All Sikkim C and D Employees Association to hold elections for 9 key posts after 19 years

After nearly two decades, the All Sikkim C and D Employees Association has decided to hold elections for nine important positions within the organization. The last election was conducted in 2006, and since then, no leadership selection process has taken place. This prolonged delay has caused concerns among employees regarding representation and decision-making. The upcoming election is being seen as a significant step in restoring the association’s democratic structure and addressing the issues faced by thousands of government employees in the state.

A crucial meeting of the Coordination Council was held on January 19, 2025. During the meeting, the members discussed why elections had not been held for such a long time and what steps should be taken to resolve the issue. The chairman of the association tendered his resignation at that time, which further necessiated the urgency of electing new leadership.

Following the chairman’s resignation, the Coordination Council formed a special committee to assess the situation and determine whether elections should be conducted. After reviewing the 2007 constitution of the association, it was found that elections were supposed to be held periodically, but this had not been followed. The council also noted that according to the constitution, only registered members of the C and D Employees Association have the right to vote. However, the membership system had not been maintained properly over the years, leading to complications in conducting elections.

One of the major challenges identified was the absence of a valid membership system. As per the association’s rules, only members are allowed to vote and contest for leadership positions. However, due to the lack of regular elections and record-keeping, many employees had either lost their membership status or were never officially registered.

To resolve this issue, the association has introduced a new membership registration process. Employees who wish to participate in the election must fill out a membership form and submit it along with a Xerox copy of their government ID card issued by the Home Department. A nominal fee of Rs. 50 is required for registration. The association has given a six-month window for employees to complete this process.

There are currently an estimated 70,000 to 80,000 C and D category government employees in Sikkim, working across various departments. However, many of them are unaware of their rights within the association or the importance of participating in the election. The leadership has urged all employees to register as members and take an active role in selecting the new leadership.

The election will be conducted for the following nine key positions within the association:

- Chairman – One post

- Vice Chairman – One post

- General Secretary – One post

- Joint General Secretary – One post

- Treasurer – One post

- Assistant Treasurer – One post

- Coordination Secretary – One post

- Publicity Secretary – One post

- Office Secretary – One post

As per the rules, any eligible member can contest for these positions. The association has also clarified that members of the election committee will not be allowed to contest in the elections to ensure fairness and transparency in the process.

The election committee said that only those who possess a valid membership card will be allowed to vote. The association has requested all employees to complete their membership registration as soon as possible to avoid any last-minute issues.

In order to make the election successful, at least 75% voter participation is expected. The association has stated that it is crucial for employees to understand their role in electing the right leadership. Many employees are unaware of the benefits and responsibilities of being part of the association. The leadership has urged them to participate actively in the electoral process and select representatives who can address their concerns effectively.

The All Sikkim C and D Employees Association plays a crucial role in addressing the issues faced by government employees. Over the years, the absence of elected leadership has made it difficult to take up matters such as salary concerns, working conditions, and employee welfare. The newly elected leaders will be responsible for ensuring that the rights and interests of all C and D category employees are protected.

Many employees, particularly those working in transport and other essential services, face difficulties in voicing their concerns. Without proper leadership, it becomes challenging to raise issues and demand solutions from the government. The election will allow employees to choose leaders who can effectively represent them and work towards their welfare.

The association has requested media organizations to help spread awareness about the membership process and the upcoming elections. They have urged all government employees in the C and D category to register and participate in the election. By doing so, they can ensure that the association functions properly and that their voices are heard.

The leadership has also assured employees that the election process will be conducted in a fair and transparent manner, following all the constitutional guidelines. The aim is to restore the democratic structure of the association and ensure that employees have a strong platform to address their concerns.