Sikkim: EIECOS+1 to submit tribal status report for left-out communities by March 31

The EIECOS+1, a collective of organisations representing the 12 left-out communities of Sikkim seeking Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, held a press conference in Gangtok to provide updates on their demand. 
 

Dr. S.K. Rai, Chairman of EIECOS+1 said that the group has suggested submitting a comprehensive report on the matter by March 31, 2025.
 

Dr. Rai said that the demand for ST recognition has gained significant momentum following a high-level meeting held in Delhi recently. Delegations from all 12 communities; Bhujel, Gurung, Jogi, Kirat Khambu Rai, Kirat Dewan (Yakha), Khas (Chettri-Bahun), Mangar, Newar, Sanyashi, Sunuwar (Mukhia), Thami, and Majhi participated in the meeting. Each delegation made detailed presentations justifying their inclusion in the ST category.
 

“The presentation by each community was excellent, and Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang personally congratulated all the delegations for their efforts,” Dr. Rai said. He highlighted the importance of ensuring that the Sikkim high-level committee completes its report on time.
 

Dr. Rai also shared that EIECOS+1 has suggested to Chief Minister Tamang that the report should be ready for submission to the central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi well ahead of the deadline. He emphasized that this is particularly crucial as Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit Sikkim on May 16, 2025, to attend the state’s 50th statehood day celebrations as the chief guest.
 

According to Dr. Rai, Chief Minister Tamang has demonstrated strong support for the cause. He proposed that each community should work with three experts to further refine their proposals in Delhi. “Funds have already been allocated by the Sikkim government to support these discussions and preparations,” Dr. Rai said.
 

He further added that delegations will soon conduct field visits across Sikkim to collect primary data on how these communities live, especially in remote and far-flung areas. “Books and materials can provide secondary data, but these field visits are essential to capture the real situation on the ground,” he said.
 

For the first time in Sikkim’s history, Chief Minister Tamang is deeply involved in an initiative aimed at securing ST status for the left-out communities. Dr. Rai expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister, delegations, and experts for their dedication to this cause. “This is a noble initiative, and we are hopeful it will yield positive results for our communities,” he said.