Kolkata, March 7 – The Trinamool Congress refuted the concerns raised by President Droupadi Murmu earlier in the day at a program in Gossaipur, Darjeeling district, West Bengal, regarding the lack of development for the tribal community in the state.
Addressing the ninth International Santal Conference organized by the International Santal Council in Gossaipur, President Murmu expressed doubts about whether the people from the tribal community in West Bengal had access to the benefits under various development and welfare schemes.
In response to President Murmu's observations, the Trinamool Congress issued a statement on Saturday evening, countering her.
"It is extremely unfortunate that the President appears to be under the mistaken impression that there has been no development for Adivasi communities in Bengal. Madam, we would like to respectfully present the facts," the Trinamool Congress said in a statement.
The ruling party in West Bengal explained in detail how different welfare schemes of the state government, such as the Lakshmir Bhandar (monthly financial assistance for women), the Sikshashree Scholarship in the education sector, the pension scheme for tribal people under the Jai Johar project, and the introduction of facilities for tribal students to pursue education in their mother tongue, had immensely benefited the tribal people in the state.
"These are measurable, on-the-ground interventions aimed at ensuring dignity, opportunity, and development for Adivasi communities across Bengal," the Trinamool Congress said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Gautam Deb, Mayor of the Trinamool Congress-run Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC) in Darjeeling district, had addressed the controversy regarding why neither Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee nor any member of her cabinet met President Murmu during her official visit to West Bengal, which was against all traditions and protocols whenever the President visits a state.
"I welcomed the President (Droupadi Murmu) on behalf of the state government. The District Magistrate of Darjeeling and the Commissioner of Siliguri Metropolitan Police were also present. Earlier, when late Pranab Mukherjee was the President, I welcomed him. But I don't remember whether I was a West Bengal Minister at that time," Deb said.