The latest CAG report, flawed exit policies, and stalled central funds reveal how Mamata Banerjee’s politics is pushing West Bengal into economic decline.
When Mamata Banerjee first came to power in West Bengal, she carried with her the promise of change — a break from decades of stagnation, a return to growth, and a vision of governance rooted in transparency and development. For many, it was a time of hope. Yet, as the years have rolled on, what we see unfolding today is a gradual slide into hopelessness, where the very foundations of the state’s economy and governance appear shaken.
The latest CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) report is not just a routine audit — it is a wake-up call. It paints a bleak picture of how public funds have been handled, the irregularities in accounting, and the deep holes in governance. This isn’t merely about mismanagement; it is about the systematic erosion of accountability in state finances.
The CAG Report: A Red Flag for Bengal’s Future
The CAG report highlights multiple issues:
- Fiscal indiscipline in expenditure, with large sums either unaccounted for or diverted without proper disclosure.
- Pending central schemes where funds were not utilized effectively, leading to stalled projects in health, education, and infrastructure.
- Failure to improve revenue generation, making Bengal increasingly dependent on borrowing.
For a state already carrying a heavy debt burden, these findings are a red flag. Instead of strengthening fiscal management, the state appears to be moving further into unsustainable spending, often accompanied by populist announcements that have little long-term value.
The Exit Policy That Raises More Questions Than Answers
Adding to the concerns is the exit policy recently taken by the state government. What was projected as a bold step to streamline industrial policy has, in practice, created more confusion. Industries already wary of Bengal’s unpredictable political climate now face fresh uncertainty.
Rather than creating confidence for investors, the exit policy seems to be accelerating Bengal’s flight of capital and talent. For a state once known as the industrial heartland of India, this is a tragedy.
The Central Account Crisis: Why the Alarm Bell Has Rung
One of the most alarming developments has been the state government’s handling of central funds. With the Centre raising concerns about diversion and misuse of central allocations, the issue of blocking access to the central account has now surfaced.
This is not a minor bureaucratic tussle; this is an alarm bell. If central funds — meant for development schemes, rural employment, and essential infrastructure — are stalled or withheld, it is the people of Bengal who will pay the price. Villages, towns, and cities already struggling under broken infrastructure will sink deeper into despair.
The responsibility lies with the state leadership to ensure transparency and compliance, not confrontation and political theatrics.
From Hope to Hopelessness
Mamata Banerjee’s rise to power was once seen as the dawn of a new Bengal. Today, however, the story reads differently. The CAG report, the flawed exit policy, and the looming crisis of blocked central funds together show a state slipping further away from the promises of progress.
The people of Bengal deserve more than populist slogans. They deserve accountability in governance, clarity in industrial policy, and above all, financial discipline that safeguards their future.
Unless there is a course correction, West Bengal risks moving from the hope of resurgence to the hopelessness of decline — a decline authored not by its people, but by the very politics that promised them change.
✍️ Written by Shimonto Chowdhury : This article reflects my personal review of the political and economic situation in West Bengal based on public reports and policy outcomes. My intent is not partisan attack, but a call for accountability and reform.
