SSHLC submits final report on ST status demand of left-out communities

GANGTOK,  (IPR): The 4th and final meeting of Sikkim State High Level Committee (SSHLC) for inclusion of the 12 left-out communities of Sikkim in the Scheduled Tribe list was held at Chintan Bhawan here on Thursday.

The meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay which was attended by minister Arun Kumar Upreti, MLA-SSHLC member BS Panth, SSHLC chairman Professor BV Sharma, vice chairman Professor Mahendra P Lama, member secretary, SSHLC &secretary Social Welfare department, Sarika Pradhan, andEIECOS+1 chairman Dr Shiva Rai. 

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, in his address, stated that the SSHLC was constituted by the State government to determine the modalities for including the 12 excluded communities of Sikkim in the Scheduled Tribes list under the Constitution of India. He expressed gratitude for participating in the fourth and final meeting of the Sikkim State High Level Committee.

The Chief Minister noted that the SSHLC presented its final report and stated that the process that began in mid-December 2024 is now complete. This initiative brought together community members, experts, professionals, government officials, and political leaders to discuss a matter of public interest.

He highlighted the broader perspectives, including Sikkim's political history, law and governance, agreements, merger with India, and national security considerations. He stated that the proposals on peace dividends, the interpretation of the inclusive Sikkimese term, and comparisons with constitutional and governance frameworks in other north-eastern States have strengthened the case for inclusion.

The Chief Minister stated that the report contains ethnographic data on the 12 communities, compiled with detailed research and analysis.He suggested that the SSHLC provide a list of recommendations to facilitate engagement with various government agencies. He also encouraged community organisations and representatives to discuss the ethnographic findings with youths and social workers to prepare for further social and intellectual initiatives.

SSHLC chairman Professor BV Sharma expressed his gratitude to the Government of Sikkim, the Chief Minister, and all other members in his address. He thanked them for giving him the opportunity to interact with others, gain knowledge, and contribute to the inclusion of 12 left-out communities.

Sharma expressed his satisfaction with the feedback provided by the representatives of each community. He also conveyed his appreciation for being given the chance to serve the 12 left-out communities.He acknowledged that everyone involved has worked hard and taken the assignment seriously. He stated that each word in the report was chosen carefully, and many references were used to ensure accuracy and clarity.

Sharma explained how the report was drafted and stated that the researchers from the communities had played a vital role in its preparation.

SSHLC vice chairman Professor Mahendra P Lama, in his address, laid out the final report of SSHLC, wherein he mentioned why ‘Scheduled Tribe’ status is important and needed.He talked on the following topics:

1.Sikkim's Unique History, Mountainous Borderlands, and 50 Years of Merger with the Indian Union: Going Beyond the Five Criteria.

2. Executive Summary of Ethnographic Reports of 12 Left-out Communities.

3. Going Beyond the Five Criteria for the Inclusion of 12 Left-out Indigenous Sikkimese Ethnic Communities in the Scheduled Tribe List in the Constitution of India.

4. Pre- and Post-Merger Sikkim.

5. Heart of Peace, Tranquility, and Stability in Sikkim: Four Roles of Sikkimese Communities.

6. Reflections on Peace and Stability Effects.

7. The Government of India Act, 1935: Excluded Area Provisions.

8. Redeeming the Missed Opportunity.

9. Income Tax Exemptions: Brought at Par with the Tribals of the NE States.

10. Report of the Sikkim State High-Level Committee Adopted the Following Five Critical Pathways and Methodologies.

EIECOS+1 chairman Dr Shiva Rai in his address outlined the work completed in previous SSHLC meetings. He stated that reading ethnography reports provided useful insights and learning opportunities. He acknowledged the efforts of each community in producing the ethnography report on 12 left-out communities. He stated that the report is structured with consideration of the historical context of these communities.

Dr Rai also discussed Article 371F(g) of the Indian Constitution, which relates to Sikkim. He urged everyone present to raise awareness of the work carried out at the grassroots level.

Earlier, in her welcome address, secretary Social Welfare department cum member secretary SSHLC, Sarika Pradhan, underscored the significance of the meeting in ensuring the inclusion of the 12 excluded communities in the Scheduled Tribe list. She highlighted that the primary focus of the meeting is submission of the reports prepared by SSHLC members to the Government of Sikkim. She hoped that the deliberations would be insightful and productive for meaningful progress towards securing the recognition of the excluded communities.

The meeting also saw the submission of reports by members of the SSHLC to the Chief Minister.

Thereafter, the members of the Sikkim State High Level Committee presented the final ethnographic report of 12 left out communities.

Thereafter, the representatives of the 12 left-out communities put forth their feedback on the presentation.