The Sikkim Assembly passed several significant bills aimed at improving various sectors in the state.
The Sikkim Registration of Tourist Trade Bill, 2024 was approved, marking a major step toward regulating the tourism industry.
Introduced by Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Tshering Thendup Bhutia, the bill aims to establish a legal framework for tourism activities. It seeks to ensure that stakeholders adhere to high standards of safety, quality, and ethical practices, enhancing the overall service delivery by tour operators.
The bill outlines key policies for responsible tourism and proposes fines for non-compliance, emphasising sustainable tourism practices and community development.
In addition to the tourism bill, the Assembly passed the Sikkim Court Fees and Stamps on Documents (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which introduces e-stamping.
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang highlighted that e-stamping will modernise the payment of stamp duties, making it easier to verify, reducing errors, and providing traceability. This new system will have the same legal status as traditional stamps.
The Assembly also approved the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2024, aimed at regulating online gaming within the State. The amendment redefines the term ‘Intranet Gaming Terminal’ and introduces penalties for unlicensed operators to ensure better oversight of online gaming activities.
The four-day budget session, which began on Monday, also witnessed the passage of the Demands for Excess Grants/Appropriation 2015-16, moved by the CM. The House was adjourned after addressing obituary references to former MP Pahalman Subba and former MLAs Sonam Gyatso Bhutia and Ram Chandra Poud. Discussion on the state budget for 2024-25 is scheduled for August 9, with voting on the budget to follow.
