February 19, 2013
Chief Minister meets task-force at Writers` Building, discusses steps taken to maintain normalcy on bandh
West Bengal Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee held a meeting with task force to discuss the steps being taken by the State government to maintain normalcy in the wake of `bandh` called by the central trade unions on Wednesday and Thursday.
The Chief Minister has always maintained that `bandh` is no solution to any problems rather it has huge impact on the development in the State.
During a recent public meeting at South 24-Parganas she slammed the trade unions for calling the `bandh` and trying to paralyze the ongoing development process in the State, `I request you to maintain normalcy during the `bandh` and keep your business establishments open as usual. I assure you that State government will take all adequate measures to protect your interest. If anything goes wrong then the State government will pay for the damages. Please say `no` to `bandh`. Remember these vested interests in the State are against the development. They did nothing during the past 34-years and when we are taking the initiative to take Bengal ahead, they would not allow that to happen also`.
On Tuesday, the Chief Minister convened an administrative meeting at Writers` Building and took stock of all the preparations and precautions being taken to prevent the common man from being harassed or terrorized by the goons. Those who will keep their shops and business establishments closed will be regarded as supporters of the `bandh` and action will be initiated against them.
Severe actions will be taken against those found instigating or picketing in the market places. The Police officials will keep a strict vigil on the markets. They will take stringent action against those indulging in anti-social activities.
`I request you to keep your shops and markets open. Please allow schools and educational institutions to function normally. I will not allow these vested interests to create hurdles on the way of ongoing development process. I warn those who are trying to spoil the atmosphere in the State, I will not tolerate this under any circumstances`, she added.
The State Transport Minister also held meeting with the representatives of various transport unions and assured them of security and safety. After the assurance from the Minister, the transport unions decided to ply their vehicles on both the days.
