Sikkim Concludes Final Review of Ethnographic Reports for 12 Communities Seeking ST Status

KalimNews | August 2, 2025 | Gangtok : In a significant move toward advancing the recognition of historically underrepresented communities, the Government of Sikkim held the final review meeting of ethnographic reports concerning 12 left-out communities at Samman Bhawan, Gangtok, on August 2. The meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, marked a crucial step in the state’s formal efforts to secure Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for these groups, long excluded from official categorization.

The reports, meticulously prepared by the Sikkim State High-Level Committee, were developed after comprehensive fieldwork, scholarly research, and sustained consultation with community stakeholders. These documents are intended to be submitted to the Government of India as part of the official process for ST inclusion.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister extended a warm welcome to all participants and lauded the committee's rigorous research, wide-ranging field visits, and repeated consultations with members of the respective communities. He emphasized that this is the first time the ethnographic histories of these 12 communities—Bhujel, Gurung, Jogi, Khas, Kirat Rai, Kirat Dewan Yakha, Majhi, Mangar, Newar, Sanyasi, Sunuwar (Mukhia), and Thami—have been comprehensively documented in accordance with the criteria laid out by the Government of India.

Chief Minister Tamang noted that the reports successfully address the five official parameters used for ST recognition: primitive traits, distinctive culture, geographical isolation, economic backwardness, and lack of general interaction with the larger community. He highlighted that the reports also contain fact-based, evidence-backed responses to prior queries raised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the Registrar General of India.

Underscoring the political and social commitment of the state government, the Chief Minister stated that these reports are not merely academic exercises but unified responses to a deep-rooted historical demand. He further clarified that each report will include a formal letter of endorsement from the relevant community organization, and the government has issued a final request for any additional recommendations or revisions to be submitted within a week.

Only after this final round of feedback will the reports be officially compiled and forwarded to the Centre for consideration. The Chief Minister reaffirmed that the entire process reflects the state’s unwavering dedication to social justice, inclusivity, and the protection of the unique heritage of indigenous communities.

The meeting was attended by several key stakeholders, including state ministers and MLAs representing the 12 communities, Chief Economic Advisor Dr. Mahendra P. Lama, Secretary of the Social Welfare Department Ms. Sarika Pradhan, senior officials from the concerned departments, nodal officers involved in drafting the ethnographic reports, and members of the EIECO+1 panel. Representatives from each of the 12 communities also participated in large numbers.

The Sikkim State High-Level Committee comprises eminent national scholars, former administrators, noted academics, and respected community leaders. As part of the consultation process, the committee engaged in direct dialogues with organizations representing the concerned communities to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and a culturally sensitive approach.

Highlighting the deeper cultural and historical importance of the initiative, the Chief Minister stated that these reports are valuable not only for state policymaking but also for contributing to India's broader national heritage. He added that the documentation strengthens Sikkim’s resolve to preserve the social and cultural fabric of its indigenous population.

The state government is expected to submit the finalized reports to the central government shortly, paving the way for the formal recognition process and addressing the long-pending aspirations of the 12 communities.