out communities with the submission of a fresh ethnographic study to the Union government in New Delhi. The report, prepared by a nine-member expert committee, was formally handed over on August 18 in the presence of representatives from the Eleven Indigenous Ethnic Communities of Sikkim plus one (EIECOS+1), scholars, and senior officials. The study is the outcome of months of detailed fieldwork and academic collaboration. It includes contributions from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) scholars, inputs from economic advisor to the Chief Minister Mahendra P. Lama, and officials from the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India (ORGI). According to state officials, this exercise is expected to carry greater weight than earlier submissions that were often dismissed for relying heavily on secondary data.
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, accompanied by ministers and legislators representing these communities, personally joined EIECOS leaders in Delhi during the handover of the report. The state government has announced that the report will be placed before the Sikkim Legislative Assembly before being sent to the Centre for further consideration. If cleared, the process will move through both Houses of Parliament and finally require the assent of the President. At a press briefing in Gangtok, EIECOS Chairman S.K. Rai underlined the importance of this renewed effort. “Earlier reports often lacked proper fieldwork and were not taken seriously by the Registrar General of India. This time, we went beyond documents. We visited villages, interacted with people on the ground, and ensured their voices were reflected,” he explained.
Rai also pointed out the role of academics in enhancing the credibility of the new study. “For the first time, eminent sociologists and historians guided us through the process. Their involvement has given authenticity and depth to our findings,” he added.The demand for tribal recognition of 12 communities has been pending for decades, often running into procedural delays. EIECOS leaders believe that the new approach, supported by grassroots engagement and scholarly endorsement, will improve the chances of success. “With the blessings of the Prime Minister, the Home Minister, the Tribal Affairs Minister, the RGI and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, we are hopeful that our appeal will finally get the recognition it deserves,” said Rai.