Mangan, February 10 (IPR): The MoU Signing Programme under the Swachh Shehar Jodi (SSJ) initiative of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) was successfully held today at the Front Hall of Mangan Nagar Panchayat (MNP).
Mangan Nagar Panchayat, a recognised Mentor City under the Swachh Shehar Jodi initiative, formally signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the following Mentee Urban Local Bodies:
• Rangpo Nagar Panchayat
• Singtam Nagar Panchayat
• Naya Bazaar–Jorethang Nagar Panchayat
The MoUs aim to promote institutional collaboration, knowledge sharing, capacity building and accelerated implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) goals, particularly in the areas of sanitation, waste management and urban cleanliness.
The programme was graced by the Minister, Urban Development & Housing Department, Mr Bhoj Raj Rai, as the Chief Guest, along with the Guest of Honour, Area MLA-cum-Minister for Social Welfare, Mr Samdup Lepcha.
The programme also had the esteemed presence of Chairperson UDD Ms Chung Chung Bhutia, Chairman, Sikkim Welfare Commission Mr Nim Tshering Lepcha, Commissioner cum Secretary UDD Mr Jitendra Singh Raje, Secretary UDD Ms Yogita Rai, OSD UDD, Ms Deo Kumari, OSD Lachen Mangan Mr Tshering Wangyal Bhutia, Special Secretary cum Mission Director SBM Mr Jigmee Wangchuk Bhutia, Special Secretary UDD Mr Hemant Rai, Joint Secretary UDD, Mr GL Meena, Joint Secretary UDD, Ms Jeeusha Rai, other officers of UDD, DC Mangan Mr Anant Jain, Brand Ambassador SBM-MNP (U), Mr Rinzing Namgyal Bhutia, President MNP Ms Norkit Lepcha, MNP Councillors, President and Councillors of Rangpo, Singtam and Jorethang Nagar Panchayats, MEOs of all four ULBs, officials of MNP, district officials and Safai Mitras.
In his address, Chief Guest Mr Bhoj Raj Rai highlighted that the Swachh Shehar Jodi (SSJ) – 2025 is a flagship initiative of the Government of India under Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0, aimed at strengthening urban sanitation and waste management through city-to-city collaboration.
Explaining the philosophy of the programme, he said that it is based on the “Each One Teach One” model, under which high-performing cities act as mentors to guide and support developing cities by sharing their experiences, best practices, and technical know-how. He congratulated Mangan Nagar Panchayat for being elevated to the status of a Mentor City, describing it as a recognition of its sustained excellence and commitment to Swachhata.
The Minister emphasised that the foundation of a clean city begins at the household level, with proper segregation of waste at source. He stressed that awareness and behavioural change among citizens is more important than infrastructure alone. He also praised the involvement of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in waste management and recycling activities, stating that their participation has not only improved cleanliness but has also created livelihood opportunities and social development. He further said that cleanliness is not only the responsibility of elected representatives or government departments, but of every citizen. Appreciating the hard work of sanitation workers and field staff, he acknowledged their vital role in keeping the town clean and healthy. He assured full support from his department for all initiatives aimed at improving urban sanitation, waste management and sustainability and urged everyone to work with sincerity and collective responsibility for a cleaner and greener Mangan.
Addressing the gathering, Area MLA-cum-Minister Mr Samdup Lepcha congratulated Mangan Nagar Panchayat for its remarkable achievement in being recognised as a Mentor City under Swachh Shehar Jodi. He said that Mangan’s consistent performance in cleanliness, waste management and citizen participation reflects the dedication and discipline of its elected representatives, officials, sanitation workers and the people of Mangan.
The Minister acknowledged the unique challenges faced by Mangan, particularly its disaster-prone terrain and difficult road conditions and stated that despite these hardships, the Nagar Panchayat has continued to maintain high standards of cleanliness and service delivery. He appreciated the resilience and commitment of the MNP team and said that their work has set an example for other towns in the State.
The Minister urged the people of Mangan to continue supporting the MNP by practising source segregation, responsible waste disposal and community participation, stating that government efforts alone cannot achieve the goal of a clean city without public cooperation. He extended his best wishes to MNP and expressed confidence that it would successfully guide the mentee cities in their journey towards cleanliness and sustainability.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary, UDD, Mr Jitendra Singh Raje, congratulated MNP for attaining the Mentor City status and for its high performance in data processing and consistency. He emphasised that the image of the State is reflected through its towns and urged continuous learning and preparedness to address future sustainability challenges.
Earlier, the programme commenced with the traditional offering of khadas to the dignitaries, followed by the lighting of the ceremonial lamp. The Welcome Address was delivered by Councillor MNP Ms. Tshering Doma Bhutia.
The Inaugural Address was delivered by Special Secretary-cum-Mission Director, Mr Jigmee Wangchuk Bhutia, who explained the objectives of the Swachh Shehar Jodi initiative and outlined its Eight Thematic Focus Areas, which include:
1. Visible Cleanliness – elimination of Garbage Vulnerable Points (GVPs) and improvement of public spaces
2. Waste Segregation & Transportation – 100% door-to-door collection and segregation
3. Solid Waste Management – scientific processing, MRFs, composting, and landfill systems
4. Access to Sanitation – universal access to functional public and community toilets
5. Used Water Management – greywater and faecal sludge management
6. Mechanisation & Welfare of Sanitation Workers – mechanised desludging, PPE, insurance and health checks
7. Swachhata Advocacy – Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) and community engagement
8. Citizen Feedback & Grievance Redressal – improved helplines, apps and dashboards
He further informed that Mangan Nagar Panchayat, having secured the Cleanest ULB Award 2025 and maintaining the top position from 2022 to 2024, has now been placed in the category of High-Performing Mentor Cities under Swachh Survekshan. He congratulated the elected members and officials of MNP for their outstanding and consistent performance.
A detailed presentation on the Action Plan for Swachh Shehar Jodi was delivered by MEO, MNP, Mr Karzong Bhutia, highlighting the key objectives such as:
• Replication of best practices
• Strengthening waste processing infrastructure in mentee cities
• Improving citizen engagement and documentation
• Logistics and operational support
Additional initiatives such as upcycling and recycling through green start-ups, Swachh Talks, Swachh Survekshan preparation support, hands-on field training, capacity-building workshops and documentation support were also proposed.
An Open Discussion and Q&A session was held, followed by the formal signing of the MoU between Mangan, Singtam, Rangpo, and Naya Bazaar–Jorethang Nagar Panchayats.
The programme concluded with the presentation of souvenirs to the dignitaries and a Vote of Thanks by Assistant Bazaar Inspector, MNP, Mr Dup Tshering Bhutia. The dignitaries later visited the SHG stalls and the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) Centre.
The MoU signing marks a significant milestone in strengthening urban sanitation, sustainability, and collaborative governance across urban local bodies in Sikkim, with Mangan Nagar Panchayat now playing a leading role as a Mentor City under the Swachh Shehar Jodi initiative.
- Report from DIO Mangan