Suvendu Adhikari Announces Crackdown on Infiltrators, Liquor Shops Near Schools in Bengal

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday announced a series of administrative reforms, welfare initiatives and border-related measures during a coordination meeting in Kalyani involving officials and representatives from Nadia and North 24 Parganas districts.

Among the key announcements was a statement that police authorities would hand over “infiltrators” to the Border Security Force for deportation. The Chief Minister also announced changes to the state’s grievance redressal platform, restrictions on liquor shops near educational institutions and the rollout of central welfare schemes in West Bengal.

Government to Hand Over ‘Infiltrators’ to BSF

Addressing the meeting, Adhikari said the state government would work closely with the BSF on handling illegal infiltration cases.

“On June 8 in Delhi, the West Bengal government will sign an agreement with the Union government regarding Ayushman Bharat. From next week, 'Mukhyamantri Ke Bolo' will be discontinued and renamed as 'Apnar Sarkar Ke Bolun' (Tell Your Government). The old helpline number will also be changed. The police will hand over infiltrators to the BSF and the BSF will deport them. Also, no liquor shops will be allowed within one kilometre of schools and colleges, and no licences will be issued for such areas,” said Adhikari.

The remarks are likely to trigger political debate in the state, where issues related to border security and illegal immigration have remained politically sensitive.

‘Mukhyamantri Ke Bolo’ to Be Renamed

The Chief Minister announced that the existing grievance platform “Mukhyamantri Ke Bolo” would be discontinued from next week and relaunched under a new name, “Apnar Sarkar Ke Bolun” or “Tell Your Government.”

According to Adhikari, the existing helpline number linked to the platform would also be changed as part of the restructuring exercise.

The platform has historically been used by citizens to register complaints and seek administrative intervention from the state government.

District Coordination Meetings for ‘Good Governance’

Adhikari said the state government had initiated a new system of administrative coordination meetings across districts to improve cooperation between elected representatives and officials.

“We held a meeting today in Kalyani with Nadia and North 24 Parganas districts. Our next meeting will be held in Malda for Malda and Murshidabad districts, while another meeting will take place in Kolaghat for Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram and Howrah districts. We are mainly focusing on ensuring cooperation between elected MLAs and the government within a short period of time. This is a new system aimed at ensuring good governance. Our vision is to deliver good governance for the state, and that is why we are conducting these meetings,” Adhikari said.

He added that legislators and Members of Parliament from all political parties would be invited to participate in the meetings.

“Our meetings are proving fruitful. I had earlier said that in administrative meetings, we would call all MLAs and MPs, irrespective of whether they belong to the ruling party or the opposition. We will invite everyone. Today, we also invited the TMC MP from Barasat. We also discussed how public representatives should be given proper respect, similar to the system followed in Maharashtra. Many opposition MLAs also participated in the meeting and shared their thoughts and suggestions,” Adhikari said.

Ayushman Bharat and Annapurna Yojana Rollout

The Chief Minister confirmed that the state government would sign an agreement with the Union government regarding the implementation of Ayushman Bharat on June 8 in Delhi.

He also announced that Annapurna Yojana would soon be launched in the state and said the scheme’s application form would be released from the state secretariat.

“We are separating the AYUSH Department from the Health Department and will establish a proper structure for AYUSH in the state. Ayushman Bharat and Annapurna Yojana are going to be launched in Bengal. In today's meeting, we focused especially on coordination, the health sector, pre-monsoon work, conversion of the Swasthya Sathi scheme into Ayushman Bharat, and conversion of the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme into Annapurna Yojana,” he said.

“Minister Agnimitra Paul and I will release a form for Annapurna Yojana from the state secretariat. Only Indians will receive benefits under the Annapurna Yojana,” CM Adhikari added.

Restrictions on Liquor Shops Near Schools

CM Adhikari also announced stricter rules regarding liquor shops near educational institutions.

According to the Chief Minister, no liquor shops would be allowed within one kilometre of schools and colleges, and no new licences would be granted in such areas.

The announcement was presented as part of the government’s broader governance and social welfare agenda.

State to Join National Programmes

The Chief Minister said the West Bengal government would actively participate in national programmes announced by the Union government, including World Environment Day on June 5 and International Yoga Day on June 21.

“We want large-scale development under the double-engine government. The Union government has declared June 5, World Environment Day, and June 21, International Yoga Day, as national programme days. The West Bengal government will also participate in these national programmes,” said CM Adhikari.

Free Bus Travel and Maa Canteen Expansion

Adhikari further announced free travel for women in government buses and said several Union ministers would visit West Bengal over the coming weeks.

“All women will get free travel in government buses. The Union Urban Development and Power Minister will visit on May 30, the Union Shipping Minister on June 4, and the Union Railway Minister on June 6,” said Adhikari.

He also announced that Machh Bhaat, a fish-and-rice meal, would be available for Rs 5 twice a week in around 400 Maa Canteens across the state.

(With inputs from ANI)