STA secretary clarifies Counter Permit issue, urges public not to panic

NAWDEEP SHARMA

GANGTOK,: Dukpa Sherpa, secretary of the State Transport Authority (STA), briefed the media on the issue related to counter signature permits and clarified the confusion that occurred on the first day of issuance.

The STA secretary said that the Transport department started issuing counter signature permits from January 5. However, due to miscommunication and rumours, many people believed that the permits would be issued for only one day. As a result, a large number of drivers gathered at the office on the first day, leading to chaos.

The secretary clarified that the permits are being issued for several days.

Sherpa informed that only 3,000 counter permits will be issued under the current quota. This includes 800 permits for local taxis, 1,200 permits for J-series vehicles, and 1,000 permits for Z-series luxury vehicles. He explained that this quota applies under a reciprocal agreement between Sikkim and West Bengal, which allows each State to issue up to 3,000 permits per year.

He further added that earlier the number of permits was lower, but it was gradually increased to 3,000. He also mentioned that last year a meeting was held between the Governments of Sikkim and West Bengal, where a proposal was discussed to increase the quota from 3,000 to 5,000 permits. The department is hopeful that this proposal will be approved.

The STA secretary also spoke about a special permit available for local taxis that do not have counter signature permits. Currently, these taxis can carry passengers from Sikkim to Siliguri but are not allowed to carry passengers on the return journey.

A proposal has been sent to the Government of West Bengal seeking approval to allow these taxis to carry passengers while returning as well. If approved, local taxis will be able to operate using this special permit without requiring a counter signature permit.

Sherpa informed that on the first day itself, the department received around 600 applications for local taxis, 500 for J-series vehicles, and 600 for luxury vehicles. He assured that the permits will start being approved and issued from today.

The applications will be forwarded to West Bengal, and vehicle owners will have to pay the prescribed fee online through the Vahan app, as the entire process is conducted online.