West Bengal Directs Departments to Review Physical Records Management

PTI, May 05, 2026, Kolkata : The West Bengal government on Tuesday directed all departments to conduct a comprehensive stock-taking of physical files and ensure proper record management in line with existing administrative norms.

In an official order, the chief secretary asked all heads of departments and heads of offices to account for physical records under their custody and maintain them in an indexed and systematic manner, as prescribed in the West Bengal Secretariat Manual.

The order also assigns a key coordinating role to Financial Advisors (FAs), who will be responsible for compiling departmental lists of such files and maintaining consolidated records.

A senior official said the move is aimed at strengthening institutional record-keeping and improving accountability.

"Proper documentation is the backbone of governance. This exercise will help departments identify gaps, streamline file management, and ensure that important records are easily retrievable," the official said.

Another official noted that the directive comes amid increasing emphasis on transparency and efficiency in government functioning.

"Even as digitisation progresses, physical records continue to hold legal and administrative significance. Their proper upkeep cannot be overlooked," the official added.

The order, issued by the chief secretary, has been circulated to all additional chief secretaries, principal secretaries and secretaries of various departments for immediate compliance.

Officials said departments are expected to begin the exercise without delay and submit compiled records as per prescribed procedures.