Sikkim Assembly passes Bill to create state AYUSH Medical Council
The Sikkim Assembly has passed a Bill to establish a state Medical Council to regulate Indian System of Medicine under the AYUSH framework, including Ayuveda, S
The Sikkim Assembly has passed a Bill to set up a Medical Council for the Indian System of Medicine under the AYUSH framework. The Bill was passed on July 21 during the Budget Session 2026-27 of the Assembly.
The legislation aims to align regulation in Sikkim with the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Act, 2020. It covers multiple systems, including Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, and Homoeopathy.
What the Bill will do
The Statement of Objects and Reasons says Sikkim does not currently have a statutory mechanism to regulate the registration, professional conduct, and practice of practitioners of these systems. The Bill proposes a state-level council to fill that gap with an oversight framework for practitioners and institutions.
According to the provisions described in the Bill, the council will handle registration and renewal for qualified practitioners. It will also set professional standards and ethics, and provide for disciplinary action when needed. The council will have responsibilities related to recognition and inspection of institutions, and it will also maintain educational standards and qualifying examinations.
Funding and next steps
The Bill allows the Central or State Government to extend grants to the Council so it can carry out its functions. For the initial establishment, the expected expenditure will be met through future budgetary allocations by the Finance Department after the body is constituted.
Financial implications are described as not yet quantifiable because key details like the organisation structure, staffing pattern, and operational requirements are still to be decided. The Bill also states it is not expected to create additional recurring or non-recurring expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of the State.
MLA GT Dhungel, speaking to the media on July 22, described the council as a logical next step after the creation of the AYUSH Department. He said the department can shape policies and run programmes, but a statutory council is needed to regulate the profession, keep a register of qualified practitioners, support quality education, and ensure standards of practice.
