By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: The Sikkim government has relaxed restrictions on the use of official vehicles by allowing unrestricted movement across districts and within the state, while continuing a range of austerity measures aimed at controlling public expenditure.
The decision was announced through a Home Department notification issued on June 15. Although mobility curbs on government vehicles have been removed, the state administration has chosen to retain several financial discipline initiatives introduced earlier.
Under the revised guidelines, fuel consumption by government vehicles will continue to be curtailed by 30 per cent. The measure applies to vehicles used by constitutional functionaries and public representatives, including the Chief Minister, ministers, legislators and senior bureaucrats.
The government has also extended its ban on procuring new official vehicles, with exemptions granted only for police units and emergency response services.
As part of efforts to minimise expenditure, the Chief Minister’s convoy will remain restricted to a maximum of five vehicles, including security escorts. The convoy strength has been reduced by half under the continuing austerity framework.
Several protocol-related practices will also remain suspended. During official visits outside Gangtok district, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker will not receive pilot escort vehicles. Likewise, district administrations will not organise ceremonial receptions or farewells for the Chief Minister during official tours.
The notification further directs all government offices to restore regular attendance and function on the standard six-day working schedule. Employees will continue to receive holidays on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month.
To cut administrative costs and improve efficiency, departments have been encouraged to hold meetings through virtual platforms whenever feasible. Where in-person meetings are necessary, participation should generally be limited to two representatives from each department.
The state has also maintained restrictions on official overseas travel, permitting such visits only in exceptional and unavoidable situations.
Meanwhile, existing regulations governing LPG cylinder distribution will remain unchanged. Additional cylinders will continue to be approved only for specific occasions such as weddings and funeral ceremonies.
Traffic management measures in Gangtok will also continue, with the odd-even vehicle regulation remaining in effect for both private and government vehicles until further notice.
The latest decision signals the government’s intent to ease operational constraints while maintaining expenditure control measures as part of its ongoing fiscal management strategy.