CPRM dissatisfied with GTA demarcation, demands inclusion of Kali Jhora under Kalimpong Block I

 KALIMPONG, June 08: The representatives of the Communist Party of Revolutionary Marxist (CPRM), Kali Jhora Branch today under the leadership of the Gorkha Krantikari Yuva Morcha (GKYM) General Secretary, Arun Ghatani submitted a memorandum to the Sub Divisional Officer, LN Sherpa appealing the Kali Jhora area to include under the Kalimpong Block I. It may recalled that under the Darjeeling District Jurisdiction, Kali Jhora was once known as a picnic spot, whereas in recent times it is known because of the NHPC’s Power Projects.

 After a long struggle by the resident of Kali Jhora, the area in 1994 was included in an administrative way under the Champasari Gram Panchayat, Matigara Block, Siliguri Sub Division after a notice issued by the Panchayat Department. This was done in order for the public to gain equal Governmental and administrative facilities. But after the Panchayat elections under the Siliguri Sub Division in 1994, 1999 and 2004, suddenly in 2009 it was separated taking the area back in its old self. Only a Police Station was established in the name of Administration and the Matigara Block only looked after the matters regarding elections. The residents of Kali Jhora have now become like children without any guardians. 

These people have not been given Birth Certificates, Residential Certificates, Old Age Pensions, ST/ SC Certificates and MGNREGA Job Cards till date. During the 9/ 18 earthquake, 70% of the houses in this area have been massively affected but nobody visited the place for any kind of survey neither from the Block or the Panchayat. Hence, the public are compelled to live in these damaged houses. According to the recent Gorkha Territorial Administration (GTA) demarcation, the Kali Jhora area has been included in Sitog III Gram Panchayat under Kurseong Sub Division. The CPRM much disappointed with the decision has opposed to it. They complain that it takes 3 hours to reach Sitog Panchayat Office and also if looked geographically the road connectivity is not good. Therefore, they demand the Kali Jhora area to be included in Teesta Gram Panchayat under National Highway (NH) 31A, as it would be of much convenience for the people. With more than 500 votes, the area with a population of more than 1000 people recommends that if in the future if full Panchayat demarcation is done, then a Panchayat should be formed taking the Kali Jhora, 10th Mile, Sevoke, Mungpong, Karmath, Birik and 20th Mile areas under it.