Kolkata, 05 August (H.S.) : The West Bengal government's newly launched helpline numbers, introduced to receive complaints related to illegal liquor trade, extortion, syndicates and illegal road tax collection, are witnessing an overwhelming response, with officials receiving nearly 1,000 calls daily from across the state.

However, government sources said that nearly 90 per cent of the calls are unrelated to the designated subjects, with citizens using the helplines to seek assistance for a wide range of civic and welfare issues.

The four helpline numbers were launched around a week ago by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari as part of the state government's initiative to curb illegal liquor trade, extortion, syndicate activities and unlawful road tax collection.

Officials handling the helpline said callers have reported issues ranging from damaged roads and neighbourhood disputes to delays in receiving benefits under government welfare schemes.

In one instance, a resident from North Bengal reportedly called the helpline seeking repair of a road outside his house. Although informed that the number was meant only for complaints regarding illegal liquor trade, the caller insisted that since he had managed to contact Nabanna, the government should also resolve his civic problem. The complaint was subsequently forwarded to the concerned department.

Officials have been instructed to treat every complaint seriously. If a complaint does not fall within the four notified categories, it is being forwarded to the appropriate government department for necessary action. Where the allegations appear genuine, the matters are referred to the local administration for further inquiry.

Despite the large number of unrelated calls, authorities said around 10 per cent of the complaints pertain directly to the intended categories. These include allegations of illegal road tax collection, extortion and syndicate operations.

Some complainants have alleged that they were forced to pay extortion money to local political leaders while constructing houses several years ago and were compelled to purchase construction materials from specific syndicates at inflated prices. Officials said the identities of complainants are being kept confidential, while the police have been directed to verify the allegations and submit reports to senior authorities.

A significant number of callers have also sought assistance regarding the Annapurna Yojana and other social welfare schemes. Many claimed they had not received benefits under the schemes, while others enquired about the status of their applications. Some callers also requested intervention in long-pending neighbourhood disputes, alleging that local police had failed to resolve their grievances.

The state government has not released an official breakdown of complaints received so far but has indicated that all genuine grievances, irrespective of category, are being routed to the appropriate departments for follow-up action.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh