Gangtok:15th Dec: CM PS Tamang attended the discussion on “Indicators of Backwardness and Demographic Laggardness among Indigenous Ethnic Communities of the Sikkim Himalayan Region”.He said, ‘It brings to light the plight and aspirations of the 12 left-out Indigenous Sikkimese ethnic communities.’
‘These communities – Bhujel, Gurung, Jogi, Khas, Rai, Kirat Yakha Dewan, Majhi, Manger, Newar, Sanyasi, Sunuwar, and Thami have contributed immensely to Sikkim’s heritage and development, yet their recognition in the Scheduled Tribes list has long been awaited’.
Earlier, we received the ethnographic reports Volumes I to IV from the Sikkim State High Level Committee in August in New Delhi. The Committee was constituted by our Government in November 2024. These reports were recently approved by the Cabinet and also by the Sikkim Legislative Assembly on 12 December 2025.
‘Today, another two volume report (Vol V and VI) “Indicators of Backwardness and Demographic Laggardness among Indigenous Ethnic Communities of the Sikkim Himalayan Region” prepared by some of the most celebrated statisticians of India viz SK Chakrabarti, Debabrata Mukhopadhyay, and Amitabha Panda were presented and discussed. These reports were prepared by the three expert consultants under the guidance of Prof. Mahendra P. Lama. These volumes serve as supporting documents complementing the ethnographic reports.’
‘This study carried out extensive fieldwork, research, and consultations, producing reports that document the historical disadvantages, protracted deprivation, socio-economic challenges, and cultural uniqueness of these communities. The findings provide clear, data-driven evidence for the inclusion of the 12 left-out Indigenous Sikkimese ethnic communities. communities in the Scheduled Tribes list and also highlight that even recognized communities face pockets of deprivation highlighting Sikkim’s unique context,’according to CM
Thanking the experts ,CM has said,’ I extend my heartiest gratitude to all the expert consultants, committee members, government officials, researchers, and field staff whose tireless efforts made this possible.’
CM Tamang added ‘,Our Government will submit the report to the Government of India and formally present our demand one, I have consistently raised each time I meet our Prime Minister and Union Home Minister.”This milestone is not just about recognition, it is about the brighter future for all Sikkimese communities. Together, we are taking Sikkim forward, honoring our past while embracing the promise of tomorrow. ‘
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