CM’s claim on PHE funds countered by Darjeeling MP
The Statesman | 9 December 2025
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, at an administrative review meeting in Cooch Behar on Monday, alleged that the central government had not provided adequate funds for Public Health Engineering (PHE) projects, particularly for drinking water supply. Her remarks drew a prompt rebuttal from Darjeeling MP Raju Bista, who countered her claims by detailing the allocations made by the Centre.
Under AMRUT 2.0 (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation), the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has sanctioned Rs 196.97 crore for Kalimpong Municipality. The allocation includes a Rs 196.57-crore water supply scheme and a Rs 40-lakh green space development project for parks.
The water supply scheme Is expected to significantly ease Kalimpong’s longstanding crisis, while the green space initiative aims to enhance civic amenities and improve living conditions.
At the same time, Mr Bista raised concerns about the governance structure in the hills, pointing out that the municipalities of Kalimpong, Kurseong and Mirik have not been administered by elected bodies for over three years. “It is unfortunate that these municipalities are being run by unelected, state-nominated individuals,” he said.
He further remarked that this arrangement “runs contrary to the democratic ethos of the nation” and violates constitutional provisions. Citing Article 243U(1)—which mandates a five-year tenure for municipalities—and Article 243U(3)—which requires elections before the end of that term—Mr Bista said the prolonged delay undermines political representation and the constitutional rights of the people of the Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars.
Assuring corrective measures, he said: “When the BJP forms the government in Bengal, we will ensure timely elections to all municipalities and panchayats across the region and the state. We will restore the ‘rule of law’ and end the ‘rule of the ruler’ system put in place by the Trinamul Congress.”