Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Gangtok: Sikkim lawmakers concluded a four-day Budget session in Guwahati that reshaped state regulations across education, healthcare, and environmental sectors. The session began July 20 with the introduction of six major bills and ended July 22 with the passage of key legislative reforms.
Ayush Minister G.T. Dhungel tabled the Sikkim Medical Council for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2026. This creates a council to oversee Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, and Homoeopathy practitioners. Education Minister Raju Basnet introduced the Board of Open Schooling and Vocational Education, Sikkim Bill, 2026, to foster private alternative schooling. He also brought forward two amendment bills, both of which passed by voice vote alongside the Sikkim Fire and Emergency Services (Amendment) Bill, 2026. These measures aim to ease business compliance by decriminalizing minor violations.
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang moved to scrap the National Council for Skill Education, Sikkim (Repealing) Bill, 2026, which removes legislation dating back to 2023. The Assembly also tackled environmental oversight. Forest and Environment Minister Pintso Namgyal Lepcha moved a resolution to adopt the central Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024. MLA Sonam Tshering Venchungpa seconded the motion, which seeks to simplify pollution control board appointments. The resolution noted, "The amended law, notified on February 15, 2024, is already in force in Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and the Union Territories."
Deputy Speaker Raj Kumari Thapa presided as the House approved financial grants for the 2026-27 year. Budgets passed for departments including Health and Family Welfare, Agriculture, Urban Development, and the Forest and Environment Department. Lawmakers wrapped the session after finalizing these fiscal demands.
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