CM chairs meeting of high-level committee on ST status demand

GANGTOK: The second meeting of the Sikkim State High-Level Committee (SSHLC), constituted for pursuing tribal status of the 12 left-out communities of Sikkim, was held at Old Sikkim House, New Delhi on February 10.
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay chaired the SSHLC meeting which was attended by the committee members, Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha MPs from Sikkim, deputy Speaker, cabinet ministers, MLAs and advisors belonging to the 12 left-out communities.
Representatives of the 12 left-out communities were also present, informs a press statement from Social Welfare department.
During the meeting, the SSHLC members presented the first draft report on the 12 left-out communities for discussion and deliberation. The draft report highlights how the communities fulfil the five criteria of primitive traits, distinctive culture, shyness, geographical isolation and backwardness thus justifying their case for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list, the release mentions.
The SSHLC members emphasized that this is a preliminary draft, prepared based on information collected through structured templates submitted by community members. They also informed that further research and reference documents are being compiled for incorporation into the final report.
The final report will be developed after careful consideration of all necessary aspects to strengthen the case for recognition and inclusion of these communities in the ST list, informed the Social Welfare department.
During the deliberations, the Chief Minister expressed his appreciation for the dedicated efforts of the SSHLC members in preparing the first draft report within a short timeframe. He commended the scientific and technical approach undertaken and advised that the final report must be comprehensive, well-researched, and inclusive of all necessary aspects.
The Chief Minister also urged the distinguished members of the SSHLC and the representatives of the ethnic communities to address queries and concerns raised by various committees of the Government of India. He specifically highlighted the critical issues of data and information gaps pointed out by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the Office of the Registrar General of India.
He called upon the members to provide responses that are convincing, conclusive, and well-substantiated, ensuring that the Government of India is equipped with all necessary evidence to take a final decision on incorporating the 12 Sikkimese ethnic communities into the ST list under the Constitution of India.
In her welcome address, Social Welfare secretary Sarika Pradhan, also the SSHLC member secretary, outlined the objectives of the meeting. The vote of thanks was delivered by Prem Kamal Rai, joint secretary, Social Welfare Department.
The SSHLC was constituted by the Sikkim government on November 4, 2024 to prepare a comprehensive and scientific report on the inclusion of the 12 left-out communities of Sikkim in the ST list. The first meeting was held in Gangtok on December 15, 2024.
On December 23, 2024, a note was issued setting a timeline of three months from the date of the first meeting for the submission of the final report to the State government.