Mamata tells public representatives to work for benefit of masses

Amitava Banerjee, MP, Darjeeling: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee asked the administration and public representatives from her party to be public-friendly and work for the benefit of the masses.

This message was given by her from both the distribution programme and an administrative review meeting held back to back at Tiabon, Jalpaiguri, on Wednesday.

"All good leaders and administrators work for the people. All people are equal for them. I have always worked for the benefit of the masses. I will prepare future leaders on the same lines so that there is no leadership vacuum in Bengal after me," stated Banerjee, addressing the gathering from the programme.

She asked the district administration and the public representatives from her party to help people. "Stand by the people who are facing a crisis. Complete their work on time. Don't delay. If I can do it you all can do it too. It is all about building a strong connection with the masses," stated Banerjee.

At the administrative review meeting of the Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts, the Chief Minister pulled up the West Bengal State Power Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL) for poor performance. "There are regular power failures in the name of maintenance. People are being inconvenienced. The matter has to be immediately looked into and a report submitted to me in three days," said Banerjee.

She also added that employees of that department may be replaced with more efficient staff if the situation failed to improve.

"I will ask the Chief Secretary to hold a meeting with the Power department," the Chief Minister said.

Bengal is a power surplus state.

Banerjee also pulled up the Land and Land Reforms department for the slow pace of leasing out lands in Alipurduar district.

The Chief Minister also questioned as to why a Detailed Project Report for a Veterinary College and Hospital at Ramsahi has been projected at Rs 350 crore. "Why so much money is required. Submit a fresh DPR scaling down costs," directed Banerjee.

She paid tributes to Indira Gandhi on her 34th death anniversary and lauded the former Prime Minister's contribution to the nation's economic development.

"Sincere tribute to former Prime Minister Indiraji on her death anniversary. We remember her great contribution to the nation and also her leadership of the Non-Aligned Movement, which she led by focussing on the relationship between disarmament and economic development," Banerjee wrote on Twitter. 
In the evening, Banerjee took a long walk on a stretch leading to Gorumara enjoying the pristine surroundings.