Sikkim Lifts Vehicle Movement Curbs While Keeping Fiscal Austerity Measures

Gangtok: The Sikkim government has lifted all movement restrictions for government vehicles within the state, according to a Home Department notification issued on June 15. While mobility is now restored, the administration confirmed that several strict austerity measures will remain in place to maintain fiscal discipline.

Officials including the Chief Minister, ministers, and senior bureaucrats must continue to limit fuel consumption by 30 per cent. The purchase of new government vehicles is also prohibited, with exceptions made only for police and emergency services. The Chief Minister's convoy is capped at five vehicles, a reduction of 50 per cent from previous standards.

Protocol changes also persist. The Speaker and Deputy Speaker will not receive pilot escorts for tours outside Gangtok, and district officials are barred from organizing ceremonial receptions for the Chief Minister. Government offices have been instructed to resume a standard six-day work week, though virtual meetings are encouraged to lower administrative costs. Participation in physical meetings is limited to two officials per department.

The government noted, "Official foreign travel by government employees will be permitted only under exceptional circumstances." Additionally, the state has maintained its current LPG cylinder distribution rules and the odd-even vehicle traffic management system in the Gangtok Municipal Area until further notice.