Views/opinions expressed in this article is of the author not of Sikkim Chronicle
As a concerned citizen of Sikkim, India, I feel compelled to strongly and publicly respond to the recent remarks made by Hon’ble MP Indra Hang Subba regarding the caste-based census and his claim that it will help secure Scheduled Tribe status for the 12 left-out communities and resolve the long-pending Limboo-Tamang seat reservation issue.
Let me state clearly, the MP’s statement is legally inaccurate, constitutionally irrelevant, and politically motivated. This is not the first time politicians have played with the sentiments of marginalized communities in Sikkim. However, this time, the attempt to oversimplify a constitutionally complex issue is not just misleading, it is dangerous.
The MP’s suggestion that the caste census will MAKE OUR CASE MORE CLEAR AND DATA-DRIVEN completely distorts the real process mandated by our Constitution of under Article 342. This narrative may sound progressive on the surface, but in reality, it only delays serious constitutional action and creates false hopes among already neglected communities.
THE LEGAL TRUTH ABOUT ST STATUS:
Here is the undeniable constitutional reality-no community can be included in the ST list merely on the basis of caste-based data. The following legal steps must be followed:
I. Ethnographic Report prepared by the State Government;
II. Official recommendation to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs;
III. Scrutiny by the Registrar General of India (RGI);
IV. Assessment by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST);
V. Presidential Order under Article 342, which must be placed before Parliament.
Until this multi-step legal process is completed, no caste census can substitute, delay, or bypass it. Suggesting otherwise is a betrayal of constitutional truth.
POLITICAL GIMMICK, NOT POLICY:
It is deeply disappointing that instead of focusing on these well-known constitutional procedures, the MP chose to promote a narrative that smells more of political gimmickry than genuine policy. It appears to be nothing but a tactical move to attract attention and gain short-term popularity, especially when elections are never far from the political horizon.
Let’s ask:
l. Where is the ethnographic report?
II. When will the required documents reach the Registrar General of India?
III. Why hasn’t the Sikkim Government submitted a full recommendation for the 12 left-out communities despite repeated promises?
If the MP is truly committed to the cause, let him answer these basic questions, not deflect them through census buzzwords.
ON LIMBOO-TAMANG SEAT RESERVATION:
Even more absurd is the claim that the Limboo-Tamang seat reservation is tied to the upcoming caste census. These communities were granted ST status back in 2003, over two decades ago. Under Article 332 of the Constitution, they are entitled to reserved seats in the State Assembly.
The delay in giving them their rightful political representation is not due to a lack of data. It is due to a lack of political will. Blaming it on the census is not only unconstitutional, it is disrespectful to both communities and their decades-long democratic struggle.
CALL FOR CLARITY, NOT CONFUSION:
Sikkim is a multicultural state. Misleading the people, particularly tribal and backward communities, with half-truths and catchy headlines can create dangerous divisions. It is the duty of every public representative to speak with integrity, transparency, and legal accuracy.
But instead, what we see is a troubling pattern: publicity-driven statements, media distractions, and vague political assurances. That is not leadership, that is posturing.
I fully support the constitutional, democratic, and long-overdue demands of the 12 left-out communities and the Limboo-Tamang people. But I strongly reject the false narrative being spread that a caste-based census will deliver justice. Justice does not come through data collection, it comes through constitutional action and political courage.
If leaders can’t fulfill that responsibility, they should at least stop misleading the people.
By M. B. Karki. The author can be contacted at monbahadurkarki1947@gmail.com.
