Recently, The Calcutta High Court strongly criticized the Mamata Banerjee-led government of Bengal for impeding central schemes. Alongside directives to the government, the court mandated a fine of Rs 50,000 due to a delayed affidavit submission in a case brought forth by BJP state president Sukant Majumdar.

On Tuesday, a division bench comprising Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmoy Bhattacharya expressed dissatisfaction as the state government failed to comply with the court's prior directive to submit an affidavit. Granting a final opportunity, the court extended a 15-day deadline for the submission of the affidavit. Failure to meet this deadline will result in a fine of Rs 50,000. The bench has mandated the state secretariat to file an affidavit by December 12, elucidating reasons for halting the benefits of central schemes, designed for the welfare of the populace.

The division bench emphasized the importance of avoiding politicization in all matters, highlighting the nation's progression towards Digital India. During arguments, the state government's advocate clarified that the benefits of Central Government schemes are not being halted and emphasized the coexistence of both state and central schemes. The case is scheduled for its next hearing on December 19.

Sukant Majumdar's case filed in the High Court raises concerns about the alleged deprivation of the state's populace from Central Government schemes. He accuses the state government of shutting down 'Common Service Centres' (CSCs) to prevent Bengal's residents from accessing these central schemes. Reportedly, around 40 thousand CSCs have been closed, forming a significant part of his allegations.

Instead, the State Secretariat has started a system called 'Bangla Help Centre'. On the basis of this case, the High Court had asked the state government to file an affidavit in September and present its stand. The state government has not yet submitted the affidavit.