CM Tamang announces phased housing and blanket distribution for needy families across Sikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has assured the people that the state government will construct houses for token holders by 2027, with special priority given to economically weaker families. He emphasized that the distribution process will take place in a phased and systematic manner to ensure that the benefits reach the genuinely needy first.

Addressing concerns over delays and confusion regarding allotment orders and material support, the Chief Minister clarified that even judicial officials have received allotment orders. “Let them sit quietly with their orders for now. We are moving step by step. If we try to give everything to everyone at once, it becomes unmanageable,” he said, urging citizens to remain patient and cooperative.

CM Tamang explained that housing projects will be built across 27 designated areas, and beneficiaries who have already started constructing houses will be grouped into separate clusters. These households will be given building support such as materials and labor assistance from the government. He added that the construction of 11,000 houses is a large task and will be completed in multiple phases.

“In the past, we used to provide 100 houses per ward. Now we’re planning it according to Panchayats, district Panchayats, and MLA constituencies,” the Chief Minister stated. He also stressed that families truly in need will be given priority. “Some people just want benefits, but we can’t give resources to those who have already received them. We will work according to the earlier list and stick to our policy,” he said.

As part of the broader welfare efforts, the state government will begin distributing roof sheets and blankets from July 19 across all districts. Supplies have already been sent from Gangtok to the district stores, and many areas, including West Sikkim, have received their materials at respective Block Administrative Centres (BACs).

“People can collect the blankets from their nearby BAC or BDO office—be it Jorethang, Gangtok, or elsewhere,” CM Tamang announced. He also urged citizens not to sell the items, warning that strict action will be taken against those involved in black marketing.

“We had distributed blanket tokens before the elections. Out of 450 houses issued allotments, only 60 have been constructed so far,” he said, expressing concern over the slow progress in certain areas. “We will continue distribution in phases, focusing first on areas where houses are already underway.”

CM Tamang acknowledged that in some locations, surplus blankets were provided to reduce the need for travel to central stores. However, he strongly condemned the resale of government-issued blankets. “This will no longer be tolerated. We’re monitoring the situation from the BAC level and will act against black marketing,” he said.

The distribution program, which was earlier postponed due to the funeral of Padmashree Jiyas, will now be carried out across Sikkim starting July 19. “You don’t have to pay anything for the blanket. Take it home and use it. Don’t sell it. Those who bought it illegally must return it. Refunds will not be given, and strict action will follow,” he cautioned.

This step-by-step, targeted approach by the Sikkim government aims to ensure that limited resources reach the poorest households first, while discouraging misuse or illegal resale of welfare materials. The initiative reflects the state’s ongoing effort to support its people while maintaining fairness and accountability in public welfare schemes.