Rs 30 Lakh Collected Through Tenant Verification Fees from 30,000 Individuals

Rs 30 Lakh Collected Through Tenant Verification Fees from 30,000 Individuals, SBS MD Phurba Wangdi Bhutia Says Refund Decision Lies with Government

Sikkim’s State Bank of Sikkim (SBS) has collected approximately Rs 30 lakh in tenant verification fees from 30,000 individuals, sparking questions about potential refunds. When asked by the media regarding the possibility of returning the collected amount, Phurba Wangdi Bhutia, the Managing Director of SBS, stated that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the government.

This issue follows the recent labor verification process initiated by the Sikkim Labour Department, which required a fee of Rs 50 for locals and Rs 250 for non-locals. The move caused widespread outrage across the state, with many questioning why locals were subjected to the fee. This confusion was later addressed in a press conference by the Director General of Police (DGP), Akshay Sachdeva, who clarified the matter.

In the meantime, a many number of people were seen outside the State Bank of Sikkim, queuing up to pay their BR receipt , amid growing concerns and confusion over the verification and fee structure.