CM urge engineers for sustainable, people-centric development projects

ISABELLA GURUNG

GANGTOK,: Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay on Tuesday called upon engineers in Sikkim to embrace emerging technologies, innovation and creativity while ensuring that development projects are well-planned, sustainable and people-centric.

Addressing the State-level celebration of National Engineers’ Day 2026 at Manan Kendra here, the Chief Minister said the role of engineers was no longer confined to technical fields and that they were increasingly contributing to administration, policy implementation and leadership.

“Engineers are not only working in technical fields today. They are also contributing in administration, policy implementation and leadership. Therefore, the responsibility of engineers has become much greater,” Golay said.

He urged young engineers to learn from the experience of senior and retired engineers while adapting to changing technologies and approaches.

“I encourage our young engineers to learn from the experience of their predecessors, embrace emerging technologies and promote innovation and creativity,” he said.

Golay stressed that development should not be measured merely by the completion of projects but by the quality and impact of infrastructure created for the people.

“Development must be translated into well-planned, high-quality and sustainable projects that create a positive impact on the lives of our people,” he said, adding that engineers have an important role in shaping society and building the foundations of modern civilisation.

The Chief Minister also highlighted various initiatives undertaken by the State Government for the welfare and professional advancement of engineers, including the appointment of engineers to key administrative positions and steps towards regularising young engineers who have been serving on a temporary basis.

He also referred to the induction of 245 Junior Engineers into the State Junior Engineers cadre, describing it as an important step towards strengthening the engineering workforce in the State.

Golay further emphasised the importance of utilising the expertise of retired engineers and assured that the State Government would make greater use of their knowledge and guidance in the development of Sikkim.

“The experience and knowledge of our retired engineers are invaluable. We must make greater use of their expertise and guidance for the development of our State,” he said.

He urged the present generation of engineers to carry forward the legacy of their predecessors and create a lasting legacy for future generations.

“I urge the present generation to carry forward the legacy of those who came before us and work towards leaving behind a legacy that future generations can be proud of,” Golay said.

He also called upon the engineering fraternity to contribute towards the vision of building a “Sunaulo, Samriddha ani Samartha Sikkim.”

On the occasion, the Chief Minister paid tribute to Bharat Ratna Sir M Visvesvaraya, whose birth anniversary is observed as National Engineers’ Day, and highlighted his emphasis on hard work, discipline, creativity and productive use of time.

Golay also appreciated the initiatives organised as part of the celebrations, including the inter-departmental futsal tournament and Engineers’ Day Run, saying such activities promote physical fitness, camaraderie and a healthy work-life balance among engineers.

President of the Retired Engineers’ Association (Civil), C Zangpo, highlighted the contribution of engineers to Sikkim’s development through roads, bridges, buildings, power and water supply systems, digital infrastructure and other essential services.

Zangpo urged young engineers to adapt to changing times while maintaining a people-centric approach. He also expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for various initiatives concerning engineers, including promotions and the induction of 245 Junior Engineers into the State Junior Engineers cadre.

The programme featured technical sessions on “Intervention on Treatment of Liquid Waste” by PCE-cum-Secretary, Public Health Engineering Department, Shailendra Sharma, and “Treatment Process Flow and Recent Intervention at Sewage Treatment Plant, Adampool” by Assistant Engineer, Public Health Engineering Department, Sunil Lama.

Retired engineers, architects and contractors were felicitated for their dedicated service and contribution to the development of Sikkim.

Prizes were also distributed for various activities organised by the All Sikkim Diploma Engineers’ Association (ASDEA) as part of the National Engineers’ Day celebrations.

The Rural Development Department, South-West emerged as the winner of the inter-departmental futsal tournament, with the Transport Department as runner-up. The Roads and Bridges Department was named the Most Promising Team, while the Water Resources Department received the Most Disciplined Team award.

In the 5-km Engineers’ Day Run, Ojeshwari Rai, Prijula Gautam and Ankita Pradhan secured the first three positions in the female engineers’ category, while Sahyog Rai, Rabden Lepcha and Adino Rai topped the male category.

Arjina Mangar, Srijana Adhikari, and Shakila Gurung and Sharon Chettri secured the top three positions respectively in Engineers Got Talent-Dance. In the singing category, Sishil Thatal and Sidharth Lagun jointly secured first place, followed by Deepanjali Chettri and Sahyog Rai.

Cultural programmes presented by engineers were also held as part of the celebrations.