Indian Gorkhas: political news

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GJM ‘dharna’ at the Jantar Mantar in December for separate state

11:00 AM

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The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) has firmed up to stage a two-day ‘dharna’ at the Jantar Mantar and hold a public meeting on the third day at the Talkotra Stadium in Delhi to pressurise the central government into considering the demand for a separate state Gorkhaland.

GJM president Bimal Gurung addressing the party's
central committee meeting in Darjeeling on Tuesday.

In this context, GJM president Bimal Gurung had on Sunday asked all the members of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration to contribute their salary of two months for the upcoming programme in the national capital.

Speaking today on the sidelines of a meeting with the party’s frontal organisations to finalise the programme in Delhi, GJM general secretary Roshan Giri said, “We have decided to hold a dharna at the Jantar Mantar on December 18 and 19, which will be followed by a public meeting on December 20 at the Talkotra Stadium. We expect more than 10,000 people from other states to participate.”

The three-day programme is in line with the GJM’s strategy of concentrating the statehood agitation in Delhi as that is the place where decisions are finalised. Gurung has already assured the Darjeeling hills would no longer have to witness bandhs and agitations following the renewed statehood agitation in August-September of 2013.

The GJM general secretary added the GTA sabhasads are to pool in their two months’ salary and also ensure they take along two persons each to Delhi and bear the expenses from their pockets. This apart, municipality commissioners have been instructed to take along one individual from their respective wards, while the party will fund 10 people from each constituency.

Giri further said the newly-appointed 269 high school and 630 primary school teachers have been instructed to attend the three-day event. “We have asked high school and primary school teachers to participate in the Delhi programme as members of our frontal organisations will also be attending,” he said.

It was also decided in today’s meeting that the GTA information and culture department will organise the ‘Phulpati Shobha Yatra’, an important cultural event leading up to the ‘Dasai’ festival that falls on October 3 this year.

“We don’t want to burden people with the expenses for conducting the Phulpati Sobha Yatra programme and this is why the party has decided to organise it. At the same time, we will not interfere in other activities that are part of the festival,” noted Giri.

Meanwhile, the GTA will host the month-long ‘Darjeeling Cultural and Tourism Festival’ in the three sub-divisions including the foothills of Mirik from October 8 to November 9. “The month-long event will focus on showcasing the rich culture and traditions of the hills to tourists from near and far. It is imperative we preserve and safeguard our culture as it is in the wane,” said Giri.

The GJM will also celebrate the party’s seventh foundation day on October 7 all across the hills with the main programme scheduled in Darjeeling sub-division.

Source: EOI

Newly appointed schoolteachers to “compulsorily” attend dharna at New Delhi - Bimal Gurung

10:26 AM

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Politics

Bimal Gurung today told newly appointed primary and secondary schoolteachers to “compulsorily” attend the party’s dharna and public meeting planned in New Delhi in December.

Bimal Gurung in Darjeeling on Tuesday.

The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha held an indoor meeting of the party’s frontal organisations at the Rangamanch Bhavan today where details of the Delhi agitation were announced.

“The 630 primary schoolteachers and 269 secondary teachers who got appointments after the GTA was formed, must compulsorily attend the dharna and public meeting in Delhi,” a source present the meeting quoted Gurung as saying.

The party has decided to organise a dharna at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on December 18 and 19 followed by a public meeting at Talkatora Stadium on December 20.

“Gurung has directed all the 47 GTA Sabha members to take two party supporters to Delhi each and bear the entire cost, including their travel, food and lodging expenses. The municipal commissioners have been directed to fund the expenses of one supporter each,” the source said.

There are 32 wards in the Darjeeling municipality, 23 in Kalimpong, 20 wards in Kurseong and nine in Mirik.

Today, Gurung also announced that the party would have to send at least 90 supporters from each of the 45 GTA constituencies.

“Apart from these supporters, the students’ front should also make arrangements to send at least 10 students from each constituency,” the source quoted Gurung as saying. “Our supporters from the Northeast and other places in India would also attend the public meeting.”

Trinamul today hit back at Gurung for allegedly “blackmailing” the teachers.

“You cannot blackmail government employees. If the teachers have got jobs, it is because of their ability. We appeal to the hill teachers not to cow down under the threat but instead, take Gurung to court for issuing such a diktat,” said Binny Sharma, the general secretary, Trinamul (Hills).

He alleged that Gurung was harassing his supporters for his own political survival.

“People are being harassed for his political survival. He is the one to say that the Prime Minister and the BJP knows everything about the demand (statehood) and we fail to understand the logic behind organising a dharna at Jantar Mantar where at any given time, more than a dozen demonstrations are taking place,” said Sharma.

“On the one hand, the Morcha is talking of development, and on the other hand, to hoodwink the hill people they are talking about a statehood agitation. These leaders are not being able to administer even three hill subdivisions properly,” said Sharma.

Source: Telegraph

Bimal Gurung could 'not trust or believe' the state government

10:23 AM

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West Bengal

Darjeeling, Sept. 15: Bimal Gurung today said he could “not trust or believe” the state government the remark coming days after the state government held meetings with the hill body to expedite some of its demands.

Bimal Gurung in Darjeeling on Monday.
Picture by Suman Tamang

The state government convened a bipartite meeting at Kalimpong on September 2 and followed it up with a meeting with the GTA’s education department at Calcutta on September 10. Basudeb Banerjee, the home secretary, chaired the Calcutta meeting, which was attended by Roshan Giri, the general secretary of the Morcha and GTA’s executive in charge of education, among others.

On September 5, the state government also restored security to Gurung, which had been removed in March.

