SOCIAL JUSTICE
• Mahatma Gandhi's dream of establishing Ram Rajya in India has been
realized in Sikkim. Today, Sikkimese people live a peaceful prosperous,
democratic life in a serene environment.
• On 25th May 1995, Bhujel, Gurung, Limbu, Mangar, Rai, Sunuwar and
Tamangs were inducted in the OBC category. On 6th December 1999,
Sanyasis and Thamis were also given OBC status. Similarly, on 4th April
2000, Jogis were given similar status. Same status has been extended to
Chhetri, Bahun and Newar communities on 17th September 2003.
• The Government has been able to induct Limboos and Tamangs in the list
of Scheduled Tribes, which was totally opposed by earlier government. By
providing them with their rightful claim in 2002, the Government has
meted out historic justice to the people of Sikkim.
• In Government jobs, reservation to the extent of 6 %,33 %, 21 %, and
14 % have been given to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Most
Backward Classes and OBCs, respectively. Besides these, the children of
business community have also been given 5% reservation in the field of
higher education. This is for the first time in the country that the
facility of reservation has been extended to the children of business
community. This is a historic example set by the SDF Government.
•Within the broader reservations policy in the State, 30 %, 3 %, 3 % and
2 % reservation has been extended to women, ex-servicemen, physically
challenged, sports persons/artists respectively in only employment
related activities.
•The Chettri, Bahun, Newar and Sanyasis communities, who are not in the
Central Government OBC list have been recognized as OBC by the State
Government and 14 % reservation has been extended to them. This is an
example of the magnanimity of the SDF Government and by doing so he
Government has integrated the Sikkimese society. The entire Nepalese of
Sikkim today
are in the OBC category.
of the Constitution. These languages are now being taught in college
level. Nepali language has been included in the 8th Schedule in 1992. • For the protection, preservation and promotion Tamang ,Gurung, Rai, Sherpa, Mangar, Newa and Sunuwar languages have been accorded the State language status by the Government The SDF Government has been successful in including Bhutia, Lepcha, Limboo, Tamang, Gurung. Rai and Sherpa languages, among the 325 recognized languages of India.
• Sikkim Herald, the official mouth-piece of the government, is published in all State recognized languages and distributed free of cost across the State.
• For the economic development of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other backward classes, the Government established Sikkim Scheduled Caste, Tribe and Other Backward Classes Development Corporation (SABCCO) in 1996. This has done some significant works on financing projects by the communities belonging to these special categories.
• Since 7th. November 1995, the Government is providing old age pension to the eligible senior citizens of the State. The pension amount has been enhanced from RS.100 to RS.300.ln 1994-95 there were 1013 pensioners receiving RS.100 and by 2003-04 their number reached 14,867.
• Under Chief Minister's Annapurna Programme, old people of 65 and above are provided 10 kg. of rice per month free of cost.
• Old age home has been constructed for old people.
• Old people of 65 years of age and above have been freed from all allegations and cases.
• Women of 65 years and men of 70 years and above can travel free of cost in SNT buses. The Government has also given free passes and concessions to students, persons graced with State awards and the disabled while traveling in public transport.
• In Karthok, Soreng, the Government has constructed "Parijat Leprosy Eradication Centre", at a cost of Rs. 78 lakhs.
• Orphanages have been set.
• 3132 individuals belonging to ST/SC and OBC categories were provided loans during 1998-2004.
• The Government has framed and implemented rules which require work sanctioned in the villages to be implemented through the people of the same village.
• The Government is regularly giving grants to NGOs, who have been working for the welfare of the aged, and for rehabilitating alcoholics. It also helps organizations who run schools for the disabled and marginalised households.
Legislative Assembly premises. The birth anniversary of Dr. Ambedkar has been declared as a public holiday. Grants are also provided to organizations to celebrate the occasion.
•By passing a resolution in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, the Government has declared Indian Nepali community as the minority community.
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