West Bengal Chief Secretary Directs Departments to Clear Pending Scheme References in Seven Days

Administrative Directive Issued

West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Agarwal has reportedly directed all state government departments to dispose of inter-departmental references and communications within seven working days. According to reports, the directive aims to accelerate decision-making and prevent administrative bottlenecks that could potentially delay the implementation of government schemes.

Key Instructions and Compliance

Reports indicate that departmental secretaries have been instructed to:

• Regularly monitor pending matters across departments.
• Refer unresolved issues directly to the chief secretary for intervention and resolution.
• Establish internal mechanisms to track pending references and ensure timely follow-ups.

An order issued by the chief secretary's office reportedly stated that delays in providing comments, views, or concurrence between departments often hinder the timely execution of public programs.

Regulatory Framework and Responsibility

The directive emphasizes that all communications must be handled promptly in alignment with existing administrative guidelines, including the West Bengal Secretariat Manual, 2019, and the West Bengal Rules of Business. Departmental secretaries will reportedly hold direct responsibility for reviewing pendency and ensuring strict compliance.

Practical Implications and Verification

• Administrative Impact: The order is expected to streamline bureaucratic processes if implemented effectively.
• Verification: Citizens and stakeholders can verify official administrative updates through the official West Bengal government portals or authenticated departmental notifications.