Kolkata, 26 May (H.S.) : In a bid to accelerate administrative work and strengthen coordination among various departments, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday held an important meeting with secretaries of 34 state departments at Nabanna Sabhaghar. During the meeting, the Chief Minister directed officials to expedite the implementation of the rural employment scheme under the 100-day work programme across the state.

However, Suvendu Adhikari clarified that the scheme would not be implemented immediately in South 24 Parganas and Murshidabad districts. Departments concerned have been instructed to take necessary steps to launch the programme in all other districts of the state.

According to administrative sources, the highest number of corruption allegations under the 100-day work scheme during the previous Trinamool Congress regime had emerged from South 24 Parganas and Murshidabad. Allegations included fake job cards, withdrawal of funds without work being carried out and embezzlement of crores of rupees. The government has decided not to restart the scheme in these two districts until investigations are completed.

It may be recalled that the Central Government had earlier suspended funding for the 100-day work scheme in West Bengal citing corruption allegations. The present administration has decided to maintain a cautious approach until inquiries are concluded.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister also announced that regular coordination meetings with secretaries of all departments would now be held every month to ensure quicker administrative decisions and regular monitoring of project implementation.

The long-pending Ghatal Masterplan also came up for detailed discussion during the meeting. The project, aimed at improving flood control and drainage systems, had reportedly witnessed slow progress during the previous regime. The new government is now moving to implement it on a priority basis.

It was decided that the Ghatal Masterplan would be executed jointly by the Central and State governments, with both sharing the expenditure equally in a 50:50 ratio. Concerned departments have been directed to begin the process of finalising financial allocations and the project framework. Officials believe the project could provide a permanent solution to flooding in large parts of Paschim Medinipur and adjoining areas.

The Chief Minister also issued important directions regarding healthcare services. He instructed the Health Secretary to finalise the agreement related to the Ayushman Bharat scheme by June 8 and stressed that there should be no delay in implementing the Central health scheme in the state.

Discussions were also held regarding preparations for the upcoming NITI Aayog meeting scheduled to be held in New Delhi on June 11. Suvendu Adhikari will attend the meeting for the first time as the Chief Minister of West Bengal. All departments have been directed to prepare detailed reports on development projects, the state’s financial position and future plans.

Administrative sources said each department has been asked to submit proposals and required data within a stipulated deadline. Monday’s meeting is being seen as an important step towards establishing a more active and coordinated administrative work culture under the new government.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey