The Sikkim Legislative Assembly on December 12 approved a crucial resolution endorsing the final report of the Sikkim State High-Level Committee (SSHLC), marking a major step towards granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to 12 indigenous Sikkimese communities that have remained outside the ST list for decades.
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, who moved the resolution, described the decision as a landmark moment in the pursuit of justice and constitutional recognition for the affected communities. He said the government addressed the long-pending issue with seriousness and professional rigour, ensuring that no community in the state was denied its legitimate rights.
The SSHLC, constituted in November 2024, conducted an in-depth study of the social, historical and ethnographic backgrounds of the communities. In its final report, the committee recommended the inclusion of Bhujel, Gurung, Jogi, Rai (Kirat Khambu), Kirat Dewan (Yakha), Khas (Chettri-Bahun), Mangar, Newar, Sanyasi, Sunuwar (Mukhia), Thami and Majhi in the Scheduled Tribe list.
Criticising the previous Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) government, Tamang said the issue had been allowed to remain unresolved for years, making it politically sensitive. He said his administration took decisive steps by forming a high-level committee comprising national experts to examine the matter objectively.
According to the chief minister, the committee carried out extensive research and consultations with stakeholders, including representatives of indigenous communities, before finalising its recommendations. The report was tabled in the Assembly to advance the long-standing demand for ST status.
With the Assembly’s approval, the report will now be forwarded to the Centre for further consideration, as any change in the Scheduled Tribe list requires approval at the national level. Tamang acknowledged the contributions of committee members, subject experts and community representatives for their cooperation throughout the process.
The one-day Assembly session also witnessed the passage of eight amendment bills. The ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha currently holds all 32 seats in the House. Speaker MN Sherpa adjourned the Assembly sine die after the conclusion of the proceedings.
