22/11/2025
Press Release
Gangtok - 22.11.2025
The situation in Sikkim today, especially within the student community, calls for serious reflection. Over the years, even the Student Representative Council (SRC) elections, which should be an exercise in learning leadership and practicing democracy have begun reflecting the same weaknesses that we often criticize in larger politics. Money is being used openly, students are being approached with offers, and votes are being bought as if they carry no real value. This problem has been further intensified by the involvement of the student wings of political parties, particularly those aligned with the ruling government, because many students tend to run after whichever party is in power in hopes of receiving financial assistance and support. Such practices may appear small on the surface but their impact is long-lasting and deeply harmful to the values we want to instill in our youth.
As I have also served as an SRC member during my college years (2019 - 2020), I want to clarify that I am not speaking to hurt anyone’s sentiments or challenge anyone’s rights. Every student has the freedom to make their own choices. However, I feel it is my responsibility to speak honestly about the consequences that follow these choices. Many students believe that selling their vote for a small amount is harmless or normal, simply because everyone does it. But the real question is what happens after graduation and after obtaining higher degrees like a Master’s or further. The truth is that if the system continues to remain influenced by money, then the system will never value hard work, education or talent.
Today, the job situation in Sikkim is a painful reality for many young people. Graduates, postgraduates, highly educated youth, and even those with advanced qualifications are being offered the same kind of jobs that are also given to those who studied only up to Class IV, Class VII or those who failed Class IX or X. Their monthly salary ranges from only Rs. 9000/- to 12000/- regardless of their educational background. This is not happening because our educated youth lack merit or capability. This is happening because the system has stopped rewarding merit. When influence, money, and connections decide opportunities, education loses its rightful value. We cannot expect a fair system after college if we ourselves encourage unfair practices during college elections.
This is why the choices students make today hold deep importance for their future. SRC elections may seem small but they shape the mindset of future leaders. When young people learn early that elections can be won with money, that votes can be purchased and that influence matters more than leadership quality, they carry this mindset into larger politics and society. On the other hand, if they learn to choose leaders based on integrity, character, ability, and vision, we build a stronger generation that values principles over money. The foundation of a good society is built at the student level not after becoming adults.
My message to dear brothers and sisters or college students of Sikkim is sincere and heartfelt. Please do not sell your vote. Your vote is not just a slip of paper, it is your power, your voice, your dignity, and your responsibility. When you sell it for a small benefit, you are indirectly selling your own future opportunities. If you want a system where educated youth are respected and rewarded, where jobs are offered on the basis of qualification and capability and where merit truly matters, then the first step begins with you. It begins with your decision to stand firm and vote wisely, without being influenced by money or pressure.
The future of Sikkim depends on the choices its youth make today. If students allow money to guide their decisions now, the system will continue to ignore their talent tomorrow. But if students choose honesty, courage, and integrity today, they will create a future where their education, hard work, and achievements are genuinely valued. My dear brothers and sisters, the real change does not start in the Assembly or the Secretariat, it starts in classrooms, colleges and among young minds. I urge every student to think deeply, act responsibly, and remember that the future of Sikkim is in your hands.
Actually, the reason I am writing this press release is because I recently witnessed these consequences through news reports regarding the SRC election results at Nar Bahadur Bhandari Degree College, Tadong where students were raising slogans demanding justice, saying “WE WANT JUSTICE.” I do not wish to comment further on the matter as the voting process has already concluded. Lastly, I sincerely extend my best wishes and congratulations to those SRC members who won the election fairly.
M. B. Karki
Lawyer/Activist
