We are discussing the matter and will take a call soon: Sikkim Chief Secretary on tenant verification refunds

Sikkim Chief Secretary Ravindra Telang addressed public concerns about refunding tenant verification fees collected during the state’s tenant verification drive. Telang said, “We are discussing the matter and exploring the process. We will take a call soon.”

The tenant verification drive aimed to document all tenants in Sikkim to enhance public safety. Over 30,000 individuals paid the verification fee of Rs. 50, leading to the collection of more than Rs. 35 lakhs. However, following a government notification, local citizens possessing any of five specific documents are now exempt from the verification requirement.

The exempt documents include the Sikkim Subject Certificate, Certificate of Identification (COI), Residential Certificate, Sikkim Voter ID, and land ownership documents. The change in policy has raised questions about refunds for those who have already paid.

State Bank of Sikkim (SBS) Managing Director P.W. Bhutia stated that the decision to refund the money lies with the state government. “The bank has already credited the funds to the government’s account, and we cannot reverse the transactions. The Finance Department will take a call soon,” Bhutia explained.

Bhutia also noted the challenge of distinguishing between exempt locals and non-locals who are still required to pay. If refunds are approved, the responsible department will need to verify eligibility before issuing refunds.

Sikkim’s Director General of Police (DGP) Akshay Sachdeva previously held a press conference to clarify the tenant verification policy under the Sikkim Tenants and Domestic and Professional Helps (Compulsory Verification) Act, 2008. Although the Act was enacted 15 years ago, it remained largely unenforced. Rising security concerns prompted its recent implementation.

Individuals coming from outside Sikkim must now undergo police verification, while locals holding any of the five exempt documents are not required to do so. The verification aims to track the backgrounds of new arrivals and reduce criminal activities.

Sachdeva assured the public that the government’s intention is to enhance safety, not to inconvenience citizens. He also urged landlords to cooperate by visiting police stations for registration, emphasizing that only an initial visit is required for verification.