SYSS welcomes census move, sees hope for Limboo-Tamang seat reservation

The Sukhim Yakthung Sapsok Songchumbho (SYSS), a prominent organization representing the Limboo community in Sikkim, has extended a heartfelt welcome to the recent Census notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The notification has brought fresh hope to the Limboo and Tamang communities, who have been waiting for decades to see their rightful place in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly.

In a press release issued on June 17, SYSS described the census notification as a “historic moment” for the Limboo tribe and emphasized that it was much more than just a government formality. The organization called it a powerful tool for justice, recognition, and rightful inclusion of tribal communities who have long been underrepresented in state politics.

“For us, this is not merely a statistical exercise,” the statement read. “It is a long-awaited opportunity to document our existence accurately and move toward achieving the democratic rights guaranteed to us under the Constitution.”

The Limboo and Tamang communities were officially recognized as Scheduled Tribes in 2003. However, despite this recognition, their demand for seat reservation in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly under Article 371F(f) and Article 332 of the Constitution has remained unresolved for over two decades. SYSS believes that the upcoming Census can change that.

The organization explained that the Census data would serve as the foundation for future delimitation of constituencies, which is expected to begin after 2026 in accordance with the 84th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2001. Once the demographic data is collected and analyzed, it could help shape policies that reflect the true population distribution of Sikkim’s diverse communities.

“We are hopeful that this Census will guide the Union and State Governments in finally taking steps to reserve seats for our communities in the State Legislative Assembly,” said SYSS in its release. The organization also called for necessary amendments to the Representation of the People Act, 1950, to facilitate this long-pending constitutional mandate.

SYSS is not just placing its hopes on the Census data alone—it is also urging all Limboo organizations, youth bodies, and community-based institutions to actively participate in spreading awareness. According to the release, maximum participation in the Census process will be vital to ensure that every Limboo and Tamang household is counted.

“We appeal to everyone in the community to treat this Census with seriousness and sincerity,” the statement read. “The data collected will be the key to securing our constitutional rights and future as equal citizens of this state.”