Suvendhu Adhikari holds administrative meeting in Siliguri, warns officials over duty lapses

PRASHANT ACHARYA

SILIGURI,: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendhu Adhikari on Friday said government officials should remain available round the clock and warned action against those found skipping duties or involved in corruption.

Addressing an administrative meeting held at Uttarkanya in Siliguri, Adhikari said he had taken certain decisions, which would not be disclosed to the media at present, but directed the chief secretary, home secretary and other senior officials to ensure strict compliance with administrative responsibilities.

He also instructed civic body officials in North Bengal, including those under Municipal Corporations, GTA and NBDD, to either perform their duties sincerely or resign, alleging instances of corruption and irregularities.

The Chief Minister, who arrived at Bagdogra airport around 2 pm before attending the meeting, said he would personally monitor development work in North Bengal. He announced an increase in the budget allocation for NBDD from Rs. 100 crore to Rs. 200 crore and for GTA from Rs. 180 crore to Rs. 360 crore.

He also said several development projects, including AIMS, cancer hospitals and new medical colleges, are proposed for North Bengal. New medical colleges, he said, would come up at Kalimpong, Alipurduar and Balurghat. Upgradation of Hasimara Army Airport and Cooch Behar airport for commercial use was also announced.

For disaster management during the monsoon season, he announced deployment of additional police forces in the Terai, Dooars and hills, along with engagement of trained civil defence volunteers and recruitment of 50 ex-servicemen to assist during emergencies.

He said governance would be monitored from the grassroots level involving MLAs, MPs and ministers.

“The previous Chief Minister used to take all the decision herself but, in our tenure, we start the work from the Mandal level, MLA, MP and minister. I will be monitoring the work along with BDO and MLA next time when I visit here and ensure everything goes fine,” Adhikari added.