Complied By – Nim Tshering Lepcha
(Former Chairman)
State Pollution Control Board
Vice President
Renjong Mutanchi Rong Tarjum (Sikkim Lepcha Association)

The book is dedicated to

My Parents
Late Poth Lepcha Late Anjeymoo Lepcha
&
All the Rong Community of Sikkim.

RENJYONG MUTANCHI RONG TARJUM
Sikkim Lepcha Association
Reg.No.Vol.No.1.Sl.No.100, dated 18.10.1982

FOREWORD

Renjong Mutanchi Rong Tarjum (Sikkim Lepcha Association) sincerely appreciates Ren Nim Tshering Lepcha, former chairman, SPCB and Vice President Sikkim Lepcha Association for his sincere devotion towards the upliftment of Lepcha community of Sikkim. Mr.Lepcha is one of the meticulous and dedicated members of SLA. His steady efforts towards re- fabrication for long neglected Lepchas’ culture, tradition though blessing of present government is precious and remarkable.

Significantly, his social contributions and his love towards the poor and weaker group of the society, be worthy of numerous appreciations.

I’m delighted to know that he is bringing out the book titled “Dr.PAWAN CHAMLING: A BOON TO THE LEPCHA PRIMITIVE TRIBE” on the occasion of Tendong Lho Rumfaat 2008. I congratulate him for his devotional and be able to compile the miles stone achievement of Lepcha community in last 14 years.

At the end, the Lepcha community of Sikkim, look forward for your success in every endeavor.

C.T.LEPCHA
(PRESIDENT)
Renjyong Mutanchi Rong Tarjum
(Sikkm Lepcha Association)

From the Desk of Editor

Since the year of 1994, SDF Government has done various activities for the Sikkimese people and at the same time Lepcha People of the state able to attain various achievements in the tenure of SDF Government. On the delightful principles of Dr.Pawan Chamling as Chief Minister of State we Lepcha people succeed to develop economic, social and honour in state as well as national level. Within the period of fourteen years Lepcha people succeed to develop economic, social and educational as well living status. Lepcha people getting the political and social rights in the tenure of SDF government. Since the beginning history of Sikkim, Lepcha people used to lives in the entire nook and corner of Sikkim as the nature lover community. Under the immense leadership of Dr. Pawan Chamling, SDF Government has doing various progressive and advanced projects for the benefit of the Lepcha community which are never done by the any past government under the leadership of various political parties.
From the 12 reserved BL seats in Sikkim Legislative Assembly six seats has further reserved for the Lepcha candidates, which is a great achievement of Lepcha people as boon of SDF government. Finally I can say that whatever the achievements are in the hands of the lepcha people at present, utmost are been in the tenure of the SDF government with the vision of Hon’ble Dr. Pawan Chamling. For which act of kindness we all Lepcha people are grateful and we feel proud to have Chief Minister with the unbelievable in fevour of not only to lepchas but for all communities of state. On the occasion of Tendong Lho-Rum-Faat, 2008 I tried to highlight few achievements of lepcha community in tenure of Sikkim Democratic front through this mini booklet called Dr. Pawan Chamling
“A Boon to Lepcha Primitive Tribe”

Nim Tshering Lepcha

SDF Government and
Achievement of Sikkimese
Lepcha

Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party formed the government on 12 December 1994 in Sikkim. The main vision behind the establishment of the SDF Party was to restore peace and tranquility in the Sikkim state. SDF party came with a vision of restoring democratic rule in the State. The president of the SDF party and the present Chief Minister. Dr. Pawan Chamling have repeatedly said that SDF party was not establish to form a government to rule the Sate only but SDF aimed at restoring peace and democracy in the state. Under the competent leadership of Dr. Pawan Chamling, today Sikkim has evolved as one of the most developing state in the country. Sikkim became an exemplary state of the country for the positive progress in every field. Different peoples from the various communities are rwsiding happily with communal harnmony here in Sikkim. With the advent of SDf party in the power, the minority and the backward classes of the state are privileged with constitutional rights.

