empowering Sikkim: The Strategic Partnership of vb Pathak and r Telang Under CM PS Golay’s Vision

Dr. Pratik Sharma Gangtok

"A collaboration of leadership, experience, and administrative expertise dedicated to achieving the goal of Sunaulo Sikkim”

Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister PS Tamang Golay, Sikkim has set its sights on a transformative era of inclusive, sustainable, and people-centric governance. At the core of this progress lies the Chief Minister’s agenda of ‘Sunaulo, Samriddha, and Samarth Sikkim’—a golden, prosperous, and empowered state. This vision demands a cohesive and dynamic administrative team capable of translating bold ideas into reality.

In this context, the recent appointment of VB Pathak as Chief Administrator-cum-Cabinet Secretary, following his retirement as the Chief Secretary, is a well-considered decision that ensures the state retains an invaluable bureaucrat with unmatched administrative expertise. His appointment, alongside the newly appointed Chief Secretary Ravindra Telang, marks the emergence of a formidable administrative duo poised to take Sikkim to greater heights.

A Proven Partnership: VB Pathak and R Telang’s Legacy

Pathak and Telang are no strangers to working together to accomplish the seemingly impossible. As Chief Secretary and Education Secretary, respectively, the duo played a pivotal role in implementing CM PS Golay’s landmark initiative to regularize ad-hoc teachers/Assistant professors who were under distress and in search of light for justice from 3 decades, finally got justice—a reform that generations of Sikkimese had been awaiting.

Their complementary strengths—VB Pathak’s strategic vision and administrative acumen, coupled with R Telang’s focused execution and innovative problem-solving—proved instrumental in delivering this historic reform. This success story underscores their ability to work as a seamless team to fulfil CM PS Golay’s pro-people agenda. With R Telang now at the helm as Chief Secretary and VB Pathak providing continuity as Chief Administrator-cum-Cabinet Secretary, Sikkim is well-positioned to achieve even greater milestones.

Ensuring Continuity in Transformation:

As Sikkim transitions into the next phase of its development, continuity in governance is paramount. VB Pathak’s appointment ensures that the momentum built during his tenure as Chief Secretary-cum-Finance Secretary is not lost. His intimate knowledge of ongoing projects, coupled with his established relationships across departments and stakeholders, provides a strong foundation for the seamless implementation of CM PS Golay’s transformative initiatives.

Meanwhile, R Telang brings a fresh perspective and renewed energy to the role of Chief Secretary. His track record of innovative thinking and his deep understanding of Sikkim’s challenges and opportunities make him an ideal administrator. Together, they will align the state’s administrative machinery with the Chief Minister’s vision, ensuring efficiency, accountability, and timely execution of policies.

Delivering on the ‘Vision of Sunaulo, Samriddha, and Samarth Sikkim’:

Under CM PS Golay’s leadership, the state has witnessed a series of groundbreaking reforms, from the Aama Yojana to the ‘Mero Rukh Mero Santati’ Yojana, and from the Chief Minister Medical Assistance Scheme to the Aama Sahyog Yojana. VB Pathak’s steadfast leadership played a crucial role in operationalizing these initiatives, transforming ambitious policies into tangible benefits for the people of Sikkim.

With R Telang now steering the administration as the Chief Secretary and Shri VB Pathak offering strategic support as Chief Administrator-cum-Cabinet Secretary, the duo is poised to bring CM PS Golay’s golden vision to life. Their shared commitment to fostering innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability will ensure that Sikkim continues to set benchmarks in good governance.

A Forward-Thinking Decision:

VB Pathak’s appointment is not merely a recognition of his past achievements but a strategic decision to safeguard Sikkim’s progress. His mentorship of younger officials has fostered a culture of resilience and capacity-building within the bureaucracy, ensuring that the state’s governance framework remains robust for years to come.

By bringing together the complementary strengths of VB Pathak and Ravindra Telang, the government has created a leadership team that balances experience with innovation. This dynamic partnership reflects CM PS Golay’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of the people of Sikkim above all else.

As Sikkim advances toward an era of unprecedented growth and inclusivity under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister PS Golay, VB Pathak and R Telang will play pivotal roles in steering the administrative machinery to realize the Chief Minister’s ambitious mission. With these leaders at the helm of affairs, Sikkim is poised to achieve its golden vision and set an example for the rest of the nation.