Gangtok, Mar 07: A high-powered committee has been set up by Sikkim government to examine issues relating to reservation of seats for ethic Bhutia-Lepcha and Tamang-Limboo communities, delimitation of constituencies and Art 371 F, according special safeguards to the state. The committee, headed by B B Gooroong, political advisor to the Chief Minister, would make suitable recommendations to the state government to formulate broadly-acceptable solutions for submitting to the Centre, official sources said.

The committee comprises eight state ministers, Advocate General of the state and an MLA. The chief secretary will act as the member secretary of the committee.
The terms of reference of the committee would be to maintain 'status quo' in respect of 12 seats reserved for Bhutia Lepcha communities, reservation of seats in the assembly for Tamang and Limboo communities following their inclusion in the scheduled tribe list and delimitation of constituencies, official sources said here today.

The panel was also asked to examine art 371f "thoroughly" and make suggestions as to how best the interest of Sikkim can be maintained as provided in the said article.
The committee, to be different from the Delimitation Commisssion, was set up in the wake of resentment among the Bhutia-Lepcha communities over the seat reservation issue.
Bureau Report