GANGTOK: The Sukhim Yakthung Sapsok Songchumbho (SYSS), a prominent Limboo community organization in Sikkim, has hailed the recent government notification on the national Census as a “historic” and “vital” step toward securing political representation for the Limboo and Tamang communities in the state.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, SYSS welcomed Notification No. S.O. 2681(E), dated June 16, 2025, by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, which outlines the upcoming Census operations. The organization described the move as a long-awaited opportunity to document the demographic strength of the Limboo community and press for the reservation of seats in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly.
“For the Limboo community, the Census is not merely a statistical process—it is a powerful instrument of recognition, justice, and rightful inclusion,” the statement said, emphasizing the community’s historic contributions to Sikkim’s cultural and political landscape.
SYSS expressed hope that the fresh Census data would lay the groundwork for the next round of delimitation of Assembly and Parliamentary constituencies, expected after 2026, as per the 84th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2001. The organization believes that updated demographic information will be key to justifying the long-pending demand for seat reservation under Article 371F(f) and Article 332 of the Indian Constitution.
The Limboo and Tamang communities were granted Scheduled Tribe (ST) status in 2003. However, the demand for reserved legislative seats—guaranteed to other ST communities—has remained unresolved for over two decades.
Calling the Census a “crucial milestone” for the community, SYSS urged all Limboo organizations, youth groups, and institutions to actively promote awareness and ensure full participation in the enumeration process. “Every household and individual counted is a step closer to securing our rights,” the group noted.
SYSS also extended its gratitude to the Ministry of Home Affairs for initiating what it termed a “timely and essential” effort and pledged its full cooperation and support to the Census process.
- SA Report
