Gorkhaland Territorial Administration takes over administration of Darjeeling hills

Darjeeling, Aug 4 (ANI): The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) took over the reins of the hilly region from the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council here on Saturday, marking a major step forward in the regional administration.

The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) president Bimal Gurung will head the first elected body of the GTA.

Members of the new hill council took oath in presence of Home Minister Sushil Shinde, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Railway Minister Mukul Roy.

West Bengal Governor M. K. Narayanan administered the oath to Gurung, while state Home Secretary Basudeb Banerjee administered oath to all other elected members.

The GTA has a 50-member seat, 45 elected and five nominated members.

Meanwhile Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde assured the GTA of all possible assistance from the Centre and the West Bengal government.

Extending her support to the new administration, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that tourism will be promoted in the region and a university will also be established. (ANI)