Welfare Division

About Multi-sectoral Development Programme (MsDP)

• Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) approved by the Government of India in 11^th Five Year Plan. To cover only identified Minority Concentration District (MCD).
  

  Construction of Tingchim School under MSDP

• Launched in the year (2008-09).
• Extended under the 12^th Five Year Plan (2013-2018)
• Is a plan to design to fill the ‘development deficits’ either by topping up the funds of ongoing schemes/programmes of the Central Government or propose projects which are not created by existing schemes/programmes  of the Central and State Government .
• The MCDs were identified on the basis of substantial minority population, and religion-specific socio-economic indicators and basic amenities indicators as per Census Report of 2001.

Objective

• To improve the socio-economic conditions of minorities and providing basic amenities to them for improving the quality of life of the people and reducing imbalance in the identified minority concentration areas during Five Year Plan Period.
• To install better infrastructure for ICDS, schools and secondary education, health, sanitation, pucca housing, drinking water and electricity.
• Skill development and marketing facilities for improving living conditions and income generating activities.
• To fill gaps in the existing schemes of the Government by providing additional resources and to take up non-gap filling projects (innovative projects) for the welfare of the minorities.

Minorities

Under Section 2 (c) of the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992. The following religion have been notified as Minority Communities.

• Muslims
• Sikhs
• Christians
• Buddhists
• Zoroastrians (Parsis)
• Jain

Area of Implementation of the Programme as per the revised guidelines in MsDP in 12^th Plan Period

Minority Concentration District (MCD)

• Backward Minority Concentration Blocks (MCBs)
  Block with minimum of 25% minority population falling in the backward   district             selected on      the basis of backward parameters adopted during 11^th Five Year Plan.
• Cluster of Minority Concentration Villages
  Within the blocks of backward district not selected as MCBs, cluster of contiguous concentration village (having at least 50% minority population)   would be identified. The clusters have minority population of 10000.
• Backward Minority concentration towns/cities
  Towns and cities with a minimum of 25% minority population having both socio economic and basic amenities parameters below national average, would be identified as Minority Concentration Towns/cities for implementation of the programme.

Parameters adopted for identification of Backward District/Blocks

• District/Blocks should have minimum of 25% minority population
• Religion-specific socio-economic indicator at the district level-
  1. Literacy rate;
  2. Female literacy rate;
  3. Work participation rate; and
  4. Female work participation rate

(c)   Basic amenities indicator at the district level-

1. Percentage of household with pucca walls;
2. Percentage of household with safe drinking water;
3. Percentage of household with electricity;

Working process of Re-structured MsDP

Who are Involved in MsDP??

1. Ministry of Minority Affairs.
   • Central Level Empowerment Committee
2. State Level Empowered Committee
3. Social Justice Empowerment & Welfare Department, Government of Sikkim (Nodal Department).
4. District Level Committee.
5. Block Level Committee.
6. Block Level Facilitator.

1.  State Level Committee
The State Level Committee constituted for implementation of the Prime Minister’s New 15 Point Programme for welfare of Minorities shall be headed by the Chief Secretary of the State. The State Level Committee (SLC) would approve the projects up to Rs. 10 crore received from the District Level Committee (DLC) w.e.f. 15^th of Sept 2013. While approving the projects the SLC would ensure the following:-

1. It would see that the projects proposals are under the ambit of the MsDP i.e. the project conform to the objectives and guidelines of MsDP.
2. It would satisfy itself about the need and justification for the projects in the locality where it is proposed.
3. It would ensure that the cost of the individual projects are as per the standard cost derived by the State from the approved norm/design of corresponding scheme of Central Ministries.
4. It will ensure that the catchment area of the assets created under MsDP have substantial minority population.
5. It would ensure there is no duplication of the projects by other schemes of State or Central Government.
6. It would ensure that the land is available for the proposed project.
7. It would ensure that the ownership of the asset created would be with the Govt./Govt. body.
8. It would ensure that the State Government would be able to incur recurring expenditure in future and would provide staff required for the project.
9. It would ensure that the sharing pattern of the fund for projects between Central and State Government is as per concerned Centrally Sponsored Scheme for that project.
10. SLC should also meet at least once in a quarter to review the progress under the programme and send the report to the Ministry of Minority Affairs within one month of the end of the quarter.

