GTA, district administration review development priorities in Hills

A comprehensive review meeting involving the district administrations of Darjeeling and Kalimpong and the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) was held at the GTA headquarters in Darjeeling on Wednesday to assess key developmental issues and chart out priorities for the hill region.

The meeting, convened by GTA Principal Secretary Shama Parveen, was attended by Darjeeling MP Raju Bista, Darjeeling MLA Noman Rai, Kalimpong MLA Bharat Chhetri, Kurseong MLA Sonam Lama, the district magistrates and superintendents of police of Darjeeling and Kalimpong, along with senior GTA and government officials.

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According to a statement issued after the meeting, participants expressed confidence that the West Bengal government’s proposed engagement with the Centre-appointed interlocutor would help accelerate dialogue towards a permanent political solution for the hills.

In the meantime, the GTA was urged to continue serving the people with transparency, accountability and efficiency, with public welfare remaining the foremost priority.

The meeting identified several sectors requiring immediate intervention. In healthcare, steps will be taken to fill vacancies of doctors and nurses, strengthen emergency services and examine the feasibility of establishing a medical college in the hills. In the education sector, emphasis was laid on restoring quality, ensuring transparent recruitment processes and investigating alleged irregularities in teacher appointments.

The rehabilitation of families affected by the Teesta floods was also reviewed. Officials noted that Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has approved the construction of 90 houses for affected families, while the process of identifying suitable land is underway.

Disaster preparedness ahead of the monsoon, revival of tea gardens and cinchona plantations, and improvement of road connectivity and infrastructure were among other priorities discussed. Plans for an alternative highway to Darjeeling, the Circular Road project and ropeway connectivity also came up for consideration.

The meeting further reviewed the implementation of welfare schemes and directed officials to ensure that benefits reach eligible beneficiaries without delay or intermediaries. Tourism promotion, municipal reforms, revival of Darjeeling Hill University, enhanced support for ICDS and ASHA workers, and transparent clearance of pending liabilities were also discussed.