Governance – West Bengal Cabinet Clears Border Fencing and Welfare Measures

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday outlined several major decisions taken during the first meeting of the state cabinet, placing strong emphasis on governance, public security, and coordination with the Centre. Addressing reporters after the meeting, Adhikari said the administration would work according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s development agenda focused on inclusive growth and efficient governance.

Border Fencing Plan Receives Cabinet Approval

One of the most significant decisions announced was the transfer of land to the Border Security Force for strengthening fencing work along the India-Bangladesh border. According to the Chief Minister, the process of handing over the required land would be completed within the next 45 days.

Adhikari described the move as an important step for national security and border management. He also accused the previous administration of delaying the fencing process for political reasons, alleging that such delays had indirectly benefited illegal cross-border infiltration activities.

Focus on Governance and Security

During the media briefing, the Chief Minister stated that the government’s immediate priorities would revolve around “good governance” and “public safety.” He said the cabinet had approved six key proposals during its first session and promised quicker administrative action in the coming months.

The government also confirmed that future cabinet meetings would be held regularly, with the next meeting scheduled for the coming Monday.

Central Welfare Schemes to Be Rolled Out

The state government further announced the implementation of several flagship schemes introduced by the Union government. These include Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma, and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.

Officials said the rollout of these programmes is expected to improve healthcare access, support skilled workers and artisans, and strengthen welfare measures focused on women and child development. The administration indicated that departments concerned would soon begin coordination work for execution at the district level.

Relaxation in Government Job Age Limit

In another major announcement, the Chief Minister declared a five-year relaxation in the upper age limit for candidates applying for government jobs in the state. The decision fulfills an earlier commitment made during the election campaign by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The relaxation is expected to benefit thousands of aspirants who had crossed the earlier eligibility age due to delays in recruitment processes over recent years. Government officials stated that detailed notifications regarding recruitment rules would be issued separately.

New Criminal Laws to Be Enforced

The cabinet also approved implementation of the country’s newly introduced criminal law framework, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Adhikari claimed that the previous government had failed to effectively enforce the updated legal structure after it came into effect nationally.

According to the Chief Minister, the state administration has now initiated the process of aligning policing and legal procedures with the new laws. Training and administrative coordination with law enforcement agencies are also expected to follow.

Census Circular to Be Implemented Immediately

Another decision taken during the meeting involved immediate implementation of the June 2025 Census circular issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The government said necessary administrative steps would be initiated without delay to ensure compliance with the Centre’s instructions regarding census-related preparations.

The Chief Minister maintained that the cabinet’s first set of decisions reflected the administration’s intention to focus on governance efficiency, law enforcement, welfare delivery, and infrastructure linked to national security.