Namchi, September 23 (IPR): The inaugural ceremony of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate Office/Sub-Divisional Administrative Centre was held at Palitam, Namthang, today.
The Centre was formally inaugurated by Area MLA Namthang-Rateypani and Advisor, Power Department, Mr Sanjeet Kharel, who attended the occasion as the Chief Guest. Secretary-cum-Relief Commissioner, Land Revenue Department, Disaster Management Department and Department of Personnel (DOP), Mr Rinzing Chewang Bhutia, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour.
Addressing the gathering, Area MLA Namthang-Rateypani Mr Sanjeet Kharel stated that the commencement of the Sub-Divisional Centre at Namthang marks a significant step towards bringing essential administrative services closer to the people and fulfilling a long-standing demand. He highlighted the proactive approach of the State Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang, towards strengthening accessible and responsive governance at the grassroots level, and expressed his gratitude for the establishment of the Centre.
He further called for active cooperation from the public to ensure the effective functioning of the Centre, noting that the process may take some time to be fully streamlined. He urged all stakeholders to work collectively towards making the Centre efficient and responsive to public needs. Additionally, he also proposed that departments such as Transport, Labour, Water Resources and PHE be accommodated at the Centre in a phased manner to further facilitate convenient access to essential services for the public.
Emphasising the collective responsibility towards the development and beautification of the constituency, the Area MLA encouraged the public to maintain cleanliness along roadsides and cultivate flowers including lalupate and rhododendron while also highlighting various developmental works being undertaken in the constituency.
Speaking on the occassion, Secretary cum Relief Commissioner Mr Rinzing Chewang Bhutia extended his congratulations to people of the region on the establishment of the new Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) office and said that the initiative is a significant step towards strengthening decentralised administration and improving access to government services for the people of Namthang-Rateypani. He emphasized that the office’s success and operational effectiveness rely heavily on the public's cooperation and responsibility.
While urging citizens to exercise patience as the office becomes fully operational, he requested the District Administrative Centre, Namchi, to extend necessary support for the smooth rollout of local administrative services. He further assured that manpower would be provided to the office, including through engagement of personnel from other departments, subject to the availability of personnel and the requirements of the region.
Highlighting the statewide “Friday Safety Five” campaign launched by the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) in collaboration with the District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), he explained that the initiative aims to strengthen disaster preparedness and safety awareness among children at schools and ICDS centres. Referring to Sikkim’s vulnerability to landslides, earthquakes and other natural hazards, he urged parents to engage with their children on basic safety practices and reinforce the lessons imparted through the programme.
In her address, DC Namchi Ms Anupa Tamling highlighted that the establishment of the Sub-Divisional Centre at Namthang marks a significant step towards bringing administration closer to the people and strengthening the delivery of citizen-centric services in line with the State Government’s vision of good governance. She stated that the Centre will facilitate essential administrative and documentation-related services locally, including relief-related processes, thereby reducing the need for residents to travel to Namchi for such services. She assured that the District Administration will extend full support and guidance to ensure the smooth functioning of the newly established Centre and address any challenges that may arise.
Referring to the challenges encountered during the SIR process, the DC urged Zilla and Panchayat members to actively create awareness among the public on the importance of maintaining and updating essential documents. She emphasised that proper documentation is vital for accessing government services and benefits and reiterated the District Administration’s commitment to providing continuous support to the people through the Sub-Divisional Centre.
To officially mark the commencement of the doccument delivery services, the SDM Office Namthang also issued land registration certificates (Parcha), tribal certificates and other essential documents to the Area MLA and other public on the occasion.
The newly established Sub-Divisional Administrative Centre, Namthang, currently accommodates the offices of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Revenue Officer (RO), Registration Cell and Certificate Cell, with plans to introduce additional administrative offices and services in the future.
During the occasion, the Zilla Panchayat and Panchayat Members of the Namthang-Rateypani Constituency presented tokens of appreciation to the Area MLA, Secretary-cum-Relief Commissioner, LRMDD, DC Namchi, SSP Namchi and ADC Namchi, in recognition of their continued support and service towards the welfare of the public.
Thereafter, the MLA, along with the Secretary, DC Namchi, SSP Namchi, ADC Namchi and other officials, inspected the Kisan Bazar at Palitam, which is proposed to be utilised as the SDM Office in the near future.
Also present during the occasion were, Advisor (Panchayati Raj) Ms Rama Tamang, Chairperson (Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department) Ms Doma Lepcha , alongside, DC Namchi Ms Anupa Tamling, SSP Namchi Ms Sonam Dolma Bhutia, ADC (Namchi) Mr Subash Ghimirey, CEO (Namchi) Mr G P Sharma, SDM (Namthang) Mr Prabin Gautam, SDM (Namchi) Mr Wangyal Sherpa, BDO (Namthang) Mr Ratan Gurung, RO/AD(LRMDD)Mr Abikson Das, CDPO (Namchi) Mr Luxuman Tamang alongwith the OSDs, Zilla Panchayats, Panchayat Panchayat Members, Office Staff, Police Personnels and general public.
On the occassion, the welcome address was delivered by SDM Namthang Mr Prabin Gautam, while the vote of thanks was proposed by AD/RO Mr Abikson Das.
Report From DIO Namchi