Gangtok, 23 February:
DC Gangtok, Mr Tushar Nikhare conducted a coordination and review meeting at his office chamber, pertaining to Weekly Inspections carried out since November 6th 2025 with Line Departments, today.
The meeting was attended by officials from:
* Legal Metrology Department
* State Tobacco Control Cell
* Gangtok Municipal Corporation (GMC)
* Health and Family Welfare Department
* Labour Department
* Urban Development Department
The participants discussed strategies for more effective enforcement, information sharing, and immediate corrective action against defaulters. The District Collector emphasised that these weekly inspections are part of the administration’s continuous commitment to zero tolerance against violations that compromise public safety and consumer rights.
The Legal Metrology Unit under the Food & Civil Supplies Department have booked five (05) cases during joint inspections led by the District Administration, Gangtok, under the provisions of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 and the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011.
During the inspections, violations detected included absence or improper mandatory declarations such as “Best Before” date, Date of Manufacture, and Maximum Retail Price (MRP); sale of imported products without mandatory importer details and MRP declaration; use of unverified weights and measures for commercial transactions; packaging without a valid Packer Registration Certificate; and overcharging in excess of the declared MRP.
Necessary legal action has been initiated against the concerned entities in accordance with the provisions of the Act and the Rules.
The State Tobacco Control Cell (STCC), Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Sikkim, has been part of the team that conducts weekly inspections. The objective is to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, in public places, eateries, hotels, bakeries, tea stalls, canteens, and retail outlets within the Gangtok Municipal Area and adjoining localities, and to promote a tobacco-free environment under the Tobacco Control Programme (TCP).
During the drive so far the teams have visited various establishments and sensitised business owners and staff regarding their statutory obligations, including the mandatory display of “No Smoking” signage, prohibition of sale of tobacco products to minors (Section 6 of COTPA, 2003), and prohibition of smoking in public places (Section 4 of COTPA, 2003).
Special emphasis is laid on the designated smoking zone at Cobbler Shed, Tibet Road, previously identified as being in violation of GSR 417 under COTPA, 2003.
During the inspection, violations such as smoking in public places, the sale of loose cigarettes, and the provision of smoking aids were observed. Challans were issued under Sections 4 and 6 of COTPA, 2003. The fines collected have been deposited under the Head of Account.
The Labour Department has now come onboard and will specifically look into issues of child labour, Provident Fund compliance of workers, health insurance of labourers and safety of workers at construction sites. The Social Welfare Department will focus on identifying begging cases and facilitating the rehabilitation of such individuals.
“Regular monitoring and strict enforcement are essential to maintain the highest standards of public health and safety in Gangtok. This drive is not to target retail outlets or restaurants but to ensure compliance and zero tolerance against violations that compromise public safety and consumer rights. We urge all commercial establishments to strictly comply with rules and regulations. Joint efforts with police and line departments will continue unabated,” said the District Collector, Gangtok.
The weekly inspection drive will continue every week, with special emphasis on high-risk and frequently visited commercial areas. Strict action, including sealing of premises and legal proceedings, will be initiated against repeated offenders.
In a concerted effort to strengthen regulatory compliance and protect public health and safety, the District Administration Centre (DAC) Gangtok, in close coordination with Sikkim Police and multiple line departments, has initiated regular weekly inspections across Gangtok and its surrounding areas.
The inspections specifically target food outlets, restaurants, petrol pumps, shops near schools, hotels, and pharmacies to detect and address violations of licensing, quality standards, pricing, hygiene, fire safety norms, and tobacco control regulations. The drive aims to prevent malpractices, ensure adherence to statutory requirements, and create a safer environment for residents and visitors alike.
