Gangtok, April 16: The Sikkim government on Thursday issued a directive requiring all state employees to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s programmes marking the closing ceremony of Sikkim’s 50 years of statehood later this month.

According to a circular from the Department of Personnel, officers and employees, including those posted in districts, must participate in welcoming the Prime Minister on April 27 in Gangtok. The following day, April 28, all officers and Group ‘C’ and ‘D’ employees posted in and around Gangtok are required to attend the closing ceremony at Paljor Stadium.

The circular also encouraged employees to wear traditional attire during the programmes, underscoring the cultural significance of the milestone. Heads of Departments have been instructed to issue detailed directions regarding schedules and arrangements for both events.

Prime Minister Modi had inaugurated the year-long celebrations of Sikkim’s statehood last year, though he had to address the opening ceremony virtually from Bagdogra in West Bengal due to inclement weather.