Namchi, 25 February : Today, I had the honour of attending the Distribution of Allotment Orders for the construction of an Individual Workshed-cum-Exposure Visit for 10 dedicated handloom trainees, following the successful completion of 145 days of intensive training at Lower Gagyong. The programme was held at DHH, Gangtok, and it was truly inspiring to witness our trainees stepping forward towards self-reliance and entrepreneurship.
The event was attended by Shri C. L. Gurung, Advisor to the Food Processing Department; Shri Tshering Topgay Bhutia, Director; and Shri Jigmee Pintso Bhutia, Director-cum-Nodal Officer. Hon'ble Panchayat President Shri D.R. Gurung of Sripatam GPU,  Shri Nimu Lepcha, Hon'ble Panchayat L.Gagyong and former panchayat president smt.Sonika Lepcha  were also present, showing strong grassroots support for skill development initiatives.
The allotment orders handed over today symbolise empowerment, dignity, and sustainable livelihood opportunities for our local artisans. Handloom is not just an art—it is our heritage and identity. It carries forward the stories, traditions and cultural richness of our people from one generation to the next. Supporting this sector means preserving our roots while creating economic opportunities.
Such initiatives reflect the vision of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang-Golay for “Sunaulo Sikkim, Samridha Sikkim and Samartha Sikkim”—a golden, prosperous and empowered Sikkim. His continued emphasis on skill development and self-reliance is guiding the state towards inclusive and sustainable growth.
I congratulate all the beneficiaries and wish them success and prosperity in their future endeavours.