Seats in Sikkim Assembly

The Home Ministry has proposed an increase in the number of seats in the Sikkim Assembly from 32 to 40. The expansion will be the first since the State merged with India in 1975. This is to give representation to the Limboo and Tamangs tribes.

Of the eight seats proposed to be increased, five will be reserved for Limboo and Tamangs. Now, Sikkim has 12 seats reserved for Bhutias and Lepchas, two for the Scheduled Castes, one seat for the Sanghas and 17 general seats. As per constitutional provisions, the total number of seats for STs should be in proportion to the population.

Note:

The present delimitation of constituencies (Article 82) has been done on the basis of 2001 census figures under the provisions of Delimitation Act, 2002. In addition, the Constitution was amended in 2002 not to have delimitation of constituencies till the first census after 2026.

However, Sikkim exempted from this limitation as Art 371(F) allows the parliament provide for the number of seats in the Sikkim Assembly to protect the rights and interests of various sections.