News & Announcement
State-Level International Labour Day Programme Held at Jorethang
Namchi, 01 May (IPR): Marking the observance of International Labour Day 2026, a state-level awareness programme on labour laws for building and other construction workers was organised at the Community Hall, Jorethang, today. The programme was jointly conducted by the Sikkim Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board in collaboration with the Sikkim Labour Welfare Board under the Labour Department, Government of Sikkim.
The Minister for Labour and Buildings & Housing Departments, Mr Bhim Hang Limboo, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. He was joined by MLA of Salghari-Zoom and Advisor for Transport and Skill Development Departments, Mr Madan Century, as the Guest of Honour. Advisor to the Labour Department, Mr Phigu Tshering Bhutia, and Chairman of the Sikkim Labour Welfare Board, Mr Prem Raj Gurung, attended as Special Guests.
In his address, the Chief Guest expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister, Mr Prem Singh Tamang, for his continued support towards the welfare of the labour workforce in the State. He conveyed that, owing to prior commitments, the Chief Minister could not attend the programme, but assured that future celebrations would be held on a larger scale with his presence. The Minister emphasised that the State Government and the Department have consistently remained at the forefront in supporting workers and strengthening their livelihoods.
Highlighting key initiatives, the Minister announced that hostels for the children of labourers would be established across all five districts of the State, noting that Gangtok district already has such a facility. He further informed that land has been identified and registered in Pakyong and Mangan districts for similar developments. The Government, he added, would also prioritise infrastructure development and the deployment of staff for educational support and essential services in these hostels.
He urged workers to avail themselves of the various welfare schemes implemented for their benefit, reiterating the Government’s commitment to improving their socio-economic conditions.
Advisor to the Labour Department, Mr Phigu Tshering Bhutia, highlighted the importance of awareness among workers regarding labour laws and statutory provisions, stating that such knowledge empowers them in their daily lives.
Chairman of the Sikkim Labour Welfare Board, Mr Prem Raj Gurung, expressed appreciation to the Chief Minister for his unwavering support towards workers’ welfare. He also commended the dedication of labourers during the recent visit of the Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi, and extended his gratitude for their contribution.
Elaborating on the functioning of the Sikkim Labour Welfare Board, it was informed that Labour Inspectors have been deployed across all six districts to collect data on workers in the unorganised sector. Unregistered workers were encouraged to enrol through the Department to avail themselves of various schemes and benefits.
Earlier, Secretary, Labour Department, Mr Bhim Thatal, delivered the welcome address and conveyed the Chief Minister’s message on the occasion. He underscored the global significance of International Labour Day and paid tribute to the invaluable contributions of workers in shaping society.
Additional Labour Commissioner, Mr Shiromani Neopaney, conducted an awareness session on various labour laws and highlighted welfare schemes available under the Department, including those of BOCW and ESIS.
The programme also featured the presentation of the Shram Samman Puraskar, awarded to one worker from each district in recognition of their contributions:
Mr Dhan Kumar Chettri (Gangtok)
Mr Chatra Bahadur Limboo (Soreng)
Mr Tshering Dupden Lepcha (Mangan)
Mr Lako Bhutia (Pakyong)
Mr Ratna Bahadur Thatal (Namchi)
Mr Lal Bahadur Rai (Gyalshing)
Additionally, the Sikkim Labour Welfare Board conferred awards under four categories:
Platinum Excellence Award:
Mr Chung Chung Bhutia (Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd.)
Star Performer of the Year: Mr Abel Lepcha (Lupin Ltd.)
Operational Excellence Award: Mr Sanjay Lama Tamang (Juventus Healthcare Ltd.)
All-Rounder Performer Award: Mr Surendra Rai (Titan Company Ltd.)
As part of the welfare initiative, 60 unorganised workers were provided with benefits under the Board’s schemes.
The programme also included felicitation of dignitaries, cultural and musical performances, and the screening of a short film on BOCW.
The vote of thanks was delivered by the Labour Commissioner, Mr K R Limboo.
Among those present were Advisor (SBS) Mr Biren Chandra Rai, Advisor (AYUSH) Mr Arun Kumar Ghatani, Chairman of the State Sports Development Board Mr Rinzing Wangyal Bhutia, Panchayat (NJNP) Ms Manjari Rai, District Collector (Namchi) Ms Anupa Tamling, Senior Superintendent of Police (Namchi) Ms Sonam Doma Bhutia, SDM (Jorethang) Mr Bhoj Bahadur Rai, ASP (Traffic) Ms Jyoti Chettri, SDPO (Jorethang) Mr Kesang D Bhutia, along with officers, officials, and staff of the Labour Department, and other dignitaries.
