Posted On:
28 JAN 2026 5:12PM by PIB Gangtok
In line with its effort to reach out to common citizens, especially those at the last mile, to spread the message and vision of PM's Viksit Bharat @2047, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), Gangtok, in collaboration with EPFO Gangtok office and Sikkim Urja Ltd., successfully concluded a two-day Integrated Communication and Outreach Program (ICOP) themed on Viksit Bharat, today at Teesta-III Hydro Electric Project (HEP), Ringdang Singhik, Mangan, North Sikkim.
Shri Nim Tshering Lepcha, Chairman of the Sikkim Welfare Commission, GoS, graced the inaugural day (January 27) as the Chief Guest. In his address, he expressed gratitude to PIB and EPFO Gangtok for organizing this awareness program at Mangan, a place considered remote by many. He shared his experience of the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) that occurred in North Sikkim on October 4, 2023, caused by the bursting of the South Lhonak glacial lake, leading to massive destruction, dam failures (like Teesta-III), loss of life, and significant damage along the Teesta River.
He further added that Toong Naga GPU was affected the most, and even his home and land were washed away on that fateful night. Celebrating the human spirit of resilience, he mentioned that citizens of the GPU have already started rebuilding their lives through the efforts of the Government, including relocating and allotting land to the worst affected, a process that is currently ongoing.
He urged everyone present at the program to reap the maximum benefit from this 2-day program, which is aimed at raising awareness about various government schemes and initiatives and providing a platform for citizens to interact with officials and clarify their queries.
The first day of the program also included a session conducted by Shri Kesang N Tenzing, Regional PF Commissioner, Gangtok, on various schemes and initiatives launched to enhance social security. These included the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY) for first-time employees, the 2025 Employees' Enrolment Campaign for coverage, and Nidhi Aapke Nikat 2.0, a revamped monthly district outreach program of the Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO). Launched in January 2023, Nidhi Aapke Nikat 2.0 aims to bring services closer to stakeholders.
The inaugural day also featured various activities, including a quiz competition for the audience and registered participants, a patriotic song competition, and the recitation of Vande Mataram by participants and dignitaries. These events saw active and enthusiastic participation, promoting awareness and a sense of national pride.
The day concluded with the EPFO Gangtok office organizing an on-the-spot grievance redressal session for workers, addressing their enquiries and complaints related to their Provident Fund.
The concluding day (January 28) of the ICOP began with a Swachhta Abhiyan conducted by the staff of PIB and EPFO Gangtok along with the workers and personnels of Sikkim Urja Ltd. at their campus and surroundings area, reaffirming its commitment and focus on the Viksit Bharat vision. As part of the Abhiyan, PIB Gangtok also gifted a tree sapling to Sikkim Urja Ltd. promoting environmental consciousness in tribute to mothers under Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.
Shri Anant Jain, District Collector, Mangan, graced the Concluding Ceremony of the two-day ICOP as the Chief Guest. Shri Jain in his address to the gathering gave a brief account of the Provident Fund act under the EPFO, wherein a firm having the minimum threshold of worker should avail the benefit of Provident Fund to their workers. Unfortunately, if the workers are not registered under the PF scheme by their firms, then the individual worker may miss out of any Govt. Scheme or benefit targeted for these workers, he added. He further requested all the firms present on the occasion to follow the rules and regulation of the PF act and register their workers accordingly for the benefit and welfare of their worker.
Shri Jain also encouraged all the workers present at the ICOP to explore the Government initiatives and welfare schemes showcased at the venue, urging them to proactively capitalize on these opportunities for their benefit. DC Mangan, in his closing remarks, appreciated PIB and EPFO Gangtok for organising the outreach program at Mangan for the benefit of the workers present there.
Winners of the competitions organised during the ICOP, such as the quiz competition and song competition, were felicitated with certificates and mementos by the dignitaries present on the occasion. The 2-day ICOP successfully concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Shri Kesang N Tenzing, wherein he extended sincere gratitude to the participants and dignitaries present during the event. He also acknowledged the assistance of Sikkim Urja Ltd., Mangan, for their valuable support and cooperation in organising the ICOP.
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MPS