STATE GOVT’S RS 62-CR MASTER PLAN Initiated for development of agricultural areas

Debasis Bhowmik, EOI, Siliguri, 19 Oct 2013: The state government has initiated development projects worth Rs62 crore in the agriculture dominated blocks of North Bengal. North Bengal Development minister Gautam Deb today announced this at an event organised at the Phansidewa Panchayat Samiti hall while presenting bicycles to poor students. 

The minister said the Mahakuma Parishad, Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority and the North Bengal Development Department have jointly formulated a master plan especially for the development of roadways, healthcare and a market for farmers. 

As agriculture is the primary occupation of residents of the Phansidewa and Gharibari blocks, they face hardships from the absence of concrete roadways and related facilities. 

Deb said the blocks have not witnessed any progress since the country attained independence. He said a market would provide the farmers a platform to sell their finished products and help raise living standards. 

The minister further said the master plan includes the establishment of a degree college at the Ghoshpukur area to ensure students need not travel all the way to Siliguri or Bagdogra for higher education. 

Bicycles were handed out to some 200 students in the presence of additional district magistrate TP Sherpa, BDO Birupakkha Mitra and panchayat members.