Sikkim’s 12 Indigenous Communities and the Demand for Scheduled Tribe Status

Sikkim, a land of diverse cultures and ethnicities, has long been home to various indigenous communities, each with its own unique identity. While some, like the Bhutia and Lepcha, have been recognized as Scheduled Tribes (STs) for decades, others remain in the shadows, fighting for similar recognition. The Limbu and Tamang communities were granted ST status in 2003, but 12 other Nepali-speaking communities in Sikkim continue to push for inclusion in the ST list. This recognition is crucial, as it provides constitutional safeguards, socio-economic benefits, and protection of cultural identity.

Despite being recognized as indigenous to Sikkim during the reign of the Chogyals, these 12 communities were left out of the ST category after the state’s merger with India in 1975. Over the years, political leaders, community organizations, and activists have demanded their inclusion, but the process has been slow. However, in recent years, the movement has gained momentum, with crucial meetings and political interventions aiming to bring justice to these communities.

Recognized Tribes and the Left-Out Communities

The 12 other communities have remained excluded despite sharing similar socio-cultural backgrounds and economic struggles. These communities include:

• Bhujel
• Gurung
• Jogi
• Kirat Khambu Rai
• Kirat Dewan (Yakha)
• Khas (Chettri-Bahun)
• Mangar
• Newar
• Sanyasi
• Sunuwar (Mukhia)
• Thami
• Majhi

These communities argue that they meet the traditional criteria for ST recognition, which include distinct cultural heritage, geographical isolation, economic backwardness, and socio-political marginalization.

The Push for Recognition: Political Efforts and Key Meetings

In recent years, the demand for ST recognition for these 12 communities has gained significant political backing. Several crucial meetings and resolutions have taken place, bringing the issue to the national level.

1. 2021: Sikkim Legislative Assembly Resolution
   • In January 2021, the Sikkim Legislative Assembly passed a resolution urging the central government to grant ST status to the 12 left-out communities. This marked an important step in the movement, giving the demand official state-level recognition. 2023: EIECOS+1 Resolution in December 
   • In December 2023, representatives from the 12 communities gathered under the EIECOS+1 umbrella and adopted a resolution demanding the restoration of their tribal status under Article 371F of the Indian Constitution.
   • The resolution emphasized that while the ST concept did not exist during the Chogyal era, these communities had enjoyed special provisions in legislative representation and employment.
2. 2024: Siliguri Coordination Meeting (October)
   • In October 2024, a significant coordination meeting was held in Siliguri, attended by Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, representatives from West Bengal, and other key stakeholders.
   • The meeting concluded with a proposal to form a Joint Action Committee between the two states to strengthen the demand and ensure a structured approach toward obtaining ST recognition.
   • The Chief Minister assured that the central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a positive outlook on the matter.
3. 2024: Raju Bista’s Advocacy in Parliament (December)
   • In December 2024, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista raised the issue in Parliament, questioning the prolonged delay in granting ST status to the Gorkha sub-tribes.
   • He highlighted that these communities were historically recognized as Hill Tribes before Independence but were stripped of this status post-1947.
   • Bista also dismissed concerns about immigration issues, arguing that the demand was about restoring rights, not creating new reservations.
4. 2025: Kolkata High-Level Committee Meeting (March)
   • In March 2025, the Sikkim State High-Level Committee (SSHLC), chaired by B.V. Sharma, held a crucial two-day meeting in Kolkata to finalize the draft ethnographic report advocating for ST status.
   • This report, which was first discussed in New Delhi in February 2025, is expected to be submitted to the central government soon, marking a major milestone in the movement.

The Challenges Ahead

Despite these developments, the road to ST recognition remains challenging. The process involves ethnographic documentation, legal scrutiny, and political negotiations at both the state and central levels. Additionally, some opposition groups argue that adding more communities to the ST list might affect the existing reservation structure.

A Fight for Justice and Identity

The struggle for Scheduled Tribe recognition is not just about access to reservations—it is about acknowledging historical injustices, preserving cultural identities, and ensuring socio-economic development. The 12 communities of Sikkim have long been a part of the region’s diverse cultural fabric, and their inclusion in the ST list would correct a historical oversight and promote inclusivity.

With growing political support, active community movements, and high-level meetings, the movement is at a crucial juncture. As Sikkim celebrates 50 years of statehood in 2025, the recognition of these 12 communities as Scheduled Tribes would mark a progressive step toward a more inclusive and just society.