Dzumsa System in Sikkim

Dzumsa (Pipon system) is the traditional system of local self-governance prevalent in the two tribal villages in Lachen and Lachung. According to Census of India 2001, District Census Handbook: Sikkim, these institutions have existed for more 350 years. The Pipon system has been upheld by the Supreme Court of India and also recognized by the State Government. The Sikkim Panchayat Amendment Act, 1995 gave the status of Gram Panchayat to the Dzumsa in the two villages. Sikkim Panchayat Amendment Act,2001 further states that the “Dzumsas existing in Lachen and Lachung shall exercise the powers and functions as provided under the Act in addition to the powers and functions exercised by them under the existing Traditional and Customary law”.

The election to the Dzumsa is held every year which means the tenure of the elected members of the Dzumsa is only one year. The election is held on non-political basis. The Dzumsa council consists of Pipon, Vice Pipon, and Gyapon. Thimpon usually a body of 10 elderly members help the council in times of serious disputes. Each household of the village sends one representative to the Dzumsa. Attendance is mandatory in the meetings of the Dzumsa and absentees are levied certain fine in cash or kind. Mongkhim (mong means public, khim means house) is the epicenter for discussions on all the development plans for the villages. One very conspicuous feature of this system is that a woman has never contested for the Dzumsa council post. However, a woman can take part in the discussions in the Dzumsa meetings.This happens in lieu of the male members not being able to attend the meetings and the households whose male members are dead.

Apart from the Pipon system and prior to the introduction of statutory Panchayati Raj Institution the village level administration in Sikkim was looked after by Mandals and Tassas appointed by the Chogyal/Dharma Rajas of Sikkim.

By Dr. Chongtick Lachungpa.