Namchi, Jan 14: The auspicious festival of Maghey Sankranti was celebrated with traditional fervour and official significance at Jorethang on Wednesday, as the Om Prakash Mathur, Governor of Sikkim, and Prem Singh Tamang, Chief Minister of Sikkim, participated in the festivities.
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| Om Prakash Mathur, Governor of Sikkim with Prem Singh Tamang, Chief Minister of Sikkim |
Upon their arrival, the Governor and the Chief Minister were accorded a warm welcome by members of the Maghey Sankranti Mela Committee, government officers and other dignitaries. The programme began with prayers at the sacred Trikaleshwar Temple, where they prayed for the well-being, peace, prosperity and harmony of the people of Sikkim.
The celebrations were attended by the Deputy Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, Advisors, Chairpersons and senior officers of the Government of Sikkim. Following the prayers, the Governor and the Chief Minister formally inaugurated the Maghey Sankranti Mela 2026 and launched a series of development initiatives aimed at strengthening administrative and healthcare services in the region.
Governor Inaugurates Dialysis Unit at Jorethang CHC
Later in the day, Governor Om Prakash Mathur formally inaugurated the newly established Dialysis Unit at the Community Health Centre (CHC), Jorethang, in the presence of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.
The ceremony was attended by Ministers G.T. Dhungel and Raju Basnet, MLAs Madan Century and L.N. Sharma, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) Dr Indra Hang Subba, Chairman AYUSH Manoj Pradhan, Secretary Health & Family Welfare Department Tshewang Gyachho Bhutia, senior officers of the Health & Family Welfare Department and AYUSH, the District Collector and Additional District Collectors of Namchi, Chief Medical Officer Namchi, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Jorethang, Medical Officer-in-Charge CHC Jorethang, and other dignitaries.
The Dialysis Unit has been equipped with seven modern dialysis beds and will initially operate in a single shift, with scope for expansion to two shifts depending on patient load. The unit will function under the supervision of Dr Abhishek Gautam of Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial Hospital, with support from medicine specialists of the hospital.
On the occasion, the Governor also flagged off ambulances from CHC Jorethang to the District Hospital, Namchi. These ambulances have been provided by Alkem Pharmaceuticals under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, strengthening emergency healthcare services in the region.
New Sub-Divisional Administrative Centre Inaugurated
Earlier, the Governor, accompanied by the Chief Minister, inaugurated the newly completed Sub-Divisional Administrative Centre at Jorethang. The modern complex comprises a basement, ground floor and multiple upper floors, equipped with essential office infrastructure and public service amenities to ensure efficient and citizen-friendly administration.
The new facility will house the offices of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Commercial Taxes Division, Fisheries Department, and several other departments, significantly improving administrative coordination and public accessibility.
The inauguration was attended by Minister for Buildings and Housing Bhim Hang Limboo, Area MLA Madan Century, Vice President NJNP Nikita Rai, Director General of Police Akshay Sachdeva, Secretary-cum-PCE Buildings and Housing Department Asha Gurung, District Collector Namchi Anupa Tamling, DIG Namchi Range Hem Raj Rai, Additional District Collectors Subash Ghimirey and Trisang Tamang, SDM Jorethang Yogen Syangden, and officers from various line departments.
The day’s events highlighted the convergence of cultural celebration and developmental progress, underscoring the state government’s commitment to inclusive growth and improved public services in South Sikkim.
