WestBengal – State Announces Pay Panel, Tightens Certificate Issuance Rules
WestBengal –The West Bengal government has taken several administrative decisions covering employee welfare, public service delivery, and healthcare development, while also introducing measures to improve transparency in the issuance of official certificates.
Seventh Pay Commission Constituted for State Employees
The West Bengal government has officially set up the Seventh Pay Commission for employees serving in state government departments as well as state-aided institutions. The announcement was made on Wednesday, fulfilling the Bharatiya Janata Party’s commitment to establish a new salary revision panel within six months of taking office.
The four-member commission will be headed by retired Gujarat cadre IAS officer Atanu Chakraborty, who previously served as Secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs under the Union Finance Ministry. Economist Partha Mukhopadhyay from the Centre for Policy Research and Professor Partha Pratim Pal of the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta have been appointed as members of the panel. Finance Department Secretary Devi Prasad Karanam will serve as the commission’s member secretary.
The commission is expected to review the existing pay structure, examine service-related benefits, and recommend suitable revisions for government employees and staff working in aided institutions.
Kolkata Hosts National Conference on Robotic Urology
Kolkata recently became the venue for the eighth edition of the National Robotic Urology Conference, RUFCON-2026, organised by the Robotic Urology Forum. The event brought together leading medical professionals from across India to discuss recent advancements in robotic-assisted urological procedures supported by artificial intelligence.
More than 300 specialists, including robotic surgeons, urologists, medical educators, and healthcare experts, participated in scientific sessions that focused on evolving surgical techniques and technological innovation. The conference also featured practical training sessions, allowing over 100 doctors, nurses, and operation theatre personnel to gain hands-on experience with robotic surgical systems.
According to uro-oncologist and robotic surgeon Dr. Tarun Jindal, the conference marked an important milestone for the region, as Kolkata hosted eastern India’s first national-level robotic urology conference, highlighting the growing role of advanced surgical technology in healthcare.
Government Revises Birth and Death Certificate Authority
In another significant administrative decision, the state government announced that elected local representatives will no longer have the authority to issue birth and death certificates. The revised arrangement applies to municipal chairpersons, gram panchayat heads, and other elected office-bearers.
Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal stated on Thursday that only designated government officials will now be authorised to issue these documents. The change is aimed at strengthening administrative oversight and ensuring that certificates are issued through a uniform and accountable process.
Action Follows Investigation Into Alleged Irregularities
The policy change comes after coordinated police inspections were carried out in several districts following allegations involving corruption and the circulation of forged birth and death certificates. During the review process, authorities reportedly identified multiple discrepancies in the issuance of these documents.
According to the Chief Secretary, the government decided to centralise the responsibility with authorised officials after finding widespread irregularities. Officials believe the revised system will improve verification procedures, reduce opportunities for misuse, and enhance public confidence in the authenticity of official records.