In which year did Sikkim formally become the 22nd state of the Indian Union following a constitutional amendment and a public referendum?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Sikkim abolished its monarchy and voted in a 1975 referendum to merge with India, culminating in the 36th Constitutional Amendment Act which made it the 22nd state of the Indian Union. In 1947, Sikkim had briefly signed a standstill agreement with independent India, and in 1950 a special protectorate treaty was enacted. The 1975 integration completed the democratic aspirations of the local populace.