CM to inaugurate third Uttarbanga Utsav

SNS, Siliguri, 3 December 2013: The chief minister, Miss Mamata Banerjee would inaugurate the third Uttarbanga Utsav, beginning from 20 January next, at Kanchenjunga stadium in Siliguri. The event will continue till 26 January. The chief minister is also expected to inaugurate the mini-secretariat at Kamrangaguri on 20 January next.

The north Bengal development minister, Mr Gautam Deb, said North Dinajpur and Malda would be the theme districts of the festival this time. “This time, the event would cover 17 places.

Like the previous one, 100 clubs based in north Bengal would get Rs 50,000 each. Fifteen more clubs from Malda would also receive the same amount. This time, 100 meritorious students would get Rs 10,000 each. The cultural activities, including musical programmes, plays and jatras, would be staged in course of the festival," Mr Deb said in Siliguri today.

He said the chief minister would select the recipients of ‘Banga Samman’ awards.

A documentary on north Bengal made by the eminent filmmaker, Mr Goutam Ghose, might be screened during the festival, he said. Mr Deb further said the information and cultural affairs department would organise programmes in the Darjeeling Hills. The Birsa Munda football tournament, volley ball, T-20 cricket tournament, sit and draw competitions would also be organised as parts of the festival, the minister added.