News & Announcement
MP Lok Sabha Dr Indra Hang Subba reviews the 5th DISHA Meeting in Soreng District
Soreng, September 16 (IPR): The Annual District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting of Soreng District was held today at the Conference Hall of Rurban Complex, Soreng, to review the implementation and progress of various developmental schemes, programmes and activities being undertaken by different departments in the district.
The meeting was chaired by the Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) and Chairman, DISHA Committee, Dr Indra Hang Subba, MLA Soreng-Chakung Mr Aditya Golay, alongside Zilla Adhakshya Soreng District Mrs Tila Devi Gurung, Zilla Upa Adhakshya Mr CB Kami and the District Magistrate, Soreng, Mr Dhiraj Subedi.
Addressing the gathering, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) Dr Indra Hang Subba addressed the DISHA meeting, intimating that the platform provided an opportunity for detailed discussions on the implementation, status and progress of various government schemes. He emphasised the need to ensure that schemes are implemented according to local requirements and that funds and infrastructure created under them are effectively utilised.
Citing irrigation as an example, he said that merely creating infrastructure was not enough unless the facility and available water were properly utilised by the people. He emphasised that the geographical and climatic conditions of the Himalayan region should be taken into consideration while planning and implementing schemes, particularly in areas such as roads, irrigation and other infrastructure, where costs and implementation timelines vary.
He also highlighted the need to address scholarship-related issues, low turnout of applicants and the need to demand an increase in scholarship support for students belonging to the OBC category.
On entrepreneurship, Dr Indra Hang Subba particularly highlighted the handmade, handloom and textile sector, stressing the need to seek additional incentives from the Government of India considering the region’s unique conditions, labour-intensive nature of the sector and in contrary of the machine manufactured products. He suggested that securing such incentives should be taken up as an important agenda. He also emphasised greater support for local entrepreneurs, value addition and the use of appropriate machinery to improve productivity and returns.
He called for closer coordination between banks, departments and entrepreneurs, suggesting that representatives of banks and concerned officers meet regularly to understand local business requirements and facilitate viable proposals. He also stressed the need for responsible and controlled use of electricity and urged people to explore solar energy, referring to the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana as an opportunity to promote greater use of renewable energy.
He concluded by calling for collective efforts, better coordination and effective utilisation of resources to ensure that government schemes translate into tangible benefits for the people.
Meanwhile, MLA, Soreng-Chakung Mr Aditya Golay, briefed the meeting on the nearing completion of the District Hospital infrastructure. He informed that the necessary equipment would be installed promptly to facilitate the completion and inauguration of the hospital. He also highlighted the proposed road widening work along the stretch from Pragati Chowk towards the hospital, stating that the work would be tendered and opened for local participation.
Earlier, District Magistrate Soreng Mr Dhiraj Subedi delivered the welcome address and made a brief presentation on the progress and development initiatives of Soreng District. He highlighted Soreng’s achievements under the Aspirational District Programme, including securing the first position nationally in the Delta Ranking in May 2023 and in Basic Infrastructure in September 2024. He also outlined key district initiatives such as Hello Man for mental health support, Swachh Pani Swasthya Hami for safe drinking water, One Day at School for strengthening administration-school engagement, professional skill development programmes for youth, and the Digital Nomad Village. He further highlighted progress in tourism and infrastructure projects, disaster-relief management, digital initiatives for senior citizens, and Soreng’s achievement of all three targets under the NACO Mobilisation AIDS Suraksha campaign.
A series of departmental presentations were subsequently made by the concerned Heads of Departments, providing a review of the progress, achievements, implementation status, comparative performance and key statistics of various schemes and developmental programmes in Soreng District.
The District Administration presented the overall developmental profile of the district, which comprises six blocks, 35 Gram Panchayat Units, an estimated population of 84,398, 98 government schools, six colleges and universities, 154 Anganwadi Centres, 21 Health and Wellness Centres, four PHCs and one Nagar Panchayat. The presentation highlighted Soreng’s progress under the Aspirational District Programme, including its National Delta Ranking and Basic Infrastructure recognitions, as well as the successful saturation of all identified KPIs under Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0 in Soreng ADP and Chumbong ABP.
The administration also highlighted initiatives such as Hello Man, which has recorded 97 clinic registrations and 13 camp patients, with 80 patients currently active on therapy and 82.5 per cent retention; the Swachh Pani Swasthya Hami initiative, under which more than 200 water tanks and sources were cleaned; and One Day at School, which has conducted 167 sessions since its inception in 2024. Professional Barista Training covered 12 unemployed youth, with five qualifying for advanced training and two subsequently employed at the training institute.
