New Delhi, February 3, 2014

The 9^th MGNREGA Divas was celebrated by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India on February 2, 2014. The Sikkim Mahatma Gandhi NREGA programme bagged two national awards for excellence fourth time in a row.

The Lamten Tingmo – Gram Panchayat, Wok Block, South District and the RM&DD were conferred the national award by the Union Minister Mr Jairam Ramesh in a glittering function held at the Plenary Hall of Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

The national awards were received by Mr Mingma Sangay Sherpa, Panchayat President and Mrs Sarika Pradhan Joint Secretary, RM&DD. This award for excellence in the implementation of this National Flagship Programme holds special significance for the State of Sikkim, since it found representation amongst the top 11 Gram Panchayats selected from all over the country.

Also, the Rural Management and Development Department received the recognition for excellence in convergence initiatives, and was among the 4 states that were felicitated on this occasion.

The Union Minister also released the national report on convergence initiatives, in which the Dhara Vikas initiative of Sikkim to revive Himalayan Springs is featured as the first success story.

This is the seventh national award for Sikkim under MGNREGA over the last four years. The function was attended by a large contingent from Sikkim including officials, Gram Panchayats and job-card holders.

The team thanked the Chief Minister, Mr Pawan Chamling, Mr C. B. Karki, Minster, RM&DD and Mr D. R. Nepal, Secretary RM&DD for their visionary leadership and guidance.