2.  District Level Committee

The District Level Committee would scrutinize the plan proposal received from Block Level Committee and recommend in to State Level Committee for Prime Minister’s 15 Point Programme. The committee shall ensure that the MsD Plan for blocks/towns/cities has been prepared keeping in view, among other things contained the following;

1. To propose projects for improvement of the socio-economic conditions of the minorities and basic amenities parameters of the district concerned to bring it at par with the national average.
2. To propose projects that are deficit/gap filling and not for substituting a budgeted ongoing scheme with similar objectives.
3. Ensure that the fund provided for the MCBs/towns/cities/villages are additional resource for these districts do not substitute State Government fund already flowing to the districts.
4. To ensure that there is no duplication of work with similar objectives implemented or proposed to be implemented under the State and Central schemes and programmes.
5. To select the project in the village/localities having substantial minority population.
6. To involve the Pnachayati raj institutions/local bodies in the implementation of the MsD Plan whenever the mechanism is established.
7. To ensure the MsD Plan of the district concerned is prepared in keeping in view the scope and availability of resources for the district concerned.
8. It would ensure that the State Government would be able to incur recurring expenditure in future and would provide staff required for the project.
9. It would ensure that the sharing pattern of the fund for projects between Central and State Government is as per concerned Centrally Sponsored Scheme for that project.

The District Level Committee shall hold the Quarterly meeting to review the progress of implementation of the project under MsDP and send the report to the State level Committee.

3.  Block level Committee:-

• The Block Level Committee will prepare the plan (comprising different projects needed on the bases of base line survey) at the village level. This Committee would then recommend the Plan to the District Level Committee for Prime Minister’s 15 Point Programme. For town/cities, the proposal of the projects will be prepared by the local bodies and submitted to the District Level Committee.
  The District Magistrate will constitute the Block Level Committee (BLC) for each Minority Concentration Block (MCB). The constitution of block level committee will be as follows-

• The Block Level Committee (BLC) would also be responsible for monitoring this programme at the Block Level.
• The BLC will meet at least once in a quarter and send report to the District Level Committee

4.  Block Level Facilitator
Block Level Facilitator functions as a bridge between minority communities and the Government programmes. The Facilitator functions directly under the  control and supervisions of the District Nodal Officer responsible for implementation of the programme.

For more details on MsDP, visit www.minorityaffairs.gov.in/msdp

Beautician Training under SCA to SCSP

The Department implements Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) in order to channelize the flow of outlays and benefits from the general sectors of the State Plan and the Special Component from the Central Plan for the development of the marginalized SCs & STs. The fund under SCSP and TSP are channelized for creation of productive assets, human resource development of SCs and STs for their overall economic growth thereby  creating  productive assets for SCs and STs, developing  their potential and providing physical and social security to them against all types of exploitation and oppression during the 12th Five Year Plan.

Distribution of Milching Cows to ST under SCA to TSP

The SCA to TSP is provided by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, to the State Government as an additive to the State Plan effort for tribal development and forms part of the TSP strategy to bring about rapid economic development of the tribal community in the State. The SCA to TSP is primarily meant for family-oriented income generation schemes in sectors of agriculture, horticulture, sericulture, animal husbandry, handloom and handicrafts and Cooperative Societies. The ultimate objective of extending SCA to TSP is to boost the demand based income generation programs and thus raise the economic and social status of tribal population.
Under the scheme short duration trainings on various income generating activities are imparted by the department so as to encourage the tribal people to take up self employment, income generating schemes. They are also provided with assistance in agricultural and economic generation activities for earning their livelihood.

Distribution of Milching cows to SC Beneficiaries under SCA to SCSP

The Special Central Assistance is provided to State Governments/UT Administrations as an additive to their Special Component Plan for Scheduled Castes by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India. Its main objective is to give a thrust to the development programmes for Scheduled Castes with reference to their occupational pattern and the need for increasing the productivity of and income from their limited resources. It will help in bringing about occupational diversification in the labour surplus economy. SCA is expected to give thrust to family oriented schemes of economic development of SCs below the poverty line, by providing resources for filling the critical gaps and for providing missing vital inputs so that the schemes can be more meaningful.
Under the scheme short duration trainings on various income generating activities are imparted by the department so as to encourage the people belonging to SC community to take up self employment, income generating schemes. They are also provided with assistance in agricultural and economic generation activities for earning their livelihood.

Image – Distribution of Agriculture Inputs under VKY

VKY a strategic process which aims at creating enabling environment for need based and outcome oriented holistic development of the tribal people. This process envisages ensuring that all the intended benefits of goods and services under various programmes/schemes of Central as well as State Governments actually reach the target groups by convergence of resources through appropriate institutional mechanism.  It covers all tribal people and all areas with tribal population across the country. 

OBJECTIVE:-

• Improving the quality of life in tribal areas
• Improving the quality of education
• Qualitative and sustainable employment for tribal families
• Bridging infrastructure gaps with focus on quality
• Protection of tribal culture and heritage

COMPONENT:-

• Qualitative & Sustainable Employment.
• Quality Education & Higher Education.
• Accelerated Economic Development of tribal areas.
• Health for all.
• Housing for all.
• Safe Drinking Water for all at doorsteps.
• Irrigation facilities suited to the terrain.

The Governor handing over the grant to a beneficiary in presence of Chief Minister

The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 provides protection and security with the aim to abolish untouchability and social discrimination of any kind to SCs and STs. Under the scheme, cash award of Rs.30,000/- (One time grant) is provided to couples where one of the spouses belongs to SC community.
Eligibility Criteria:
Incentives are available to couple when one of the spouses belongs to Scheduled Caste and other does not belong to Scheduled Caste.

1. Couple should have been married on or before 1^st March, 2002.
2. At the time of marriage girl must be between the age of 18-30 years and the boy between the age of 21-35 years. However, relaxation of age upto 40 years will be considered in case of widow remarriage.
3. The couple should produce Marriage Certificate issued by the competent authority.
4. The couple should produce Birth Certificate/School Leaving Certificate/ Voter Identity Card to ascertain the age.
5. The couple should produce Sikkim Subject Certificate/Certificate of Identification issued by the competent authority.

The Department in order to support the work done for the Persons with Disabilities, Victims of substance abuse, infirm children and old aged person is providing financial assistance by the way of Grant-in-Aid to the following NGOs/Voluntary Organizations.

1. Spastic Society of Sikkim is working towards the welfare and rehabilitation of the Spastic Children. Contact No: 03592-203321/9647858218 e-mail= skmspastcs@yahoo.com
2. Association for Social Health in India(Sikkim) Jagriti, Gangtok maintaining a Short Stay Home, Counseling Centre for prevention of Drug abuse. Contact No: 9749049684 e-mail= ashisikkim@hotmail.com
3. Sikkim Rehabilitation & Drug Addiction Centre, Nimtar is taking care and treatment of chemically dependent persons by way of the promotion of physical, mental, emotional spiritual and educational development. Contact No: 9775871097 e-mail= sikkimrehab32@gmail.com
4. Sikkim Viklang Shahayata Samiti, Zero Point, Gantok is working for the welfare and rehabilitation of orthopedically handicapped persons. Contact No: 9832011043/9434213857/98320920092 e-mail= sikkimviklang@gmail.co
5. Sanjeevani Rehabilitation Centre, Namchi,:- The Center helps to solve the problems like alcoholism and addiction among the masses and different classes of the society by coordinating with the police, Hospitals, Districts Courts, and Panchayats and running Detoxification and Rehabilitation Center. Contact No: 9832557651/9832032890 e-mail= sanjeevaninamchi@rediffmail.co
6. Deorali Mayalmu Sangh, Tadong is running a Rehabilitation Center for mentally retarded persons. Contact No: 03592-231168/96098-51709 e-mail= deoralimayalnusangh2008@hotmaill.co
7. National Association for Blind, Namchi is providing assistance to run Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Institute for the Visually Impaired as and when required
8. Senior Citizen of Sikkim is a forum of retired Government servants and is working for the welfare of senior citizens. Contact No: 9434031095 trpoudyal@yahoo.co.i
9. Sita Panchawati Sewa Sangathan, Sama Lingdum, East Sikkim is running an Orphanage Home for destitute children of the State. Contact No: 9434444728 e-mail= tmbardewa@gmail.com
10. Indian Red Cross Society, Sikkim Branch, Gangtok is organizing health camp, blood donation camp and other social activities all over the Sikkim from time to time
11. Mayal Layang Mission Society of Singithang, Namchi is working for the upliftment of poor and orphan children through educational values provided for them and supporting them to pursue studies in the Government School
12. Ishwarambha Sahayata Samiti Sangh, Ranipoo
13. Swarnim Women’s Co-operative Society Ltd
14. Drishya Foundation, Tadon
15. Subha Laxmi Social Organization, Chandmari, Gangto
16. Munal Club, Kitam, South Sikki
17. Indrani Pariwar, Sumbu
18. Namthang Yuva Jagaran Association, Namthang

