Kolkata, May 15 -- Emphasising transparency and accountability in legislative functioning, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday announced in the Assembly that proceedings of the House, including budget discussions and special mentions, would be telecast live to enable people to closely monitor the performance of their elected representatives.
He also hinted at the possibility of a delimitation exercise in the state, stating that the number of constituencies in Bengal could increase, requiring the construction of a new Assembly building.
Moreover, the BJP government is set to roll out "Janata Darbar" (people's court) from next month, under which the Chief Minister will directly hear public grievances and complaints.
The Chief Minister also assured that Opposition MLAs would be given equal opportunities to participate in debates and discussions. He further stated that legislators from opposition parties would be free to approach BJP ministers on public issues, irrespective of political affiliation.
"We want a new era to begin in the Assembly. The ministers will give time to the Opposition MLAs. If ministers go to any constituency, the local MLA will be informed. If anybody writes to me, I will acknowledge the acceptance of the letter and respond positively. During the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) government, it was not there," Adhikari said. "Just as BJP governments function in 21 states, we too want to run the government in a democratic and accessible manner," he added.
Giving a call for "constructive opposition", Adhikari added that the Assembly belongs to the Opposition. "The number of seats of the Opposition party is much less, but a 50:50 opportunity will be given to the ruling and Opposition," Adhikari stated.
He said that the BJP government does not want a situation where the Leader of the Opposition would remain outside the Assembly for 11 months.
"We want accountability, freedom of expression and Constitutional values to guide the functioning of this Assembly," he stated. Addressing the House, the Chief Minister said he hoped the new Assembly would fulfil the expectations of the people of West Bengal and function in line with democratic and parliamentary traditions.
Meanwhile, the BJP government is set to launch "Janata Darbar" (people's court) from next month, where Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari will directly listen to public grievances.
According to sources, the programme will be held for two hours twice a week. Although an official notification in the matter has not yet been issued, the Chief Minister's Office has taken the decision to start "Janata Darbar".
An official notification regarding the initiative is expected to be issued later this month, with the programme likely to commence from next month. Efforts are underway to launch it on June 1.
Sources said senior bureaucrats will accompany the Chief Minister during the programme. Administrative preparations have already begun, with officials currently working out the modalities and framework for its implementation.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.