The Sikkim State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) have received a total of 13 complaints, based on annual reports for 2022 to 2022 (March 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022) which was tabled during a recently-held two day session of Sikkim Legislative Assembly.

During the period of Annual Report 2021 – 22, the commission received 13 cases out of which 09 cases have been disposed of. As on 31st March 2021, there were 6 pending cases out of which 4 cases have been disposed of.

Its worthy to note that Sikkim which has more than 6 lakh population with such less complaints, clearly indicates that either people don’t know about the Human Right Commission or there is lack of awareness among the people. The state government had allotted the budget of Rs 2,55,00,000 to the Commission, which is maintaining proper accounts and records.

In the meantime, if we compare it with last year’s record then in the year 2020-21 the commission received only 6 complaints out of which 2 cases have been disposed of. On March 31, 2020, there were 4 pending cases, out of which 2 cases have been disposed of in the mentioned year. It must be mentioned here that 2020-21 was the year of the pandemic so a due number of complaints may have decreased.

In a nutshell, it can be interpreted that Sikkim have less human rights violations as compared to other states where number of custodial deaths are in huge number but in Sikkim, no custodial deaths have been reported within last 2-3 years.

Therefore, the number of complaints within last six years are : 2019-20 (seven cases); 2018-19 (11 cases); 2017-18 (10), 2016-17 (13). While, in the year 2014-15 (7) were reported. Thus, within the last eight years SHRC have registered 71 complaints.