However, despite the state’s overtures to Gurung, the GTA chief executive today made it clear that he was looking to the Centre for support in running the hill autonomous body.

“I do not trust or believe the state government. If they want to help us, it is fine, even if they don’t want to help us it’s fine,” Gurung said, while addressing engineers at a ceremony organised by the Hills Engineers’ Welfare Association at the Gorkha Rangamanch Bhavan.

Gurung said he would continue to approach the Centre for more funds.

“We will have to go to each and every department at the Centre for funds. It is our job, the elected members of the GTA, to get funds while you (engineers) will have to work hard to ensure that the projects are properly implemented,” he said.

“Recently, when I was in Delhi, I was informed by the tourism officials that there are very little chances of Bengal getting funds from the Union tourism department. I have requested them to explore the possibility of providing funds directly to the GTA as this is an autonomous body,” Gurung said.

The hill leader said that Union human resource department minister Smriti Irani would visit Kalimpong shortly. “I have also requested her to announce the setting up of a central university for the hills during her visit,” the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha chief said.

“I do not want to mince words. If you want us to run the GTA smoothly, allow us to do so,” he said, referring to the state government.

“There were interferences in the past and I immediately filed a case against the interference. If they do not allow us to function properly, we will go back to agitation,” he said.

Gurung, however, immediately said the GTA has to prove its worth in the next three years.

“We have three years in the GTA. In these three years, we have to prove that we can administer properly and we must be able to show that we can develop our own place.”

Source: Telegraph

GM Rai an Indian Gorkha Leader and the Gorkha Community Crusader passes away

2:47 PM

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Sikkim

Gorkha Crusader GM Rai Dies At 55

Acclaimed Indian Gorkha Leader cum Gorkha Community Crusader who had been struggling for the Political Rights and Identity of Indian Gorkha Community Shri Garja Man Rai left for heavenly abode today at 12:10 PM , he dies after prolonged illness at Medanta Hospital in Gurgaon. Shri Rai is remembered as the major foundation pillar of Sikkim Democratic Front SDF Party way back in 1993. He also had been serving as the President of Sikkim Gorkha Prajatantrik Party SGPP. His sudden demise has left a very big void among the prominent figures of Gorkha Community which cannot be refilled, the community feels a massive irreparable loss.

Family informed that Shri Rai’s body will be brought to Singtam tomorrow on 14 Sep, on 15 Sep the funeral will take place at bank of river Teesta.
In the other hand after meeting the aggrieved family members at Singtam, the Ex CM NB Bhandari met in an accident near Singtam at place Shantinagar. Luckily Bhandari escaped the acccident with minor injure in his head along with his driver who was also injured. Bhandari was shifted to CRH Tadong, he will be discharged tomorrow is reported.

Source: Voice of Sikkim

State GTA Follow-up meeting after bipartite talks on Sep 2nd

12:28 PM

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Roshan Giri

Bengal home secretary Basudeb Banerjee today held talks with the GTA Sabha to discuss matters related to education, the session coming within 10 days of the bipartite meeting between the state government and the hill body in Kalimpong.

Roshan Giri

The state’s promptness in convening today’s meeting, as a follow-up to the bipartite talks in Kalimpong on September 2, has led a section of Gorkha Janmukti Morcha leaders to believe that the government is slowly “softening” its stand following persistent complaints by the party that the Mamata Banerjee dispensation was not co-operating with the GTA.

Roshan Giri, the executive sabha member in charge of education department, told The Telegraph from Calcutta this evening that the meeting was “satisfactory”.

“It was convened by the state home secretary and it is a follow-up to the recent bipartite talks in Kalimpong,” he added.

At the bipartite meeting, it had been agreed that the principal secretaries of different government sections would sit with officials of the GTA to discuss issues related to specific departments of the hill body.

Today’s meeting was held specifically to discuss issues related to the education department. The GTA was represented by Giri, Ram Bhujel, the executive sabha member in charge of higher education, and K.K. Lohar, executive director of education. Apart from home secretary Banerjee, school education secretary Arnab Roy and special secretary (higher education) Amit Sanyal represented the government.

“It has been agreed at the meeting that the district primary school board will be named GTA primary school board. A committee will also be formed to look into the issue of regularising voluntary, para and ad hoc teachers, apart from taking up issues related to the recognition of 18 unrecognised schools,” said Giri.

The GTA has also been granted Rs 94 lakh to repair schools, which were damaged by cyclone Aila in 2009.

“Three administrative circles (for education) will be created for the Darjeeling hills and the GTA will be allowed to nominate members to the governing body of hill colleges. The state government has also promised that it will expedite the process of bringing College Service Commission within the ambit of the GTA,” said Giri.

A section of Morcha leaders termed the government’s decision to immediately call a meeting as a follow-up to the bipartite talks “positive”.

“Even though we have some reservations about the state’s sincerity in allowing the GTA to function smoothly and without any interference, today’s meeting can be seen as a positive indication and a slight softening of stand,” said a Morcha leader.

Nobody could immediately recollect a meeting being called so fast by the government to discuss the issues taken up at bipartite meetings.

In fact, on August 26, the GTA chief executive Bimal Gurung had said the hill body had sought an action report from the government on the outcome of the five bipartite talks held till then.

Sources said the Morcha leaders had decided to adopt a two-pronged strategy to deal with the government. “If the government is willing to listen to us, we will have no hesitation in sitting for talks with them. However, if the government fails to live up to its promises, then we will take up the matter in an appropriate forum,” said a central committee member of the Morcha.

Source: Telegraph

GTA files case against state govt for violating GTA Act.

2:04 PM

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Politics

Sept. 9: Bimal Gurung, the chief executive of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), today took the Bengal government to court for “encroaching” on the jurisdiction of the hill council and “interfering” in its work.

