Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata
Kolkata, Nov 11: In a major step to boost transparency and accountability, the West Bengal Finance Department has made Geo-Tagging mandatory for all ongoing and upcoming state government development projects. The move aims to curb fund misuse, ensure real-time monitoring, and accelerate project implementation.
According to a new government notification, every project—whether in progress or newly initiated—must now be linked to its geographical coordinates through the state’s Unified Project Management System (UPMS) portal.
The directive states, “A Geo-Tagging facility has been made available in the UPMS Portal for all projects. Henceforth, all stakeholders are requested to ensure that both existing and upcoming projects are linked with the geographical location of their respective sites.”
A senior Finance Department official explained that the initiative is designed to introduce direct, transparent, and digital oversight over every stage of project execution. “This system will help the government track the pace and quality of work in real time and, if needed, hold implementing authorities accountable,” the official said.
He further emphasized that the mechanism would prevent departments from leaving allocated funds idle or diverting them. “If a project fails to show progress within the stipulated timeline, the Finance Department reserves the right to withdraw the sanctioned amount,” he added.
The Geo-Tagging system allows officials to verify whether on-ground work aligns with approved plans and standards, significantly reducing the risk of corruption or data manipulation.
Over the past few years, the state government has faced complaints of project delays and financial irregularities, prompting a series of reforms aimed at greater fiscal discipline. Geo-Tagging, officials said, represents the latest measure in this ongoing transparency drive.
“The government has been increasingly focused on ensuring public money is used effectively and responsibly,” the official noted. “This new layer of digital monitoring will help us achieve that goal.”