Sikkim Makes History: SHG Women Appointed as Chairpersons and OSD in State Government
First Published: 9th July, 2025 15:42 IST
They described the moment as a proud and empowering milestone for all SHG members in Sikkim.
In a historic and empowering move, the Government of Sikkim has, for the first time in India, appointed members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) as Chairpersons and an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in various government departments.
A total of 11 women leaders from SHGs have taken charge as Chairpersons in different departments, while one SHG member has been appointed as OSD to the Panchayati Raj Department.
These appointments were made from among over 55,000 SHG members across the state, marking a significant milestone in women’s empowerment and grassroots participation in governance.
The newly appointed Chairpersons are Ongkit Lepcha for the Horticulture Department, Chumila Bhutia for the Public Health Engineering Department, Lilly Rai for the Agriculture Department, Nim Chiki Sherpa for the Commerce and Industries Department, Bidya Biswakarma for the Cooperation Department, Khus Maya Tamang for the Water Resources Department, Kala Pradhan for the Department of Food Processing Industries, Doma Lepcha for the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department, Shanti Limboo for the Sikkim Consumer Cooperative Society, Mingma Lhamu Sherpa for the Capacity Building, Skill Development Training, Placement, Youth Empowerment and Self-Reliant Board, and Anuradha Gurung for the Fisheries Department. Indra Kala Chettri has been appointed as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Department of Panchayati Raj.
During a press conference today, the newly appointed leaders thanked Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang for fulfilling his promise made before the 2024 general elections in Jorethang. They described the moment as a proud and empowering milestone for all SHG members in Sikkim.
Chumila Bhutia, the Chairperson of the Public Health Engineering Department, said, “This is not just an achievement for us, but a victory for all women working silently across villages in SHGs. We thank our Chief Minister for giving us this opportunity and for trusting our ability to lead.”
The move has been widely praised across the state and is being seen as a bold example of inclusive governance, encouraging grassroots leaders to actively take part in shaping policy and development.
Also Read: Sikkim Minister, Sonam Lama Meets Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia
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