Mamata annoyed at lack of infrastructure in State secretariat

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee with Kolkata Mayor Sovon Chaterjee (R) on her first day at Writers Building (Chief Minister's Office), Kolkata on Saturday. Mamata has instructed renovation work of Writers building including her official chamber. A PTI file photo.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today expressed annoyance at the lack of infrastructure in the State secretariat, saying the situation is so bad that she was finding it difficult to work.

“There is no infrastructure here. I wonder how the previous governments functioned for 35 years. Even my office is not ready. Everything is so unorganised. How will I work? There is not even a telephone,” a visibly annoyed Ms. Banerjee told newsmen.

Ms. Banerjee said she had only two chairs in her office and her personal staff were operating from the Chief Minister’s conference room in Writers’ Buildings.

“Governments come and go, but every place should have its proper infrastructure in place permanently. This situation cannot go on. We will change it,” she said.

The PWD yesterday began work of overhauling the Chief Minister’s chamber, including fixing a new ceiling, compact fluorescent lights and wooden chairs.

At her first press conference on Friday after taking oath as the chief minister, Ms. Banerjee had commented on the inadequate infrastructure at the heritage building.

On Saturday, Ms. Banerjee went around the secretariat with mayor Sovan Chatterjee and PWD officials to review its condition and take steps for improvement.