West Bengal’s New BJP Government Announces Cabinet Portfolios and Policy Shifts
West Bengal’s newly elected BJP government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has allocated key ministerial portfolios and announced significant policy changes. Effective June 1, the administration will launch welfare schemes including free bus travel for women and the 'Annapurna Bhandar' financial aid program, while integrating central initiatives like Ayushman Bharat. The cabinet also prioritized national security by accelerating border fencing with Bangladesh and transferring land to the BSF. These actions mark a decisive political shift from the previous Trinamool Congress regime, focusing on social welfare, administrative reform, and stricter border control.
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West Bengal BJP Govt Announces Women's Aid, Free Bus Rides, and OBC List Review
The West Bengal BJP government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, concluded its second Cabinet meeting with several significant policy announcements. Key decisions include the introduction of the Annapurna Bhandar scheme, providing monthly financial assistance of Rs 3,000 to women, and granting free travel on all state-run buses for female passengers. Existing beneficiaries of the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme will be transitioned to this new program via direct bank transfers, with applications opening on June 1. Notably, eligibility extends to those involved in Citizenship Amendment Act processes. The Cabinet also decided to abolish all welfare schemes categorized by religion, discontinuing allowances for religious figures like imams and purohits effective immediately. In a major administrative shift, the existing Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservation list was cancelled pending a fresh enquiry and revision of reservation percentages, aligning with High Court orders. Additionally, the government approved the constitution of the Seventh Pay Commission, fulfilling a key election promise. These measures signal a decisive move by the new administration to restructure social welfare and affirmative action policies in the state.
The Indian ExpressWest Bengal Govt Launches Annapurna Bhandar, Ends Religious-Based Schemes
The West Bengal Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has approved the launch of the Annapurna Bhandar scheme, effective June 1, 2026. This new initiative provides a monthly financial assistance of ₹3,000 to women aged 25 to 60, doubling the amount offered under the previous Trinamool Congress government's Lakshmir Bhandar scheme. The decision fulfills a key election promise made by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Additionally, the cabinet announced that women will receive free travel on state-run buses starting the same date. In a significant policy shift, the government decided to discontinue all monetary schemes based on religious categorization. This move will result in the cessation of honorariums previously paid to imams, muezzins, and purohits. The cabinet also approved the formation of the 7th Pay Commission for state government employees, although no immediate decision was made on releasing Dearness Allowance arrears. Furthermore, the list of Other Backward Classes will be reviewed in compliance with a recent Calcutta High Court judgment. These approvals were made during the second cabinet meeting of the newly formed BJP government.
News Today: Breaking News, Top Headlines & Live Updates | The HinduWest Bengal Govt Launches Annapurna Bhandar, Ends Religious Welfare Schemes
The West Bengal Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has approved the launch of the Annapurna Bhandar scheme, effective June 1, 2026. This initiative provides a monthly financial assistance of ₹3,000 to women aged 25 to 60, doubling the amount offered under the previous Trinamool Congress government's Lakshmir Bhandar scheme. The decision was made during the new BJP government's second cabinet meeting. Additionally, the cabinet announced that women will receive free travel on state-run buses. In a significant policy shift, the government decided to discontinue all welfare schemes based on religious categorization. This move will halt honorarium payments to imams, muezzins, and purohits previously instituted by the former administration. The cabinet also approved the formation of a 7th Pay Commission for state employees, although no immediate decision was made on Dearness Allowance arrears. Furthermore, the list of Other Backward Classes will be reviewed in compliance with a Calcutta High Court order. These actions fulfill key election promises made by the BJP during the 2026 Assembly polls.
News Today: Breaking News, Top Headlines & Live Updates | The HinduWest Bengal Cabinet Approves Free Bus Travel for Women and 'Annapurna' Scheme
The West Bengal state cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has announced a series of significant policy decisions aimed at social welfare and administrative reform. A primary initiative is the approval of the 'Annapurna' scheme, which will provide a monthly financial assistance of Rs 3,000 to eligible women in the state. Complementing this financial support, the government has also mandated free bus travel for women across West Bengal. In a move to alter existing subsidy structures, the cabinet decided to terminate religious-based government aid effective from June. Furthermore, the administration plans to conduct a comprehensive review of the state's Other Backward Classes (OBC) list to ensure accurate categorization. Additionally, a new Pay Commission will be formed to address salary structures for state employees. These decisions mark a major shift in the state's social security framework and administrative priorities under the new leadership, focusing on direct benefits for women and structural reviews of caste-based reservations and employee compensation.
