GTA wants bifurcation of 9 blocks in hill areas of Bengal to 12

EOI, DARJEELING, NOVEMBER 28, 2023 :  The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration has sent a communication to the West Bengal government, seeking bifurcation of the existing nine blocks in the hills into 12 blocks for better administrative purpose and facilitating the common people. 

The issue of bifurcation of the blocks has been a long pending demand, given the topography and difficult terrains in the hills. 

On Tuesday, GTA chairman, Anit Thapa issued a statement saying he had sent a proposal to the Panchayat and Rural Development Department of the West Bengal government for bifurcation of the nine blocks of the hills. 

"A few months ago, I had communicated with the Secretary of the State Panchayat and Rural Development Department, proposing bifurcation of the nine hills blocks of the Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts into 12 blocks. I received positive response and hence I am taking forward the demand I have again written to the Panchayat and Rural Development Department Secretary," said Thapa. 

The GTA has proposed the bifurcation of the Gorubathan block of Kalimpong and Pulbazar and Jorebunglow-Sukhiapokhari blocks of Darjeeling. "

In the present situation, citizens have to traverse more then 68 km to reach their nearest block headquarter which defeats the very purpose of decentralization of powers. It is inconvenient and cumbersome and a burden to the people," said Thapa. 

There are a total of nine blocks and 112 gram panchayats in the hill areas of the districts of Darjeeling and Kalimpong. The Darjeeling- Pulbazar block has 23 gram panchayats, which is the highest in West Bengal. 

Besides convenience to the public, the GTA reasoned the bifurcation would have several important implications for local governance and rural development. 

"In the event of the bifurcation to 12 blocks, we will have efficient local governance, enhanced citizen participation, targeted development initiatives, improved accountability and transparency, customized decision making and empowerment of local communities," said the GTA chairman. 

Earlier this year, the State Government had conducted election to the gram panchayat and panchayat samity after a gap of over 23 years. However, unlike in other districts of West Bengal, there is no Zilla Parishad either in Darjeeling or in Kalimpong.