Towards eradicating human trafficking in India: A focus on West Bengal
In the past week, two major human trafficking attempts have been foiled in our region the first involved rescuing 56 young women from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station near Siliguri in Darjeeling district. The other involved rescuing 34 young women from Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus, in Siliguri. In both cases, the victims are young, vulnerable girls from economically and socially marginalised sections, and hail from remote rural villages of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar districts, mostly from the tea gardens. In the first instance, the women were promised jobs in Bengaluru; however, they were being taken to Patna when they were rescued. In the second case, the women were being transported to Jharkhand by bus when the rescue took place. In both cases, the traffickers claimed that their final destination was the garment factories of Tamil Nadu. Contrast this with the fact that since 2019, 143 workers from West Bengal, including 60 children, have been rescued from bonded labour in gold manufacturing units in Tamil Nadu. Many such instances of vulnerable people from West Bengal, particularly from the Darjeeling hills, Terai and the Dooars region, being lured by human traffickers are coming to light. What is worrisome is that, unfortunately, this is not a new phenomenon. A cursory look at the data from 2018 to 2022, as reported in Parliament in April this year, reveals: 2,278 cases in 2018, 2,208 in 2019, 1,714 in 2020, 2,189 in 2021, and 2,250 in 2022. The noticeable dip in 2020 may be attributed to the Covid-19 pandemic, which impacted both mobility and law enforcement operations. However, the numbers indicate that trafficking continues to be a widespread concern across the country. One of the most affected states during this period has been West Bengal. Its location along the India-Nepal-Bhutan-Bangladesh border, particularly in districts like Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, North and South Dinajpur, Raiganj, Malda, North and South 24 Parganas, and Murshidabad, makes it especially vulnerable to cross-border trafficking. West Bengal, sadly, serves as both a destination and a transit point where trafficked individuals are usually forced into labour or sex work. Despite a sharp decline in reported human trafficking cases in West Bengal, from more than 3,500 in 2016 to only 67 in 2022, most experts caution that the drop could be due to better concealment by traffickers, gaps in reporting, obfuscating data by the state administration, or fear among victims and their families. The actual number of victims is believed to be much higher. If we are to tackle the menace of human trafficking, the first act should be to acknowledge that there is a problem. Obfuscating crime data, particularly that related to human trafficking, further harms the victims of trafficking. Hence, the West Bengal government should be more transparent about reporting crime-related data. The root cause of human trafficking is poverty. The majority of those trafficked are from shut-down tea gardens, as substantiated by one of the recently arrested human trafficking suspects from Siliguri, who said to the media, As the women didnt get jobs at the tea gardens due to the closure of most, they were willingly going to Tamil Nadu for jobs. Hence, it is vital to take necessary steps towards addressing poverty through job creation. Availability of employment opportunities locally will encourage youths from our region to remain here itself, instead of taking grave risks to go and work in distant cities. The next step is to promote community-based initiatives as higher participation of the community will contribute significantly towards lowering instances of human trafficking. We also need to leverage technology to monitor vulnerable regions, and take necessary action to address the key vulnerabilities, including strengthening community organisations, providing financial and economic support to vulnerable families, and encouraging local youths to become involved in sensitisation and monitoring processes. Availability of safe accommodation and temporary shelters for the victims of human trafficking, easy access to legal services, educational and vocational training programmes, and provision of counselling and mental health support are important. Additionally, regulating placement agencies and borders can disrupt trafficking networks. I am grateful to MARG, Darjeeling, for taking a unique initiative of hand-crafting purple roses and delivering them to people across the region on Anti-Human Trafficking Day, commemorated globally on July 30. Purple Rose is not a naturally occurring flower; instead, it is created artificially by people for their pleasure. Hence, it symbolises the victims of human trafficking, who have been reduced to becoming objects of pleasure and sources of profit. Raju Bista Member of Parliament from Darjeeling, and the National Spokesperson, BJP
IMD warns of heavy rain in Darjeeling and other districts of West Bengal
The IMD has issued a heavy rainfall warning for sub-Himalayan West Bengal districts until August 12, with potential for very heavy rainfall on August 11. Several southern districts, including South 24 Parganas and Purulia, are also expected to receive heavy showers until August 9. Kolkata anticipates overcast skies with light to moderate rain.
