Journalist Utpal Chatterjee is new Sheriff of Kolkata

Kolkata, Jan 11 : Eminent journalist Utpal Chatterjee Monday took over as the new Sheriff of Kolkata.

Chatterjee, who was deputy editor of The Times of India for ten years besides being executive director and director of the journal Business Economics, took charge in the sheriff's office in the Calcutta High Court.

Deputy Sheriff of Kolkata Biswajeet Mitra handed over the office to Chatterjee, who was appointed Associate Editor for India of the New York headquartered global journal Leaders in 2006.

"Though the post of Sheriff is a ceremonial position, I want to do something effective during my tenure," Chatterjee, who succeeded noted paediatrician Amal Chakraborty, told IANS over phone.

Chatterjee said he had a fruitful meeting with Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court Mohit Shantilal Shah.

"Like the post of state governor, sheriff is also a ceremonial post. But as former West Bengal Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi made the post quite effective by bringing positive changes, I also want to do something similar but in a different way," he said.

Chatterjee elaborated that he wants to focus on two primary areas during his tenure.

"First area that I will focus on is environment and try to give the city a green cover with the help of the department concerned," he said.

"Another thing I will focus is sustainable development in the city and greater Kolkata, which is within my jurisdiction."

The sheriff, a legacy of the British Raj, is an apolitical titular position of authority bestowed for one year on a prominent citizen of the city. The Sheriff has an office and staff but does not have executive powers.

Mumbai and Kolkata are the only cities in India to maintain this post.

The sheriff presides over various city-related functions and conferences and is in charge of receiving foreign guests of the government.