Sikkim to approach Delimitation Commission

Gangtok, June 10 (UNI) The Sikkim Legislative Assembly today resolved to approach the Delimination Commission to keep at abeyance its report on Sikkim till the matter relating to reservation of seats in the state assembly for the Limbu and Tamang Communities were finalised.

Moving the resolution in the house, state Chief Minister Pawan Chamling said reservation of seats for the Limbu and Tamang Communities under Article 332 of the Constitution is under the active consideration of the centre.

Interaction in this regard is taking place between Sikkim and the centre and it is expected that reservation for the two communities would be provided shortly.

State Public Works Department Minister DT Lepcha seconded the resolution which was later passed by the house.

Limbu and Tamang Communities have been demanding for the reservation of seats in the state assembly after they have been accorded ST status in 2002.

The Delimitation Commission deferred its hearing late last year after several persons alleged that the draft proposal contained nothing regarding the reservation of seats for the two communities.

In the 32 member house 12 seats have been reserved for Bhutia and Lepcha Communities, two for SCs and one for the Sangha under provision of section 7 of Representation of People Act 1950.

The government has also given a proposal to the Union government to increase the number of seats in the assembly from 32 to 40 to provide reservation to the Limbu and Tamang communities.

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