GTA files case against state govt for violating GTA Act.

Gurung’s contention before Justice Nadira Patherya of the Calcutta High Court was that by inviting tenders for the construction of three roads in areas that come under the jurisdiction of the GTA, the north Bengal development department of the state government had violated the provisions of the GTA Act.
Justice Patherya stayed the tender process and asked the state government to file an affidavit stating its position on September 16 when the court will hear the case again.
Appearing on behalf of Gurung, who is also the chief of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, lawyer Ayanava Raha told the court that the north Bengal development department had floated the tenders and construction would begin soon.
Raha said: “According to the GTA Act, only the hill body has the power to invite tenders and distribute the jobs for development work. Section 26, Section 26 (xliii) and Section 32 of the GTA Act say that neither the state government nor any of its department has the right to float such a tender.”
Raha added: “By doing this, the state government is encroaching on the jurisdiction of the GTA and interfering in the work of the hill body. The court should ask the state government to hand over the construction job to the GTA and ask it to float fresh tenders.”
No lawyer representing the state government was present in the court today. The court’s decision will be conveyed to the state by the court officer.
Earlier, too, the Morcha had protested the state government’s attempts to “encroach” on the jurisdiction of the GTA.
On her recent visit to Kalimpong, chief minister Mamata Banerjee had announced the setting up of a steering committee, headed by the district magistrate of Darjeeling, to maintain the mountain streams through the 100-day work scheme.
The Morcha leadership had criticised this and maintained that the GTA Act specified that work under the 100-day work scheme could only be allotted by the hill body.
The Morcha leadership had also said Mamata’s decision to set up a chief minister’s office in Darjeeling could lead to “dual administration” in the Darjeeling hills.
Today, GTA Sabha member P.T. Ola said: “Our basic contention in the writ petition is that the state government is interfering with the autonomous character of the GTA.”
Binay Tamang, executive member, GTA Sabha, and assistant general secretary of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, said: “An autonomous body has been formed to administer the hills and we will not accept interference in its working.”
The three roads for which tenders have been floated are the stretches between Payung and Lower Dalapchand in Kalimpong sub-division (at a cost of Rs 2.51 crore), Gairygoan Pathak and Maneybara in Darjeeling sub-division (at a cost of Rs 1.35 crore) and Pankhabari Road and Thapakhali in Kurseong sub-division (at a cost of Rs 2.31 crore).
These roads are being constructed under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund, a centrally sponsored scheme. The funds under this scheme are channelled through the state government.
“So far, the GTA has been undertaking projects under the scheme,” Tamang said. “Now the state government is attempting to do this in areas under the GTA. This has to stop. This is why we have moved the court.”
Tamang said that the GTA had gone to the court after the state government failed to respond to a letter from Gurung pointing out that construction of roads came under the jurisdiction of the GTA.
Angered by the state government’s attempts to “interfere” in the workings of the GTA and “usurp” its powers, Gurung had recently raked up the Gorkhaland statehood issue after a gap of a year.
“For almost two years now, we have been crying hoarse over interference by the state government. Since the state government has not heeded our request to not encroach on the jurisdiction of the GTA, the only option left with was to take the government to court,” said a Morcha leader.

Source: Telegraph

GJM to stage dharna at Jantar Mantar, Delhi Gorkhaland

7:00 PM

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Politics

In a bid to demand a separate state of Gorkhaland and consolidate their demand, Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha (GJMM), will be staging a dharna at Jantar Mantar, Delhi. However, no fixed date has been declared in this context.

GJM supporters at the Jantar Mantar in Delhi last year

Its not for the first time when GJMM will stage a dharna, however, the party this time has decided upon forwarding their cause in Delhi
itself as last year’s protest in the hills tarnished its economy. The dhrana seems to be a part of the routine attempt of the party in order to move the central government for the creation of a separate state.

Notably, a similar dharna took place a year ago in the month of December, reverberating a similar demand where considerable amount of support from varied parts of the country was attained. As stated by the GJMM party leader and (GTA) Gorkhaland Territorial Administrtion , Bimal Gurung, “I request the members of the party to donate their salary for the upcoming dharna, in addition, he also urged members of varied communities to participate only if they support the cause.” According to sources, it will be a two-day programe and a meeting will be held on the third day.

EOI Reports :

The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha today passed a resolution for staging dharnas and a meeting in Delhi in November-end to press for the statehood demand. Following the party’s central committee meeting in Darjeeling, GJM general secretary Roshan Giri announced, “The meeting today that was chaired by our party president saw a decision being made to stage dharnas for two days at Jantar Mantar to pressurise the central government into seriously consider our statehood demand. This will be followed by a public meeting the venue for which will be announced at a later date.”

In a public announcement on September 5, GJM president Bimal Gurung had said he was not interested in engaging in politics over petty issues and that the next five years was crucial in achieving a separate state given “our friends” (the BJP) who is at the helm of the country’s affairs. After last year’s new round of agitation, Gurung had also assured there would be no bandhs henceforth in the Darjeeling hills and all statehood-related programmes would be concentrated in Delhi where things happen.

Meantime, Giri said more than 10,000 supporters including GJM unit leaders from the hills as well as from other states will be invited to participate in the agitation.

“We will ask all our unit leaders in other states to attend the dharna and public meeting that is slated for November-end or the first week of December,” he said, adding a decision would be soon taken on how many supporters from each constituency of the three hill sub-divisions would be asked to head to the national capital.

For this purpose, the party leadership has asked the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration sabhasads to contribute their salary of two months. “We do not want to cause inconvenience to our supporters and this is why we have asked GTA members to contribute for the two programme in Delhi,” announced Giri after a marathon meeting.

