CM announces Sikkim Life Skills Curriculum for students

BIJOY GURUNG

Curriculum to equip students with essential life-saving skills

GANGTOK, November 28: Chief Minister PS Golay on Friday announced ‘Sikkim Life Skills Curriculum’ from next academic session which is aimed at providing essential life-saving skills to the students.

“Furthermore, I am delighted to announce a major initiative aimed at empowering our students and strengthening the safety framework of Sikkim. From the next academic session, the Government of Sikkim will introduce the Sikkim Life Skills Curriculum, fully aligned with our guiding principles of Health First, Life Foremost and Education Forward,” said the Chief Minister.

He was addressing the concluding day of the 3rd State-level Coordination Meeting at Manan Kendra here, attended by senior officials including Heads of Departments and officers from the rank of Under Secretary and above who had gathered to review the ongoing work of their respective departments.

Sharing on social media about his address, the Chief Minister highlighted that the ‘Sikkim Life Skills Curriculum’ will equip students with essential life-saving skills including CPR, the Heimlich manoeuvre, first aid, snake-bite response and the use of fire extinguishers along with disaster-preparedness training for earthquakes, landslides, floods and fires.

It will also strengthen key soft skills such as communication, teamwork and emotional resilience, said the Chief Minister. He directed the Education department, Health department and SDRF to finalise the curriculum and training modules without delay to ensure timely implementation.

Golay further directed that doctors in Sikkim wishing to pursue a PG Course must first complete three years of mandatory service at a Primary Health Centre.

“Addressing the shortage of medical professionals, any doctor wishing to pursue a PG course must first complete three years of mandatory service at a Primary Health Centre before receiving government recommendation a decision taken in the best interest of our people and one I remain fully committed to.”

The Chief Minister also instructed every department to appoint a senior officer as the designated spokesperson to issue timely press releases, provide accurate public information and counter misinformation. This is not a new post but a strategic responsibility aimed at strengthening communication and ensuring transparency in governance, he said.

In his address, the Chief Minister highlighted the State government’s nine core objectives - Swastha, Shiksha, Samriddha, Saksham, Swachhata, Sampark, Samman, Suraksha and Sampanna, which form the foundation of the State’s vision for a ‘Sunaulo, Samriddh and Samartha Sikkim’.

“These priorities focus on health, education, prosperity, skills, cleanliness, connectivity, dignity, safety and overall well-being. By advancing them together, we aim to build a future that is progressive, resilient and equitable for every citizen.”

Golay shared that the three-day coordination meeting proved to be a highly productive and meaningful exercise, offering a vital platform for open dialogue, collaborative problem-solving and strategic planning.

“It enabled departments to review their progress, address challenges and align their efforts more effectively. The discussions and insights shared over these three fruitful days have strengthened interdepartmental coordination and paved the way for more efficient, unified and result-oriented governance for the people of Sikkim,” he said.

The Chief Minister expressed his happiness on the progress made by each department and appreciated the grievances shared by the HODs and his cabinet colleagues. “I urge all of you to address these concerns with sincerity, work in tandem, and maintain strong interdepartmental coordination. When we move forward as TEAM SIKKIM, our efforts become more impactful and our progress significantly faster,” he said.

He extended his sincere appreciations for the active participation and dedication of the State officers, whose commitment has been crucial in helping the State achieve several prestigious titles and recognitions.

“Their tireless efforts have not only brought pride to Sikkim but have also played a key role in addressing critical social challenges, including the fight against drug abuse. It is through their proactive engagement and coordinated action that we are able to make meaningful progress toward a healthier, safer, and more prosperous society,” said the Chief Minister.

Announcements

· Sikkim Life Skills Curriculum in Sikkim schools from 2026 academic session. Aim is to equip students with essential life-saving skills including CPR, the Heimlich manoeuvre, first aid, snake-bite response and the use of fire extinguishers along with disaster-preparedness training. Education department, Health department and SDRF directed to finalise the curriculum and training modules without delay to ensure timely implementation.

What is the Heimlich manoeuvre?

The Heimlich maneuver is a first-aid method for choking that you can use on adults and children. Another name for the Heimlich maneuver is abdominal thrusts, because it involves thrusting into the abdominal area. It’s a quick and life-saving method, but you should only use it on conscious people who can’t breathe on their own.

· Addressing the shortage of medical professionals, any doctor wishing to pursue a PG course must first complete three years of mandatory service at a Primary Health Centre before receiving government recommendation.

· Every department directed to appoint a senior officer as the designated spokesperson to issue timely press releases, provide accurate public information and counter misinformation.