Times of IndiaWest Bengal Cabinet Ends Religion-Based Schemes, Approves Women's Aid
The second cabinet meeting of the Suvendu Adhikari government in West Bengal resulted in significant policy shifts regarding welfare and religious assistance. The cabinet approved the discontinuation of religion-based assistance schemes under the Madrasa Department and the Information & Cultural Department. While these schemes will be phased out, ongoing projects are permitted to continue until the end of the current month. Simultaneously, the government introduced new welfare measures aimed at women, fulfilling promises made in the BJP manifesto. The cabinet approved the "Annapurna Yojana," which provides Rs 3,000 in financial assistance to women starting June 1. Beneficiaries of the existing Lakshmi Bhandar scheme will be automatically included, while a new portal will be established for others. Additionally, the government mandated free bus travel for women across the state, also effective from June 1. These decisions were announced by BJP leader Agnimitra Paul during a media briefing at the West Bengal state secretariat, highlighting the administration's focus on secularizing certain departmental functions while expanding gender-specific economic support.
India Today | Latest StoriesWest Bengal Cabinet Approves Women's Welfare Schemes and 7th Pay Commission
The West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, approved five major decisions during its second cabinet meeting. Key announcements include the launch of the Annapurna Scheme, providing financial assistance to women, and free bus travel for women across the state starting June 1. Beneficiaries of the existing Lakshmi Bhandar scheme will automatically receive Annapurna benefits, with a new portal opening for other applicants, including those with pending Citizenship Amendment Act cases. The cabinet also approved the formation of the 7th Pay Commission to review state employee salaries and allowances. In a significant policy shift, the government decided to discontinue all religion-based assistance schemes under the Madrasah and Information and Cultural Affairs Departments from the following month. Additionally, the meeting confirmed the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat health scheme and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), criticizing the previous administration for delays. These decisions mark a distinct directional change in the state's social welfare and administrative policies under the new leadership.
India Today | Latest StoriesWest Bengal BJP Government Implements 7th Pay Commission and New Women Welfare Schemes
The newly elected Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in West Bengal, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has approved the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission for state government employees. This decision aims to bridge the long-standing salary disparity between state and central government staff. In addition to pay reforms, the state cabinet announced significant social welfare changes effective June 1. These include free bus travel for women on government buses and the introduction of the 'Annapurna Bhandar' scheme, which provides Rs 3,000 per month to eligible women beneficiaries. This new initiative replaces the previous 'Lakshmi Bhandar' scheme introduced by the former Trinamool Congress (TMC) government, which had recently increased its payout to Rs 1,500. Furthermore, the cabinet decided to discontinue all incentive schemes based on religion, marking a shift in the state's policy approach. These measures represent the new administration's immediate efforts to fulfill key election promises following their victory over the TMC, signaling a major political transition in the eastern Indian state.
Economic TimesWest Bengal's New BJP Government Initiates Swift Policy Changes and Administrative Actions
Following his appointment as the first BJP Chief Minister of West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari has implemented rapid administrative changes within his first week in office. Key actions include the demolition of an illegally constructed leather factory in Kolkata after a fatal fire and the suspension of three senior IPS officers for mishandling the R G Kar rape-murder case. The new cabinet prioritized border security by handing over land to the Border Security Force for fencing along the Bangladesh border. Additionally, the government announced that voters removed from electoral rolls would be ineligible for state benefits, while simultaneously raising the age limit for government job applications to boost youth employment. The administration also moved to integrate West Bengal into central schemes like Ayushman Bharat. These measures reflect the BJP’s agenda to combat corruption and align state policies with national frameworks. The opposition Trinamool Congress has criticized these moves, alleging targeted violence against their workers and seeking legal intervention through the Calcutta High Court.
The Indian ExpressWest Bengal CM Adhikari Approves Ayushman Bharat and BSF Fencing in First Cabinet Meeting
Suvendu Adhikari, the Chief Minister of the newly formed West Bengal government, held his first cabinet meeting in Kolkata, announcing significant policy shifts. The administration approved the immediate implementation of the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, reversing the previous government's stance, and directed officials to finalize agreements with the Union Health Ministry. Additionally, the cabinet authorized the allocation of land within 45 days to the Border Security Force (BSF) for installing barbed wire fencing along the Bangladesh border, fulfilling a promise made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Adhikari stated that 90% of the required land is already prepared. The government also announced the initiation of census work to support women's reservation policies and the formation of a fact-finding committee for the Abhaya case. While introducing these new measures, the CM assured that existing social welfare schemes would not be discontinued. The administration aims to transition into a 'paperless office' with transparent direct benefit transfers. Key portfolio allocations were also announced, including Dilip Ghosh handling Panchayat and rural development, and Agnimitra Paul overseeing urban development and women and child welfare.
Economic TimesWest Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari Retains Key Portfolios, Fast-Tracks Border Fencing
Suvendu Adhikari, the newly sworn-in Chief Minister of West Bengal and the first from the BJP, has retained control of critical departments including Home, Finance, Health, and Law in his inaugural cabinet meeting. The administration distributed portfolios to five other ministers, including Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, Nisith Pramanik, Kshudiram Tudu, and Ashok Kirtania, covering sectors such as rural development, urban affairs, and tribal welfare. A primary focus of the first cabinet meeting was national security, specifically accelerating the border fencing project along the Bangladesh border. Adhikari announced that all pending land required for the fencing would be handed over to the Border Security Force (BSF) within 45 days, accusing the previous Mamata Banerjee government of stalling the project to protect illegal infiltrators. Emphasizing themes of 'susashan' (good governance) and 'suraksha' (security), the Chief Minister stated that roadblocks have been removed and empowered state secretaries to expedite the land transfer process. This move marks a significant policy shift for the state, aligning with the BJP's national agenda on border security and infiltration control.
