Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, on Monday, assured the people of Sikkim that nothing had changed with regard to the definition of the term “Sikkimese” as the central government had effectively dealt with the matter arising out of the recent Supreme Court verdict.

“I wish to assure the people of Sikkim that nothing has changed as regards Sikkimese. The court’s case has already been dealt with,” she said in response to a question expressing the concern of the Sikkimese people at the possibility of losing their rights and privileges by diluting the term “Sikkimese” in view of the Supreme Court judgment directing the Centre to amend the term “Sikkimese” as defined in Section 10 (26 AAA) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

Sitharaman began her reply in Gangtok by stating: “First of all, let me clarify the rights and the privileges enjoyed by the Sikkimese, and as to who Sikkimese are. Immediately after that judgment came out, it was the Union government which approached the Supreme Court to say: ‘please expunge the remarks’, which were obiter (and) which were not germane to the question which was being discussed.”

She went on to add: “So, I am sure you are aware that through the immediate response and action of the Central government that has been removed. In other words, the intent of the Central government to respect the privileges and the rights of (the) Sikkimese has been kept intact because the Central government responded to that situation immediately without taking delay.”

The Supreme Court had in its original January 13 verdict asked the Centre to amend the term “Sikkimese” by adding Indian-origin old settlers.