NEW DELHI: A delegation of the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram Uttar Banga Pratinidhi Mandal met Union Home Minister Amit Shah at the Mayfair high-end hotel in Siliguri on August 22, 2026. The delegation also had an opportunity to interact with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
The delegation comprised Tapesh Sanyal, Prant Sah Sachiv; Dr Nimai Oraon, President of the Janajati Suraksha Manch; Moni Kumar Lama, hostel head; and Rumden Lepcha, chief of the Lepcha organisation.
The delegation was warmly received, following which discussions began. After the delegation submitted its memorandum, Shah read it carefully and asked the representatives to discuss the key points.
The delegation noted that, based on previous interactions with the Home Minister, it was expected that he would raise questions on specific points in the memorandum. Shah’s detailed understanding of the subjects raised by delegations was also noted during the meeting.
While going through the memorandum, Shah pointed out a figure concerning the Particularly Vulnerable Janjati Groups and observed that the number might have been mentioned incorrectly. He said he would read the complete roadmap after returning to Delhi and asked the delegation to state its immediate demands.
Based on its experience of working during state elections and an earlier proposal submitted on Janjati issues, the delegation raised three key points.
The delegation pointed out that in West Bengal, the Scheduled Tribes department under the previous government had been linked with the Minority and Madrasa Education departments. As a result, financial provisions from the Centre and the state intended for Janjati communities were not being spent for them and were instead being utilised elsewhere.
The delegation also said that central government schemes were not being implemented and stressed the need to give their implementation a planned push. Shah immediately responded that the department had been separated and that Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari was also present at the meeting.
Shah also asked the Chief Minister to take necessary steps regarding women’s safety, particularly inside tea gardens.
The Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram also spoke about taking special initiatives to prevent religious conversions.
Dr Nimai Oraon of the Janajati Suraksha Manch, raised the demand for legislation on delisting. The need for such legislation was acknowledged, with an assurance that it is an important issue being looked into by the government.
The delegation also shared information about the work being undertaken by Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram in the border and sensitive areas of North Bengal.
Rumden Lepcha, chief of the Lepcha organisation, also submitted a memorandum highlighting the contribution and participation of the Lepcha community in the development of the hill areas and sought greater involvement of the Lepcha community in the region’s development.
