CM Suvendu Adhikari Pledges 1,000 EFR Jobs for Gorkha Youth, Announces Tourism Push in First Hill Visit

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday made a series of major announcements for the Darjeeling hills during his first official visit to the region since assuming office, pledging more than 1,000 jobs for Gorkha youth through the revival of the historic Eastern Frontier Rifles (EFR) and laying out an ambitious development roadmap focused on tourism, connectivity, and infrastructure.

Addressing a large public gathering in Kurseong, the Chief Minister said the revival of the EFR — a colonial-era paramilitary force dating back to the 18th century — and the promotion of hill tourism would be among his government's top priorities for north Bengal.

1,000 EFR Jobs With 30 Percent Women's Reservation

The centerpiece of the CM's announcement was the recruitment of over 1,000 Gorkha youths into the Eastern Frontier Rifles, a force that critics say was neglected and allowed to weaken under the previous Trinamool Congress government.

"We are committed to ensuring that 1,000 Gorkha youths are recruited into the Eastern Frontier Rifles, in which 30 percent will be reserved for women," Adhikari told the crowd.

The EFR was originally set up as a border protection force in the second half of the eighteenth century and has carried its current name since 1920. The announcement was widely seen as a deliberate nod to Gorkha identity and the community's strong tradition of military service.

Speaking directly to young people in the audience, Adhikari said: "In the coming few months you will get 1,000 jobs in the Eastern Frontier Rifles. The BJP's double engine sarkar will ensure our daughters and sisters will get 30 percent reservation in all government jobs".

The jobs announcement was also extended to include recruitment into the West Bengal Police, according to reports circulating from the event.

Have a tip on this story?

WhatsApp Khabar Darjeeling at our channel or email nowanad@gmail.com. Your identity will be protected.

No comments yet

Be the first to share your thoughts!