The GTA Sabha comprises 50 members of whom 45 are elected and five nominated. The GTA chief executive gets a salary (honorarium) of Rs50,000, while his deputy gets Rs45,000. All other elected members receive Rs25,000 as monthly honorarium while executive members get Rs30,000.

This apart, the GTA chairman receives and additional Rs40,000 and his deputy Rs35,000. As for the five nominated members, their monthly honorarium is Rs10,000. The day’s meeting also decided that any central committee leader who abstains from attending three consecutive meetings would be expelled from the party.

“We will first give a show-cause notice to the defaulter and then expel him. This measure is imperative as we want the party to remain disciplined as its leaders bear the responsibility to lead by example,” Giri said. And as part of the strategy to strengthen the party, the Darjeeling town GJM committee was dissolved today.

“We have handed the responsibility to the Darjeeling sub-divisional committee to take care of party activities till a new town committee is formed,” added Giri.

The GJM has also decided to host a grand celebration in Darjeeling sub-division during the party’s seventh foundation day on October 7. Similar programmes, but low-key ones, will be organised in Kalimpong and Kurseong sub-divisions too.

Would call for Separate Gorkhaland after a year - Bimal Gurung

10:59 AM

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Politics

Darjeeling, Sept. 4: Gorkha Janmukti Morcha chief Bimal Gurung today retaliated to Mamata Banerjee’s perceived efforts to erode the authority of the GTA Sabha by giving a renewed call for a separate Gorkhaland after a period of at least one year.

Would call for Separate Gorkhaland after one year - Bimal Gurung

During her three-day visit to Kalimpong which ended today, Mamata had announced a “mini” chief minister’s office would be set up in Darjeeling and a committee that would comprise the district magistrate and others would be formed to preserve mountain streams in the hills under the 100-day work scheme.

The Morcha feels the announcements would lead to “dual administration” in the hills and erode the powers of the GTA.

In a public statement, Gurung said: “The GTA is not the ultimate goal of the Morcha. Gorkhaland is my ultimate aim and my dream. This dream and goal will soon be fulfilled. The foundation of Gorkhaland has already been laid. We will soon be celebrating Gorkhaland. For this to happen we need to move forward unitedly.”

In the statement written in Nepali, the GTA chief executive said: “If this (accepting the GTA) was the need of the hour, we will use the GTA as a ladder and we will once again come forward to agitate for our land.”

In an emotional appeal, Gurung also said: “This land has been made fertile by the sweat and blood of our martyrs and ancestors. This land is a thousand times more important to us than any chair or power. Our land and our community cannot be compared to any political chair or power.”

Morcha leaders said Gurung had not made such a fervent appeal for statehood ever since a strike had been enforced from July 29 to September 10 last year.

“In the last one year, the mood of our party chief has been very conciliatory,” a Morcha leader said.

“The chief minister’s actions of trying to encroach on the authority of the GTA has clearly angered and hurt our leader. It is clear that today’s appeal for Gorkhaland is a strong reaction to what the chief minister has announced.”

The Morcha leader said the chief minister had been provocative during her hill trip.
“Mamata’s announcements in the hills prompted Gurung to issue the statement. She had even announced some tourism projects for the hills although tourism is a department transferred to the GTA. This was an insult and provocation for those who had fought hard for the GTA,” said a Morcha leader.

“It is not surprising that Bimal Gurung has reacted so strongly and revived the call for Gorkhaland. Let us see what happens in future,” he added.

Alluding to some Morcha leaders who are perceived to be “hobnobbing” with the state government, Gurung said today: “We are continuously fighting for freedom and to rightfully gain respect across India. But, these days, I am saddened to find that many of us are betraying our land and our cause for power and incentives.”

Sources in the Morcha claimed that Gurung, who did not meet Mamata Banerjee during her visit to Kalimpong, was trying to send an indirect message to a leader of the Morcha, who the party perceives went out of his way “to be close” to Mamata.

The chief minister returned from North Bengal today.

Source: Telegraph

GNLF against chief minister’s office in Darjeeling

10:50 AM

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Politics

The Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) has expressed its reservations over the recent announcement by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of establishing a chief minister’s office in the Darjeeling hills. The party contends that such unacceptable things are occurring due to the existence of an unconstitutional body such as the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration as well as the lack of seriousness among the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha leadership towards the aspirations of the Gorkha community.

GNLF against chief minister’s office in Darjeeling

GNLF Kurseong branch committee spokesperson Daya Dewan said so this afternoon while interacting with reporters, adding the poor leadership of the GJM is encouraging the state government to rapidly expand its grip and authority over the Darjeeling hills. According to Dewan, when the GNLF was in power and was running the constitutionally recognised Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council, the state government’s influence in the hills was limited and it did not dare interfere in the affairs of the DGHC. But now, the state government has crossed its limits and is busy spreading its influence and political grip throughout the hills using various clandestine methods. The state government has not only entered the living room in the hills, but is lording over the kitchen as well, asserted Dewan.

He further said this is the very reason why the GNLF has been demanding for the reinstatement of the constitutionally guaranteed DGHC and the Sixth Schedule status for the Darjeeling hills to ensure the state government has no authority whatsoever to interfere regarding the administration of the hills.

Source: EOI

Gorkha Janmukti Yuva Morcha massive public meeting in Mirik for Gorkhaland

12:40 PM

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Politics

The Gorkha Janmukti Yuva Morcha (GJYM) has decided to hold a massive public meeting in Mirik on September 7, where more than 30,000 youths from Darjeeling, Kurseong, Kalimpong, Siliguri and other places are expected to attend. Speaking to reporters at the ‘Meet the Press’ programme organised by the Mirik Press Club here, the GJYM central committee general secretary Priyavardhan Rai, spokesperson Prakash Gurung and vice-president Sanjay Thulung said the public meeting will focus on youth related issues.

