Mamata govt's welfare schemes to continue: Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari after first cabinet meeting

The announcement came after Adhikari chaired the first cabinet meeting of the new BJP government at the state secretariat Nabanna.

Ayushman Bharat to be implemented

Among several key announcements, the Chief Minister said the Centre’s flagship health insurance scheme Ayushman Bharat, which was not implemented by the previous government, would now become functional in the state.

When asked whether the Mamata Banerjee government’s health scheme Swastha Sathi would continue, Adhikari clarified that no existing welfare initiative would be discontinued.

‘All welfare schemes will continue’

The Chief Minister said, “All ongoing social welfare schemes will continue, irrespective of how long they have been running. We had made this promise during our campaign as well.”

“We are committed to building paperless offices, upgrading all government portals, and ensuring that all beneficiaries are brought under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system with complete transparency,” he added.

Cabinet meeting attended by five ministers

Adhikari chaired the meeting along with ministers Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, Kshudiram Tudu, Ashok Kirtania and Nisith Pramanik, who were sworn in alongside the Chief Minister last week by Governor R. N. Ravi.

Next cabinet meeting to discuss BJP poll promises

The Chief Minister announced that the next cabinet meeting, scheduled for next Monday, would focus on other BJP poll promises including the RG Kar case, pay commission and dearness allowance (DA) issues.

Major Decisions Taken in the Cabinet Meeting: 

1. The Cabinet expressed gratitude and congratulations to the voters of West Bengal, the administration, and everyone associated with the electoral process for conducting a fear-free, violence-free, and fair election in the state after a long time. 

2. Tribute was paid to the 321 martyrs of the Bharatiya Janata Party. The Chief Minister assured that the Government stands firmly with their families and that strict action will be taken against those involved in political killings. 

3. Giving utmost priority to border security, the Government approved the process of handing over the required land to the BSF. The Chief Secretary and the Land & Land Reforms Department have been directed to complete the process within 45 days. 

4. The Government of West Bengal has officially decided to join the Ayushman Bharat scheme. The Health Secretary and advisors to the Chief Minister’s Office have been directed to complete the necessary agreement with the Union Health Ministry at the earliest. 

5. The process has begun to actively implement major Central Government schemes in the state, including Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Krishak Bima Yojana, PM SHRI, Vishwakarma Scheme, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and Ujjwala Yojana. District Magistrates have been instructed to expedite the forwarding of all applications to the concerned Union Ministries. 

6. As part of administrative reforms, IAS officers in the state will now participate in Central Government training programmes in line with practices followed in other states. 

7. The Government has also decided to fully align West Bengal with the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). 

8. To enhance employment opportunities for educated youth, the upper age limit for Government job applications has been increased by 5 years. 

9. The Chief Minister stated that the previous Government had failed to implement the Union Home Ministry’s directive dated 16th June, 2025 regarding the census process. The present Government has immediately enforced the pending administrative circular.