Chettri rues lack of Hill project under Centre scheme, under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme (SDS) of the Ministry of Tourism.

SNS, DARJEELING, 28 JULY 21 : Darjeeling's Rajya Sabha MP Shanta Chettri has said that the BJP was not concerned about the issues of the Hills, and that this was evident with the Centre not even having a project for development of Darjeeling under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme (SDS) of the Ministry of Tourism.

"In the questions I have raised in the Rajya Sabha in the ongoing parliamentary sessions, it is evident that the BJP cannot even have a project of the SDS for a place like Darjeeling, which is a popular tourism destination, leave alone grant tribal status to the 11 Gorkha communities," said the Trinamul Congress MP.

In a question she threw to the Union Tourism Ministry yesterday, she said, "Whether the Government was aware that Darjeeling is a renowned tourist destination in the country," and

"whether under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, any project has been earmarked for the Darjeeling region."

The answer from the Minister of Tourism G Kishan Reddy stated, "Darjeeling is a renowned tourist destination in the country. Development of tourism is primarily the responsibility of the concerned State Government /UT Administration," while also stating that the Ministry of Tourism under schemes of Swadesh Darshan -Integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits, PRASHAD National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive and Assistance to Central Agencies for tourism infrastructure development provides financial Assistance to the State Governments /UT Administrations/ Central Agencies for development of tourism infrastructure in the country."

The answer also states that there's no project under consideration for development of Darjeeling under the SDS.

"The BJP is only interested in gathering votes from this region and does nothing for the people here. The people have to understand this," Ms Chettri said.

MP was taken ill in Parliament, better now

Meanwhile, Ms Chettri fainted during the Parliament proceedings today after her blood pressure saw a "slight increase." According to her, she was rushed to the Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, where she underwent treatment and returned to the MP quarters, where she is presently better and taking rest.