Gangtok18th Aug: CM PS Tamang, attended the Stakeholders Consultative Meeting of Tourism & Civil Aviation department today on the proposed Integrated Online Permit System for Restricted and Protected Areas, aimed at strengthening transparency, efficiency and accountability in the permit process while safeguarding the interests of Sikkim’s tourism sector and its people.
‘It is important to clarify that the proposed system is presently at the consultation and discussion stage and has not yet been implemented. The Government is engaging extensively with tourism stakeholders to understand their concerns, assess the existing challenges and incorporate their valuable suggestions before taking the matter forward,’said CM.
‘The primary objective of introducing such a system is to address revenue leakage and ensure that legitimate revenue generated through tourism is duly realised by the State. We have observed a considerable disparity between the tourist data entering Sikkim and the revenue being realised through tourism-related permits and activities. Addressing this gap is essential in protecting the economic interests of the State and, consequently, the interests of the people of Sikkim,’ CM added further.
‘The revenue generated by tourism and other sectors is ultimately utilised towards public welfare, infrastructure development and the overall progress of the State. Therefore, ensuring transparency and preventing avoidable revenue loss is a responsibility that our Government cannot overlook.’
‘The proposed system is also intended to substantially benefit Sikkim-registered tour and travel operators and local tourism stakeholders by reducing unnecessary intermediaries, streamlining the permit process and creating a more transparent and hassle-free mechanism for both operators and visitors.’
The agency being considered for development of the system will function strictly as a service provider and not as the owner or beneficiary of the revenue generated. The Government will only bear the applicable service charges for the services provided. At the same time, if any qualified local individual or entity has the requisite capability and wishes to propose a similar system, our Government remains open to examining such proposals in accordance with due process.
‘Our Government Sikkim remains committed to participatory governance and decisions that serve the larger public interest. We will not take any measure that compromises the legitimate interests of the people of Sikkim or its tourism fraternity,’ said CM Tamang.
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