Sikkim government vehicles to move freely as restrictions end, while fuel austerity measures continue

The Sikkim government has withdrawn restrictions on the movement of state government vehicles with immediate effect, following last month’s fuel crisis. A notification issued by Chief Secretary R Telang confirms normal vehicle use will resume, while austerity measures remain, including a reduced Chief Minister’s convoy, limited escorts for key officials, and scaled-back protocol arrangements.

The Sikkim government removed curbs on state government vehicle movement on Monday. A Home department notification said the change took effect at once. Chief Secretary R Telang stated that all state government vehicles will now run without limits. The restrictions began last month, after a fuel crisis hit supplies.

Despite the move, several fuel-saving steps will continue across the state. The notification said these measures were introduced due to fuel shortage. The odd-even vehicle rule will also stay in force. It will apply within the Gangtok Municipal Area until further orders.

Sikkim government vehicles: convoy, escorts and protocol limits

Rules for official convoys and escorts will remain tighter under the revised norms. The chief ministers convoy will be limited to five vehicles. This count includes the security vehicle. The cap is a 50 per cent cut from earlier levels, the notification said.

The speaker and deputy speaker will continue without pilot escort vehicles on official tours. An exception will apply only within Gangtok district for official functions. Protocol courtesies will also stay suspended for chief ministers visits. District Collectors and Superintendents of Police will not handle reception or see-off arrangements.

Sikkim government vehicles: fuel allotment cuts and purchase ban

Fuel limits for several office vehicles will remain reduced by 30 per cent. This covers vehicles attached to the chief minister, speaker and deputy speaker. It also applies to ministers, MLAs and other government officers. The notification also barred buying new government vehicles, except for police and emergency service vehicles.

Sikkim government vehicles: office staffing, meetings and travel rules

All state government offices will return to full staff strength. Offices will also go back to the regular six-day working week. The second and fourth Saturdays will remain government holidays. Departmental meetings will continue online where possible. If in-person meetings are needed, two officials per department will usually attend.

Foreign travel for government officials will be allowed only in exceptional cases. Such trips will need prior approval from the state government. The Food and Civil Supplies department will keep monitoring LPG distribution. Extra LPG cylinders will still be allowed only for marriage ceremonies and death rites.

With inputs from PTI