West Bengal Cabinet Approves BSF Land Transfer, Expands Maa Ahar Food Scheme

The West Bengal Cabinet on Wednesday approved a series of decisions covering border security, welfare programmes, worker compensation, state commemorations and administrative appointments during its first meeting after the recent expansion of the Council of Ministers.

Speaking to ANI after the meeting, West Bengal Minister Agnimitra Paul outlined the key decisions taken by the Cabinet.

Why Has the Cabinet Approved Land Transfer to the BSF?

One of the most significant decisions relates to border infrastructure.

According to Agnimitra Paul, the Cabinet approved the immediate transfer of land to the Border Security Force (BSF) to facilitate fencing work along the international border.

The move is expected to help speed up pending border fencing projects and strengthen border management in sensitive areas.

What Changes Have Been Made to the Maa Canteen Scheme?

The state government has decided to revamp its flagship subsidised food programme.

"She also announced that the state government's "Maa Canteen" initiative has been officially renamed "Maa Ahar". Under the revamped scheme, meals priced at Rs 5 will include eggs and fish on two days a week, while vegetarian food will be served on the remaining days".

The scheme currently operates through 390 centres across West Bengal and provides low-cost meals to beneficiaries.

How Will the Subsidised Food Programme Expand?

The Cabinet has approved a significant expansion of the scheme.

Paul said the programme, currently operational at 390 centres across the state, will be expanded with the addition of 110 more centres following the budget allocation.

The expansion is aimed at increasing access to affordable meals across more districts and urban centres.

What Relief Has Been Announced for Sewer Workers?

The Cabinet has also approved enhanced welfare measures for workers engaged in hazardous sewer-related work.

"The Cabinet also decided to enhance compensation for deaths occurring during sewer-related work and approved a new compensation provision for workers who suffer disabilities while engaged in such work", she added.

The decision broadens the compensation framework by covering both fatalities and disability cases arising from sewer-related duties.

Who Will Be the New Advocate General of West Bengal?

The Cabinet approved a key legal appointment as part of its administrative decisions.

According to the minister, Surojit Nath Mitra will be appointed as the Advocate General of West Bengal.

The Advocate General serves as the state's highest law officer and advises the government on legal matters.

What Has the Government Planned for Paschimbanga Diwas?

The state government has decided to formally observe June 20 as Paschimbanga Diwas, or West Bengal Day.

Paul further said that June 20 will be observed as Paschimbanga Diwas (West Bengal Day) across the state.

The observance is expected to be marked through official programmes and commemorative events.

How Will the State Mark Syama Prasad Mookerjee's 125th Birth Anniversary?

The Cabinet also approved plans to commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee.

"On the occasion of the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee on July 5, a year-long state-wide celebration will be organised. To mark this milestone, the foundation stone of a massive 125-foot statue of Dr. Mookerjee will also be laid on the same day," the Minister Paul concluded.

The celebrations are expected to continue throughout the year and will include the proposed statue project.

What Is the Context Behind These Announcements?

The decisions come shortly after the expansion of the West Bengal Cabinet.

The Council of Ministers was expanded on Monday when 35 new ministers were sworn in at Lok Bhawan in Kolkata. Governor R N Ravi administered the oath, taking the total strength of the Council of Ministers to 41 under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.

Among those inducted into the ministry were Dipak Barman, Arjun Singh, Shankar Ghosh, Gauri Shankar Ghosh, Tapash Roy, Manoj Kumar Oraon, Jagannath Chattopadhyay, Ajoy Poddar, Swapan Dasgupta, Dr Sharadwat Mukherjee and Kalyan Chakraborti.

The latest Cabinet decisions signal the new government's focus on welfare delivery, worker protection, border infrastructure and symbolic state-level commemorations.

(With inputs from ANI)