'Other States Don't Even Pay Wages'
The West Bengal Chief Minister in conversation with Ashis K. Biswas on the state's financial crisis.
It's crisis time for West Bengal chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya. Through no fault of his, the state faces an acute financial crunch—the product of some populist policies of his predecessor. Bhattacharya has made it clear that he will not hesitate to dispense bitter medicine if the situation in West Bengal calls for it. Within hours of this interview, pay/DA increases for all state employees were put on hold until next year. The CM exudes a quiet determination as he contemplates implementing some unpalatable decisions in this interview given to Ashis K. Biswas. Excerpts:
The present financial crisis has been building up for years. Have we now reached a climax?
Must all states pay their employees on an equal footing with central government employees?
Fortunately or unfortunately, the buck stops with you. Is it time for make-or-break decisions?
What steps are you thinking of?
What are the short-term prospects for Bengal in industry, agriculture?
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