Kolkata | Special Report

In a major policy shift following the formation of the new government in West Bengal, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday announced that the state government will transfer land to the Border Security Force within 45 days for the construction of fencing along the India-Bangladesh border.

The decision was approved during the first cabinet meeting of the newly elected government. According to the Chief Minister, the move is aimed at strengthening border security and preventing illegal infiltration across sensitive stretches of the international border.

Speaking after the cabinet meeting, Mr. Adhikari alleged that the previous government had delayed the transfer of land required for fencing projects, which, according to him, indirectly encouraged infiltration activities in border districts.

He stated that all pending land-related issues concerning border fencing would now be resolved on priority and necessary coordination with the BSF would begin immediately.

Ayushman Bharat And Central Schemes To Be Implemented

The West Bengal government also announced the immediate implementation of several flagship welfare schemes of the Central government.

Among the most significant announcements was the official inclusion of the state under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance programme. Residents of the state will now have access to benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, which provides healthcare coverage to economically weaker sections.

The cabinet further approved implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana aimed at providing crop insurance support to farmers.

The Chief Minister confirmed that all related Central government guidelines would be implemented with immediate effect across the state administration.

Age Relaxation For School Job Applicants

In another significant decision, the cabinet approved a five-year extension in the upper age limit for school job applicants in West Bengal.

The move fulfills a key electoral commitment reportedly highlighted during the recent campaign by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Officials said the decision is expected to benefit thousands of aspiring candidates preparing for recruitment in the state education sector.

Central Training For Officers

The state cabinet also empowered the Chief Secretary to initiate coordination for Central government training programmes for officers belonging to both national and state cadres.

Under the new policy, IAS, IPS, and state police officers will undergo structured Central training modules intended to improve administrative coordination and governance standards.

Criminal Law Reforms And Census Implementation

The Chief Minister further alleged that the previous administration had failed to implement the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita despite constitutional obligations.

The cabinet has now approved immediate implementation of the new criminal law framework in the state.

Additionally, the government announced that directions issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the June 2025 Census process would be implemented without delay. According to the Chief Minister, the earlier administration had not acted on the Census-related circular issued by the Centre.

The series of decisions taken during the first cabinet meeting indicate a strong push by the new West Bengal government toward closer alignment with Central government policies and administrative frameworks.