West Bengal issues strict order to safeguard official records, fixes accountability on senior officials

Dushyant Nariala, Chief Secretary of West Bengal, has directed all government departments to ensure that no important file or document is removed, damaged, or taken out of office premises under any circumstances.

The order, issued on May 4, places direct responsibility on senior officials to safeguard government records, signalling a push for stricter administrative control and accountability.

According to the directive, all departmental secretaries and heads of offices have been instructed to ensure that "no important paper or file is removed, damaged, or otherwise taken out from offices." It also clearly prohibits any unauthorised copying or scanning of official documents.

The order further mandates that all files, important papers, and communications must be properly accounted for at all times. Heads of departments and secretaries have been asked to ensure compliance "in letter and spirit."

Personal accountability fixed

In a strong warning, the directive states that personal responsibility will be fixed in case of any lapse, making senior officials directly accountable for any breach involving official records.

The communication has been circulated to all additional chief secretaries, principal secretaries, and departmental secretaries. It has also been sent to senior administrative and police officials, including the Director General of Police, divisional commissioners, the Kolkata Police Commissioner, and all district magistrates.

A copy of the order has also been marked to the Secretary to the Governor for information.

While no specific reason has been cited for issuing the directive, officials indicated that departments are expected to comply immediately and tighten internal controls over document handling.