Tamang takes charge as GTA board chairman

SNS, DARJEELING, 25 SEPTEMBER 2017: More than three months after elected leaders of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) resigned, along with GTA chief executive Bimal Gurung, Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha (GJMM) rebel leader Binay Tamang today took charge as the chairman of the administrative board Formed by the state government to run the Hill body.

Mr Tam ang, who was one of the GTA members who resinged in June, said today that one of the main focuses would be on making the GTA corruption free. He added that a special audit would also be conducted. The rebel leader took the charge after performing a puja and putting in a symbolic signature at around 10.30 a.m., followed by meeting with the board of administrators and then with departmental heads.

The chairman, who new sits in his new office, where the GNLF leader Subash Ghisingh also sat as the administrator of the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) at one point of time, said: "The board of administrators will run the GTA according to the notification that was out on 20 September. The board will run the GTA till the next elections are held or any other settlement is made.

Of the nine members of the board, the state government appointed two - one is the GNLF president Mann Ghisingh and Darjeeling MLA Amar Singh Rai - who did not turn up to take up their posts.

Another rebel Morcha leader Anit Thapa also took charge as the vice-chairman, and he sat in the office where Mr Gurung used to sit earlier. Other executive members like Anu Chettri, Jaitun Khatoon, LB Rai, Sanchabir Subba along with principal secretary Barun Roy, also took charge.

'Our focus will be good governance with zero corruption and goodwork culture so that people can benefit from it. We will take action against anyone engaged in corrupt practices," said Mr Tamang.

All GTA offices along with hospitals will have the biometric system installed for better work culture, he added.

The new chairman also said that sectors like health, drinking water, education and tourism would he given priority. He added that no new roads would be built, but the existing ones would be made better. A five member advisory committee consisting of open panels will also be formed to help the GTA function properly.

Asked about the funds for the different projects, Mr Tamang said, first see how much of the earlier funds have remained and try to utilise them,and if needed we will approach the government."

The new chairman asked the departmental heads to submit reports of the projects completed, ongoing or proposed, along with the GTA financial report till 10 October. "Whatever financial transactions that has taken place till September,the board will not be be liable for it. Mr Tamang said. Also, Mr Tamang has sought reports on the GTA assets and property and those damaged in the ongoing agitation.

"Bhanu bhawan is under the CID now and it has offices of the GTA and I have asked the principal secretary to talk to the state government to hand it over to the GTA," said Mr Tamang.

Asked if the  GTA would be able to function with some departments yet to be transferred by the state, Mr Tamang responded, "Apart from being the chairman of the GTA board of administrators, I am also continuing the agitation for Gorkhaland which is a permanent solution. We are running the GTA only till we have the demand met,so we will not go into issues like transfer of departments."

The GTA would start functioning fully from 9 October.