The GJYM leaders speaking to reporters at
Mirik Press Club on Tuesday.

Rai informed the yuva morcha will also conduct a blood-donation camp as part of its strategy to draw attention of the state government towards the pathetic condition of NH-55 and NH-31. The blood donation camps will be conducted at strategic points along the two highways. Reiterating the GJYM’s stand on the GTA, the youth leader said it neither supports nor opposes it. “Our sole aim is the formation of Gorkhaland and our entire focus will be on achieving it,” Rai added.

He further said the GJYM believes and is positive that the NDA government would fulfill the dreams of Gorkhas across the country. “The next five years are the most crucial phase in the history of the struggle for Gorkhaland,” he stressed. Meanwhile, Sanjay Thulung emphasises the Nepali language will be made as one of the key factors during the course of the Gorkhaland movement and each and every youths in the Hills will play a huge role in it.

Source: EOI

Sixth GTA bipartite meeting conducted in Kalimpong

12:33 PM

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Politics

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s sixth bipartite meeting today with the (GTA) Gorkhaland Territorial Administration did not have much of an impact as the state government had expected, but the Morcha leadership is now hopeful of running the hill administration in a better way. In the almost 90 minute meeting held at the Circuit House in Kalimpong, the two sides extensively discussed the amendments required in the rules and regulations used by the GTA and various other issues.

CM Mamata Banerjee with the GTA delegation during the
bipartite meeting in Kalimpong on Tuesday.

GJM general secretary Roshan Giri led the GTA delegation, which included sabhasads Binay Tamang, Dr. RB Bhujel and Darjeeling MLA Trilok Dewan. The state government delegation was led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, along with chief secretary Sanjay Mitra, home department secretary Basudev Banerjee, GTA principal secretary Gautam Ghosh and Darjeeling DM Punit Yadav. Although the GTA delegation did not look completely happy with the meeting’s outcome, Basudev Banerjee termed the meeting as ‘good’ overall. Chief secretary Sanjay Mitra denied any comments.

Obliging to questions from reporters, Roshan Giri informed that a number of issues were discussed during the meeting, but the GTA has requested the government to provide the action report on the issues discussed as early as possible. The key point of discussion in today’s bipartite meeting was the amendments proposed to the GTA rules and regulations. During the meeting, the GTA delegation urged the state government to make the administration’s functions more efficient and effective through required amendments.

One of the key demands included a legal amendment to allow reservation for Scheduled Caste and Schedule Tribe communities in all the 45 wards within the GTA’s jurisdiction. The meeting also discussed about the issue related to the immediate transfer of 34 subjects belonging to various department from the total of 59.

“The state government had issued various notifications, but many of them are objectionable. Therefore, a separate meeting with the secretaries of each department is absolutely necessary. We proposed this during the meeting today,” Giri informed. The meeting also discussed in length the development of rural areas in the hills. The GJM general secretary said the delegation demanded the block development and rural development offices to be moved under the GTA jurisdiction to spur rapid rural development. “Rural development is our core agenda as we believe development should reach to the grassroots. The chief secretary has assured of discussing the issue and getting back.

The GTA delegation also demanded the state government to provide the administration with Rs63 crore as static funds similar to the one provided to the DGHC. The chief minister has given the green signal for the same. The meeting further discussed about the formation of school and college service commission. Informing about the issue, Giri said, “The formation of a new SSC will take time as it is a lengthy process. Therefore, the chief secretary has advised us to resolve the issue by forming SSC Hill Region under the GTA for the time being. We will continue the discussion on this with the CS.”

Giri further said the issue related to the electricity and telephone bill accumulated during the last statehood agitation was also discussed. “We have demanded discount as well as a provision to let the people pay the dues in 12 instalments, which have been accepted by the government,” he added. The Meeting also discussed about the regularisation of employees who were recruited during the DGHC’s tenure. “The state government will form a committee to look into the issue,” he informed.

Giri said the delegation also has suggested a tripartite meeting, which will include the hill administration, the state and the central government. When asked about the reason for a tripartite meeting, Giri said, “There are many issues which needs approval and suggestion from the central government. Establishment of central university and NIT, three-tier panchyat elections, ST and SC related issues and tax relaxation etc are some of the issues which requires central government’s involvement.”

Despite the hype behind the bipartite meeting, it did not have much of an impact as many key issues did not reach a conclusion, while the absence of the GTA chief executive Bimal Gurung also weighed heavy.

Source: EOI

Mamata Banerjee to have her office (CMO) in Darjeeling

9:30 PM

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West Bengal

Mamata Banerjee to set up her office in darjeeling to improve administrative work in the hills
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said she would set up small office in the Darjeeling hills to facilitate administrative work for the people of the region.

Mamata Banerjee to have her office (CMO) in Darjeeling

"I have decided to set up a small office in the hills to be manned by an official from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO)," Banerjee, who is on a three-day visit to Darjeeling hills told reporters in Kalimpong.
She said the office in Darjeeling would help in disbursing funds from the Chief Minister's Relief fund to the people of the hills.

"The Uttarkanya office (secretariat in north Bengal) in Siliguri is functioning well and will continue," she said.

Banerjee also announced that four hydel power units would come up in the region, while one medical college would be set up under the PPP model in Kurseong.

