Sikkim MP Indra Hang Subba Meets PM Modi to Demand Tribal Status for 12 Communities

Dr. Indra Hang Subba, the Lok Sabha Member of Parliament from Sikkim, met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Parliament House to discuss critical state issues. The primary objective of the meeting was the submission of a formal memorandum demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for 12 left-out communities in Sikkim. This visit is seen as a major push by the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) government to secure constitutional recognition for a large section of the state's population. The MP emphasized that these communities have long fulfilled the criteria for ST status but have remained excluded from federal benefits.

In addition to the ST status, the memorandum highlighted the long-standing grievance regarding the reservation of seats in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly for the Limboo and Tamang communities. Despite these groups being granted ST status in 2003, they are yet to receive dedicated seats in the state legislature, a delay that has caused significant political friction. Subba urged the Prime Minister to expedite a constitutional amendment to resolve this anomaly. The MP also discussed the broader need for protecting the distinct cultural and linguistic identity of Sikkim’s diverse ethnic groups under the umbrella of tribal rights.

This meeting is part of a series of strategic engagements by the Sikkim state leadership to leverage their alliance with the central government. For the people of Sikkim, the inclusion of the 12 communities—including groups like the Rai, Gurung, and Mangar—is an emotional and electoral priority. Prime Minister Modi reportedly took note of the demands and assured the MP that the concerns of the Himalayan state would be evaluated by the relevant ministries. Success in this matter would likely strengthen the current state government's position ahead of local body elections and fulfill a major campaign promise.