The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) of Sikkim unveiled its ‘Connect to CM’ helpline during a press conference on October 15, 2025. Chaired by CMO Secretary Karma Namgyal Bhutia, the conference focused on this citizen-centric initiative, which was officially launched by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay on October 13 at Samman Bhawan. The ‘Connect to CM’ initiative aims to streamline governance by allowing residents of Sikkim to directly raise their concerns with the Chief Minister’s Office, promoting the prompt delivery of public services.
Bhutia highlighted that this proactive approach allows citizens to access essential services, voice complaints, and engage directly with the CM’s Office, marking a significant shift towards transparency and active citizen involvement. The service became operational on October 14, with two dedicated phone lines, 80016-81188 and 93327-81188, available from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., including government holidays and festivals.
While similar services may operate in other states, Bhutia emphasized that Sikkim’s initiative is unique due to its year-round availability. This measure reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to participatory governance, bolstering transparency, responsiveness, and trust in public office. It complements existing programs led by the Chief Minister and the state government.
The initiative integrates technology into public service delivery, aiming to enhance efficiency and inclusivity, aligning with the government’s vision of ‘Aangan Ma Sarkar’ (Government at your doorstep) and the mission to ‘Connect the Unconnected,’ ensuring every village, no matter how remote, is involved in governance processes.
All calls made to the helpline will be recorded for accountability. Once a call is logged, the CMO will follow up within 48 hours to provide updates on the concerns raised. Citizens are advised to have essential documents, such as Voter ID, Aadhaar Card, and other identification ready to facilitate quick resolutions.
To support this initiative, ten trained tele-operators have been assigned to handle calls. Moreover, monitoring assistants at the Gram Panchayat Unit (GPU) level have been trained to assist citizens in uploading necessary documents to an official email, ensuring all residents have access to this service. The government has also planned awareness programs at the ward level to inform citizens about the initiative.
The press conference included notable attendees such as additional secretary and staff officer to the Chief Minister, Depen Sharma; Officer on Special Duty DK Chettri; joint secretary Swapna Lama; and director SC Katuk, all committed to facilitating responsiveness in governance.
Original Source: https://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/connect-to-cm-helpline-to-operate-year-round
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