Yowan Mothay, EOI,
KALIMPONG, FEBRUARY 2, 2025 : The district authorities of Kalimpong have resorted to the novel method of a river rafting event on the river Teesta carrying the message of the Duare Sarkar initiative. They sailed in rafts in the river water, carrying banners on the Duare Sarkar initiative. Other creative methods of awareness campaigns like miking and flex displays have also been arranged.It is no surprise that the Kalimpong district has achieved the distinction of securing the top position in West Bengal for reaching the highest percentage of the population through registrations in Duare Sarkar camps.
The ninth edition of the Duare Sarkar concluded on Saturday with remarkable success, according to an official release. The district of Kalimpong has successfully covered 37 welfare schemes spanning 18 different government departments.
A total of 508 camps, including both conventional and mobile units, have been organized across the district. These included 185 camps in Kalimpong I Block, 128 in Gorubathan, 72 in Lava, 73 in Pedong, and 40 in Kalimpong Municipality. Thousands of applications were received for various welfare schemes.
District Magistrate of Kalimpong Balasubramanian T. said applications were processed efficiently and uploaded daily on government portals to ensure timely benefits for applicants. The success of the camps was further ensured by the active participation of local elected representatives, Area Sabhasads, Panchayat Samiti Members, and Gram Panchayat members, who ensured participation of the common people in the camps.
Under Duare Sarkar, a brainchild of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, beneficiaries have access to a wide range of initiatives of the State Government, including:
- Kanyashree Prakalpa – A financial assistance scheme for the education of girls
- Lakshmir Bhandar – A scheme for basic income support for women
- Jai Bangla Pension Scheme – An assistance for senior citizens
- Caste Certificates – Issuance of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes certificates
- Amar Karmadisha – A career guidance initiative
- Krishak Bandhu – Financial support for farmers
- Student Credit Card Scheme – Loans for higher education
- Fisheries Assistance Programmes – Financial support for the fishing community
On the final day, key welfare services were provided at select camps, including those at Dr. Graham’s Home Gram Panchayat, ensuring that beneficiaries received the necessary support.
The District Magistrate commended the efforts of government officials and the local levels, including the Sub-Divisional Officer, Block Development Officers, and employees of all participating departments
