West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday announced a series of major administrative decisions during the first cabinet meeting of the new BJP-led government, including approval for land transfer to the Border Security Force (BSF) for fencing work along the India-Bangladesh border.
The newly formed government also cleared the implementation of several central welfare initiatives in the state, including the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, signalling a major policy shift after the change in power in Bengal.
Land Transfer Approved for Bangladesh Border Fencing
Addressing the media after the cabinet meeting, Adhikari said the state government has formally approved the transfer of land required for strengthening border fencing infrastructure along the Bangladesh frontier.
According to the Chief Minister, the land transfer process has officially begun and authorities have been directed to complete all procedures within the next 45 days.
The move is being seen as a significant step towards improving border management and security in sensitive areas adjoining Bangladesh.
Ayushman Bharat to Be Implemented in Bengal
In another major decision, the Bengal cabinet approved the rollout of Ayushman Bharat and multiple other flagship welfare schemes of the central government in the state.
The health insurance programme, which provides financial coverage for medical treatment to economically weaker families, had not been implemented under the previous administration.
The BJP government said the inclusion of central welfare schemes would strengthen healthcare access and improve coordination with Union government initiatives.
Cabinet Approves Age Relaxation for School Job Applicants
The cabinet also cleared a proposal granting a five-year age relaxation for candidates applying for school-related government jobs in West Bengal.
The decision fulfils an assurance made during the election campaign by senior BJP leaders and is expected to benefit thousands of job aspirants across the state.
Officials said the relaxation aims to support candidates who faced delays and disruptions in recruitment processes over recent years.
New Push for Administrative and Legal Reforms
The Adhikari government further authorised the Chief Secretary to initiate administrative coordination for training programmes linked to central and state cadre officers.
The Chief Minister also announced that the government has decided to implement the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other newly introduced criminal laws in the state.
Adhikari accused the previous administration of delaying implementation despite constitutional obligations and directives from the Centre.
Census-Related Directives to Be Enforced
The cabinet additionally approved immediate implementation of instructions linked to the upcoming national census process.
According to Adhikari, earlier communications issued by the Union Home Ministry regarding census-related procedures had allegedly not been acted upon by the previous state administration.
The new government said it would fully cooperate with all national administrative exercises and central directives moving forward.
