The correct answer is: a) Bhutia, Lepcha, Nepali.
The Scheduled Tribes (STs) are indigenous peoples who are considered to be socially and economically backward. They are listed in the Schedule V of the Indian Constitution. The STs enjoy certain special privileges, such as reservation in government jobs and educational institutions.
In Sikkim, the following tribes are recognized as STs:
- Bhutia
- Lepcha
- Nepali
The Bhutias are the indigenous people of Sikkim. They are a Tibeto-Burman people who speak the Bhutia language. The Bhutias are mostly Buddhist.
The Lepchas are also an indigenous people of Sikkim. They are a Mon-Khmer people who speak the Lepcha language. The Lepchas are mostly Buddhist.
The Nepalis are a Indo-Aryan people who speak the Nepali language. The Nepalis are mostly Hindu.
The other options are incorrect because they are not recognized as STs in Sikkim.
- Garo, Khasi, and Mizo are all recognized as STs in Meghalaya.
- Gond, Bhil, and Santhal are all recognized as STs in Madhya Pradesh.
- Karen, Jarawa, and Sentinelese are all recognized as STs in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.