News & Announcement
Sikkim General Budget Session Continues; House Passes Two Bills
Gangtok, July 21 (IPR): The second day of the General Budget Session 2026–27 of the Eleventh Sikkim Legislative Assembly, presided over by Speaker Mr Mingma Norbu Sherpa, commenced on a solemn note with the House observing a two-minute silence as a mark of respect to those who lost their lives in the tragic incident at the under-construction tunnel of the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project at Samardung, Jholungey, in Namchi district on July 20.
At the outset, the Speaker expressed profound grief over the tragic incident and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families while wishing a speedy recovery to those injured.
Chief Minister and Leader of the House, Mr Prem Singh Tamang, also expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and informed the House that ex-gratia assistance would be provided to the families of the deceased and to the injured under the standard norms of the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). He further assured that the government is closely monitoring the situation and extending all possible support to those affected.
The Chief Minister further informed the House that Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Mr Amit Shah had spoken to him regarding the incident. He said he had apprised them of the ongoing rescue operations being undertaken by the state government in coordination with the NDRF and other agencies, and added that both leaders had expressed deep concern over the tragedy and assured all possible assistance from the Government of India.
Thereafter, the House saw the passing of the Sikkim Medical Council for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2026 (Bill No. 04 of 2026) and the National Council for Skill Education, Sikkim (Repealing) Bill, 2026 (Bill No. 08 of 2026).
The Sikkim Medical Council for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2026 (Bill No. 04 of 2026) had been introduced by Minister-in-Charge of Ayush Department, Mr GT Dhungel, while the National Council for Skill Education, Sikkim (Repealing) Bill, 2026 (Bill No. 08 of 2026) had been introduced by Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang, also the Minister-in-Charge of Skill Development Department, during the Legislative Business of the General Budget Session on July 20.
The House also adopted the Motion of Thanks on the Governor’s address.
During the financial business, the General Budget 2026-27 was taken up in the House. The Speaker informed the House that the Budget would be taken up for passing on July 23, 2026.
Subsequently,with Deputy Speaker Ms Raj Kumari Thapa presiding, the House passed the Separate Demands for Grants for 2026-27.
The Separate Demands for Grants 2026-27 were presented under the following Ministers- in-Charge:
Minister-in-Charge of the Public Health Engineering Department, Water Resources Department, and Ecclesiastical Department, Mr Sonam Lama.
Minister-in-Charge of the Rural Development Department, Cooperation Department, and Panchayati Raj Department, Mr Arun Kumar Upreti.
Minister-in-Charge of the Social Welfare Department, Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department, and Printing & Stationery Department, Mr Samdup Lepcha.
Earlier, while presenting the Separate Demands for Grants under his charge, Minister-in-Charge, Mr Arun Kumar Upreti, lauded the General Budget for the financial year 2026–27, describing it as a people's budget that reflects the Government's commitment to inclusive growth and balanced development. He expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister for presenting a Budget that prioritises the welfare and aspirations of the people across all sections of society.
He stated that the Budget lays emphasis on strengthening infrastructure, rural development, social welfare, employment generation, and sustainable economic growth. Referring to the departments under his charge, he briefly highlighted the ongoing developmental initiatives of the Rural Development and Cooperation Departments. He also informed the House about the newly constituted Panchayati Raj Department, stating that steps are being taken to strengthen grassroots governance, enhance the functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions, and ensure effective implementation of development programmes at the local level.
The House was then adjourned till 11:00 am, July 22, 2026.
At the outset, the Speaker expressed profound grief over the tragic incident and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families while wishing a speedy recovery to those injured.
Chief Minister and Leader of the House, Mr Prem Singh Tamang, also expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and informed the House that ex-gratia assistance would be provided to the families of the deceased and to the injured under the standard norms of the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). He further assured that the government is closely monitoring the situation and extending all possible support to those affected.
The Chief Minister further informed the House that Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Mr Amit Shah had spoken to him regarding the incident. He said he had apprised them of the ongoing rescue operations being undertaken by the state government in coordination with the NDRF and other agencies, and added that both leaders had expressed deep concern over the tragedy and assured all possible assistance from the Government of India.
Thereafter, the House saw the passing of the Sikkim Medical Council for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2026 (Bill No. 04 of 2026) and the National Council for Skill Education, Sikkim (Repealing) Bill, 2026 (Bill No. 08 of 2026).
The Sikkim Medical Council for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2026 (Bill No. 04 of 2026) had been introduced by Minister-in-Charge of Ayush Department, Mr GT Dhungel, while the National Council for Skill Education, Sikkim (Repealing) Bill, 2026 (Bill No. 08 of 2026) had been introduced by Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang, also the Minister-in-Charge of Skill Development Department, during the Legislative Business of the General Budget Session on July 20.
The House also adopted the Motion of Thanks on the Governor’s address.
During the financial business, the General Budget 2026-27 was taken up in the House. The Speaker informed the House that the Budget would be taken up for passing on July 23, 2026.
Subsequently,with Deputy Speaker Ms Raj Kumari Thapa presiding, the House passed the Separate Demands for Grants for 2026-27.
The Separate Demands for Grants 2026-27 were presented under the following Ministers- in-Charge:
Minister-in-Charge of the Public Health Engineering Department, Water Resources Department, and Ecclesiastical Department, Mr Sonam Lama.
Minister-in-Charge of the Rural Development Department, Cooperation Department, and Panchayati Raj Department, Mr Arun Kumar Upreti.
Minister-in-Charge of the Social Welfare Department, Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department, and Printing & Stationery Department, Mr Samdup Lepcha.
Earlier, while presenting the Separate Demands for Grants under his charge, Minister-in-Charge, Mr Arun Kumar Upreti, lauded the General Budget for the financial year 2026–27, describing it as a people's budget that reflects the Government's commitment to inclusive growth and balanced development. He expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister for presenting a Budget that prioritises the welfare and aspirations of the people across all sections of society.
He stated that the Budget lays emphasis on strengthening infrastructure, rural development, social welfare, employment generation, and sustainable economic growth. Referring to the departments under his charge, he briefly highlighted the ongoing developmental initiatives of the Rural Development and Cooperation Departments. He also informed the House about the newly constituted Panchayati Raj Department, stating that steps are being taken to strengthen grassroots governance, enhance the functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions, and ensure effective implementation of development programmes at the local level.
The House was then adjourned till 11:00 am, July 22, 2026.
