PIB and IPRD Mangan hold first “Varta” media interaction in North Sikkim
Press Information Bureau and IPRD Mangan organised the first Varta media interaction in Mangan to discuss the last 12 years of governance and programmes such as
MANGAN: The Press Information Bureau (PIB) Gangtok, in coordination with the Information and Public Relations Department (IPRD) Mangan, organised the first “Varta” media interaction programme in Mangan, North Sikkim. The event was held under the theme “12 Saal: Vishwaske, Vikaske, Jan-Kalyanke.”
Officials discuss governance, welfare and media coordination
Additional District Magistrate Pema Wangchen Namkarpa attended as the chief guest. SDM Mangan Sandeep Kumar, SDPO Mangan Rinku Wongmu Bhutia, and DIO Raj Sharma were present as special guests. The programme focused on highlighting achievements and welfare measures from the past 12 years. It also aimed to strengthen coordination between the administration and media to improve public outreach.
Namkarpa underlined the role of media in taking government schemes to the last mile. He said close working between the Government of India and the State Government helps ensure that development programmes reach people at the grassroots. He also encouraged media persons to continue spreading awareness about welfare programmes through factual reporting.
Vibrant Village, anti-drug and water projects explained
Sandeep Kumar, who led a special session, spoke about initiatives being implemented in Mangan district and across Sikkim. He discussed the Vibrant Village Program, an initiative under the Ministry of Home Affairs. He said 42 villages in North Sikkim are covered under the programme, and 74 projects have been sanctioned with a total outlay of Rs. 62 crore. He added that the Central and State Governments share funding in a 90:10 pattern.Kumar also referred to a dedicated portal being developed for the programme, through which citizens can view progress. He further spoke about VB GRAMG and said authorities are working on implementation details in the district. He mentioned anti-drug efforts under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, including handing over anti-drug testing kits to the police administration. On the Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, he said work is progressing toward 100 percent tap water coverage, with emphasis on identifying left-out hamlets so that no household is missed.
SDPO Rinku Wongmu Bhutia focused on responsible journalism in the digital age. She warned against uploading content without verification and cited cyber crime patterns such as fake loan applications, phishing links, online job frauds, and investment scams. She said July 2026 is being observed as Cyber Crime Awareness Month in Sikkim through drives and outreach. The interaction concluded with an interactive Q&A and a vote of thanks.
