Namchi, July 1, 2026: Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Wednesday announced that July 1 will henceforth be observed every year as Gwala Diwas in the state, reaffirming his government's commitment to recognising the invaluable contribution of dairy farmers and strengthening the livestock sector through a series of welfare initiatives.
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| Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang presents the prestigious Gwala Ratna Puraskar 2026, carrying a cash award of ₹3 lakh, to Arun Rai of Pabyuik Milk Producers' Cooperative Society during the 6th Gwala Diwas celebration in Namchi on July 1, 2026. (Image: DIO Namchi) |
The announcement was made during the celebration of Gwala Day 2026, organised by the Sikkim Co-operative Milk Producers' Union Limited at the Town Hall in Namchi. The programme was attended by Deputy Speaker Raj Kumari Thapa, Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Minister Puran Kumar Gurung, senior government officials, representatives of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), members of milk producers' cooperative societies, dairy farmers and members of the public.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Tamang congratulated the Sikkim Milk Union and the dairy farming community on the sixth edition of Gwala Diwas. He said the event, first introduced in 2021, has evolved into an important platform for honouring the dedication and hard work of dairy farmers, milk producers and the Gwala (herder) community, who play a crucial role in strengthening Sikkim's rural economy and dairy sector.
Highlighting the significance of July 1, the Chief Minister noted that the day also marks Doctors' Day and National Chartered Accountants Day. He thanked doctors and healthcare professionals for their dedicated service before officially declaring that July 1 will now be observed annually as Gwala Diwas across Sikkim.
The Chief Minister also unveiled a new environmental initiative, announcing that Sikkim Paryavaran Parva will be observed every year from July 1 to July 14 to promote environmental conservation and encourage public participation in protecting nature.
As part of the campaign, Tamang announced a unique climate action initiative under which all non-essential vehicular movement across the state will come to a halt for seven minutes—from 11:00 a.m. to 11:07 a.m. on July 7. The symbolic pause is intended to raise awareness about reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change.
Sharing memories from his childhood, Tamang recalled that he used to deliver milk before attending school, giving him a deep understanding of the struggles and dedication of dairy farmers.
He said Gwala Diwas holds a special place in his heart because of his own experiences growing up in a farming family.
Recognising the contribution of dairy farming households, the Chief Minister announced that the State Government will fully sponsor higher education for children belonging to Gwala families who wish to pursue studies beyond school.
He also announced that July 27 will henceforth be observed to honour the contribution of the state's driver community.
The Chief Minister felicitated Arun Rai of Pabyuik Milk Producers' Cooperative Society (MPCS), Gangtok, who received the prestigious Gwala Ratna Puraskar 2026.
Three best-performing milk-producing centres were also honoured with cash awards of ₹10 lakh, ₹7 lakh and ₹5 lakh, respectively.
Praising the growth of Sikkim's dairy industry, Tamang noted that daily milk procurement by the Sikkim Milk Union has increased from nearly 68,000 litres in 2021 to more than 71,000 litres in 2026, reflecting steady expansion of the sector.
The Chief Minister used the occasion to highlight several flagship welfare programmes implemented by his government.
He spoke about the Chief Minister's Education Assistance Scheme (CMEAS), which provides financial assistance ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 to deserving students. He cited the success story of Chunu Rai from Meyong village, whose dream of becoming a professional pilot was realised through government support.
Tamang also highlighted the state's rural housing initiatives, stating that more than 11,000 houses have already been allotted under various schemes, with completion targeted by 2027.
He said the Sikkim Garib Awas Yojana (SGAY) provides permanent houses costing approximately ₹17.51 lakh each to eligible rural beneficiaries, while the Sikkim Garib Urban Awas Yojana (SUGAY) extends similar benefits to urban residents.
Reaffirming his government's commitment to women's welfare, Tamang highlighted several initiatives, including the Aama Yojana, Aama Sahyog Yojana, which provides four free LPG cylinder refills annually to eligible mothers, and the Bahini Yojana, under which free sanitary pads have been distributed to secondary and senior secondary schoolgirls since 2020.
Welcoming the recent Supreme Court judgment recognising menstrual hygiene as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution, he appreciated the move to provide free biodegradable sanitary pads in schools nationwide.
The Chief Minister also spoke about the recently launched Vatsalaya Scheme, which provides financial assistance of ₹3 lakh to couples facing infertility. He further highlighted the Chief Minister's Medical Assistance Scheme, Self Employment Assistance Scheme, Old Age Pension Scheme, Kalakar Bharosa Samelan and Mero Rukh Mero Santati initiative.
As part of the government's healthcare outreach, Tamang announced that the Sikkim Garib Jan Kalyan Prakostha, in collaboration with the District Health Department, will organise a large-scale screening and surgical programme for kidney and gallbladder stone patients in Namchi district under the supervision of specialist doctors.
The Chief Minister praised the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Self-Help Groups and cooperative societies for strengthening rural livelihoods.
He announced that a dedicated Panchayat Samelan would be organised across all six districts to empower grassroots governance.
He also informed that the State-level Bhanu Jayanti Celebration 2026 will be held in Soreng district on July 13.
The programme also witnessed the launch of several new dairy products developed by the Sikkim Milk Union, including Indrakil Rasdana, Peda, Lollipop and Butterscotch-flavoured Ice Cream, aimed at promoting value addition and expanding market opportunities for locally produced dairy products.
District-wise awards were presented to the best-performing Village Milk Producers' Cooperative Societies from Pakyong, Gangtok, Namchi, Gyalshing, Soreng and Mangan districts. Pabyuik MPCS of Gangtok was recognised as the Best Performing Milk Producers' Cooperative Society in the state.
The event also recognised Aditya Pandey as the Best Performing Student from the Gwala community, who received a cash award of ₹1 lakh along with a memento. Cooperative societies and financial institutions distributed share certificates, ATM cards and financial assistance for poultry farming under the Contract Farming Scheme. The Animal Husbandry Department also honoured outstanding dairy farmers and distributed animal neck bands to encourage scientific livestock management.
The celebrations concluded with the presentation of the Gwala Ratna Puraskar 2026 to Arun Rai, who received a cash prize of ₹3 lakh and a memento for his exceptional contribution to Sikkim's dairy sector.
With the declaration of July 1 as the official Gwala Diwas, the launch of new welfare measures, educational support for dairy farming families, and renewed emphasis on sustainable dairy development, the state government has reinforced its commitment to recognising dairy farmers as key contributors to Sikkim's rural economy and inclusive development.
