Anit Thapa asks panchayat functionaries to understand proceedings

EOI, DARJEELING, JULY 24, 2024 :  Gorkhaland Territorial Administration Chairman Anit Thapa said on Wednesday it was important to understand and have the knowledge of the process and proceedings of administering the panchayati system to bring about holistic development. During the day, Thapa held a meeting with the gram panchayat and panchayat samiti members of the Darjeeling-Pulbazar block at Lal Kothi, the GTA headquarter to discuss the functioning of the rural bodies."Only asserting on developing the region is not enough.

As heads of the GP and PS members must have proper knowledge about the powers and functions. Members should be aware about the requirements, problems and the process to solve problems. This is very important," Thapa said. 

After a gap of two decades, the elections to the GP and PS were held in July 2023. Previously, only the GP was functioning in the hills by administrators appointed by the West Bengal Government; and without election." 

The Panchayati Raj has resumed in the Hills after decades. Panchayat plays an important role in the development of the region. The GTA is ours and we must run it efficiently. Therefore it is imperative that members of the GP and PS have proper knowledge of how to administer," said Thapa. 

Members of the opposition political parties also attended the meeting along with the ruling Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha dispensation that won the panchayat election.