Northeast Desk, 1st October: The Citizen Action Party (CAP) has officially approached the High Court of Sikkim, delivering a detailed letter to Chief Justice J. S. Khatiwada, raising urgent concerns that directly affect the residents of the state. Party president Mahesh Rai highlighted four critical issues, urging the judiciary to step in following a perceived lack of action from the government.
In a primary concern, the CAP voiced alarm over the mass transfer of teachers implemented by the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) Government after the recent 2024 Assembly elections. According to CAP, the sudden and widespread transfers have caused significant instability within educational institutions, undermining the continuity necessary for quality education as outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP). The party is calling for the immediate restoration of stability within schools to ensure that academic standards are maintained.
In addition to educational concerns, the CAP has taken issue with a drastic increase in vehicular taxes, which have reportedly surged by over 100%. This steep hike disproportionately impacts lower and middle-income families who rely on their vehicles for daily commuting and livelihood activities. The CAP is advocating for a comprehensive review of these tax rates to ensure fairness and equity for all citizens in Sikkim.
The letter also addressed the recent hike in taxes on forest products, a move that poses a significant threat to local communities dependent on these resources for their survival. The CAP is urging a reassessment of these taxes to safeguard the economic interests of vulnerable groups, asserting that such measures could jeopardize the livelihoods of many families.
Finally, the CAP raised serious concerns regarding the influence of political recommendations in job regularization processes. The party alleges that the involvement of MLAs compromises the transparency and meritocracy essential for the fair hiring of temporary employees. They are appealing to the High Court to ensure that these processes are conducted equitably and without any bias.
The CAP’s plea underscores a growing dissatisfaction among the state’s residents regarding government actions and policies. By seeking judicial intervention, the party aims to hold the government accountable and push for reforms that would benefit the people of Sikkim. The court’s response to this urgent appeal remains to be seen as residents watch closely for any developments.
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