Bengal Governor Promises to Develop Border Villages

RAJESH SHARMA, EOI, ALIPURDUAR, MARCH 11, 2025 : Governor of West Bengal C.V. Ananda Bose on Tuesday underscored the importance of developing border villages while on a visit to Totopara in the Alipurduar district as part of the "Aamar Gram" programme organized by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). The SSB initiative aims to promote development in border areas and uplift tribal communities. People of the Toto community primarily reside in this locality.

"The Prime Minister told me that border areas should not be neglected. The people here have long been waiting for development, and I am here to understand their challenges and find solutions," he said.

The Governor assured the local community that Raj Bhavan would remain committed to the development of the area. He pledged to report the ground realities directly to the Prime Minister and ensure that the concerns of the Toto community were addressed.

"This is not just a border village; it is a cultural treasure. It is the government's duty to protect it and provide essential facilities like healthcare, education, and employment to the people here," he added.

Though the arrival of the Governor was delayed, a large number of Toto community members patiently waited for his arrival, reflecting their eagerness to discuss their concerns. Governor Bose assured the people of Totopara that special development projects would soon be introduced to address their challenges. He urged locals to directly communicate their problems to Raj Bhavan without hesitation.

"Raj Bhavan is yours. You can reach out to me anytime with your concerns. I will personally discuss this region’s development needs with the Prime Minister," he said.

Local residents expressed hope that the Governor’s visit would bring attention to the problems of the area at the highest level. Among the urgent needs of the village were employment opportunities, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities.

The visit, however, generated a political controversy, as the local MLA, panchayat representatives, and district council members were reportedly not informed about the event. This has led to speculation about growing tensions between Nabanna and Raj Bhavan in Kolkata.