Source: dnaindia

GTA bipartite talk, concrete decision on transfer of departments expected

5:41 PM

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Politics

The state government has given the GTA Sabha the option of raising any issue at tomorrow’s bipartite meeting, besides the 10 points of discussion already decided for bipartite talks.

A file Photo : Bimal Gurung with Mamata Banerjee

Sources in the GTA said home secretary Basudeb Banerjee had communicated to the hill body on August 27 about the 10 points to be discussed.

These are proposals for amendment to the GTA Act 2011, issues related to transfer of departments and rules of business, issues related to staff matters (hill compensatory allowance, position of ad-hoc/contractual/casual employees), fund position (unspent balance and one-time non-plan grant), incentives/subsidies and waiver of taxes for private investment, central university/national institute of technology, tribal status to Gorkhas, reintroduction of three-tier panchayat system, dues to WBSEDCL and BSNL and withdrawal of cases.

The August 27 letter also said that apart from the agendas fixed by the state government, other matters may also be raised at the bipartite meeting to be held here tomorrow.

Sources in the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha said the party wanted at least 29 amendments to the GTA. Even though details of all the amendments are not known, the party wants the Act to be tweaked to introduce a 100-point roster system in the GTA and reserve seats for SC and ST communities in the autonomous body.

However, the state and the GTA are unlikely to reach a consensus at the bipartite meeting on matters such as the establishment of a central university and NIT, tribal status for Gorkhas and reintroduction of three-tier panchayat system. “Decisions on these issues can be taken only at a tripartite meeting of the state and central governments and the GTA. These issues are related to the Centre,” said an administrative official.

However, a concrete decision is expected to be taken on the transfer of departments.

Roshan Giri, an executive member of the GTA, said: “We would not want to disclose the issues we will raise (at the meeting tomorrow). But we have quite a few issues to discuss, apart from the 10 agendas.” However, sources said the issues that were out of the purview of the 10 agendas laid down by the state, but were likely to be taken up tomorrow were the formation of a sub-ordinate selection committee, review of powers of the district magistrate in running hill municipalities and transfer of schools such as Victoria Boys and Dow Hill, which are state institutions, to the GTA.

The meeting will be held in the Kalimpong Circuit House at 2pm and will be presided over by chief secretary Sanjay Mitra. Sources said the Morcha delegation would meet chief minister Mamata Banerjee at Deolo near here at 1pm tomorrow.

Gurung-Jaitley meet

GTA chief executive Bimal Gurung met Union finance minister Arun Jaitley in Delhi on Monday. “We apprised him of the recruitment of GTA youth into police, army and para-military forces and establishment of a Sainik School in the GTA area,” said Gurung.

Source: Telegraph

GTA Delegation met Finance and Defence Minister Arun Jaitley

9:48 PM

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Politics

Darjeeling MP SS Ahluwalia along with the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) Delegation led by Bimal Gurung, Shri Anit Thapa, Shri Arun Sigchi and Shri Dawa Lepcha paid a courtesy visit to Shri Arun Jaitley , Hon'ble Finance Minster and Hon'ble Defence Minister.

GTA Delegation met Finance Minster and Hon'ble Defence Minister Arun Jaitley

The GJM delegation apprised him about GTA youth to be considered for recruitment in the Police, Army and Para Military Forces and the establishment of a Sainik School in GTA area as mentioned in the GTA agreement.
The Hon'ble Minster has assured immediate opening of the Sainik School and also the reopening of the lebong race course.
The Hon'ble Minister has also assured full cooperation regarding Central Assistance in all Central Government projects in GTA area.
Shri Arun Jaitley Ji has also agreed to intervene for reopening of the closed Oberoi Hotel in Darjeeling.

Source: Bimal Gurung Official

September 2nd Gurung-Mamata meeting not significant - Harka Bahadur Chhetri

10:57 AM

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Politics

Kalimpong MLA and Gorkha Janmukti Morcha spokesperson Harka Bahadur Chhetri has said the September 2 meeting scheduled between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and GJM chief Bimal Gurung may not take place at all. This is because Gurung hasn’t accorded much importance to the upcoming meeting, according to Chhetri, who added the meeting is primarily to do with the functioning of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration.

Harka Bahadur Chhetri

Speaking to reporters who had gathered around him, the legislator asserted, “I have no idea about the GTA simply because MLAs are not invited in its meetings.”

The GJM appears in no mood to entertain the chief minister despite her extending a hand of goodwill, feel observers. Further, it is a known fact that relations between Mamata and Gurung have soured once again after the general election.

Commenting on this, Chhetri said, “No positive outcome was reached in the past bipartite meetings and now, taking advantage of the breakup in ties, the chief minister is making an attempt to increase her foothold in the hills.”

He added the earlier meetings had been full of promises and assurances on the part of the state government to hand over more autonomy to the GTA, but such promises did not translate into action. According to Chhetri, if the GJM manages to run the GTA successfully, the TMC government will receive a setback politically.

“This is why the state government has made false provisions of granting unbridled autonomy to the GTA. The government says the GTA has failed to successfully run the departments it has under it, but has the council been given actual authority to run them on its own?” asked Chhetri.

The MLA further said he is unaware about the powers of the GTA, its actual functions and the funds it receives. “In paper, the GTA has the authority to set up an SSC department and make appointments, but in reality the state government interferes in this matter too to leave the council handicapped,” he observed.

He added the GTA and its members must publicly announce the amount of power it has been vested with including the departments under its jurisdiction. “Why has development work become suspended in the GTA?” asked Chhetri, adding he does not have any clue about this.

He suspects the GTA has become a victim of political subterfuge and the state government has fooled Bimal Gurung by promising many things just in paper. To ensure the failure of the GTA implies the growing influence of the TMC in the hills and this is why the September 2meeting bears little importance, according to Chhetri.

