Namchi, 13 May 2026

On the concluding day of her three-day official tour to Sikkim, Smt. Savitri Thakur, Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Government of India, undertook extensive engagements in Namchi District with a focus on rural connectivity, skill development, and the welfare of women and children.

Earlier in the day, the Minister offered prayers at the sacred Siddheshwar Temple, Char Dham, Namchi, and inspected the temple premises.

The Minister inspected the under-construction road project from Road–III to Samatar Harrabotey via Simik Powergrid under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. The approximately 4.8 km road will strengthen connectivity and mobility in surrounding rural areas. Smt. Thakur said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, continuous efforts are being made to expand rural road networks, improving access to education, healthcare, agriculture, and employment. She instructed officials to ensure quality and timely completion and appreciated the dedication of all personnel involved.

At the State Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Sikkim, the Minister participated in the “Individual Enterprise Finance Loan Application” training programme and distributed certificates to participants. She commended SIRD&PR for its role in rural development, empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions, capacity building, and skill development. She noted that through its training and awareness programmes, the institute is advancing good governance and self-reliance in rural areas. Trained human resources, she added, will be vital in strengthening the rural economy under Prime Minister’s guidance.

Smt. Thakur visited the One Stop Centre at Jorethang and reviewed its functioning and facilities. She observed that the Centre plays a crucial role in providing women with safety, counselling, legal aid, and essential support at a single location. Emphasizing that women’s safety, dignity, and empowerment remain the highest priority under the Prime Minister’s leadership, she said creating a safe and supportive environment for women is a collective responsibility. She appreciated the commitment of the Centre’s staff and urged them to continue their efforts for women’s welfare and empowerment.

The Minister also visited the Hub for Empowerment of Women at Jorethang to review activities and schemes for women’s empowerment. The Hub facilitates awareness, counselling, skill development, and access to government schemes. Smt. Thakur underlined that consistent efforts are being made to ensure women’s self-reliance and equal opportunities, and that women’s social and economic participation is fundamental to building a ‘Viksit Bharat’.

During her visit to an Anganwadi Centre in Jorethang, the Minister reviewed nutrition, health, and early childhood education services for children and mothers. She praised efforts for the holistic development of children and noted that through Poshan Abhiyaan and other women and child welfare schemes, the Government is working steadily towards a healthy and empowered India under Prime Minister’s leadership.

On Tuesday evening, 12 May, Minister Thakur chaired a review meeting at the Conference Hall, Town Hall, Namchi, with district and departmental officials to assess welfare and developmental programmes.

Addressing the gathering, Smt. Thakur praised Sikkim’s natural beauty, rich culture, and the warmth of Namchi’s people, noting that the district’s teamwork and collective responsibility were clearly visible. She expressed satisfaction with the implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes and urged continued optimum use of Government of India support for public benefit.

Commending the education sector after her school visit, she highlighted student discipline and teacher dedication. She outlined key schemes including Mission Shakti, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, and Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0, stating their success advances Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’. She directed officials to ensure effective, transparent, and timely delivery to the last person, especially women, children, senior citizens, and Divyangjan. The Minister also emphasized strengthening Anganwadi workers through training, institutional support, and capacity building.

The meeting was attended by MoWCD Officials from Delhi Shri Satyen Lama, Economic Advisor; Ms. Nimisha Jha, PS to HMoS; Shri Santosh Kumar, ASO; Secretary, State WCSC&DWD, Ms. Normit Lepcha; District Collector Ms. Anupa Tamling: Principal Director, WCSC&DWD, Ms. Urvesh Poudyal; Special Secretary, WCSC&DWD, Ms. Bandana Rai; Additional Director-cum-Nodal Officer Ms. Sonam Lhamu Bhutia; officers from the district administration; Heads of Offices from line departments; and staff and members from WCSC&DWD, Namchi.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Minister visited Buddha Park at Ravangla, Temi Tea Garden and Temi Tea Factory, Namthang Food Godown, the Health and Wellness Centre and Kateng School, a PMAY-G house, and KVK Namthang, where she interacted with officials, beneficiaries, and local stakeholders. She noted that the KVK centre has proved useful for local farmers.

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