GANGTOK — Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Sunday said that his
government has remained steadfast in advocacy for the inclusion of 12 left-out
communities of the Himalayan state in the Scheduled Tribe list.
He attended the inaugural meeting of the Sikkim State
High-Level Committee, established to secure the inclusion of 12 left-out
Sikkimese communities in the ST list under the Constitution of India.
Later, in a social media post, he said, "Our government
has been unwavering in its advocacy for their inclusion. A landmark resolution
passed by the Sikkim Legislative Assembly in January 2021, along with sustained
engagements with national policymakers, including the Hon'ble Prime Minister
and Home Minister, underscores our dedicated commitment. Encouraging responses
have given us confidence that this rightful recognition is within reach."
"As we approach Sikkim's 50th statehood anniversary in
2025, addressing this decades-old demand is paramount for achieving true
inclusivity and equity... Despite their pivotal contributions to Sikkim's
identity, these communities have been deprived of Scheduled Tribe recognition
since 1979," he added.
The committee, formed under the chairmanship of BV Sharma,
has a mandate to deliver a comprehensive ethnographical report and actionable
recommendations within three months. The Sikkim government pledges its full
support to ensure this mission's success, the CM added.
The left-out communities are Bhujel, Gurung, Jogi, Kirat
Khambu Rai, Kirat Dewan (Yakha), Khas (Chettri-Bahun) Mangar, Newar, Sanyashi,
Sunuwar (Mukhia), Thami and Majhi.
