2nd Aama Samman Diwas celebrated at Rangpo, CM highlights women-centric initiatives

Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana to be expanded from 2027 to cover 50,000 beneficiaries, CM announces

PAKYONG, (IPR): Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay attended the 2nd Aama Samman Diwas organised by the Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department at Rangpo Goli Ground today.

The celebration was graced by the Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly (SLA), Cabinet Ministers, MLAs-cum-Advisors, elected representatives from various local bodies, Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Heads of Departments, dignitaries from various departments.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister reiterated the significance of Aama Samman Diwas as an occasion to acknowledge and honour the invaluable contributions, sacrifices and unwavering dedication of mothers towards their families and society. He stated that the day serves as a tribute to mothers who, despite numerous challenges and hardships, have worked tirelessly to secure a better future for their children and families.

Highlighting the Sikkim Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana, the Chief Minister stated that the State Government had introduced the scheme with the objective of promoting the economic empowerment and self-reliance of mothers. He emphasised that the government’s welfare programmes are guided by the needs and aspirations of the people rather than electoral considerations.

The Chief Minister announced that, from 2027, the Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana would be expanded to cover 50,000 beneficiaries, ensuring the inclusion of more than 1,500 mothers from each Assembly Constituency.

Expressing gratitude to mothers for their blessings and continued support, the Chief Minister informed that cheques under the Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana had been distributed to 10 mothers from each constituency, while the remaining beneficiaries would receive the assistance through their respective MLAs by the end of the month.

He highlighted several women-centric initiatives, including the Bahini Yojana, Aama Sahayog Yojana, Widow Pension Reform, Vatsalya Yojana and Sabbatical Leave. Under the Sikkim Aama Sahayog Yojana, more than 4,200 rural mothers are receiving annual assistance of Rs 4,500 towards LPG refills.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the provision of financial assistance of up to Rs 3 lakh for IVF treatment for married women and men who are unable to become parents naturally. He further highlighted the regularisation of Anganwadi Workers and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), along with measures to enhance their remuneration, acknowledging their important contribution to grassroots service delivery.

On maternity benefits, the Chief Minister stated that a one-year maternity leave policy had been introduced for women in government service, helping address challenges faced by working mothers. He further stated that women had been exempted from TDR requirements for government contracts and projects, describing the provision as a step towards strengthening women’s economic participation.

He also highlighted the establishment of breastfeeding pods across all six districts, providing mothers with clean and safe spaces to breastfeed in public places.

Speaking on safe mobility, the Chief Minister highlighted the Aama Didi Bahini Pink Bus Service, operated by women drivers and conductors and offering concessional fares for women. He stated that the service was intended to facilitate safe and affordable travel to schools, colleges, offices, hospitals and markets. He added that the initiative had been recognised in the Budget 2026–27 as a key measure for women’s empowerment.

On health initiatives, the Chief Minister informed that an HPV vaccination campaign had been initiated for adolescent girls, while the Budget 2026–27 provides for a State-wide HPV screening programme covering women in the 30–65 age group.

The Chief Minister also announced various initiatives under the Budget 2026–27, including the Aama Sahayog Yojana, Bahini Yojana and Mero Rukh Mero Santati. He further announced that Aama Poetry Competitions would be organised in schools and colleges from July 1 next year. Other measures include support for 200 Self-Help Groups, the Shravan Kumar Puraskar and the establishment of Aama Ko Goad in Siliguri for patients.

The Chief Minister reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to the respect, empowerment and welfare of mothers and launched the Aama Samman Website on the occasion.

In his keynote address, Minister for Social Welfare Department; Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department; and Printing & Stationery Department, Samdup Lepcha, highlighted various initiatives undertaken by the State Government for the welfare, empowerment and social security of women and children.

The Minister highlighted key schemes and initiatives, including the Sikkim Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana, Aama Sahayog Yojana, Bahini Yojana, enhanced widow pension, hostel facilities, One Stop Centre and Mission Vatsalya, aimed at addressing the social and economic needs of women.

He also apprised the gathering of the participation and role of women in politics and public life and emphasised the contribution of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in promoting livelihoods, financial independence and grassroots development. He noted the important role of women in strengthening communities and contributing to the overall socio-economic development of society.

During the event, various initiatives and awards were presented as part of the State Government’s efforts to recognise mothers, empower women, promote financial independence and strengthen families across Sikkim.

Under the Sikkim Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana, implemented by the Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department, a total of 32,000 mothers are being felicitated under the scheme as part of the State Government’s continued efforts to empower mothers and strengthen families. The beneficiaries will receive their respective cheques at their Block Administrative Centres.

Cheques were also distributed under the Sikkim Aama Sahayog Yojana, implemented by the Rural Development Department (RDD). Under the scheme, eligible mothers in rural areas are provided annual assistance of Rs 4,500 towards four LPG refills, aimed at reducing the financial burden associated with cooking fuel and promoting cleaner and healthier household environments.

A new initiative, the Aama Samman Puraskar, introduced under the Chief Minister’s Discretionary Grant (CMDG), was also launched to honour one deserving Aama from each Assembly Constituency. Each awardee received a cash prize of Rs 51,000 in recognition of her contribution and achievements. The recipients were selected from among mothers who are not beneficiaries of the Aama Yojana, with a total of 32 mothers being honoured under the initiative.

The Pragatisheel Aama Puraskar, instituted under the CMDG, was also presented to beneficiaries of the Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana who have demonstrated responsible utilisation of the financial assistance provided under the scheme.

Three outstanding beneficiaries were recognised for their entrepreneurial spirit, effective utilisation of financial assistance and remarkable achievements. The award carried cash prizes of Rs 5 lakh, Rs 3 lakh and Rs 2 lakh for the first, second and third positions, respectively.

The awardees were:

1. First Prize: Ms Indra Lepcha, Kaluk Bazaar, Gyalshing District

2. Second Prize: Ms Gauri Pradhan, Linkey Parakha, Pakyong District

3. Third Prize: Ms Sancha Rani Limboo, Mangshila–Tibuk, Mangan District

Recognising mothers who have demonstrated financial discipline and effectively managed their Aama Savings Accounts, the State Bank of Sikkim felicitated the best-performing Aama Account Holders. Three account holders from each of the six districts, totalling 18 awardees, were recognised for their financial management and efforts towards creating economic self-reliance. The awardees received cash prizes of Rs 2 lakh, Rs 1 lakh and Rs 50,000, respectively.

As part of the public engagement initiatives, a ‘Lucky Selfie with Aama’ competition was also organised, encouraging citizens to share photographs with their mothers as a gesture of love, respect and gratitude. Winners were selected through a computerised random selection process, with cash prizes awarded to the selected participants.

The winners of the Lucky Selfie Aama Puraskar were:

First Prize: Rs 2,00,000 – Anurodh Rai, Amba, Pakyong

Second Prize: Rs 1,50,000 – Budha Maya Limboo, Chong Zong, Gyalshing

Third Prize: Rs 1,00,000 – Anup Sharma, Singbel, Makha, Gangtok

Consolation Prizes: Rs 20,000 each to seven winners from various districts, including Soreng, Rongli, Namthang, Chungthang, Mangan and West Pendam.

Likewise, the Chief Minister’s Office, in collaboration with the Women, Child, Senior Citizen & Divyangjan Welfare Department (WCSC&DWD), established the “Aama Suvidha Ghar” at the venue to cater to the needs of women and mothers attending the programme. The facility included dedicated breastfeeding rooms, creches and healthcare corners, providing a safe, hygienic and comfortable environment for mothers and their children.