West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, during an administrative meeting in Siliguri on Tuesday, made significant pledges to tea plantation workers in northern Bengal. Addressing the gathering, the Trinamool Congress supremo outlined her comprehensive plan of action for the region, emphasizing a commitment to invest Rs 24,000 crore in northern Bengal.
Mamata Banerjee announced a crucial initiative to grant land 'pattas' (deeds) to tea establishments across Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, and Alipurduar. She expressed a dedicated focus on empowering tea farmers by providing them with both land deeds and monetary assistance of Rs 1,20,000. This financial aid aims to facilitate the construction of houses for tea farmers. Additionally, Banerjee extended her promise of Rs 1,500 to workers employed in closed tea estates, recognizing the challenges faced by this segment of the workforce.
Highlighting the broader developmental vision for both northern and southern Bengal, Mamata Banerjee envisioned the regions as progressing towards a "universal" status. She outlined plans for the creation of an economic corridor in northern Bengal, emphasizing a commitment to infrastructural development.
In her address, Banerjee advocated for prioritizing education for girls, encouraging families to focus on their daughters' education rather than early marriage. She expressed a keen interest in enhancing skill training, boosting IT industries, and promoting tourism in North Bengal as part of her comprehensive development strategy.
Taking a critical stance against the Central government, Mamata Banerjee raised concerns about the alleged non-payment of dues to West Bengal. She declared her intention to seek a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 20 to address this issue and request the release of funds owed to the state.
In asserting her position, Banerjee questioned the rationale behind the Center's delay in disbursing funds and emphasized that she was visiting Delhi to ensure the retrieval of West Bengal's rightful dues. Her statements on this matter come ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, acknowledging the political significance of northern Bengal, where the BJP secured seven out of its 18 seats in the 2019 elections.
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