Sikkim CM Reaffirms Push For ST Status To 12 Left-Out Communities

GANGTOK: Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang reaffirmed the government's unwavering commitment to grant ST status to 12 communities that were left out of the ST list.

The chief minister made this statement at the inaugural meeting of the Sikkim State High-Level Committee on Sunday. CM Tamang said that the fulfillment of this long-pending demand is essential to making the state more inclusive and equitable.

The three-member committee, headed by BV Sharma, has been given the task of preparing a comprehensive ethnographic report and actionable recommendations within three months. The findings will form the basis of advocacy for constitutional recognition of these communities.

In a post on social media, Tamang pointed out that the government under his leadership had made very significant strides in this regard. He mentioned a landmark resolution passed by the Sikkim Legislative Assembly in January 2021 and continued engagements with key national leaders, including the Prime Minister and the Home Minister.

These efforts show our commitment to making sure that these communities, who have been a vital factor in shaping the identity of Sikkim, are also given their due recognition," he stated. Encouraging responses from the national policymakers, he further added, have helped enhance confidence in achieving this milestone.

As Sikkim is to enter into its 50th year of statehood next year, Tamang emphasized that this is the time when the state should resolve this long-standing issue. He assured that the government would provide full support to the High-Level Committee to make this mission a success which has immense cultural and social significance for the state.

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