Kolkata: In the wake of a significant political transition following the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election results, the state government has moved swiftly to secure official records. Dushyant Nariala, a 1993 batch IAS officer and Chief Secretary of West Bengal, has issued a stringent directive mandating all departments to ensure the protection and proper accounting of government files and documents.
The order comes shortly after a BJP sweep in the state elections, marking the end of the 15-year-long rule of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), and aims to ensure transparency and accountability during the transition of power.
Clear Ban on Removal, Damage and Unauthorized Access
The directive categorically prohibits the removal, damage, or destruction of any official documents from government offices, including the state secretariat Nabanna and other administrative establishments in Kolkata.
It also imposes a strict ban on:
- Unauthorised copying of files
- Scanning or digitisation without approval
- Movement of records outside official premises
“All departmental secretaries and heads of offices have been instructed to ensure that no important paper or any file is removed/damaged or otherwise taken out from the offices. No unauthorised copying or scanning of documents will be permitted,” Nariala stated in the order.
Personal Accountability Fixed on Senior Officials
In a significant step, the Chief Secretary has placed direct personal responsibility on departmental secretaries and heads of offices for ensuring compliance.
The directive clearly states that:
- All files, communications, and important papers must be properly accounted for at all times
- Department heads must ensure strict adherence “in letter and spirit”
- Any deviation will attract personal accountability
“Personal responsibility shall be fixed for any instance of deviation,” the order emphasised, underlining the seriousness of the directive.
Immediate Implementation Across Departments
Officials confirmed that the order has come into effect immediately, with all departments instructed to strengthen internal protocols related to document handling and record security.
This includes:
- Tightening access control mechanisms
- Maintaining updated records and file inventories
- Monitoring document movement within offices
The directive seeks to eliminate any possibility of tampering, loss, or unauthorised duplication of sensitive government records.
Context: Political Transition After Election Results
The timing of the order is crucial, coming immediately after the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election results indicated a major political shift. The BJP’s electoral victory marks a transition of power after over a decade and a half of governance by the TMC.
Such transition phases are often considered sensitive from an administrative standpoint, particularly with regard to the preservation of official records and institutional continuity.
Ensuring Transparency and Institutional Integrity
The directive reflects the administration’s intent to ensure that governance processes remain transparent and accountable during the transition period.
By safeguarding files and official documents, the government aims to:
- Preserve institutional memory
- Prevent misuse or destruction of records
- Ensure smooth administrative continuity
The move also sends a strong message regarding adherence to procedural integrity and responsibility among officials.
Fixing Accountability
The West Bengal government’s directive highlights the critical importance of record security during periods of political change. By enforcing strict controls and fixing accountability, the administration is seeking to maintain transparency and safeguard the integrity of governance systems at a crucial juncture.
