GJM demands three-tier panchayat in Darjeeling Hills

The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha today demanded that the three-tier Panchayati Raj system be introduced in the Darjeeling Hills for access to funds for development, with the West Bengal government conveying that it required amendment to the Constitution.
"We need introduction of Panchayati Raj system in the Darjeeling Hills as per provisions in the MoA with the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration to access maximum possible funds under various development projects for the people," GJM General Secretary and GTA Sabha Executive Member Roshan Giri told reporters here after a tripartite agreement.
"However, it needs some amendment in the Constitution and we have been told by the Central team that the Attorney General will review our demand," Giri said.

Home Secretary Basudeb Banerjee said the demand for a three-tier Panchayati Raj system has been taken up by the Union Rural Development Ministry.
Banerjee said the GTA has already received Rs 165 crore of Rs 200 crore central funds promised earlier.
A team from industry bodies CII and ASSOCHAM would review GTA's demand for special subsidy for investment in the Darjeeling Hills, he said.

"Now development work will be expedited with the funds for the benefit of people in the hills," he said.
The GJM also demanded Backward Region Grant Funds and extra facilities, special grants and incentives for investment, besides waiver on taxes on the lines of the North Eastern Council, he said.

Giri said that the GJM wanted reserve forest areas of Darjeeling to be transfered to the GTA.
He said a central team comprising officials of the Union Home Ministry and the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests would soon visit the Hills to review this demand.