11.1.1 Programme of the Jails Department

Chapter – Eleven : General Services

XI. GENERAL SERVICES

XI.1 JAILS XI.1.1 Programme of the Jails Department The main objective of the Department of Jails during the Tenth Plan was to bring all round improvement in jail administration. With this aim in view, various schemes for providing better living conditions and other amenities, medical & hygienic facilities, vocational training and rehabilitation programmes were undertaken. Apart from these schemes, security related schemes are also accorded priority. During the Eleventh Five Year Plan, various schemes to modernise security system in Jails by installing electronic security devices have been undertaken apart from the schemes for providing better living conditions to the inmates of the Correctional Homes. Over and above four new Correctional Homes at Kalyani, Haldia, Tehatta and Raghunathpur will be constructed to mitigate overcrowding in existing facilities. Several schemes for water supply, sanitation, electricity and construction of new buildings will be taken up. To minimise accommodation problem of the staff in Correctional Homes, several schemes for construction of staff quarters and barracks will be taken up. To strengthen security system several schemes relating to construction of additional watch towers, installation of electronic security devices, raising height of boundary walls will also be taken up. Moreover, the schemes relating to vocational training and rehabilitation of the inmates of the Correctional Homes will be further improved upon. To address adequately the concern of women and children, schemes for setting up crèches and schools for looking after children of female inmates will be taken up.

An amount of Rs. 600.00 lakh has been proposed for the Annual Plan 2008-09 under ‘Jails’.

11.2 STATIONERY & PRINTING

11.2.1 Programme of the Commerce & Industries Department Under this programme support facilities are created for improved services of the West Bengal Government Presses. DTP Press has been functioning well for printing of urgent jobs. The Stationery office under supervision of Superintendent, Stationery, West Bengal is also provided infrastructural support for smooth distribution of different stationery articles to the Government Offices located in Calcutta and vicinity. An amount of Rs. 140.40 lakh has been proposed for the Annual Plan 2008-09 for ‘Stationery & Printing’.

11.3 PUBLIC WORKS

11.3.1 Programme of the Home (Police) Department The primary objective of the Home (Police) Department is to maintain law and order in the State of West Bengal. With the rapid development and changes in Socio-economic structure in the national and regional scenario, the role of Police is changing every day. The pressure of population, the problem of unemployment and the scarcity of resources give rise to the criminal tendencies amongst

211 Chapter – Eleven : General Services

some sections of the people. The threat to internal security due to rise in the terrorist activities of the certain groups of the people in the country and also in this State is of no mean proportion. The unrest created by the KLO militants in the districts of Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar and the left-wing extremist activities in the districts of Purulia, Bankura and Paschim Medinipur continue to pose serious law and order problems. To cope with all such challenging tasks and to enable the police to maintain law and order successfully in the entire State, the State Police Force is being modernized and upgraded by giving them more striking capabilities and by improving the existing infrastructure of the police force. In order to achieve the above objective, the main focus has been on the implementation of the schemes as noted below :- 1. Construction of different Police Stations etc., under the Schemes for Modernisation of Police Force (MPF). CONSTRUCTION OF POLICE BUILDINGS In order to strengthen and upgrade the existing infrastructure of the Police Forces, it is extremely essential to construct Police Stations / Out-Posts. Buildings, Administrative Buildings for Battalion Headquarters, Training Centre Buildings, Buildings for Forensic Science Laboratory, residential quarters for the Lower/Upper Sub-ordinates, Barracks, etc. During the 11 th Plan, 50 Nos. of Police Stations Buildings are proposed to be constructed at a total cost of Rs.15.00 crores @ Rs.30.00 lakhs per unit. Besides, 2 Nos. of Battalion Headquarters Buildings at a total cost of Rs.23.00 crores - one for SAP, 11th and 13th Bns. at Borjora, Bankura and the other for 2nd I.R. Bn. at Siliguri - 4 Nos. of Training Centre Buildings at a cost of Rs.14.00 crores, Buildings for Forensic Science Laboratory at a total cost of Rs.5.00 crores @ Rs.1.00 crore per annum in different districts (including Kolkata) and Residential Quarters for upper sub-ordinates (500 Nos. @ Rs.5.70 lakhs per unit) and lower sub-ordinates (1000 Nos. @ Rs.3.00 lakhs per unit) at a total cost of Rs.58.00 crores are proposed to be constructed during the 11th Plan.

Under the police regulations, police officers and men are entitled to free residential accommodation. But the number of such quarters is not adequate in the State.

Vehicles (MPF) Mobility may be regarded as the backbone of the police force. In order to increase the mobility of the force, it is necessary to procure light, medium and heavy vehicles as well as motorcycles.

Arms And Ammunitions (Weaponry) (MPF) In order to combat left-wing extremists and other terrorists, it is unavoidably necessary that the force is equipped with such modern arms as AK-47 Rifles, 5.56 INSAS Rifles, 6-Glock Pistols, 9 m.m. Pistols, etc. along with their ammunitions. Besides, it is extremely necessary to provide the police personnel with Bullet Proof Jackets and Bullet Proof Vests for their security and safety. Equipment (MPF) Procurement of specialized equipment is extremely necessary for the detection and investigation of crimes, detection and disposal of Bombs, modernization of Communication System and also for Security and Training of police personnel.

11.3.2 Programme of the Personnel & Administrative Reforms Department

For expansion .and strengthening of infrastructural facilities at the headquarters of the districts and sub-divisions, schemes for construction of Administrative Buildings executed under the Five Year Plan are drawn up by this Department on the basis of ceiling fixed by the Development & Planning

Department. To fulfil the objects of the decentralized Planning the Departmental Plans are prepared on the basis of the proposals for construction of Administrative Buildings and Residential Quarters received from the District and Sub-Divisional Level Offices. Restructuring of administrative units is considered to be an important aspect for making optimum benefit for the Public and administration. Hence, Government takes up the activities of Administrative Reforms by way of creating new districts and sub-divisions. Moreover, with the changes in socio-economic pattern, the Government decides to modernize the administration of districts and sub-divisions to ensure prompt services to public. To achieve the desired goal, the State Government bifurcated the three districts viz. (i) 24-Parganas into North 24-Parganas and South 24-Parganas in the year 1986, (ii) West Dinajpur into Dakshin Dinajpur and Uttar Dinajpur in the year, 1992 and (in) Midnapore into Purba Medinipur and Paschim Medinipur with effect from 01.01.2002. Furthermore, in the past 10(ten) years since 1996, 11 (eleven) new sub-divisions have been created at Canning, Kakdwip and Baruipur in South 24- Parganas, Bidhannagar in North 24-Parganas, Tehatta in Nadia, Kharagpur in Paschim Medinipur, Gangarampur with Hq. At Buniadpur in the Dakshin Dinajpur, Domkol in Murshidabad, Mal in Jalpaiguri, Chanchal in Malda and Egra in Purba Medinipur. For creation of infrastructure for these new administrative units, a sizable amount of fund is required during the Plan period, 2007-2012. Suitable land for construction of Administrative Building Complex for the newly created Sub- divisions is available in most of the places. But construction of the building complex for all these places could not be undertaken effectively due to paucity of fund for these purpose. Delayed execution of the projects causes escalation of the cost of construction of the Building complex to a great extent. Apart from these, the State Government has already taken the decision for shifting of district headquarter of South 24-Parganas from Alipore to Baruipur and shifting of district headquarter of Purba Medinipur from 'Tamluk’ to 'Nimtouri’. Materialisation of these will necessitate a huge fund for construction of administrative buildings, residential quarters etc. KMDA has been given the responsibility to implement the shifting of District Headquarters of South 24-Parganas from Alipur to Baruipur on Public-Private-Partnership basis. But for shifting of District Headquarter of Purba Medinipur from Tamluk to Nimtouri, P & A R Department is responsible and hence for acquisition of land at Nimtouri an amount of Rs. 55 Crores is required for the purpose of which Rs. 35 Crores has already been released in the previous year, 2006-07. Remaining Rs. 20 Crores may be provided in this year 2007-08 as Additional Central Assistance (ACA) for completion of the Acquisition process. A sizable amount is also required for construction of collectorate building & residential quarters etc.

