Mamata Banerjee inaugurates development projects in Cooch Behar

COOCH BEHAR(WEST BENGAL): Inaugurating and initiating a slew of development projects for Cooch Behar, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said the north Bengal district had got nothing for the past 66 years but in the four years of her government it had been provided with a number of facilities.

"In 66 years no one came forward to mitigate the enclave (Chhitmahal) problem. But I did it after discussing the problem with the people. Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina had also welcomed my initiative," she told the gathering at Gumanihat in Mathabhanga sub-division.

Banerjee announced 50 per cent subsidy to the small scale industry sector in Cooch Behar, where two medical medical colleges would also be set up.

"The government one already got approval for one and is waiting for another under PPP model," she said adding an university had also been set up in the district.

The CM said that 72 per cent of the people of Cooch Behar have access to government services and facilities and asked district magistrate P Ulganathan to ensure that 90 per cent of the people are covered.

Distributing free bicycles among students under 'Sabuj Sathi' programme, Banerjee said a total 1.2 lakh cycles would be given by the government in Cooch Behar. Four thousand would be given today and another 16000 will be distributed this week.

She said after the success of 'Kanyashree' a new programme 'Aloy Fera' (Back to Light) will be launched in the state but did not elaborate it.

Referring to other state-wide programmes, the chief minister said of the 9.2 crore population 3.20 crore are getting rice for Rs 2 per kg only. Another 3 crore population will get rice for Rs 3 per kg.

"The Centre will not extend any monetary help. The state government will have to bear the cost," she added.