Thursday, Jun 26, 2025 23:30 [IST]
Last Update: Wednesday, Jun 25, 2025 17:48 [IST]
GANGTOK, : Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba
has asserted that the upcoming caste-based Census will significantly reinforce
the longstanding demand for tribal status by the 12 left-out communities in
Sikkim. He emphasized that the data-driven exercise will also support the
resolution of other key issues such as the Limboo-Tamang seat reservation and
delimitation.
“Caste
census will not hinder the tribal status demand of the 12 left-out communities.
In fact, it will make our case more clear and data-driven,” said the Lok Sabha MP,
rejecting opposition claims that the exercise might delay or derail the
process.
“The
opposition is merely creating confusion. We must understand the advantages of
caste-based census for our communities,” he added.
Indra Hang
reiterated that the Sikkim government has taken all necessary steps at the
political level to push for tribal recognition of the left-out communities.
“The
commitment is evident in the resolution passed in the Sikkim Legislative
Assembly. A dedicated committee is working on the ethnographic report to meet
the requirements set by the Office of the Registrar General of India (ORGI),
based on which the demand for tribal status will move forward.”
The MP
further said that the caste census would also play a critical role in
addressing the Limboo-Tamang seat reservation issue and the broader
delimitation process. “After the census, the data will shape the delimitation
exercise. The Sikkim government is fully prepared to coordinate with the Centre
on this. Caste-wise data will make the basis for political representation more
scientific and inclusive,” he stated.
Calling
the caste-based census a “much-needed exercise,” Indra Hang said it is vital to
understand the socio-economic realities of communities both nationally and
within Sikkim. “Once the caste census is complete, it will expose developmental
gaps and social disparities. This will allow better, targeted policymaking,” he
said.
