Strengthening Democracy Through Direct Public Engagement in Sikkim

MILAN BASNET

VIEWPOINT

In a democratic system, the essence of governance lies in maintaining a close and continuous connection between elected representatives and the people. Regular interaction enables leaders to understand ground realities, respond to public needs, and formulate policies that are practical and inclusive. Such engagement strengthens transparency, accountability, and public trust, while ensuring that governance reflects the true will of the people.

Since assuming office in 2019, the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri P.S. Golay, has placed people-centric governance at the very heart of its administration. The state of Sikkim has witnessed many governments come and go over the years, yet rarely has public engagement been given such consistent priority and genuine importance as it has under the present leadership.

With a deep sense of responsibility and empathy, the Hon’ble Chief Minister has ensured that the voices of the people are not only heard but responded to with sincerity. He has remained constantly connected with citizens, be it during official visits, public meetings, social gatherings, or community events where people often line up with hope and expectation to meet him. In each such interaction, he makes a conscious and heartfelt effort to listen, understand, and address their concerns.

The open door approach at Mintokgang stands as a powerful symbol of this commitment reflecting a government that is accessible, transparent, and truly dedicated to the welfare of its people. It is this connection with the grassroots that has redefined governance in Sikkim, transforming it into a system where leadership is not distant, but deeply present in the lives of its citizens.

Janta Bhet Karyakram: Bringing Governance to the Doorstep

One of the most significant initiatives of the SKM Government is the Janta Bhet Karyakram, a unique outreach programme designed to take governance directly to the people. Conceptualized as a structured platform for public interaction, it allows citizens from all constituencies to engage directly with the Chief Minister and senior government officials.

The initiative evolved from the Chief Minister’s practice of interacting with citizens during public events. As participation increased, the need for a more systematic approach led to the establishment of dedicated multi-day programmes across constituencies. These sessions, often spanning two to three days, ensure that every individual has an opportunity to present grievances and seek solutions.

Under this programme, the Chief Minister is accompanied by Ministers, MLAs, departmental heads, Panchayati Raj representatives, and senior bureaucrats, ensuring comprehensive and on-the-spot redressal of issues wherever possible. Importantly, the initiative upholds the principle of non-discrimination, ensuring equal access to all citizens irrespective of political affiliation.

A remarkable instance of this commitment was witnessed on January 8, 2023, when Shri Prem Singh Tamang conducted an extraordinary 19-hour-long public interaction session, reflecting his dedication to public service.

Since its inception, ten Janta Bhet Karyakrams have been successfully conducted across Sikkim, fostering trust, strengthening public confidence, and empowering citizens. The programme has been particularly impactful in supporting youth aspirations, promoting entrepreneurship, and providing a platform for artists and innovators.

Mukhyamantri Jan Samvad: Digital Governance for Inclusive Reach

Further strengthening public engagement, the SKM Government launched the Mukhyamantri Jan Samvad programme in March 2026, marking a significant step towards technology-driven governance. This innovative initiative enables the Chief Minister to connect directly with citizens through video conferencing, eliminating geographical barriers and ensuring access even in remote areas.

Through this platform, beneficiaries from various constituencies participate from their respective Block Administrative Centres (BACs), with a network of 34 BACs facilitating seamless coordination across the state. The programme ensures real-time interaction, bringing governance closer to the grassroots.

The beneficiaries are identified through the Connect to CM initiative, launched on October 14, 2025, with the objective of ensuring that government benefits reach genuinely deserving individuals. Addressing the common challenge of unequal access, the initiative employs a robust multi-tier verification system involving Panchayats, OSDs, BDOs, and MLAs.

During the launch of the event, Hon’ble CM informed that between October 14 and December 31, over 61,000 calls were made from the Chief Minister’s Office, resulting in 5,955 responses. From these, 210 genuine beneficiaries were identified, including individuals from both BPL and non-BPL categories.

These beneficiaries received targeted assistance under various welfare measures, including housing support through the Sikkim Garib Awas Yojana, medical aid, assistance under CMEAS, small contract allocations, and financial support for entrepreneurial ventures. The benefits were delivered efficiently through Resource Officers at respective BACs, ensuring transparency and timely implementation.

A Model for Participatory Governance

Through initiatives like the Janta Bhet Karyakram and Mukhyamantri Jan Samvad, the SKM Government has set a benchmark for inclusive, transparent, and participatory governance. By combining traditional outreach with digital innovation, the administration has created a governance model that is both accessible and responsive.

At its core, this approach reaffirms a fundamental democratic principle that governance must not only be for the people, but also with the people and by the people.