North Bengal Development Minister Nisith Pramanik on Tuesday announced a series of stricter measures aimed at curbing corruption within the North Bengal Development Department, including mandatory geo-tagging of all projects and action against over a hundred agencies facing allegations of irregularities. Pramanik said that 122 agencies have been issued show-cause notices over alleged corruption, with the process of taking action already underway.
He also pointed to complaints that funds had been withdrawn in the name of projects without any actual work being carried out, adding that such allegations are currently under investigation.
“Allegations have surfaced regarding rampant corruption in this department during the Trinamool regime. There are complaints that funds were withdrawn without any work being executed. To prevent such incidents in the future, a geo-tagging system is being introduced. This will enable monitoring of the nature and extent of the work performed,” Pramanik said.
The minister further stated that geo-tagging — recording the geographical location of projects — will now be mandatory for all works undertaken by the department, a move aimed at enhancing transparency and ensuring on-ground verification of projects.
Concerns have also been raised about the quality of infrastructure created during the tenure of the previous government, with reports of cracks appearing in several buildings within a few years of their inauguration. Engineers have been instructed to investigate the causes, and Pramanik warned that if any departmental personnel are found to be complicit, departmental inquiries will be initiated.
He added that an audit of past projects is currently underway to verify the utilisation of funds allocated for various works. If the allegations are substantiated, strict action, including the blacklisting of agencies, may be taken.
Pramanik also announced measures to eliminate nepotism in the awarding of contracts. Under the new system, the track record of agencies will be thoroughly examined before tenders are awarded, and GST-related documents will be scrutinised. The department is also taking steps to align its processes with the central government’s tendering system.
Highlighting changes in financial planning, the minister said that project allocations will now be based on 2026 price schedules instead of the earlier 2015 rates, which is expected to result in higher sanctioned amounts for projects compared to the past.
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