Gangtok: Dushyant Kumar Gautam took oath as the 21st Governor of Sikkim on Monday at a ceremony in Gangtok, formally assuming office as the constitutional head of the Himalayan state.
The oath of office was administered by A. Muhamed Mustaque, Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, cabinet ministers, Lok Sabha members Indra Hang Subba and Raju Bista, state legislators, senior government officials and other dignitaries attended the ceremony.
Gautam was appointed Governor of Sikkim by President Droupadi Murmu on October 12. He succeeds Om Prakash Mathur, who has been appointed Governor of Kerala as part of a series of gubernatorial appointments announced by the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Former BJP national general secretary takes constitutional office
Gautam is a senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former national general secretary of the party. His appointment comes as Sikkim continues to focus on development, improved connectivity, tourism and the preservation of its distinct cultural identity.
As Governor, Gautam will serve as the state’s constitutional head, with his powers and responsibilities defined by the Constitution of India.
Sikkim occupies an important position in the eastern Himalayas. It shares international borders with Nepal, Bhutan and China, along with a domestic boundary with West Bengal. Its location near the India-China border also gives the state strategic importance in India’s security and regional connectivity planning.
Sikkim’s history and strategic importance
Sikkim became the 22nd state of the Indian Union on May 16, 1975, following a constitutional process that ended the monarchy under the Chogyal and integrated the state into India. Before that, Sikkim had functioned as an Indian protectorate under the 1950 Indo-Sikkim Treaty.
Over the decades, the state has undergone political and administrative changes while developing its tourism sector and strengthening its role in biodiversity conservation.
Sikkim is known for its Himalayan landscapes, Buddhist monasteries and Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain. Tourism and connectivity remain important areas of focus for the state, alongside the protection of its natural environment and cultural heritage.
Gautam’s swearing-in marks the formal beginning of his tenure as Governor following his appointment by the President.