The Agriculture & Horticulture Department presented the progress of agricultural and horticultural schemes, beneficiary coverage, production-related activities and initiatives undertaken to strengthen farm-based livelihoods. The presentation also highlighted local agricultural initiatives, including ‘Mission Iskus’ and progressive model farms, which were among the initiatives visited during high-level Central ministerial visits to the district.
The Animal Husbandry Department highlighted livestock development and production indicators. Milk collection increased from 34.62 lakh kg through 103 societies in 2023–24 to 42.35 lakh kg through 103 societies in 2025–26, while 1,945 artificial inseminations were completed during 2025–26. Meat production also increased from 95,787 kg in 2023–24 to 1,78,434 kg in 2025–26. Under the Anti-Rabies and Animal Health Programme, 1,264 animal birth-control operations and 11,439 anti-rabies vaccinations were recorded during 2025–26.
The Health Department presented the status of healthcare services and key health indicators, including interventions covered under the Aspirational District Programme. Soreng reported achievement of all three 95-95-95 targets under NACO’s Mobilisation AIDS Suraksha campaign.
The Rural Development Department presented progress under PMGSY, Swachh Bharat Mission and the Sikkim State Rural Livelihood Mission. Under PMGSY, 91 km of Stage-I and 107 km of Stage-II roads in Soreng have been completed, while 29.98 km under Stage-III has been completed and Stage-IV works are under tendering. The department also reported 1,033 SHGs mobilised, covering 8,839 households, with 160 SHGs credit-linked to the tune of ₹3.91 crore and 7,322 potential Lakhpati Didis identified.
The Education Department reviewed educational programmes, infrastructure and student-related initiatives. Also highlighting and commended the districts One Day at School programme, through which departments interact directly with students, explain public services and introduce career opportunities in governance and public institutions.
The Social Welfare Department presented the implementation of welfare schemes and the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. During 2025–26, the campaign engaged 98 schools, six BACs and four colleges through awareness and creative activities, along with Panchayats, Mahila Sabhas and other institutions. Scholarship applications increased from 726 in 2024–25 to 958 in 2025–26, registering a 32 per cent increase.
The Women, Child, Senior Citizen & Divyangjan Welfare Department reported that the Soreng Rural Project under ICDS covers 154 Anganwadi Centres, with 1,378 children in the 6 months–3 years age group, 1,833 children aged 3–6 years, 244 pregnant women and 259 lactating mothers as of July 2026. Anaemia screening camps covered 124 beneficiaries, of whom 30 were identified as anaemic and provided treatment and nutritional support.
The District Industries Centre (DIC), Soreng) reviewed entrepreneurship and self-employment initiatives under PMEGP. The presentation highlighted successful enterprises including a gymnasium, restaurant, feed shop and a dairy farm established with support from DIC. It also identified documentation, CIBIL-related issues and applicant requests as among the reasons for some proposals being returned or rejected.
The Sports & Youth Affairs Department highlighted the ASMITA Women’s Badminton City League, which brought together 16 teams from Soreng and Gyalshing, along with coaching camps in badminton and boxing. The department outlined continued efforts towards strengthening sports infrastructure, talent identification, competition exposure and participation of girls and women.
The Cooperation Department reviewed the status of cooperative societies, membership, beneficiary coverage and measures for strengthening the cooperative sector.
The Power Department presented progress under RDSS/DEC, including smart-metering and infrastructure works. The presentation reported 78 per cent smart-meter efficiency in Soreng and completion of ₹12.24 crore worth of HT covered-conductor works.
During the presentations, department heads also brought out challenges, bottlenecks and implementation gaps affecting scheme outcomes. Dr Indra Hang Subba sought clarifications on the figures presented, particularly where variations required further examination, and discussed measures for improving performance and implementation.
The departmental presentations and ensuing discussions provided the committee with a consolidated assessment of Soreng’s developmental progress, covering scheme implementation, beneficiary coverage, physical and financial achievements, infrastructure, livelihood initiatives and areas requiring further intervention.
A highlight of the meeting where Fambong GPU was acknowledged as the best-performing GPU for PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. Attracting the Solar Model Village and winning a central financial assistance grant in the district.
Also present were: Zilla Panchayats and Panchayat Members, Soreng Nagar Panchayat Members, SDM (HQ) Mr Prem K Subba, SDM, Soreng Ms Sakchum Lepcha, OSD to MLA Zoom-Salghari, Mr Roshan Kumar Pradhan, OSD to MLA Daramdin, Mr MK Rai, HODs of Various line Departments, Officials and representatives of various departments in the district, amongst others.
