By IANS,
Kolkata: Defending the West Bengal’s government’s decision to introduce a law penalising government employees for their failure to render timely services, Chef Minister Mamata Banerjee Saturday said the move was aimed at weeding out unscrupulous elements.
“There are many government employees who are CPI-M (Communist Party of India-Marxist) cadres and with a view to malign the government, indulge in corrupt practices. This law is aimed at targeting those unscrupulous elements,” Banerjee said while addressing a gathering of government employees.
Urging the employees to work diligently and to improve the work culture, Banerjee also assured incentives for efficiency and diligence.
“During the 34 years of Left (Front) rule work culture has vastly deteriorated. I urge you all to work diligently and honestly and those who will work efficiently will be getting incentives,” she added.
The West Bengal Right to Public Services Bill, which aims at penalising errant government employees was okayed earlier this month by the Banerjee cabinet and is slated to be introduced during the budget session of the state assembly.
“This Bill makes it mandatory to provide such services within a stipulated period. If the victim lodges a complaint, the employee concerned will be fined from Rs.250 to Rs.1,000,” Banerjee had said while announcing the proposed bill.
The bill also provides for setting up a commission that will look into complaints from the public on a whole range of services – issuing of property mutation deeds, birth and death certificates, ration cards, driving licences, etc.