In a decisive move towards bolstering higher education and facilitating regional development, Member of Parliament Raju Bista presented a significant Private Member’s Bill today. The bill, aimed at establishing a Central University in Darjeeling, holds the promise of transforming the educational landscape of the region.
Highlighting the pressing need for a robust higher education institution in the area, MP Raju Bista emphasized that Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong have a rich history of housing some of India’s oldest and most prestigious schools. Recent years have witnessed remarkable progress in school education in Siliguri and Mirik as well. However, the absence of esteemed institutes for advanced learning has led to a considerable brain drain, with the brightest minds from the Darjeeling hills, Siliguri, Terai, and Dooars region seeking opportunities elsewhere.
The establishment of a Central University in Darjeeling, according to Bista, aligns perfectly with the aspirations and demands of the local population. By creating a hub for higher and technical education, the region can not only fulfill its own educational needs but also emerge as a prominent center of learning in South and South East Asia. This visionary step resonates deeply with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Act East Policy,’ serving as a catalyst for stronger ties between India and its neighboring nations.
Furthermore, Bista underscored that the proposed Central University will play a pivotal role in addressing the educational aspirations of the region’s youth, fostering their growth and development. This institution holds the potential to be a driving force in the comprehensive and planned progress of North Bengal. With a sense of urgency, MP Raju Bista submitted the Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2022, in Parliament today, reflecting his steadfast belief that an expeditious establishment of the Central University in Darjeeling will secure a brighter future for the region’s youth. Anticipating a responsive approach from the government, Bista expressed hope that the establishment of the Central University in Darjeeling, along with crucial announcements pertaining to permanent political solution and 11 Gorkha ST issues, will be prioritized for the holistic development of the region.
Dr G S Yonzone
For all round development of the Darjeeling hill region and its people, I, as an educationist, had initiated the move to have a Central University in Darjeeling a round the year 2000. That dream is now going to be realized after Shri Raju Bista introduced a private bill in the Parliament after more than 2 decades of valuable time. West Bengal has about 40 universities including research institues but not a single university in the hill region even after independence. I am greatly thankful to Shri Raju Bista, the Darjeeling M P for doing the all important job.