Kolkata, 15 October (H.S.) : Inaugurating a Durga Puja pandal in Lalbagh, Murshidabad, near the Bangladesh border, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari claimed that cattle smuggling and the illicit narcotics trade in the area have been virtually brought to a complete halt. Alongside these remarks, he announced several development initiatives for the residents of the Murshidabad assembly constituency, including a new ITI college, a Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra, a morning college section, and an increase in hospital beds. Taking a firm stand against illegal cross-border activities, he stated that the Border Security Force (BSF) and the state police are working in close coordination across the district to ensure that no unlawful infiltration takes place.

On Thursday, the Chief Minister formally inaugurated the puja organized by the Budhaspara Sarbajanin Durgotsav Committee in Lalbagh. Speaking at the event, he declared that the overall development of this assembly constituency is his direct responsibility. Reviewing the state of local infrastructure with administrative officials present on the dais, he directed the District Magistrate to immediately allocate land for the proposed ITI college. Furthermore, he instructed authorities to introduce morning shifts for female students at the existing local college, offering assurances that there would be no shortage of faculty members. Emphasizing the need to increase hospital bed capacity and set up a Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra in the locality, he instructed officials to ensure all these projects are completed by December, asserting that a lack of funds would not be allowed to impede progress.

Highlighting the growth potential of the border district, the Chief Minister remarked that making Murshidabad drug-free remains a top priority, adding that improved security would significantly bolster tourism prospects. He noted that the installation of barbed-wire fencing along the international border is progressing rapidly. Concurrently, he urged local communities to actively put an end to child marriage, reminding the gathering that marrying off minors prior to reaching the legal age is a punishable criminal offense.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh