Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee demands white paper on ‘Sikkim: Then and Now’ during golden jubilee celebrations

As Sikkim celebrates 50 years of statehood, the Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) has issued a statement of support and appeal, urging the state government to address pressing issues concerning the state’s future.

The committee strongly endorses the position of political leaders, including BJP Sikkim President D.R. Thapa, who have opposed the Gorkha National Congress’s demand for unification.

In a move to ensure that the Golden Jubilee celebrations hold significance, SIBLAC has called for the presentation of a White Paper titled "Sikkim: Then and Now—50 Years of Progress and Challenges." This document, according to the committee should critically examine the state’s fiscal health, demographic shifts and political developments over the past five decades.

SIBLAC has highlighted several key areas that need urgent attention:

1. The committee has urged the government to address concerns over the state's fiscal position, including rising debt, income disparity, and financial sustainability. They stress the need for a transparent analysis of the state’s economic policies and their impact on future generations.

2. The impact of population influx on the Sikkimese identity is a growing concern. SIBLAC calls for measures to protect indigenous rights, particularly in areas of employment, resource allocation, and cultural preservation.

3. SIBLAC raised alarm over the erosion of constitutional safeguards that protect the rights of the indigenous people. They demand decisive action to stop the illegal transfer of land to outsiders and protect the state’s distinct identity.

4. The committee has drawn attention to several unresolved issues, including the restoration of seat reservations in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly (SLA), the recognition of old settlers, and the need for Scheduled Tribe status for certain communities. They also demand an action report on corruption cases, including scams related to lotteries, the State Bank of Sikkim, and the misappropriation of COVID funds.

5. SIBLAC calls for an honest assessment of the state’s development progress and the allocation of resources. They question whether the growth in infrastructure matches the funds received from the central government.

6. The committee emphasizes the importance of addressing rising corruption and crime rates in the state, particularly drug-related crimes, which have increased since the merger.

SIBLAC has urged the ruling government to take these issues seriously and present a transparent report during the Golden Jubilee celebrations. They also encourage the Chief Minister to take concrete steps to safeguard the heritage and identity of the Sikkimese people while fostering inclusive and sustainable development.

The committee in their statement asked the people of Sikkim to unite in ensuring the state’s future is secure, asking for a responsible and forward-thinking approach to the next 50 years. They also stressed that Sikkim’s unique identity and progress must remain at the heart of future policy-making.