The Government has formed a Steering Committee for anti-drugs campaign, a pilot project launched by Hon’ble Chief Minister under the Chief Minister’s Youth Empowerment and Self Reliant Mission,2013. The online registration of the Application form for availing Grant-in-Aid from the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment from the year 2014-15 is being processed as per the guidelines issued by the Ministry for the benefit of NGOs and Voluntary Organizations to avail financial aid from the Government of India.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is implementing scheme of establishing Eklavya Model School (EMRS) in the country since 1997-1998 out of funds under Article 275 (1) of the Constitution of India for providing quality education to Scheduled Tribes students in tribal areas. To improve the education infrastructure and standard of education in tribal areas, these schools are modeled on the line of Navodaya Vidyalaya.
Each school will have STs Students from 6th to 12th standard. Every class will have 60 students (30 boys and 30 girls) and the total sanctioned strength of the school will be 420 students.
These schools will have sufficient number of Post Graduates, Graduates and other trained teachers to maintain the optimum teacher pupil ratio 1:30. The time table of these schools will be so divided as to allocate sufficient time for various activities, such as, teaching, Vocational training, sports, cultural activities and other extra- curricular activities, so as to ensure all round development of the children.
So far, Ministry of Travel Affairs, Government of India has sanctioned 100 Eklavya Model Residential School spread over 22 states out of which two of them are located in Sikkim (One at Gangyap, Tashiding, West Sikkim and other in Swayam, North Sikkim). These Schools in Sikkim are affiliated to CBSE.
Objective:
The project of residential school is designed with specific objective of supporting education facilities to such poor ST children who are unable to avail good education due to absence of school in their neighbourhood because they cannot afford to leave their villages due to unaffordable cost of living and education outside. The main purpose of EMRS is to increase the literacy rates among the ST students and to bring them at par with the other communities of the state.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Student must have passed Class V.
2. Should belong to Scheduled Tribe Community.
3. The age limit for the student is above 10 and below 13
4. The student must pass Entrance Test (Entrance Exam held in the 1st week of Feb. every year)

Documents Required:

1. Scheduled Tribe Certificate of Guardian.
2. Certificate of Identification/Sikkim Subject Certificate of Guardian.
3. Class V pass Certificate (Result).
4. Birth certificate.
5. Income Certificate

Forms can be collected from the following Address in the month of November every year:

1. Office of the Principal, Eklavya Model Residential School, Swyam, North Sikkim
2. Office of the Principal, Eklavya Model Residential School, Gangyap (Tashiding), West Sikkim
3. Joint Director, Education, Mangam, North Sikkim
4. Joint Director, Education, Rabdentse, West Sikkim

The Ministry of tribal Affairs, GoI provides fund for establishing residential schools for Scheduled Tribes in an environment conducive to learning to increase the literacy rate among the tribal students and to bring them at par with other population of the country.  The scheme is in operation since 1990-91. This is a centrally sponsored scheme and funding for establishment of Ashram Schools is provided by the ministry.
Under the scheme an Ashram school at Jushingthang, West Sikkim has been established in 2013 with the objective to provide quality education to the tribal students in order to bring them at par with the rest of the students in the state.

Schools under this scheme:

1. Ashram School, Jushingthang, West Sikkim
2. Ashram School, Bethang, West Sikkim (New)

A.  PRE-MATRIC SCHOLARSHIP TO ST

The eligibility criteria are:

1. Sikkim Subject/ Certificate of Identification.
2. Scheduled Tribe Certificate
3. Marksheet of last examination passed.
4. Aadhar card.
5. First page of bank pass book.
6. Income Certifcate (below 2 lakhs)
7. Fees receipt and hostel proof

B.  PRE-MATRIC SCHOLARSHIP TO SC

The eligibility criteria are:

1. Sikkim Subject/ Certificate of Identification.
2. Scheduled Caste Certificate
3. Marksheet of last examination passed.
4. Aadhar card.
5. First page of bank pass book.
6. Income Certifcate (below 2 lakhs)
7. Fees receipt and hostel proof

Click to download form

A.  PRE-MATRIC SCHOLARSHIP TO OBC (CENTRAL)

Under the Scheme, Pre Matric Scholarship for students belonging to Other Backward Class scholarship is provided to OBC students studying from Classes I to X. This scheme is funded in the ratio 50:50 by the Central and the State. The objective of the scheme is to support the parents of OBC students for education of their wards so that the incidence of dropout especially in transition from the elementary to secondary is minimized.

The eligibility criteria are:

1. Sikkim Subject/ certificate of Identification.
2. Other Backward Class Certificate
3. Marksheet of last examination passed.
4. Aadhar card.
5. First page of bank pass book.
6. Income Certifcate (below Rs. 45,0000/- per annum)
7. Fees receipt and hostel proof

B.   PRE MATRIC SCHOLARSHIP TO STUDENTS BELONGING TO MINORITY COMMUNITIES (BUDDHIST, CHRISTIANS, SIKH, MUSLIM, JAIN & PARSIS)

This scheme has been introduced by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India.  It provides scholarship to meritorious students belonging to economically weaker sections of minority community. The funding pattern for the scholarship is 100% CSS since 2014-15. The scheme was 75:25 Central: State share till 2013-14.
The Salient features of the scheme are as under:

1. The scholarship will be awarded for studies in Sikkim in a government or private school from class I to class X, including such residential Government Institutes and eligible private institutes selected and notified in a transparent manner by the State Government.
2. Scholarship will be awarded to the students who have secured not less than 50% or equivalent grade in the previous final exam and the annual income of their parents/guardian from all sources does not exceed Rs. 1.00 lakh.
3. 30% of scholarship has been earmarked for girl students. In case sufficient no. of girl student is not available, then the balance earmarked scholarship can be awarded to eligible boy students.
4. Eligible candidates can download the application form from the website minorityaffairs.gov.in and submit the filled up application along with the following documents to the office of Welfare officer (east, west, north and south) respectively:

Attested photocopies of :

1. Sikkim Subject/ Certificate of Identification
2. Income Certificate.
3. Religious affidavit by Buddhist and Baptism Certificate by Christians.
4. Marksheet of previous final examination.
5. Aadhaar Card
6. First page of bank passbook (nationalized bank only)

Download Application Form

A. POST-MATRIC SCHOLARSHIP TO ST

The Government of India has been implementing the scheme of Post-Matric scholarship to students belonging to Scheduled Tribe. It aims to provide financial assistance to students belonging to Scheduled Tribe for pursuing post matriculation courses through recognized institutions. Under this scheme, Central assistance is provided in 100% basis over and above their respective “ committed liability” . Approximately 55% of the beneficiaries are girls students.
*Committed Liability exempted in North-Eastern States.

The eligibility criteria/ documents required are:

1. Sikkim Subject/ Certificate of Identification.
2. Scheduled Tribe Certificate
3. Marksheet of last examination passed.
4. Aadhar card.
5. First page of bank pass book.
6. Income Certificate (below 2.5 lakhs)
7. Fees receipt and hostel proof

B.  POST MATRIC SCHOLARSHIP TO SC

The Government of India has been implementing the scheme of Post-Matric scholarship to students belonging to Scheduled Castes. It aims to provide financial assistance to students belonging to Scheduled castes for pursuing post matriculation courses through recognized institutions. Under this scheme, Central assistance is provided in 100% basis over and above their respective “committed liability”.

The eligibility criteria/ documents required are:

1. Sikkim Subject/ Certificate of Identification.
2. Scheduled Caste Certificate
3. Marksheet of last examination passed.
4. Aadhar card.
5. First page of bank pass book.
6. Income Certificate (below 2.5 lakhs)
7. Fees receipt and hostel proof

C.  POST MATRIC SCHOLARSHIP TO OBC (CENTRAL)

The Department is implementing the Centrally Sponsored scheme of Post Matric Scholarship to OBC students to provide financial assistance to the OBC students studying at post matriculation and post secondary stage to enable them to complete their education. Under this scheme, the Government of India provides 100% Central Assistance over and above the committed liability of the State Government. These scholarships are given for the study of all recognized post matriculation or post-secondary courses pursued in recognized institutions.

The eligibility criteria are:

1. Sikkim Subject/ certificate of Identification.
2. Other Backward Class Certificate
3. Marksheet of last examination passed.
4. Aadhar card.
5. First page of bank pass book.
6. Income Certifcate (below 1 lakhs)
7. Fees receipt and hostel proof

D.  POST-MATRIC SCHOLARSHIP TO STUDENTS BELONGING TO MINORITY COMMUNITY (BUDDHIST, CHRISTIANS, SIKH, MUSLIM, JAIN & PARSIS)

It is a 100% Centrally Sponsored Scheme funded by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India. It provides scholarship to meritorious students belonging to economically weaker sections of minority community so as to provide them better opportunities for higher education increase their rate of attainment in higher education and enhance their employability.

The Salient features of the scheme are as under:

• The scholarship will be awarded for studies in India in a government or private higher secondary school/college/university, including such residential Government Institutes and eligible private institutes selected and notified in a transparent manner by the State Government.
• Scholarship will be awarded to the students who have secured not less than 50% or equivalent grade in the previous final exam and the annual income of their parents/guardian from all sources does not exceed Rs. 2.00 lakh.
• 30% of scholarship has been earmarked for girl students. In case sufficient no. of girl student is not available, then the balance earmarked scholarship can be awarded to eligible boy students.

1. The eligible students can apply online at scholarhips.gov.in and submit the hardcopy duly signed by the concerned principal or head of the institutions along with the following documents to the office of of Welfare officer (east, west, north and south) respectively:

Attested photocopies of :

1. Sikkim Subject/ Certificate of Identification
2. Income Certificate.
3. Religious affidavit by Buddhist and Baptism Certificate by Christians.
4. Marksheet of previous final examination.
5. Aadhaar Card
6. First page of bank passbook (nationalized bank only)

A.  UPGRADATION OF MERIT TO SC

The Scheme of Upgradation of Merit to SC students provides 100% Central Assistance for arranging remedial and special coaching for Scheduled Castes students studying from class IX to XII. Under this scheme, every year 13 meritorious SC students are selected by the department on the basis of marks obtained in Class VIII.  The coaching should be remedial with a view of removing deficiencies in school subjects, and special coaching for preparing student for competitive examinations required for entry in professional courses like Engineering & Medicine. The coaching should start at Class IX level and continue till the student has completed Class XII.

B.  UPGRADATION OF MERIT TO ST

The Scheme of Up gradation of Merit to ST students provides 100% Central Assistance for arranging remedial and special coaching for Scheduled Tribe students studying from class IX to XII. Under this scheme, every year 4 meritorious ST students are selected by the department on the basis of marks obtained in Class VIII. The coaching should be remedial with a view of removing deficiencies in school subjects, and special coaching for preparing student for competitive examinations required for entry in professional courses like Engineering & Medicine. The coaching should start at Class IX level and continue till the student has completed Class XII.

It is a 100% Centrally Sponsored Scheme funded by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India. It provides Financial Assistance to poor and meritorious students belonging to minority community to enable them to pursue technical and professional courses.

The Salient features of the scheme are as under:

• The scholarship will be awarded for studies in India in a government or private college/university, including such residential Government Institutes and eligible private institutes selected and notified in a transparent manner by the State Government.
• Scholarship will be awarded to the students who have secured not less than 50% or equivalent grade in the previous final exam and the annual income of their parents/guardian from all sources does not exceed Rs. 2.50 lakhs.
• 30% of scholarship has been earmarked for girl students. In case sufficient no. of girl student is not available, then the balance earmarked scholarship can be awarded to eligible boy students.
• The eligible students can apply online at scholarhips.gov.in and submit the hardcopy duly signed by the head of the institution along with the following documents to the Scholarship section of SJE & Welfare Department, Govt. of Sikkim, Lumsey, Tadong:

Attested photocopies of :

1. Sikkim Subject/ Certificate of Identification
2. Income Certificate.
3. Religious affidavit by Buddhist and Baptism Certificate by Christians.
4. Marksheet of previous final examination.
5. Aadhaar Card
6. First page of bank passbook (nationalized bank only)

The scholarship is provided to the State OBC Students from Class XI and onwards upto P.hd/M.Phil/Post doctoral research. The students should be studying in the various government and recognized private schools and for higher education in the various institutions within and outside the State.

Application Procedure

Documents required:

• COI/SS Certificate
• Pass marksheet of previous academic year,
• BPL Card/Income Certificate (annual income of parents from all sources not exceeding Rs.1 lakhs),
• Copy of Bank Pass Book showing account number and IFSC Code,
• Aadhar Card,
• Fee paid details,
• OBC Certificate.

The Welfare Division of Social Justice, Empowerment and Welfare Department has setup a hostel in Gairigaon, Tadong Gangtok to provide benefit to the Scheduled Caste Students studying in Collage/School. The hostel is also for the Scheduled Caste women undergoing various vocational training programmes as well as other skill development training sponsored by different departments of the Government.
For further details contact:

President, Managing Committee
Scheduled Caste Girls Hostel cum Vocational Training Center
Gairigaon, Tadong, Gangtok

The State Government has a scheme for setting up of OBC Hostel in OBC dominated areas. The main objective of the scheme of hostels for OBC boys is to provide hostel facilities in middle school, higher secondary school, college. Under the scheme financial assistance is provided to the State Government on 50:50 matching share basic for the construction of hostel buildings. Land has to be provided free of cost by the State. The cost of construction of hostel is worked out on basic of State P.W.D. scheduled rates.

The objective of EMRS is to provide quality middle and high level education to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students in remote areas, not only to enable them to avail of reservation in high and professional educational courses and as jobs in government and public and private sectors but also to have access to the best opportunities in education at par with the non ST population.
The EMRS is established at two levels- middle and secondary (class VI to X)   and higher secondary (Class XI & XII) and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs provides funds to the State Government through the Central Sector Scheme of Grants under Article 275(1) of the Constitution of India to meet the recurring  cost of the EMR schools.   Two Eklavya Model Residential Schools are in operation in the State at Gangyap, West District and Swayem, North District, which provide free quality education to the tribal students.

