Kolkata, 20 July (H.S.): West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday announced a new mechanism to ensure the time-bound disposal of issues and grievances raised by Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) during Assembly proceedings.

Speaking during the extended Budget Session of the Assembly, the Chief Minister directed all government departments to provide a written response to the concerned MLA within seven days of any issue being raised during the Mention Hour. He said the entire process would be monitored by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO).

Adhikari said matters raised during the Mention Hour would no longer remain pending indefinitely. The concerned department would be required to inform the MLA within a week about the government's position on the issue and the expected timeline for its resolution.

He further stated that if a demand could not be accepted or implemented, the department must clearly communicate the reasons in writing. A copy of every departmental response would also have to be submitted to the CMO.

The Chief Minister said he would personally monitor the progress of each case and ensure that the government's final decision on every issue raised by an MLA is communicated to the concerned legislator within three months.

The announcement received support from both the treasury and opposition benches, with members thumping their desks in approval.

Former minister and Trinamool Congress MLA Firhad Hakim described the move as a historic initiative, saying that no such system had existed in the Assembly over the past 15 years or even earlier. He said the mechanism would improve transparency and accountability in addressing public issues raised by elected representatives.

According to government officials, the new system is aimed at strengthening departmental accountability, reducing administrative delays, and ensuring regular monitoring of public grievances and development-related issues brought before the Assembly.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh