Shri Tokhan Sahu Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Government of India arrives in Namchi .

Namchi, 27 April ( IPR ): The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, Shri Tokhan Sahu arrived for a two-day official visit to the district, today.
Upon his arrival, he was warmly welcomed by Minister Urban Development and Food and Civil Supplies Mr Bhoj Raj Rai, Secretary UDD Ms Yogita Rai and DC Namchi Ms Anupa Tamling.
Further, the MoS chaired a review meeting with the District level Officers regarding the centrally sponsored funds and schemes under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and desired to inspect various sites and developmental projects in the district.
MoS during his address, expressed heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the warm welcome extended by the district administration. He described Sikkim as a true paradise, where the beauty of nature, fresh air, and the love in the hearts of its people blend harmoniously.
In his speech, MoS highlighted the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision to transform the North- East region of India with maximum support from the centre government . He lauded Sikkim’s remarkable development, particularly in the field of agriculture, acknowledging it as the backbone of the nation.
He praised Sikkim for being the first state to achieve complete organic status, calling it a revolutionary example in sustainable farming. He also assured that he would advocate for other states to follow Sikkim’s organic mission.
Further, he assured full support to the farmers, discussing several centrally sponsored schemes and funds that have successfully enhanced agricultural productivity and provided financial assistance.
He addressed the growing concern of water scarcity due to rising demand and emphasised the importance of the Misson Amrut Yojana, which aims to provide water supply, sewerage and septage management, storm-water drainage, green spaces and non- motorised urban transport solutions.
He also applauded the success of the Swachh Bharat Misson, emphasizing its role in eliminating open defecation, promoting waste management and spreading awareness about hygiene and sanitation.
Urging district administrators, the MoS called for the application on the PM Awas Yojana( PMAY), a government credit- linked subsidy aimed at providing affordable housing for the low and moderate-income citizens.
On a lighter note, he shared admiration for the simplicity , beauty and hardworking spirit of the people of Sikkim. He encouraged the state to continue setting an example of sustainable development and assured his desire to return for a longer visit in the future.
In the closing, he thanked the district administration for their dedicated efforts, praised Sikkim’s remarkable low- crime rate, and assured the people of the state full support and cooperation from the Government of India.
Later in the day, the MoS took a lively tour of Namchi town, where he was warmly welcomed by the people in general. He also paid homage at the Hanuman Mandir, a revered spiritual site for many devotees.
Additionally, he visited the newly constructed Town Hall of Namchi, where he witnessed a performance of the play “Shankar”, based on Vijaydan Detha’s story “ Rijak ki Maryada” , performed by artists from the National School of Drama ( NSD) Sikkim.
During the programme, representatives from the Education Department, Urban Development Department (UDD), Namchi Smart City Ltd and Agriculture Department presented a power point presentation (PPT) detailing the schemes and projects under various Government of India initiatives. The MoS provided insightful feedbacks and suggestions to further enhance the success of these projects.
The MoS was also felicitated with a token of appreciation by various departments, showcasing their gratitude for his visit and encouragement.
Present amongst others were, MLA Namchi Singithang Constituency Mr Satish Chandra Rai, SDM (HQ) Mr Nim Pintsho Bhutia, SDM Namchi Mr Saran Kalikotey, Chief Officer( CO) Smart City Namchi Mr Thupden Gyatso Bhutia, Superintendent Engineer (SE) UDD Mr Suman Shanker, Chief Town Planner cum Nodal Officer Namchi Smart City Mr Navin Rai along with other dignitaries and HOo’S from various departments, staff and members from district administration Namchi.