Teesta residents form NKVGS to pursue block demand

KALIMPONG

20 Nov 2013

Political parties in Teesta town and its surroundings have joined hands demanding the formation of a Block Development Office in town. Residents, along with party workers, have formed a ‘Nav Khand Vikas Gathan Samiti’ to take their demand before the government. The Samiti comprises parties such as the GJM, TMC, GNLF, CPRM and apolitical organisations such as the Biswakarma Samaj, Fulbari Sahitya Samiti, Workers Union, Nav Yuva Sikhar Sangathan, Pragati Samaj, Believer Church, Celan Christian Society, Forest Village Organisation, Mangar Samaj and Janmukti Workers Union. Samiti convener Krishna Budathoki today submitted a deputation to the Kalimpong SDO and BDO.

A team consisting of Budathoki, Dilip Prasad, Fulbari Sahitya Samiti secretary Vishal Rai, CPRM leader Santosh Pradhan and others met SDO Radhika Aiyer in her office and submitted a deputation demanding recognition of Teesta as a Block Development Centre. They have further demanded a merger of the Teesta Gram Panchayat, Takling (1) and (2) Gram Panchayats, Rambi Gram Panchayat and Lamahatta Gram Panchayat. The delegation members argued their area has facilities such as a primary health centre, higher secondary school and police station making it eligible to have a Block Development Centre. They added that as Kalimpong is located near Teesta, the latter’s residents can access it easily during times of emergency.

The SDO has assured to place the demands before higher authorities for necessary action. At the same time, team member Dilip Prasad warned the Samiti will start an agitation if the administration fails to come up with a positive decision.