NEWS
30-06-2017
•  On the eve of the GST being launched at the midnight of 30th June, 2017, Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed that freedom and democracy stand to face grave danger. Criticising the event, she termed it as the ‘back of mockery of Inspector Raj’.She said that she was shocked to find that the GST rules contain a draconian arrest clause which can lead to major harassment of business, particularly the small and medium, with some sections even being non-bailable too. She pointed out that under the current VAT regime, the field officials of the State do not have the power to arrest while in the case of GST, the Inspectors will have the power to arrest on 4 different types of offences which can lead to jail from 1 year up to 5 years. She said that West Bengal had opposed this arrest clause in the GST Council but the Government of India did not pay any heed. Also, in the name of GST, they have deviated in many areas from the original intent, she pointed out.Given the atmosphere in the country of vindictively targeting anyone who dares to disagree with the Central Government, the Hon’ble Chief Minister said that she was deeply concerned that the arrest clause in GST may well be used to target business leaders who raise their voice of dissent on any policy matter or any practices.
29-06-2017
•  Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee undertook a visit to Purba Bardhaman district and chaired the administrative review meeting for the district at Sanskriti Lok Mancha.She was present at a public distribution programme from where numerous developmental projects were inaugurated. Among the projects she inaugurated today are the outdoor units of the Kalna and Asansol super-speciality hospitals, a Karma Tirtha, water projects, government buildings, a veterinary hospital, flood shelters and many other such projects. She also laid foundation stones for power sub-stations, water supply projects, government building and some other projects.She distributed benefits under Kanyashree and Lok Prasar Prakalpa, bicycles under Sabuj Sathi, saplings under Sabujshree, houses under Geetanjali, etc. Today the Hon’ble Chief Minister announced the achievement of 100% rural electrification of the district.After the inaugurations of the projects she chaired the administrative meeting at Sanskriti Lokmancha. 60 students from Burdwan University were invited to the administrative review meeting. On their presence, she announced the launch of Kanyshree scheme for the University students, K3.
28-06-2017
•  Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee through a statement informed that she was deeply concerned about GST implementation. She termed the move as an epic blunder and said that after demonetisation, this was done in an unnecessary disastrous hurry. She said that the State Government has been for GST from the beginning but is very worried now with the way the Central Government is going ahead with the implementation. She stated that repeated suggestions by the West Bengal Government to take some more time to properly implement GST have fallen in deaf ears. As a result, the entire business communities, especially the small and medium ones, are scared and confused, she said. Essential commodities such as medicines are not available in many places and prices of various commodities are rising for lack of clarity and mismanagement, she pointed out. She stated that the West Bengal Government always been fighting for maintaining the federalist structure of the country, even if Bengal at times was the lone voice and conscience of the GST Council. She also pointed out that there are almost 20 different taxes in the present tax regime and the State Government felt that one single tax and integration of all markets across the country will provide a big relief to all. The Hon’ble Chief Minister pointed out that the economy is not yet ready to face the GST from the 1st of July, 2017. The 3 days strike declared by the Textile Industries of India provides evidence to the deep concerns on the lack of preparedness, she stated. Small business entities are not yet ready with the basic requirements like invoice, accounting system, IT system, etc, she pointed out. Another piece of evidence of unpreparedness comes from the fact that the ‘Return Form’ had to be simplified for the first 6 months as all systems are not in place, she informed. She said that it was shocking that the e-Waybill System is not yet designed and States are being asked to run their own systems as a stopgap arrangement.She pointed out that at least 6 months will further be necessary to notify all rules and procedures and give enough time to the stakeholders, particularly the Small and Medium Enterprises to successfully implement the GST or otherwise a chaotic situation may arise in the vast economy for which the Government of India will be primarily responsible. She said that she hoped the voices of the people and businesses is being heard and being paid heed to, by the Central Government.
26-06-2017
•  Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wished all on the occasion of Eid-al-Fitr.
25-06-2017
•  Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wished all on the occasion of Ratha Yatra.
23-06-2017
•  The United Nations today, on the occasion of UN Public Service Day, awarded the United Nations Public Services first place winner award in the Category on Reaching the Poorest and Most Vulnerable through Inclusive Services and Participation, to Government of West Bengal for "Kanyashree". There were 552 nominations from 62 countries altogether. The prestigious award is in recognition of excellence in public service for sustainable development, innovation and the commitment to leave no one behind in the development agenda of the Government. The award was presented to the Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the World Public Service Forum by the UN Assistant at a ceremony in Hague in Netherlands. After receiving the award, the Hon’ble Chief Minister dedicated it to the people of her state and the country.
21-06-2017
•  Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today took part in a Business Interaction organized by Govt of West Bengal in association with VNO-NCW, the largest employers' organisation in the Netherlands, supported by FICCI and KPMG at The Hague in The Netherlands. A high powered official and business delegation is accompanying the Hon’ble Chief Minister. The President of the VNO-NCW expressed interest to bring in a delegation of Dutch companies to Bengal Global Business Summit 2018. The Hon’ble Ambassador of India to Netherlands also addressed the session. Noted Industrialists from Bengal spoke on their experiences of doing business in Bengal.
19-06-2017
•  On the invitation of the United Nations, Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee left for The Netherlands today. She will address the Public Service Day of United Nations on June 22 at The Hague in The Netherlands. “The Future is Now: Accelerating Public Service Innovation for Agenda 2030” is the theme of the 2017 UN Public Service Forum and the Chief Minister will be speaking on this subject.
18-06-2017
•  Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was present today at a programme organised by the Jain community at Netaji Indoor Stadium, to commemorate the arrival here of Acharya Shri Mahashraman, the eleventh Acharya of the Terapanth Dharma Sangha.During her speech, she stressed on the importance of working with everyone, forsaking violence and differences, and said that only such a person can be called a true human being.

