GANGTOK: The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) has raised multiple areas of concern for Sikkim as the State is approaching its 50th Statehood Day.
As Sikkim marks 50 years of statehood, this is a critical moment to prioritise the preservation of our unique identity as ‘Sikkimese’ under Article 371F of the Constitution of India and reflect on our progress and challenges, said SIBLAC convener Tseten Tashi Bhutia in a press statement on January 16.
The SIBLAC has demanded the State government to present a detailed White Paper titled “Sikkim: Then and Now—50 Years of Progress and Challenges.” The document should ensure transparency and critically examine all social, political, and economic issues to foster informed discourse by addressing key areas of concern.
The SIBAC said the White Paper should explain the current fiscal health of the state, including per capita debt, per capita income, Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), state-owned revenue, and the rising loan component. It should also consist of a comprehensive analysis of whether fiscal policies over the decades have contributed to sustainable growth or exacerbated financial vulnerabilities for future generations.
Tseten Tashi said the White Paper should also examine the impact of population influx on Sikkim’s delicate demographic balance, threatening the rights, culture, and identity of the indigenous Sikkimese people. It should also list measures to address challenges related to resource allocation, employment, and social harmony, ensuring the protection of indigenous rights.
The SIBLAC convenor maintained that there is dilution of Article 371F.
“Clause (k) of Article 371F protects all old laws of Sikkim, yet the Sikkimese people today feel deeply threatened about their survival in their own homeland. Issues such as the illegal transfer of land from local people to outsiders, including foreigners, facilitated by the ruling dispensation, need immediate attention. Decisive action is required to prevent further erosion of constitutional safeguards and to protect Sikkim’s distinct identity,” he said.
Tseten Tashi further demanded restoration of seat reservation in Sikkim Legislative for Nepalis of Sikkimese origin including Tsong, seat reservation for Limboo-Tamang and ST status for the left-out Sikkimese communities. There should be proportionate seat reservation of BL seats if SLA seats increases to any number from present 32 as per Article 371F, he said.
The SIBLAC also demanded implementation of ILP report already submitted to Chief Minister by the committee, and action against the illegal settlement of outsiders/foreigners in border-sensitive area in national security interest.
“The Chief Minister has publicly invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Golden Jubilee celebrations, highlighting the national significance of this occasion. SIBLAC urges the government to make this event truly meaningful by presenting a transparent account of Sikkim’s journey and addressing these critical issues, which will shape the future of the Sikkimese people,” said the convenor.
- SA Report
