BJP leader highlights major administrative reforms in West Bengal

General Secretary (Organisation) of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal Amitava Chakravorty has highlighted a series of major administrative decisions and policy initiatives undertaken by the newly formed “double engine government” in the state between 9-16 May.

According to a Facebook post by Amitava, the government has begun replacing the previous blue-and-white colour scheme of road barricades and civic infrastructure with internationally recognised yellow-and-white standards.

As part of administrative restructuring, the tenures of nominated members, directors, and chairpersons of various boards, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and non-constitutional bodies have been terminated.

The post also claimed that IAS and IPS officers of the West Bengal cadre have been instructed to regularly participate in central government training programmes, while directives have been issued to remove administrative obstacles in implementing the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The government has reportedly allowed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to continue investigations against officials accused in several cases, including teacher recruitment, municipal corruption, and cooperative sector irregularities.

According to the post, social security and support measures have been announced for 321 victims allegedly affected by post-election political violence. The government has also announced the “Annapurna Bhandar Yojana,” under which women will receive a monthly financial assistance of 3,000 rupees from 1 June.

In addition, free bus travel for women across West Bengal is set to begin from 1 June. Old-age and disability allowances have reportedly been increased from 1,000 rupees to 2,000 rupees, effective from the same date.

The post further stated that several central government schemes, including Ayushman Bharat, PM Jan Arogya Yojana, PM Shri, PM Fasal Bima Yojana, PM Vishwakarma, and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, will be implemented in West Bengal.

Restrictions on interstate transportation of potatoes, food grains, vegetables, and livestock products have reportedly been withdrawn. The government has also lifted restrictions on potato exports to expand markets and boost agricultural trade.

Discussions have reportedly begun with potato farmers, traders, exporters, and cold storage owners to resolve long-standing issues in the sector, while supply chain and marketing-related problems faced by potato growers are under review for swift resolution.

On border security, the government has directed authorities to complete land transfers to the Border Security Force (BSF) within 45 days to accelerate fencing work along the India-Bangladesh border. Instructions have also been issued to hold regular border coordination meetings to strengthen surveillance, intelligence sharing, and crime control in border districts.

Detailed guidelines have reportedly been sent to all superintendents of police and police commissioners to strengthen border security. Statewide drives have also been launched against illegal arms, explosives, illegal toll syndicates, unlawful sand mining, and illegal coal extraction.

The chief minister has reportedly announced stricter action against illegal coal and sand mafias. Authorities have also ordered a review of all cases related to post-election violence from 2021.

According to the post, large-scale anti-corruption and anti-crime drives have begun in several districts. Non-classified security cover provided to politically influential individuals has also been withdrawn.

Kolkata Police has reportedly launched strict drives against riding motorcycles without helmets and violating traffic rules. The Kolkata Police Special Task Force (STF) also arrested alleged Maoist regional committee member Sharadha Biswas from Kashipur.

During a surprise search operation at Presidency Correctional Home, authorities recovered 23 mobile phones and suspended two staff members.

The post further said that steps have been taken to depoliticise and ensure transparency in recruitment processes at educational institutions and statutory bodies. In Murshidabad, police reportedly arrested three people linked to a smuggling network.

In connection with the RG Kar case, former Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal was reportedly suspended over allegations of negligence in the investigation. IPS officers Abhishek Gupta and Indira Mukherjee were also suspended over separate allegations related to the case, including procedural lapses and attempts to influence the victim’s family. An FIR has also reportedly been filed over alleged irregularities in the investigation process.

The post added that “Vande Mataram” has been made mandatory in schools, while all caste certificates issued since 2011 are to be re-verified.

The Ministry of Railways has reportedly approved the New Jalpaiguri–Siliguri railway line project, the Santragachi–Jaipur rail connectivity project via Kharagpur, and the Shalboni–Adra third line railway project.

Authorities have also initiated stricter monitoring to prevent illegal slaughter of cows, calves, bulls, and buffaloes. Orders have reportedly been issued to disconnect permanent electricity and water connections to illegal factories and unauthorised constructions.

To restore administrative discipline, government employees have been instructed to report to offices by 10:15am and not leave before 5:15pm.

The post further claimed that public prayers on roads without special permission have been prohibited and initiatives have been taken to implement Telecom Rules 2024 to improve digital infrastructure.

After a long gap, the West Bengal Public Service Commission (WBPSC) has announced that the WBCS Executive Examination will be held on 14 June.

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The government described the resumption of the examination as the beginning of a transparent, merit-based, and time-bound recruitment process.

The post concluded by stating that the government has launched strict administrative measures against politically backed syndicates, corruption, illegal networks, and organized crime. Work has also reportedly resumed on several long-stalled infrastructure projects, including the Chingrighata Metro project.