Deb silence on the demand of a separate Siliguri district ...287 administrative posts for Kalimpong district

TT, Siliguri, Feb. 22: State tourism minister Gautam Deb today avoided a direct reply when asked whether the Darjeeling district (plains) unit of Trinamul supported the demand of a separate Siliguri district.

Deb who is also the Darjeeling district (plains) Trinamul president, said chief minister Mamata Banerjee felt that smaller administrative units were required for better and effective governance.

"Mamata Banerjee has been the chief minister for around six years and has announced as many as six new districts in the state, including Kalimpong and Alipurduar. She has also announced that Mirik will be a new subdivision," Deb said.

"The chief minister feels creation of smaller administrative units increases the effectiveness of administration. But simultaneously, creation of a new district means additional expenditure for the state government and permission from Calcutta High Court is also necessary. So, we can say whenever she felt the need to create a new district after considering relevant aspects, she took the decision," he added.

Deb also informed that the state cabinet had approved 287 administrative posts for the new Kalimpong district.