In Sikkim, state-level 74th Independence Day celebration was held at Manan Kendra near Gangtok today. Chief Minister P. S. Tamang unfurled the national flag and received the guard of honour. This year the function was celebrated with a limited number of guests and programmes and following Central Government guidelines due to the COVID-19 situation.<br />'' <br />'' Mr Tamang thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for supporting Sikkim during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing assistance for health care infrastructure development. He highlighted the New Education Policy-2020 and foundation of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya as important milestones amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. <br />''<br />''He announced several projects and welfare schemes covering health, education, tourism, agriculture, IT, employment, housing, infrastructure and women empowerment, among others. He expressed gratitude towards frontline COVID-19 warriors. He congratulated Superintendent of Police of North Sikkim, Sonam Ongmu Bhutia for receiving the President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service and Additional Superintendent of Police Ambika Subba for being awarded the Police Medal for Meritorious Service.<br />''