Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced a series of development and welfare measures for Kalimpong, including a new medical college, housing for homeless families and expanded healthcare coverage.
The announcements came during an administrative review meeting for Kalimpong, which the Chief Minister addressed virtually from Siliguri after his helicopter could not land in the hill district due to poor weather.
Medical College Planned for Kalimpong
The state government plans to establish a medical college in Kalimpong, with the foundation stone expected to be laid during the Chief Minister’s next visit.
Adhikari said the Health Secretary had been instructed to complete the required financial approval process for the project, describing it as a major development initiative for the people of Kalimpong.
The medical college is expected to strengthen access to higher medical education and healthcare facilities in the hill district.
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Healthcare and Financial Support Expanded
The Chief Minister said 1.15 lakh Ayushman Bharat cards have been activated in Kalimpong against a target of 2.18 lakh.
Residents who remain outside the Central health scheme will be covered under the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme, which provides free treatment up to ₹5 lakh.
The government has also reported financial support for women under the Annapurna Yojana. Around 15,000 women in Kalimpong are receiving ₹3,000 per month, with the next instalment scheduled to be credited directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts on September 17.
Houses for 8,325 Homeless Families
Housing support is another major part of the government’s Kalimpong plans.
The state has announced that 8,325 land-owning homeless families in the district will receive houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana within the next six months.
The move is aimed at providing permanent housing to eligible families and improving basic living conditions in the hill region.
Action Promised Over Alleged Corruption
The Chief Minister also raised concerns over alleged financial irregularities in the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA).
An inquiry committee headed by retired Justice Biswajit Basu has begun examining the allegations. The issues reportedly include recruitment of more than 400 teachers, the use of funds for the Amrut drinking water project and finances related to 11 boards working for tribal communities in the Hills.
Adhikari said those found guilty after the inquiry would face action and that allegedly misappropriated government funds would be recovered.
He also announced that Smrutiranjan Mohanty, principal secretary of the GTA, would serve as administrator of the hill body.
Tea Workers and Hill Development
The government also announced a 20 per cent Puja bonus for tea workers this year and said steps would be taken to reopen closed tea gardens.
Adhikari said development in the Hills would continue across sectors, including tea gardens and tourism. He also referred to the Centre’s committee working towards a permanent political solution to issues concerning the Hills.
The Chief Minister said he would return to the region on October 6, with visits to Darjeeling and Kalimpong planned as part of his upcoming schedule.
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