Kolkata, 11 May (H.S.) : West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday announced a series of key administrative, welfare and governance decisions after chairing the first Cabinet meeting of the new government at Nabanna.

Addressing the media after the meeting, the Chief Minister said the state had embarked on a “new journey of good governance, security and double-engine development” and asserted that the administration would follow the development model adopted in other BJP-ruled states.

Invoking the ideals of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, Adhikari said the government would function on the principle of “For the People, By the People, Of the People” and stressed that policy, transparency and constitutional governance would remain its guiding principles.

Among the major announcements, the Cabinet congratulated voters, election officials and the administration for conducting what the Chief Minister described as a “fear-free, violence-free and fair election” in the state after a long time.

The government also paid tribute to 321 BJP workers allegedly killed in political violence over the years. Adhikari said the state government would stand beside their families and take strict action against those involved in political killings.

Giving top priority to border security, the Chief Minister announced that the process of transferring required land to the Border Security Force would begin immediately. The Chief Secretary and the Land and Revenue Secretary have been directed to complete the land transfer process within 45 days.

In a major policy shift, the West Bengal government has also decided to formally join the Ayushman Bharat scheme. The Health Secretary and officials of the Chief Minister’s Office have been instructed to complete the necessary agreements with the Union Health Ministry at the earliest.

The government further announced steps to actively implement several central welfare schemes in the state, including Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, PM SHRI, PM Vishwakarma, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. District Magistrates have been instructed to expedite pending applications and coordinate with the concerned Union ministries.

As part of administrative reforms, IAS officers in the state will be linked to centralised training mechanisms. The Cabinet also resolved to align West Bengal fully with the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

In a relief measure for job aspirants, the government announced a five-year increase in the upper age limit for applying to government jobs.

Adhikari also alleged that the previous government had failed to implement directives issued by the Union Home Ministry on June 16, 2025 regarding census-related administrative procedures. He said the present government had already enforced those directions.

The Chief Minister asserted that ongoing welfare schemes would not be discontinued but would now operate through a “transparent process”. He added that benefits would not be extended to deceased persons, illegal beneficiaries or non-citizens.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s slogan of “Fear Out, Trust In”, Adhikari said the new government would prioritise public confidence, security and development across the state.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh