Denzong Sherpa Association welcomes caste-based census, urges community participation
The association also made an appeal to every Sherpa household across Sikkim to participate actively in the upcoming census.
LOCAL
The Denzong Sherpa Association has welcomed the Gazette Notification (S.O. 2681(E)) issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on June 16, 2025, announcing the conduct of the upcoming nationwide population census. The association hailed the move as a significant step towards inclusive governance and long-awaited recognition for marginalized communities like the Sherpas of Sikkim.
In a press release issued by the association, President Sangay Sherpa expressed deep gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for initiating what they termed a “historic and necessary exercise.” The association believes that the caste-based census will finally give visibility to the Sherpa community, which has long remained hidden within broad demographic categories.
“For years, the Sherpa population in Sikkim has remained statistically invisible,” the release noted. “Being clubbed under larger ethnic groups has led to policy neglect, poor representation, and a lack of tailored development initiatives.”
With the new census, the Sherpa community hopes to be identified as a distinct group, enabling accurate demographic, educational, and economic data collection. This, according to the association, is essential for shaping inclusive policies related to education, employment, reservations, and cultural preservation.
The association also made an appeal to every Sherpa household across Sikkim to participate actively in the upcoming census. “Let us ensure every Sherpa voice and identity is recorded with dignity and precision,” the release read.
The Denzong Sherpa Association believes that this census will pave the way for stronger representation of the Sherpa people on both state and national platforms. They view it as a turning point in their long journey towards equality and socio-economic justice.
Calling the census a “moment of community assertion,” the association urged young and old alike to come forward, stay informed, and cooperate fully with census officials when the time comes.