West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited North Bengal and the Darjeeling Hills on Tuesday, marking his first official visit to the region since assuming office. During a public meeting in Kurseong, he announced a comprehensive development roadmap aimed at improving infrastructure, employment opportunities, healthcare, education, tourism, and public services across North Bengal.
Addressing the gathering, Adhikari said he had come to the Hills “to work” and not as a tourist. He assured residents that all Central government welfare and development schemes would be implemented effectively in the region through cooperation between the Centre and the state government.
The Chief Minister announced plans to recruit around 1,000 youths into the Eastern Frontier Rifles (EFR), with 30 percent of the posts reserved for women. He also promised transparent recruitment of teachers and police personnel in the coming months and said corruption in appointments would not be tolerated.
Adhikari further stated that his government would strengthen healthcare facilities by establishing a medical college in Kalimpong and upgrading hospitals in the Hills. He also outlined initiatives to improve education through smart classrooms, promote sports infrastructure, and revive closed tea gardens while boosting the global branding of Darjeeling tea.
The Chief Minister warned of strict action against corruption in the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) and reiterated his government’s commitment to transparent governance and inclusive development. He said the North Bengal roadmap would focus on roads, bridges, railway connectivity, tourism development, skill creation, and employment generation.
The visit is being seen as a significant step in the BJP government’s efforts to strengthen its presence in the Hills and accelerate development projects in North Bengal.
