Shanta Chhetri wants decision to shift Gorkha Recruitment Depot from Darjeeling reversed

YAWAN GURUNG, EOI, MIRIK, FEBRUARY 3, 2023: In a letter to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Rajya Sabha member from West Bengal Shanta Chhetri has said that the Centre should reverse the decision to move the Gorkha Recruitment Depot from Jalapahar in Darjeeling.

She has said that the Gorkha Recruitment Depot in Jalapahar is one of the oldest military installations in the country, set up in the late 19th century. It had emerged as one of the most important Gorkha recruiting centres in British India during World War I and World War II. 

Till now, the depot has been providing newrecruits who have served the Gorkha regiment and the nation gloriously.

Besides, the military hospital at Lebong in Darjeeling is a heritage hospital which has turned into the lifeline for Gorkha soldiers residing in the hills of Darjeeling and for the retired Gorkha soldiers and their families.

The decision to move the Gorkha Recruitment Depot from Darjeeling has led to protest from Gorkha ex-servicemen in the hills. The Centre should desist from the removal of the recruitment depot in Jalapahar and the military hospital at Lebong in the interest of Gorkha soldiers and ex-servicemen