Kolkata, May 13 -- The state government is stepping up surveillance across urban local bodies in Bengal by bringing all municipalities and municipal corporations under CCTV monitoring.
Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Paul said the move is being undertaken under the instructions of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
"All the 121 municipalities and seven municipal corporations will be monitored through CCTV from my office in the department. The entry and exit of employees, whether they are adhering to office hours and similar activities, will remain under surveillance. The people of Bengal have elected us and if each one of us performs our duties and responsibilities properly, the state will progress," Paul said.
She added that proper monitoring was lacking during the previous government's tenure and expressed hope that she, along with all staff members and employees of the department, would work collectively for the benefit of the people.
Although the BJP has formed the government in the state, municipalities and municipal corporations are still under the control of the Trinamool Congress. The administration believes that the surveillance system will provide detailed insights into the functioning of various urban local bodies across Bengal.
When asked about contractual workers engaged by urban local bodies, the minister said the government would not deprive anyone of their livelihood.
"If anyone is shown the exit door, the state will ensure rehabilitation for the person concerned," she added.
Paul, who held a video conference with finance officers (FOs) and executive officers (EOs) of all urban local bodies on Tuesday, also instructed officials not to release payments to contractors associated with various civic projects for the time being.
"There have been allegations that several works were not properly executed. I will review the entire process and clear the bills, following which payments will be made," Paul said.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.