Source: EOI

Bimal Gurung will not attend state - GTA meeting chaired by Mamata Banerjee

11:32 AM

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Politics

Bimal Gurung today said he would not attend the bipartite meeting between the state and the GTA to be chaired by Mamata Banerjee on September 2, citing a visit to Delhi but added that nothing much had come of five such meetings earlier.

Bimal Gurung and SS Ahluwalia at the Bagdogra airport
on Wednesday. Pictures by Kundan Yolmo

“I am going to Delhi to lay the foundation stone of a community building and will attend programmes to be organised by Baba Ramdev. I will not be able to attend the bipartite talks called by the state government,” the GTA chief executive said at Bagdogra before boarding his Delhi flight this afternoon.

“We have received a letter from the state regarding the bipartite talks but certain issues mentioned in it are not clear to us. Our officials and members are discussing the contents of the letter and some of them might attend the bipartite talks.”

Seeking the state government’s co-operation for the functioning of the GTA, Gurung said: “We haven’t seen the outcome of any decisions taken at the five bipartite meetings held so far (between the state and the GTA). That is why we have asked for files and other relevant documents to know whether there has been any progress. We hope the state government will co-operate with us and help us in running the GTA.”

Gurung is supposed to open a Gorkha Bhavan in Delhi.

The chief of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha had said yesterday that the GTA had sought an action-taken report from the state government on the outcome of the five previous bipartite talks.

Darjeeling BJP MP S.S. Ahluwalia today echoed Gurung’s disappointment and hinted that the GTA could approach the Centre for tripartite talks if the dialogue with the state government was not yielding results.

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee had earlier objected to the GTA leaders’ trips to Delhi to discuss GTA matters without keeping the state administration in the loop.

Gurung’s absence from the upcoming GTA-state talks has triggered speculation of the Morcha top brass’s dissatisfaction with the Mamata Banerjee-led government. The GTA leader may be trying to send a message to the chief minister on the ineffectiveness of the talks, a source said.

“The GTA chief had attended almost all bipartite meetings convened before to review the functioning of the GTA. His decision to abstain from the next round of talks, which is supposed to be attended by the chief minister, suggests that the Morcha leadership is disappointed with the state government,” the source said.

“The non-transfer of a number of departments to the GTA from the state government and lack of consistent assistance by the administration to the hill body in implementing welfare schemes and projects are some of the reasons for the disgruntlement. It is evident that the Morcha chief wants to send a message to the chief minister that he is unhappy with the state government,” the source added.

Mamata is supposed to reach the Darjeeling hills on September 1 and attend the bipartite talks the next day.

The release issued by Trinamul on its official website yesterday gave details of Mamata’s plans but did not say anything about the venue for the talks.

“West Bengal Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee will visit North Bengal on September 1. On September 2, the State Government will hold a bipartite meeting with the GTA. The meeting will be chaired by the Bengal Chief Minister and senior officials including the Chief Secretary of the State will be present,” the release mentioned.

The venue of the September 2 bipartite meeting, sources in the administration said, could be Kalimpong.

On September 3, the chief minister will attend a programme organised by the Lepcha Development Council, the release said.

S.S. Ahluwalia, the Darjeeling BJP MP who landed in Siliguri today, listed the projects that the state was yet to fulfil for the GTA.

“Among these promises are the establishment of a Sainik school, a super-speciality hospital, a medical college and a central university in the hills. NH55, which is maintained by the state public works department, is in a bad condition,” the MP said.

Some of these demands are mentioned in the GTA agreement. “As far as bipartite talks are concerned, it is entirely up to the GTA authorities and the state. However, we would like to say if the bipartite talks fail to yield results, tripartite talks can be held as the Centre is also a signatory to the GTA agreement. The GTA representatives can approach the Union home minister with a plea to convene such talks,” Ahluwalia added

Source: Telegraph

GNLF claims they are still strong in the main stream hill politics

11:23 AM

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Politics

A woman leader of the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) Pemu Chettri has claimed many supporters of opposition camps in the hills are switching over to her party, which confirms the GNLF has far from dissuaded itself from active politics.

GNLF leader from Kurseong, Pemu Chhetri.

Pemu Chhetri on Tuesday told reporters said the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha leadership has been claiming the GNLF and its supporters have completely disappeared from the hills since 2007 after the formation of the Morcha and hence, the erstwhile ruling party has paled into insignificance.

While dismissing the claims by both the GJM and the TMC before the media of several GNLF supporters joining her camp, she said this only helps to prove the GNLF is still a force to reckon with. “Their claims only go on to prove the GNLF still has plenty of supporters because if there weren’t any, how could the two parties claim about GNLF supporters joining their ranks,” asked Chhetri.

The GJM and TMC must understand clearly the numerical strength of the GNLF. If the numbers were insignificant, there is no point in the rivals trumpeting their ‘achievement, she reasoned. Hence, the rhetoric of the rivals itself acknowledges that the GNLF enjoys considerable support from the masses and will definitely continue doing so.

She denounced some GNLF leaders who have recently quit and joined the GJM and the TMC. Switching of loyalties implies such people are not true to their beliefs and commitments, but are traders, always on the lookout for opportunities that can give them the most of profits. Chhetri warned party supporters of such ‘traders’ who pack up and leave as soon as they smell a better chance of hitting a lucrative means to further their selfish interests.

She also remarked that the GJM leadership, which has been demanding a Gorkhaland state and tribal status for the entire Gorkha community including other development works and facilities, knows very well they are all the brainchild of GNLF chief Subash Ghisingh who had the foresight to envision them a long time ago.

