Sixth Schedule Darjeeling News – Demand Returns to Centre Stage in Darjeeling Hills With New Political Outfit
The long-pending demand for Sixth Schedule status for the Darjeeling Hills has re-emerged in the region’s political discourse, following the launch of a new hill-based political outfit that claims to revive the ideological legacy of the erstwhile Gorkha National Liberation Front. The renewed push has brought back debates around land protection, governance, development, and the future political roadmap of the Hills, while also reopening old divisions over the feasibility and impact of the constitutional provision.
The newly floated party, which held its first public meeting at Sumeru Manch in Darjeeling this week, has positioned the Sixth Schedule as its central agenda. Party leaders asserted that the constitutional safeguard is essential to protect land rights, cultural identity, and economic interests in the Hills, arguing that existing autonomous arrangements have failed to deliver transparency or long-term stability.
Renewed Call for Constitutional Safeguards
Addressing supporters at the meeting, party convenor Bhanu Lama said the Union government has the authority to grant Sixth Schedule status through an ordinance if there is sufficient political will. He urged the Darjeeling Member of Parliament to actively pursue the matter in Parliament, stating that strong action at the central level would significantly influence political alignments in the Hills ahead of future elections.
“The Sixth Schedule is not about politics alone; it is about safeguarding land, environment, tourism, and the geographical identity of the Darjeeling Hills,” Lama said, calling for unity across political lines to revive the demand. He maintained that the provision would offer stronger legal protection to local communities than existing administrative structures.
The party has announced plans to submit memorandums to both the Centre and the state government and to hold meetings in Kolkata and New Delhi to build momentum for the demand.
Historical Context of the Sixth Schedule Proposal – Sixth Schedule Darjeeling News
The Sixth Schedule, originally designed to provide autonomy to tribal areas in the Northeast, was proposed for the Darjeeling Hills in the mid-2000s following a tripartite agreement involving the Centre, the state, and hill leadership. Bills related to the proposal were introduced in Parliament in 2007 but were later referred to a standing committee after objections were raised.
While the committee did not entirely reject the proposal, it noted that any such move would require reassessment of ground realities and suitable amendments. At the time, several political parties and civil society organisations in the Hills opposed the Sixth Schedule, arguing that it could marginalise non-tribal communities and create new social divisions. The lack of broad consensus ultimately stalled the process.
Senior leaders of the new outfit acknowledged that public resistance played a key role in the earlier failure. However, they argued that circumstances have changed, and people are now more aware of the limitations of existing arrangements.
Criticism of Existing Hill Governance
Alongside reviving the Sixth Schedule Darjeeling news demand, party leaders launched sharp criticism of the current hill administration under the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA). Allegations of corruption, contractor-driven development, and poor asset management were raised during the public meeting.
Lama questioned the functioning of key departments, particularly tourism, alleging that government-built lodges and properties are no longer being run directly and have instead been leased out. He also cited a high-profile property in Siliguri, originally intended as a welfare centre, which was later converted into a commercial establishment. According to him, large sums were spent on renovation and utilities before the property was leased for what he described as a disproportionately low amount.
He further alleged a lack of accountability in flagship development schemes, claiming that several projects have not progressed despite budget allocations. These allegations, however, have not been officially responded to by the GTA leadership or ruling political parties.
Legacy Politics and Party Formation
The formation of the new political outfit follows the delisting of the Gorkha National Liberation Front by the Election Commission for not contesting elections over an extended period. Party leaders said the new organisation was necessary to keep alive the ideological legacy associated with the GNLF and its founder, who first raised the Sixth Schedule demand as an alternative political solution for the Hills.
Senior leader K.N. Subba said earlier efforts to push the issue through non-political platforms failed to yield results, making it necessary to adopt a formal political structure. He acknowledged that the Sixth Schedule proposal had faced resistance in the past but insisted that renewed outreach and legal avenues would be explored this time.
The party has clarified that it will not align with existing hill parties on this issue, accusing them of inconsistency and political opportunism. It also made clear that its primary engagement would be with the Union government rather than the state administration.
Mixed Reactions and Political Implications
The revival of the Sixth Schedule debate has generated mixed reactions in the Darjeeling Hills. While some sections view it as a long-overdue conversation on land and identity protection, others remain cautious, recalling past fears of social fragmentation and administrative uncertainty.
Political observers note that the renewed demand could reshape hill politics in the run-up to the next Assembly elections, particularly if it succeeds in mobilising public opinion around governance failures and land rights. At the same time, achieving constitutional change without broad consensus remains a significant challenge.
Looking Ahead
As the new outfit begins its campaign, the coming months are expected to see intensified political engagement around the Sixth Schedule Darjeeling news, both within the Hills and at the national level. Whether the renewed push can overcome historical opposition and political hurdles remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the question of Darjeeling’s constitutional and administrative future has once again returned to the centre of public debate.
