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DEMOGRAPHIC FEATURES :
Sikkim is a multi-ethnic state. Broadly, the population can be
divided into tribal and non-tribal groups. Lepchas, Bhutias, Sherpas are
categorized as Scheduled Tribes. The Lepchas are the original inhabitants of the
state. Compared to other ethnic groups, the Lepchas still maintain many of their
traditional ways. The Bhutias comprise, the sikkimese Bhutia and Bhutia from
Bhutan and Tibet. The Sherpas are a marginal ethnic group in the state. over 70%
population consist of Nepalese. They are dominant ethnic group in the state. The
people from the plain, mostly involed in trade and services represent a marginal
group. As per the 1991 census of India, the total population of the state is
406457, whereas in 1981 it was 3,16,385 only. Dicennial growth has come down, as
in 1971-81 it was 50.77% where as for 1981-91 it is 28.47% only. The overall
density of population in the state is 57 per sq. Km. East district is the most
populated where as North's density only 7, is least populated. Sex ratio (
females per thousand male) in 1981 was 835, where as it has improved and now is
878. There are only eight urban towns and urban population is 9.10% of total
population. Schedule caste and schedule tribe population is 5.93 % and 22.36%
respectively, North district is a tribal district and it has about 55.38% tribal
population. Literacy rate is 56.94% (19th position), higher than the all India
average literacy tare of 52.11%.
ECONOMIC PROFILE :
The economy of Sikkim is mainly based on agricultural and
animal hushandry. Approx. 11% of the total geographical area is under
agriculture. agriculture is of the mixed type and still at the subsistence level
rather than commercial level. The work force participation rate as per 1991
census is 40.44%. The femal participation rate in Sikkim is also much higher
than the national average. This is an important aspect if the hill economy, as
productivity is low and hence all the able-bodied people are employed in
agriculture and other activities. Cultivators account for the greater majority
of the people in the state. their percentage is 57.84%. Agricultural labourers
as a whole constitute only 7.81% of the workers in the state. house holds and
other industries are negligible, but other worker(Tertiary Sector) at the state
level represent a good percentage of population. The decreasing ratio of worker
at the state level indicates the low level of economic diversification. The
importance of agriculture can be judged by the high percentage of population
approx. 65% engaged in it. Animal husbandry is an integral part of the house
hold economy of the region. There are certainhouse hold industries also which
substantially adds to house hold incomes. The past one and half decade has
witnessed a tremendous upward swing in various development programme giving a
new thrust to the Sikkim economy. This process has increased wage employment
opportunities. Though most of the inhabitants are basically agriculture, they
have diversified into tertiary jobs such as Government services.