Recently, the leader of the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) claimed that the people of Sikkim feel betrayed by the violation of Article 371F. This article was the basis for Sikkim’s merger with India in 1975, and its violation has caused concern among the Sikkimese people.
The Financial Bill, 2023, has redefined the term “Sikkimese” as any Indian citizen domiciled in Sikkim. This extension of benefits to non-indigenous people violates the special status granted to the state under Article 371F.
Understanding Article 371F
Sikkim became a full-fledged state of the Indian Union on April 26, 1975, through the Constitution 36th Amendment Act 1975, with special provisions laid out under Article 371F of the Constitution of India.
According to Article 371F, the members of the Legislative Assembly of Sikkim shall elect the representative of Sikkim in the House of the People. Furthermore, to protect the rights and interests of various sections of the population of Sikkim, Parliament may provide for the number of seats in the Assembly, which may be filled only by candidates from those sections.
The special status granted under Article 371F ensured that only the descendants of Sikkim subjects, whose names were mentioned in the 1961 register, were considered Sikkimese. These individuals had the right to own land and were exempted from paying income tax. Additionally, they had access to State government jobs.
Violation of Article 371F
The redefinition of the term “Sikkimese” in the Financial Bill, 2023, has caused concern among the Sikkimese people as it violates their special status granted under Article 371F. The bill extends benefits to non-indigenous people domiciled in Sikkim, which goes against the original intent of the article.
The violation of Article 371F is seen as a betrayal of trust by the Sikkimese people. The special status was granted to protect the rights and interests of the indigenous population, and any violation of this status is seen as a threat to their way of life.
Impact of the Violation
The violation of Article 371F could have far-reaching consequences for the Sikkimese people. The extension of benefits to non-indigenous people could result in an influx of outsiders into the state, leading to the marginalization of the indigenous population.
The violation of Article 371F could also result in a loss of identity for the Sikkimese people. The special status granted under this article was meant to protect their way of life and culture, and any violation of this status could lead to a loss of their unique identity.
Why In News
“Sikkimese People Feel Betrayed as Article 371F Violated, Says SDF Leader” – The leader of the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) recently claimed that the Sikkimese people are feeling betrayed by the violation of Article 371F, which granted special status to the state and protected the rights and interests of its indigenous population.
MCQs about Violation of Article 371F in Sikkim
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What is the controversy surrounding the Financial Bill of 2023 in Sikkim?
A. The Financial Bill redefines Sikkimese as only the descendants of Sikkim subjects.
B. The Financial Bill extends the same benefits to any Indian citizen domiciled in Sikkim as the original inhabitants.
C. The Financial Bill does not violate Article 371F.
D. The Financial Bill does not affect the original inhabitants of Sikkim.
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What is Article 371F of the Constitution of India?
A. It defines the requirements for Indian citizens to be considered Sikkimese.
B. It outlines the rights and benefits of Sikkimese citizens.
C. It provides a special provision for the state of Sikkim under the Indian Union.
D. It allows the Indian government to override the laws of Sikkim.
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Who are the original inhabitants of Sikkim?
A. Any Indian citizen domiciled in Sikkim.
B. Only the descendants of Sikkim subjects whose names were mentioned in the 1961 register.
C. The members of the Legislative Assembly of Sikkim.
D. The ruling party in Sikkim.
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