Sikkim Social Justice, Empowerment & Welfare Dept. / Tribal Welfare Division
Benefit
Bundle of welfare and development benefits exclusively for ST communities (Lepcha, Bhutia, Limboo/Subba, and other recognised Sikkimese tribes) — includes: pre-matric and post-matric scholarship for ST students (₹400–₹1,200 per month depending on class and boarding/day status); free hostel accommodation in government tribal hostels at Gangtok, Namchi, Geyzing, and Mangan for students studying away from home; ₹5,000 annual cultural preservation grant for registered tribal cultural groups; tribal identity card issued by Tribal Welfare Dept. for priority access across all state schemes; ₹3,500 tool kit grant per annum for traditional artisans (Lepcha weavers, Bhutia thangka painters, bamboo-cane craftsmen); reservation in state government jobs and educational institutions; legal aid and land rights support through dedicated ST cell; special package for Dzongu Lepcha Reserve residents — fully protected ecological zone of North Sikkim