ITS conducts site inspection at DHH, Sikkim State Museum & Archives

GANGTOK, (IPR): The Institute for Transforming Sikkim (ITS) conducted a site inspection Friday at the Directorate of Handloom and Handicrafts (DHH) and the Sikkim State Museum and Archives. Present during the inspection were ITS vice chairman Chandra Prakash Sharma, and members Namrata Thapa, Sangay Dorjee Bhutia, Dr Neeraj Adhikari, James Saring Lepcha, and Dr Bharat Chandra Basista.

During the inspection at DHH, the ITS members suggested measures for maintaining cleanliness within the premises. They also recommended improving the visibility and accessibility of the shops and reviewing the functioning of shops that remain closed. The suggestions were aimed at improving the utilisation of the premises and reducing maintenance-related expenditure. DHH director Tshering Topgay Bhutia was also present during the inspection.

The members later visited the Tourism Permit Cell under the Tourism and Civil Aviation department, located within the DHH premises, where they interacted with deputy director (Permit Cell), Sonam Rinchen Bhutia, regarding the permit issuance process and related revenue generation. During the interaction, suggestions were made for the introduction of a Single Window system to streamline the permit issuance process by bringing together officials of concerned line departments under one platform. The proposed system is intended to facilitate greater convenience for tourism stakeholders and visitors.

ITS members subsequently proceeded to the Sikkim State Museum and Archives for inspection. The visit took place in the presence of senior officers from the Buildings and Housing department and the Culture department, along with the contractor and architect associated with the project.

Upon arrival, the architect presented an overview of the proposed project, following which the team inspected the site. The members reviewed the current status of the project and were briefed on the requirements for its completion, placing emphasis on financial considerations. Discussions also focused on the proposed interior content of the museum, including art, artefacts, awards and archaeological relics related to the state’s culture, heritage and traditions.

During the briefing, it was informed that revisions to the Detailed Project Report (DPR) had contributed to delays in the project timeline. Stakeholders further stated that, subject to the availability of the required funding, the project is expected to be completed within a year.

ITS vice chairman C.P Sharma emphasised the importance of timely completion of the project, noting that further delays could lead to additional expenditure. Suggestions were also made for consultation with representatives of the State’s 21 communities regarding the placement of artefacts, as well as engagement with museum design experts for the effective completion of the project.