As Alipurduar marks a decade since its establishment as a district on June 25, 2014, the celebrations were lively, featuring cake cutting, parades, and various events. Over these ten years, the district has undoubtedly seen significant development. The shining administrative building 'Duarskanya' stands tall, the Alipurduar sub-divisional court has been upgraded to a district court, and a new university has emerged around Alipurduar College. Additionally, the sub-divisional hospital has been transformed into a district hospital, and Falakata boasts a new super specialty hospital and municipality. The district police superintendent's office has also been established. By these metrics, Alipurduar's progress appears commendable. Yet, questions linger: has Alipurduar truly evolved into a fully functional district?
Such inquiries are not unwarranted. From the outset, discussions abounded regarding the formation of sub-divisions within Alipurduar and which areas they would encompass. Even before becoming a district, there were posters demanding Kamakhyaguri be made a sub-division. Subsequently, various groups have called for sub-divisions including Kamakhyaguri, Barobisha, Kumargram, Falakata, and Madarihat-Birpara. Proposals for sub-divisions involving Jaigaon, Kalchini, and Hasimara have also surfaced.
Despite a decade passing, Alipurduar has yet to gain any new sub-divisions. It remains, as it was when part of undivided Jalpaiguri district, with only one sub-division. While the state's 'Duare Sarkar' program brings administrative services directly to people's doorsteps at certain times of the year, for the rest of the time, residents from remote parts of the district must traverse forests, tea gardens, and rivers, covering long distances to reach the sub-divisional office for various administrative tasks. This arduous travel consumes entire days.
Questions are now being raised about how much longer the people of Alipurduar must endure such inconveniences. Former RSP MLA Nirmal Das has written to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on several occasions addressing these issues. Shouldn't leaders from the ruling Trinamool Congress and the main opposition party, the BJP, also push for these demands to be met by the state government? The residents of Alipurduar have the right to ask what they have gained in these ten years despite numerous elections, promises, and political parties' claims of development.
Q&A
Q: When was Alipurduar established as a district?
A: Alipurduar was established as a district on June 25, 2014.
Q: What are some significant developments in Alipurduar over the past ten years?
A: Significant developments include the construction of the administrative building 'Duarskanya,' the upgrade of the sub-divisional court to a district court, the establishment of a new university around Alipurduar College, the transformation of the sub-divisional hospital into a district hospital, and the creation of a super specialty hospital and municipality in Falakata. Additionally, the district police superintendent's office has been established.
Q: What major infrastructural or administrative gaps still exist in Alipurduar?
A: Despite the progress, Alipurduar still lacks new sub-divisions. It remains with only one sub-division, as it was before becoming a district. This leads to significant inconvenience for residents who must travel long distances for administrative tasks.
Q: Why are residents of Alipurduar facing difficulties with administrative tasks?
A: Residents from remote parts of the district must traverse forests, tea gardens, and rivers, covering long distances to reach the sub-divisional office. This extensive travel consumes entire days and causes significant inconvenience.
Q: Have there been demands for the creation of new sub-divisions within Alipurduar?
A: Yes, there have been multiple demands and discussions about creating new sub-divisions, including areas like Kamakhyaguri, Barobisha, Kumargram, Falakata, Madarihat-Birpara, Jaigaon, Kalchini, and Hasimara.
Q: What initiatives have been taken by the state government to address these issues?
A: The 'Duare Sarkar' program is an initiative where administrative services are brought directly to the people's doorsteps at certain times of the year. However, this is not a year-round solution.
Q: Have local political leaders addressed the administrative challenges faced by residents?
A: Former RSP MLA Nirmal Das has written to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regarding these issues. However, there is a call for leaders from both the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition BJP to more actively push for solutions from the state government.
Q: What do the residents of Alipurduar hope for in the coming years?
A: Residents hope for the creation of new sub-divisions to ease administrative burdens, improved infrastructure, and a greater focus on addressing the inconveniences they face. They seek tangible benefits from the promises and claims of development made by political parties over the past decade.
7:32 PM | 0
comments
.jpeg)
