The West Bengal government has initiated a sweeping probe into alleged financial irregularities and administrative lapses during the 15-year tenure of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, with plans to publish a detailed ‘White Paper’ outlining its findings. The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting held at Nabanna on Thursday, where a high-powered Group of Ministers (GoM) was constituted to oversee the investigation. The panel will be headed by State Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta and will include Industry Minister Tapas Roy along with other senior cabinet members.

Officials indicated that the committee will function as a central coordinating body, examining records across departments and compiling findings for the proposed White Paper.

Model inspired by Centre’s GoM system

Political observers note that the formation of such a committee mirrors the GoM mechanism frequently employed during the tenure of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the Centre. By extending the probe beyond the Finance Ministry, the state government has signalled that the inquiry will span multiple administrative sectors.

According to sources, the White Paper will examine a broad spectrum of issues, including allegations of deteriorating law and order marked by extortion networks and the so-called “syndicate raj,” as well as crimes against women.

The probe will also scrutinise recruitment processes across key departments such as education, municipal affairs, home, and cooperation, where allegations of corruption have persisted over the years.

Additionally, the government is expected to review expenditures related to the Bengal Global Business Summits, comparing actual spending with official records.

Healthcare and administrative functioning under lens

The condition of the state’s public healthcare system will also come under review, particularly in light of administrative concerns highlighted by the incident at RG Kar Hospital. Sources suggest that the functioning of top administrative levels at Nabanna will be closely examined as part of the inquiry.

In political terms, a White Paper is an official document used by governments to present verified data, analysis, and findings on specific issues to the public. While intended to promote transparency, such documents in India have often been used by new administrations to highlight alleged shortcomings of previous regimes.

Precedents in Indian politics

There is precedent for such exercises at both the Centre and in states. Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman released a White Paper comparing the economic performance of the UPA and NDA governments. Similarly, in 2023, the Congress government in Telangana published a report detailing the state’s financial liabilities after assuming office.

Historically, some of the earliest White Papers in independent India were issued under Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel during the integration of princely states.

Although initially projected as a financial audit, recent developments indicate a much broader mandate. During his budget speech, Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta had hinted at introducing such a document, but the cabinet’s latest decision expands its scope significantly.

By covering governance practices, administrative functioning, public safety, and healthcare, the government appears to be positioning the White Paper as both a comprehensive audit and a political instrument to scrutinise the previous administration’s record.

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