Office of the Press Secretary - CM Sikkim

14/08/2026

14/08/2026

12/08/2026

On this International Youth Day, we honour the enthusiasm, creativity, and aspirations of young people who are driving positive change across communities and nations. In Sikkim, our youth continue to inspire us through their talent, determination, and commitment to building a brighter future.

Let us continue to empower our youth with quality education, meaningful opportunities, skills, and the right support to realise their potential and contribute towards a stronger, inclusive, and progressive Sikkim and India.

May our young people continue to dream boldly, lead with confidence, and create positive change in society.

Happy International Youth Day!

12/08/2026

When Compassion Becomes Policy Under Prem Singh Tamang Golay: Aama Samman Diwas in Sikkim
Excerpts from the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s Address at the 2nd Aama Samman Diwas

The second Aama Samman Diwas, observed at Rangpo on August 10, 2026, has reaffirmed Sikkim’s distinctive approach to people-centric governance, where welfare, dignity and social recognition are placed at the heart of public policy. The occasion, attended by thousands of mothers and citizens from across the State, reflected the continued commitment of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang Golay towards strengthening the welfare and empowerment of women, particularly mothers.

For the Hon’ble Chief Minister, the respect accorded to mothers has evolved beyond a sentiment into a sustained policy commitment. Aama Samman Diwas was formally instituted through Home Department Notification No. 66/Home/2025 dated July 30, 2025, declaring August 10 every year as a dedicated day to honour mothers and recognise their invaluable contribution to families and society. The second edition has further established the occasion as an important public platform for recognising motherhood, supporting vulnerable women and celebrating their achievements.

A key pillar of this commitment is the Sikkim Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana, which provides ₹40,000 annual financial assistance to eligible mothers through Direct Bank Transfer via the State Bank of Sikkim. The reach of the scheme has expanded substantially, from 15,833 beneficiaries in 2022-23 to 31,768 in 2023-24, and to over 32,000 mothers in 2025-26. In a significant expansion of the programme, the Hon’ble Chief Minister announced that the beneficiary base under the Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana will be increased from 32,000 to 50,000 mothers from the coming year. This will bring an additional 18,000 mothers under the ambit of the scheme, further strengthening the State’s direct welfare support for women.

The Sikkim Aama Sahayog Yojana has added another layer of household support, providing beneficiary mothers with ₹4,500 annual LPG refill assistance. Together, these interventions reflect a practical approach to welfare, providing direct assistance that can contribute to the financial security and everyday well-being of mothers.

Recognition has remained equally central to Aama Samman Diwas. Thirty-two mothers who have made significant contributions to society were honoured with the Aama Samman Puraskar carrying ₹51,000 each. The Pragatisheel Aama Puraskar recognised outstanding contributions with prizes of ₹5 lakh, ₹3 lakh and ₹2 lakh, while the State Bank of Sikkim honoured outstanding Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana account holders with awards of ₹2 lakh, ₹1 lakh and ₹50,000.

The “Selfie with Aama” initiative added a strong social dimension to the celebration, encouraging children and families to publicly express their love, respect and gratitude towards their mothers. The competition carried a ₹2 lakh first prize, ₹1.5 lakh second prize and ₹1 lakh third prize, along with seven consolation prizes of ₹20,000 each. The initiative successfully connected a public campaign with a deeply personal message of gratitude and family values.

Looking ahead, the recognition framework is also being expanded. From 2027, three mothers from every constituency will be selected for the Aama Samman Puraskar, while three mothers from every district will be recognised under the Pragatisheel Aama Puraskar. The Hon’ble Chief Minister has also directed the Education Department to introduce a school-level poetry competition on the theme of “Aama” from next year from July 01-August 07, encouraging younger generations to express respect and gratitude towards their mothers.

The growing scale of these initiatives reflects a broader transformation in Sikkim’s approach to women’s welfare and participation. The increasing presence of women in governance, politics, sports, community leadership and economic activity demonstrates the importance being accorded to women’s agency and opportunity. Aama Samman Diwas complements this wider effort by recognising not only the welfare needs of mothers but also their contribution, resilience and leadership within society.

