27/07/2026
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Gangtok, July 27: The Tourism Stakeholder Associations of Sikkim held a meeting with Raj Yadav, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Government of Sikkim to discuss concerns and rumours surrounding the proposed Online Nathula Permit System and its operational norms.
According to a press report issued by the All Sikkim Tourism Stakeholders, the meeting was convened following apprehensions among tourism stakeholders regarding the proposed system. During the meeting, the stakeholders informed the department that they had submitted a joint representation to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), Tourism Minister Tshering Thendup Bhutia, Commissioner-cum-Secretary Raj Yadav, and other concerned authorities seeking clarity on the proposed system while safeguarding the interests of registered tourism stakeholders.
Following detailed discussions, the Tourism Department clarified that if the Online Nathula Permit System is introduced, it will be implemented solely for the benefit of registered tourism stakeholders of Sikkim and will be designed to protect and promote their interests.
The department also stated that the proposed system aims to simplify the permit process through a single-window mechanism, ensuring greater ease of doing business for registered operators.
It was further clarified that Nathula permits under the proposed online system will be issued only to registered and duly renewed travel agents and tour operators of Sikkim. Additionally, permit applications can be submitted only from within the geographical boundaries of Sikkim, and no applications originating from outside the State will be accepted or processed.
The tourism stakeholders welcomed the clarifications provided by the department and expressed hope that any future implementation of the online permit system would continue to safeguard the interests and livelihoods of registered tourism stakeholders while ensuring a transparent, efficient, and stakeholder-friendly permit process.
The stakeholders also strongly condemned the circulation of false, misleading, and unverified information on social media regarding the proposed Online Nathula Permit System, urging the public not to be misled by rumours.
