Is there a way to generate income without taxing in Sikkim? Revenue Regeneration Revamp

Let’s face it - Sikkim’s economy is gasping for breath. When the government cannot pay temporary employees on time (some waited for 8 months last year and many are still waiting for salary arrears of five months!), contractors are left chasing their files (dues), and potholes are widening into full-fledged paddy fields, the signs of a collapsing economy are hard to miss. Up north, some bridges are crumbling faster than political promises, and if the rumours are true, the treasury is emptier than the pockets of unpaid employees.

In times like these, the state must find innovative ways to unlock revenue. There are plenty of sources right under our nose! The Sikkim government, in its desperation, is introducing new taxes. But there is a better, smarter and pro-public alternative way to refill the treasury. The government has to think outside the box and take a deep look at some good old-fashioned governance and embark on a strategic crackdown on inefficiencies, plugging revenue leaks, and making better use of public assets. Here are my simple suggestions that can be debated, pondered, redesigned and applied – wherever feasible.

Let’s start with road reserve encroachments. In Sikkim, public roads, both rural and urban, are often mistaken for private patios, gardens, shop extensions, or even makeshift bedrooms and kitchens. Instead of allowing encroachers to gobble up public land, why not impose hefty fines? A few penalties here and there, and suddenly, public spaces might actually look public again. Set a strict deadline for demolishing illegal structures and double the fine for those who miss it. Let them pay for their audacity and greed. If the government launches a statewide crackdown in a planned and impartial manner, we might just generate enough revenue to fix all the major state roads.

Now, what about road reserve encroachments in Gangtok? Our highway running through the city resembles a chaotic vehicle mela, with cars parked in every possible direction - diagonal, horizontal, and even existentially confused. Why not turn these encroached road reserves into paid parking zones? Take the stretch from Ranipool to Pangthang, for instance. Nearby landowners can be allotted a free spot for personal use, but the rest can and should generate revenue. Simple, efficient, and a great way to make Sikkim’s roads less chaotic and more productive.

Secondly, government secretaries do not need to look beyond their own offices for revenue generation. If time is money, Sikkim is losing crores of rupees to tardy bureaucrats. So why not introduce fines for late arrivals and early exits? Charge ?200 per hour in the morning. If employees leave early, make it ?500 per hour. With this simple fix, every department would have extra funds to contribute to the state treasury. It would also go a long way in ensuring a more disciplined workforce and less harassment for the public.We know how hard these secretaries are racking their brains to find revenue-generating avenues.

The secretaries can also address the misuse of office resources by bureaucrats like personal assets. We have all seen it - official vehicles parked outside wedding halls, shopping malls, and picnic spots, running errands for their bosses. Instead of trying (and failing) to stop them altogether, why not just introduce fines? “Do you want to take your government-issued Bolero or Scorpio for a joyride? Feel free – but be prepared to pay up” is what they needed to told though a notification. The people of Sikkim deserve better than to watch public resources being used for private leisure.

Thirdly, there is the mysterious case of some government drivers moonlighting as taxi operators. Some of them have mastered the art of switching between official duties and ferrying passengers for extra cash. It is an entrepreneurial spirit, for sure, but debatable when looked at from the perspectives of taxi drivers who are grappling with a declining tourists footprint. A strict regulation (with generous fines) could solve this issue. However, this might be trickier than it sounds. There are other government employees who use their professional skills privately.

Elected representatives should also be held accountable. It is no secret that some MLAs equipped with nasty mouth, enjoy the perks of power a little too much - threatening people, intimidating citizens, and getting away with it because they are feared. Here is an idea to ponder: introduce a ‘Democracy Preservation Fine.’ Misbehaviour on their part earns a penalty, with privileges suspended for repeat offenses. Legal action might be too much to hope for, but at least let’s make them pay for their arrogance.

Water supply, too, is a leaky affair - both literally and financially. Instead of treating it as an infinite resource, introduce smart meters, prepaid water cards, and a tiered pricing system based on usage. This way, those wasting water will pay more, and those using it responsibly will not suffer. Simple economics and useful for a state that desperately needs revenue.

Using digitization for revenue is a smart idea. Why not take government services fully online? Land registration, business licenses, vehicle permits - everything can be made accessible at the click of a button. Offer a fast-track option with a premium fee. Efficiency will improve, revenue will increase, and the days of bribing babus for quicker service will come to an end.

Speaking of VIPs, why should their privileges come for free? Special treatment in hospitals, fast-track services in government offices - everything VIP-related should come with a premium charge. If someone really wants to skip the queue, let them pay for it. The extra revenue can be used to improve public services for the rest of the population.

Waste management is an issue that is becoming ever so problematic. Garbage disposal is often a nightmare. Instead of waiting for miracles, why not partner with private firms? With the right regulations, user fees could be introduced without burdening citizens. Efficiency will clean the cities, increase revenue and improve civic sense.

Sikkim’s love for dogs is heartwarming, but urban pet ownership needs discipline. Many owners skip registration, and some let their pets roam free, turning streets into latrines. This is not fair to the public or the animals themselves.Why not enforce proper registration? A small annual fee ensures accountability, while fines for unregistered pets and public nuisance discourage neglect. The revenue could fund better waste management, animal welfare programs, and cleaner public spaces. With a little regulation, pet owners, non-pet owners, and the government all benefit.

Finally, believe me or not, monetizing political advertising in public spaces could be a bumper source of revenue. Election season or not, in Sikkim, every wall, pole, and tree looks like a party banner stand - free of cost, of course. Political parties should be charged for putting up posters, flags, and banners. And if they fail to remove them atthe end of the stipulated time, double the fine. Imagine how clean our streets would be if every campaign poster came with a price tag!

All of these measures would not only help boost revenue but also bring much-needed discipline into governance and public behaviour. Sikkim doesn’t need more taxes or desperate loans. All it needs is better management. With political will and public support, inefficiencies can be turned into opportunities, and the state can move towards a self-sustaining financial model. It is time to make governance work for the people and make it pay for itself while we are at it.

“Monetizing political advertising in public spaces could be a bumper source of revenue. Election season or not, in Sikkim, every wall, pole, and tree looks like a party banner stand - free of cost, of course. Political parties should be charged for putting up posters, flags, and banners. And if they fail to remove them at the end of the stipulated time, double the fine. Imagine how clean our streets would be if every campaign poster came with a price tag!”

jiwanr@gmail.com