While legal protections exist, caste-based oppression remains harsh reality, says Chamling

GANGTOK,: On the occasion of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's birth anniversary, former Chief Minister Pawan Chamling paid tributes to the architect of Indian Constitution, calling him a “towering political figure” whose legacy of social justice and equality continues to shape the nation.

In a press release issued today, Chamling reflected on Dr. Ambedkar’s historic contributions, particularly his advocacy for the rights of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and his role in embedding social justice into the Indian Constitution.

Chamling also highlighted several initiatives taken during SDF government to honour Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy in Sikkim. Among the key initiatives taken, Chamling said, SDF government established Atrocity Court, enacted laws to prohibit caste-based derogatory language against SC and ST, implemented laws against discrimination in inter-caste marriages, abolished discriminatory practice of separate buffet for different communities at weddings, parties and social gatherings, implemented reservation policies for marginalised communities with 6% reservation in education, government jobs, panchayat and nagar panchayat, 2% reservation for Christian Kami, Damai and Sarki in government jobs and 1% Ambedkar reservation in education.”

“We appointed Sikkim’s first Scheduled Caste Minister, Aita Singh Baraeli, and first Scheduled Caste woman minister, Neeru Sewa. We declared Ambedkar Jayanti a gazetted holiday in Sikkim. We installed Dr. Ambedkar’s statue in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly’s compound,” Chamling said. He also reminded that Ambedkar Jayanti was declared a gazetted holiday during his government’s tenure.

“Most important of all, through a policy of inclusive politics, the SDF government stood for each and every Sikkimese, no matter their caste, creed or religion. We implemented many policies to protect the rights of the marginalised and created equal opportunities for all, thus creating a more equal Sikkimese society. Through these efforts, we actively implemented the philosophy, principles, and values Dr. Ambedkar stood for.”

In the release, Chamling also expressed concern over the rising crimes against SC and ST across India, citing the National Crime Records Bureau’s 2022 report. He emphasized that while legal protections exist, caste-based oppression remains a painful reality.

“India is still far from the India of Ambedkar’s vision,” he said, urging citizens to carry forward the torch of justice, dignity and equality. “On this momentous day, let us pledge to build a Sikkim that we can all be proud of,” he concluded.