Bista takes up tea land diversion issue in Parliament

GANGTOK, : Darjeeling Lok Sabha MP Raju Bista on Tuesday took up the tea garden land diversion policy of the West Bengal government in the Parliament.

“Speaking in the Parliament today, I highlighted the important issues confronting our region. In particular, I informed the Parliament about the West Bengal government's flawed land policy, which could lead to the displacement of indigenous people in our Darjeeling Hills, Terai, and Dooars regions,” said Bista in a media statement.

The Darjeeling MP drew the attention of the house to the recent gazette notification issued by the West Bengal government, which has sanctioned diversion of 30% of tea garden land for non-tea purposes. This policy blatantly violates several State and Central laws, including the West Bengal Land Reforms Act, 1955, the Tea Act, 1953, and the West Bengal Estates Acquisition Act, 1953, he said.

“It is a direct attack on the "right to life and livelihood", as enshrined under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. I warned the West Bengal government that if this policy is allowed to stand, it will lead to massive protests in Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars. We will not permit further exploitation of our brothers and sisters who work in the tea gardens,” said Bista.

Bista also highlighted the alleged rampant corruption and inefficiency in the implementation of various Central government schemes in West Bengal. “I informed the Parliament about the Jal Jeevan Mission ghotala in our region, for which the Central Government has allocated nearly Rs 2500 crores. I have called for immediate action against those who have embezzled public funds meant for the welfare of the people,” he said.

“I also highlighted how the Central Government has allocated over Rs 2000 crore under AMRUT scheme to provide drinking water facilities to Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Mirik and Kurseong municipalities, and Siliguri Municipal Corporation. However, I shared my apprehension that even in this the ruling party in the State may indulge in Ghotala. Hence, I have requested for a close monitoring of the AMRUT sponsored schemes also in our region,” said Bista.

Bista maintained that the West Bengal government had gobbled up Rs 1200 crore Disaster Relief Fund sent by Centre, and not given any support to the victims of Teesta flood and disaster.

At the outset, the Darjeeling MP thanked the Union government for its continued support and for funding several developmental initiatives in the State and region. He also expressed gratitude for the Union government’s efforts in advancing various rail and highway projects, and for its significant investment in the development of Bagdogra Airport, which will boost connectivity in our region.

“However, despite the generous financial assistance from the Central government, the State government has failed to deliver the expected benefits to the people. It is critical that the State government be held accountable for its mismanagement and corruption. I once again urge the Union government to intervene and ensure that the rightful entitlements and resources are effectively directed to the people of our region,” said the Darjeeling MP.