In a major step to enhance public safety and security, Sikkim’s Director General of Police (DGP) Akshay Sachdeva has clarified the state’s stance on tenant and domestic help verification under the Sikkim Tenants and Domestic and Professional Helps (Compulsory Verification) Act, 2008.
Addressing concerns and confusion surrounding the law, DGP Sachdeva emphasized that while the 2008 Act had remained largely unenforced for 15 years, the rising cases of illegal influx and increasing criminal activities have made stricter enforcement necessary.
This new directive makes tenant verification mandatory for all outsiders coming to Sikkim for residence or employment. However, local residents holding key identification documents have been exempted from the verification process.
Key Highlights of the Tenant Verification Policy
DGP Sachdeva laid out specific details regarding who needs verification and who is exempt under the new implementation of the 2008 Act.
Who Must Undergo Mandatory Tenant Verification?
- Individuals from outside Sikkim coming to the state for residence or employment.
- Domestic and professional helps who are not originally from Sikkim.
- New tenants renting a property in Sikkim.
Who Is Exempt from Tenant Verification?
Sikkimese residents holding any one of the following documents will not be required to undergo police verification:
- Sikkim Subject Certificate
- Certificate of Identification (COI)
- Residential Certificate
- Land Ownership Documents in Sikkim
- Sikkim Voter ID Card
Additionally, locals relocating within the state for work or residence are also exempt, provided they possess any of the above-mentioned documents.
Role of Landlords in Tenant Verification
The DGP has also stressed the role of landlords in ensuring proper verification of tenants.
- Landlords renting out properties must visit police stations to register their tenants.
- If the landlord is unavailable, a representative can complete the registration process on their behalf.
- One-time registration will be required, enabling the police to conduct background verification of tenants.
The police department has urged all landlords to comply with this process, as it will help in crime prevention and enhance law enforcement efforts.
Government’s Assurance on Policy Implementation
To facilitate smooth implementation, the police department has announced that:
- Additional manpower will be deployed after February 15 to handle the expected increase in verification requests.
- The government has assured that local residents will not be harassed under this process.
- The initiative is not meant to inconvenience people but to strengthen national security and public safety.
- An official notification will soon be issued to provide clear guidelines on the policy.
Why Is Sikkim Enforcing This Act Now?
While the Sikkim Tenants and Domestic and Professional Helps (Compulsory Verification) Act, 2008, has existed for over a decade, it was never strictly implemented.
However, in recent years, concerns over illegal influx, rising criminal activities, and unregulated tenants have prompted the Sikkim government to take action.
By enforcing this law, the government aims to:
- Strengthen internal security and prevent unlawful activities.
- Ensure only verified individuals reside in Sikkim, reducing the risk of crime.
- Create a streamlined database of tenants for law enforcement agencies.
- Protect the interests of the local population while maintaining law and order.
Public Reaction and Compliance
The announcement has received mixed reactions from the public. While many welcome the move as an essential step for security enhancement, some have expressed concerns over the registration process and the possibility of delays.
However, DGP Sachdeva has assured that the verification process will be conducted smoothly, and locals will not face any undue harassment. The police have also urged landlords and tenants to cooperate with authorities, ensuring that the process is carried out efficiently and fairly.
With the implementation of mandatory tenant verification for outsiders, the Sikkim government is taking a crucial step towards enhancing security and curbing illegal activities. While the locals are exempted from the process upon presenting valid documents, landlords must comply by registering their tenants.
With an official notification set to be released soon, all stakeholders—including tenants, landlords, and local authorities—are expected to cooperate for the smooth execution of this initiative.