PINK CARD

Pink Card apprehensions

Pink Cards which are scheduled to be issued by the Government to genuine Sikkimese has been hitting the headlines these days. Doubts and apprehensions are being raised by all concerned, including the opposition. Though I do not have any political interests in relation to Pink Cards, I have few serious apprehensions regarding these cards to be issued.

The application form (which applicants are required to fill up) addressed to the secretary, Labour Department, Government of Sikkim provides that one can secure a pink card based on the Sikkim subject of his or her father/grand father/brother/brother of father. New, in case of a male citizen there does not arise any problem until he is the legal and direct descendent of old Sikkim Subject holder. However, in case of females the following points are debatable and are to be taken with concern.

1. A genuine Sikkimese person’s daughter/grand daughter/sister/niece is married to a man from other state/country consider that this lady is working in Sikkim even after her marriage to an outsider as mentioned above. New, this lady applies for a pink card based on the Sikkim Subject of her father/grand father/brother/brother of her father with an intention to reap tax benefits here in Sikkim, since her father and other relatives as mentioned above will always be ready to provide their Sikkim Subject for her benefit. With the Govt. allow this? If yes, how? Further, will this lady be considered a genuine Sikkimese even after her marriage to an outsider?

2. A genuine Sikkimese marries a woman from other state/country. After her marriage she secures a certificate of Identification and an Electoral Card. She not eligible to secure a pink card and reap the benefits as a wife of a genuine Sikkimese? Will she not be considered a genuine Sikkimese even after her marriage to a genuine Sikkimese person? If not, how? The application form does not provide for a wife of a genuine Sikkimese person why?

It is strongly felt that in case of a married woman the pink card should be issued based on her husband’s Sikkim Subject and not anyone else. In case of unmarried women “unmarried certificate” issued by a competent authority be insisted upon and the card be issued on the basis of her father’s Sikkim Subject.

It is requested that the above points be taken into consideration immediately and necessary rectification be made before it is late.

Kishor Kr. Sharma,
Soreng
source; sikkim express