Union Home Minister Amit Shah likely to visit Darjeeling Hills between late August and early October, says Raju Bista

Darjeeling MP Raju Bista said Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to visit the Hills between late August and the first week of October. Bista made the remarks while speaking at Mungpoo, where he also joined Labour and Transport Minister Arjun Singh to review initiatives being carried out by the Cinchona Directorate.

Political solution for Hills, Terai and Dooars discussed

Bista said progress is being made on the Permanent Political Solution (PPS) for the Hills, Terai and Dooars. He stressed that the political process should be handled locally rather than from Delhi. He also said the interlocutor appointed for the process has met the Bengal Chief Minister, and that the Home Minister recently met with the region’s leaders.

Administrative review of Cinchona Directorate

After the visit, an administrative review meeting of the Cinchona Directorate was held in the evening. The meeting was attended by the Labour Minister, Bista and departmental officials. The discussions focused on issues affecting workers in the Cinchona gardens.

According to Bista, the meeting covered matters such as the need to improve healthcare facilities, drinking water supply and housing. He also pointed to timely revision of wages, the non-payment of Dearness Allowance, and concerns about diversification and modernization of Cinchona plantations. The meeting also discussed appointments to vacant posts.

Bista said the Union Home Minister is likely to decide on the PPS through a visit to the Hills. He added that the alliance formed with other political outfits was meant to benefit people in the region, not only for elections. Arjun Singh, speaking to reporters later, said the officials’ review helped them see issues first-hand and that further development could benefit the country. He also said meetings are needed to work on implementation of minimum wages.