All the demands of these backward and deprived communities have been fulfilled by the state government. The constitutional and political right of all communities have secured under the intelligent leadership of Dr. Pawan Chamling. Every community has own language, customs and traditional in this world. Some of the community has touched the height of the success in terms of development and some of them are still left behind at the bottom level. Communities those who are able to utilize their skills and knowledge positively they have succeeded to reach the summit level of development. Some of the communities are vanishing day by day because of the political social, cultural and traditional circumstance. In the other hand, among the different communities of the different part of the world a number of communities being able to preserve and protect their culture, traditional identity even in this age of 21st century. It is very pleasing to hear that the Sikkimese Lepacha Community has been successful in preserving their culture, tradition, custom along with their remarkable identity. When we analyze in the past history of the Lepcha community we can find that Lepcha community has gave birth of immense natives like Zorbongthing, Tase Bongthing, Tarbaypun, Tarsongpun amnd Thikung Tek.

Primitive tribe (Lepchas) has been seen the both days of happiness and sorrow. Because of many unavoidable circumstance the Lepcha community was about to extinct once at past. But it is said that after every dark night there prevails the new days with happiness and peace. In the situation extinction of identity of Lepcha people a new hopes of democracy was born in the heart of Mayalland (Sikkim) in 1993 and finally Lepcha language. It is to be noted that before the SDF government there were many political party which came and passed by. But none of the political [arties worked for the upliftment and for the development of the lepcha community. Sikkkimese Lepcha can rightly say that the community got its constitutional rights during SDF government. With the beginning of SDF government not only the lepcha community but all the communities of Sikkim was secured. It is said bad times never remain for long. To restore peace, democracy and to oust the dictator rule from the state Dr. pawan Chamling came like a rising sun for the Sikkim. To protect the poor and economically, culturally, politically, socially backward Sikkimese people Dr. Pawan Chamling came with a big umbrella to provide the shade of justice to every one. The lepcha are now one of the most privileged communities of the state. They are very happy with the farsightedness of Dr. pawan Chamling. Known as the nature lover and very innocent people, the Lepcha feel themselves very secured under the able leadership and governance of SDF party. The SDF government is determined to protect and preserve the culture, tradition, of every community dwelling in the state. As a result all the communities of Sikkim are very very satisfied with the present government.

2. Lepcha representative in the SLA
Likewise for the first time in the historyt of democratic Sikkim chair of ministership was given on basis of caste to the MLA of SDF party. In this Systemthe Lepcha people (MLA) also get the chance to became minister of different department in the state

3. Tendong Lho-Rum-Faat
Worship, prayer and festival are the identity of Lepcha community. Under the leadership of the Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling Tendong Lho-Rum-Faat is recognized as the State festival. The puja has been practicing since long years back but it had gained the status of the state festival. To get an honoured of the State festival the entire credit goes to the present Chief- Minister Dr. Chamling and SDF Party.

5. Tendong Lho-Rum-Faat
’Traditional house [Lee Voon]’ a lepcha house, today ‘lee voon’ has became history foe the younger generation. To protect and preserve such age old traditional item of the Lepchas the SDF Government has constructed lee Voon at nampriktang and also planning to construct same traditional house in rest three districts of the state.

6. Lepcha language in Degree levels.
To protect and save this community from being extinct it is very important to protect the language, tradition and customs or that community knowing the importance of language, Lepcha langusge has been included in the syllabus of college level during the tenure of SDF Government.

7. Lepcha Language at Eight Schedule of the constitution
Since The Sikkim Government has formed with SDF party, Sikkim Government is trying to include lepcha language at the 8th schedule of the constitutions.

9. Lepcha language in ICSE and CBSE Board.
In all th ICSE and CBSE Board recognized schools, students can take the lepcha language as their one of the subject and this worked has been done during the tenure of the SDF government.

10. Lepcha Language in SPSC.
In the tenure of the SDF Government Lepcha language has been includein the State level competitive examination. It means in any state level examination conducting under SPCS, lepcha candidates can take Lepcha as one of the optional subject.

11. Seats for the Lepcha in SLA.
There are 12 reserved seats for Lepcha and Bhutia in Sikkim legislative Assembly(SLA) . To provide them a constitutional rights SDF govt. have allotted 6 seats to the Lepcha among 12 reserved seat of SLA and we are able to make 6 cabinet member too.

