Darjeeling, India – For decades, the Gorkha community in Darjeeling has fought for recognition. Eleven of its subtribes—including the Gurung, Rai, and Bhujel—are still excluded from India’s Scheduled Tribes (ST) list, denying them constitutional protections, job reservations, and critical welfare benefits. Now, a fresh push led by Darjeeling MP Raju Bista has reignited hopes for change.
In April 2025, a high-profile delegation met Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram in Delhi, submitting ethnographic reports and demanding immediate action. But will this be enough to break years of political deadlock? And what would ST status indeed mean for Darjeeling’s future?
A Long-Pending Demand
The struggle dates back to India’s independence. Many Gorkha subtribes were historically classified as “hill tribes” under British rule. But after 1947, only seven—such as the Tamang and Sherpa—were granted ST status. The remaining eleven were left out despite sharing similar cultural and socio-economic conditions.
In 2001, the government promised a review. Yet, 24 years later, the issue remains unresolved. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), including Darjeeling MP Raju Bista, has repeatedly vowed to deliver ST status—most recently in its 2024 election manifesto. However, bureaucratic delays and political hesitations have stalled progress.
The Latest Push: Will Delhi Listen?
On April 4, 2025, Bista—alongside Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leader Bimal Gurung and 11 Gorkha Jaati Mahasangh President MS Rai—met Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram. They presented detailed ethnographic data, arguing that these communities meet all criteria for ST recognition.
Oram reportedly assured them of his support, but the process is complex. The Registrar General of India (RGI) must first verify the data, followed by approval from the Home Ministry. Past attempts have failed—in September 2024, the RGI rejected a similar proposal from Sikkim, citing concerns over “influx from Nepal.”
Why ST Status Matters
For the Gorkha subtribes, this is about survival. ST recognition would bring:
- Reservations in jobs and education, helping combat youth unemployment.
- Land rights and forest protections are crucial for farming communities.
- Preservation of languages and traditions, as many Gurung and Rai dialects face extinction.
Economically, Darjeeling relies on tea and tourism—both struggling sectors. ST status could unlock central funds for infrastructure, healthcare, and schools, slowing the exodus of young workers to cities.
Politically, it could also strengthen the decades-old demand for Gorkhaland, a separate state, or inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, which grants tribal autonomy.
Challenges Ahead
Despite optimism, hurdles remain:
- Bureaucratic Resistance – The RGI has historically been slow to approve new ST inclusions.
- Political Games – The Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal accuses the BJP of using the issue for votes without delivering.
- Internal Divisions – Some factions, like the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF), argue that Gorkhaland should take priority over ST status.
What’s Next?
The Gorkha community isn’t waiting passively. Protests are being planned, including a Darjeeling-to-Sikkim solidarity march. Meanwhile, Bista is pushing for a Parliament bill to bypass RGI delays.
The Bottom Line: ST recognition could redefine Darjeeling’s future—but only if political promises turn into action. For now, the hills are watching Delhi closely.
