West Bengal Cabinet Announces Major Reforms: Border Security Push, Census Rollout, Job Relaxation, BNS Implementation and Expansion of Central Welfare Schemes

KalimNews (with inputs from Agencies), May 11, 2026, Kolkata : West Bengal has entered a new administrative phase as Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari chaired the first Cabinet meeting at Nabanna, followed by a high-level administrative review meeting with top officials, outlining a wide range of governance, security, welfare, and legal reforms aimed at reshaping the state’s administrative framework.

In the Cabinet meeting, the government took several key decisions focused on border security, national programme implementation, law and order, and public welfare.

A major decision was the approval to transfer 600 acres of land to the Border Security Force (BSF) within 45 days for the construction of fencing along the Bangladesh border. This step is aimed at strengthening border security, preventing illegal infiltration, and controlling cross-border smuggling activities. Senior officials, including the Chief Secretary and the Land and Revenue Department, have been directed to expedite the process.

The government also approved the immediate implementation of the long-pending Census exercise in the state. The administration stated that the process had been delayed despite a notification issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs on June 16, 2025. A fact-finding committee will be constituted to review the delay and ensure smooth execution of the census operations.

In a significant welfare decision, the Cabinet approved the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in West Bengal. Under this programme, eligible families will receive cashless healthcare coverage of up to ₹5 lakh annually for secondary and tertiary medical treatment. The state also confirmed that all major Central government flagship welfare schemes will now be implemented without obstruction, ensuring wider social benefits for citizens.

These include continued rollout of key national programmes such as Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, along with other Central welfare initiatives already active across the country.

Reaffirming administrative inclusivity, the government announced that previous flagship programmes will continue without disruption, ensuring continuity in welfare delivery and development schemes already in progress.

A major relief for job aspirants was also announced, with the Cabinet approving a five-year extension in the upper age limit for candidates applying for government jobs. This decision is expected to benefit thousands of candidates who missed earlier recruitment opportunities and expand access to public employment.

On administrative reforms, the government cleared the way for IAS, IPS, and WBPS officers to participate in training programmes in other states, reversing earlier restrictions. This move is aimed at improving administrative exposure, capacity building, and governance efficiency.

In a significant legal reform, the Cabinet approved the immediate implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in West Bengal, replacing the older criminal justice framework. The government stated that this step is essential to modernize the state’s legal system and align it with national reforms.

Beyond Cabinet decisions, Chief Minister Adhikari also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, and citizen-focused governance.

He also held a high-level Administrative Review Meeting at Nabanna with Chief Secretary Shri Dushyant Nariala (IAS), Home Secretary Smt. Sanghamitra Ghosh (IAS), DGP Shri Sidh Nath Gupta (IPS), and Kolkata Police Commissioner Shri Ajay Nand (IPS) to review the current status of law and order and administrative functioning in West Bengal.

During the meeting, key administrative priorities were discussed in detail to ensure the safety, security, and prosperity of every citizen. The government emphasized that maintaining peace and strengthening governance systems remain top priorities.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the administration remains fully committed to transparent, accountable, and efficient governance, with a strong focus on development, law and order, and public welfare across the state.

The political transition follows the decisive electoral mandate that brought the new government to power, marking a significant shift in West Bengal’s governance landscape under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee