12 left-out communities in Sikkim to fight for tribal status on the strength of Article 371F

SUJAL PRAHDAN, EOI, GANGTOK, NOVEMBER 25, 2023 :  The Eleven +1 Indigenous Ethnic Communities of Sikkim (EIECOS + 1) are reigniting their quest for tribal status citing Article 371F of the Constitution as the cornerstone of their demand. 

Despite facing prior rejections from the Office of the Registrar General of India, the EIECOS remain steadfast in their resolve to reclaim the rights they had held before the merger with the Indian Union. 

The Office of the Registrar General of India had repeatedly conveyed that non-fulfillment of criteria barred non-tribal communities from attaining tribal status. Convenor of EIECOS Raju Basnett on Saturday declared a political approach in collaboration with the Sikkim Government. 

"This time we will pitch on the basis of Article 371 F, our special guarding provision. We are confident that approaching politically, from the ministry level, will yield positive results," he asserted. Basnett announced plans to raise awareness through workshops across all six districts aiming to garner support for their cause. 

"Our demand is not new; we seek the restoration of our lost rights that predated the merger with the Indian union," he added. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang met with EIECOS + 1 at Samman Bhawan in Gangtok on Friday to discuss the tribal status issue. 

During the meeting, EIECOS+1 and the Committee, led by T.N. Dhakal presented a concise overview of the tribal status draft to the State Government. Chief Minister Prem Singn Tamang expressed the government's commitment, pledging support and leading a delegation in early December to approach the Central authorities. 

The delegation aimed to engage with the Prime Minister, Unikon Home Minister and relevant authorities in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to address the longstanding issue. The historical context of the demand was highlighted, with reference to the Chogyal's era when there were 30 seats in the National Assembly, 15 each reserved for Bhutia-Lepcha and Nepali communities respectively. 

The amendment in the Representatives of People's Act in 1979 altered the parity system in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly with the current configuration of 32 seats, with 12 seats reserved for Bhutias and Lepchas, one for monks and two for scheduled caste candidates, 17 being general seats.