The meeting was chaired by the Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) and Chairman, DISHA Committee, Dr Indra Hang Subba, MLA Soreng-Chakung Mr Aditya Golay, alongside Zilla Adhakshya Soreng District Mrs Tila Devi Gurung, Zilla Upa Adhakshya Mr CB Kami and the District Magistrate, Soreng, Mr Dhiraj Subedi.
Addressing the gathering, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) Dr Indra Hang Subba addressed the DISHA meeting, intimating that the platform provided an opportunity for detailed discussions on the implementation, status and progress of various government schemes. He emphasised the need to ensure that schemes are implemented according to local requirements and that funds and infrastructure created under them are effectively utilised.
Citing irrigation as an example, he said that merely creating infrastructure was not enough unless the facility and available water were properly utilised by the people. He emphasised that the geographical and climatic conditions of the Himalayan region should be taken into consideration while planning and implementing schemes, particularly in areas such as roads, irrigation and other infrastructure, where costs and implementation timelines vary.
He also highlighted the need to address scholarship-related issues, low turnout of applicants and the need to demand an increase in scholarship support for students belonging to the OBC category.
On entrepreneurship, Dr Indra Hang Subba particularly highlighted the handmade, handloom and textile sector, stressing the need to seek additional incentives from the Government of India considering the region’s unique conditions, labour-intensive nature of the sector and in contrary of the machine manufactured products. He suggested that securing such incentives should be taken up as an important agenda. He also emphasised greater support for local entrepreneurs, value addition and the use of appropriate machinery to improve productivity and returns.
He called for closer coordination between banks, departments and entrepreneurs, suggesting that representatives of banks and concerned officers meet regularly to understand local business requirements and facilitate viable proposals. He also stressed the need for responsible and controlled use of electricity and urged people to explore solar energy, referring to the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana as an opportunity to promote greater use of renewable energy.
He concluded by calling for collective efforts, better coordination and effective utilisation of resources to ensure that government schemes translate into tangible benefits for the people.
Meanwhile, MLA, Soreng-Chakung Mr Aditya Golay, briefed the meeting on the nearing completion of the District Hospital infrastructure. He informed that the necessary equipment would be installed promptly to facilitate the completion and inauguration of the hospital. He also highlighted the proposed road widening work along the stretch from Pragati Chowk towards the hospital, stating that the work would be tendered and opened for local participation.
Earlier, District Magistrate Soreng Mr Dhiraj Subedi delivered the welcome address and made a brief presentation on the progress and development initiatives of Soreng District. He highlighted Soreng’s achievements under the Aspirational District Programme, including securing the first position nationally in the Delta Ranking in May 2023 and in Basic Infrastructure in September 2024. He also outlined key district initiatives such as Hello Man for mental health support, Swachh Pani Swasthya Hami for safe drinking water, One Day at School for strengthening administration-school engagement, professional skill development programmes for youth, and the Digital Nomad Village. He further highlighted progress in tourism and infrastructure projects, disaster-relief management, digital initiatives for senior citizens, and Soreng’s achievement of all three targets under the NACO Mobilisation AIDS Suraksha campaign.
A series of departmental presentations were subsequently made by the concerned Heads of Departments, providing a review of the progress, achievements, implementation status, comparative performance and key statistics of various schemes and developmental programmes in Soreng District.
The District Administration presented the overall developmental profile of the district, which comprises six blocks, 35 Gram Panchayat Units, an estimated population of 84,398, 98 government schools, six colleges and universities, 154 Anganwadi Centres, 21 Health and Wellness Centres, four PHCs and one Nagar Panchayat. The presentation highlighted Soreng’s progress under the Aspirational District Programme, including its National Delta Ranking and Basic Infrastructure recognitions, as well as the successful saturation of all identified KPIs under Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0 in Soreng ADP and Chumbong ABP.
The administration also highlighted initiatives such as Hello Man, which has recorded 97 clinic registrations and 13 camp patients, with 80 patients currently active on therapy and 82.5 per cent retention; the Swachh Pani Swasthya Hami initiative, under which more than 200 water tanks and sources were cleaned; and One Day at School, which has conducted 167 sessions since its inception in 2024. Professional Barista Training covered 12 unemployed youth, with five qualifying for advanced training and two subsequently employed at the training institute.
The Agriculture & Horticulture Department presented the progress of agricultural and horticultural schemes, beneficiary coverage, production-related activities and initiatives undertaken to strengthen farm-based livelihoods. The presentation also highlighted local agricultural initiatives, including ‘Mission Iskus’ and progressive model farms, which were among the initiatives visited during high-level Central ministerial visits to the district.
The Animal Husbandry Department highlighted livestock development and production indicators. Milk collection increased from 34.62 lakh kg through 103 societies in 2023–24 to 42.35 lakh kg through 103 societies in 2025–26, while 1,945 artificial inseminations were completed during 2025–26. Meat production also increased from 95,787 kg in 2023–24 to 1,78,434 kg in 2025–26. Under the Anti-Rabies and Animal Health Programme, 1,264 animal birth-control operations and 11,439 anti-rabies vaccinations were recorded during 2025–26.
The Health Department presented the status of healthcare services and key health indicators, including interventions covered under the Aspirational District Programme. Soreng reported achievement of all three 95-95-95 targets under NACO’s Mobilisation AIDS Suraksha campaign.
The Rural Development Department presented progress under PMGSY, Swachh Bharat Mission and the Sikkim State Rural Livelihood Mission. Under PMGSY, 91 km of Stage-I and 107 km of Stage-II roads in Soreng have been completed, while 29.98 km under Stage-III has been completed and Stage-IV works are under tendering. The department also reported 1,033 SHGs mobilised, covering 8,839 households, with 160 SHGs credit-linked to the tune of ₹3.91 crore and 7,322 potential Lakhpati Didis identified.
The Education Department reviewed educational programmes, infrastructure and student-related initiatives. Also highlighting and commended the districts One Day at School programme, through which departments interact directly with students, explain public services and introduce career opportunities in governance and public institutions.
The Social Welfare Department presented the implementation of welfare schemes and the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. During 2025–26, the campaign engaged 98 schools, six BACs and four colleges through awareness and creative activities, along with Panchayats, Mahila Sabhas and other institutions. Scholarship applications increased from 726 in 2024–25 to 958 in 2025–26, registering a 32 per cent increase.
The Women, Child, Senior Citizen & Divyangjan Welfare Department reported that the Soreng Rural Project under ICDS covers 154 Anganwadi Centres, with 1,378 children in the 6 months–3 years age group, 1,833 children aged 3–6 years, 244 pregnant women and 259 lactating mothers as of July 2026. Anaemia screening camps covered 124 beneficiaries, of whom 30 were identified as anaemic and provided treatment and nutritional support.
The District Industries Centre (DIC), Soreng) reviewed entrepreneurship and self-employment initiatives under PMEGP. The presentation highlighted successful enterprises including a gymnasium, restaurant, feed shop and a dairy farm established with support from DIC. It also identified documentation, CIBIL-related issues and applicant requests as among the reasons for some proposals being returned or rejected.
The Sports & Youth Affairs Department highlighted the ASMITA Women’s Badminton City League, which brought together 16 teams from Soreng and Gyalshing, along with coaching camps in badminton and boxing. The department outlined continued efforts towards strengthening sports infrastructure, talent identification, competition exposure and participation of girls and women.
The Cooperation Department reviewed the status of cooperative societies, membership, beneficiary coverage and measures for strengthening the cooperative sector.
The Power Department presented progress under RDSS/DEC, including smart-metering and infrastructure works. The presentation reported 78 per cent smart-meter efficiency in Soreng and completion of ₹12.24 crore worth of HT covered-conductor works.
During the presentations, department heads also brought out challenges, bottlenecks and implementation gaps affecting scheme outcomes. Dr Indra Hang Subba sought clarifications on the figures presented, particularly where variations required further examination, and discussed measures for improving performance and implementation.
The departmental presentations and ensuing discussions provided the committee with a consolidated assessment of Soreng’s developmental progress, covering scheme implementation, beneficiary coverage, physical and financial achievements, infrastructure, livelihood initiatives and areas requiring further intervention.
A highlight of the meeting where Fambong GPU was acknowledged as the best-performing GPU for PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. Attracting the Solar Model Village and winning a central financial assistance grant in the district.
Also present were: Zilla Panchayats and Panchayat Members, Soreng Nagar Panchayat Members, SDM (HQ) Mr Prem K Subba, SDM, Soreng Ms Sakchum Lepcha, OSD to MLA Zoom-Salghari, Mr Roshan Kumar Pradhan, OSD to MLA Daramdin, Mr MK Rai, HODs of Various line Departments, Officials and representatives of various departments in the district, amongst others.
