CM announces recruitment drive of 500 police constables, 20% reservation for Agniveers

ISABELLA GURUNG

MANGLAY,: Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay has announced the first recruitment of police constables since the SKM government came to power. Around 500 vacancies will soon be opened for the Sikkim Police.

The Chief Minister was addressing the 18th Raising Day celebrations of the 3rd Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) held at the battalion headquarters in Manglay, South Sikkim on Friday. Ministers, Sikkim Police personnel, veterans of the 3rd IRBn, and NGOs and heads of schools who supported the Dragon Run 1.0 held at Temi were also present.

In his address, the Chief Minister informed that the recruitment will aim for equal representation of men and women. However, due to the nature of duties in the police, including the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) and Sikkim Armed Police (SAP), women personnel cannot be deployed in certain areas. Therefore, the recruitment will have 30 per cent women and 70 per cent men for now, he said, adding that the government aims to make it 50-50 in the future.

Golay also informed that there will be reservation benefits, including a 20 per cent seat reservation for returning Indian Army Agniveer personnel. He further said that Sub Inspector (SI) posts were created recently and the recruited candidates are already undergoing training. Recruitment for Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) posts is also underway and the trainees are currently in training.

The Chief Minister mentioned that two DSP trainees were recently asked to make presentations and said they performed exceptionally well.

Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Teesta Command Block (New ADM Building) at the battalion premises. Responding to the demands placed by the 3rd IRBn, he said the State government will work on providing fencing, a swimming pool, a multipurpose hall, a gymnasium and a firing range at the premises.

“The 18th Raising Day celebration is not just for the 3rd IRBn but for the entire Sikkim. The IRBn has made many contributions not only in Sikkim but also nationally. Sikkim Police are among the best in the country as they are disciplined, smart and dutiful. The Sikkim Police was honoured with the 15th prestigious President’s Colour, also known as Nishaan, in January this year. It coincides with the 50th Statehood celebration, which is a proud moment for Sikkim. I would like to thank and congratulate the Sikkim Police, not only the senior officials but also those serving in the lowest ranks. Sikkim Police has also won several medals in 2025,” said the Chief Minister.

Urging the Sikkim Police to maintain peace and order, he highlighted the importance of the police uniform and said that even a Chief Minister cannot wear it. “The uniform is your identity, so do not misuse it,” he said.

Golay also announced that 55 vehicles will be provided to police personnel. He informed that the paperwork will now be done under the name of the personnel instead of the department so that the process remains fair for everyone.

He said that compared to other States, the crime rate in Sikkim is extremely low, nearly zero. To encourage police personnel, three best performing SHOs and three Investigating Officers were presented with awards. He informed that these awards will be presented every year to motivate officials to perform better.

Twenty two students were also presented with cheques under different Chief Minister’s education schemes during the celebration.

The Chief Minister also highlighted several schemes, policies and achievements of the SKM government. He also spoke about the importance of marathons, especially for senior citizens. He informed that the Health department will sponsor marathons for senior citizens above the age of 60.

Director General of Police Akshay Sachdeva thanked the Chief Minister for providing 55 vehicles in different categories including heavy, medium and light transport for police personnel. “The Chief Minister has always given priority to the Police and we are extremely thankful for the infrastructure support provided to the Sikkim Police,” he said.

Sachdeva also highlighted the importance of health, fitness, knowledge, modern technology and the use of information technology and AI-based knowledge.

The achievements of the 3rd IRBn were presented by Commanding Officer Rinzing Chopel Rai, while the welcome address was delivered by DSP Bikash Basnett.

The celebration also featured the Mountain Warrior challenge demonstration, anti-riot drill demonstration, UAC demonstration, zumba session and cultural performances by the 3rd IRBn, PTC Yangang and SAP Pangthang.

The inter-branch football match finals were also held, where both the finalist teams were presented cash prizes of Rs 2 lakh each.

The Chief Minister also encouraged Sikkim Police personnel to participate in the upcoming Kalakar Bharosa Sammelan. He informed that police personnel involved in arts and cultural activities will also be honoured during the event.