CAP Sikkim holds dharna against State policy of service extension & re-employment

GANGTOK,: The Citizen Action Party (CAP)-Sikkim on Saturday held a day-long peaceful dharna near the Gangtok DAC, Sichey, protesting the State government’s policy on service extension and re-employment. The demonstration was held under the theme “Pension, Not Position.”

CAP spokesperson Albert Gurung said the campaign was first announced by party president Ganesh Kumar Rai in January 2025, with the argument that widespread extensions and reappointments undermine opportunities for Sikkimese youth and delay promotions for junior officials.

He clarified that the party is not opposed to all extensions, noting that extensions for Group C and D employees raise fewer concerns due to their lower pay scale. However, he alleged the current government has mostly extended the services of Group A and B officers.

Gurung added that the ruling party had earlier opposed such practices while in opposition but has now exceeded previous governments in granting extensions.

According to CAP Sikkim, the dharna is intended to highlight the interests of Sikkimese youth and unemployed graduates. The party claimed that the State spends an estimated Rs 500 crore annually on salaries for officials serving under extension or re-employment, while some employees face salary delays, contractors await pending payments, and road conditions continue to deteriorate.

Gurung said the party wants government funds to be used more judiciously for the State’s development. He stated that CAP Sikkim members had earlier visited offices of officials serving under extension to request that they step down voluntarily. These visits prompted unjustified FIRs against us, he said. He maintained that CAP Sikkim will continue its campaign within legal boundaries until extensions and reappointments are withdrawn.

The party has also opened an email address to collect information from the public on officials serving under extension, and claims to have received about 150 names so far. CAP Sikkim intends to continue raising awareness and submitting memorandums urging these officials to vacate their posts.

Gurung further said the ruling party argues that extensions are its prerogative, but CAP Sikkim believes this authority should be used to improve roads, strengthen education, and support other essential sectors. He added that poor road conditions have affected tourism, business, and livelihoods, while extensions add financial burden without visible benefits.

Earlier, CAP Sikkim youth wing general secretary Diwas Gurung also addressed the media. The dharna saw the participation of several executive members and supporters of the party.