50L voices in 15 days, APAS gains momentum in Bengal
The Statesman | 21 August 2025
The government of West Bengal’s pioneering ‘Amader Para, Amader Samadhan’ (APAS) initiative has achieved an unprecedented milestone, with over 50 lakh citizens participating across the state in just 15 days since its launch.
This remarkable feat has established the initiative as the largest participatory governance movement in India’s history, with around 8,500 camps operational across West Bengal, demonstrating the transformative power of grassroots democracy under the visionary leadership of chief minister Mamata Banerjee.
The phenomenal response has exceeded all expectations, with the Rs 8,000+ crore programme witnessing an average of over 3.33 lakh daily participants, showcasing the people’s unwavering trust in this revolutionary approach to governance. The initiative, which allocates Rs 10 lakh per booth across 80,000+ polling booths, has become a beacon of hope for communities seeking direct participation in their developmental journey.
Taking to X, Trinamul Congress (TMC) celebrated this historic achievement, posting: “In just 15 days, Amader Para, Amader Samadhan has brought together over 50 lakh+ citizens across 8,500 camps, setting a new milestone in participatory governance. Under the leadership of Hon’ble CM @MamataOfficial, this initiative has shown that development is not only about infrastructure but about dignity and placing people’s voices at the centre of decision-making.”
“The staggering numbers tell a story of democratic awakening across Bengal. With camps facilitating direct dialogue between citizens and administration, APAS has redefined the relationship between government and people. Moreover, the initiative’s ability to mobilise 50 lakh citizens within such a short timeframe demonstrates the deep-rooted democratic spirit of Bengal and the people’s confidence in Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s commitment to inclusive development. As APAS continues its transformative journey, the 15-day milestone stands as testimony to the power of participatory democracy.