The provision for 2006-07 was Rs. 567 lakhs only. But an approximate amount of Rs. 4042 lakhs only has already been allotted by way of augmentation of additional fund for Rs. 3470 lakhs only. In 2007-08, agreed plan provision is Rs. 2552 lakh only (including ACA for 20 Crores) . There are various schemes from the districts for infrastructure development which require prompt attention. 11.3.3 Programme of the Land & Land Reforms Department Plans and programmes proposed to be implemented by the Land and Land Reforms are indicated below :

 Construction of the Office of the Land Reforms & Tenancy Tribunal  Modernisation of State Level Analysis, Training & Research Institute. Construction of Record Rooms at village level offices of the Land Reforms set up under the head of

Strengthening of Revenue Administration and Updating of Land Records Computerisation in LR/ LA Offices .  Upgradation and maintenance of circuit houses in the districts.

11.3.4 Programme of the Disaster Management Department

The programmes covered under this category are  Construction of Flood/Cyclone shelters  Construction of Relief Godown  Construction of Relief Complex 11.3.5 Programme of the Judicial Department Construction /reconstruction and repair of the Court Buildings/Judicial Complexes at different places in this state have been made under this scheme. It is expected that construction of court buildings at Kharagpur, Diamond Harbour, Raiganj - which have already been taken up this year (2006-07), will be completed during the next five years. The proposal for construction of Judicial Complex at Bidhannagar, Barrackpore, Tufanganj, Tehatta and court buildings at Domkol, Malda, are under process. The construction works will start shortly. Substantial fund is required to carry on the scheme. For construction of permanent Circuit Bench of the Calcutta High Court at Jalpaiguri, this Department has released Rs.94.45 lakhs in 2006-07 towards acquisition of 40 acres of land at SJDA Complex at Jalpaiguri. Huge fund is required for construction of Court buildings and ancillary facilities thereon during the 11th Five Year Plan. This Department has already paid 75% of the cost of land to WBHIDCO Ltd. for acquisition of 5 acres land in Action Area-III, New Town, Kolkata for setting up of State Judicial Academy. Rs.30.50 crores have been proposed during the next five years for construction of buildings for Judicial Academy, Lecturer's Guest House, Trainee Judicial Officers' Hostel, Trainee Court's Staff Hostel, Quarters for Director, Deputy Director and one quarter for Administrator. Computerisation is presently an inseparable part of the development of infrastructural facilities for Judiciary. This Department has taken up a scheme for construction of 27 rooms in 10 districts at an estimated cost of Rs.88.54 lakhs of which Rs.30.00 lakhs have been released during the current financial year (2006-07) to start the project as per direction of the Hon'ble High Court Calcutta. More funds will be required for completion of the construction of rooms and installation of computers therein.

11.3.6 Programme of the Parliamentary Affairs Department The following Schemes have been proposed to be taken up for implementation during 2008-09 : a) Horizontal and Vertical extension of State Guest House at 2, Kyd Street, Kolkata ; b) Construction of a new Assembly House (Millennium Buildings) of West Bengal Legislative Assembly at Assembly Complex ; c) Construction of a new M.L.A. Hostel at a suitable place in Kolkata ; d) Construction of an office building of West Bengal Legislative Assembly Secretariat within the West Bengal Legislative Assembly Complex ;

e) Administration of Justice construction of Multistoried building at High Court Tram Terminus for accommodation of MLAs and Group ‘D’ staff of W.B.L.A.

11.3.7 Programme of the Jails Department The following Schemes have been proposed to be taken up for implementation during 2008-09 : a) Construction of Sub Correctional Homes at Khatra and construction of new buildings to the inmates and staff ; b) Construction of staff quarters and barracks ; c) Construction of additional watch towers, security devices etc. 11.3.8 Programme of the Excise Department Construction of Administrative Buildings, Barracks, Malkhana & Lock-up in different districts in this state have been implemented under this scheme.

11.3.9 Programme of the Food & Supplies Department Acquisition of Land:

Construction of godowns and creation of office accommodation are important schemes under this Deptt. For implementation of these schemes acquisition of land and compensation for requisition of land become necessary. Payment of acquisition of land is made as per the clearance of the L&LR Department and for this purpose Rs. 1.35 Crores has been kept for the year 2008-09.

Construction/Reconstruction/Renovation etc. of Food and Storage Godowns and allied works:

For effective implementation of decentralised procurement of rice in the State, there is a necessity for additional godown facility. Availability of sufficient and suitable space for storing food grains is one of the important pre-conditions for smooth functioning of PDS. In order to meet the said requirement Food and Supplies Department has been implementing the scheme of construction/Reconstruction/Renovation etc. of Food Storage Godown at different places covering all of West Bengal. For augmentation of the storing capacity it has become necessary to construct new godowns in major procurement districts and for this purpose Rs. 2.0 Crores has been kept for the year 2008-09.

Construction of work shop sheds of Garages at Tollygunge and Cossipore, Kolkata:

The Lake Garage at Tollygunge, Kolkata under control of the Department has several sheds for accommodation of Departmental vehicles etc. Apart from this there is a need to repair and renovate the boundary walls along with the sheds and other structures located in the vicinity. Rs. 0.15 Crores has been kept for the year 2008-09 for the said purpose.

Creation of accommodation for the different offices of Food and Supplies Department:

At present many of the field offices under the Department are running in rented premises. It is felt that for better functioning of these offices, it is essential that sufficient office accommodation at the district and sub-divisional levels are created. Accordingly the Department intends to construct office buildings in different districts for sub-division and district level offices and for this purpose Rs. 2.0 Crores has been kept in the year 2008-09.

An amount of Rs.14858.00 lakh has been proposed for the Annual Plan 2008-09 under ‘Public Works’.

11.4 OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

11.4.1 Programme of the Personnel & Administrative Reforms Department Training Institute (ATI) provides residential training for staff and officers. ATI also conducts, in addition to the regular courses, Induction and Refresher Courses, specialised training in subjects which include Environment, Natural Calamity and Disaster Management etc. These Courses are arranged at regular intervals. 7(Seven) Regional Training Centres in the district headquarter at Burdwan, Paschim Medinipur, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Malda, Murshidabad and North 24-Parganas are also functioning under the direct control of ATI. Establishment of RTCs in all other 11 (eleven) district headquarters are at present under active consideration of the Government. With the introduction of "The Right to Information Act 2005" and West Bengal Lokayukta Act, 2003; the computer related work would be increased manifolds. Training of State Public Information Officers are to be conducted by this Department with the help of A.T.I. Expenditure for such training is to be provided by this Department. The introduction of computers in the Office of State Information Commission and Lokayukta, West Bengal requires additional fund. An amount of Rs. 50,00,000/- (Rupees Fifty lakhs) only has already been allocated during 2007-08.

11.4.2 Programme of the Fire & Emergency Services Department

Construction of New Fire Stations In 2008-09, the Department has planned to take up construction work at 9 New Fire Stations at Guskhora, Dankuni, Jadavpur, Contai, Kanchrapara, Barrackpur, Basirhat, Canning & Kakwdeep with a financial outlay of Rs. 7.20 crore . Proposal for allotment of land has already been initiated for Jadavpur, Barrackpur, Canning, Kakdweep and Contai.

Construction of a Model 4-Pump fire Station The Deptt. intends to construct a new Model 4-Pump Fire Station at New Town Rajarhat with a financial outlay of Rs. 3 crore for coping with the demand of the planned township and the software/technology parks in the adjoining areas. The Fire Station will be equipped with modernized and sophisticated systems including a built-in training centre.

Maintenance of 65 old and existing Fire Stations constructed upto 1990 The maintenance work is to be taken up as a continuing scheme starting from 2007-08 with a total financial outlay of Rs. 3.90 crore.

