Centre to examine if TMC govt in Bengal utilised funds for central schemes
The Finance Ministry has decided to closely monitor the implementation of Central government welfare schemes in West Bengal and assess whether previous state administrations effectively
The Finance Ministry has decided to closely monitor the implementation of Central government welfare schemes in West Bengal and assess whether previous state administrations effectively utilised them. As part of the exercise, banks have been tasked with evaluating the extent to which Central schemes have reached eligible beneficiaries and whether the programmes have achieved saturation on the ground. Officials said the Finance Ministry will review reports submitted by banks to identify gaps in implementation and improve the delivery of government initiatives. The move is aimed at ensuring that the benefits of Central schemes reach all intended recipients.
Read Full Story The government is also keeping a close watch on developments in West Asia amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties. In view of the evolving situation, conserving foreign exchange has emerged as a key priority for policymakers. Meanwhile, the Centre is expected to clear all pending bills in West Bengal, signalling efforts to streamline financial administration and ensure the smooth flow of funds for ongoing projects and public welfare programmes in the state. FM NIRMALA SITHARAMAN MEETS BENGAL CM SUVENDU ADHIKARI Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari in New Delhi on Monday to discuss measures aimed at accelerating the state's development in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision.
During the meeting, the two leaders reviewed issues related to credit availability across various sectors in West Bengal and the implementation of Central government schemes. Sitharaman said a renewed saturation drive would be undertaken in coordination with the state government to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries are covered under flagship schemes, including Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana, Jan Dhan Yojana, Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Suraksha Bima Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana and PM SVANidhi. Responding to the Chief Minister's request, the Finance Minister announced that roundtable meetings involving public sector banks, industry bodies and MSME associations would be organised across different regions of West Bengal to enhance credit access, boost entrepreneurship and create employment opportunities.
Sitharaman also said the performance of West Bengal Gramin Bank would be reviewed to strengthen financial inclusion and improve access to formal credit in rural areas. She further assured support for eligible proposals under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme and urged the state government to expedite reforms linked to the programme. Ends
