2026 academic session commences, govt distributes free textbooks and uniforms on first day

GANGTOK,: The Government of Sikkim marked the commencement of the 2026 academic session with the State-wide distribution of free textbooks, uniforms and other essential items to students of government schools on the first day of school reopening. The new academic session began today across the State.
To ensure the smooth and timely distribution of beneficiary items, secretary (School Education) Tashi Chophel along with director (Textbook, Languages & Samagra Shiksha) A.D. Chettri and joint director (School Education) Anugrah E. Rai, Joint from the Education department head office paid official visits to Tadong senior secondary school, Lumsey secondary school and Sichey senior secondary school.  The head office officials will also undertake visits to schools located in remote and far-flung areas in the near future, informs a press release.
Further, district chief education officers, joint directors, deputy directors, and officials from block and subdivision offices visited schools across the State. During these visits, officials interacted with school heads, teachers, and students, and extended their support and encouragement for the successful commencement of the new academic session.
Under this initiative, a total of 736 schools were covered, benefiting approximately 39,942 students up to class VIII across the State. Students received free textbooks, exercise copies, and school uniforms, including school shoes, socks, pullovers, raincoats, and school bags. 
In addition to government schools, monastic schools and Sanskrit Pathshalas were also provided with free textbooks and exercise copies.
“The initiative of the Government of Sikkim aims to ensure timely availability of learning materials, promote equitable access to education, reduce the financial burden on parents, and encourage regular attendance from the very beginning of the academic session,” states an Education department release. “The distribution of all beneficiary items on the first day of reopening reflects effective planning, inter-departmental coordination, and the government’s sustained focus on student welfare.”