12. lepcha as Rajya Sabha MP
By nominating O.T. Lepcha as the M.P. (Rajya Sabha) SDF Government have provided another status to the Sikkimese Lepcha.

13. Lt. Nayan Tshering memorial School & Lt. Sonam Tshering Lepcha Marg.
SDF Government does not missing any opportunities to extent honour and felicitates the successful leaders and the honored personalities of the State.

(a) By extending the worm honor to the Lt. Nayan Tshering Lepcha SDF Government has included the name of Nayan Tshering Lepcha with the govt Jr. High. School, Work, South Sikkim

(b) In the history of Sikkim Lt. narayan Tshering Lepcha was the first education minister of Sikkim when the kazi lendup Dorjee was the Chief Minister of Sikkim. Lt. NT Lepcha also actively participated to oust of King Chogyel and establish democracy in the State. Lt. Lepcha also played a vital in the TIRO-NATIRNEY (Scheme/policy) in 1950-60. Contribution of Lt. Nayan Tshering lepcha in the in the democratic Sikkim with golden alphabet.

(c) Lt. Sonam Tshering Lepcha was another a simple and common personality. He played an important role in the beginning of the democratic revolution of Sikkim and he always raised his voiced against the King Chogyal in favaour of Sikkim people. He always raised his strong voice against the Zamindar, Jharlingy, Theki-Beti, Kuruwa kalovari and Dhurikar. He was also the founder of Praja Sudar Samaj party . He also served as the speaker of Sikkim Legislative Assambly. To give an honour to such an immense personality SDF Government turns the name Kazi Road into Sonam Tshering Marg.

14. Exemption from Central Direct Income Tax Act 1961
Exemption from Central Direct Income tax exemption of Central direct Income Tax is one of the greatest achievement of SDF. From which all the Sikkimese peoples along with the Lepcha of the State were Benefited. This attainment is done by SDF government.

Now lets take a look on the works for the protection and preservation of the lepcha community and the progressive projects related to it. What are the development projects which done in fevour to primitive & protected area of lepcha community ‘Dzongu’ As we all know the fact that we had already seen the different Government with the different leadership before 1994 during the tenure of that various government, development of Dzongu was totally untouched. Roads, bridges, Schools, facility of drinking water, power facilities along with the life standard of the Dzongu was never viewed by the all past government. But this present government is trying to uplift the living standard of the Dzongu along with the other development projects. In the Himalayan region roads are regarded as life line. Now the carpeting works of Dikchu-Sangkalang road in under progress. Only Dzongu may be an area where emple amount of money is being deployed for the construction of Roads & bridges. Present Government also decided to make Lower Dzongu as a model village Population of Dzongu can see the further more development of Dzongu very shortly in the tenure of SDF.

Social Welfare Department
High status has given to the District cum Session Court North/East/ South/West Sikkim. In both session and district court advocate for the public procedure is appointed by the government. Those advocate take the cases of STs and SCs free of cost, this is additional help to STs & scS by SDF Government.

As an addition to that from the date of 15/08/2002 Dr. Pawan Chamling (CM) started to provide the loan for the educated unemployed youth of Sikkim through this board. Under this scheme of loan in low rate of interest, so many Lepcha youths are being benefited A renowned writer of Italy Myatini said, ‘Culture, Tradition, language, must be destroyed the any community, its ‘. By analyzing the phrase of Myatini the present government of Sikkim has established Sikkim Akademi with the different members of the different community and it is hoped that under the roof of Sikkim Akademi every community are feeling secured. Therefore, all Sikkimese people have to know the value of the man with delightful vision toward the bright future of Sikkim. SDF Government is fulfilling the demands of the Sikkimese people as soon as possible. Because of the visionary thoughts of the Dr. pawan Chamling, Sikkim is achieving development in every nook and corner. The primitive tribe of the state is very happy with the works of prested State Government for the protection and development of the tribal community.

Because of the rapid growth of the population environment was depleting day by day realizing this negative aspect of the rapid population growth Dr. Chamling started.

Green Mission to save global environment. As a result now the state is achieving the greenery at every nook and corner and it save the nature of the Lepcha People. Cheif Minister Dr. Chamling was awarded as the greenest Chief Minister of India which is the result of his excellent job for the welfare of every community of State as well as Nation.

