Sikkim Promises Jobs for Families of Fallen Taxi Drivers

Gangtok: Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang pledged government jobs to surviving family members of taxi drivers killed in road accidents. He announced the policy on July 27 during the eighth Sarathi Samman Diwas at Manan Kendra in Gangtok. One eligible relative gets the spot, provided they meet standard government criteria.

The administration is also revamping its vehicle handout program. Next year, the state will distribute four taxis in every district to deserving drivers. This expands an existing scheme that currently hands out 12 taxis annually. Tamang views the state's drivers as essential workers. He stated, "true and undeclared ambassadors of Sikkim" during his address.

The government has rolled out a suite of perks since 2019. These include health insurance, housing support, and school fees for drivers' kids. The state also set up the All Sikkim Sarathi Welfare Board to oversee these benefits. Infrastructure upgrades, like better parking, remain a priority.

Interstate travel is getting a boost too. A new Reciprocal Transport Agreement with West Bengal doubles the counter-signature permit quota for Sikkim taxis from 3,000 to 6,000. Tamang says this change improves job prospects. He expects drivers to maintain professionalism and prioritize safety on the road.