•  The revered Swami Atmasthanandaji, President of Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Belur Math passed away.Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjeepaid her last visit to him at Ramakrishna Seva Pratisthan, Kolkata. She offered her deepest condolence to members of his order, disciples and followers.
17-06-2017
•  Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee chaired a high level meeting at Nabanna, the State Secretariat on the recent disturbance of peace in Darjeeling. After the meeting, she informed that the different Hill development board members of the State have formed a committee assuring that peace will prevail in the Hills as it will be their first priority to work on. She said that the law will take its own courseand any vandalism and hooliganism will not be supported. She stated that the Government always was and would always will be with the people of the Hills.She also announced that there will be an all-party meeting in Siliguri on June 22.

•   Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee paid tributes to the memories of esteemed journalists today near Bartaman Bhawan on EM Bypass at 5 PM. The programme was a joint initiative of Kolkata Municipal Corporation and the State Housing and North Bengal Development Departments. She paid tribute to noted journalists Barun Sengupta, Gour Kishore Ghosh, Amitabha Chowdhury, Suhas Chandra Talukdar and Manturam Chowdhury. The Chief Minister laid the foundation stones of the projects to build a community hall and build or rename a road each after the four journalists.
16-06-2017
•  Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee came down heavily on the Centre’s decision to make Aadhaar mandatory for opening bank accounts and carrying out financial transactions above Rs. 50,000. The gravest consequence of this decision would be,the fact that the the poorest of the poor, the marginalised people will be the worst sufferers, she stated. She further said that since Aadhaar has serious issues about privacy, the Central Government must not make it mandatory for access to any service unless 100 per cent coverage has been achieved.
15-06-2017
•  Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjeefelicitated the police personnel in a programme, jointly organised by the West Bengal Police and the Kolkata Police, at the open-air stage, Uttirna in Kolkata today.She felicitated police officesr of the State for their exceptional work on the line of duty. She announced that theaward money for the recipients of Sewa Padak, Prasangsha Padak and Nistha Padak will be increased.During her speech at the felicitation programme, she exhorted the police force to higher glory. She announced that among the new infrastructure set up are 108 police stations, of which 80 are women’s police stations, five police commissionerates (with a sixth one almost ready), she informed. Stating that the trouble in the Hills is the handiwork of some hooligans, she said that the state government will bring an end to the hooliganism that is going on in Darjeeling for vested interests of a section of people.
14-06-2017
•  Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today made a surprise visit to SSKM hospital and took stock of the situation in the hospital premises.

•   Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today demanded that the Government of India waive farmer loans across the country and not pass the buck to the States. She said that the current farmer distress is the result of demonetisation. When the farmers are agitating, Government of India cannot be silent, she said. She said that an assurance was given by the ruling party and now they must fulfil their commitment without trying to pass the buck to the States.
13-06-2017
•  Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today made a surprise visit to Sambhunath Pandit Hospital and Ramrik Harlalka Hospital, located in Bhowanipore in South Kolkata, on her way to attend a function at Uttirnna on Tuesday afternoon. She took stock of the situation in the hospital premises and spoke to the medical superintendent and hospital staff members regarding the cleanliness. She also interacted with a few patients to know whether they were getting all facilities.

