News Desk: Darjeeling MP Raju Bista raised serious concerns in Parliament regarding the West Bengal Government’s flawed land policy, corruption, and mismanagement.
He criticized the state’s recent gazette notification allowing 30% of tea garden land to be diverted for non-tea purposes, warning it violates multiple laws and threatens the livelihood of indigenous communities in Darjeeling Hills, Terai, and Dooars. Bista warned of protests if the policy is not withdrawn.
MP Bista also highlighted corruption in implementing Central schemes, accusing the state government of misusing ₹2,500 crore allocated under the Jal Jeevan Mission and raised concerns about possible fund misuse in the ₹2,000 crore AMRUT scheme for drinking water projects.
Bista further alleged that ₹1,200 crore from the Disaster Relief Fund was misappropriated, leaving Teesta flood victims without adequate support.
Despite the Centre’s generous financial support, including ₹96,812 crore for FY 2024-25 and ₹1.07 lakh crore for FY 2025-26, Bista accused the state government of failing to deliver benefits to the people.
He urged the Union Government to intervene and ensure funds reach their rightful beneficiaries.