‘Fear, trust’: Suvendu Adhikari takes 6 big decisions as Bengal chief minister in first cabinet meeting

New Delhi: Newly appointed West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday chaired his first cabinet meeting and took six decisions, ending a deadlock between the state and the Center that had seen several key initiatives stalled or outright rejected.After the cabinet meeting, Adhikari said the new journey of good governance, security and dual-engine government in West Bengal will move forward along the development path of other BJP-ruled states across the country. He reiterated the government’s commitment to the ideals of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and the principle of “for the people, by the people and of the people”.“We have taken six decisions in the cabinet. We are committed to the welfare of the families of the 321 martyrs who laid down their lives as supporters of the BJP,” Suvendu said.The following are the decisions taken by the Bangladesh governmentBSF to acquire land for border fencing within 45 daysKeeping in view the border security, the government approved the process of handing over the required land to the Border Security Force. The chief secretary and the land and agrarian reforms department have been directed to complete the process within 45 days.“We have started transferring land to BSF for border security. The land will be handed over within 45 days,” Adhikari said.launch of all central plansThe West Bengal government has also officially decided to join the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Advisors to the Health Minister and the Chief Minister’s Office have been directed to reach necessary agreements with the Union Health Ministry as soon as possible.The process has started with active implementation of major central government schemes in the state, including Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Krishak Bima Yojana, PM SHRI, Vishwakarma Scheme, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Ujjwala Yojana. District Magistrates have been directed to expedite forwarding of all applications to the relevant federal ministries.IAS, IPS officers allowed to undergo central trainingAs part of the administrative reforms, IAS officers in the state will now participate in the central government’s training program as practiced in other states, the release said. The government has also decided to make West Bengal fully compliant with the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.“West Bengal government officials will participate in the training program conducted by the central government. The previous government did not allow officials to participate in the program,” he said.Government working age limit raisedAdhikari also announced that the cabinet has decided to increase the upper age limit for applying for government jobs by five years to improve employment opportunities for educated youth.Follow Centre’s instructions to conduct censusThe chief minister said that the previous government failed to implement the Union Home Ministry’s June 16, 2025 directive on the census process. This government has immediately implemented the pending administrative notifications.“The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a letter on June 16, 2025, asking for a census as per the directives of the Government of India. The previous government had kept it on hold; we are starting the census in West Bengal,” Adhikari said.“This government does not run on ego; it runs on principles.” Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘fear, trust’ message, he said the new government is committed to ensuring security, confidence and development of the people of West Bengal. “The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to national security and assured that all land required by the BSF would be provided. He said the previous government ignored instructions from the central government and courts to protect illegal infiltrators.Provide legal aid to victims of political struggleTalking about political violence, Adhikari said the government was ready to investigate cases related to deaths of party workers during “political struggles” if their families seek legal action.“For the 321 people who lost their lives in our struggle: if their families wish, the government will launch an investigation,” he added.