Press Release
Historic Step for 12 Left-Out Indigenous Communities in Sikkim
Information & Public Relations Department
Gangtok, December 15: Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang expressed his delight in attending a discussion here at Samman Bhawan today, on “Indicators of Backwardness and Demographic Laggardness among Indigenous Ethnic Communities of the Sikkim Himalayan Region,” highlighting the challenges and aspirations of the 12 left-out Indigenous Sikkimese communities. These communities - Bhujel, Gurung, Jogi, Khas, Rai, Kirat Yakha Dewan, Majhi, Manger, Newar, Sanyasi, Sunuwar, and Thami—have made significant contributions to Sikkim’s heritage and development, yet their recognition in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list has long been awaited.
Earlier, the Sikkim State High-Level Committee submitted ethnographic reports Volumes I to IV in August 2025 in New Delhi. Constituted by the government in November 2024, these reports were recently approved by the Cabinet and the Sikkim Legislative Assembly on 12 December 2025.
Today, Volumes V and VI of the report, titled “Indicators of Backwardness and Demographic Laggardness among Indigenous Ethnic Communities of the Sikkim Himalayan Region,” were presented and discussed. Prepared by distinguished statisticians Mr SK Chakrabarti, Mr Debabrata Mukhopadhyay, and Mr Amitabha Panda under the guidance of Prof. Mahendra P. Lama, these volumes serve as supporting documents complementing the ethnographic reports.
The study involved extensive fieldwork, research, and consultations, documenting the historical disadvantages, socio-economic challenges, and cultural uniqueness of the 12 left-out communities. The findings provide data-driven evidence supporting their inclusion in the ST list and also reveal that even recognized communities face pockets of deprivation, highlighting Sikkim’s unique socio-historical context.
The Chief Minister expressed heartiest gratitude to all expert consultants, committee members, government officials, researchers, and field staff for their dedication. He confirmed that the government will submit the report to the Government of India and formally present the demand for inclusion of the 12 communities in the ST list, a matter he has consistently raised with the Hon’ble Prime Minister and Union Home Minister.
“This milestone is not just about recognition; it is about building a brighter future for all Sikkimese communities. Together, we are taking Sikkim forward, honoring our past while embracing the promise of tomorrow,” he said.
The meeting was attended by the Cabinet Ministers and MLAs, representatives from EIECOS+1, HODs and officials
from Social Welfare department, DESME and CMO.
Earlier, the Sikkim State High-Level Committee submitted ethnographic reports Volumes I to IV in August 2025 in New Delhi. Constituted by the government in November 2024, these reports were recently approved by the Cabinet and the Sikkim Legislative Assembly on 12 December 2025.
Today, Volumes V and VI of the report, titled “Indicators of Backwardness and Demographic Laggardness among Indigenous Ethnic Communities of the Sikkim Himalayan Region,” were presented and discussed. Prepared by distinguished statisticians Mr SK Chakrabarti, Mr Debabrata Mukhopadhyay, and Mr Amitabha Panda under the guidance of Prof. Mahendra P. Lama, these volumes serve as supporting documents complementing the ethnographic reports.
The study involved extensive fieldwork, research, and consultations, documenting the historical disadvantages, socio-economic challenges, and cultural uniqueness of the 12 left-out communities. The findings provide data-driven evidence supporting their inclusion in the ST list and also reveal that even recognized communities face pockets of deprivation, highlighting Sikkim’s unique socio-historical context.
The Chief Minister expressed heartiest gratitude to all expert consultants, committee members, government officials, researchers, and field staff for their dedication. He confirmed that the government will submit the report to the Government of India and formally present the demand for inclusion of the 12 communities in the ST list, a matter he has consistently raised with the Hon’ble Prime Minister and Union Home Minister.
“This milestone is not just about recognition; it is about building a brighter future for all Sikkimese communities. Together, we are taking Sikkim forward, honoring our past while embracing the promise of tomorrow,” he said.
The meeting was attended by the Cabinet Ministers and MLAs, representatives from EIECOS+1, HODs and officials
from Social Welfare department, DESME and CMO.