The significance of Aama Samman Diwas lies ultimately in its combination of recognition, financial support and empowerment. With more than 32,000 mothers already covered, the proposed expansion to 50,000 beneficiaries, direct annual assistance of ₹40,000, LPG support of ₹4,500, and a growing framework of awards and recognition, the initiative represents a sustained policy commitment rather than a symbolic observance.

During the occasion, the Hon’ble Chief Minister also highlighted a range of women- and child-centric initiatives reflecting the Government’s commitment to welfare, dignity, healthcare and empowerment. These include the Bahini Scheme, Mero Rukh Mero Santati, Sikkim Shishu Samriddhi Yojana, IVF support scheme, breastfeeding pods, Aama Didi Bahini Bus Sewa, 33% reservation for women in Government jobs, sabbatical leave, HPV vaccination, the upcoming self-sampling programme, and an increase in maternity leave to one year. Women contactors have also been provided relaxation in TDR provisions. He further highlighted the regularisation of Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and reiterated Sikkim’s distinction as the only State in the country to have regularised ASHA workers, recognising their vital contribution to community healthcare.

The Hon’ble Chief Minister also emphasised the importance of women’s economic independence through Self-Help Groups (SHGs). He announced that 200 SHGs will receive grants during the SHG Bharosa Sammellan to strengthen their activities, create sustainable livelihoods and promote women-led enterprises, with the necessary provision already made in the State Budget. The number of beneficiary SHGs will be increased progressively every year, creating greater opportunities for women to build sustainable and self-reliant livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to the State’s economy.

Under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang Golay, the celebration of Aama Samman Diwas has thus emerged as an important expression of Sikkim’s commitment to ensuring that mothers are not only honoured in words, but supported through meaningful policy, recognised for their contributions and provided greater dignity, security and opportunity.

Yougan Tamang
Press Secretary to Chief Minister of Sikkim

10/08/2026

With a heart full of gratitude and emotions, I wish to convey my deepest appreciation and gratitude to each and every one of you for making the 2nd Ama Samman Diwas and 9th Jan Unmukti Diwas such a memorable, meaningful and deeply touching occasion.

I extend my gratitude to all the mothers who travelled from different parts of Sikkim. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to our Hon’ble Speaker, Hon’ble Ministers, Hon'ble MLAs, respected dignitaries, respected Chief Secretary, DGP, ACSs, Principal Secretaries, Senior Police Officers, Secretaries, Heads of Departments, DCs, SPs, senior officers, representatives of all the departments, officials from SBS, Roads and Bridges, NHIDCL, SKM party functionaries of different level, officials, Youth Wing, Nari Wing, SKM contractor association, Chalak (Sarathi) wing, volunteers, and every individual who extended their support, cooperation and affection. What touched me most was the warmth and genuine affection with which our mothers were welcomed and cared for.

Beyond the arrangements and the successful conduct of the programme, it was the human touch, the respect, kindness, smiles and countless small gestures, that made the occasion truly special.

Our mothers travelled from far-flung corners of Sikkim carrying with them their hopes, smiles and blessings. To see them return with happiness in their hearts and cherished memories is something that I will personally treasure for a very long time.

This day holds a special place in our hearts as a reminder of the journey of empowerment, dignity and freedom that our people have undertaken. When this spirit of emancipation is celebrated together with the honour and dignity of our mothers, it becomes even more meaningful. It reminds us that true progress is measured not only by development, but by how we respect, empower and care for our people, especially our mothers.

I am deeply grateful to everyone who worked tirelessly, including those who remained behind the scenes, to make this occasion successful. Your contribution may not always be visible, but please know that it was felt, appreciated and valued. From the core of my heart, thank you for embracing our mothers with such warmth, for giving them the respect they deserve, and for making them feel truly honoured and special.

May the blessings of our mothers continue to guide us, and may the spirit of Ama Samman and Jan Unmukti Diwas inspire us to build a more compassionate, inclusive and empowered society.