Historic Milestone for Sikkim as High-Level Committee Submits Final Report on Inclusion of 12 Left-Out Communities in ST List

KalimNews, August 19, 2025 : Sikkim moved a decisive step closer to fulfilling one of its oldest and most important aspirations on Monday, as the Sikkim State High-Level Committee (SSHLC), constituted to study the inclusion of 12 left-out communities in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list under the Constitution of India, submitted its much-awaited final ethnographic reports to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang in New Delhi.

The submission marked the official conclusion of the Committee’s nine-month-long work and is widely being described as historic and potentially transformative for the Himalayan state. For decades, the issue of tribal recognition for these 12 communities has remained unresolved despite persistent demands from community leaders, associations, and successive governments. Their exclusion has long been perceived as a denial of constitutional justice and an impediment to Sikkim’s aspiration of being formally recognised as a Tribal State.

Speaking at the valedictory function of the SSHLC in New Delhi on August 18, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang highlighted the historic significance of the occasion, describing the event as a “landmark milestone” for Sikkim. He commended the Committee for producing one of the most comprehensive and research-based ethnographic studies in recent times, compiled into four detailed volumes that address data gaps, document cultural heritage, and offer practical recommendations to strengthen the case for ST recognition.

The Chief Minister expressed deep appreciation to SSHLC Chairman Prof. B.V. Sharma, Vice Chairman Prof. Mahendra P. Lama, and all members of the Committee, including community representatives, scholars, and officials who contributed to the preparation of the reports. He also thanked Dr. S.K. Rai, Chairman of EIECOS+1, and acknowledged the Secretary and officials of the Social Welfare Department for their tireless contributions. Tamang emphasised that the journey had not only revived cultural pride and unity among the 12 left-out communities but also paved the way for justice, reiterating his government’s commitment to pursuing the case with the Government of India through elected representatives, civil society, and community organisations.

The SSHLC Chairman, Prof. B.V. Sharma, praised the proactive approach of the Sikkim government and the collective effort of stakeholders, noting that such an extensive ethnographic report had been prepared in record time. He reflected on his experience of working closely with community representatives and underlined the dedication, sincerity, and teamwork that defined every stage of the process. Prof. Mahendra P. Lama, in his summation, traced the Committee’s work since its inception and emphasised its relevance to Sikkim’s long-standing constitutional demand.

The reports formally submitted on the occasion recommend the inclusion of 12 Sikkimese communities in the ST list: Bhujel, Gurung, Jogi, Rai (Kirat Khambu), Kirat Dewan (Yakha), Khas (Chettri-Bahun), Mangar, Newar, Sanyasi, Sunuwar (Mukhia), Thami, and Majhi.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament from both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, MLAs, political secretaries, senior officials of the Chief Minister’s Office, the Principal Resident Commissioner of Sikkim House, representatives of the Social Welfare Department, and Presidents, Vice Presidents, and Secretaries of the 12 communities, along with resource persons and scholars who contributed to the reports.

Representatives of the 12 communities also shared their perspectives, calling the submission of the reports a moment of renewed hope. For many, the event marked the crossing of a critical threshold after decades of uncertainty.

Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, Jacob Khaling, told reporters that the Committee’s responsibility at the state level has now been completed, with all necessary ethnographic, cultural, and social documentation compiled into a comprehensive and inclusive report. He stated that the next step lies with the Union Government, which will examine the reports and take the required legislative steps. “The aspirations of these communities, and indeed of Sikkim as a whole, now depend on timely recognition by the Centre,” Khaling said.

Earlier, the start of the high-level meeting in New Delhi was itself described as “historic and decisive,” as it carried the potential to reshape the future of the state. Officials noted that recognition of the 12 left-out communities is closely tied to Sikkim’s larger constitutional goal of being declared a Tribal State.

While the submission of the final reports has been celebrated across the state, leaders and community members acknowledged that the true test now lies ahead in the Union Government’s response. Expectations are high that the Centre will act positively and without delay. For the 12 communities – many of whom have struggled for generations with questions of recognition, identity, and opportunity – Monday’s development has rekindled aspirations for justice, socio-economic upliftment, and a more inclusive future for Sikkim.