It may be mentioned that Pemu Chettri had contested in the last legislative assembly election from Kurseong constituency as a GNLF candidate.

Source: EOI

Darjeeling municipality questions West Bengal Govt notification

11:44 AM

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Politics

The Darjeeling municipality is sour over a notification that has been issued by the West Bengal government, reasoning the directives are more of an infringement in its jurisdiction, given that it is an elected body.

Darjeeling Municipality Chairman Amar Singh Rai.

A couple of days ago, the civic body called a meeting inviting the chairmen of the other three Hill municipalities, the three Hill MLAs, Municipal leaders and engineers and a Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) representative, to discuss on the government order that was received earlier this year.

The municipality pointed to a state government notification that was issued in November, 2013, and received in February-March, this year. The notification says it had designated three Municipal Officers. The first is a designated officer, the second an appellate and the third and importantly a reviewing officer who ranks the highest in the portfolio. The municipality chairman has been appointed as the appellate officer, but the district magistrate has been given the designation of the reviewing officer. “We are an elected body. But, as per the state government notification the DM has been kept as the reviewing officer which means he will be able to review all matters pertaining to the municipality superseding even the elected chairman. The big question is why the need for such a notification,” asked Darjeeling Municipality chairman Amar Singh Rai.

Rai stated the recent activities of the DM in sending notices to the municipality, seeking explanations, was a part of a bigger government conspiracy. “On even the smallest of pretext the district magistrate seeks explanation and dispatches notices to us even though we are an autonomous self governing body. It seems it is the fallout of the state government notification which is encroaching on the municipality’s autonomy,” he pointed.

The chairman was also of the opinion that if at all a reviewing officer was to be appointed than it should be either the GTA chief executive or the principal secretary, given that the municipality was a transferred subject.

The civic body in its meeting has passed a resolution demanding amendment in the state government notification and also placing it in the GTA Sabha. “We will write to the GTA seeking its intervention in this matter. Secondly, we have asked all the chairmen of the four municipalities to call on the state municipal affairs minister,” said Rai. The state government has so far failed to respond to queries.

Second, on the list of the state government notification is a guideline regarding examination of building plans of the Hills and also formation of a state level building committee, the notification for which was issued in June, 2014. “We have nothing to say on the state government appointing a committee but whatever its views and reports must also have the concurrence of the GTA in its final state,” stressed the Darjeeling Municipality chairman.

It must be remembered that the Hills are a special case and must not be looked in the same way as the plains,” Rai said.

The municipality however has no problem with the June 18, 2014 notification that directs formation of a 12-member Municipal Vending Committee (MVC) comprising representatives from the municipality, police, vendors, banks and residents. “It is a good move to have a committee to look into the hawkers issues. We will get in touch with all stakeholders soon,” the chairman said.

The municipality has also requested the GTA to make provision for annual development plan for the municipalities in its budget to ensure local civic works were not hampered.

Source: EOI

State to Transfer departments to GTA and re-introduce three-tier panchayat system in Darjeeling

6:28 PM

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Politics

The Bengal chief secretary has convened a meeting with senior state government officials at Nabanna on Tuesday to discuss the transfer of departments to the GTA Sabha and re-introduction of three-tier panchayat system in the Darjeeling hills among other things.

Meet on GTA at Nabanna

The state government has to transfer 57 subjects that are converted into 40 departments to the GTA. Gorkha Janmukti Morcha that runs the GTA says some departments are yet to be handed over to the hill body, while some other subjects haven’t been transferred completely.

The process of shifting the departments to the GTA has been stuck for nearly a year because of a face-off between the Morcha and the Mamata Banerjee government over the hill party’s renewed demand for the creation of Gorkhaland. However, the relations improved after a meeting with the chief minister and GTA chief executive Bimal Gurung in Darjeeling recently.

“Apart from the transfer of the departments to the GTA, chief secretary Sanjay Mitra will discuss with government officials the re-introduction of three-tier panchayat system in the GTA area, establishment of a medical college in Kurseong and a central university in the hills, reintroduction of three-tier panchayat system in the hills, compensatory allowance for GTA employees,” said a source at Nabanna today.

The memorandum of agreement signed by the Morcha and the state and central governments to set up the GTA had promised a central varsity and a medical college for the hills.

“There will also be discussions on setting up a separate college and school service commissions for the GTA. The meeting will take stock of road projects in the hills as well,” said the source.

Morcha general secretary Roshan Giri has welcomed the decision to address issues related to the GTA. “I cannot say off hand how many departments are yet to be transferred. However, departments like the Darjeeling Improvement Fund, information and culture, lotteries, excise and fire services are yet to be transferred,” Giri said.

Giri also said some of the departments had been transferred to the GTA incompletely. “For example, all schools under the government were transferred to the GTA education department. But, two state-run ICSE/ISC schools in Kurseong — Victoria Boys’ School and Dow Hill — are yet to be transferred because of anomalies in the notification,” he said.

A minister said: “The decision to revive the process of helping the GTA run smoothly proves that our government is not vindictive at all… We put development above politics.”

Source: Telegraph

GNLF observed Accord Day -22 August ( Darjeeling & Kurseong )

4:56 PM

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Subash Ghising

Despite opposition from GJM, GNLF today observed the Accord Day in a grand fashion in Darjeeling and Kurseong.

Subash Ghisingh-led GNLF had settled for the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) on August 22, 1988 after the 26-month long agitation for a separate state that saw more than 1,200 people dead. On August 22, 1988, the Centre, state and the GNLF had signed a memorandum of settlement for the formation of the now repealed Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC).

Here are some of the Photos of the Accord Day by GNLF in Kurseong and Darjeeling.