Bhutias, Lepchas demand proportionate reservation of seats

Gangtok, May 18 (UNI) The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC), an organisation working for these communities, today demanded for a proportionate rise in the number of seats reserved for the two communities in the state assembly.

SIBLAC demanded the number of seats reserved for the two communities should be increased from the existing 12 to 17 if the Union government increase the total number of seats of the Sikkim Legislative assembly from 32 to 40.

In a letter, SIBLAC CO-Convenors Tseten Tashi Bhutia and Kunga Nima Lepcha urged all B-L MLAs to demand the proportionate rise in the number of seats in various forums, including party meetings, cabinet meetings and the state assembly.

The present Sikkim Democratic Front government has also demanded reservation for the Limboo and Tamang Communities after they were accorded SC/ST status in 2002.

Under the present arrangement, 12 seats are reserved for B-L, one for Sangha, two for SC in the 32 member house.

The state government requested the Centre not to disturb the present arrangement while increasing the number of seats from 32 to 40 as the reservations were made under Section 7 of the Peoples Representation Act 1950 to exercise power provided under Article 371 F (7) of the Constitution.

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