Archive · 12 Nov 2025
MP Raju Bista Urges Governor's Intervention for Disaster Relief Funds and Audit
A Member of Parliament (MP) named Raju Bista has asked the state's Governor to help people affected by recent landslides and floods in the Darjeeling area.
The MP believes the state government is not doing enough to help these people.
He said the government hasn't even officially called it a 'disaster', which might be stopping the release of special money meant for emergencies.
This money, called SDRF, is partly paid for by the central government.
The MP also pointed out that there is a lot of money available in the state's disaster fund, but it's not being used for the victims or to fix damaged roads and bridges.
He wants the Governor to make sure the money is released and to have a big audit to check how all the disaster money is being spent.
Darjeeling MP Raju Bista has written to Governor Dr CV Ananda Bose seeking intervention for the release of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) allocations.
Bista has also requested a comprehensive audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) into the utilization of SDRF funds.
The MP alleges the state government has shown mismanagement and discrimination by not officially declaring the October 4-5 calamity a 'disaster'.
The October 4-5 calamity caused 33 deaths and widespread destruction in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, and Jalpaiguri districts.
Bista highlighted that the state has Rs 5,899.90 crore available in its SDRF account but has failed to provide adequate relief or reconstruction funds.
- Who
- Darjeeling MP Raju Bista and West Bengal Governor Dr CV Ananda Bose
- What
- MP Raju Bista has urged Governor CV Ananda Bose to intervene for the release of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) allocations and to initiate a CAG audit into fund utilization, alleging mismanagement and discrimination by the state government following recent floods and landslides.
- When
- MP Bista wrote to the Governor on Tuesday, following the October 4-5 calamity.
- Where
- Darjeeling hills, Terai, and Dooars regions of West Bengal
- Why
- To ensure victims receive relief and rehabilitation funds and to investigate alleged mismanagement and discrimination by the state government in fund utilization.
MP Raju Bista (BJP)
West Bengal State Government
Declaration of Disaster
MP Raju Bista (BJP)
Alleges the state government has not officially declared the October 4-5 calamity a 'disaster'.
West Bengal State Government
Has not officially declared the incident a 'disaster' (as stated by Bista).
Fund Utilization and Discrimination
MP Raju Bista (BJP)
Accuses the state government of mismanagement and discrimination against North Bengal, withholding SDRF funds despite their availability and not allocating resources for reconstruction.
West Bengal State Government
Maintains that funds are allocated to departments for repairing damage caused by natural disasters (as per CM Mamata Banerjee's previous statement, though not directly in this article).
Access to Central Relief
MP Raju Bista (BJP)
States that the failure to declare the event a disaster denies victims access to SDRF-backed relief, 75% of which is central government funded.
West Bengal State Government
Did not provide a direct rebuttal to this specific point in the article, but previously stated the Centre had not provided funds to the state and accused the BJP of spreading false information.
- Disaster Date
- October 4-5
- Disaster Type
- Landslides and Floods
- Fatalities
- 33
- Affected Districts
- Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, and Jalpaiguri
- Total SDRF Funds Available (as of April 1)
- Rs 5,899.90 crore
- SDRF First Installment (2025-26)
- Rs 655.60 crore
