North Bengal Development Roadmap Ready; Central Schemes to Reach Hills, Says Suvendu Adhikari

PTI, June 16, 2026, Kurseong : Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday said his government has prepared a comprehensive roadmap for the development of the state's northern region and assured people in the hills that the benefits of all Central schemes would reach them smoothly.

Adhikari also warned of action against corruption in the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), a statutory autonomous administrative body constituted for the governance and development of the Darjeeling region, and announced that recruitment of teachers and police personnel in the hills would begin within the next few months.

Addressing a public welfare camp here during his first visit to the hills after assuming office as Chief Minister, he said: "We are committed to the development of the hills. A comprehensive roadmap for the development of North Bengal has already been prepared."

The state government is committed to ensuring transparency in appointments and would not tolerate irregularities, Adhikari said at the programme, in which he was accorded a grand welcome.

Referring to alleged irregularities in teacher recruitment through the GTA, the CM invoked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's slogan: "Na khaunga, na khane dunga" (I will neither indulge in corruption nor allow others to do so).

"All instances of corruption will be investigated. Nobody will be spared," the Chief Minister said, reiterating his government's commitment to probing alleged recruitment irregularities in the hill body.

Adhikari announced large-scale recruitment in the police force and teaching positions would be undertaken soon.

"Within the next few months, there will be major recruitment in the police department. Teachers will also be recruited, and the entire process will be conducted transparently," he said.

Launching a sharp attack on the previous Trinamool Congress government, Adhikari alleged that appointments were not carried out properly during its tenure.

"The former Chief Minister used to visit the hills only as a tourist. I have not come here as a tourist; I have come here to work," he said.

Adhikari also assured the residents that all benefits of the double-engine government and Central welfare schemes would reach the people of the hills.

"Everything will be implemented gradually. The Centre and the state government will work together on this. You can remain assured," Adhikari said.

The CM also asserted that transparency would be maintained in government appointments and recruitment.

"There will be no corruption in recruitment anymore," he told the gathering.

Speaking at the programme, he outlined a series of development initiatives for the Darjeeling hills, including the establishment of a medical college in Kalimpong, fresh police recruitment and expansion of sports infrastructure, during his first visit to Kurseong after assuming office.

"Recruitment to the police force would begin within a month, with 33 per cent of the posts reserved for women," Adhikari said.

The Chief Minister also said work under the VB-GRAM G scheme would begin in panchayat areas from July 1, providing 125 days of employment.

The Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Grameen) Act, or VB-GRAM G, replaced the MGNREGA enacted by the UPA government in 2005.

Adhikari said his government was committed to inclusive development and would work to strengthen infrastructure, employment opportunities and public services across North Bengal.