The demand to accord Kalimpong the status of a separate district is gaining grounds rapidly.
In the recently concluded Budget session, this issue was once again raised by Kalimpong MLA Dr. Harka Bahadur Chettri to which the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee responded positively and said that this is an important issue, which needs to be given due consideration.
Speaking to the press Dr. Chettri said, that 34% of the hill area falls under Kalimpong block and given the geographical spread of the region and the scattered population, according Kalimpong the status of a separate district would ensure faster development of the region.
Extending support to the demand at a personal level, Kurseong MLA Dr. Rohit Sharma said, "Personally I support this demand, as it will help in promoting a devolved development process..."
Similarly, Darjeeling MLA Mr. Trilok Dewan said, "I support this demand completely... Given the area, population and geographic realities of the region, Kalimpong should be upgraded to a district status...."
However, both Dr. Sharma and Mr Dewan said that this issue needs to be discussed within GJM and GTA Sabha first, and once it is approved then the proposal can be presented to the WB State assembly.
Speaking to the press, GJM General Secretary Mr. Roshan Giri said, "the issue of realigning the boundaries of new blocks and subdivisions is mentioned in the GTA agreement... and this is an ongoing discussion within the party."
Viewing the issue of upgrading Kalimpong as a separate district as a smart move on the part of the Morcha, political analyst Upendra said, "you must give the devil its due... a new district will mean many positives for the region, a whole new administrative infrastructure needs to be put in place which means more employment opportunities... new subdivisions and blocks will be formed which means it will be easier to provide development in the remotest of parts like Todey-Tangta which is yet to get road or electricity connectivity till date... but most important of all, it will mean that there will be substantial increase in the funds allocated to the hills..."
He added, "Morcha is playing a smart game... there is a certain amount of funds earmarked for each district every year, both by the state and the Center... if Kalimpong is made a separate district, naturally more funds will flow into the hills and Morcha will take credit for the same...."
On the question of Morcha not being made aware of this demand by Dr. Chettri, he said, "that is what Morcha will have you believe... but do you think that the three MLAs would speak so freely in support of the demand, had it not been approved by the Central committee?"
What ever be the reason, the fact remains that we need development in the hills and if it comes through making more districts in the hills, we welcome such a move.
Source: The Darjeeling Chronicle
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| District Status for Kalimpong |
Speaking to the press Dr. Chettri said, that 34% of the hill area falls under Kalimpong block and given the geographical spread of the region and the scattered population, according Kalimpong the status of a separate district would ensure faster development of the region.
Extending support to the demand at a personal level, Kurseong MLA Dr. Rohit Sharma said, "Personally I support this demand, as it will help in promoting a devolved development process..."
Similarly, Darjeeling MLA Mr. Trilok Dewan said, "I support this demand completely... Given the area, population and geographic realities of the region, Kalimpong should be upgraded to a district status...."
However, both Dr. Sharma and Mr Dewan said that this issue needs to be discussed within GJM and GTA Sabha first, and once it is approved then the proposal can be presented to the WB State assembly.
Speaking to the press, GJM General Secretary Mr. Roshan Giri said, "the issue of realigning the boundaries of new blocks and subdivisions is mentioned in the GTA agreement... and this is an ongoing discussion within the party."
Viewing the issue of upgrading Kalimpong as a separate district as a smart move on the part of the Morcha, political analyst Upendra said, "you must give the devil its due... a new district will mean many positives for the region, a whole new administrative infrastructure needs to be put in place which means more employment opportunities... new subdivisions and blocks will be formed which means it will be easier to provide development in the remotest of parts like Todey-Tangta which is yet to get road or electricity connectivity till date... but most important of all, it will mean that there will be substantial increase in the funds allocated to the hills..."
He added, "Morcha is playing a smart game... there is a certain amount of funds earmarked for each district every year, both by the state and the Center... if Kalimpong is made a separate district, naturally more funds will flow into the hills and Morcha will take credit for the same...."
On the question of Morcha not being made aware of this demand by Dr. Chettri, he said, "that is what Morcha will have you believe... but do you think that the three MLAs would speak so freely in support of the demand, had it not been approved by the Central committee?"
What ever be the reason, the fact remains that we need development in the hills and if it comes through making more districts in the hills, we welcome such a move.
Source: The Darjeeling Chronicle
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