The West Bengal government has set up a judicial commission to examine allegations of institutional corruption and financial irregularities across multiple departments during Trinamool Congress rule from 2011 to May 2026. The commission matters for UPSC because it combines questions of governance, public fund management, and anti-corruption accountability.

What happened

The state government has constituted a judicial commission led by retired Calcutta High Court judge Justice Biswajit Basu. The panel will also include senior bureaucratic and police representatives. The commission has been asked to examine allegations across several departments and public welfare programmes.

Scope of inquiry

The commission will look into accusations related to: - bribery and irregularities in cyclone Amphan relief, - Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana funds, - Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act funds, - midday meal-related lapses, - departments such as Education, Food and Supplies, Relief and Disaster Management, Municipal Affairs, Panchayats, Housing, Fisheries, Industry, Land, and Public Works.

Powers given to the commission