Gorkhaland movement successful, pact signed

New Delhi, Jul 18: The Gorkhaland movement comes to an end on Monday, Jul 18 following the historic pact that has been signed between Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, West Bengal government and centre for Gorkhaland Territorial Administration in Darjeeling.

The decision became a success after Home Minister P Chidambaram in CCPA meeting gave the go-ahead for Kolkata to sign the agreement with the concerned parties. Infact, it promised a full financial backing for the autonomous body - the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) - to administer the three hill sub-divisions of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong. It will get a special financial package of Rs. 600 crore from the Centre over three years for the development of hill regions.

The GTA will have full control over Tourism, Agriculture and Public Health. It can also appoint Group B, C and D employees. Only Group A employees are not included.

It will also have full control over the school and college teachers' commissions which deal with appointments.

CPM General Secretary Prakash Karat said the deal will spark violence and pave the way for the formation of a separate state of Gorkhaland. "We are not in agreement of the nature of the settlement or terms of the agreement," said Karat.

OneIndia News