New Delhi / Gangtok, August 9:
Sikkim’s Lok Sabha MP, Dr. Indra Hang Subba, met with Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Durgadas Uikey, in New Delhi on Friday to press for long-pending tribal rights in the state. At the heart of the discussion was the demand for political representation for the Limboo and Tamang communities, who were granted Scheduled Tribe (ST) status in 2003 but remain excluded from reserved seats in the state legislature.
Dr. Subba stressed that many tribal communities in Sikkim continue to wait for justice, decades after official recognition. Despite receiving ST status, Limboo and Tamang communities are yet to enjoy the full constitutional benefits that come with it.
He also informed the Minister that the Government of Sikkim is actively working to fulfill all criteria set by the Office of the Registrar General of India (ORGI) to facilitate the inclusion of other left-out communities in the central ST list.
The meeting has reignited discussions around tribal rights and political inclusion in Sikkim, especially with key decisions expected from the Centre in the coming months. While the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has not yet issued a formal response, the renewed push is drawing attention across the state.
As calls for inclusion and representation grow stronger, many in Sikkim are closely watching whether the Centre will take concrete steps to deliver on what is widely seen as a long-standing promise to the tribal communities.
