Sikkim Government Mandates “Be Kind to Animals” Slogan on All Public Transport Vehicles
With this compassionate directive, Sikkim has once again positioned itself as a leader in humane and sustainable governance.
GANGTOK- In a groundbreaking step toward promoting compassion and road safety, the Government of Sikkim has mandated that all public transport vehicles in the state must display the slogan “Be Kind to Animals” on their exteriors.
The directive, issued on October 12, 2025, aligns with a nationwide initiative by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to promote animal welfare and reduce road accidents involving animals. It also reinforces the constitutional duty under Article 51A(g) of the Indian Constitution, which urges citizens to protect wildlife and show compassion toward all living beings.
The Sikkim Transport Department has laid out clear implementation guidelines:
- Slogan Specifications: The phrase “Be Kind to Animals” — or its Hindi or regional language equivalent (such as Nepali) — must appear prominently on both the front and rear of all buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws. The lettering must be bold, contrasting, and at least 15 cm (150 mm) in height for visibility.
- Material & Durability: The slogan must be made with weather-resistant paint or stickers suitable for Sikkim’s varying climate conditions.
- Scope: The rule applies to all registered public transport vehicles, including those owned by private operators, cooperatives, and individuals.
- Enforcement: The order has been communicated to the Sikkim Police, Regional Transport Officers (RTOs), and public transport associations for strict compliance. Non-compliance may attract penalties, though exact fines have not yet been specified.
Context and Nationwide Initiative:
The move follows an April 2025 advisory from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, urging all states and Union Territories to adopt the slogan on public transport vehicles. The campaign aims to protect stray and wild animals — including dogs, cats, and cattle — from road mishaps and to encourage empathy among road users.
Several states such as Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan have already implemented similar measures, and Sikkim’s inclusion highlights its ongoing commitment to eco-conscious and humane governance. Given the state’s hilly terrain and shared roads with wildlife, the campaign holds particular relevance.
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Stakeholder Reactions:
The initiative has received widespread appreciation from animal welfare groups and citizens alike.
“This slogan will remind every driver to be mindful of animals crossing roads — it’s a small but powerful step toward change,” said Tenzing Dorjee, a volunteer with the Sikkim Animal Welfare Society.
Public transport operators, however, have expressed financial concerns about implementation.
“We fully support the cause, but applying the slogans on every vehicle may be costly for small operators,” said Pema Tshering of the All Sikkim Taxi Drivers’ Association, urging the government to offer financial assistance or subsidies for compliance.
Broader Impact:
The “Be Kind to Animals” initiative is expected to deliver a dual benefit — improving animal welfare and road safety. According to MoRTH, thousands of animals are injured or killed annually in road accidents across India due to reckless driving or lack of awareness.
For Sikkim, where tourism and environmental preservation go hand in hand, the campaign also strengthens the state’s image as a compassionate and eco-friendly destination.
“This reflects Sikkim’s deep-rooted values of harmony with nature,” said a spokesperson from the Transport Department. “We hope this initiative inspires both residents and visitors to drive responsibly.”
Implementation and Monitoring:
Transport authorities have begun statewide inspections to ensure compliance. RTOs and traffic police will conduct routine checks, and awareness campaigns are being planned to support enforcement.
While no fixed deadline for full compliance has been set, officials have stressed that uniformity across the transport network is essential.
Public Awareness and Future Steps:
The Sikkim government plans to complement the rule with awareness drives, school campaigns, and workshops for drivers, in collaboration with animal welfare organizations.
Future measures under consideration include stricter road safety laws, anti-cruelty provisions, and animal corridors to safeguard wildlife crossings in rural and forested areas.
With this compassionate directive, Sikkim has once again positioned itself as a leader in humane and sustainable governance. The “Be Kind to Animals” mandate not only reinforces empathy on the roads but also stands as a symbol of coexistence — reminding every citizen and traveler that kindness begins with awareness.
