Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang distributed financial assistance to 1,169 mothers from Rhenock constituency under the Sikkim Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana on Saturday, October 3. The cheque distribution ceremony took place at Titribotey in Rorathang and focused on women’s empowerment and family welfare.
Tamang said the state government would expand the scheme from 32,000 to 50,000 beneficiaries from 2027. The programme currently covers mothers across 31 constituencies and Sangha. The Chief Minister also highlighted several other welfare programmes supporting women, children and families across Sikkim.
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Key Facts
- Date: October 3
- Location: Titribotey, Rorathang, Sikkim
- Beneficiaries in Rhenock: 1,169 mothers
- Current scheme coverage: 32,000 mothers
- Expanded coverage: 50,000 beneficiaries from 2027
- Scheme: Sikkim Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana
- Chief Minister: Prem Singh Tamang
- Department: Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department
1,169 Mothers Receive Financial Assistance
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, who also serves as the Area MLA, attended the cheque distribution ceremony at Titribotey in Rorathang.
The Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department organised the programme. During the event, 1,169 mothers from Rhenock constituency received financial assistance under the state government’s women empowerment initiative.
The Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana aims to improve the socio-economic well-being of mothers. It also seeks to strengthen family support systems and promote greater financial independence among women.
Scheme Covers 32,000 Mothers Across Sikkim
The state government currently provides assistance to 32,000 mothers under the programme.
The scheme covers beneficiaries across 31 constituencies and Sangha. The respective Block Administrative Centres facilitate the distribution of assistance.
Addressing the gathering, Tamang highlighted the role of mothers in families and communities. He said stronger support for women could contribute to stronger families and communities.
The Chief Minister also urged beneficiaries to use the financial assistance carefully and for productive purposes.
Government Plans Expansion From 2027
Tamang announced that the government plans to expand the scheme’s coverage from 32,000 to 50,000 beneficiaries from 2027.
Under the expanded programme, more than 1,500 mothers from each constituency are expected to receive assistance.
The Chief Minister also said beneficiaries who make productive use of the financial support could receive recognition through the newly introduced Aama Samman Puraskar and Pragatisheel Aama Puraskar.
These awards aim to recognise the progress, contribution and achievements of mothers.
CM Calls for Fair Distribution of Benefits
Tamang also urged people to ensure that government welfare schemes reach eligible beneficiaries.
He advised people not to claim benefits from multiple schemes when they do not meet the eligibility requirements. According to him, such practices could prevent government assistance from reaching people who genuinely need support.
Therefore, he stressed the importance of fair and transparent implementation of welfare programmes.
Other Women and Child Welfare Schemes
The Chief Minister highlighted several other government initiatives aimed at supporting women and children.
These include the Aama Sahayog Yojana, Bahini Yojana, enhanced widow pension, Mission Vatsalya, Sabbatical Leave initiative, Maternity Leave, Sishu Samridhi Yojana, Shravan Kumar Award and Aama Didi Bahini Bus Sewa.
He also mentioned initiatives such as Breastfeeding Pods and free HPV vaccination.
Focus on SHGs and Sustainable Livelihoods
Tamang highlighted the role of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in promoting livelihoods and entrepreneurship.
He said skill-based and employment opportunities were developing across the district. Additionally, he stressed the importance of bringing barren and unused land under productive cultivation.
According to the Chief Minister, productive use of available land could support agriculture and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities.
Department Highlights Women’s Economic Independence
Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department, Jigmee Dorjee Bhutia, said the scheme aims to strengthen women’s economic independence and self-reliance.
He said the initiative recognises the important role of mothers and women in society. The department, he added, would continue supporting programmes focused on women, families and communities.
Family Felicitation and Health Camp
The programme also included a felicitation ceremony for Pem Tshering Sherpa, son of late Chettar Sherpa, and his 16-member family from Lashithang Ward.
The family received recognition for its contribution towards demographic sustainability and family values in Sikkim.
Meanwhile, the Jan Kalyan Prakosta and Rhenock Community Health Centre organised a health camp during the event. The camp provided basic medical assistance and health services to beneficiaries and attendees.
Who Attended the Programme?
Several officials and public representatives attended the event. They included Advisor to the Chief Minister Bishnu Kumar Khatiwada, Zilla Adhakshya Laden Lhamu Bhutia, Zilla Upadhyaksha Prabha Pradhan and Administration Reforms Commission Chairman SD Dhakal.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary Jigmee Dorjee Bhutia, Social Welfare Department Secretary Sarika Rai, Pakyong Deputy Commissioner Pari Bishnoi and Pakyong Superintendent of Police Tshering Sherpa also attended.
Officials from various departments and members of the public were present as well.
Earlier, Chief Minister Tamang received a Guard of Honour from the District Police, Pakyong.
Questions and Answers
What is the Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana?
It is a Sikkim government initiative that provides financial assistance to mothers and aims to strengthen women’s economic independence.
How many mothers received assistance in Rhenock?
A total of 1,169 mothers from Rhenock constituency received assistance.
How many beneficiaries does the scheme currently cover?
The scheme currently covers 32,000 mothers across Sikkim.
Will the government expand the scheme?
Yes. The government plans to increase coverage to 50,000 beneficiaries from 2027.
What other initiatives did the Chief Minister highlight?
He highlighted several programmes covering women’s welfare, childcare, pensions, maternity support, health and transportation.
Location Context
Sikkim is a Himalayan state in Northeast India where women’s self-help groups, agriculture and community-based livelihoods play an important role in rural development. The expansion of women-focused welfare programmes could further support household incomes and grassroots economic activity across the state.