Mamata announces comprehensive measures for north Bengal, including flood relief and Rajbanshi-medium schools

In addition to announcing efforts and financial support for Kalimpong villagers impacted by the terrible Teesta flash flood on October 4, chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday adopted a comprehensive strategy to address a number of issues pertaining to north Bengal.

She stated that fourteen Kalimpong locals lost their lives in the incident.

"It is my announcement that the families who have lost loved ones in the recent flash flood will receive a compensation of Rs 3 lakh," stated Mamata, who on Thursday also officially opened online Durga Puja pandals in many districts.

Ammunition and explosives belonging to the Indian army were washed out of Sikkim by the flash flood and discovered downstream of the Teesta in the districts of Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar in Bengal.

Picking up mortar shells from the river, the villagers on each side of them believed they could sell them.

One individual attempted to pry open a shell at Kranti Block. It detonated, killing his son and wounding him along with other others.

Mamata declared on Thursday that the boy's family will receive Rs 2 lakh in compensation, and that each injured person would receive Rs 1 lakh.

Cabinet session

The state cabinet met earlier in the day at the chief minister's home in Calcutta.

"At the meeting, it was determined that Golam Rabbani, Srikant Mahato, Sabina Yeasmin, and Satyajit Barman, four ministers, would travel to Kalimpong on October 17. There, they will spend three days camping and socializing with locals. During their stay, I will also be in the district. Following the meeting, Udayan Guha, the minister of development for north Bengal, stated that the state government would take the necessary action to resolve their issues.

Bratya Basu, the state minister of education, also made public a significant decision reached during the meeting.

There are 198 Rajbanshi-medium schools in North Bengal (which the state previously recognized). In these schools, it has been determined to hire 394 para-teachers and 385 non-teaching staff members, according to Basu.

In the districts of Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar, there are most of the schools.

A political analyst stated, "This decision will surely help Trinamul gain support in Rajbanshi-dominated belts at a time when the Center is silent on the demand that the language should be recognised."

According to him, the state's declaration of compensation and other efforts to assist the flood-affected residents of Kalimpong would have political ramifications. Unlike in Sikkim, the Center did not approve funding for Kalimpong following the catastrophe. Additionally, while an interministerial committee visited Sikkim, no delegation from the Centre made it to these places (in Bengal). However, the government of Bengal is assisting these individuals (in Kalimpong)," the observer stated.

The state resolved to create the new Dhupguri subdivision in Jalpaiguri during the cabinet meeting. Abhishek Banerjee, the general secretary of Trinamul, stated that the state would grant the locals of Dhupguri's long-standing demand prior to last month's bypoll.

Following the by-election, Mamata declared she will revisit the matter following her travel to the UAE and Spain.

"The plan was approved in the cabinet meeting today, Thursday. Blocks from Dhupguri and Banarhat, as well as the Dhupguri municipal area, will make up the new subdivision. We'll take all required action (for it) shortly, Mamata promised.