Strict measures, including FIRs, against those demanding bribes for govt benefits, says CM

Alipurduar: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on a tour of Alipurduar, held an administrative meeting at Alipurduar Parade Ground on Wednesday. She urged government officials to prioritise field visits and ensure the timely execution of development projects.

She also emphasised the importance of accountability, instructing Block Development Officers (BDOs), Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs) and other officials to resume regular inspections at the grassroots level, including visits to tea gardens.

The Chief Minister stressed strict measures, including FIRs, against those demanding bribes for government benefits and called for heightened vigilance over government and tribal lands.

“Focus on work rather than distractions. People respect good officers for their work and resent those who perform poorly. Field visits must resume. If the Chief Secretary can inspect districts, BDOs, SDOs, and DMs must visit tea gardens and other areas. Six months have been lost due to elections — this must not delay progress,” she said.

The Chief Minister set clear deadlines for project completion.

“Projects beginning in the next financial year must conclude by December 31 and ongoing projects should be finished by March. Of the 441 projects, 303 are complete but 138 are still pending. Departments must expedite work, especially on drinking water supply in Jaigaon and Kumargram,” she said.

The Chief Minister also addressed complaints of bribery linked to government benefits. “No one should pay to access benefits. Any such case will result in immediate FIRs and strict action,” cautioned the Chief Minister.

In a pointed directive to the Air Force, Mamata Banerjee questioned the installation of a controversial notice on the boundary wall of a forested area near Hasimara, without prior consultation with local authorities. The menacing notice apparently talks of exemplary punishment for trespassers.

Showing a mobile click of the notice, she asked the Chief Secretary to investigate and address the issue, stating: “People also have rights to the forests. Unnecessary harassment of locals will not be tolerated.”

The Chief Minister also outlined plans for enhancing infrastructure and welfare initiatives. She announced the installation of CCTV cameras in all 60 Bangla Sahayata Kendras (BSKs) in Alipurduar, where 19 lakh people have availed services, benefitting 33 lakh individuals.

She urged the MSME department to accelerate the development of industrial hubs in Ethelbari and Jaigaon along the India-Bhutan border, emphasising Bengal’s leading position in MSME development. She also instructed the District Magistrate to investigate the decline in approvals under the Bhabishyat Credit Card scheme.

Before concluding her meeting, Banerjee allocated Rs 10 lakh from the MP fund for constructing a playground in Alipurduar. Additionally, she announced that the state programme for Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary would be celebrated at Hasimara for the first time, inviting people from all communities to participate.