WHAT DARJEELING THOUGHT IN 2016 – Bengal is Thinking Now
On the 10th of July 2016, we had published an article warning our readers about the perils of mastic asphalt surfaces that was being laid…
On the 10th of July 2016, we had published an article warning our readers about the perils of mastic asphalt surfaces that was being laid…
“First they came for the Jews and I did not speak out – because I was not a Jew. Then they came for the communists…
Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leader Bimal Gurung yesterday alleged in the Supreme Court that the West Bengal government was trying to “effectively end” the movement…
TheDC was born ON 18th of Nov, 2013 . It was born at a tumultuous time, when the West Bengal government had banned all local news outlets following the Gorkhaland Andolan of 2013, and we did not have a collective platform reporting on local issues, from local perspectives. The narratives about our place, our people and the perspective about Gorkhas were being shaped by news that were mostly being reported from Kolkata, which were predominantly devoid of grounded truths
In the past 12-years, like a little kid growing up, we have seen Darjeeling Chronicle – the platform you all have cared for, shared, criticized, scolded, but above all loved – GROW.
Pedophile, derived from the Grrek (paîs, paidós), refers to an individual who is sexually attracted to women, especially young girls. This term has gained significant relevance amidst the growing issue of sexual violence and crime against women in India. Recently, the Supreme Court of India has been hearing a case concerning the brutal assault and murder of a junior female doctor in West Bengal, sparking widespread protests across the state.
HC observed: “Despite the constitutional mandate and the observation of the Supreme Court, we find that the State of West Bengal has not taken any action to hold elections and form Board of Councillors for Kurseong and Kalimpong municipalities, and Mirik notified area.”
The court directed the Principal Secretary of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs department to consider the representation of the petitioner and “take a proper and legal decision bearing in mind constitutional mandate and the Supreme Court decision”.
Not a single regular staff has been appointed by the Government of West Bengal so far! It has been functioning under the mercy of NBU and college teachers in and around the region. Why is there no full-time VC, Registrar, Finance Officer, Controller of Examinations, Librarians and faculty members in the university even after three years of its establishments. Why is the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration, the custodian of well-being of Darjeeling hills, not pushing and putting pressure on the state government?
Despite claims to contrary, it is clear that the BJP central leadership and also BJP West Bengal Unit have not been sincere towards Gorkha aspirations. So definitely they are not happy with Raju Bista constantly raking up the PPS and Gorkha ST issue. It makes them uncomfortable, when a youthful MP reminds them of their constant failure to address these issues. So they would rather have a “Maun-Mohan” than a “Modi” among their ranks. They would rather have someone who strictly toes the party line, and avoids contentious issues like PPS and Gorkha ST. Hence, there is a very strong rumor going around that BJP central leadership is seeking to replace Raju Bista with Harshavardhan Shringla.
The tea garden workers despite working for generations, are still deprived of their right to land – Parja Patta, they are paid less wages than what other workers, even unskilled labourers make in West Bengal, the facilities they are entitled to are rarely provided. Adding salt to their woes, the WB Govt has allowed the tea garden owners to build commercial real-estate labeling it “tea tourism”.
TheDC team sends a warm “Shout Out” to Sukriti Lama, a Scientist and In-Charge of the Siliguri Regional Laboratory, West Bengal State Pollution Control Board for being awarded as the “Best Performing Scientist” for environmental issues by the Department of Environment, Govt of WB.