The GJM also submitted an estimate of Rs.553 crore for allocation of funds towards setting up GTA secretariat building
Expressing satisfaction over the tripartite meeting here Thursday on Darjeeling, the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) said it had demanded that the area be included in the Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF) and also sought extending to it the benefits available to the northeastern states.
Other "development" issues raised at the meeting with representatives of the central and state governments included implementation of the three-tier panchayat system, recruitment drive for hill youth into the army and paramilitary forces, withdrawal of cases against imprisoned GTA members and granting of Scheduled Tribe status to Gorkhas, except the Scheduled Castes.
"We discussed about the inclusion of Darjeeling hill in the BGRF and to extend benefits that are given to the northeast states. This is also being expedited by the government," GJM general secretary Roshan Giri told reporters here after the meet.
"The meeting was in a cordial atmosphere and good."
Giri said the state government has also forwarded a proposal to the central government for establishment of a central university in Darjeeling.
"Land has been identified for the proposed university as well as for a National Institute of Technology."
The GJM also submitted an estimate of Rs.553 crore for allocation of funds towards "setting up GTA secretariat building, GTA Sabha and residential quarters".
A committee would be constituted on waiver of taxes and incentives, he said, adding that GJM is expecting further tripartite talks in January.
Other "development" issues raised at the meeting with representatives of the central and state governments included implementation of the three-tier panchayat system, recruitment drive for hill youth into the army and paramilitary forces, withdrawal of cases against imprisoned GTA members and granting of Scheduled Tribe status to Gorkhas, except the Scheduled Castes.
"We discussed about the inclusion of Darjeeling hill in the BGRF and to extend benefits that are given to the northeast states. This is also being expedited by the government," GJM general secretary Roshan Giri told reporters here after the meet.
"The meeting was in a cordial atmosphere and good."
Giri said the state government has also forwarded a proposal to the central government for establishment of a central university in Darjeeling.
"Land has been identified for the proposed university as well as for a National Institute of Technology."
The GJM also submitted an estimate of Rs.553 crore for allocation of funds towards "setting up GTA secretariat building, GTA Sabha and residential quarters".
A committee would be constituted on waiver of taxes and incentives, he said, adding that GJM is expecting further tripartite talks in January.
GJM wants Panchayati Raj in Darjeeling
Kolkata.PTI: The Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) on Thursday 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 as 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 SK Tandon while the state was represented by Chief Secretary Sanjay Mitra and Home Secretary Basudeb Banerjee and other senior officials.
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 as 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 SK Tandon while the state was represented by Chief Secretary Sanjay Mitra and Home Secretary Basudeb Banerjee and other senior officials.
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