Kalimpong, 27 December

The general public of Kalimpong,who want a fullfledged district, have welcomed the state government’s decision of amending the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) Act.

The local residents,businessmen along with others want the state government’s commitment of April 14th to be fulfilled.

Many were in favour of amendment of the Act but people who have knowledge of the GTA Act say that there are technical necessities to amend the Act.

Dipen Ghimiray of Bong Busti, regarding the amendment of the GTA Act 2011, said Section 2 (o) demands the immediate amendment, especially in the definition of region for which there should be a meeting between the GJMM and the state government - both at bureaucratic and political level.

He added if Kalimpong becomes a separate district then there should be appropriate representation from new Kalimpong district in the GTA Sabha,which is the foremost thing.

The number of 13 Sabhasads from Kalimpong should be increased, if not up to 32 then at least 25-30 representatives should be there, he added.

Meanwhile since an elaborate list of 59 subjects has been delegated to GTA the through Chapter 2 :Section 26 of this Act, GTA should be competent to make appointments to group A post.

There could be some technical problems in posts falling under the purview of the WBPSC (West Bengal Public Service Commission), but all the appointments in all non-PSC posts should be given to the GTA.For this Section 54 should be appropriately amended he added. 

Different projects (mentioned in the founding MoA of the GTA) which are not yet implemented should be completed as early as possible. Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha general secretary Roshan Giri has said it is necessary to amend GTA Act for Kalimpong district, he added. 

He said despite the fact that the GJMM’s demand to amend the GTA Act was raised with the state government many times but the latter didn’t hear the demand.

Meanwhile Jan Andolan Party (JAP) president Harka Bahadur Chhetri said it is fully necessary to amend the GTA Act. If any blockade comes from GTA for creation of Kalimpong district then it should be amended.He too demanded a separate Regional Transport Authority.

Mr Chhetri said the GJMM did nothing for Kalimpong district but when it was announced they burst crackers and welcomed the decision. Now if anything is required from the GTA they should come forward.