Press Release
Press Release from Social Welfare Department, Gangtok District
Information & Public Relations Department
One-Day Awareness Programme on Transgender Issues and Nasha Mukth Bharat Abhiyaan.
A one-day Awareness Programme on Transgender Issues and Nasha Mukth Bharat Abhiyaan was organised by the Social Welfare Department, Gangtok District, and held at the Rakdong Tintek GPK Hall on 7 February 2026.
The programme aimed to spread awareness about transgender persons—their rights, welfare measures, social inclusion, and government schemes—while also addressing substance abuse and its harmful effects on individuals and society. The event was attended by Panchayat members, officials from the Social Welfare Department, Gangtok, representatives of the Rainbow Hills Welfare Association, members of the public, and students from the area.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Mr. Niner Lepcha, Welfare Inspector, Gangtok. This was followed by an introductory session by Shri Ganga Prasad Sharma, Senior Welfare Officer, Gangtok District, who outlined the key themes of the programme. Mr. Pempa N. Sherpa, Joint Director, Social Welfare Department, briefed participants on transgender issues, relevant laws and rights, and the welfare schemes implemented by the department for transgender persons.
Mr. Avinam Manger, Resource Person from the Rainbow Hills Welfare Association, delivered an engaging session on transgender issues, sharing real-life experiences and introducing the work of the Association in supporting gender minorities in Sikkim. He explained that many challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community stem from a lack of awareness and understanding. He clarified the meaning of “transgender,” highlighted available government welfare schemes, and informed participants that violence, discrimination, or any unlawful act against a transgender person is a punishable offence. He emphasised the importance of openness, learning, and social acceptance in reducing stigma.
Another Resource Person from the Rainbow Hills Welfare Association, Mr. Sajan Basnett, shared personal experiences as a transgender person in Sikkim, recounting challenges faced since school years and the positive changes observed over time. He highlighted improvements in benefits and support for transgender persons and explained how official registration as a transgender person supported his journey.
Ms. Shreya Sharma, Advocate, spoke in detail on the legal framework, rights, and various government initiatives for the transgender community. She explained penalties for violations of these laws and also discussed relevant Acts and legal provisions under the Nasha Mukth Bharat Abhiyaan. Shri Ganga Prasad Sharma further shared personal experiences to help participants connect more deeply with the subject.
Mr. Ram Kumar Tamang, Deputy Director, Social Welfare Department, delivered a session on the Nasha Mukth Bharat Abhiyaan, emphasising the need for collective efforts to achieve a Nasha Mukth Sikkim. He highlighted ongoing initiatives such as awareness programmes, rehabilitation support, and community participation, and discussed the negative impacts of substance abuse. He also informed participants about government scholarships available to support students’ education.
Feedback was provided by Mrs. Tika Maya Pandey, Panchayat Vice President, who thanked the department and officials for organising the programme and spreading awareness. She underscored the far-reaching impact of substance abuse, noting that it affects not only users but also their families and loved ones.
The programme concluded successfully with a vote of thanks proposed by Shri Ganga Prasad Sharma, Senior Welfare Officer, Gangtok District.
A one-day Awareness Programme on Transgender Issues and Nasha Mukth Bharat Abhiyaan was organised by the Social Welfare Department, Gangtok District, and held at the Rakdong Tintek GPK Hall on 7 February 2026.
The programme aimed to spread awareness about transgender persons—their rights, welfare measures, social inclusion, and government schemes—while also addressing substance abuse and its harmful effects on individuals and society. The event was attended by Panchayat members, officials from the Social Welfare Department, Gangtok, representatives of the Rainbow Hills Welfare Association, members of the public, and students from the area.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Mr. Niner Lepcha, Welfare Inspector, Gangtok. This was followed by an introductory session by Shri Ganga Prasad Sharma, Senior Welfare Officer, Gangtok District, who outlined the key themes of the programme. Mr. Pempa N. Sherpa, Joint Director, Social Welfare Department, briefed participants on transgender issues, relevant laws and rights, and the welfare schemes implemented by the department for transgender persons.
Mr. Avinam Manger, Resource Person from the Rainbow Hills Welfare Association, delivered an engaging session on transgender issues, sharing real-life experiences and introducing the work of the Association in supporting gender minorities in Sikkim. He explained that many challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community stem from a lack of awareness and understanding. He clarified the meaning of “transgender,” highlighted available government welfare schemes, and informed participants that violence, discrimination, or any unlawful act against a transgender person is a punishable offence. He emphasised the importance of openness, learning, and social acceptance in reducing stigma.
Another Resource Person from the Rainbow Hills Welfare Association, Mr. Sajan Basnett, shared personal experiences as a transgender person in Sikkim, recounting challenges faced since school years and the positive changes observed over time. He highlighted improvements in benefits and support for transgender persons and explained how official registration as a transgender person supported his journey.
Ms. Shreya Sharma, Advocate, spoke in detail on the legal framework, rights, and various government initiatives for the transgender community. She explained penalties for violations of these laws and also discussed relevant Acts and legal provisions under the Nasha Mukth Bharat Abhiyaan. Shri Ganga Prasad Sharma further shared personal experiences to help participants connect more deeply with the subject.
Mr. Ram Kumar Tamang, Deputy Director, Social Welfare Department, delivered a session on the Nasha Mukth Bharat Abhiyaan, emphasising the need for collective efforts to achieve a Nasha Mukth Sikkim. He highlighted ongoing initiatives such as awareness programmes, rehabilitation support, and community participation, and discussed the negative impacts of substance abuse. He also informed participants about government scholarships available to support students’ education.
Feedback was provided by Mrs. Tika Maya Pandey, Panchayat Vice President, who thanked the department and officials for organising the programme and spreading awareness. She underscored the far-reaching impact of substance abuse, noting that it affects not only users but also their families and loved ones.
The programme concluded successfully with a vote of thanks proposed by Shri Ganga Prasad Sharma, Senior Welfare Officer, Gangtok District.
