Gangtok: Sikkim Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba addressed the joint session of Parliament, expressing strong support for the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address while emphasizing several critical issues concerning the state as it nears its 50th year of inclusion into India.
Subba acknowledged the progress Sikkim has made since its merger in 1975 and highlighted the continued importance of Article 371F, which safeguards the unique rights of the Sikkimese people. He reiterated the need to preserve this special provision to ensure ongoing protection for the state’s residents.
Focusing on education, Subba noted the state’s impressive literacy growth, from 82% in the 2011 census to even higher levels today. He applauded the establishment of a Central University and an NIT but expressed concerns that scientific advancements, particularly in nuclear energy and space missions, have primarily benefited larger institutions like IITs and IISc, leaving Sikkim’s educational institutions overlooked. He urged the government to include Sikkim in future national projects, particularly in quantum and nuclear research.
Subba also called for further development in organic farming, an area where Sikkim has set a national benchmark as India’s first fully organic state. He urged the government to support the establishment of organic food processing industries in Sikkim, which would boost local farming and economic sustainability.
Addressing the rights of Sikkim’s diverse communities, Subba emphasized the long-pending demand for tribal status for 12 communities. While Bhutia and Lepcha communities received tribal recognition at the time of Sikkim’s merger, and the Limboo and Tamang communities were granted the same in 2003, the remaining communities are still awaiting their due recognition. He pressed for immediate action to grant them tribal status and also sought reserved legislative seats for the Limboo and Tamang communities.
Subba lauded the ‘Make in India’ initiative and stressed the need for better maintenance of NH-10, Sikkim’s vital highway linking it to Siliguri. He underscored the importance of keeping this route in optimal condition to ensure economic growth and improved connectivity for the state.
Through his speech, Subba reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for Sikkim’s interests at the national level, urging the central government to address these pressing concerns for the state’s continued development.