NCST approves five additional ST seats in Sikkim assembly

New Delhi March 23 (IANS) The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) on Thursday approved a proposal for five additional seats for tribals in Sikkim assembly a statement said.

In its meeting held in New Delhi today (Thursday) the Commission approved the proposal of increasing reserved seats for STs from 12 to 17 in the Sikkim assembly the statement said.

At present there are 32 members in the state assembly. The number would be increased to 40.

Out of the proposed additional eight seats five would be reserved for Limbu and Tamang tribes.

The Commission also decided to send a letter to states seeking latest update on tribal welfare programmes.

States will be asked to provide full details about the activities of Tribal Advisory Committees. They will be requested to provide the link of NCST on their official websites so that people may know the activities of the commission said the statement.

The Commission is very serious about the illegal transfer of land holdings of Scheduled Tribes. A detailed study will be carried out on all tribal related incidents Chairman Nand Kumar Sai said.

--IANS
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