EIECOS+1 Pushes for ST Status, Holds Press Conference in Gangtok

A crucial press conference was held in Gangtok today by EIECOS+1 to discuss the Scheduled Tribe (ST) status demand for Sikkim’s 12 left-out communities. The event followed the February 10 meeting at Old Sikkim House, New Delhi, chaired by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.

Dr. S.K. Rai, Chairman of EIECOS+1, stated that the meeting included ministers, MPs, MLAs, the Deputy Speaker, and members of the Sikkim State High-Level Committee (SSHLC). The focus was on addressing objections raised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the Registrar General of India (RGI) to strengthen the case for ST status.

Ethnographic reports were a key aspect of the discussion, with presentations by Prof. B.V. Sharma (Kirat Khambu Rai and Yakha Dewan), Prof. M.P. Lama (Gurung), and Prof. Nupur Tiwari (Newar). Sarika Pradhan, Member Secretary of EIECOS+1, outlined the roadmap for final report submission, including field surveys from March 1-6 and a final SSHLC meeting from March 25-27, with the report due by March 31.

Dr. Rai emphasized the importance of a meticulous review process to ensure the authenticity of the reports. The press conference concluded with a strong call for timely action to secure tribal recognition for the 12 communities.