Kolkata: Bengal Governor R N Ravi on Thursday used his maiden address to the 18th assembly to outline the BJP government's priorities, focusing on law and order, industrial revival, welfare expansion, and a negotiated settlement to the long-pending Gorkhaland issue.
Focus on Gorkhaland and Law and Order
Addressing the House, Ravi said the government would pursue a permanent political solution to the Gorkhaland demand through talks with all stakeholders. He also promised a crackdown on crime, extortion, and organised criminal networks.
The law and order machinery will be revamped to usher in an ambience of peace and tranquillity in the state, Ravi said. He added that the government would adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards crime, particularly offences against women and children, while acting against extortion syndicates, illegal mining, and anti-social elements.
Claiming that people were breathing in freedom following action against those allegedly protected by the previous regime, Ravi said: The new government has already cracked down heavily on those running a reign of terror and an extortion raj under the protection and patronage of the previous ruling party in the state.
Measures Against Illegal Immigration and Encroachments
The governor also highlighted measures against illegal immigration, saying a substantial number of infiltrators had been identified and deported. He said nearly 86 acres had been handed over to the BSF for border fencing and related infrastructure. Ravi added that two judicial commissions had already been set up and that a large-scale drive was under way to remove illegal encroachments on government land.
Industrial Revival and Infrastructure Plans
On development, Ravi outlined plans to revive industrial growth through new industrial parks, including one at Singur, alongside support for stalled railway, metro, and highway projects. He also announced a proposed Rs 1,800-crore bridge across the Bhagirathi connecting Nadia and East Burdwan.
Preparatory work for a new industrial park at Singur has commenced, he said, adding that Sagarmala 2.0 projects would boost port connectivity, fisheries infrastructure, and the blue economy.
Welfare Schemes and Education Initiatives
Ravi reiterated commitments to welfare schemes, including the Annapurna Yojana under which women would receive Rs 3,000 a month, free bus rides for women, and enrolment under Ayushman Bharat. He also promised financial assistance for unemployed youth and transparent implementation of PM Awas Yojana.
In education, Ravi said the government would undertake regular teacher recruitment, implement the National Education Policy, and expand PM SHRI schools. He also spoke of plans for an IIT, an IIM-equivalent institution, and a tribal university in north Bengal.
Promotion of Darjeeling Tea and Tourism
The governor highlighted efforts to promote Darjeeling tea through strict GI compliance and boost tourism in Darjeeling, the Terai, Dooars, and the Sunderbans. He also outlined preparations for Census 2027, which will involve around 1.9 lakh enumerators across the state.
