Thwart CPI(M), BJP attempts to disrupt peace: Mamata

Jhargram: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday urged administration and the people's representatives to work together to foil attempts by the CPI(M) and BJP to disturb peace and law and order of the area.

Addressing senior bureaucrats, MLAs and MPs at the administrative review meeting here in the afternoon, she said: "BJP and CPI(M) are spreading canards and trying to create disturbance in the area. The administration and people's representatives should work unitedly to foil any such attempt." She further added: "They had tried to create trouble in Darjeeling. But their efforts have failed and normalcy has been restored."

This is the first administrative meeting in the district since its formation.

The Chief Minister said taking people in confidence for implementation of any project is a must and urged both officials and MLAs to build close contacts. She even urged the District Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police to go to the masses to have a first-hand experience of the problems they are facing. "Many problems could be sorted out if they are addressed on time," she said.

Referring to the problem that had come up over Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandira Ekalavya Model Residential School, she said the problem could have been solved had the matter been addressed on time. She elaborated: "We had invited RKM to run the school as Mission's success in running academic institutions is well known. But some people with vested interests are trying to create trouble."

Banerjee urged the BDOs and officials of other departments to build up better administrative cooperation so that more people could be given the best service. "We must not forget that it is our duty to protect the interests of commoners and to do this we should be more sympathetic towards them. The officials are the face of the government and if they fail to earn the confidence of people then no project can be implemented properly."

She urged the Paschimanchal Unnayan Affairs department to pull up its socks and said more coordination between the officials and the people's representatives was required.

"It is unfortunate that when an MLA becomes a minister, he or she develops a tendency to develop his or her own area. This should not be the practice and they should work for the development of the entire area."

Banerjee said the officials of the district health department to work seriously to make full use of the superspecialty hospitals. "There was a time when the health services could not be provided to the people of Jangalmahal. Now, they have superspecialty hospitals but they need to be run them properly. After all, they have been built with the people's money. Why people are being referred to hospitals in Kolkata when we have the best facilities available here," she asked.

The Chief Minister added that the state government had taken up schemes for the development of tribals. Jaharsthal or their place of worship has been renovated. The tribals are now students and are getting scholarships and benefits through Kanyashree and Sabuj Sathi. The kendu leaves collectors are given financial assistance and retirement benefits too.

She urged the district administration to recruit youth under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to tackle the menace of stray elephants that often pose a serious threat to the people of the area. "Elephants are venturing into the villages and are destroying crops, causing threat to the lives of villagers. Recruit youth who are effective and who know about elephants and their habit to stop the menace effectively," she maintained.

Banerjee also asked the MLAs to go to people and build contacts with them. "Before making any plans, talk to them and try to know from them what they want. Make plans accordingly so that they give maximum benefit to the people."