Pranab assures Mamata of help to tide over ‘crisis’

Mukherjee said West Bengal was in a state of financial crisis,and that the Centre and state needed to work together to resolve it. “We have to take various short-term and long-term measures to restore financial stability and recover from the fiscal deficit. Under the federal system,the Centre will offer the maximum possible help to the state. Since the people have given the mandate in favour of us,we are happy and thus seek to redress all necessary concerns,” Mukherjee told reporters after the meeting.

After assuming power,Mamata had asked state Finance and Excise Minister Amit Mitra to prepare a detailed report about the state’s financial status. The ministry presented detailed reports about various government schemes to Mukherjee.

“Whatever short-term assistance is required will be provided and after discussions,a long-term plan for the state’s financial recovery will be drawn up,” Mukherjee said.

Mamata attacked the previous Left Front government for this impending crisis and said the Left Front’s 34-year rule had devastated the state’s financial structure. Its condition was “worse than Aila’s destruction in Bengal two years ago”. She also said that since November,the state’s treasury had been empty and nearly all state security schemes stopped. She also spoke of undertaking several short,mid and long-term schemes to restore normalcy in the financial sector.

“I have also sought a Special Scrutinized Report from officials on the reasons behind this ailing condition. The condition of state government employees will also be kept in mind so that they don’t suffer financially. Because of an existing embargo,no new projects have been taken up. We now intend to launch several joint ventures between the state and the Centre as we have been assured maximum help,” the chief minister announced.

Mamata said she and Mitra would soon go to New Delhi to meet finance ministry officials and chalk out the projects. Mitra would meet Sumit Bose,the present disinvestment secretary who will take charge as the new Union finance secretary.

At the meeting with Mukherjee,Mamata was accompanied by Mitra,Commerce and Industries Minister Partha Chatterjee and Minister of State for Railways Mukul Roy. Several senior officers from the state and Union finance ministry were also present.

Mamata then invited the finance minister for a cup of tea at Writers’ Buildings,while saying with a smile,“the sweets will be brought by Pranabda”. Mukherjee responded,“I accept the invitation.”