Whatever may be the ideas of the intellectual over the Sikkim, but actual fact of the state is unavoidable. Because policies and agendas of the SDF partyis always pro poor people of Sikkim. So, Sikkim is able to maintain peace in even in the world becoming the bloody day by day. Dr Pawan Chamling has privileged the poor people by his words as well as by his action. The citizens of the state are accepting the unambiguous vision of the Hon'ble Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling with extending heart.

The life size statues of Lepcha Chief Thikung Tek, nekung Gnal and Khebomsa was successfully installed at the historic spot i.e kabi long Tson under the active initiatives of Hon;ble Area MLA Kabi Tingda Constituency Ren. Tinley Tsh. Bhutia.

The installation of Statues not only preserves the history but it also attracts the pilgrimage and both the domestic and foreign tourist.

Measures to protect and Preserve the
identity of Lepcha by State Government

To protect every community from being extinct, its traditional, customs and rituals must be protected and the traditional practices of a community which keeps its entity alive. Therefore, state Government has taken many effective measures to protect the primitives tribe in the state. The major of the Government of Sikkim at present scenario towards the protection of Lepcha tribe are very much Cherish able. The state Government has setup lepcha traditional house at Naprithang and lepcha Museum at Daramdin to preserve and protect the various important and extraoridinary items which been used by Lepcha community from the beginning of the History. For benefit of the Lepcha students, Lepcha language has been introduced as a syllabus in the till college level. Students can take it as community and the history. Likewise a lepcha intellectual is being appointed as a representative at Sikkim Akademi.

School and roads in the name of Honoured lepcha
personalities

Sonam Choda lepcha, Memorial Secondary School
Lingdong, Dzongu North Sikkim.
Nayan Tshering lepcha, memorial school- Work, South
Sikkim
Eklavya Model Residential School- Gangyap-Tashiding, West
Sikkim.
Tasa Tengay lepcha secondary School- Chungthang, North
Sikkim.
German Lepcha Secondary School-Turung, South Sikkim.
Sonam Tshering Lepcha Marg-Gangtok, East Sikkim .
Eklavya Model Residential School, Swayen, North Sikkim.
Dr. Lobsang Tenzing lepcha, Marg-Mangan, North Sikkim

Recognition of Primitive Tribes Status
Since the ancient period, History stated that Lepcha Community is residomg in this Himalaya region ‘Sikkim’ Which is an Unavoidable truth of Sikkim. Being a primitive tribal community of Sikkim, Lepcha people resides all over the State. Population of the lepcha Community is less as compared to other community of Sikkim. Another truth of the Lepchas Community is that, Since the ancient era, Lepcha used to runs their day to day life by, hunting wild animal & fishing. Since the beginning. Economic, Political and aSocial status of Lepcha community is not good, Because of these drawback (lack in the economic, social educational and political status) lepcha people was tortured in several ways in the past.

State Government is determined to give an excellent status to lepcha community. Further our state government is working to fulfill the demand of Lepcha people. To fulfill some important demand of the Sikkimese Lepcha our State government is always knocking the door of central government.

After Government has given a political right to the lepcha Community which is never done by any other Government before. On the guidance of SDF Government primetime tribal committee (PTC) has been formed by lepcha people.

1. Scope: This is an extremely flexible scheme. It activities may include agricultural development, cattle development, income generation programmes, health facilities, infrastructure development, ect.

2. Implementing agencies: The scheme is implemented through the integrated Tribal Development projects (ITDPs) Integrated Tribal Development Agencies (ITDs), Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) and non-Governmental Organization with the necessary motivation and competence. The State Government concerned is responsible for the proper execution, implementation, supervision and coordination of the schemes including the selection of NGOs

3. Pattern of funding: It is a Central Sector Scheme and 100% grant is provided by the Ministry. The optimum period for grant-in-aid to the implementing agencies in 3 years.

Source : Annual Report 05-06
Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India

Tendong Lho Rum Faat, A State
Festivel

Tendon Lho Rum Faat is one of oldest festival among the various celebrations of the nature lover Lepcha people. Being Nature lover the lepchas has given the name of so many mountains, hills along with the different valleys of Sikkim. Some of them still carrying very elegant folklores and historical importance, and Tendong Lho Rum Faat is an example among them. The festivals is related with the legend of deluge. According to the History, river Rung-Nyao (Teesta) and river Rung-Nyit (rangit) was located near the base of the kanchandzonga as beautiful lakes. But due to heavy earthquake these two lakes were broken. It is believed that the water of Rung-Nyit started flow in the guidance of the bird called Tuth-fo (Dhobini) as rangit and another Rung-Nyoo starts flowing as Teesta and guided by Parilbu (King Serpent) From the place of their confluence at Pozok (Perhok). According to the legends, the river Teesta and Rangit covering the entire Mauyellyang (Sikkim). On the occasion of the great festival Tendong Lho Rum Faat the Lapchas who are residing near to Tendong Hill, South Sikkim they offered Prayer not only for the Lepcha Community but also for the long live and peaceful future for the whole universe and who been unable to reached at Tendong Hill they offers prayers at home only… Fortunately Kohofo (Padridges appeared there and saved the life of the Lapchas from the great deluge. From the very moment the Lepchas began to observe the Tendong Lho Rum Faat (worship of Mt, Tendong). After that, Peace and happiness again prevailed in the Nyenayellyang (Sikkim). Realizing its importance and need to preserve the age old covted ytaditional and culture of the indigenous Lepchas, Government of Sikkim Democratic front Declared the 8th August as State holi day for the Tendong Lho Rum Faat a state festival since holi say for the Tendong Lho Rum Faat a state festival 1997 , and as still Tendong Lho Rum Faat being celebrates with great pump and splendor every 8th August calendar.

Lepcha Members elected as MLAs in different
constituencies since 1994-2009

                 SIKKIM

EXTRAORDINARY
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY

Government of Sikkim
Parliament Affairs Department
Gangtok

NOTIFICATION

Whereas the Lepcha Tribal Community, one of the three ethnic communities of the state of Sikkim, is the indigenous inhabitants of the State.

And whereas, excepting a small fraction of this Tribal Community in urban areas, the bulk of the population of the Lepcha Tribal Community live in remote areas of the State and in small settlements, where the soil and the topography of land not suitable for agriculture but more suited for their primitive tribal way of living viz: hunting , fishing, collecting forest producing agricultural crops in their traditional way:

And whereas, their simple and shy nature always hindered their socio-economic and educational growth and development:

And Whereas, due to their poor economic condition and illiteracy, there is high rate of infant morality in this Community resulting in declining population of Lepcha Tribal community;

And whereas to protect safeguard this vanishing Tribal and to uplift their socio-economic, educational, political status and to give them a distinct identity, the State Government has deemed it expedient to confer special status to this community:

And whereas, to protest and safeguard this vanishing tribal and to uplift their socio-economic. Educational, political status and to give them a distinct identity and special status, the Sikkim Legislative Assembly in its Session held from 21st to 28th February, 2005 passed a resolution for declaring the Lepcha Tribal Community of Sikkim, as the Primitive Tribe group.

Now , therefore, the state government hereby recognize and declares the Lepcha Tribal Community of the State as the primitive Tribe Group in the State of Sikkim

BY ORDER AND IN THE NAME OF THE GOVERNOR.
R.K. PURKAYASTHA, SS/S
LEGAL REMEMBRANCE-CUM-SECRETARY,
LAW & PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT.
GOVERNMENT OF SIKKIM

GOVERNMENT OF SIKKIM
HOME DEPARTMENT
GANGTOK

NOTIFICATION

WHEREAS the proposal for declaration of Lepcha of Sikkim as Primitive Tribe Groups of India is pending with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India for want of certain clarification to be supported by the facts and figures.

NOW THEREFORE, the State Government hereby constitutes a Committee to review and examine the issue. The Committee shall submit proposal to the Government within a period of one month from the date of issue of the notification.

SD/
(N.D. CHINGAPA) IAS
CHIEF SECRETARY
F.NO. Gos-1 (20) SJEWD/WD

(Roshni Rai)
DEPUTY SECRETARY-I ( C )HOME