DARJEELING, :Gorkhaland
Territorial Administration (GTA) chief executive AnitThapa today hinted at a
shower of “good news” for the hills in the coming days, though he did not
disclose specifics.
Speaking
to reporters during his visit to the closed Mangarjung tea garden in Mirik,
Thapasaid, “There is a lot of good news coming for the hills. We have put
forward our demand for ZilaParishads in Kalimpong and Darjeeling districts and
discussions are progressing. We believe that once established, the GTA will
become a more powerful autonomous body, positioned above
the ZilaParishads.”
He
added that while ZilaParishads exist across the country, they are absent in the
region. “We are not receiving what we rightfully should. This is a priority
demand, and we are pushing ahead with it,” he added.
Additionally,
Thapa mentioned that the GTA had taken up the issue of backlog funds with the
State government, which has agreed to release them. The transfer of pending
administrative subjects to the GTA was also discussed, and he expressed
optimism about positive developments soon.
Thapa
also announced that the closed tea gardens under Bansal Company would soon
reopen under new ownership. He explained that the Bansal Company had defaulted
on bank loans, leading to the closure of its tea estates.
“We
have been in continuous discussions with banks and the government. A tender was
floated, and a bid has now been placed. We are hopeful that a reputed company
will soon take over these tea gardens, and negotiations with the bank are
underway. There is a strong possibility of reopening them soon,” he said.
On
the controversial policy allowing 30% of tea garden land to be used for non-tea
purposes, Thapa reiterated his opposition.
“I
was the first to raise this issue. The BGPM is against it, and has taken it up
with the government. Different leaders are protesting from here, but that alone
will not achieve anything. I feel they should also try and make the government
understand instead of shouting from hereengage directly with the government to
send a strong message,” he stated.
