SIKKIM: State prison now open for domestic tourists


Adding a new concept in the tourism sector, the Home Department, Government of Sikkim vide Notification No.141/Home/2009 dated 19/11/2009 had opened up the State Central Prison, Rongyek, to domestic tourists. In this regard, the Speaker of Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Mr. K.T. Gyaltsen convened a meeting with heads of various line departments and tourism stakeholders on the launching of Prison Tourism at a local hotel at Chongay on February 22. The meeting was organized by the Sikkim State Prison, Rongyek, and the Department of Tourism.

Speaker, Mr. Gyaltsen in his address said that tourist spots have been developed in the State and by placing tourism in the industry, unlimited opportunities have been created. The State Government is encouraging adventure, eco, health, wellness tourism and that prison tourism is totally a new concept.

“Tourism needs to be developed with a human touch”, said the Speaker and added that prison tourism is to take tourism to jail and exposing inmates to the outsiders. Besides, he further said, prison tourism is a part of a major tourism plan in Syari constituency and through this concept, the constituency will be developed for greater cause. He opined that sensitization of hotel owners, tour operators and taxi drivers is a must for inclusion of State Prison as one of the tourist spots for domestic tourists. Mr. Yap Tshering Bhutia, Sr. S.P. State Jail said that prison tourism is a new concept to be implemented in the State of Sikkim. The timing for the visits shall be from 11.a.m. to 2 p.m. and booking will be done in Tourist Information Centre, he informed. He mentioned that authorized signature of the concerned officer is needed. He also highlighted the various creative work being done by the inmates. (With IPR input)

[SOURCE: SIKKIM REPORTER / EDITED BY ASHOK CHATTERJEE]