AKRS supports Roy Burman report for tribal State
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AKRS supports Roy Burman report for tribal State

Gangtok, September 28:

 The members of the Akhil Kirat Rai Sangh, along with the MBCTC Association have today issued a press release supporting the adoption of BK Roy Burman Commission report by the State legislative Assembly on September 17.

AKRS president Dr. SK Rai in the release dated September 28 has said that the Sangh members are disturbed to read that various political parties and social organisations are not in favour of Roy Burman Commission Report and its adoption by SLA and placing the same for early consideration.

“On page 6 and page 12 at point 10 and at Para 2.19 , the executive report has discussed the increase in the number of seats in SLA to 40 and it has also recommended the entire Bhutia Lepcha and nepali residents of Sikkim to be included in the list of Scheduled tribes,” the release reads. It further said that the resolution to appeal the Centre to declare Sikkim as a tribal State and Sikkim Subject Certificates establishes the bonafide of genuine Sikkimese as the base for the demand.

“If all the communities are declared as tribes, there are many benefits we can reap and tap viz this year, one Bhutia and one Tamang candidate has got into IAS and IRS.” Dr. rai said. He added that due to rentless efforts of the State Government and Chief Minister, the people are benefiting from the Income tax Exemption. “At present only the Sikkim Subject Certificate holders are benefiting, but the Sikkim Government has made a special request to the Centre to include the other communities who have been left out especially the business communities”, he said. While opining that everyone should support a good cause and good initiative taken up by the Government.

The Roy Burman Report, the AKRS president said has for the first time recommended tribal State to all Sikkim Subject holders. “Now we can request the government to include other communities and people who do not have Sikkim Subject Certificates but have been residing in Sikkim from the time of the Chogyals,” he said.

While stating that everyone will be benefit if Sikkim is declared as a tribal State, Dr Rai said that his organisation will wholeheartedly support the good cause taken up by the government. “We should look at it in a broader perspective and not be myopic. We should also be ready to place suggestions for rectifications if there are some omissions.” the AKRS president said adding that his suggestion is “live and Let live”.