12 left out communities in Sikkim will get ST status in due course: CM

Gangtok, Apr 4: Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Thursday expressed optimism that the 12 left-out communities of the Himalayan state will be granted the Scheduled Tribes (ST) by the Centre in due course.

The chief minister said this while addressing the fourth and final meeting of the Sikkim High-Level Committee (SSHCL) on the issue.

“The 12 left out communities will be granted ST status by the central government in due course as these communities share cultural and ethnic identities of the indigenous people of Sikkim,” he said.

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.

advertisement

Tamang said that the meeting concluded on a hopeful and determined note with all stakeholders pledging their continued efforts to secure constitutional recognition for the 12 left-out communities.

“This journey is not just about legal recognition, it is about ensuring these communities reclaim their rightful place in the socio-political landscape of India,” the CM said.

Besides Tamang, ministers, members of Sikkim Legislative Assembly, ethnic community representatives, researchers, and senior government officials attended the meeting.

“It marks a significant milestone in our collective pursuit of constitutional recognition for these communities,” Tamang said, adding that the SSHLC will prepare a comprehensive ethnographic report for the 12 communities based on rigorous research, extensive field visits, and in-depth consultations, to align with five criteria set by the Government of India for ST inclusion.

The chief minister said he has urged the SSHLC to provide strategic recommendations for engaging with the Government of India where as the elected representatives will actively study and promote the reports, fostering wider political and public support.

Tamang said community organisations will deliberate on the findings, mobilising intellectual and social discourse to strengthen advocacy efforts, while sustained engagement at the national level, including renewed representations to the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and Tribal Affairs Minister will be held to bring the matter to a logical conclusion. (PTI)

Hot this week

Meghalaya man missing in Bangkok

Shillong, Jan 10: A 57-year-old Meghalaya resident, Mr. Treactchell...

Pay hike of Assam ministers, MLAs likely as 3-member panel submits report

Full report likely by Oct 30 Guwahati Sept 25: There...

ANSAM rejects Kuki’s separate administration demand, says bifurcation not acceptable

Guwahati, Sept 8: Rejecting the separate administration demand of...

Meghalaya Biological Park Inaugurated After 25 Years: A New Chapter in Conservation and Education

Shillong, Nov 28: Though it took nearly 25 years...

Meghalaya’s historic fiber paves the way for eco-friendly products and sustainable livelihoods

By Roopak Goswami Shillong, Oct 25: From making earbuds to...

Delhi’s Rashmika Sahgal wins pistol triple crown at KSSM

New Delhi/Bhopal, Apr 26: Delhi teenager Rashmika Sahgal won...

SRH all but end CSK’s chances with five-wicket win

Chennai, Apr 26: Pacer Harshal Patel made the best...

Bihar Police arrests 2024 NEET paper leak case mastermind from Patna

Patna, Apr 26: The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of...

Govt revokes 14 categories of visas given to Pakistani nationals

New Delhi, Apr 26: The government revoked 14 categories...

Thai police plane crashes in sea, killing all 6 on board

Bangkok, Apr 26: A small police plane crashed into...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img