Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), Power, Significance

Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) is a semi-autonomous council established in 2012 for Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts of West Bengal. Check here Significance and Power of GTA Authority.

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Context: The Calcutta High Court ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to initiate a preliminary investigation into reported recruitment irregularities of teachers under the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (a regional autonomous body).

What is the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA)?

The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) is a semi-autonomous council (45 members) for the Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts of West Bengal.
Formed in 2012 through a tripartite agreement between the Indian government, the West Bengal government, and the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (political party).
Successor to the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (1988-2012).

GTA’s Authority

Covers three hill subdivisions (Darjeeling, Kurseong, Mirik) and some areas of the Siliguri subdivision.
Includes the entire Kalimpong district.

Source of Power

Unlike the Sixth Schedule (regional autonomy in Assam etc.), GTA derives autonomy through legislation.
Handles administrative, executive, and financial matters related to agriculture, education, tea gardens, and tourism.

Reasons for Autonomy

Protects and promotes the Gorkha community and their cultural identity (distinct from Bengali).
Addresses issues of poverty, underdevelopment, and marginalisation.

Significance of GTA

Provides political recognition and a platform for the Gorkha identity within India.
Empowers the Gorkha community with a focus on land, economy, and social development.

Gorkhaland Movement

“Gorkhaland” – a separate state demand – emerged in the 1980s (coined by Subhash Ghising).
The movement seeks a homeland for the Gorkha people in Darjeeling.
Historical context:
- 1909: Demand for a separate administrative unit in Darjeeling.
- 1947: Demand for “Gorkhasthan” (Darjeeling and Sikkim) by the undivided Communist Party of India.
- 1980s: Violent agitation by the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF).
- 2007: Renewed agitation by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) against the Sixth Schedule solution.
- 2011: Formation of GTA to address GJM concerns.
- 2017: Resurgence of agitation due to compulsory Bengali language rule.
- 2022: GTA elections are held, Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM) wins.