Sikkim: "Tenant verification mandatory for outsiders, locals with key documents exempted," says DGP

In a move aimed at strengthening public safety, Sikkim’s Director General of Police (DGP) Akshay Sachdeva 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 a press conference, DGP Sachdeva acknowledged confusion following a prior announcement on the matter. He emphasized that while the 2008 Act had remained largely unenforced for 15 years, the rising concerns over illegal influx and increasing criminal activities have necessitated stricter enforcement.

DGP Sachdeva confirmed that tenant verification is mandatory for individuals coming from outside Sikkim for residence or employment. However, local residents holding any of the following five documents are exempt from visiting police stations for verification:

Sikkim Subject Certificate
Certificate of Identification (COI)
Residential Certificate
Land Documents in Sikkim
Sikkim Voter ID Card

Locals relocating within the state for work will also be exempt from the verification process, provided they possess any of these documents.

Landlords renting out properties must visit police stations for tenant registration. If the landlord is unavailable, a representative can complete the process on their behalf. This one-time registration will enable authorities to conduct background verification of tenants.

The police department has urged landlords to comply with the process to enhance security and law enforcement efforts.

To handle the anticipated increase in verification requests, additional manpower will be deployed after February 15, ensuring that other policing duties remain unaffected.

DGP Sachdeva assured citizens that the government’s initiative is not meant to harass locals but to safeguard their interests and enhance national security. An official notification outlining the policy will be issued soon, and residents have been urged to cooperate in ensuring peace and security in Sikkim.