GJM wants Panchayati Raj in Darjeeling

The Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) today demanded the introduction of the three-tier Panchayati Raj system in Darjeeling.

After a tripartite meeting held here today with representatives of the state and the Central Government, GJM general secretary and a GTA Sabha executive member Roshan Giri told reporters that they want the three-tier Panchayati Raj system to be introduced in the Hills.

"We were told by the Central team that the Attorney General will review our demand," Giri said, adding that the GJM also wants the reserve forest areas of Darjeeling be transferred under GTA's control.

He said a Central team comprising officials of the Union Home Ministry and the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests would soon visit Darjeeling to review this demand.

The GJM leader also raised the issue of releasing jailed party members a well as withdrawal of cases against them.

"We want all cases against them be withdrawn and they should be released from prison. The state government has assured us of expediting the matter," Giri said.

In the education sector, they have sought establishment of a Central University as well as a National Institute of Technology (NIT) in the Hills for which land has already been identified by the GTA.

For the construction of an administrative building of the GTA and allied infrastructure, they have sought Rs 553 crore from the government, Giri said.

To get more funds, the GTA also wants Backward Region Grant Funds and extra facilities, special grants and incentives for investment on the lines of the Northeastern Council, he said.

After describing the tripartite meeting as cordial and fruitful, the GTA delegation met Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. State Home Secretary Basudeb Banerjee said a team from industry bodies CII and Assocham would review GTA's demand for special subsidy to draw investment.

Giri said they have got Rs 165 crore out of Rs 200 crore of central funds promised to them earlier. "Now development work will be expedited with these funds," he said.

The Central government was represented by additional secretary of Union Ministry of Home Affairs S K Tandon while the state was represented by Chief Secretary Sanjay Mitra and Home Secretary Basudeb Banerjee and other senior officials.