The Minister for Labour and Buildings & Housing Departments, Mr Bhim Hang Limboo, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. He was joined by MLA of Salghari-Zoom and Advisor for Transport and Skill Development Departments, Mr Madan Century, as the Guest of Honour. Advisor to the Labour Department, Mr Phigu Tshering Bhutia, and Chairman of the Sikkim Labour Welfare Board, Mr Prem Raj Gurung, attended as Special Guests.
In his address, the Chief Guest expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister, Mr Prem Singh Tamang, for his continued support towards the welfare of the labour workforce in the State. He conveyed that, owing to prior commitments, the Chief Minister could not attend the programme, but assured that future celebrations would be held on a larger scale with his presence. The Minister emphasised that the State Government and the Department have consistently remained at the forefront in supporting workers and strengthening their livelihoods.
Highlighting key initiatives, the Minister announced that hostels for the children of labourers would be established across all five districts of the State, noting that Gangtok district already has such a facility. He further informed that land has been identified and registered in Pakyong and Mangan districts for similar developments. The Government, he added, would also prioritise infrastructure development and the deployment of staff for educational support and essential services in these hostels.
He urged workers to avail themselves of the various welfare schemes implemented for their benefit, reiterating the Government’s commitment to improving their socio-economic conditions.
Advisor to the Labour Department, Mr Phigu Tshering Bhutia, highlighted the importance of awareness among workers regarding labour laws and statutory provisions, stating that such knowledge empowers them in their daily lives.
Chairman of the Sikkim Labour Welfare Board, Mr Prem Raj Gurung, expressed appreciation to the Chief Minister for his unwavering support towards workers’ welfare. He also commended the dedication of labourers during the recent visit of the Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi, and extended his gratitude for their contribution.
Elaborating on the functioning of the Sikkim Labour Welfare Board, it was informed that Labour Inspectors have been deployed across all six districts to collect data on workers in the unorganised sector. Unregistered workers were encouraged to enrol through the Department to avail themselves of various schemes and benefits.
Earlier, Secretary, Labour Department, Mr Bhim Thatal, delivered the welcome address and conveyed the Chief Minister’s message on the occasion. He underscored the global significance of International Labour Day and paid tribute to the invaluable contributions of workers in shaping society.
Additional Labour Commissioner, Mr Shiromani Neopaney, conducted an awareness session on various labour laws and highlighted welfare schemes available under the Department, including those of BOCW and ESIS.
The programme also featured the presentation of the Shram Samman Puraskar, awarded to one worker from each district in recognition of their contributions:
Mr Dhan Kumar Chettri (Gangtok)
Mr Chatra Bahadur Limboo (Soreng)
Mr Tshering Dupden Lepcha (Mangan)
Mr Lako Bhutia (Pakyong)
Mr Ratna Bahadur Thatal (Namchi)
Mr Lal Bahadur Rai (Gyalshing)
Additionally, the Sikkim Labour Welfare Board conferred awards under four categories:
Platinum Excellence Award:
Mr Chung Chung Bhutia (Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd.)
Star Performer of the Year: Mr Abel Lepcha (Lupin Ltd.)
Operational Excellence Award: Mr Sanjay Lama Tamang (Juventus Healthcare Ltd.)
All-Rounder Performer Award: Mr Surendra Rai (Titan Company Ltd.)
As part of the welfare initiative, 60 unorganised workers were provided with benefits under the Board’s schemes.
The programme also included felicitation of dignitaries, cultural and musical performances, and the screening of a short film on BOCW.
The vote of thanks was delivered by the Labour Commissioner, Mr K R Limboo.
Among those present were Advisor (SBS) Mr Biren Chandra Rai, Advisor (AYUSH) Mr Arun Kumar Ghatani, Chairman of the State Sports Development Board Mr Rinzing Wangyal Bhutia, Panchayat (NJNP) Ms Manjari Rai, District Collector (Namchi) Ms Anupa Tamling, Senior Superintendent of Police (Namchi) Ms Sonam Doma Bhutia, SDM (Jorethang) Mr Bhoj Bahadur Rai, ASP (Traffic) Ms Jyoti Chettri, SDPO (Jorethang) Mr Kesang D Bhutia, along with officers, officials, and staff of the Labour Department, and other dignitaries.
