Sikkim Announces Engineers' Day Holiday & Cadre Relaxation

National Engineers Day 2025 was celebrated at Manan Bhawan today, organised jointly by the Retired Engineers Association (Civil), Sikkim State Engineering Service (Civil), and the All Sikkimese Diploma Engineers Association. Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang graced the occasion as Chief Guest.

Observed nationwide on September 15 since 1967, the day commemorates the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya. This year’s celebration in Sikkim was significant as it coincided with the Golden Jubilee of Statehood.

In his keynote address, the Chief Minister said the event not only honoured Visvesvaraya but also recognised the contributions of Sikkim’s engineers, contractors, and architects. He emphasised that engineers form the backbone of the state’s infrastructure and play a pivotal role in translating government plans into reliable structures.

Mr Tamang encouraged young engineers to adopt innovation and technology in their work and announced a series of measures, including:

• A one-time cadre relaxation for junior engineers with over six years of service,

• Engagement of retired engineers to provide inputs on developmental projects, and

• Declaring Engineers’ Day as a restricted holiday in the state from next year.

He also recalled the work ethics of former Secretary Mr Dup Tshering Lepcha, urging the younger generation to emulate his example.

The programme began with a two-minute silence in memory of engineers who passed away during the year, followed by floral tributes to Visvesvaraya. Highlights included the Engineers’ Day song composed by engineers, a documentary on state infrastructure, and cultural performances such as Maruni dance and Nepali songs.

A series of engineers and contractors were felicitated for their contributions, including:

• Engineers: Mr L.P. Tewari (Electrical), Mr Deo Kumar Gurung (Mechanical), Mr Jagat Bahadur Subba (Architect), Mr Dharmo Prakash Deokota, Mr Bal Kumar Rasaily, Mr Birkha Bahadur Chettri, Mr Narendra Kumar Gurung, Mr Purna Kumar Pradhan (Civil).

• Contractors: Mr Damber Bahadur Pradhan, Mr L.N. Sarda, Mr Daluram Sarda, Mr Sonam Topgay, Mr Nedup Tshering Lachenpa.

Sports prizes were distributed by the All Sikkim Diploma Engineers Association. Winners included RDD South West (champion team) and Mr Jigmee Dorjee Bhutia (highest scorer), among others. Runners of the 5k and 10k Engineers’ Day Run were also awarded.

Tributes were also paid to Late Padma Shri G.S. Lama (Sanu Lama), former Chief Engineer and noted Nepali writer.