The Press Information Bureau (PIB), Gangtok, organised a Varta (media interaction) at the Press Club of Sikkim today on “Simplified Border Trade through Nathu La: Customs, Compliance and Smooth Clearance” and “Agriculture and Food Production under Sapt Dhara,” as announced by the Prime Minister on the 80th Independence Day.
Yangchen Sherpa, AD, Akashvani, expressed gratitude to PIB for organising the interaction and highlighted the important role of the media in communicating government initiatives to the public. She stressed that citizens should not only be aware of government schemes but also understand how they can benefit from them. She also underlined the significance of regional media and Akashvani in strengthening public outreach.
Vinayak Azad (IRS), Principal Commissioner of Customs (Preventive), West Bengal, explained the jurisdiction and responsibilities of Customs, which covers West Bengal, Sikkim and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. He also spoke about anti-smuggling measures and clarified that the role of Customs extends beyond transportation to facilitating and regulating trade.
Highlighting the Nathu La Border Trade route, Azad discussed its historical and economic significance for Sikkim and India. He said the trade route, which was recently reopened, remains regulated and is not yet completely unrestricted. Customs plays a key role in trade facilitation, procedures and enforcement.
Border trade through Nathu La is conducted from Monday to Thursday, beginning at 7:30 am IST, with 35 categories of goods currently permitted. Additional items may be considered where there is genuine commercial potential and suitability for border trade. The initiative is expected to provide greater opportunities for local Sikkimese traders, with border trade envisioned as a driver of long-term border economic development.
Dr. Ashok Kumar (Ph.D., ARS), Head, Regional Centre and Principal Scientist, ICAR-NEH Region, Sikkim Centre, spoke on agriculture under Sapt Dhara and the vision of making India developed by 2047. He highlighted the need to strengthen production and exports, build on Sikkim’s existing branding and promote products with longer shelf life and lower maintenance requirements.
Samir Hang Limboo, President of the Press Club of Sikkim, thanked PIB and emphasised the media’s responsibility to keep people informed about government schemes and initiatives.
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