Mamata Banerjee Cracks Down on Illegal Land Encroachment

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee criticized state officials over illegal land encroachments by outside builders, demanding arrests and penalties. She proposed policies to penalize long-term occupants, empathized with the economically weak, and emphasized accountability. She also addressed transport department concerns and officer retention issues.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has launched a staunch attack on officials condoning illegal constructions on government land by builders from outside the state. During an administrative review meeting, she urged strict legal action, including the arrest of offenders and property attachment like the CBI and ED methods.

Banerjee stressed creating a policy to penalize people living in such unauthorized flats for years, offering leniency only to economically weaker sections. She called for immediate blacklisting of leaders involved and demanded non-interference from political figures, insisting on accountability even within her administration.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the state transport department's silence, Banerjee challenged the transport minister on public bus frequency. She urged policing for speeding control akin to national highways. Concerns about officer retention were also highlighted with proposed contractual obligations to ensure state service commitment.

(With inputs from agencies.)