Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Gangtok: Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang launched the CM-SAATHI scheme on September 5 to provide free two-month crash courses for JEE and NEET aspirants. Developed alongside IIT Kanpur, the program targets students from low-income families who face high costs at private coaching centers. Tamang noted, "There are many students from poor backgrounds who aspire to compete for JEE and NEET, but they can't afford the cost of proper coaching centres."
The government is also starting the Launch Pad scheme. It grants one-time payments of Rs 10,000 to orphaned youth, students with disabilities, and those from poor households preparing for central government or public sector exams. The money covers travel and study materials. These moves follow a significant state budget commitment, with about 15 percent of total expenditure for 2025-26 directed toward education.
Sikkim officially became a fully literate state on May 27, 2026. Now, leaders want better results. The state aims to become a top education hub by 2035. Plans include a new life skills curriculum covering CPR, fire safety, and disaster response. Officials are collaborating with IISER Pune and Azim Premji University to sharpen teacher training and student outcomes.
During the Teachers Day celebration, the Chief Minister honored several educators. Sushma Tamang of PM SHRI Government Senior Secondary School in Dikling received the National Teachers Award from President Droupadi Murmu. Other honorees included national representatives Dhan Kumar Gurung and Sudip Subba, along with innovation award winners Kinzang Dorjee Bhutia and Thinley Namgyal Bhutia. Twelve others received the State Teachers Award.
Comments