As Sikkim prepares to celebrate 50 years of statehood on May 16, 2025, the Sikkimey Nagarik Samaj (SNS), a prominent civil society organization, has called on the government to address long-pending political and socio-economic issues affecting the state. In a letter to key political leaders, SNS has urged immediate action on the restoration of political rights for the Sikkimese Nepali community, legislative seat reservations for the Limboo and Tamang communities, and the protection of Sikkim’s special status under Article 371F.
The organization emphasized that while the golden jubilee of Sikkim’s merger with India is a moment of celebration, it is also an opportunity for reflection on the state’s progress and challenges. SNS has demanded the reinstatement of political representation for the Sikkimese Nepali community, which lost its reserved seats after the Presidential Order of 1979. Despite assurances in 1980, no corrective measures have been taken. Despite being granted Scheduled Tribe (ST) status in 2003, the Limboo and Tamang communities have not received their mandated reserved seats in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly. SNS has urged the government to resolve this issue, which has remained unaddressed for over two decades.
SNS has raised concerns over the dilution of Sikkim’s special constitutional status due to amendments such as the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 1980, the Income Tax Act, 1988, and the Finance Act, 2023. The organization has called for reaffirmation of Sikkim’s unique constitutional guarantees. SNS has also highlighted rising unemployment, substance abuse, mental health concerns, high suicide rates, and economic distress in Sikkim. It has urged policymakers to take proactive measures to address these pressing issues.