PIB and IPRD Mangan conduct first 'Varta' in North Sikkim on 12 Years of Governance

MANGAN, (PIB): The Varta Media Interaction Program on the theme ‘12 Saal: Vishwaske, Vikaske, Jan-Kalyanke’ was organised today in Mangan, North Sikkim by the Press Information Bureau, Gangtok in coordination with the Information and Public Relations Department, Mangan.

PemaWangchenNamkarpa, Additional District Magistrate, Mangan attended as the chief guest. Sandeep Kumar, SDM Mangan, RinkuWongmuBhutia, SDPO Mangan, and Raj Sharma, DIO, IPRD Mangan were present as special guests.

The program focused on showcasing key achievements and welfare measures of the last 12 years, and on strengthening coordination between the administration and media for better public outreach. Discussions covered major developmental projects, governance reforms, and citizen-centric schemes aimed at delivering Vishwas, Vikas and Jan-Kalyan at the grassroots.

In his address, chief guest PemaWangchenNamkarpa highlighted the transformative journey of the past 12 years and underlined the role of media in taking government schemes to the last mile. He spoke about the close coordination between the Government of India and the State Government in working for the welfare of the common people, and said such synergy has ensured effective implementation of development programs and delivery of services at the grassroots.

He called upon the media to continue partnering in spreading awareness about welfare programs and in ensuring factual reporting.

Sandeep Kumar, SDM Mangan who is the resource person too in the event, led a special session highlighting the progress made in respect of Mangan district and Sikkim in the last decade.

Speaking on the Vibrant Village Program, Kumar informed that the program is an initiative of the Ministry of Home Affairs under the vision of the Prime Minister of India.

Speaking further, the SDM Mangan highlighted that border villages in Mangan under this program are being prioritized for infrastructure, connectivity, and livelihood support to ensure inclusive development.

He informed that 42 villages in North Sikkim are covered under this program. As of date, 74 projects have been sanctioned with a total outlay of Rs. 62 crore. The funding pattern is 90:10 between the Central and State Governments. He said the program aims to transform these border villages into vibrant hubs of growth while preserving local culture and improving the quality of life.

Kumar further informed that the authorities are developing a dedicated portal for the Vibrant Village Program wherein the general citizen can view the actual progress and beauty of these villages. He said this initiative will not only ensure transparency in implementation but will also promote tourism in these border villages by showcasing their natural beauty, culture and development works to a wider audience.

He also spoke on the VB GRAMG scheme being implemented across the nation and highlighted its objectives and implementation in the district.

Kumar emphasized the responsibility of the media in highlighting these initiatives on the ground and in reporting in close tandem with the authorities to ensure accurate information reaches the people.

He also spoke about handing over anti-drug testing kits to the police administration under the NashaMukt Bharat Abhiyan. He said the initiative aims to strengthen on-ground enforcement and spread awareness against drug abuse in the district.

Kumar further stated that the administration is always ready to receive feedback from all stakeholders and is committed to act upon it after due consultation to ensure better implementation of schemes and grievance redressal.

On JalJeevan Mission 2.0, Kumar informed that work is progressing to ensure 100 percent tap water coverage in the district. He added that special effort is being made to identify and cover left out villages, especially hamlets, to ensure that no household is left behind. He said data is being digitally fed and monitored in real-time to bring greater transparency, accountability and faster grievance redressal. He emphasized that technology is being used to track implementation on the ground so that benefits reach every household directly.

Addressing the gathering, special guest RinkuWongmuBhutia, SDPO Mangan spoke on the need for responsible journalism in the digital age. She cautioned against random uploading of news on digital platforms without fact-checking from authorities, and urged media persons to verify information before publication to prevent misinformation and panic.

Citing recent examples, she highlighted various cyber crime incidents reported in Sikkim and explained the modus operandi used by criminals to lure innocent citizens, including fake loan apps, phishing links, online job frauds, and investment scams. She advised the public to remain alert and to report any suspicious activity immediately.

She informed that the entire month of July 2026 is being observed as Cyber Crime Awareness Month by the police administration across Sikkim. As part of the campaign, awareness drives, school outreach programs, and social media campaigns are being conducted to educate citizens on safe digital practices.

The SDPO further emphasized the importance of media-police coordination in spreading awareness on drug abuse, road safety, and women and child safety. She also appealed to journalists to act as community partners in disseminating verified information during emergencies and disasters.

Speaking on the occasion, special guest Raj Sharma, DIO, IPRD Mangan expressed gratitude to the Press Information Bureau for collaborating with IPRD Mangan to organise the first-of-its-kind Varta interaction program in Mangan district. He highlighted the vital role of media reporting in connecting private media persons with IPRD officials for accurate dissemination of information.

Sharma added that platforms like Varta will help build a stronger bridge between government officials and media persons in Mangan. He said such interactions will enhance the understanding of journalism, and empower media professionals with first-hand knowledge of government initiatives and the real progress being made on the ground.

Earlier, ManasPratimSarma, Assistant Director, PIB Gangtok welcomed the dignitaries and expressed gratitude for their participation despite their busy schedules amid the ongoing SIR hearing. He also thanked all participants for their presence and outlined the objectives and agenda of the Varta program.

The event saw participation from representatives of print, electronic and digital media, officials of various departments, and other stakeholders from Mangan district. It concluded with an interactive Q&A session followed by a vote of thanks.