New Delhi/Kolkata: In a significant administrative move ahead of the formation of a new government in West Bengal, the state administration has directed all retired bureaucrats appointed during the tenure of Mamata Banerjee to refrain from attending offices with immediate effect.
The directive applies to retired officials who were continuing to serve in various departments in advisory or other capacities.
Chief Secretary Conveys Directive to Departments
According to sources, Dushyant Nariala, an IAS officer of the 1993 batch belonging to the West Bengal cadre, conveyed the instructions to all departmental secretaries. The directive is said to have originated from Lok Bhavan and was communicated across departments through internal channels.
Secretaries of each department were reportedly informed verbally within their respective offices to ensure immediate compliance.
Order Effective Until New Government Takes Charge
Officials indicated that the directive will remain in force until the new government is formally constituted in the state.
In the meantime, several retired officials serving as advisors in different departments have already tendered their resignations and vacated their government accommodations, signalling the transition underway.
Strict Vigilance and Safeguarding of Files Ordered
In a parallel move to ensure administrative integrity during the transition phase, the Chief Secretary has instructed all departments to remain on high alert.
Departments have been directed to:
- Properly safeguard all important files
- Ensure that no documents leave departmental premises under any circumstances
- Maintain strict monitoring of records
Financial advisors have also been tasked with playing an active role by compiling a comprehensive list of files to ensure accountability.
Political Shift After BJP’s Electoral Victory
The developments come in the backdrop of a major political shift in West Bengal following the victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party in the state elections.
The BJP secured 207 out of 294 seats, paving the way for its first government in the state. The Trinamool Congress, which had been in power for the past 15 years, managed to win only 80 seats.
In a significant electoral upset, Mamata Banerjee lost her stronghold, Bhabanipur, to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari by a margin of 15,105 votes. The Bhabanipur seat, long considered a Trinamool Congress bastion in south Kolkata, witnessed a high-stakes contest with both leaders present at the counting centre.
Preparations Underway for Swearing-In Ceremony
The BJP has begun preparations for the oath-taking ceremony of its first government in West Bengal, which is scheduled to take place on May 9.
The administrative directives issued by the outgoing setup are being seen as part of efforts to ensure a smooth and orderly transition of power.
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