Reservation of seats for Limboo, Tamang communities to be delayed

Gangtok, May 12 (UNI) Reservation for the Limboo and Tamang communities in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly is likely to be delayed with the Union government seeking further explanation on the matter.

The state government had requested to increase the number of seats from the existing 32 to 40.

Advisor to Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling, B B Gooroong said, ''The issue is very sensitive. The state government is not in a hurry and would reply to the Centre's query after deliberating the issue at various forums.'' The state government had also urged the centre not to disturb the existing reservation arrangements. At present, 12 seats are reserved for Bhutia and Lepchas, two for SCs, one for Buddha Sangha and 12 are left open for the general communities under the provisions of Section 7 of Representation of People Act 1950 in the 32-member house.

The request for reservation for the Limboo and the Tamang communities was made after the two communties were recognised as ST vide SC &ST order (Amendement) Act 2002 entitling them to reservation of seats in the state assembly as envisaged under Article 332(1) of the constitution.

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