EIECOS+1 praises ethnography report, condemns CAP Sikkim remarks

<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif"><b>GANGTOK,:</b> The EIECOS+1, an umbrella body representing the 12 left-out communities of Sikkim demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, has lauded the final ethnographic report prepared by the Sikkim State High-Level Committee (SSHLC). The organisation described the report as “excellent,” citing that it was prepared by a team of eminent experts under the guidance of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay and with full support from the State government.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">The SSHLC was constituted to examine and pursue the long-standing demand for the inclusion of the 12 communities in the list of Scheduled Tribes under the Constitution of India. The final ethnographic report was officially submitted to the Chief Minister on August 18, 2025, during a valedictory and felicitation function held in New Delhi.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">Addressing the media in Gangtok on Sunday, EIECOS+1 chairman Dr. S.K. Rai termed the submission of the report a historic moment for the 12 left-out communities. He extended gratitude to the Chief Minister and the State government for their consistent support in taking forward the constitutional demand.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">Dr. Rai reiterated that the demand for tribal status is a constitutional right, not a political or personal agenda. He emphasised that ST status would bring socio-economic and political benefits to the communities and help integrate them more fully into the national mainstream. While acknowledging that the journey ahead remains long, he expressed confidence in the commitment of the CM, the State government, and EIECOS+1 to continue pursuing the goal.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">However, EIECOS+1 expressed strong disapproval of recent remarks made by CAP Sikkim president Ganesh Rai, who allegedly criticised the Delhi event and questioned the legitimacy of the efforts. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">Dr. Rai stated that such derogatory and misleading comments were unwarranted, especially coming from a fellow Sikkimese citizen who should be supporting the cause rather than undermining it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">The EIECOS+1 chairman further warned that such statements may create confusion and raise doubts at the national level, potentially affecting the outcome of the demand. He called on the CAP Sikkim president to withdraw his remarks and issue a public apology. Failing that, he said, EIECOS+1 would be compelled to take “appropriate further action.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">Dr. Rai also clarified that although similar reports were submitted in the past, they were rejected by the Registrar General of India (RGI) due to incomplete documentation. In contrast, the latest report is comprehensive, developed with the input of qualified experts, and therefore holds greater promise of success.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p> </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">The press conference was attended by presidents and representatives of all 12 left-out communities, who also condemned the comments made by Ganesh Rai. They appealed to the CAP Sikkim president to refrain from politicising the issue and from misleading the public for personal or political gain.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

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