Kolkata, May 19 (UNI) The West Bengal government has announced a series of stringent measures aimed at accelerating administrative efficiency and reducing unnecessary expenditure from the state exchequer.
In an urgent directive the office of the Chief Secretary asked all government departments and district administrations to prepare detailed action plans for the 2026-27 financial year.
The move comes in line with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s recent emphasis on fuel conservation, greater use of public transport and expansion of digital platforms in governance.
The new directive makes it clear that government offices must focus on curbing avoidable fuel consumption, maximising the use of digital systems and promoting indigenous products.
According to the notification, each department will have to formulate a structured “Action Plan” covering immediate, medium-term and long-term goals.
The Chief Secretary has laid down seven key focus areas for implementation across the administrative structure.
One of the major thrust areas is the increased use of virtual meetings.
Government departments have been instructed to prefer video conferencing and digital platforms over physical meetings wherever possible.
The directive also asks departments to examine the feasibility of work-from-home arrangements in suitable cases without affecting the quality of work.
The government has also stressed reducing unnecessary official travel as part of its fuel-saving measures.
Senior officials have been encouraged to use public transport, adopt car-pooling practices and gradually increase the use of electric vehicles for official purposes.
Another major focus area is electricity and energy conservation in government offices and institutions.
Departments have been directed to ensure that lights, fans and other electrical appliances are not used unnecessarily and to promote the use of energy-efficient equipment in offices.
In a significant push towards digitisation, the state government has decided to accelerate the implementation of paperless office systems through the expansion of the e-office mechanism.
Departments have been instructed to increase digital file transfers and reduce avoidable expenditure linked to paper usage and physical documentation.
The new guidelines also emphasise giving preference to indigenous and locally manufactured products in government procurement.
Officials said the objective is to encourage “Swadeshi” initiatives and strengthen local manufacturing and supply chains within the state.
The Chief Secretary’s directive further calls for proper utilisation of natural resources by improving waste disposal systems, promoting recycling and ensuring efficient supply management to minimise wastage.
The government has additionally advised departments to create awareness regarding healthy and sustainable lifestyles.
The notification encourages the use of locally produced edible oils and environmentally friendly agricultural products, including organically grown items.
The directive has set a strict deadline for implementation.
All departments and district administrations have been asked to submit their respective action plans to the Chief Secretary’s office by May 22, 2026.
Thereafter, monthly progress reports will have to be submitted from July 1 onwards.
The Chief Secretary has instructed all Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and District Magistrates to treat the matter with the highest priority.
Senior officials have also been made responsible for ensuring that all subordinate offices comply fully with the new guidelines.
A copy of the directive has been forwarded to the Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister as well.
Officials in the administrative establishment said the measures are aimed not only at bringing greater transparency and efficiency into government functioning but also at easing pressure on the state treasury by eliminating wasteful expenditure.
UNI SAG IM