In a historic step towards bringing governance closer to the people, Sikkim Chief Minister Shri P.S. Tamang-Golay on Sunday launched ‘Connect to CM’, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to allow citizens to communicate directly with the Chief Minister’s Office. The launch, held at Samman Bhawan, marks a significant milestone in making government services more transparent, accessible, and citizen-friendly.
The initiative, which began operation on October 14, 2025, provides citizens with a direct helpline to the Chief Minister’s Office at 80016-81188 and 93327-81188, available daily from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM, including holidays and festivals. Through this platform, residents of Sikkim can raise their concerns, inquire about government schemes, and seek timely assistance without the need to travel long distances.
Officials from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) explained that Connect to CM is part of the government’s broader vision of ‘Aangan Ma Sarkar’, which focuses on participatory governance and citizen empowerment. The platform is integrated with the Chief Minister’s Integrated Management System (CMIMS), a technology-driven system that consolidates all government schemes including medical, education, and self-employment programs. 
Depen Sharma, Additional Secretary cum Staff Officer to the Chief Minister, detailed how the system works. He explained that the platform is internet-based and allows officials to receive calls with all necessary caller details, such as the person’s name, guardian’s name, constituency, and GPU (Gram Panchayat Unit). “Each call is categorized according to the issue raised,” he said, “and is directed to the appropriate department for timely resolution.”
Sharma added that the system is designed to complement, not replace, regular departmental work. The platform ensures that calls are handled efficiently and in a structured manner according to official schedules. Notifications are sent to officials, and calls to the CM’s office are taken only within designated working hours. “Even though it is a large system, it is designed to maintain proper order. Voice recordings of calls are captured to prevent miscommunication and to ensure transparency,” he said.
Citizens are guided through the process of submitting their requests. Officials collect necessary documents such as ID cards, voter cards, and Certificates of Identity (COI), and requests are processed within 48 hours. If a call is missed, details are recorded, and follow-ups are made to ensure no citizen query is left unresolved. The system is designed to maintain inclusivity and transparency, providing a direct link between the government and the people.
The launch event was attended by senior officials from the CMO, including Surjay Pradhan (Resource Officer), D.K. Chettri (OSD, CMO), Karma Namgyal Bhutia (Secretary to HCM), Swapna Lama (Joint Secretary), Sherap Chopel Katuk (Director, CMO), Anil Chettri (Assistant Director-IT), and Chewan K. Dahal (Assistant Director-Media & Multimedia). They will oversee the operations of the system and ensure it functions smoothly to serve the public effectively.
The initiative also incorporates detailed tracking of government schemes. Through CMIMS, officials verify beneficiaries to ensure that schemes reach the right people, and all data is kept up to date. “This is an important step towards making governance transparent and accountable,” Sharma said. “By connecting citizens directly to the Chief Minister’s Office, we are bringing governance literally to their doorsteps.”
Connect to CM could set an example for other states in India. By using technology efficiently and keeping the citizen at the center of decision-making, Sikkim is taking a practical step towards modern, accessible, and accountable governance.
With this first-of-its-kind platform, Sikkim has positioned itself as a pioneer in citizen-focused governance. Officials hope that by simplifying access and making the system user-friendly, citizens will feel empowered to participate actively in governance, and the government can respond quickly and efficiently to their needs.
