January 21, 2019
Mamata Banerjee inaugurats Uttarbanga Utsav 2019
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the annual Uttarbanga Utsav on today at Kanchenjunga Stadium in Siliguri. As part of it, week-long festivals will be held in all the eight districts of north Bengal.
Every year, Uttarbanga Utsav is celebrated to showcase local artistes and folk artistes of the eight districts of north Bengal. At the inaugural ceremony, meritorious students from the region were felicitated and Bango Ratna awards were handed over to one person from each of the eight districts.
Highlights of the Chief Minister’s speech:
After coming to power, we started organising Uttarbanga Utsav in 2012. We felicitate eminent citizens of the eight districts of north Bengal with Banga Ratna award.
In the past, no one used to visit north Bengal. I come here every 2-3 months and organise administrative review meetings. This never happened before.
We have set up a mini-Secretariat in north Bengal – Uttarkanya. We have also inaugurated Bhorer Aalo tourism project few days ago. After the new flyover is complete, it will take 45 minutes to go from Bagdogra to Bhorer Aalo.
Many new roads and bridges are coming up. A new road is being constructed, which will solve the issue of traffic in SIliguri.
There is a new tide in the cultural sphere of Bengal. Many people will visit north Bengal now. I love this land.
We have given recognition to Kamtapuri, Rajbongshi, Nepali, Urdu and Hindi. Two more Hindi colleges will be set up. A new Hindi University will be set up.
A new Hill University is coming up in Darjeeling. Education Hub is coming up at Kurseong. A new university is coming up at Alipurduar.
The work of Jalpaiguri Circuit Bench is complete but due to political reasons, Centre is not allowing it to be inaugurated.
Work for airport is going on at Malda. Air services will also begin at Balurghat and Cooch Behar.
I started many projects for north Bengal as Railway Minister. We have created a separate department for the region after coming to power.
North and South Bengal are like two sisters. We want everyone to prosper. I want you to live happily and in peace. I want the people of Hills to prosper.
We have done a lot of work, and will continue to do so. We believe in the politics of development.
