Gangtok: The Sikkim Legislative Assembly convened for a brisk yet impactful one-day special session on Monday, addressing pivotal areas of state governance, particularly focusing on bolstering education and enhancing transparency.
Education Minister Raju Basnet spearheaded the introduction of the Scholars University of Skills and Innovation, Sikkim Bill, 2025. This forward-thinking legislation aims to establish a new university dedicated to fostering skill development and driving innovation within Sikkim’s higher education landscape, a move anticipated to empower the state’s youth with future-ready capabilities.
In a dual role, Minister Basnet also tabled the Sikkim Lokayukta (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in his capacity as Minister-in-Charge of the Law Department. This crucial bill seeks to significantly strengthen the existing Lokayukta Act. It proposes amendments designed to broaden the investigative and oversight powers of the Lokayukta, the state’s top anti-corruption body. The urgency of the matter was evident as the House immediately took the bill into consideration, with expectations for its passage within the very same day. These proposed changes are aimed at providing the Lokayukta with greater teeth to probe complaints against high-ranking officials, including the Chief Minister, ministers, and various government employees, thereby underscoring the state’s unwavering commitment to clean and accountable governance.
Adding another layer of financial scrutiny and accountability, Chief Minister P.S. Tamang, who also holds the Finance portfolio, presented the Annual Consolidated Audit Report for the fiscal year 2023–24. This comprehensive report offers a detailed review of the financial performance and accountability of Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies across Sikkim, highlighting the government’s dedication to robust financial oversight at the grassroots level.