Joint Secretary & Mission Director, Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen), reviews rural sanitation progress in Sikkim
Ms. Aishvarya Singh, IAS -Joint Secretary & Mission Director, SBM (G) visited Sikkim to review the progress of the State under the Swachh Bharat Mission (G) Phase-II. The State team took the National MD to various sites across different Blocks.
On December 4, 2025, Ms. Singh visited Damthang (Punjitar) Gram Panchayat under Namchi Block in Namchi District, where she inspected Community Sanitary Complexes (CSCs), Individual Household Latrines (IHHLs) and soak pits. The site review was followed by at interaction with the Panchayat members, VWSC, sanitation workers, District and Block officials and local citizens. A presentation was made by ADC (Development), Namchi briefing on progress in the GPU and various interventions done by them over the years for SBM(G). The interaction reiterated the important roles played by all stakeholders and the strong Janbhagidari in Sikkim.
On 5th December 2025, Ms. Singh, along with Sh. Anil Raj Rai, Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD), Sikkim, chaired a State level review meeting with the BDOs, ADCs Development, DCs of all districts where the ongoing works and progress of the State under SBM-G Phase II was discussed. The progress specifically in the present financial year was also reviewed and the State was asked to expedite the same. The Department also presented their views and focus for way ahead for the State.
On 5th December the Mission Director called on the Chief Secretary Sh. Ravindra Telang and had a detailed discussion on the State’s progress under the scheme with him.
On 6th December Ms. Singh visited the Chalamthang Pachaykhani GPU under Pakyong Block in Pakyong District and was shown the various SBM-G assets like GWM arrangements and compost pits. She interacted with the Panchayats and residents of the village. This was followed by a visit to the PWMU and segregation shed at Rhenock GPU under Rhenock Block of Pakyong District. The Mission Director had a detailed discussion with the PWMU incharge, the Panchayat Members and the Safai Karmacharis and also saw the segregation happening on-site. She appreciated the work being done and also gave few suggestions to the team. The day concluded with a visit to the Co-treatment of Faecal Sludge Facility at Adamphool STP, Gangtok that is being constructed under SBM(G)- Phase II.
During the field visits Ms. Singh was accompanied by Ms. Koshi Kapil, Additional Secretary & State MD, SBM(G), concerned Departmental officials, ADCs (Development) and BDOs in addition to area Panchayats.
In the evening the Ms. Singh met with Shri Arun Kumar Upreti, Hon’ble Minister, Rural Development Department, Government of Sikkim and Ms. Kala Rai, Hon’ble Advisor, rural Development Department, Government of Sikkim along with the Secretary, RDD and his team