Rs 640cr to GTA for hill projects

PRANESH SARKAR, TT, Calcutta: The Bengal government has decided to allot about Rs 640 crore to the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) to undertake development projects in the hills.

"The government has approved the release of the funds.... The first allotment will soon reach the GTA, which is being run by a board of administrators," said an official.

Officials said the development projects would include construction of roads, buildings and other structures like bus stand, and installing drinking water facilities. Besides, a significant amount would be spent to relaunch the 100 days' rural job scheme.

Government sources said the move was an important step towards cornering Bimal Gurung further and strengthen the support base of Binay Tamang.

"In the rural areas, people will get work under the 100 days' scheme and many would be engaged in the urban areas while implementing development projects. This will help local people earn a livelihood after months and strengthen the support base of Tamang," said another official.

Sources said top bureaucrats believed that once people started earning money from the projects, they would gradually tilt towards the administration and it would make it difficult for Gurung to influence them against the government.