Darjeeling, Oct. 16 -- A major controversy has erupted within the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) over the alleged undervalued leasing of the Additional Director of Tourism (ADT) office located at Chowrasta, the prime tourist hub in Darjeeling.
Robert Chettri, an elected GTA Sabhasad from the Sadar II constituency, has shot a strongly worded letter to the GTA Administrator seeking immediate executive intervention and a complete halt to all ongoing handover proceedings. The letter raises serious concerns regarding financial opacity, nepotism, and a gross undervaluation of valuable public assets.
The letter stated that the iconic ADT office holds immense public importance and historical significance in the Hills, having been burnt down twice during past political agitations. It had been functioning fully until last year. According to Chettri, the Tourism Department had initially informed public representatives that no lease agreement had been finalised for this key property.
"However, we are now hearing that a deposit of Rs. 20 lakh has already been made to the GTA in connection with this property," stated Chettri.
Questioning the commercial logic of the deal, the Sabhasad pointed out a stark contrast with the local real estate market where even a small shop, a mere fraction of the size of the ADT office, easily commands a monthly rental exceeding Rs 2 lakh.
"Against this commercial reality, the reported arrangement raises grave concerns of gross undervaluation. We cannot accept the disposal of a valuable public asset on terms that fail to protect the interests of our people," the letter reads.
Chettri alleged a nexus behind the agreement, claiming that the private contractor involved is closely associated with the previous Chief Executive of the GTA. He stated that this connection, paired with the total lack of clarity surrounding the tender processes and independent evaluation, raises undeniable red flags of favouritism and nepotism that warrant a transparent probe.
The Sabhasad has demanded that the GTA administration cancel any lease agreements already entered into, and make the original tender notice, valuation reports, bids received, and selection proceedings public. He added that if leasing the property is considered an absolute necessity, the GTA "must first assess the department's internal requirements and route any subsequent arrangement through a fresh, open, and transparent public tender". The GTA Administrator could not be contacted for comments.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.