February 12, 2019
Shanta Chhetri speaks on the demand for tribal status for 11 communities in Darjeeling
FULL TRANSCRIPT
Sir, there are many communities in Darjeeling Hills of West Bengal. Among them, the Hon. Chief Minister of West Bengal Government had recommended to the Centre hat 11 communities be given the tribal status. These communities have not yet been given the tribal status, Sir.
Before the 2014, Lok Sabha elections, the current Prime Minister – then Chief Minister of Gujarat – had come to Siliguri and assured the people of the Hills that the dream of Gorkhas was his dream. But even after four and a half years, the demand of Gorkhas, the sentiments of Gorkhas and 11 other communities remain unfulfilled. We want the Centre to give us the tribal status.
Also Sir, the Central Government is also not practicing federalism. The Centre is not completing the unfinished projects. Many works are pending. For example, the proposal to change the name of the State to Bangla is still not done.
Sir, funds are owed (to the State). Lastly, I want to mention that political violence is sponsored by them. So, I would like to thank you, Sir. Hope the Central Government will look into the matter soon.
