Lockdown on files: Bengal Chief Secretary orders strict protection of official papers
The Statesman | 5 May 2026
West Bengal Chief Secretary Dushyant Nariala has asked all departments to make sure that no important file or document is taken out, damaged, or removed from office premises under any circumstances.
The order, issued on May 4, places direct responsibility on senior officials to safeguard government records, signalling a push for tighter administrative control and accountability across departments.
According to the official order, all departmental secretaries and heads of offices have been instructed to ensure that “no important paper or any file is removed/damaged or otherwise taken out from the offices.” It also clearly states that unauthorised copying or scanning of documents will not be permitted.
The directive further mandates that all files, important papers and communications must be properly accounted for at all times. Heads of departments and departmental secretaries have been asked to personally ensure compliance “in letter and spirit”.
In a strong note, the order warns that personal responsibility will be fixed in case of any deviation from these instructions. This effectively makes senior officials directly answerable for any breach involving official records.
The communication has been forwarded to all additional chief secretaries, principal secretaries and secretaries across departments. It has also been sent to the Director General and Inspector General of Police, divisional commissioners, the Kolkata Police Commissioner, and all district magistrates.
A separate copy has also been marked to the Secretary to the Governor for information.
No specific reason has been cited for issuing the directive, but officials indicated that departments are expected to comply immediately and tighten internal controls around document handling.