Kolkata, 01 June (H.S.): Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has sought detailed reports from all state government departments ahead of the NITI Aayog meeting scheduled to be held in New Delhi on June 11. He has directed departmental secretaries to submit their respective reports by June 5.

According to sources at Nabanna, the Chief Minister is preparing to present a comprehensive picture of West Bengal’s developmental status, ongoing projects and financial requirements at the meeting. To facilitate this, he has asked for detailed assessments of departmental performance, achievements, challenges and future needs.

Sources said the present state government believes that West Bengal was deprived of several financial entitlements and benefits from the Centre over the past 15 years due to the alleged non-cooperation of the previous administration. The government is now focusing on securing the state’s legitimate dues and strengthening its engagement with the Union government.

Officials indicated that discussions at the NITI Aayog meeting are expected to cover development projects, central assistance, grants and financial allocations. The state government is also likely to present its full-fledged budget later this month. Increased participation in centrally sponsored schemes could significantly reduce the state's financial burden, as the Centre generally bears at least 50 percent of the expenditure under most such programmes.

There is also speculation in political and administrative circles that the Chief Minister may seek additional benefits for the state through discussions with NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Ashok Lahiri, with whom he is believed to share a cordial working relationship. The government is hopeful of strengthening West Bengal’s case for greater financial and developmental support during the meeting.

The exercise comes at a time when the state cabinet is undergoing expansion. While 35 legislators were sworn in as ministers on Monday, portfolios have not yet been allocated. Under normal circumstances, ministers would be responsible for presenting departmental assessments. However, with the June 5 deadline approaching and departmental allocations still pending, the responsibility has been temporarily assigned to departmental secretaries.

The reports submitted by the secretaries will form the basis of the state’s preparations for the NITI Aayog meeting, where the government is expected to push for enhanced financial assistance and greater support for development initiatives in West Bengal.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh