He was addressing a delegation of 'Asom Gorkha Sammelan' led by its president Arun Upadhyaya.
Among the issues put forth by the delegation were a claim that in the North Eastern Region of India, the history of 'Assam Rifles' and the 'Gorkha Regiment' is indeed the history of the bravery of Gorkha soldiers, but unfortunately in recent times, the recruitment of Gorkha youth in India's defence forces has declined.
The delegation demanded that the Gorkha Community Certificate issued by the 'Asom Gorkha Sammelan' should be honoured for the purpose of employment or recruitment to defence forces.
The Asom Gorkha leaders also demanded Scheduled Tribes (ST) status for their community and creation of autonomous council constituency comprising Gorkha inhabited areas.
The other demands included the setting up of a Gorkha cultural and heritage centre and simplification of the process for inclusion of Gorkha community members in the National Register of Citizens.
Dr. Singh gave a patient hearing and said he would personally follow up on the issues falling within the purview of his ministry, while the other issues would be taken up by the concerned departments and ministries.
