Darjeeling Economic Development Council

06/09/2026

Mr. Thomas Gazmer, a Bamboo craftsman of Kalimpong in Darjeeling hills.

THOMAS: A CRAFTSMAN’S JOURNEYEvery craftsman has a story, and Tho...

15/08/2026

On this historic 80th Independence Day, the Darjeeling Economic Development Council extends warm greetings to all.

Let us honour the sacrifices of our freedom fighters and reaffirm our commitment to justice, liberty, equality and fraternity, while working together for a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive India.

Jai Hind! 🇮🇳

23/03/2026

PRESS RELEASE

Darjeeling Economic Development Council Seeks Accountability on Kurseong Ropeway Project

Darjeeling/Kurseong, March 2026:
The Darjeeling Economic Development Council (DEDC) has formally raised concerns regarding the long-pending ropeway project connecting Giddhey Pahar to Rohini Tourist Complex in Kurseong. In a letter addressed to the Principal Secretary of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), the Council has sought detailed clarification on financial, procedural, and administrative aspects of the project.

The ropeway project, originally envisaged as a major tourism and infrastructure initiative, has reportedly remained incomplete for a prolonged period. Recently, an E-bid and e-quotation notice was issued for the completion, operation, maintenance, and transfer of the project under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for a period of 30 years. This development has prompted the Council to question whether due diligence and mandatory procedures were followed prior to re-tendering.

In its communication, the Council has specifically sought information on:

- Whether the earlier contract was properly terminated or closed
- Whether a financial and technical audit of the incomplete project was conducted
- Whether asset valuation and feasibility assessments were undertaken
- Whether approvals from competent authorities were obtained
- Whether transparency and procurement guidelines were adhered to

The Council emphasized that the request for information is made in the larger public interest to ensure transparency, accountability, and proper utilization of public funds.

Speaking on the matter, the Council stated that public infrastructure projects of such importance must follow due legal and financial procedures, and any deviation must be clarified to maintain public trust.

The Darjeeling Economic Development Council has urged the GTA authorities to treat the matter with urgency and provide the requested information at the earliest.

Issued by:
Darjeeling Economic Development Council (DEDC)

07/12/2025

PRESS RELEASE:

Darjeeling Economic Development Council (DEDC)

2nd Annual General Meeting – 6 December 2025 | Siliguri

The Darjeeling Economic Development Council (DEDC) held its 2nd Annual General Meeting at BukAnt Publication House, Siliguri, with members participating through both physical and online platforms.

The AGM commenced with the welcome note from the President Mr. Subash Mani Singh. , followed by a Group Mediation conducted by Mr. Suraj Kumar Singh (Retired Engineer), emphasising coordinated planning, disciplined dialogue, and collective development strategies.

New Office Bearers Appointed

Mrs. Suraj Singh – Secretary, DEDC

Speakers & Their Key Highlights

1. Subash Mani Singh

Topics: Special constitutional provisions for Darjeeling and Budget, Revenue and Resources.

Administrative inefficiencies and jurisdictional overlaps

Revenue resources, budget mobilisation, and financial sustainability

Focus: Strengthening governance mechanisms and ensuring transparent, efficient utilisation of resources.

2. Sudha Pasi

Topics: Healthcare strengthening in remote hill blocks

Sanitation and solid waste management

Environmental protection in fragile Himalayan ecosystems
Focus: Sustainable public health systems and environmental resilience.

3. Bikram Rai

Topics: Land status of tea garden areas, forest villages, and residential settlements

Tenancy rights and long-pending regularisation issues

Focus: Securing land rights, improving livelihood stability, and resolving historical land disputes.

4. Mrs. Nilima Tamang

Topics: Education reform and vocational training

Youth unemployment and skill development

Expanding tourism infrastructure and cultural tourism

Focus: Tourism-driven growth, community participation, and youth employability.

5. Mr. Suraj Kumar Singh

Topics: Strengthening the Darjeeling tea industry

Exploring new markets and diversification

Initiating UNESCO heritage recognition for tea landscapes

Focus: Elevating global competitiveness and protecting heritage tea zones.

Key Developmental Resolutions

Infrastructure:

Urgent need for an all-weather alternative route to NH-10 due to frequent landslides and mobility disruptions in Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong.

Advocacy for immediate government action on surveys, DPR preparation, and land acquisition.

Sports Infrastructure:

Support for establishing a National-level multi-sport stadium in Kalimpong, with land identification and consultation with the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.

Heritage Protection:

Documentation and protection of heritage lands, monuments, and tea landscapes.

Initiation of a process for UNESCO recognition of selected heritage zones.

Formation of a Heritage & Conservation Committee.

Closing Ceremony:

The AGM concluded with a formal closing address by Mr. Utpal Kumar Roy, who thanked all participants and emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration, transparent implementation, and community-driven developments.

04/12/2025

We are cordially invite you to join our 2nd Annual General Meeting at Siliguri on 6th of December, 2025.

To register please contact Gita @ +91 83899 77817 or email: [email protected]