Gangtok, Aug 19 (IANS) The Sikkim government on Wednesday defended its proposed AI‑based integrated online permit system for restricted and protected areas, asserting that regulatory control over permits and revenue collection will remain with the Tourism Department even if a private agency is engaged for technology and portal management.
Tourism Secretary Raj Yadav said the proposed arrangement aimed to simplify the permit process, reduce possible revenue leakages, and ensure that a larger share of tourism earnings remained with local operators, drivers and vehicle owners.
He clarified that outsourcing technology‑related functions would not amount to privatisation of the permit system.
Yadav explained that the private agency could develop and manage the online portal and AI‑based functions, while the Tourism Department would retain authority over permits. Police would continue security checks, and Sikkim‑based tour operators would be given access to the platform.
“The department will sign all agreements. Therefore, the stake and overall control will remain with the government,” he said.
The proposal comes amid concerns over possible revenue leakages in the existing permit mechanism. Yadav said Tourism Department records showed permits being issued to around 34,000 people, while police data recorded 17.64 lakh visitors to the concerned areas.
He cautioned that the entire figure could not be treated as permit‑eligible tourists but said the disparity warranted investigation.
The department had received only around Rs 3.64 crore, he said, while declining to estimate the alleged loss.
Yadav said the new system would replace the fragmented permit process with a more streamlined mechanism, including single permits for multiple destinations wherever applicable.
He added that the government wanted to eliminate intermediaries and give authorised local tour operators direct access to the platform.
The proposed system is not primarily intended as a security measure, Yadav said, adding that its main objectives were to reduce red tape and make access to protected and restricted destinations easier.
Under the proposed model, Sikkim‑registered taxis would be allowed to operate in these areas, helping retain tourism revenue within the state.
Yadav also defended the proposed fee revisions, saying the existing Rs 200 charge was based on a 2007 notification and had not kept pace with inflation.
The government is considering additional services, including advance permit confirmation and insurance‑related assistance for tourists and drivers. The agency and final implementation structure remain undecided.
The department will hold another stakeholder consultation before placing the proposal before the Cabinet. After approval, officials expect to operationalise the system in about two months.
–IANS
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