•   A galaxy of talent from all over the state had assembled today at Uttirna, Alipore, on the occasion of felicitation of Board toppers in 2017 exams. Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee congratulated all students who appeared in this year’s Madhyamik, Higher Secondary, ICSE, ISC, CBSE and WBJEE examinations and wish them all the best in their future endeavours.
12-06-2017
•  In a historic event today, Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched from Bhangar, South 24-Parganas construction of 18,000 new rural roads covering 25,000 KM together all over the state. Over one week, from 12th to 18th June, “Banglar Grameen Sadak Saptaha” (Bengal Rural Roads Week) will be celebrated all over the state to give special thrust to creating and further strengthening a robust network of village roads to connect people to more opportunities of social and economic development.

•   Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was present today at the Dawat-e-Iftaar organised by Kolkata Municipal Corporation at Park Circus.
09-06-2017
•  Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee began her visit to North Bengal today and took part in a public distribution programme at Mirik.She laid foundation stones and inaugurates a bouquet of developmental projects from today’s meeting.
08-06-2017
•  The first Cabinet Meeting of the present government in the Hills, was held in Darjeeling today, chaired by Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The Government had earlier taken decision to hold two cabinet meetings in the Hills and two cabinet meetings in Jangalmahal areas every year. To fulfill the long-standing demand of the people of the hills and to give more thrust to development in the area, a decision was taken up to set up a new West Bengal State Government Secretariat in Darjeeling, adjacent to the present Circuit House Complex which will be named “Tenzing Norgay Bhaban”, after the legendary mountaineer. The Cabinet also decided on a number of important development schemes for the hills. In Mirik, in addition to a Polytechnic, a Skill Development Centre will be set up, which will generate employment opportunities for nearly 3500 youth of the area every year. Also, to improve transportation system of the area a large number of bus services will be introduced. The Cabinet also decided to create West Bengal Higher Civil Service (Executive) from amongst talented and meritorious officers of West Bengal Civil Service (Executive) to take up positions of higher responsibility in the government.
06-06-2017
•  Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee began her visit to North Bengal today and took part in a public distribution programme at Mirik. She laid foundation stones and inaugurates a bouquet of developmental projects from today’s meeting.
05-06-2017
•  Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee greeted all on the occasion of World Environment Day.

•   Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed grief on the death of Naik Dipak Kumar Maity, martyred on Sunday in Kashmir. She informed that the State government will extend all assistance to his family.
03-06-2017
•  Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee informed that during the course of her interactions with university students in administrative review meetings in the districts, it was brought under her notice the great distress caused to them due to stoppage of non-NET Fellowship Scheme for M. Phil and Ph.D scholars by the UGC. She informed that from West Bengal Government would allocate Rs. 20 Crore from Swami Vivekananda Merit cum Means Scholarship to provide non-NET Fellowship to research scholars admitted to M.Phil/Ph.D courses through a fair and transparent selection process, so that the plight of the students is reduced.

•   Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee informed that Bengal has secured the No. 1 spot in the country in 100-days work on convergence and livelihood augmentation for financial year 2015-16, as per announcement of the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India. Also, among the districts in the country for awards under various categories of 100-days work are the Nadia and Coochbehar districts, she stated.
02-06-2017
•  Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today expressed shock over the Central Government’s recent reply to an RTI query regarding Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The RTI from the Government of India stated that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose had passed away in an air crash in 1945. The Hon’ble Chief Minister expressed her shock on this unilateral decision of the Central Government without evidence. She stated that any matter involving a person of Netaji’s stature does not deserve to be handled in such a casual manner and drew the attention of Hon’ble Prime Minister to this matter and sought the considered stand of Central Government in this regard.

•   Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today chaired the administrative review meeting for South 24 Parganas district in Pailan. This was her 155th administrative review meeting. She took stock of the ongoing projects in the district. Several steps have taken up for the development of Sunderbans and Sagar Island.
01-06-2017
•  Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today announced the formation of a police commissionerate for Chandannagar along with a university, a medical college and a development board for Tarakeshwar. She chaired the administrative review meeting of Hooghly district. She said that the site for the proposed university will soon be selected. The medical college will come up on an area of 5 acre at a place between Tarakeshwar and Singur. The medical college will be named after Prafulla Chandra Sen, former Chief Minister, she said. She allotted funds for Tarakeshwar development board, and inaugurated and laid foundation stones for a bouquet of projects.

•   Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today came down heavily on the Centre for the state of the country as a result of demonetisation. Among other things, the Quarter 4 GDP figure during 2016-17 has come down to 6.1 per cent, a decline of nearly 2 per cent, and there has been rampant job loss across India, with the agriculture and the unorganised sectors being the worst affected. She was the first person to raise voice against the draconian legislation of demonetisation, within an hour of its announcement, on November 8, 2016.