Sikkim Govt adopts resolution to include left communities as Schedule Tribe

GANGTOK: Sikkim government adopted a resolution to include those communities that had been left out of the state’s Scheduled Tribes list.

The Resolution was seconded by Martam-Rumtek constituency MLA Sonam T. Venchungpa, who stated that the resolution was a reflection of the inclusiveness, sincerity and commitment of the Government towards the people of Sikkim.

Burtuk constituency MLA D. R. Thapa and Barfung constituency MLA Tashi Thendup Bhutia, both from Bharatiya Janata Party and Soreng-Chakung MLA Aditya Golay from Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) party supported the resolution wholeheartedly.

Sikkim Chief Minister spoke on the legitimacy of the long-pending demand of Sikkim and expressed his gratitude to the House for their positive response.

Also Read: 11 communities to secure reservation before Bengal election: Sikkim BJP

In the last week of December, Bharatiya Janata Party in Sikkim had assured that ’11 left out communities will secure reservation, before the West Bengal election’. The State BJP Unit had said this would be ‘the first step towards a permanent political solution in the Hills-Terai region’ claiming the same to be a ‘Samman (respect) for the Gorkha community for all their contribution. “When reservation can happen for Limboo-Tamang communities, why not 11 left out communities as well?” the party had said.

Bikash Basnett, SKM media chief coordinator, stated, “It is the first time government proposed a Bill and adopted it as a resolution. The State will take the matter with the representatives to the central government. Once they get central tribal status, they will get all benefits and facilities as per the Central Tribal Act”.

Sikkim BJP President DB Chauhan assured that the central government would ensure the tribal status. “BJP government has always favoured the Gorkha community, and soon tribal status would become a reality for 11 communities. It can be considered as a big justice to the people, which was promised by the Prime Minister.”

On delivering the tribal status before the West Bengal election as promised by Sikkim BJP, Chauhan added, “It’s not merely keeping an eye on the West Bengal elections. This was part of the commitment made by Home Minister Amit Shah before as well.”

Raju Basnett, President of Sikkim Khas Chettri Nahin Sangh also termed it as historic as it was a resolution by the treasury bench and supported by BJP MLAs. “It is based on historic facts and the Article 371F of the Indian Constitution. It is also based on Resolution passed by the Sikkim Assembly on April 10, 1975, when Sikkim was merged with India.”