NEW DELHI: In his inaugural cabinet meeting as Chief Minister of West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari chaired a decisive session that outlined six major policy initiatives aimed at strengthening security, improving public welfare, and overhauling governance.
The moves mark a clear departure from the previous administration’s approach, with an emphasis on implementing long-pending central schemes and addressing border vulnerabilities.
Calling it a “people-first administration,” Adhikari said the government’s priority would be to ensure transparent governance and faster implementation of long-pending public initiatives.
“This government will be for the people, of the people, and by the people,” the Chief Minister said.
Adhikari described the recent Assembly elections as “deathless” and “intimidation-free” for the first time in years, crediting voters, officials, and the Election Commission. He reiterated the government’s commitment to “Fear out, trust in” and “double-engine” governance in coordination with the Centre.
Emphasis on Border Security and Infrastructure
One of the most prominent decisions was the approval for transferring approximately 600 acres of land to the Border Security Force (BSF) to facilitate fencing along the India-Bangladesh border. Adhikari directed the Chief Secretary and the Land and Revenue Department to complete the process within 45 days.
“We started the land transfer process to the BSF for securing borders. The land will be handed over within 45 days,” the Chief Minister stated. Officials aim to strengthen infrastructure in vulnerable stretches to curb illegal infiltration and smuggling activities.
In a related directive, the government ordered a crackdown on cattle smuggling and unauthorized cattle movement, instructing police to strengthen checks in border districts and investigate illegal markets.
Implementation of Census and Central Welfare Schemes
The cabinet addressed delays in national initiatives by issuing immediate orders to commence census operations in the state. Adhikari criticized the previous government for an 11-month delay following a Union Home Ministry directive dated June 16, 2025.
“Today, we have issued an administrative order stating that the census operations will commence today,” he said.
In a significant healthcare boost, the government approved the rollout of the Ayushman Bharat scheme (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana). Formalities with the Union Health Ministry will begin immediately to extend coverage to eligible families.
The cabinet also greenlit the implementation of several other central schemes, including:
•Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana,
•PM Vishwakarma Yojana,
•PM Vishwakarma Yojana,
•Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and
•Ujjwala Yojana
•PM Jan Arogya Yojana
District magistrates have been tasked with expediting applications to Union ministries. The government assured that existing state welfare schemes would continue alongside the new central initiatives, with a strong emphasis on transparency.
Governance and Administrative Reforms
To enhance employment opportunities, the government announced a five-year age relaxation for candidates applying to government jobs who had missed earlier recruitment windows.
In administrative reforms, IAS, IPS, and West Bengal Police Service (WBPS) officers will now be permitted to participate in central government training programs in other states, a practice previously restricted.
The state will fully align with the new criminal laws, implementing the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and related codes, replacing the earlier stance of the previous administration.
Support for Families Affected by Political Violence
The cabinet decided to extend social security and government support to families of individuals affected by alleged political atrocities. Adhikari referenced 321 BJP supporters who lost their lives during the party’s struggle in the state.
Regarding these cases, he noted: “if their families desire, the government will initiate an investigation.” The government pledged to take full responsibility for such families.
Post-Meeting Actions
Following the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Adhikari held a review meeting with senior bureaucrats and police officials, including the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, Director General of Police, and Kolkata Police Commissioner, to assess law and order and administrative readiness.
These decisions come days after the BJP’s historic victory in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, securing 207 out of 294 seats and ending the Trinamool Congress’s 15-year rule. Adhikari, who took oath as Chief Minister on May 9, 2026, emphasized a people-centric approach.
Addressing the media, he highlighted the peaceful nature of the recent elections and committed to justice and development for all sections of society. The new government has positioned these early actions as foundational steps toward “double-engine” governance aligned with other BJP-ruled states.
About the Author
