Workers Peasant and Tribal Movements in Sikkim

Workers Peasant and Tribal Movements in Sikkim

The Anti-dam Movement in Sikkim: Resurgence of Lepcha and Bhutia Identity at Helm

Sikkim is a small Himalayan State which is located in India’s north -east region.
Prior to its merger with India in 1975, Sikkim was under the Chogyal Dynasty formed in 1642 under the influence of Tibetan theocracy.
Today, it is primarily constituted by the Lepchas, Bhutias and the Nepalese ethnic group.
It also consists of people from the places like Bihar, Bengal, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and other places of India who are generally referred as “plainsmen” who migrated during the 1890s.
In recent years Sikkim has witnessed a boom in terms of number of hydel power projects being build here to an extent that it is almost close in acquiring the title for having highest dam density in the world.
This was part of the 50,000 MW Hydroelectric initiative launched by the Prime Minister of India in May, 2003.
But, the construction of power projects did not go all without opposition.
The resistance has come primarily from the Lepcha and Bhutia community in Sikkim in three distinct phases.
Though initially legitimized basing religion and culture, the movement as it progressed has been successful in revealing information and realities which may well serve in understanding and furthering the studies in development Communication.

Resurgence of Bhutia and Lepcha Identity

One of the notable consequences of the anti-hydel protests in Sikkim over the years is it has bestowed the reassertion of Lepcha and Bhutia identity in Sikkim.
One peculiar character of all the anti-hydel protests in Sikkim is that all are primarily led and supported by the Lepcha and Bhutia community in Sikkim, thought there are some exceptions in the ongoing protest.
Sikkim is primarily constituted by the Lepchas, Bhutias and the Nepalese ethnic group.
It also consists of people from the places like Bihar, Bengal, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and other places of India who are generally referred as “plainsmen” who migrated during the 1890s.
Historically, the degree of social distance and discrimination among diverse ethnic groups was very strong, particularly between the Lepcha- Bhutia and Nepali community.
Ethnicity played a vital role during the formation of Political Parties in Sikkim, beginning from 1940’s. Political parties were chiefly constituted on ethnic lines.
They were many reasons contributing to these social gaps.
Initially, when the Chogyal regime recognised the status of the Subjects of Sikkim under Sikkim Subject Regulation 1961, the Nepalese who formed about 70 per cent of Population in Sikkim and the plainsmen were excluded.
Earliest Nepalese settlers were later recognized and granted Sikkimese status, though the plainsmen had always been excluded.
For such reasons, there has always been hostility and differences among these ethnic groups. This hostility is primarily over the limited resource management in Sikkim.
The case of anti-hydel protest in Sikkim is an overt signal of such hostility.
However, over the years, particularly after the joining of Sikkim with the Indian Union in 1975, the antagonism between these ethnic groups to an extent was abbreviating, through various cross-cultural interactions, until the abrupt and haphazard endorsement of manifold Hydro Power Plants in recent years.
This has propelled the Lepchas and the Bhutias to protest the construction of Dams under various banners simultaneously is once again resuscitating and widening the waning differences between these ethnic groups.

Helen Lepcha Alias Sabitri Devi: Lone Freedom Fighter from the Lepcha Tribe

Helen Lepcha alias Sabitri Devi was one of the most famous Freedom fighters from the hills of Darjeeling and Sikkim.
Originally a resident of Kurseong town she traces her lineage to a small hamlet in the village of Sangmoo near Namchi in South Sikkim.
She is the only woman freedom fighter born in the state of Sikkim and even though she spent most of her life in hills of Darjeeling; Sikkim has come forward to name her as the daughter of their Soil.
In the event of Major Durga Malla and Captain Ram Singh Thakuri taking precedence among the freedom fighters from Darjeeling hills, Smt. Sabitri Devi has been given due recognition in her birth state of Sikkim.
Born into a Lepcha family of Achung Lepcha, she was the third daughter among seven.
It is said she was born around 1902 and soon after her family moved from Sangmoo village to Kurseong.
Even today stand the Chorten she paid maintenance for annually and the pear tree she fondly remembered from her childhood in her homestead.

Sikkim: Ethnic struggle

Almost all issues in Sikkim originate from and end in its ethnic diversity.
Lepchas, the original inhabitants are today facing extinction; the Bhutias who ruled after them are also in a minority.
Nepalis, who immigrated in large numbers in the late 19th and the early 20th centuries, are now in an overwhelming majority and are clamouring for their right to rule.
Adding to the confusion is a large number of plainsmen, identified as “of Indian origin”. The tension and bitterness created by the ethnic struggle have cut across party lines.
The Central and state governments are committed to the abolition of the present “parity system” under which Lepchas and Bhutias who constitute only 20 per cent of the population have 15 seats reserved in the 32-member Assembly.
Nepalis – in 1975, of 133,000 voters 98,000 were Nepalis – also have a similar number of seats. This was done under a formula devised by the Chogyal to keep Nepali power in check. Nepalis find this regulation stifling under it since they cannot hope to dominate Sikkim’s politics.
Citizenship-2/”>Citizenship Problems: Sikkim will probably be the first region in the recent past, where the most debated issues in the Elections will pertain to those of the elections itself.
After the merger of Sikkim with India, the Indian Government granted citizenship to all Sikkimese subjects listed by the former Chogyal’s administration.
But Nepalis who came to Sikkim after 1961 -when the Sikkim Subject Regulation came into force-were not made Sikkim subjects and hence were missed out in the Indian list as well. Ironically, the political movement of 1973 which had dethroned the Chogyal, Palden Thondup Namgyal, had the active backing of thousands of such Nepalis.
They are said to number about 50,000 and Nepali politicians are working hard for their inclusion on the election rolls.
Incongruity: An equally unfortunate case is that of people of Indian origin in Sikkim, who are estimated to number about 60,000. In the normal course, when a person changes his place of residence from one state to another no restriction is placed on his right to contest an election from his new state.
But in Sikkim, people of Indian origin-some have been staying since very long-who form over 20 per cent of the population are foreigners in their own country and do not retain the right to contest elections

The Lepcha Movement

The Lepcha Movement was a political movement that began in the early 20th century. The Lepchas were the indigenous people of Sikkim, and they felt that they were being marginalized by the Bhutias, who had come to power in the 17th century. The Lepchas demanded greater autonomy for their community, and they also protested against the influx of Nepali settlers into Sikkim.

The Lepcha Movement was successful in achieving some of its goals. In 1947, the Lepchas were granted a separate district in Sikkim, and they were also given representation in the State Government. However, the Lepchas continued to feel that they were not being treated fairly, and they continued to demand greater autonomy.

The Bhutia Movement

The Bhutia Movement was a political movement that began in the early 20th century. The Bhutias were the dominant ethnic group in Sikkim, and they felt that they were being threatened by the growing number of Nepali settlers in the state. The Bhutias demanded that the government take steps to protect their culture and identity.

The Bhutia Movement was successful in achieving some of its goals. In 1950, the government of Sikkim passed a law that made Bhutia the Official Language of the state. The government also established a number of schools and colleges to promote Bhutia culture and Education.

The Nepali Movement

The Nepali Movement was a political movement that began in the early 20th century. The Nepalis were the largest ethnic group in Sikkim, and they felt that they were being discriminated against by the Bhutia-dominated government. The Nepalis demanded greater representation in the government, and they also protested against the government’s policy of promoting Bhutia culture and language.

The Nepali Movement was successful in achieving some of its goals. In 1975, Sikkim became an Indian state, and the Nepalis were given equal rights with the Bhutias and Lepchas. The government of Sikkim also adopted Nepali as one of the official languages of the state.

The Gorkhaland Movement

The Gorkhaland Movement was a political movement that began in the late 19th century. The Gorkhas were a group of people who had migrated to the Darjeeling hills from Nepal. They felt that they were being discriminated against by the British colonial government, and they demanded a separate state for themselves.

The Gorkhaland Movement was successful in achieving some of its goals. In 1988, the Indian government created the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration, which gave the Gorkhas a degree of autonomy. However, the Gorkhas continue to demand a separate state.

The Workers’ Movement

The Workers’ Movement was a political movement that began in the early 20th century. The workers in Sikkim were demanding better working conditions and higher wages. They also protested against the government’s policy of importing labor from other parts of India.

The Workers’ Movement was successful in achieving some of its goals. In 1950, the government of Sikkim passed a law that established a minimum wage for workers. The government also established a number of labor unions to represent the interests of the workers.

The Peasant Movement

The Peasant Movement was a political movement that began in the early 20th century. The peasants in Sikkim were demanding land reform and better prices for their crops. They also protested against the government’s policy of leasing land to non-Sikkimese.

The Peasant Movement was successful in achieving some of its goals. In 1950, the government of Sikkim passed a law that limited the amount of land that could be leased to non-Sikkimese. The government also established a number of agricultural cooperatives to help the peasants.

The Tribal Movement

The Tribal Movement was a political movement that began in the early 20th century. The tribal people in Sikkim were demanding greater autonomy for their communities. They also protested against the government’s policy of settling non-tribal people in their areas.

The Tribal Movement was successful in achieving some of its goals. In 1950, the government of Sikkim passed a law that established a number of autonomous districts for the tribal people. The government also established a number of schools and colleges to promote tribal culture and education.

Conclusion

The Workers Peasant and Tribal Movements in Sikkim have all played an important role in the history of the state. They have shaped the political landscape of Sikkim and have had a significant impact on the lives of the people of Sikkim.

What is a workers’ movement?

A workers’ movement is a social movement that aims to improve the working conditions and rights of workers.

What is a peasant movement?

A peasant movement is a social movement that aims to improve the living conditions and rights of peasants.

What is a tribal movement?

A tribal movement is a social movement that aims to improve the living conditions and rights of tribal people.

What are the causes of workers’, peasant, and tribal movements?

The causes of workers’, peasant, and tribal movements vary depending on the specific context. However, some common causes include:

Low wages
Poor working conditions
Lack of job security
Lack of access to education and healthcare
Discrimination
Environmental Degradation

What are the goals of workers’, peasant, and tribal movements?

The goals of workers’, peasant, and tribal movements vary depending on the specific movement. However, some common goals include:

Improved working conditions
Higher wages
Job security
Access to education and healthcare
An end to discrimination
Environmental protection

What are the strategies used by workers’, peasant, and tribal movements?

The strategies used by workers’, peasant, and tribal movements vary depending on the specific movement. However, some common strategies include:

Protests
Strikes
Boycotts
Negotiations
Lobbying

What are the achievements of workers’, peasant, and tribal movements?

The achievements of workers’, peasant, and tribal movements vary depending on the specific movement. However, some common achievements include:

Improved working conditions
Higher wages
Job security
Access to education and healthcare
An end to discrimination
Environmental protection

What are the challenges faced by workers’, peasant, and tribal movements?

The challenges faced by workers’, peasant, and tribal movements vary depending on the specific movement. However, some common challenges include:

Repression by the state
Lack of Resources
Lack of unity
Lack of support from the public

What is the future of workers’, peasant, and tribal movements?

The future of workers’, peasant, and tribal movements is uncertain. However, some possible scenarios include:

The movements continue to grow and gain strength.
The movements are repressed by the state and forced to disband.
The movements merge into a single movement.
The movements become more focused on specific issues.
The movements become more focused on local issues.

What can you do to support workers’, peasant, and tribal movements?

There are many things you can do to support workers’, peasant, and tribal movements. Some ideas include:

Join a workers’, peasant, or tribal movement.
Donate to a workers’, peasant, or tribal movement.
Educate yourself about workers’, peasant, and tribal issues.
Talk to your friends and family about workers’, peasant, and tribal issues.
Support policies that support workers’, peasant, and tribal rights.
Vote for candidates who support workers’, peasant, and tribal rights.

Question 1

The first political party to be formed in Sikkim was the:

(A) Sikkim National Congress
(B) Sikkim Janata Party
(C) Sikkim Democratic Front
(D) Sikkim Krantikari Morcha

Answer
(A) Sikkim National Congress

The Sikkim National Congress (SNC) was the first political party to be formed in Sikkim in 1947. The party was founded by Kazi Lhendup Dorji and aimed to achieve Sikkim’s independence from India. The SNC was successful in winning the 1974 Sikkim Legislative Assembly election and formed the government. However, the party was dissolved in 1979.

Question 2

The first Chief Minister of Sikkim was:

(A) Kazi Lhendup Dorji
(B) B. B. Lal
(C) Nar Bahadur Bhandari
(D) Pawan Kumar Chamling

Answer
(A) Kazi Lhendup Dorji

Kazi Lhendup Dorji was the first Chief Minister of Sikkim from 1974 to 1979. He was the founder of the Sikkim National Congress (SNC) and led the party to victory in the 1974 Sikkim Legislative Assembly election. Dorji was a strong advocate for Sikkim’s independence from India and played a key role in the merger of Sikkim with India in 1975.

Question 3

The Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) was founded in:

(A) 1979
(B) 1994
(C) 2009
(D) 2019

Answer
(A) 1979

The Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) is a political party in Sikkim, India. The party was founded in 1979 by Pawan Kumar Chamling and has been the ruling party in Sikkim since 1994. The SDF is a member of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Question 4

The current Chief Minister of Sikkim is:

(A) Pawan Kumar Chamling
(B) Prem Singh Tamang
(C) Tshering Tobgay
(D) Lobsang Sangay

Answer
(A) Pawan Kumar Chamling

Pawan Kumar Chamling is the current Chief Minister of Sikkim. He is the leader of the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) and has been the Chief Minister of Sikkim since 1994. Chamling is the longest-serving Chief Minister in the history of India.

Question 5

The official language of Sikkim is:

(A) Nepali
(B) Sikkimese
(C) Hindi
(D) English

Answer
(A) Nepali

Nepali is the official language of Sikkim. It is also the lingua franca of the state. Nepali is spoken by the majority of the population of Sikkim. The other major languages spoken in Sikkim are Sikkimese, Lepcha, Bhutia, and Limbu.

Question 6

The capital of Sikkim is:

(A) Gangtok
(B) Namchi
(C) Pakyong
(D) Ravangla

Answer
(A) Gangtok

Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim. It is also the largest city in the state. Gangtok is located in the eastern part of Sikkim, at an altitude of 1,650 meters (5,410 feet). The city is a popular tourist destination.

Question 7

The population of Sikkim is:

(A) 610,000
(B) 670,000
(C) 730,000
(D) 790,000

Answer
(C) 730,000

The population of Sikkim is 730,000 (2020). The majority of the population is Hindu. The other major religions practiced in Sikkim are Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam.

Question 8

The Literacy rate in Sikkim is:

(A) 80%
(B) 85%
(C) 90%
(D) 95%

Answer
(C) 90%

The literacy rate in Sikkim is 90% (202