North Bengal Tribal Council Demands Separate Administration

The Uttar Banga Adivasi Bikash Parishad has started preparations for a movement demanding an Adivasi Territorial Administration for the Dooars and Terai regions. The organization held a steering committee meeting in Nagrakata to discuss this demand. The council has already submitted a written request to the state government regarding this issue on July 24.

Focus on Adivasi Development

Kiran Kalindi, the coordinator of the council, stated that the development of the tribal community in tea garden areas remains incomplete. He noted that the socio-economic condition of these residents continues to be weak. The organization believes that a separate administrative system is necessary to ensure the real development of the tribal society.

Reference to Existing Administrative Models

While welcoming the efforts of the central and state governments to find a permanent political solution for the hills, the council highlighted the needs of 50 lakh people living in 446 tribal-majority mouzas. Senior leader Chandan Lohar explained that these areas are already identified under the Integrated Tribal Development Program (ITDP). The council is demanding a system similar to the Bodo Territorial Council in Assam or the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration in the Darjeeling hills to protect the language, culture, education, and livelihood of the local tribes.

Additional Demands for Tribal Welfare

During the meeting, the organization also raised several other key demands for the region. These include bringing tea garden workers under the minimum wage structure within six months and taking strict administrative action to stop illegal occupation of tribal land. Furthermore, the council has requested the establishment of an Eklavya Model Residential School in every tribal-majority block and the expansion of scholarship programs for tribal students.