Centre will accord tribal status to the Gorkhas: Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram

KALIMPONG (WB): The Centre is eager to accord tribal status to the 11 Gorkha communities, but some technical problems are holding it back for now, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram said here today.

"The central government is pursuing the demand for tribal status for 11 Gorkha communities with all sincerity. But, we have to follow the established norms and procedures to get over some technical problems," Oram told reporters in this hill town.

"All the 11 Gorkha communities seeking tribal status are living in almost all states of the country. For that, the tribal department needs to take inputs from the states concerned and consult other departments involved. That is why the issue is pending," he said.

"I want all Gorkhas to know that the Prime Minister has already promised that the status will be accorded, so there is no room for doubt. People should not worry unnecessarily," the minister said.

To a question, he said the West Bengal and Sikkim governments had already issued recommendation for these communities.