HM Reports

Kalimpong, Jan 15:
Bimal Gurung, the GTA chief Thursday said the GTA is ready to sit for a meeting with the Chief Minister when she visits the hills expectedly on January 19.
Speaking on the sidelines of a Krishi Mela being here, Gurung told journalists that in the recce he would maintain his protocol.

“Though I have no knowledge of her (read Mamata Bannerjee) visit to the hills but if she calls for a meeting with the GTA we are ready for it. It virtually depends on the Chief Minister whether to call the meeting or not but I will maintain my protocol,” said Gurung.

Gurung further proclaimed that he has no problems if the chief minister visits the hills with a motive to woe the communities who are seeking tribal status and board. “As far as the issue is concerned I have done my part of the job for the 10 communities who are deprived,” added Gurung without mentioning on what he has done for them.

It may be noted here that 10 Gorkha communities have demanded for a tribal status which excludes the scheduled castes. The demand for status and board popped up after the state government cleared the formation of Lepcha Tribal Board and Tamang Tribal Board under the backward class department. The chief minister herself had moved up to the hills on both the occasions to announce the formation of board.

However Gurung while maintaining his political status said that the GTA sabha has passed a resolution to issue Gorkha certificates to the Gorkhas scattered in India. “The certificate is an important document during recruitment in defence and other law enforcing departments. The GTA has passed a resolution to issue such certificates,” he said.

Besides Gurung stressed on the need for an elected body in the panchayats of the hills for the better governance and development of the rural areas. “An elected body can look after all the development bodies well and quickly,” he said adding that there are various central government projects that have to go through the block offices. “But the benefits are being curtailed,” he said.

260 beneficiaries from 13 different areas were provided with cheques of Rs.80,000 in installment from Hamro Ghar Yojana while remaining Rupees 80,000 will be given after the construction of their houses. Distribution of animals and saplings were also scheduled in the program.