The Indian ExpressWest Bengal's New BJP Cabinet Reverses Previous Policies in First Meeting
Following a change of power in West Bengal, the new BJP government led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari held its first cabinet meeting, marking a decisive shift from the previous administration. The cabinet approved ten major decisions, including the immediate implementation of central welfare schemes like Ayushman Bharat and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Significant administrative reforms were enacted, such as terminating the tenures of retired officers and political appointees from the Mamata Banerjee era, and aligning IAS training with central standards. The government also authorized the transfer of 600 acres of land to the BSF for border fencing and initiated a long-pending census. Social measures included launching free bus services for women and relaxing age limits for government job applicants. Additionally, the state pledged support for families of BJP workers killed in past political violence. While retaining existing welfare schemes, the administration vowed to remove ineligible beneficiaries. These actions signal a rapid alignment with national BJP policies and a commitment to what the Chief Minister termed good governance and national interest.
India Today | Latest StoriesSuvendu Adhikari Unveils BJP's First Cabinet Portfolios in West Bengal
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has allocated key ministerial portfolios to the first five members of his council of ministers, marking a significant milestone for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as it forms its first government in the state. The allocations aim to balance organizational experience with social and regional representation. Senior leader Dilip Ghosh received charge of Panchayat and Rural Development, while Agnimitra Paul was assigned Women and Child Development and Municipal Affairs. Ashok Kirtania handles Food and Supplies, Kshudiram Tudu oversees Tribal Development and Minority Affairs, and Nisith Pramanik is responsible for North Bengal Development and Sports. Chief Minister Adhikari retains control over remaining departments. The announcement follows a grand swearing-in ceremony at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior national leaders. This political shift cements Adhikari’s position after defeating former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, signaling a new chapter in West Bengal’s governance under the NDA alliance.
Economic TimesWest Bengal Govt to Launch 'Annapurna Bhandar' Scheme for Women from June 1
The new Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in West Bengal, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has announced the launch of the 'Annapurna Bhandar' welfare scheme, scheduled to commence on June 1, 2026. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance of ₹3,000 per month to eligible women across the state, effectively replacing the previous administration's 'Lakshmir Bhandar' program. The decision was finalized during a recent cabinet meeting, marking a significant shift in the state's social welfare framework under the new leadership. In addition to this flagship scheme, the cabinet approved the integration of West Bengal with central government initiatives, including the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, signaling a move towards closer alignment with national policies. The government also addressed security concerns by discussing measures to tackle illegal immigration. This announcement highlights the new administration's focus on direct benefit transfers and healthcare accessibility for residents, particularly women, as part of their broader governance strategy following the change in political power in the state.
Times of IndiaWest Bengal BJP Government Announces Free Bus Travel for Women Starting June 1
The newly formed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in West Bengal, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has announced the implementation of several key welfare schemes effective June 1. A primary initiative includes free bus travel for women in government buses, a promise made by Home Minister Amit Shah during the election campaign and included in the party manifesto. Additionally, the Ayushman Bharat health scheme and the Annapurna Bhandar Yojana will launch on the same date. The Annapurna scheme aims to provide a ₹3,000 Direct Benefit Transfer to women, positioning it as a competitive counter to the previous Trinamool Congress government's ₹1,500 Lakshmi Bhandar scheme. While procedural rules are being finalized, the government has confirmed its principled decision to implement these programs without discontinuing existing social schemes. This move marks a significant policy shift following the BJP's historic victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections, where Suvendu Adhikari defeated former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The new administration has also instructed officials to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against corruption in coal and sand mining sectors.
India Today | Latest StoriesSuvendu Adhikari Allocates Key Portfolios to Five Ministers in West Bengal Cabinet
The newly elected government of West Bengal, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has officially allocated key ministerial portfolios to five cabinet members. This administrative restructuring marks a significant step in forming the new state administration following recent elections. Dilip Ghosh has been assigned the crucial departments of Rural Development, Panchayats, and Animal Resources. Agnimitra Paul will head the Women and Child Welfare department, focusing on social welfare initiatives. Ashok Kirtania has taken charge of the Food Department, ensuring state food security and distribution. Khudiram Tudu is responsible for Backward Class Welfare, addressing the needs of marginalized communities. Additionally, Nisith Pramanik has been given the portfolio for North Bengal Development, along with Sports and Youth Welfare, aiming to boost infrastructure and youth engagement in the northern regions. This announcement, reported by The Times of India on May 11, 2026, highlights the strategic distribution of responsibilities among key political figures in the state. The allocation reflects the new government's priorities in rural development, social welfare, and regional infrastructure improvement.
Times of India