The newly formed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in West Bengal, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has completed its first 100 days in office, marking a series of significant policy decisions and administrative changes. The cabinet has moved swiftly to implement electoral promises and restructure state governance.
Ayushman Bharat Launch
The Ayushman Bharat scheme, which provides cashless hospitalisation coverage of Rs 5,00,000 per family per year for secondary and tertiary healthcare, was previously not implemented in Bengal. In its first cabinet meeting, the BJP government decided to roll out the scheme in July. Over six crore residents previously enrolled in the state-run Swasthya Sathi programme will be covered under this initiative.
Annapurna Yojana for Women
The Annapurna Yojana, a flagship electoral promise, offers monthly financial assistance of Rs 3,000 to eligible women aged 25 to 60. The state cabinet approved its rollout on May 18, with disbursements starting June 1. Employees and pensioners of government and government-aided institutions, as well as income taxpayers, are excluded. The online application process began on June 1, while offline form-filling is already underway. The application window remains open for 90 days. As of June 3, over 28 lakh women had received Rs 3,000 each. Additionally, old-age, widow, and disability pensions have been increased from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 per month, effective June 1.
Free Bus Travel for Women
Another key promise fulfilled is free travel for women on state-operated buses. From June 1, women across the state can travel for free by obtaining zero-value tickets. The government plans to introduce digital smart cards later.
Implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes
The BJP government has committed to implementing all major centrally sponsored schemes in Bengal, including PM Shri Schools, PM Fasal Bima Yojana, PM Vishwakarma, Ujjwala Yojana, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and PM Surya Ghar. Beneficiary verification mechanisms will be strengthened to ensure welfare benefits reach eligible recipients in compliance with laws.
Border Fencing and Illegal Immigration
Of Bengal's 2,217 km border with Bangladesh, about 1,600 km has already been fenced. The new government decided to complete all pending land transfers for border fencing within 45 days to expedite the India-Bangladesh border fence. Following Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) guidelines, the state launched an aggressive drive to track undocumented foreign nationals and set up holding centres. Around 32 acres have been handed over to the Border Security Force (BSF) for fencing. Eleven holding centres are operational, with 4,800 illegal migrants pushed back to Bangladesh and 836 housed in these centres.
Biswa Bangla Logo Replaced
The previous Trinamool Congress government's 'Biswa Bangla' logo has been replaced with the national Ashoka Emblem across all official communications. The change applies to government websites, letterheads, files, signage, and public infrastructure branding.
No-Spill Policy for Religious Events
The government has directed that religious events be restricted to religious premises, rather than roads and streets. This decision follows earlier controversies and court observations on large public prayers, including those on Kolkata's Red Road, which have been shifted to the Brigade Parade Ground.
Discontinuation of Religious Allowance
The honorarium for imams, muezzins, and purohits, introduced by the previous government, has been discontinued. The funds will now be used for scholarships to students from economically weaker sections. Imams previously received Rs 3,000 monthly, while muezzins and purohits received Rs 2,000 each.
7th Pay Commission
The state government has decided to constitute the 7th Pay Commission for state employees, fulfilling an electoral promise. The notification for setting up the commission is yet to be issued.
Revision of Upper Age Limit for Government Jobs
The upper age limit for state government jobs has been revised: 41 years for Group A, 44 for Group B, and 45 for Group C and D posts, extending the previous limits by five years.
Ban on Illegal Cattle Slaughter
Strict enforcement of the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act has been directed. Fitness certificates for slaughter will be issued only by municipal chairpersons or panchayat samiti presidents, jointly with a government veterinary officer, certifying that the animal is over 14 years old or permanently incapacitated. Public slaughterhouses have been banned.
Vande Mataram in Schools
The school education department has made singing 'Vande Mataram' mandatory in all government-run and government-aided schools, including madrasas, before classes begin each day. The directive supersedes previous guidelines that included the state song 'Banglar Mati Banglar Jol'. The Chief Minister has also requested private schools to follow the rule.
OBC Quota Revision
The OBC reservation quota has been reduced from 17% to 7%, in compliance with a Calcutta High Court order that regularised 66 communities listed as OBC before 2010. The previous government had raised the quota and included several Muslim communities.
Demolition Drives
Demolition drives began on May 7 in Bertram Street and Hogg Market area. On May 14, two illegal buildings at Tiljala's G J Khan Road were demolished following a fire that killed three workers, though the demolition was paused after a High Court stay. Two more buildings were later razed, and several others received demolition notices. Under-construction buildings at Kasba and Beleghata were also pulled down. Hawker eviction drives occurred at Howrah and Sealdah stations, and about 200 stalls were demolished at Dum Dum station on May 31. A similar drive was conducted at Jadavpur station.
Arrests of Trinamool Leaders
Following Prime Minister Modi's dictum 'Chun chun ke hisab liya jayega', the government has arrested major Trinamool Congress leaders, including eight from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and six from the Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on charges of extortion and criminal intimidation. Former MLAs Sujit Bose, Saokat Molla, and Jahangir Khan have also been arrested. Over 200 FIRs have been filed across the state.
Janatar Darbar Programme
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari launched the 'Janatar Darbar' programme on May 18 to directly hear citizens' grievances. Held at the BJP's state headquarters in Salt Lake, several people met the CM individually. Three such programmes have been organised so far.
Apnar Sarkar Apnar Pashe Helpline
On June 4, the state government introduced 'Apnar Sarkar Apnar Pashe', a helpline (8282082820) connecting citizens with the Chief Minister's Office for issues related to government services. The helpline operates from 9 am to 6 pm, Monday to Saturday. People can also email at asap@wb.gov.in.
Maa Ahar Scheme
Under the Maa Ahar scheme, the government will serve fish-and-rice lunch twice a week at a subsidised rate of Rs 5. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on May 26 that cooked meals for the poor and needy will be served by urban local bodies in common kitchens. Egg-and-rice meals will be served twice a week, and vegetarian lunch on the remaining two days. Maa Ahar will remain closed on Sundays.
