Kolkata: Bengal's newly appointed cabinet ministers Ashok Kirtania and Kshudiram Tudu assumed charge on Tuesday, vowing action against systemic corruption and administrative "malpractices" inherited from the previous government.
Food and Supplies Department
Taking charge of the food and supplies department, Kirtania invoked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's famous slogan, "Na khaunga, na khane dunga" (Will not take bribes, nor let others take them). "Give me just one week," the Bongaon North MLA told reporters at Khadyo Bhavan. "I will take strict action against those behind ration corruption."
Kirtania emphasized that his immediate priority would be to clean up the department and ensure that the public distribution system functions transparently. He also hinted at introducing digital monitoring to curb leakages.
Tribal Development Ministry
Tribal development minister Kshudiram Tudu said eliminating "fake ST certificates" would be his top priority. "We will end this practice to protect the rights of genuine tribal communities," he stated. Tudu added that a special task force would be formed to identify and cancel fraudulent certificates, and strict legal action would be taken against those involved.
Both ministers expressed confidence that with the support of the state administration, they would be able to deliver on their promises within a short timeframe. The developments come amid ongoing political debates in the state over governance and welfare schemes.
