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Bhattacharya Suggests Sixth Schedule Framework for Darjeeling Hills Solution
Asok Bhattacharya said Darjeeling’s political problem needs a lasting solution.
He suggested studying constitutional rules called the Sixth Schedule and Article 371.
These rules could provide greater protection and autonomy for the hills.
He said the wishes of hill residents should be respected.
His comments came after a new group demanded a separate state called Gorkhaland.
A previous Sixth Schedule proposal did not move forward after opposition in the hills.
Bhattacharya also said the status of 11 Gorkha communities should be part of the discussion.
He believes young people should have an important role in shaping the region’s future.
Former West Bengal minister Asok Bhattacharya proposed examining the Sixth Schedule and Article 371 for Darjeeling Hills.
He said the region’s aspirations should be respected while pursuing a permanent solution through discussion and constitutional means.
His remarks followed the formation of the Gorkhaland Sangram Party, which directly demands a separate Gorkhaland.
Bhattacharya said past proposals to bring Darjeeling under the Sixth Schedule stalled after opposition emerged in the hills.
He also called for considering tribal status for 11 Gorkha communities and the aspirations of younger people.
- Who
- Former West Bengal minister and former Siliguri mayor Asok Bhattacharya, along with the newly formed Gorkhaland Sangram Party.
- What
- Bhattacharya proposed examining the Sixth Schedule, Article 371 and expanded autonomy as possible frameworks for a permanent Darjeeling Hills settlement.
- Where
- At a press conference in Siliguri, concerning the Darjeeling Hills.
- When
- Monday; his remarks came one day after the Gorkhaland Sangram Party was formed.
- Why
- To address the long-standing political aspirations and questions involving identity, land, tribal status and constitutional protection in the hills.
Constitutional Autonomy
Separate Gorkhaland
Political arrangement
Constitutional Autonomy
Asok Bhattacharya said Darjeeling’s issue could be addressed through the Sixth Schedule, Article 371 and extensive autonomy within the constitutional framework.
Separate Gorkhaland
The Gorkhaland Sangram Party was formed with a direct demand for a separate Gorkhaland.
Path to a settlement
Constitutional Autonomy
Bhattacharya advocated discussion and examination of constitutional options as part of the ongoing process for a permanent political solution.
Separate Gorkhaland
The Gorkhaland demand represents a separate political objective rather than the autonomy-based framework proposed by Bhattacharya.
Key facts
- Speaker
- Asok Bhattacharya, former West Bengal minister and former Siliguri mayor
- Proposed framework
- The Sixth Schedule, Article 371 and the highest possible degree of autonomy
- New political outfit
- Gorkhaland Sangram Party
- Party demand
- A separate Gorkhaland
- Earlier Sixth Schedule process
- A parliamentary Standing Committee headed by former Union Minister Sushma Swaraj examined the proposal
- Communities mentioned
- Eleven Gorkha communities whose tribal-status question could be considered
- Current process
- An interlocutor and a committee are examining the aspirations and issues of the Gorkha people
Quotes
Asok Bhattacharya
Former West Bengal minister and former Siliguri mayor
“I respect the aspirations of the people of the hills. But the issue needs to be resolved”
thestatesman.com
Sources
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