Sikkim: Tenant verification mandatory for outsiders; locals with 5 documents exempt, says DGP

In a bid to address public concerns and clarify directives on tenants verification, Sikkim’s Director General of Police (DGP) Akshay Sachdeva held a press conference today. The primary focus was on the verification process for tenants and domestic helps under the Sikkim Tenants and Domestic and Professional Helps (Compulsory Verification) Act, 2008.

The DGP acknowledged that misinformation and doubts had arisen following a previous press conference by the police department 15 days ago. He said that the government is introducing a new policy aimed at enhancing public safety and maintaining law and order in the state.

DGP Sachdeva said that while the Act was enacted in 2008, it remained unenforced for 15 years. However, with the rising concerns over illegal influx and increasing criminal activities such as burglary, snatching, and even murder, the government has decided to implement new policies. These measures aim to create a secure environment for local residents.

Who needs verification?

A key point of concern among citizens was whether local residents with proper documentation need to undergo police verification. DGP Sachdeva clarified that individuals possessing any of the following five documents will not be required to visit police stations for character verification:

1. Sikkim Subject Certificate

2. Certificate of Identification (COI)

3. Residential Certificate

4. Land Documents in Sikkim

5. Sikkim Voter ID Card

Individuals who hold these documents, even if they move within the state for employment, do not need verification. However, tenant verification will be mandatory for individuals coming from outside Sikkim for employment or residence. This measure is intended to track individuals whose background has not been previously verified and mitigate security risks.

The police department has laid down a clear procedure for tenant and domestic help verification. Landlords who rent out properties to tenants must visit the police station for registration and application submission. If a landlord is unavailable, a representative may complete the process on their behalf. This visit is required only once for initial registration, following which the police will carry out the necessary verification.

The police department has requested full cooperation from landlords to ensure compliance with the verification process.

Acknowledging the overwhelming response and the large number of people visiting police stations, DGP Sachdeva assured the public that additional manpower would be deployed after February 15 to streamline the process. The police department is currently preparing for the expected increase in workload, ensuring that other critical law enforcement duties remain unaffected.

DGP Sachdeva said that the government’s intention is not to harass local residents but to ensure their safety. The initiative is aimed at national security and protecting the interests of Sikkim’s people.

The government will soon issue an official notification detailing the new tenant verification policy. The police department has urged citizens to cooperate and comply with the process to maintain security and peace in the state.