In a major clarification, the Department of Personnel (DoP) in Sikkim has confirmed that recommendations from Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) are not required for job appointments or regularisation, easing concerns for thousands of government employees across the state. This official stance was revealed on November 7, 2024, through a response to an RTI filed by Sonam Gyatso.
The DoP’s formal written judgement explicitly states that MLA endorsements are not mandatory for regularising jobs under ad hoc, muster roll, One Family One Job, or other employment schemes. “Recommendations from MLAs are not mandatory for the regularisation of jobs,” reads the DoP statement, marking a clear departure from perceived practices and setting a new precedent in Sikkim’s employment procedures.
This clarification addresses long-standing confusion among government employees in temporary positions who believed that political backing was necessary for securing a permanent role. As a result, the DoP’s ruling underscores the department’s autonomy, allowing it to carry out regularisation policies without political influence.
The basis for job regularisation in Sikkim is outlined in government notifications issued in 2020 and 2024, which specify criteria for temporary employees who have served continuously for four years. These regulations make no mention of MLA recommendations, a fact now highlighted by the DoP’s recent response.
Following this judgement, over 200 employees have already been regularised, and approximately 27,000 positions are expected to undergo a similar process without MLA intervention. Bhutia urged departmental leaders to “adhere to the updated guidelines from the DoP,” emphasising the importance of a fair and transparent employment process across Sikkim.
The decision is expected to bring significant relief and transparency to job applicants and temporary employees alike, marking a shift towards a more merit-based hiring process in the state.
