Today, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista met with the Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment, Thawarchand Gehlot Ji to discuss various schemes and opportunities that can be availed by the people of Darjeeling.
During the meeting, MP Bista highlighted the need to facilitate Divyangjan of the region with their needs of day-to-day living and generate avenues for their Socio-economic development. MP Bista requested for assistance under Disability Schemes in the town centres of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong and Siliguri which the Divyangjan communities can avail.
The Hon’ble Minister agreed to initiate the identification process and collection of data from the region, after which assistance can be provided to the beneficiaries.
In another representation, MP Bista requested the Hon’ble Minister to set up hostels for SC, OBC, EBC and Minority students in the region under Babu Jagjivan Ram Chatrawas Yojana.
Commenting on the issue, MP Bista said “Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts lie in the mountain region, so it is very difficult for the students to travel long distances to study and for a college education. Hostels around these study centres will help students, especially from the tea gardens areas to continue their higher studies.”
The Hon’ble Minister took cognizance of the issues raised by the MP and assured that the Ministry will look into the matter.
That’s a nice proposal. In one of the hostels , rooftop solar panels can be installed , rain water harvesting facility, a bio waste compost pit and an organic kitchen garden should be there. This can be a pilot for promoting green buildings in the region and a pilot for sustainability for the students residing in the hostel.