Bengal CM declares Kalimpong as 21st district of the State

14 Feb 2017: Today Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced Kalimpong as 21st district of the State.

“I am in the Hills because Kalimpong is becoming a new district. In April, Jhargram and Asansol will become districts,” she said on Monday.

The State Government recently created 15 development and cultural boards for different hill communities. The boards are to ensure all-round development of these communities.

On December 18, 2015, the West Bengal Cabinet gave a nod to the formation of Kalimpong district and Mirik sub-division.

At today’s public meeting, the CM laid the foundation stones several developmental projects including the development of Nature Interpretation Centre at Kalimpong, renovation of roads, Anjuman-E-Islamia Community Hall in Kurseong, Subhas Ghising Memorial Community Hall in Dow Hill, renovation of Raj Rajeshwari Hall in Kurseong, renovation of infrastructure in Naxalbari.

 

Excerpts of her speech:

Today is Kalimpong Day. I congratulate all of youPeople of Kalimpong wanted a new ray of light. Valentine’s Day has become Kalimpong Day nowFive years ago when I started coming to the Hills, I wanted to develop the Hills. We formed the GTAGTA and local municipalities have the power to carry out development in the Hills. I wanted to give extra supportWe formed 15 developmental boards. We have taken initiatives to promote tourismWe developed Morgan House, Hill Top tourism circuit. We have done a lot of work and will continue to do soKalimpong did not have full administrative support. People had to go all the way to Darjeeling for workWe are proud of our students. They are our assets. They are our futureWe will take up a new water supply project for KalimpongWe will develop the Kalimpong-Sikkim Silk Route at a cost of Rs 220 croreThose who indulge in violence do not want peace in the HillsWe don’t want violence in Hills.We believe unity is strength.Will not tolerate if someone tries to incite violenceThose who cannot fight us politically try to incite violence. We will not allow any violence between any communityHum Kalimpong ka unnati chahanche. Hum Maa-Behen ka izzat chahanche. Hum naujawan ke liye naukri chahanche

Source: http://aitcofficial.org/aitc/kalimpong-to-be-declared-a-district-today/