GANGTOK,: The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) has demanded the State government to present a white paper which critically examines all social, political and economic issues of Sikkim as the State approaches its 50th Statehood Day.
As Sikkim marks 50 years of Statehood, this is a critical moment to prioritise the preservation of our unique identity as 'Sikkimese' under Article 371F of the Constitution of India and reflect on our progress and challenges, said SIBLAC convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia in a Thursday press statement.
The SIBLAC convener highlighted multiple areas of concern for Sikkim which needs to be included in the white paper ‘Sikkim: Then and Now-50 Years of Progress and Challenges’ including the State’s fiscal position. He sought examination and clarity on the State’s current fiscal health of the state, including per capita debt, per capita income, Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), State-owned revenue, and the rising loan component.
There must be a comprehensive analysis of whether fiscal policies over the decades have contributed to sustainable growth or exacerbated financial vulnerabilities for future generations, said Tseten Tashi, also asking what steps have been taken to reduce the growing income disparity between urban and rural populations.
One key concern for Sikkim, as submitted by the SIBLAC, was its changing demography which requires a detailed report. It was urged that the white paper should explain the impact of population influx on Sikkim's delicate demographic balance, threatening the rights, culture, and identity of the indigenous Sikkimese people, while enumerating measures to address challenges related to resource allocation, employment, and social harmony, ensuring the protection of indigenous rights.
The SIBLAC convener maintained that though clause (k) of Article 371F protects all old laws of Sikkim, yet the Sikkimese people today feel deeply threatened about their survival in their own homeland. Issues such as the illegal transfer of land from local people to outsiders, including foreigners, facilitated by the ruling dispensation, need immediate attention, he said.
Decisive action is required to prevent further erosion of constitutional safeguards and to protect Sikkim’s distinct identity, said Tseten Tashi.
The SIBLAC convener further called for addressing pending issues of Sikkim. These include restoration of Nepali seats in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, reservation of Assembly seats for the Limboo-Tamang communities, and ST status for the left-out Sikkimese communities. He demanded proportionate seat reservation of BL seats if Assembly seats increased to any number from present 32 as per Article 371F.
Tseten also demanded the implementation of ILP report already submitted to the Chief Minister by the committee and action against the illegal settlement of outsiders/foreigners in border-sensitive areas in national security interest. He sought the status of the proposed Teesta-IV and Panam HEPs in Dzongu which is strongly opposed by local public and panchayats.
The white paper should also have a detailed analysis of government manpower growth, its implications for State finances, and its contribution to public services, it was demanded.
“The Chief Minister has publicly invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Golden Jubilee celebrations, highlighting the national significance of this occasion. SIBLAC urges the government to make this event truly meaningful by presenting a transparent account of Sikkim's journey and addressing these critical issues, which will shape the future of the Sikkimese people,” said the SIBLAC convenor.
Tseten Tashi said the SIBLAC fully endorses the statement made by State BJP president DR Thapa, other political parties and all stakeholders opposing the unification demand by the Gorkha National Congress.