Gangtok, Oct. 12: Chief minister Pawan Chamling became the first important person from the hill region to be conferred a doctorate of philosophy (honoris causa).

The honour was bestowed on him to reward his vision, leadership and contribution to the field of social upliftment of weaker sections, backward classes and all-round development of Sikkim.

The degree was conferred on him yesterday by the Sikkim Manipal University (SMU) at the third convocation of the Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology in Majitar.

President of the Pai Foundation and Manipal Group, Ramdas Pai and the Vice Chancellor of Sikkim manipal University handed over the degree to the chief minister.