Schools under this scheme:

1. EMRS Swayem, North Sikkim
2. EMRS Gangyap, West Sikkim

Objective
As having been felt the need by the State Government for providing quality educational facilities to the socially and economically backward classes of people at par with the public school and to bring them at par with the other communities of the state, the process of establishing a Residential School for 345 OBC/MBC boys and girls students is in progress. The location is chosen at Kamrang, Namchi, South Sikkim. The entire area has more than 90% of OBC population and is suitable in all respect. It is adjacent to Kamrang Jr. School and is below new Degree College of Education Department, which has a vehicular distance of about 4 KM from Namchi Bazaar.
The project of residential school is designed with specific objective of supporting education facilities to such poor OBC/MBC children who are unable to avail good education due to absence of school in their neighbourhood.

Government has constituted separate welfare boards for SC, ST and OBC. The boards have been constituted to infuse ideas into the implementation of various programmes for the weaker sections of the population. The board plays a vital role in advising the Department in taking up appropriate programmes for the people at the grass root level.
Address:

The Sikkim Commission for Backward Classes was constituted in the year 1993 under Section 3 of the Sikkim Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993 duly notified in the Official Gazette No. 8/LD/1993. The Act was partially amended in 2001 substituting the earlier criteria for appointing the Chairperson of the Commission. The Commission was formed under the direction of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in the landmark case of Indra Sawahney Vs. Union of India & Others to implement the decision of the Court on the matter relating to the Reservations in the services of the State which made it mandatory to set up Backward Classes Commissions with the objective to examine the requests of inclusion and hear complaints of over –inclusion or non inclusion of any class of citizen as a Backward Class in the list of Other Backward Classes and tender advice to the Government as it deems appropriate.

POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION

1. Powers of the Commission

The Commission shall, while performing its functions under Sub-section (1) of Section 9 have all the powers of a civil court trying a suit and in particular in respect of the following matters, namely:-

1. summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person from any part of India and examining him on oath;
2. requiring the discovery and production of any document;
3. receiving evidence on affidavits;
4. requisitioning any public record or copy thereof from any court or office;
5. issuing Commissions for the examination of witness and documents; and
6. any other matter which is required to be or may be prescribed.
1. Functions of the Commission
   1. The Commission shall examine requests for inclusion of any class of citizens as a backward class in the lists
   2. Hear complaints of over-inclusion or under-inclusion of any backward class in such lists and tender such advice to the State Government as it deems appropriate.
   3. The advice of the Commission shall ordinarily be binding upon the State Government.

LIST OF OTHER BACKWARD CLASSES OF SIKKIM CONFERRED WITH CENTRAL OBC STATUS
The following list indicates the other backward communities of the State which have been recognized and notified as Central OBCs vide Resolution No.12011/7/95-BCC, New Delhi, 24th May, 1995 published in the Gazette of India (Extra-ordinary) Part-!, Sec-1 No. 88, New Delhi, Thursday, May 25, 1995, Ministry of Welfare.
STATE-SIKKIM (COMMON LIST)

1. Bhujel
2. Gurung
3. Limboo (including Tsong,Subba and Yakthungba)
4. Manger
5. Rai
6. Sunuwar (including Koincha/Mukhia)
7. Tamang

The two communities (Limboo and Tamang) have been conferred with Scheduled Tribe status by the Government of India in the year 2003. The other two communities ( Sanyasi and Thami) have also been conferred by the Government of India with Central OBCs status vide Resolution No. 12011/88/98-BCC, New Delhi, the 6th December, 1999, notified and published in Gazette of India (Extra-ordinary) Part-1, Sec-1, No. 270, New Delhi, Monday December 6th 1999, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. In the year 2000 another backward community of Sikkim (JOGI) was recognized and notified as the Central OBC vide Government of India Resolution No. 12011/36/99-BCC New Delhi, 4th April, 2000 and published in the Gazette of India, (Extra-ordinary) Part-1, Sec-1, No. 71, New Delhi, Tuesday, April 4, 2000. Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
LIST OF STATE MBCs AND OBCs OF SIKKIM
The State Government vide notification no.5A/SWD/WD dated 17.9.2003 recognized and declared the following Communities as Most Backward Classes and Other Backward Classes for the State of Sikkim, partially modifying the notification no. 2/WD dated 2nd June 1994 published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 60 dated 2nd June 1994 and notification no. 236/SW/251(3)/WD dated 15.6.2000 published in Extraordinary Gazette no. 94 dated 11th April 2001.

