WB orders strict security for govt files

• West Bengal orders strict security for all official government files
• Senior officials must prevent any unauthorised copying or removal
• New protocols for document preservation are effective immediately

West Bengal Chief Secretary Dushyant Nariala on Monday directed all state government departments to ensure that no important files or official documents are taken out, damaged, or removed from office premises under any circumstances.

In an order issued on Monday, the Chief Secretary placed direct responsibility on senior officials to secure and preserve government records.

"All departmental secretaries and heads of offices have been instructed to ensure that no important paper or any file is removed/damaged or otherwise taken out from the offices. No unauthorised copying or scanning of documents will be permitted," Nariala said in a statement.

The directive further mandates that all files, important papers and communications must be properly accounted for at all times.

"Heads of Departments and Departmental Secretaries shall personally ensure that this is followed in letter and spirit," the statement added.

The directive has been circulated to all Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and Secretaries across various departments. It has also been sent to the Director General and Inspector General of Police, all Divisional Commissioners, the Commissioner of Kolkata Police, and District Magistrates across the state.

A copy of the communication has additionally been forwarded to the Secretary to the Governor for information.

While the order does not specify the reason behind the directive, officials have indicated that it is to be implemented immediately, with departments expected to strengthen internal protocols governing the handling and security of official records.

The order was issued as the BJP was heading for a landslide victory in the state, ending the 15-year rule of the Mamata Banerjee government.

With inputs from agencies