Kolkata, Oct. 29 -- Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has issued instructions to expedite the implementation of Centrally-sponsored schemes in Bengal. In a high-level meeting recently, Adhikari said that prompt action should be taken so that no Central schemes are delayed due to any technical or official complications.
Adhikari also gave a clear message that simply exchanging letters with the Centre will no longer be enough if work on any project is stalled. Officials designated to oversee Central schemes must travel directly to Delhi and hold discussions with Central government officials to resolve any existing issues.
If necessary, state officials must meet Central government officials to resolve the issues. Adhikari also issued strict instructions to the secretaries of various state government departments in this regard.
The Chief Minister also indicated that four or five secretaries may travel to Delhi together, if required. In such cases, the state government will bear the expenses.
It was learnt that the implementation of several Central projects is facing various hurdles. In some cases, the allocation of funds is stalled. In some others, progress is hampered by complications in the approval process.
The secretaries have been instructed to pay special attention to ensuring that no project remains unnecessarily stalled. The Chief Minister recently held a review meeting at Nabanna to assess the progress of various government schemes. During the meeting, he expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of implementation of several projects. He particularly directed officials to accelerate the execution of key schemes, including the Jal Jeevan Mission.
There has been a long-standing friction between the Centre and the state regarding various projects when Mamata Banerjee was the Chief Minister of the state. Differences of opinion have surfaced on multiple occasions between two sides.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.