Sikkim tourism permit row: CAP alleges Rs 27 crore revenue discrepancy

Gangtok, Aug 19 (IANS) The Opposition Citizen Action Party (CAP) on Wednesday filed an FIR with the Sikkim Vigilance Police, seeking a probe into an alleged revenue discrepancy of around Rs 27 crore in tourism permit collections and accountability for those responsible.

CAP spokesperson Albert Gurung said the complaint was filed following Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang’s reported statement that revenue generated through tourism permits had not been fully accounted for.

According to Gurung, around Rs 31 crore was collected through Nathula permit fees in 2025, while only about Rs 3 crore was reflected as available with the government, raising questions over the whereabouts of the remaining amount.

“If the government cannot stop corruption under the existing system, how will introducing a new rate chart solve the problem?” Gurung said.

He added that the FIR, submitted to the Vigilance Superintendent of Police, seeks investigation into officials and others who may have been involved in the alleged revenue leakage.

Gurung said the Chief Minister’s statement should be examined as part of the investigation and those found responsible should face action.

He also asked how such a large discrepancy could allegedly occur when the permit mechanism falls under the check-post division of the Sikkim Police.

The CAP leader warned that the party would approach the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) if it was not satisfied with the Vigilance Department’s probe.

The alleged revenue discrepancy has also become a major point of CAP’s opposition to the proposed Integrated Online Permit System.

Gurung said the Tourism Department had discussed the proposed system and a revised rate structure with selected stakeholders on August 5.

He claimed the proposed fees would be linked to vehicle engine capacity rather than the number of tourists.

For Nathula, the proposed charges include Rs 2,000 for vehicles below 1,000cc, Rs 3,000 for vehicles above 1,000cc, Rs 5,000 for Tempo Travellers and buses, and separate charges for motorcycles.

Gurung opposed the proposed structure, saying that higher permit charges could discourage tourists when road and other tourism infrastructure remain inadequate.

He also alleged that a private company could benefit from the proposed online system and raised questions about its alleged political connections, while acknowledging that these were allegations requiring verification.

The CAP leader urged the state government to put the proposal on hold, consult tourism stakeholders and reconsider the fee structure.

He warned that the party would intensify its campaign, including street protests, if the state government proceeded without addressing the concerns.

–IANS

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