West Bengal BJP Government Announces Major Policy Changes in First Cabinet Meeting

West Bengal’s newly formed BJP government led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced a series of major policy decisions during its first cabinet meeting, signalling a sharp shift in governance priorities in the state.

One of the key decisions taken by the cabinet was a five-year extension in the upper age limit for candidates applying for school jobs. The move is expected to benefit thousands of aspirants who had crossed the earlier eligibility age limit. Adhikari stated that the decision fulfilled an election promise made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the campaign.

The cabinet also approved the implementation of the Centre’s flagship Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme in West Bengal. The programme, which provides medical coverage for economically weaker families, had not been implemented by the previous government.

In another important decision, the state government approved the transfer of land to the Border Security Force for fencing sections of the Bangladesh border in West Bengal. The move aims to strengthen border security and improve infrastructure along one of India’s most sensitive international boundaries.

The new administration also formally implemented the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in the state. Adhikari criticised the previous government for not adopting the new criminal law framework earlier, calling it a constitutional lapse.

Additionally, the cabinet approved immediate implementation of a Ministry of Home Affairs circular related to the Census process, which had reportedly remained pending under the earlier administration.

Addressing party workers and supporters later in the day, Adhikari said his government would work under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” vision and focus on development-oriented governance.

The BJP leadership also reiterated that all major promises made during the election campaign would be implemented in coordination between the government and the party organisation.