Maintenance of 13 existing Fire Stations Constructed since 1991 onwards

The above maintenance work is to be taken up as a continuing scheme starting from 2007-08 with a financial outlay of 0.78 crore. Purchase of modern equipment & tools With a view to equip the fire-fighters with modernized equipment & tools, the Department intends to purchase modern equipment like Fire suit, Fire-proof helmet, Gumboot, chemical suit, breathing apparatus, hydraulic cutter and lifter etc. with a financial outlay of Rs. 1.97 crore. This is essential for upgrading the standard of rescue & search operations. Purchase of fire appliances/vehicles To cope with the growing demands of industrialization & urbanization, we. plan to purchase water bouser, water carrier, water tender, Hi-pressure portable pump & trailer pump, etc. for proposed 9 nos. of fire stations. and we propose to purchase 20 nos. of first strike fire appliances for up gradation of existing fire stations in the hill areas and district & sub-divisional towns. 4 nos. of hydraulic platforms will also be purchased for Kolkata & adjoining Satellite townships. Computerization of Fire-Stations & Maintenance. The Department intends to computerize most of the existing fire stations along with development of software for networking & maintenance of the existing computers, wireless & fax machines with an outlay of Rs. 0.95 crore. Meeting Special Problems The Department. proposes to make water sources in urban areas through purchase & installation of hydrant network in stages & for the restoration of underground reservoirs with an outlay of Rs. 2.16 crore. The objective of this Department is to extend the coverage of the service throughout the State, particularly in each District HQ, Sub-Div. HQ and Municipal Towns which do not have the facility. During the 10th Plan the Department took up construction of 7 new fire stations and 8 buildings to shift the existing F.S. from rented accommodations. Computerization and networking for the WBFES Department was also taken up. Proposal for 2008-09 : 1) Construction of new Fire Stations, renovation and repair of the old Fire Stations to the workable level in the State. 2) Acquisition of quality equipment and appliances including the vehicles, Fire Tenders by way of fresh purchase, replacement of unusable fire tenders and maintenance of the old ones. 3) Computerization and wireless network. 4) Area specific & special development programme of Fire Fighting infrastructure in densely populated and water source zones. 5) Deployment of manpower through fresh appointment & promotion and their periodic rigorous training regimen to tackle eventualities like chemical hazards, dirty bomb explosions of radio nuclides.

11.4.3 Programme of the Judicial Department The recurring expenses of computerisation of the Calcutta High Court is incurred under this scheme. The Department constructs residential quarters for Judicial Officers including High Court Judges. The scheme will be continued.

11.4.4 Programme of the Finance (Revenue) Department

Finance (Revenue) Department, erstwhile Finance (Taxation) Department, is concerned with the following State Plan Schemes mainly in the interest of better office administration and collection of State revenue. (a) (i) Acquisition of land and construction of office buildings, (ii) construction of layout work for proper checking of the goods vehicle besides the National Highway in the check-post, (iii) spill over works for the completed schemes, (iv) major renovation/repairing works of the buildings which were completed earlier in the various districts in West Bengal. (b) Computerisation project of the Commercial Tax Directorate, West Bengal has been taken up. Most of the major check-posts viz. Duburdihi (Burdwan), Chichira and Sonakonia (West Midnapore), Barovisa (Jalpaiguri), Buxirhat (Cooch-Behar) and Dalkhola (Uttar Dinajpur) initially are connected through VSAT with the Central Server installed at C. T. Dte. H.Q., Beliaghata.

11.4.5 Programme of the Parliamentary Affairs Department The following Schemes have been proposed to be taken up for implementation during 2008-09 :

West Bengal Youth Parliament Competition and Quiz Competition Scheme for Educational Institutions (Both Schools & Colleges all over the State). State Level : a) Workshop for School Teachers about holding ‘Youth Parliament Competition’ and ‘Quiz Competition at District levels ; b) Workshop for College Teachers about holding ‘Youth Parliament Competition’ and ‘Quiz Competition’ at District levels ; c) State Level ‘Youth Parliament Competition’ and ‘Quiz Competition’ for School students ; d) State Level ‘Youth Parliament Competition’ and Quiz Competition’ for College students ; Block Level : a) Block Level ‘Youth Parliament Competition’ and ‘Quiz Competition’ for School students ; b) Block Level ‘Youth Parliament Competition’ and Quiz Competition’ for College students ;

An amount of Rs.10011.00 Lakh has been proposed during 2008-09 under ‘Other Administrative Services’.

The proposed plan outlay under ‘General Services’ during 2008-09 is Rs.25609.40 lakh.