Sikkim government has revealed a recent policy that aims to regularise 20,000 job vacancies across various categories by 25 February, 2024. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang revealed the specifics of the 2024 Regularisation Policy during the State Level Sonam Lochhar festival.
The policy, announced in Rangpo, is not merely a declaration but a legally- binding measure, with an implementation deadline set for 31 December, 2023. Employees meeting the required service tenure by this date are eligible for regularisation under the updated policy.
This marks a significant departure from the previous eight-year tenure requirement, now reduced to four years to better align with evolving needs. Additionally, it will cover all temporary employees serving continuously for four years or more in various capacities, such as work-charged, muster roll, ad hoc and so on.
The chief minister also underscored the government’s proactive approach in addressing this matter, assuring that calculations have been made to facilitate the smooth transition of temporary employees into permanent positions. A comprehensive plan has been formulated to manage employee salaries, ensuring financial stability and sustainability for the state.
The announcement has alleviated concerns raised by opposition parties, bringing significant relief to the 20,000 temporary employees eagerly awaiting a resolution to their employment status. The government is now under scrutiny to fulfil its commitment and provide a lasting solution to the longstanding issue of temporary employment.
Sikkim has also became the first state to reinstate the Old Pension System for state government employees appointed on or after 1 April, 2006 on Friday, 9 February, 2024. The state has chosen to revert to the old pension system, applying the Sikkim Services (Pension) Rules of 1990, for government employees appointed on or after 1 April, 2006, aligning them with the regulations applicable to employees appointed on or before 31 March, 2006.