The West Bengal Cabinet Wednesday approved a series of major administrative, security, and welfare decisions. These include a significant push for international border infrastructure, the massive expansion of the state’s subsidised food programme, designated state-day celebrations, and a top-tier shake-up in its legal leadership.
In a major step toward fortifying border security, the state government has officially initiated the process of handing over land to the Border Security Force (BSF) to complete pending fencing along the Indo-Bangladesh border.
A land deed transferring 31.905 acres has already been signed. This perpetual land transfer covers nine strategic locations spread across the critical border districts of Malda, Nadia, and Cooch Behar.
The state’s flagship subsidised food program is undergoing both a major identity shift and an operational upgrade to reach more beneficiaries. Formerly known as ‘Maa Canteen’, the initiative has been officially rebranded as ‘Maa Ahar’. Following the Cabinet meeting, minister Agnimitra Paul announced a substantial widening of the network.
“While 390 centres are currently operational, the Cabinet has approved the setup of 110 new centres. This brings the total network to 500 distribution centres across Bengal,” said Paul.
To ensure better nutrition, the meal plan has been revised to a weekly rotation: fish is served 2 days a week, eggs are served 2 days a week, and vegetarian options are served on the remaining days.
The Cabinet has formalised the timeline for upcoming state heritage and commemorative events. “The state Cabinet has decided to observe June 20 as West Bengal Day,” confirmed minister Dilip Ghosh.
Following the state day celebrations, a formal bhumi puja (groundbreaking ceremony) will take place on July 6 to mark the installation of a commemorative statue of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee.
The Cabinet also finalised key changes to West Bengal’s legal apparatus, appointing renowned legal professional Surojit Nath Mitra as the new Advocate General (AG) for West Bengal. Mitra will step into the role immediately to lead the state’s legal strategy and framework before the judiciary.