Gangtok, Aug. 20 -- The proposed Sikkim AI Permit System has come under fresh scrutiny after the Citizen Action Party (CAP) questioned its fee structure, transparency, data control and possible private-sector involvement while demanding an investigation into alleged revenue leakage under the existing tourism permit mechanism.

Addressing a press conference, CAP said any major reform affecting Protected Area Permits and Restricted Area Permits must be introduced only after meaningful consultation with tour operators, taxi drivers, travel agencies, hoteliers and other residents whose livelihoods depend on tourism.

The controversy follows the Sikkim government's August 18 stakeholder meeting at Manan Kendra, where Chief Minister Prem Singh ...