February 11, 2012
Focus will be on tea, tourism and cottage industry, announces CM in North Bengal
Feb10, Siliguri: While stressing on tea, tourism and cottage industry, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced several projects for the development of several districts in north Bengal.
"A Master Plan is in the process for the development of the tourism industry in north Bengal especially Darjeeling, Terai and Dooars," the Chief Minister said.
"We will also look into the development of the cottage industries. Our focus will be on tea, tourism and cottage industry."
"We do not want any division (between the hills and the plains). But we want unity among the hills and the plains. I do not support separatists," Ms. Banerjee said while inaugurating the week-long North Bengal Utsav.
She said hydrolytic power projects on Rangit and Teesta worth Rs 2000 crore will be set up while another similar project will come up at Siliguri at a cost of Rs 103 crore. A film city, 11 ITI and polytechnic colleges will be set up in north Bengal districts. The state government has earmarked Rs 10 crore for up-gradation and development of North Bengal Medical College and Hospital. The state government has emphasized on tea and tourism industry in the state. A Nepali academy will be set up in Mongpu while money will be sanctioned for development of Jalpaiguri sports complex.
Healthcare institutions will be set up in four backward districts in North Bengal while one IT hub will come up at Matigara.
Legendary Indian footballer Baichung Bhutia was among the 10 luminaries from diverse fields honoured with the inaugural Banga-Samman award by the West Bengal government Friday. The award is in recognition of their contribution to arts, culture, music and sports. he other achievers honoured were renowned poet Joy Goswami, actress Sandhya Roy, actor Chiranjit Chakroborty, Singer Nachiketa, athlete Hari Shankar Rai, theatre personality Hari Madhab Mukhopadhyay, writer Indra Bahadur Rai and theatre personality Bibhas Chakroborty.
"We are proud to give this award. Film director Anjan Dutta will also get this award. We congratulate all of them. The entire Bengal is proud of them," said the Chief Minister in her address.
Ms. Banerjee today also laid the foundation stone of Rajbangshi academy to be set up at Victor Palace in Coochbehar. She announced that an office of minority department will be set up at Jalpaiguri.
