Gangtok, July 27 : The 8th State-Level Sarathi Samman Diwas 2026, held under the theme, Let’s Continue the Journey of Responsibility and Road Safety, was celebrated with great grandeur at Manan Kendra, today.
The programme was graced by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang as the Chief Guest.
In his address, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang reflected on the journey of the Sarathi Samman Diwas, noting that this year marked the eighth edition of the celebration. He stated that the occasion was dedicated to honouring and recognising the invaluable contributions of the driving community to the State.
Highlighting the pivotal role of Sarathis in Sikkim’s progress, the Chief Minister remarked that the successful implementation of the State’s developmental initiatives was greatly supported by their dedicated service. He also spoke about the State Government’s sustained efforts to empower the driving community by promoting self-reliance and improving their overall standard of living through various welfare initiatives.
The Chief Minister further highlighted the Government’s commitment to supporting the education, welfare and overall well-being of their families. He also addressed the demands and grievances placed by Advisor, Power Department, Sanjeet Kharel, and assured the driving community that the Government would continue to work towards resolving their concerns.
In his address, MLA-cum-Advisor, Transport Department, Madan Cintury, stated that the programme served as a platform to bring together members of the driving community and celebrate their contributions. He also expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for his continued support and efforts towards strengthening the driving community in the State.
MLA-cum-Advisor, Power Department, Sanjeet Kharel, in his address, welcomed the gathering to the 8th Sarathi Samman Diwas. He highlighted the various benefits and welfare initiatives extended to the Sarathi community by the State Government. Speaking on behalf of the driving community, he also placed their demands and grievances before the Chief Minister for consideration.
Subsequently, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang was felicitated by representatives of the Transport Department, officers and Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) of the Motor Vehicle Division, and members of the Sarathi Welfare Board and the State Chalak Morcha.
The Chief Minister further handed over a Bolero Neo to Laxuman Chettri, a resident of Gyalshing-Bermiok. He also presented the Best Sarathi Award to twelve Sarathis from all six districts along with the distribution of twelve Wagon R LXI vehicles in recognition of their service. The award recipients subsequently administered the pledge.
The programme also featured a skit on the Nasha Mukht Abhiyan, performed by the Sikkim Assemble Theatre.
Following that, the Chief Minister felicitated Councillor, Jorethang, Randip Chettri, along with representatives of the Kalimpong-Sikkim & All Highways Taxi Owners Drivers Welfare Association (Motor Stand, Kalimpong), Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Truck Owners and Drivers Welfare Association, Pragatisil Tanker Drivers Welfare Association, Melli (West Bengal), Lava Taxi Driver Welfare Association, Darjeeling Youth Driver Welfare Association, and North Bengal Tourist Transport Operators, Siliguri. He also felicitated the drivers and conductors of the Pink City Runner and presented the Best Conductor Award to Tshering Yangchen Bhutia.
During the programme, the Chief Minister felicitated the best-performing drivers of SNT in the truck, tanker and bus categories. The awardees included Nirmal Chettri, Dipen Gurung, Manoj Kumar Chettri and Homraj Chettri. The Chief Minister also presented ex gratia assistance of ₹5 lakh each to the families of seven accident victims.
Additionally, he honoured the Best Disciplined Drivers in various categories. The awardees were Kharka Kumar Pradhan, Maxi Cab (J), Buddha Manger, Luxury (Z), Sandeep Pradhan, Motor Cab (T),
D B Chettri, Goods Carrier (D), Sawdip Kami, Stage Carriage (B), and Namdul Gyatso Bhutia, Government (G).
The Chief Minister also felicitated SNT drivers Chatur Das Chettri, Tenzing Lachungpa and Kumar Gurung in recognition of their exemplary service during the Prime Minister’s visit to the State. He further honoured Basant Kumar Suji, a retired driver of Sikkim Government College, for his dedicated service spanning 40 years. In addition, the Chief Minister felicitated lady driver Manita Subba for her contribution to the driving community. Additionally, the Chief Minister presented desktop computers to the members of the Ranipool Local Taxi Owners-cum-Drivers Association.
A video presentation on the achievements of the Transport Department and Sarathi’s, documented by the Information and Public Relations Department, was screened.
The programme also featured cultural performances by Lady Sarathi’s, winners of the Sarathi Idol competition, and the All Sikkim Government Drivers Association on Nasha Mukht.
The programme also included the felicitation of Speaker, Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Mingma Sherpa, Advisor, Transport Department, Madan Cintury, and Advisor, Power Department, Sanjeet Kharel, by the Transport Department.
Also present were Speaker, Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Deputy Speaker, Sikkim Legislative Assembly, members of the Council of Ministers, former MLAs, MLAs, Zilla Panchayats, Adakshyas, Up-Adakshyas, Mayor, GMC, Deputy Mayor, GMC, PCE-cum-Secretary, Transport Department, Heads of Departments from various government departments, members of different driving associations from West Bengal, members of the driving community from all six districts, and other dignitaries.
The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Additional Transport Commissioner-cum-Secretary, State Transport Authority, Motor Vehicle Division, Roshan Pradhan.
