A historic and potentially decisive meeting that could reshape Sikkim’s future has begun in New Delhi under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay). Widely regarded as a turning point, the talks are being closely followed as they are expected to pave the way for Sikkim’s long-standing demand to be declared a Tribal state.
Senior officials from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) and the Social Welfare Department are part of the high-level discussions. Central to the agenda is the inclusion of 12 left-out communities — Bhujel, Gurung, Jogi, Khas, Kirat Rai, Kirat Dewan Yakha, Majhi, Mangar, Newar, Sanyasi, Sunuwar (Mukhia), and Thami — in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list.
The recognition of these groups has been among Sikkim’s most pressing socio-political issues, and seen as a prerequisite for the broader goal of achieving Tribal State status. It has been one of the most significant socio-political issues in Sikkim, directly linked to the broader demand for Tribal State status.