DHR gets power boost with new NDM-6 diesel engine
GUWAHATI, Aug 4: The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has conducted the final trial run of the newly procured NDM-6 Diesel-Hydraulic Locomotive (DSL) for the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR). The successful trial was conducted on the downhill route from Darjeeling to Siliguri with three coaches, NFR said in a release on Monday. This follows the earlier []
Little Soi: A gateway to the Orient in Kochi
Pan-Asian cuisine is not alien to the Kochi palate. From street stalls to fine dining, menus almost always feature a section devoted to it. In recent years, this love has sparked a rise in restaurants dedicated solely to Asian flavours. Among them is Little Soi, tucked into the heart of Panampilly Nagar. Recently, the restaurant unveiled a trial menu. We arrived early on a rainy Sunday evening to find the place unusually calm, almost empty. In Kochi, this often signals a struggling spot, but here it was a brief lull before the evening crowd. Within the hour, the space was buzzing with conversation. The interiors are well done and well-lit. The colours, while primarily dominated by red and black, too, feel fitting for the Pan-Asian vibe. Interiors of Little Soi, Panampilly Nagar In drinks, we started with Mystic Dragon, a dragon fruit and hibiscus tea refresher with mint and ginger juice, and 0% ABV Mojito, a zesty blend of mint, lime, and lemon juice. I thought the beverages leaned on the sweeter side. I hope more choices with distinctive flavours would be added to the menu for a wholesome experience. The refreshers available at Little Soi It was also this time that we registered that the music playing there was a curious choice. Pop hits, including repeats of Katy Perry tracks, gave the space, despite the oriental decor, the energy of a mall cafe rather than the atmosphere of a Southeast Asian street corner. However, any reservations we had vanished with the arrival of sushi, the highlight of the evening. We tried the Ebi Dynamite Roll, a prawn tempura uramaki topped with asparagus and cucumber pickle. This was one part of our starters. The other: pan-grilled minced chicken and leek gyoza dumplings. The much-talked-about dynamite sauce, introduced as a signature element, paired well not just with sushi but also with the fried chicken. The latter, too, we learned, had quickly become a hot favourite among guests. Ebi Dynamite Roll The starters had indeed set a high bar, so much so that when the Suan La Mixed mushroom soup arrived, we found it paled in comparison. But then came the more appealing Soi Polo Chicken Bangkok fried chicken topped with golden fried herbed garlic and served with spicy dipping sauce. These were very relishing and overshadowed the Sichuan chilli fish in both taste and presentation. Chicken Tsukune Still, the main courses were well-balanced both in seasoning and portion sizes. The notable mention among them was the Chicken Tsukune, fragrant hibachi fried rice topped with grilled minced chicken dumpling. Another popular choice, we learnt, is the Okinawa Ramen, a soba noodle ramen in mild dashi stock with optional ajitama egg and meat or tofu. Dessert provided a strong finish. The Vietnamese coffee cheesecake was rich and creamy, delivering a sweetness that balanced out the sharper notes of the meal. It is so supreme that it may even be worth it to make a trip to Little Soi for just that. While we didnt try any Matcha variants on the day, the fact that Little Soi imports their Matcha powder from Japan hints at quality. We promised to return for the Matcha Brownie. Vietnamese Coffee Cheesecake The team on the floor, including Lal Zam from Mizoram and Tonkay Bahadur Thapa from Darjeeling, kept the atmosphere friendly and approachable, ensuring that the bustle never tipped into chaos. In all, Little Soi offers Kochi diners an accessible take on Southeast Asian flavours. For those seeking a lively evening with varied Asian-inspired dishes, it is a spot worth trying. Remember: sushi, fried chicken, and desserts.
Strong monsoon flow, cyclonic circulation to bring heavy rain in some Bengal districts: IMD
The IMD has forecast heavy rain across parts of West Bengal till August 6 due to a cyclonic circulation over the north Bay of Bengal. Districts in south Bengal, including Kolkata, may see thunderstorms and gusty winds. North Bengal districts like Darjeeling and Kalimpong could experience very heavy rain from August 24. Canning and Kalimpong recorded 110 mm rainfall.
Swollen Teesta affects normal life
GANGTOK, July 29: Movement of vehicles to Sikkim and parts of West Bengals Kalimpong and Darjeeling districts was affected as the swollen Teesta river has breached its embankment at 29 Mile and submerged the NH-10, considered the lifeline of the region, officials said on Tuesday. A landslide at Tarkhola in Kalimpong also disrupted traffic between []
Kolkata Diary | 8th anti-submarine ship rolls out of Garden Reach
Defence PSU Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd has released the eighth and last ship in a series of anti-submarine warfare shallow water crafts (ASW SWCs) built for the Indian Navy. The ship, named Ajay, was inaugurated at an event in Kolkata on July 21. These ships are versatile platforms and can participate in a variety of operations. Designed with low draughts, the crafts are capable of coastal operations, Low Intensity Maritime Operations, and mine-laying. These 77.6-metre-long and 10.5-metre-wide warships are also capable of full-scale sub-surface surveillance in coastal waters and pack a lethal anti-submarine armory comprising lightweight torpedoes, ASW rockets and mines. Old city ghat set for renovation, deal inked In a significant step towards urban renewal and preservation of heritage spaces, the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata and TNS Logi-Park Pvt Ltd have entered an agreement to breathe new life into historic Doi-Ghat at the heart of the old metropolis. Located on the banks of the Hooghly River, at the confluence of Adi Ganga stream and the main channel, Doi-Ghat derives its name from the Bengali word for curd (doi), reflecting its historical link to the local dairy trade. Once a bustling commercial hub, the ghat served as a market where curd and other goods arrived in earthen pots, especially from Howrah, renowned for its dairy produce. At the intersection of key waterways, Doi-ghat had emerged as a centre for trade and daily dialogue between rural Bengal and the emeging metropolis of Calcutta. 15 new hotels to come up in next 5 years Kolkata-based Ambuja Neotia Group announced an agreement for 15 new hotels with the Indian Hotels Company. This agreement is set to expand the partnership to over 40 hotels. The 15 new sites identified to be developed are a combination of greenfield, brownfield and conversion projects across West Bengal, Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh. These include Taj resorts in Sunderban, Darjeeling, Shimla and Rabong, SeleQtions hotels in Kolkata and Siliguri and Tree of Life in Dooars in North Bengal. The projects are expected to become operational in the next five years. Kaushik Pradhan Our correspondent in West Bengal kaushik@newindianexpress.com
Central Bank of India recruitment 2025: The Central Bank of India Samajik Utthan Avam Prashikshan Sansthan (CBI-SUAPS) is recruiting for the posts of Attendant and FLC-Counsellor on a contractual basis for 202526 in Darjeeling (Siliguri), West Bengal. Eligible candidates must submit physical applications by August 8, 2025. The roles require local residency, relevant qualifications, and experience, with fixed monthly remuneration. Detailed job responsibilities, age criteria, and application procedures are available on the official website of the Central Bank of India.
Anita Katyal | Will Shringla Get Darjeeling Ticket? Whos Coming To Tharoors Party?
The invitees usually include a mix of leaders from the Congress as well as other Opposition parties like Mohua Moitra and Supriya Sule. Since Mr Tharoor is currently in the disgruntled category, speculation about the guest list is building up
Heavy rains triggered multiple landslides in Darjeeling, displacing families and damaging infrastructure, including tourism quarters and the Salvation Army School for the Deaf. While no casualties have been reported, ten families are displaced and are being provided temporary shelter. Authorities are conducting rescue operations and distributing relief as the IMD forecasts continued heavy rainfall in the region.
Aman Tea Group Launches Groundbreaking Sustainability & GAP Initiative for 6,000+ Small Tea Growers
Darjeeling | Siliguri, West Bengal, India | 15thJuly 2025: In a landmark move set to reshape sustainable tea cultivation in India,Aman Tea Groupone of the countrys largest and most respected tea producershas launched an ambitious six-month Sustainability and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Initiative aimed at empowering over 6,000 Small Tea Growers (STGs) across North Bengal, [] The post Aman Tea Group Launches Groundbreaking Sustainability & GAP Initiative for 6,000+ Small Tea Growers appeared first on Startup Success Stories India - News & Updates for Indian Entrepreneurs .
Darjeeling toy train celebrates 144th birthday
KOLKATA: The iconic toy train of Darjeeling, a timeless favourite among tourists visiting the hill station, celebrated its 144th birthday on July 4 with the first-ever Toy Train Day. Despite a few recent accidents, the train continues to captivate visitors with its slow, scenic journey along the mountain slopes. The celebration, organised jointly by the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) and the North Bengal Painters Association, was held at Sukna Railway Station near Siliguri. The DHR, which holds UNESCO World Heritage status, marked the day with a series of events and competitions themed around the toy train. Activities such as a Sit and Draw competition, poster making, live art, and a picture exhibition were held, with participation from several local kindergarten students. The event aimed to foster a deeper connection between the community and the historic railway, while also boosting tourism in the region. The roots of the Darjeeling toy train date back to British rule, with its first experimental run in 1870. After nearly a decade, commercial operations officially began on July 4, 1881, when the first train journeyed from Siliguri to Darjeeling. To commemorate that historic date, DHR decided to celebrate the toy trains birthday for the first time this year. Sukna Station, chosen for its preserved British-era railway architecture, served as the central venue. This is the first time that we have taken the initiative to celebrate Toy Train Day, said Tapan Malakar, Station Manager at Sukna. We hope that like the Ghoom Festival or Summer Festival, Toy Train Day will become a major attraction for tourists. To further boost tourism, DHR is planning to expand Joy Rides, introduce modern toy train engines from Ahmedabad and Bengaluru, upgrade station infrastructure, and enhance the museums and workshops along the route. Officials are hopeful that such cultural initiatives will help place Darjeelings beloved toy train on the global map.
Suvendu Adhikari urges grassroots push ahead of 2026 West Bengal polls
Ahead of the 2026 assembly polls, Suvendu Adhikari stressed strengthening booth-level presence and door-to-door outreach, moving beyond social media reliance. He aims to increase the Hindu vote share to 80% from 68% in 2021 to secure victory. Adhikari highlighted post-poll violence and emphasized expanding the party's reach from Digha to Darjeeling, focusing on women's safety and local engagement.
Calcutta University teams up with Darjeeling college to preserve and promote Lepcha language
Workshop aims to connect endangered language and literature of hill communities to wider audiences
Steam Engines That Run Darjeeling's Iconic Toy Train Turn 125
The steam engine-powered narrow-gauge railway known as the toy train or Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), a train service from the New Jalpaiguri railhead near Siliguri to the hill station of Darjeeling, has achieved a major milestone.
Sikkim poised to become global tourism, Green Model hub: PM Modi
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday declared that Sikkim is the pride of India and that the government envisions transforming the state into a global tourism destination and a Green Model State for the world. Addressing the Sikkim@50 event in Gangtok via videoconferencing, due to adverse weather conditions preventing his travel to the venue, Modi said, We are advancing the 'Act East' policy with the spirit of 'Act Fast' and Sikkim and the entire Northeast are emerging as a shining chapter in India's progress. He emphasised the Centres ambition to make Sikkim an international tourism hub, highlighting the states potential and natural assets. In the coming years, India is poised to emerge as a global sports superpower. The Yuva Shakti of the Northeast and Sikkim will play a pivotal role in realising this dream, he said. He further reiterated, Our vision is for Sikkim to become a Green Model State not just for India but for the entire world. Reflecting on Sikkims journey over the past five decades, Modi said, Fifty years ago, Sikkim charted a democratic future for itself. The people of Sikkim not only connected with India's geography but also with its soul. He noted that the nation has witnessed the fruits of this trust in the state's remarkable development. Sikkim is the pride of the nation, he reaffirmed, adding that the state has become a model of progress in harmony with nature. Highlighting its economic success, he said, Sikkim is among the states with the highest per capita income in the country. These achievements are a testament to the capabilities of the people of Sikkim. The Prime Minister also underlined the importance of inclusive development, saying that since 2014, the government has worked with the principle of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, development for all, with everyones support. He added, A developed India requires balanced growth, ensuring that no region is left behind while others forge ahead. He remarked that every region in India has unique strengths and the government has placed the Northeast at the centre of development over the past decade. Sikkim, along with the entire Northeast, is becoming a shining chapter in India's development story, Modi said. Where once the distance from Delhi posed a barrier to progress, the same region is now opening new doors of opportunity. He stressed that the key driver behind this transformation has been improved connectivity, which the people of Sikkim have directly experienced. Reminiscing about a time when travel for education, healthcare and employment was a major challenge, he noted that this situation has changed significantly over the past ten years. Nearly 400 kilometres of new national highways have been built in Sikkim during this period, in addition to hundreds of kilometres of roads constructed in villages. The Prime Minister also spoke about major infrastructure projects in the state, including the construction of the Atal Setu which has enhanced Sikkims connectivity with Darjeeling. He added that work is progressing swiftly on the road connecting Sikkim with Kalimpong, among other developmental initiatives. The foundation of a developed India rests on four strong pillar, empowerment of the poor, farmers, women and youth, Modi said. As part of this effort, he announced the establishment of Indias first organic fisheries cluster in Soreng district, a step that further enhances Sikkims profile as an organic leader. Recalling the recent NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting in Delhi, the Prime Minister said it emphasised the need for each state to develop a tourism destination of international repute. The time has come for Sikkim to move beyond its identity as merely a hill station and to establish itself as a global tourism destination, he stated. He cited Kanchenjunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as a source of immense national and international pride. Modi also referred to the new skywalk under construction, the Golden Jubilee Project inauguration, and the unveiling of a statue of Atal Bihari Vajpayee as symbols of Sikkims growing stature. The people of Sikkim understand the power of tourism, and tourism is not just entertainment but a celebration of diversity, he said. Addressing the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, the Prime Minister declared that it was not merely an assault on Indians, but an attack on humanity and the spirit of brotherhood. He stated that the terrorists sought to divide the people of India and caused pain by wiping the sindoor off the foreheads of Indian daughters, but that India responded strongly with Operation Sindoor against the perpetrators. Today, the world is witnessing Indias unprecedented unity and the nation has come together to send a clear message to terrorists and their supporters, Modi asserted.
8 Best Places in East India to Escape the Summer Heat
Escape the summer heat with cool destinations in East India, including Darjeeling, Shillong, Sikkim, Digha, Tawang, and more!
IMD forecasts heavy rainfall in several Bengal districts
Heavy rainfall likely to occur in north Bengal districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong; thunderstorms likely to occur in south Bengal districts of Purulia
Punjab tutor held for abducting student; boy rescued from Darjeeling after over a month
HOSHIARPUR: A 13-year-old boy, who was allegedly abducted by his tutor about over a month ago, has been rescued by the police and the kidnapper arrested, officials said on Sunday. Model Town SHO Sub-Inspector Gursahib Singh said the boy, a native of Himachal Pradesh's Kangra, was currently living with his parents in a rented accommodation in Hoshiarpur. Studying in Class 7, the boy used to take tuition from Bhupinder Singh (51), a resident of Dashmesh Nagar, daily between 3 pm and 7.30 pm. According to the police, Bhupinder Singh somehow convinced the boy's parents to allow him to take the child to Shimla for two days. However, after taking the boy with him on March 12, he blocked all contact numbers of the family and prevented the child from speaking to anyone. The boy's parents searched for him on their own for around 18 days, but when they failed to trace the abductor and their child, they lodged an FIR. The FIR was registered at the Model Town Police Station on April 2 under relevant provisions of the law that deal with the punishment for kidnapping or abducting someone with the intent to secretly confine them. A hunt was launched for Bhupinder, who kept changing his location frequently to evade arrest. Eventually, police located him at a hotel in West Bengal's Darjeeling and arrested him two days ago. The boy was safely rescued. The police said the accused had taken the boy close to the Nepal border and there was a strong possibility that he could have crossed over into Nepal with the child. The rescued boy has been produced before the Child Welfare Committee, while the accused was presented before a court, which remanded him in four-day police custody for further interrogation. The police are investigating the motive behind the kidnapping.
Blood-Sucking Fly That Can Cause Human Blindness Identified In Darjeeling, Kalimpong
Onchocerciasis, commonly known as 'river blindness,' is caused by the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus. The worm is carried by black flies.
5 Easy Weekend Getaways From Darjeeling That Locals Swear By
Need a quick break from Darjeeling's usual rhythm? These weekend getaways offer fresh views, quiet corners, and zero travel drama.
