The newly formed BJP government in West Bengal has prioritized strengthening border security by accelerating the handover of land to the Border Security Force (BSF) for fencing along the Bangladesh border, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Monday.
Speaking after the first cabinet meeting at Nabanna, Adhikari said the state administration had been directed to complete the transfer process within 45 days, signaling a major policy shift on border management.
“The chief secretary and the land and land reforms department have been empowered to ensure that land required for border fencing is handed over to the BSF within the stipulated time,” Adhikari told reporters.
The issue of incomplete fencing along the porous India-Bangladesh border had remained a politically sensitive matter in West Bengal for years and featured prominently during the BJP’s election campaign. Earlier this year, the Calcutta High Court directed the state government to facilitate land transfer in several border districts for fencing work.
The chief minister also alleged that the previous administration delayed actions linked to national security and census-related directives from the Centre. According to him, the new government has already begun implementing pending administrative measures.
Alongside border initiatives, the cabinet approved the rollout of several central welfare schemes in the state, including Ayushman Bharat and Ujjwala Yojana. However, Adhikari stressed that no existing welfare programs in West Bengal would be discontinued.
The government further announced plans to align the state with provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and increase the upper age limit for government job applicants by five years.
Highlighting the administration’s stance on border security, Adhikari said benefits under state welfare schemes would be provided through a “transparent process,” adding that illegal infiltrators and non-citizens would not be allowed to avail state benefits.