A storm is brewing in the political and educational corridors of Darjeeling and Kalimpong after allegations emerged that the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has grossly underutilised funds allocated under the Central Government’s flagship Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) scheme.
Though Rs 560 crore was allocated for improving school infrastructure in the two hill districts between 2019–20 and 2024–25, only Rs 152 crore has reportedly been spent. The rest amount, Rs 408 crore, remained unutilised. According to data sourced from the Sarva Shiksha Mission, Darjeeling district spent only 42.75 per cent of its Rs 308 crore allocation, while Kalimpong utilised a mere 8.45 per cent of its Rs 251 crore funding. In sharp contrast, the Siliguri Education District has allegedly spent Rs 461 crore—which is 75 per cent more than its total allocation of Rs 262 crore.
The issue was raised in Parliament by Darjeeling BJP MP Raju Bista, who cited figures provided by Union Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary. “The number of schools in the hills is not less than the plains. Yet, the GTA has failed miserably to utilise funds meant for improving education infrastructure. This negligence has directly deprived students in the region,” Bista said.
He further alleged, “I suspect that the state government is deliberately diverting funds meant for the hills. The GTA must be held accountable for this failure.” Reacting sharply, GTA spokesperson Shaktiprasad Sharma dismissed the MP’s claims, calling them baseless and politically motivated. “The data presented in Delhi does not reflect ground realities,” he stated.
Also Read: Bengal plans new hill township to ease overcrowding in Darjeeling
A GTA education department official, requesting anonymity, claimed that the SSA funds have not been routed directly to the GTA in the last two years. “We send proposals and bills for infrastructure improvements to the state government, which then releases the funds. Where the MP is getting these figures from, we don’t know,” the official said.
TMC’s leader in the hills Shanta Chhetri echoed the sentiment. “The central government does not release funds on time. The state government, under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, is working hard to develop the hills, especially in education,” she said.
Also Read: Wheel and reel: Darjeeling toy trains offer film bonanza
Amid the political sparring, education experts expressed concern over the situation. North Bengal University Professor Samar Chakraborty said, “This underutilisation is unfortunate. If SSA funds are not being used properly, it will negatively impact students, especially in remote hill areas. Timely and efficient spending in the education sector is essential.”
The SSA aims to improve school infrastructure through the construction of classrooms, toilets, provision of clean drinking water, ICT labs, smart classrooms and teacher training. The failure to implement these goals in the hills, despite consistent funding, has left educators, parents, and political observers questioning administrative intent and efficiency.
With fresh questions being raised over both fund allocation and disbursement, pressure is mounting on the GTA and state authorities to provide transparency, ensure timely expenditure and deliver on promises made to students in the region.
Also Read: Monsoon fails North Bengal; tea industry takes major hit
Follow us
