs, rural financial inclusion, and initiatives fostering self-reliance and economic strength.
Lastly, he reiterated that the Bank’s ambitious goals include complete digitalisation, wider access to mobile and internet banking, universal financial inclusion, support for youth entrepreneurship and cooperatives, promotion of local employment, and greater investment in green finance and renewable energy projects.
Chairman SBS, DB Gurung, in his address, reflected on the remarkable journey of SBS since its establishment in 1967. He stated that over the past 58 years, the Bank has grown beyond being a financial institution to become the economic backbone of Sikkim, ensuring financial access for the common people, supporting local businesses, agriculture, cooperatives, and entrepreneurship, and contributing significantly to the state’s socio-economic development.
He highlighted the Bank’s pivotal role in supporting developmental initiatives, fostering financial inclusion, and serving as a reliable partner to the people of Sikkim since its inception in 1968. He reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to delivering customer-friendly services, adopting modern banking practices, and continuing to contribute towards the economic growth and welfare of the state.
The programme featured cultural performances, including dances by Tapashree Dance Academy and Dynamic Flickers Dance Academy, and songs by Nepal Idol finalist Babita Thapa and Senior Manager SBS, Sunil Tamang.
A short documentary on the Journey of SBS, and video clips of the panel discussion, Conclave SBS@58, highlighted the Bank’s remarkable growth and vision for the future.
On the occasion, the Bank launched its new Core Banking Solution, CBS application and Data Centre and released its in-house newsletter ‘The General Ledger’. Eminent customers of SBS, Mingma Dawa Sherpa (Kewzing Branch), Mani Kumar Biswakarma (Singtam Branch) and Nopu Tshering Bhutia (Sichey Branch) were felicitated with letters of appreciation.
Similarly, Senior Accounts Assistant (Namchi Branch) Urmila Rai, Senior Accounts Assistant (Singtam Branch) Sabika Gurung, Office Attendant (Gangtok Main Branch) Sonam Dorjee Tamang, and Office Attendant (Rangpo Branch) Prihika Baraily were awarded as the Employees of the Year.
Special felicitations were extended to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, Former Managing Director BP Pradhan, and Nepal Idol finalist Babita Thapa.
Earlier, the Bank’s report was presented by the Managing Director, P Wangdi Bhutia.
The event organised by SBS had the presence of Deputy Speaker Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Rajkumari Thapa, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, Deputy Mayor, Adhyaksha, Upa-Adhyaksha, Councillors, Board Members, Chairman, Advisors, OSDs, officials from the Chief Minister’s Office and various departments, dignataries, stakeholders, officers and staff of SBS.
Established in 1968, SBS is the only state-owned bank in Sikkim. Over the years, it has played a pivotal role in financial inclusion and state development, while continuously modernising its services to meet the evolving needs of the people.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Chief General Manager SBS, Santi Ram Karki.
- IPR Report