1. Bhujel
2. Dewan
3. Gurung
4. Jogi
5. Kirat Rai
6. Manger
7. Sunuwar
8. Thami

Other Backward Classes

1. Bahun
2. Chettri
3. Newar
4. Sanyasi

CREAMY LAYER
The concept of “Creamy Layer” originated in the landmark judgment passed on 16.11.1992 by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case Indra Sawhney vs. Union of India & Others. The Hon’ble Court directed the Centre and all State/UT Governments to constitute their respective Backward Classes Commissions which was to be a permanent body, for entertaining, examining and recommending for inclusion and exclusion of the class of people in the list of Backward Classes. It also directed to exclude socially and economically advanced persons/section (creamy-layer) from amongst the Other Backward Classes. The Government of India on the recommendation of the National Commission for Backward Classes increased the income limit from Rs 2.5 lakhs to Rs. 4.5 lakhs for determining creamy layer among Other Backward Classes for admission in higher educational institutions. In this regard, the State of Government has also raised the income limit from Rs 2 lakhs to Rs. 4.5 lakhs.
Address:
Mr. T. N. Sharma
Chairperson
OBC Commission
Old Secretariat, Gangtok
Office Phone: 203993.
Mobile No:9434060563

For more information,  please visit http://www.sikkimcommissionobc.com/

• To promote economic and development activities for the benefit of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and Handicapped Persons.
• To assist individuals or groups of individuals belonging to scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and Handicapped Persons by way of loans and advances for income and employment generating activities.
• To extend loans to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and Handicapped Persons or pursuing general/professional/technical education or training.
• To help in furthering Government policies and programmes for the development of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and Handicapped Persons.
• To enter into any agreement with Central Government/State Government or any State or local authorities or other-wise for the purpose of carrying out objects of the Company and to obtain from and such Government, State authorities or persons, any charters, subsidies, loans, grants etc.

• Agriculture and Allied: Agriculture production and related filed such as purchase of agriculture machinery and implements, animal breeding, poultry, dairy, piggery, bee-keeping etc. Horticulture, floriculture, mushroom cultivation, cash crops like cardamom, orange, apple, potato, ginger etc.
• Artisan and Traditional Occupation: These include handicrafts, tailoring, weaving, knitting, carpet weaving, jewellery, carpentry, blacksmithy, bakery, beauty parlour etc.
• Technical Trades: All self employment schemes such as electrician, plumber, steel fabrication works, TV/Radio repair, motor mechanic, book binding, clinical labs, Xerox/Fax/Typing, Lamination centres, STD/PCO booths etc.
• Hotel/Guest House/Lodging/Restaurant: The loan facility is available to ST/SC/OBC beneficiaries only for conversion of, renovation of rooms, kitchen etc. of existing building to guest house/lodging in areas having tourism potential.
• Small Business: Loans for setting up small business ventures such as tea shops, general provision stores, grocery/manihari shops, ready made garments shop, news paper/magazine shop etc.
• Transport Services: Purchase of commercial vehicles for self employment.

Procedure for Availing Loan:

• Submission of application form in the prescribed format (available in the Corporation’s Office) duly filled in along with a passport size photograph duly attested by a Gazetted Officer.
• Certificate of Identification/Sikkim Subject Certificate
• ST/SC/OBC Certificate issued by District Collector/Additional District Collector/Sub-Div. Magistrate.
• Annual family income Certificate issued by District Collector/Additional District Collector/Sub-Div. Magistrate.
• Land Title/Parcha.
• Project Report/Profile.
• No Objection Certificate from Institution, Banks and Government Departments extending loan facilities.
• For handicapped/disabled persons, certificate from Medical Board certifying disability.

Methods adopted by the Corporation for recovery of loan are as under:

• Regular monthly recovery drives conducted by the Field Officers.
• Default Review Meetings conducted with the loanees.
• Co-operation have been sought from various concerned Departments to insist individuals for production of “No Objection Certificate” from SABCCO during the time of renewing trade licenses for hotels, restaurants, businesses and issuing fitness certificates to taxi loanees.
• Further, SABCCO has been insisting on Salary Deduction Undertaking or Departmental Undertaking from Government employees willing to stand surety for the loans being availed of by their close relatives and friends. This has been a great help in boosting recovery.
• The SABCCO has started taking defaulting loanees to court for the recovery of dues under Lok Adalat and SPDR Act.