Press Release
Press release by Gangtok District Zilla Panchayat Office
Information & Public Relations Department
May 5, 2025
Zilla Panchayat Office, Gangtok Welcomes Delegation from North Goa
Gangtok, Sikkim: The Zilla Panchayat Office of Gangtok hosted a delegation led by Shri Shankar Chodankar, Zilla Panchayat Adhyakshya of North Goa, along with the Upa Adhyakshya, Chief Executive Officer, and members of the North Goa Zilla Panchayat, at a felicitation ceremony held today at the office of the Zilla Panchayat Adhyakshya in Gangtok. The event, organized under the guidance of Shri Bala Ram Adhikari, Adhyakshya, Gangtok Zilla Panchayat, sought to foster inter-state collaboration on rural development and the Panchayati Raj system.
The program opened with a warm welcome delivered by Ms. Karishma Sharki, Junior Engineer, Gangtok Zilla Panchayat, who outlined the day’s itinerary and highlighted recent milestones in Sikkim’s rural governance initiatives. Following her remarks, Smt. Devi Maya Pradhan, Upa Adhyakshya of Gangtok, and the Under Secretary of the Zilla Panchayat Office joined the gathering of staff and officials, expressing their delight at hosting the North Goa delegation.
Shri Bala Ram Adhikari, Zilla Panchayat Adhyakshya of Gangtok, addressed the assembly, providing a concise overview of the Panchayati Raj framework as implemented across Sikkim. He emphasized the State’s commitment to community-driven development, transparency in fund allocation, and capacity-building at the grassroots. His remarks underscored the importance of knowledge exchange between state bodies to strengthen local self-governance.
In turn, Shri Shankar Chodankar, Zilla Panchayat Adhyakshya of North Goa, presented an informative briefing on Goan rural development strategies, with particular focus on the equitable distribution of funds to panchayats for infrastructure, sanitation, and livelihood projects. He commended the Gangtok office for its “warm hospitality” and lauded the Government of Sikkim’s efforts in preserving the Himalayan state’s natural beauty alongside socio-economic progress.
A cordial interaction followed, during which members of both delegations exchanged ideas on best practices, challenges, and future collaboration opportunities. The exchange of customary gifts symbolized mutual respect and the intent to cultivate enduring partnerships between Gangtok and North Goa Zilla Panchayats.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri Hari Nepal, Personal Assistant to the Zilla Panchayat Adhyakshya, who acknowledged the contributions of all participants, the organizing committee, and the wider staff of the Gangtok Zilla Panchayat Office for making the event a success.
Zilla Panchayat Office, Gangtok Welcomes Delegation from North Goa
Gangtok, Sikkim: The Zilla Panchayat Office of Gangtok hosted a delegation led by Shri Shankar Chodankar, Zilla Panchayat Adhyakshya of North Goa, along with the Upa Adhyakshya, Chief Executive Officer, and members of the North Goa Zilla Panchayat, at a felicitation ceremony held today at the office of the Zilla Panchayat Adhyakshya in Gangtok. The event, organized under the guidance of Shri Bala Ram Adhikari, Adhyakshya, Gangtok Zilla Panchayat, sought to foster inter-state collaboration on rural development and the Panchayati Raj system.
The program opened with a warm welcome delivered by Ms. Karishma Sharki, Junior Engineer, Gangtok Zilla Panchayat, who outlined the day’s itinerary and highlighted recent milestones in Sikkim’s rural governance initiatives. Following her remarks, Smt. Devi Maya Pradhan, Upa Adhyakshya of Gangtok, and the Under Secretary of the Zilla Panchayat Office joined the gathering of staff and officials, expressing their delight at hosting the North Goa delegation.
Shri Bala Ram Adhikari, Zilla Panchayat Adhyakshya of Gangtok, addressed the assembly, providing a concise overview of the Panchayati Raj framework as implemented across Sikkim. He emphasized the State’s commitment to community-driven development, transparency in fund allocation, and capacity-building at the grassroots. His remarks underscored the importance of knowledge exchange between state bodies to strengthen local self-governance.
In turn, Shri Shankar Chodankar, Zilla Panchayat Adhyakshya of North Goa, presented an informative briefing on Goan rural development strategies, with particular focus on the equitable distribution of funds to panchayats for infrastructure, sanitation, and livelihood projects. He commended the Gangtok office for its “warm hospitality” and lauded the Government of Sikkim’s efforts in preserving the Himalayan state’s natural beauty alongside socio-economic progress.
A cordial interaction followed, during which members of both delegations exchanged ideas on best practices, challenges, and future collaboration opportunities. The exchange of customary gifts symbolized mutual respect and the intent to cultivate enduring partnerships between Gangtok and North Goa Zilla Panchayats.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri Hari Nepal, Personal Assistant to the Zilla Panchayat Adhyakshya, who acknowledged the contributions of all participants, the organizing committee, and the wider staff of the Gangtok Zilla Panchayat Office for making the event a success.