Kolkata, 03 June (H.S.) : The West Bengal government has issued a stringent directive making departmental heads personally accountable for ensuring the implementation of Central government welfare schemes across the state. The instruction, issued by Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal, has triggered significant discussions within the state administration.

According to officials at Nabanna, the move is aimed at ensuring that residents receive the full benefits of Central schemes under the BJP-led “double-engine government” framework. Departmental heads have been directed to monitor the execution of all applicable Central welfare programmes and submit compliance certificates confirming their implementation.

Senior officials said the government believes several Central schemes have either not been adequately implemented or remain largely unknown among beneficiaries in the state. Effective implementation of these schemes is expected not only to improve public welfare but also to reduce the financial burden on the state exchequer. Authorities noted that previous administrations had launched state-funded programmes with objectives similar to some Central schemes, resulting in additional expenditure from state resources.

An official from the Finance Department described the requirement for departmental heads to submit compliance certificates as an unprecedented administrative measure. “Such certificates are generally sought from contractors or implementing agencies. Making senior officers personally responsible for certifying implementation is highly unusual,” the official said.

The directive comes amid allegations that several Central schemes received limited attention under the previous Trinamool Congress government. State officials claim that in some cases, Central schemes were either not implemented or were introduced under different names, leading to prolonged disputes between the Centre and the state. These disagreements allegedly contributed to delays in the release of Central funds, affecting beneficiaries.

The list of schemes identified for review includes Ayushman Bharat, Jal Jeevan Mission, PM Vishwakarma, PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, PM Ujjwala Yojana, PM Fasal Bima Yojana, PM Mudra Yojana, Smart Cities Mission, Digital India, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural and Urban), Atal Pension Yojana, PM Suraksha Bima Yojana, PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission, PM Jan Dhan Yojana, Khelo India, National Rural Health Mission and several other flagship welfare programmes.

The Chief Secretary has instructed departmental heads to identify schemes that are yet to be operationalised in the state and establish coordination with the concerned Union ministries to ensure their early implementation. Municipalities, zilla parishads, panchayats and other government institutions have also been directed to take immediate steps to execute the order.

Officials said the administration intends to closely monitor progress and ensure that eligible beneficiaries across West Bengal receive the benefits available under Central government programmes without delay.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh