Sikkim Makes History with Appointments of SHG Women to Key Government Roles

 A Landmark Step in Gender Equality and Inclusive Governance

KalimNews with inputs from IPR, July 7, 2025, Sikkim: In a groundbreaking move towards gender equality and inclusive governance, Sikkim has become the first state in India to appoint members from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to key leadership positions in the state government. This historic step, led by the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang Golay, is a powerful testament to his commitment to empowering women and transforming governance in Sikkim.

In total, eleven women have been appointed as Chairpersons across various government departments, with one more appointed as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Panchayati Raj Department. The appointments reflect a deep trust in the grassroots leadership of SHG members, recognizing their contributions and leadership in their communities.

The newly appointed Chairpersons include:

• Mrs. Ongkit Lepcha – Chairperson, Horticulture Department

• Mrs. Chumila Bhutia – Chairperson, Public Health Engineering Department

• Mrs. Lilly Rai – Chairperson, Agriculture Department

• Ms. Nim Chiki Sherpa – Chairperson, Commerce and Industries Department

• Mrs. Bidya Biswakarma – Chairperson, Cooperation Department

• Mrs. Khus Maya Tamang – Chairperson, Water Resources Department

• Mrs. Kala Pradhan – Chairperson, Food Processing Industries

• Mrs. Doma Lepcha – Chairperson, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services

• Ms. Shanti Limboo – Chairperson, Sikkim Consumer Cooperative Society

• Mrs. Mingma Lhamu Sherpa – Chairperson, Capacity Building, Skill Development Training Placement, Youth Empowerment and Self-Reliant Board

• Mrs. Anuradha Gurung – Chairperson, Fisheries Department

• Ms. Indra Kala Chettri – Officer on Special Duty, Panchayati Raj Department

Sikkim is home to over 5,500 Self-Help Groups (SHGs), involving nearly 55,000 women. This initiative marks a monumental first in India, where representatives from these SHGs have been inducted into leadership roles within government departments. The appointments are a clear departure from traditional governance models, bringing grassroots community knowledge and local problem-solving experience to the forefront. This move is not merely symbolic—it is transformative, emphasizing the significant role that women play in the socio-economic development of Sikkim.

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has long championed gender equality and inclusive development. His administration has consistently ensured that women are well-represented at all levels of governance, from the election of three women Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to the appointment of the first woman Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and the first woman Deputy Mayor of the Gangtok Municipal Corporation. The state of Sikkim also holds the distinction of having the highest number of women representatives in Urban Local Bodies and Gram Panchayats, with three women serving as Adhyakshas and four as Upadhyakshas.

Further reinforcing his commitment to inclusive governance, Chief Minister Tamang has entrusted nearly 23 women with the role of Secretaries across various departments, including commissions, under the Government of Sikkim. This is part of the administration's broader goal to increase women’s participation in key leadership and decision-making roles within the state.

The decision to appoint SHG members to formal leadership roles is an extension of this commitment. It also aligns with the Chief Minister’s vision expressed during the SHG Bharosa Sammelan held in Jorethang on March 3, 2024, where he pledged to empower SHGs as not just beneficiaries of government schemes, but active participants in the governance process. These appointments have been made through democratic selection by the SHG members themselves, further emphasizing the participatory nature of this initiative.

The government’s efforts to support SHGs go beyond mere representation. CM Tamang has ensured that SHGs across Sikkim receive comprehensive support through various provisions, schemes, and policies, providing the necessary infrastructure, resources, and opportunities for their growth and impact.

Additionally, the state's pro-women welfare policies, such as the Aama Yojana, Vatsalya Yojana, and Baini Yojana, are tailored to address the needs of women at every stage of life. These schemes, in conjunction with the structural representation of women in governance, create a robust model of empowerment that prioritizes women’s dignity, agency, and opportunities.

Chief Minister Tamang has often publicly acknowledged the resilience and dedication of SHG women, recognizing their indispensable role in Sikkim's development. Through these appointments, the government has provided them not only recognition but formal roles and platforms, giving them the power to influence governance directly. This marks a paradigm shift in how women are involved in the political process, moving from being passive recipients of policies to active contributors to decision-making.

The historical nature of this initiative is also evident in the broader context of governance in Sikkim. The move to empower SHG women and bring them into positions of influence underscores the increasing participation of women in key leadership roles. This initiative is not just a win for Sikkim but serves as a beacon for the rest of the country, showing that inclusive governance—rooted in community and driven by those with lived experience—is the way forward.

As a further step in bolstering governance, the Home Department of Sikkim also notified over one hundred political appointments across various departments, boards, and organizations. Among these are twenty-four Advisors, including Gambir Man Lepcha, who has been appointed as Advisor to the Chief Minister with protocol facilities equivalent to that of a Cabinet Minister. Birendra Tamling has been appointed Advisor to CM (Press), while Digam Gurung has been appointed as Officer on Special Duty to the Chief Minister.

Additionally, fifty-three Chairpersons have been appointed to various departments and organizations under the Government of Sikkim, signaling a fresh direction in the state's political landscape.

This historic milestone in Sikkim's political history not only strengthens the bond between governance and the people but also paves the way for a future where women hold key leadership roles, ensuring that governance is truly representative and inclusive.