Kalimpong, Aug 23: The Kalimpong Chalak Mahasangh has welcomed Sikkim’s move towards a technology-driven Integrated Online Permit System while making a strong appeal to drivers from Kalimpong, Darjeeling and adjoining areas working in Sikkim to stay focused on their livelihoods and avoid involvement in the state’s political or policy disputes.
Addressing a press briefing in Kalimpong, representatives of the drivers’ body said a large number of drivers from Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Mirik, Siliguri and surrounding areas depend directly or indirectly on Sikkim’s transport and tourism sector for their livelihood. The Mahasangh said its intervention followed discussions circulating in the media and on social media over Sikkim’s proposed permit framework and the participation of some drivers from neighbouring areas in those debates.
The organisation expressed gratitude to the Sikkim government for what it described as longstanding cooperation and respect extended to drivers from neighbouring regions who work in the state.
At the same time, the Mahasangh acknowledged that some drivers from the Darjeeling-Kalimpong region may have become involved in discussions opposing aspects of the Sikkim government’s permit policy through associations with which they work.
The organisation urged Sikkim’s tourism stakeholders and authorities not to treat such individual statements as representing the wider driver community. It said some drivers may have spoken without fully understanding the implications of the issue and appealed that the matter should not affect others who depend on Sikkim for their livelihood.
Mahasangh Apologises Over Drivers’ Involvement
In a significant part of the briefing, the Kalimpong Chalak Mahasangh apologised to the Sikkim government, tourism stakeholders and concerned associations if comments or actions by drivers from its region had caused offence or created misunderstanding.
The organisation described the relationship between Kalimpong and Sikkim as being like “nail and flesh,” stressing the close social and economic ties shared by communities on both sides of the border.
It appealed to the Sikkim authorities not to allow the controversy to create difficulties for drivers from Kalimpong and Darjeeling who are legitimately earning their livelihood in the state and supporting their families.
The Mahasangh also appealed to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and representatives of Sikkim’s tourism and transport sectors to continue extending cooperation to drivers from neighbouring areas.
‘Work in Sikkim, But Don’t Interfere in Local Politics’
The drivers’ body issued a particularly strong message to drivers from West Bengal working in Sikkim: continue working and earning, but do not interfere in Sikkim’s political affairs or oppose policies of the state government.
Mahasangh representatives said every state has its own laws, policies and administrative framework, and drivers coming from outside should respect those arrangements.
The organisation warned that statements made by a few individuals could potentially create difficulties for a much larger number of ordinary drivers who rely on Sikkim for employment.
“Continue your business, but do not interfere in the politics and other internal matters there,” was the broad appeal made to drivers during the briefing.
Kalimpong Drivers Heavily Dependent on Sikkim Tourism
Explaining the economic concerns behind its intervention, the Mahasangh said tourism opportunities within Kalimpong are limited and many drivers consequently depend on Sikkim for employment.
Drivers from Kalimpong and surrounding areas frequently operate towards Sikkim and the Silk Route during the tourism season, providing an important source of income for their families, representatives said.
The Mahasangh expressed concern that if disputes or tensions forced these drivers to return to West Bengal, their livelihoods could be seriously affected.
It therefore appealed to both sides to ensure that the actions or statements of a few individuals do not damage the longstanding working relationship between Sikkim and drivers from neighbouring hill regions.
Concerns Raised Over Additional Driver Documentation
While broadly supportive of the government’s efforts, the Mahasangh also requested Sikkim authorities to consider the practical difficulties that could arise if additional identification or documentation requirements are imposed on drivers travelling towards Nathula and North Sikkim.
Representatives argued that many drivers from Kalimpong and Darjeeling are employed to drive vehicles owned by people in Sikkim rather than operating independently. They said vehicle owners already employ drivers after considering security and other requirements, and requested authorities to ensure that any new rules do not unnecessarily affect their employment.
What Sikkim Government Says About the Permit System
The Mahasangh’s statement comes amid wider discussions surrounding the Sikkim government’s proposed AI-based Integrated Online Permit System.
At a stakeholder consultation chaired by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on August 18, the state government said the proposed system is intended to simplify permit processing, reduce paperwork, strengthen revenue collection and improve transparency. The government has also stated that ownership, authority and control of the system would remain with the government and Tourism Department, while any technology agency involved would function as a service provider.
The proposed framework primarily covers destinations falling under the Restricted Area Permit and Protected Area Permit regimes, including Tsomgo-Nathula and the Lachung-Lachen circuits of North Sikkim. Permit applications are proposed to continue through registered Sikkim-based tour operators, while digital payments, geofencing and digital monitoring are among the features outlined by the Tourism Department.
The government maintains that the technology-enabled reform is intended to create a simpler, more transparent and accountable tourism permit mechanism while strengthening tourist safety and protecting the interests of local tourism stakeholders.
For the Kalimpong Chalak Mahasangh, however, the immediate concern is ensuring that the ongoing debate does not jeopardise the livelihoods of drivers from neighbouring regions who have worked in Sikkim for years.
The organisation reiterated its appeal for mutual respect and cooperation, while urging drivers from Kalimpong, Darjeeling and adjoining areas to respect Sikkim’s laws and policies and refrain from becoming involved in local political controversies.
Report: Raju Bhandari
