Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday announced that the West Bengal government will transfer land to the Border Security Force within 45 days to support fencing work along the India-Bangladesh border. The announcement came during the first Cabinet meeting of the newly formed government at Nabanna after the BJP’s massive victory in the Assembly elections.

Chairing the meeting at the state secretariat, Adhikari said the new government would focus on “good governance, security and people-oriented administration.” The Cabinet meeting marked the beginning of the administration’s policy roadmap after coming to power in the state.

After the meeting, the Chief Minister addressed the media and thanked the people of West Bengal, the Election Commission, security personnel and government officials for ensuring what he described as Bengal’s “first deathless and intimidation-free election”.

“We will work for all. People have given their lives and we will always remember them. We will ensure justice and take responsibility for them,” Adhikari said.

One of the biggest decisions taken during the Cabinet meeting was the approval to hand over land for border fencing work. The government said the process would be completed within 45 days to strengthen security along the India-Bangladesh border.

“Within 45 days, land will be handed over to the BSF. The Cabinet has passed the decision,” the Chief Minister said.

The Cabinet also decided to remove restrictions that prevented IAS, IPS and WBPS officers from attending deputation and training programmes outside West Bengal. According to the government, the decision aims to improve administrative coordination and provide greater institutional exposure to officers.

Another major announcement was a five-year age relaxation for government job aspirants who missed earlier recruitment opportunities. The move is expected to benefit several candidates who were unable to apply for jobs due to delays in recruitment processes over the years.

The state government also decided to implement the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) immediately in West Bengal. In addition, the Cabinet approved the rollout of major central welfare schemes, including Ayushman Bharat and Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, in the state.

Speaking about the government’s priorities, Adhikari said, “Our government is committed to building a responsible, transparent and people-oriented administration. The primary priority of the government is to ensure the safety and peace of the people of the state.”

Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister chaired a high-level administrative review meeting at Nabanna with senior officials. Those present included Chief Secretary Dushyant Nariyala, Home Secretary Sanghamitra Ghosh, Director General of Police Sidhinath Gupta and Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand.

The meeting focused on key administrative matters linked to governance, public safety and development across the state. The discussions were aimed at ensuring smooth coordination between departments under the new administration.

“Several important administrative issues were discussed in detail to ensure the safety, good governance and overall development of every citizen of West Bengal,” Adhikari later said in a statement.

Adhikari also received a Guard of Honour when he arrived at Nabanna for the Cabinet meeting. Ministers Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, Ashok Kirtania, Khudiram Tudu and Nishith Pramanik, who took oath along with him on Saturday, attended the meeting as members of the new Cabinet.

The first Cabinet meeting highlighted the government’s focus on border security, administrative reforms and implementation of welfare measures. The decisions taken at Nabanna are being seen as the first major policy steps of the newly elected BJP government in West Bengal.