On Tuesday, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari issued a serious caution regarding corruption allegations within the hill administration. He declared the appointment of Smrutiranjan Mohanty, currently the principal secretary of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), as the new administrator of the hill body.
Speaking via video conference from Siliguri during an administrative review meeting for Kalimpong, which he was unable to attend in person due to adverse weather conditions, Adhikari emphasized that his administration would take firm action against corruption that occurred during the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) government.
He mentioned that an investigative committee led by retired Justice Biswajit Basu has already begun its examination into the matter, asserting, “Those who have misappropriated government funds will be apprehended, and the stolen money will be retrieved. No one will escape accountability.”
Highlighting specific allegations, the chief minister noted concerns regarding the irregular recruitment of over 400 teachers by the GTA, discrepancies in funding for the ‘Amrut’ drinking water initiative, and questions surrounding the finances of 11 boards established for the development of various tribal communities in the Hills. “Wherever evidence of corruption is found, whether in teacher recruitment or drinking water projects, there will be no leniency… Those guilty of corruption will face consequences,” he assured.
Adhikari also stated that the government intends to reclaim the embezzled funds from those found guilty.
Emphasizing his commitment to the development of the Hill districts, Adhikari confirmed that he has granted “full authority” to Vishal Lama, the Minister of State for Home and Hill Affairs, to oversee all hill-related issues.
He announced plans for a new medical college in Kalimpong, with the foundation stone set to be laid on his next visit. “The health secretary has been tasked with expediting the financial approval process for the proposed medical college. This will be a significant benefit for the residents of Kalimpong,” Adhikari stated.
In addition, he outlined several welfare initiatives for the local population, revealing that 115,000 Ayushman Bharat cards have been activated in Kalimpong against a goal of 218,000. Those not included in the Central scheme would be eligible for the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme, which offers free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh.
Furthermore, Adhikari mentioned that 15,000 women in Kalimpong are now receiving ₹3,000 monthly under the Annapurna Yojana, with the next payment scheduled to be transferred directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts on September 17, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday.
The government also plans to provide housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana to 8,325 land-owning families without homes in Kalimpong within the next six months, he added.
Additionally, the chief minister referred to the establishment of a committee by the Centre aimed at finding a lasting political resolution to the issues faced in the Hills.
“Every commitment made to the residents of the Hills will be honored. Development will progress in all sectors, from tea plantations to tourism,” Adhikari stated, also announcing a 20 percent Puja bonus for tea workers this year and measures to reopen closed tea estates.
Due to poor visibility, Adhikari’s helicopter was unable to land in Kalimpong, but he confirmed plans to return to the Hills on October 6. “On September 22, I will visit Cooch Behar and Jaldapara for Rhino Day. I will also travel to Buxa on October 2 and then to Darjeeling on October 6, returning through Kalimpong,” he detailed.
Atri Mitra serves as a Special Correspondent for The Indian Express, boasting over 20 years of experience in journalism. His reporting is distinguished by a profound understanding of regional issues and a focus on significant administrative and political developments.
With a career foundation at Anandabazar Patrika, where he worked for more than 15 years, Mitra has extensive reporting experience primarily in West Bengal, Bihar, and the North-East, enabling him to provide insightful analysis of the socio-political landscape in these areas.
He holds a Master’s degree in Economics from Rabindrabharati University, enhancing his analytical approach to political and administrative topics.
With his established credibility and a strong academic background, Atri Mitra is recognized as a reliable source for news and insights regarding Eastern and North-Eastern India.
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