Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang-Golay highlights women-centred schemes at 2nd Aama Samman Diwas in Rangpo

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay attended the 2nd Aama Samman Diwas at Rangpo Goli Ground on Tuesday. The programme was organised by the Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department. It honoured mothers across the state and brought government officials and beneficiaries together.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister said Aama Samman Diwas is meant to recognise the sacrifices and hard work of mothers. He also said the state welfare programmes are built around people’s needs. “Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana” was highlighted as a key effort toward economic empowerment and self-reliance for mothers.

Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana to expand from 2027

The Chief Minister announced that from 2027 the Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana will expand to cover 50,000 beneficiaries. He said this would include more than 1,500 mothers from each Assembly Constituency. Cheques have already been distributed to 10 mothers from each constituency, and remaining beneficiaries are to receive assistance through their MLAs by the end of the month.

He also outlined other women-centric initiatives. These include the Bahini Yojana, Aama Sahayog Yojana, Widow Pension Reform, Vatsalya Yojana and Sabbatical Leave. Under Aama Sahayog Yojana, more than 4,200 rural mothers are receiving annual assistance of 4,500 rupees for LPG refills.

Health, travel support and new recognition for beneficiaries

On health support, the Chief Minister mentioned financial assistance of up to 3 lakh rupees for IVF treatment for couples who cannot conceive naturally. He also referred to the regularisation of Anganwadi Workers and ASHAs, and steps to improve their remuneration. Breastfeeding pods have been set up across all six districts.

For travel, he described the Aama Didi Bahini Pink Bus Service, run by women drivers and conductors with concessional fares. For healthcare screening, an HPV vaccination drive for adolescent girls was mentioned, along with a state-wide HPV screening programme for women aged 30 to 65. The event also included announcements such as Aama Poetry Competitions in schools and colleges from next year and support for 200 Self Help Groups. He launched the Aama Samman website during the programme.

Minister Samdup Lepcha spoke on additional schemes, including enhanced widow pension, hostel facilities, One Stop Centre and Mission Vatsalya. The event also featured recognition of beneficiaries under the Aama Samman Puraskar and other Aama awards, along with prizes for Aama Savings Account holders and winners of a Lucky Selfie contest.