Darjeeling MP Raju Bista highlights long-pending issues of hills, Terai, and Dooars in Parliament

Bista highlighted the Absorbed Areas (Law) Act, 1954, which extended West Bengal state laws to the Darjeeling hills, Terai, and Dooars, regions previously governed under special administrative regimes such as Non-Regulated Areas, Scheduled Districts, and Partially Excluded Areas. He pointed out that despite formal integration, the people of these areas continue to wait for justice and equality.

He underscored that the Constitution guarantees equal rights, dignity, and justice to every citizen and praised the Central Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ensuring the constitutional promise of “nyay” reaches even the most neglected regions. However, he stressed that the people of Darjeeling hills, Terai, and Dooars are still awaiting a just solution respecting their identity, aspirations, and constitutional rights.

Bista acknowledged the Central Government’s intent to resolve these long-standing issues, citing the appointment of an interlocutor as a demonstration of commitment to dialogue and peaceful resolution. He highlighted challenges such as rapid demographic changes due to cross-border infiltration, exploitation of natural resources, lack of development, poor connectivity, limited economic progress, and scarce livelihood opportunities for youth.