Tough’ to cut costs of CM Mamata Banerjee’s visits: PWD tells Bengal government

'But it appears the target would not be achieved as a number of helipads and connecting roads are being constructed to meet the security protocol of the chief minister'

Mamata Banerjee: File Photo

Pranesh Sarkar, TT, Calcutta, 31.01.24 : The cash-strapped Bengal government has asked the public works department to bring the expenditure for setting up infrastructures for chief minister’s meetings in districts below Rs 45 lakh, but officials are finding it difficult to meet the target.

A source said the PWD had launched the initiative to cut costs during Mamata Banerjee’s current north Bengal tour. “But it appears the target would not be achieved as a number of helipads and connecting roads are being constructed to meet the security protocol of the chief minister,” said the source.

The decision to peg the expenditure at an affordable level was taken by none other than Mamata, said a source. “The chief minister was displeased when she came to know that the PWD spends nearly Rs 1.25 crore on average to set up infrastructure at a meeting venue,” said the source.

When Mamata undertakes a district visit, the PWD is responsible for creating facilities both at the meeting venue and the place where she spends the night.

On the other hand, the district authorities spend amounts on movement, lodging and food of the officials and the security forces. Also, the districts spend money on transportation and refreshments for the beneficiaries of the government’s welfare schemes when they are brought to the meeting venue.

“The PWD sets up the dais and hangars for the audience and constructs and repairs roads connecting the venue, in addition to security barricades wherever required. If the chief minister reaches the venue by helicopter, the cost of the construction of a temporary helipad and the connecting road is also added to the total expenditure. Expenditure for the helipad is around Rs 25 lakh and if roads are laid to connect the helipad to the venue, the cost can reach Rs 50 lakh. Overall, the total cost for setting up infrastructure for a venue can reach Rs 1.5 crore,” said a source.