Sikkim appoints key advisors and officials in new administrative reshuffle

SUJAL PRADHAN, EOI, GANGTOK, OCTOBER 8, 2024: In a major administrative reshuffle, the Sikkim Government has appointed several key people to high-ranking advisory and official posts, granting them responsibilities in the governance of the state.

According to notifications issued by the Home Department, these appointments will come into immediate effect under the Sikkim State Public Services Act, 2006, and the Sikkim State Legislators’ Appointment to Different Authorities Act, 2006.

Prominent among the appointees is Kunga Nima Lepcha, who has been designated as Advisor to the Chief Minister, along with Sonam G. Kaleon, Bishnu Kumar Sharma, and Rohit Gurung. T.N. Dhakal and former Minister Phuchung Bhutia will also serve as Advisors to the Chief Minister.

Jacob Khaling has been named Political Secretary to the Chief Minister for Press and Publicity Affairs, while C.P. Sharma has been appointed as Advisor to the Education Department. M.P. Subba and Bikash Basnet will also serve as Political Secretaries to the Chief Minister, overseeing political affairs.

MLA Tenzing Norbu Lamtha has been selected as Advisor to the Forest and Environment Department, a role that comes with significant responsibilities in environmental conservation and resource management. Sonam Palzor Bhutia, Karma Subba, and Yougan Tamang have also been appointed as Officers on Special Duty to the Chief Minister, overseeing political and press affairs.

Professor Mahendra P. Lama has been appointed as Emeritus Chief Economic Advisor to the Chief Minister.

Sunil Saraogi will take on the role of OSD to the Chief Minister, stationed in New Delhi, to handle key state affairs at the national level.

All appointees will enjoy the protocol and facilities equivalent to those of a Cabinet Minister, as outlined in earlier government notifications.

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has expressed his confidence in the new appointments, stating: "I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the individuals on their recent appointments. I am confident that they will continue to make a positive impact, and I look forward to the exciting contributions they will make in this new chapter of their professional journey.